Dura Convertible Systems Gmbh

Robert H Sautter, Jr

An automobile has a convertible top storage well closed by a tonneau cover. The top has a pair of spaced articulated side rail linkages interconnected by a plurality of spaced bows supporting a top cover. The rear bow engages the tonneau cover when the top is raised, and is pivoted up adjacent the rear rail to provide clearance for the tonneau cover to open when the top is raised and lowered. A top operating mechanism includes a bow control pressure linkage, comprising a pair of control links, interconnects the rear bow and each rear rail and the rear bow via a lost motion pivotal connection. The pressure linkage folds to raise the rear bow and unfolds to lower the rear bow. When fully unfolded, the pressure linkage moves overcenter to lock the rear bow in contact with the tonneau cover. When the pressure linkage folds to raise the rear bow, it initially moves back overcenter to unlock the rear bow. In one embodiment, a hydraulic cylinder connects between the automobile body and the upper control link. The cylinder retracts to fold the linkage and extends to unfold the linkage. In another embodiment, the cylinder is mounted on a bracket pivoted to the rear rail body pivot. An actuating link pivotally interconnects the cylinder bracket and the lower control link. Cylinder extension raises the rear bow to initially pull the control linkage overcenter and then fold it. Cylinder retraction unfolds the linkage.

Convertible top mechanism with powered rear row

A vehicle convertible topstack comprises transverse bows and a header supported by spaced, articulated pivotally-interconnected front, center and rear side rails. The front and center side rails are aluminum extrusions each having a right-angle triangular hollow cross section in one embodiment. A C-shaped channel is formed on each triangle's outer hypotenuse and has inwardly-turned, facing flanges for mechanically retaining elongated window seals. The rear rail has a vertical I-shape, and can include a similar window seal retainer. In another embodiment, the front, center and rear rails each have a base and a C-shaped external seal retainer formed on a vertical leg, which forms a slot for receiving a wedge-shaped shims to adjust the angle of the leg and seal to the main body. The shims are formed of frangible sections that can be broken at the top of the slot to remove excess shim material. The vertical leg on both embodiments includes a thickened section having an outer groove for locating self-drilling and self-tapping screws which are used to attach stamped hinges and brackets which connect the rails and the bows. This improves dimensional control which enables a better fit of the topstack on the vehicle.

Convertible topstack with extruded & ajustable side rails

Apparatus for operating a five-bow convertible top includes two multi-purpose hydraulic cylinders which are connected by linkages to the rear rails to operate the top, to operate the rear bow, and to operate the tonneau. The cylinder rods are pivoted to a rear bow control link and to a power link. A gas spring biases the tonneau open, while an intermittent drive connected to the cylinder rods overcomes the biasing device to close the tonneau. During initial extension of the cylinder rods, the control link raises the rear bow; then the tonneau is unlatched and is raised by the intermittent drive. Simultaneously, the power link latches to and drives the rear rail to begin lowering the top. The tonneau then begins to close as the top is further lowered. The tonneau closes when the top is fully lowered. The cylinders are retracted to raise the top. Initially, the tonneau begins opening as the power link rotates the rear rail to begin raising the top. As the top is further raised, the intermittent drive begins to close the tonneau. When the rear rail is fully rotated, and the power link disengages from it, the tonneau is closed. Further retraction of the cylinder rods causes the control link to lower the rear bow onto the tonneau, where it is latched.

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Jackson, MI, United States of America

Robert H Sautter, Jr