Asc Corporation

Stephen P Tokarz

Michael P Alexander

David Alan Smith

Christopher J Dilluvio

Kim E Taylor

Allan J Adams

Donald R Varner

Lon A Zaback

Stanley S Maday

Thomas Pavlak

David J Siefert

Jeffrey Charping

A latching mechanism and method secures a convertible roof to a body of an automotive vehicle acting proximate with the front of the roof, rear of the roof, or both. In one aspect of the present invention, a catch secures the rearmost portion of a convertible roof to a tonneau cover.

Apparatus and method for securing a convertible roof to an automobile

A motorized convertible roof system includes at least a portion of a retractable convertible roof operably driven by an electric motor. The motor is operable to maintain the moved portion of the convertible roof in a predetermined position thereby deterring drifting of the convertible roof. In one aspect of the present invention, back EMF deters motor and convertible roof movement. In another aspect of the present invention, an electric motor can be electrically bypassed for manual movement of a convertible roof without necessitating physical disengagement or decoupling of the motor, gears or linkage mechanism.

Motorized drive system for a convertible roof of an automotive vehicle

A window lift mechanism for an automotive vehicle employs a side window which can pivot in a vertical manner from a raised position to a lowered position while simultaneously moving in a crosscar manner. Preferably the window is a quarter window operable with a convertible roof.

Window lift mechanism for an automotive vehicle

A latching mechanism and method secures a convertible roof to a body of an automotive vehicle acting proximate with the front of the roof, rear of the roof, or both. In one aspect of the present invention, a catch secures the rearmost portion of a convertible roof to a tonneau cover. In a further aspect of the present invention, a catch mechanism is substantially located and hidden within a front header thereby eliminating undesirable head impact obstructions or unsightliness. In another aspect of the present invention, a first catch mechanism secures a rear portion of a convertible roof to a tonneau cover and a substantially similar second catch mechanism secures a forward portion of the roof to a front header. A further aspect of the present invention employs a movable striker for engagement with a catch. In yet another aspect of the present invention, a latching apparatus is employed in the combination with a retractable hard top roof.

Apparatus and method for securing a convertible roof to an automotive

A latching mechanism and method secures a convertible roof to a body of an automotive vehicle acting proximate with the front of the roof, rear of the roof, or both. In one aspect of the present invention, a catch secures the rearmost portion of a convertible roof to a tonneau cover. In a further aspect of the present invention, a catch mechanism is substantially located and hidden within a front header thereby eliminating undesirable head impact obstructions or unsightliness. In another aspect of the present invention, a first catch mechanism secures a rear portion of a convertible roof to a tonneau cover and a substantially similar second catch mechanism secures a forward portion of the roof to a front header. A further aspect of the present invention employs a movable striker for engagement with a catch. In yet another aspect of the present invention, a latching apparatus is employed in combination with a retractable hard top roof.

An automotive side window system provides a mechanism for retracting and extending a side window into and away from an adjacent portion of a roof structure.

Automotive vehicle side window system

A latching mechanism for a convertible top where a single drive mechanism engages and disengages multiple latching points. The latching mechanism serves not only to secure the convertible top but to pull down the top into position as it is being secured.

Convertible top stack latch

A power latching mechanism for use on automobile closures is disclosed, comprising a pin member, a keeper member having a hollow cylindrical body which receives the pin member, a motor for urging engagement between the pin member and the keeper member, and a spring and associated hardware for selectively retaining the pin member in the keeper member. In one embodiment, the keeper member retentively engages the pin member when the pin member is manually inserted thereinto and is also manually disengagable.

Power latch system

The invention involves an inexpensive, rugged, flexible, composite plastic backlight panel that provides an even heat distribution across the entire surface of the backlight panel for a convertible top of a vehicle. Two wires are connected to the car battery. A series of conductive members are each in electrical engagement with each of the wires, forming a closed loop electric circuit. The conductive members are printed onto one of the laminates, forming an interlayer thereon. An inner transparent plastic laminate, and an outer transparent plastic laminate are sandwiched around one end of each of the wires, and the interlayer. The laminates including the wires and members are bonded together and the resulting panel is secured to the convertible top thereby forming the backlight panel. When the circuit is energized, the electrical energy is converted into thermal energy that is transmitted to the outer laminate.

Heatable composite backlight panel

The invention is an electroluminescent dome light for a convertible vehicle. The lighting element consists of a thin piece of electrically conductive material, which is specially treated with an electroluminescent coating. The element is enclosed in a phosphorous treated laminate which provides structure and diffuses the light emitted, giving it qualities of incandescent light. Two electrical connectors attach to the element to provide a means for generating an electrical current though the conductive material. The lighting element is held in place on the headliner of the convertible by a housing, with a means of attachment.

Electroluminescent dome light for a convertible automobile

A three-point passive restraint system for a convertible-type vehicle includes first a shoulder belt retractor and a lap belt retractor mounted interiorly of the vehicle onto the inner door structure thereof. A pillar is rigidly secured to the door structure and projects thereabove and includes a guide for directing or guiding the shoulder belting associated with the restraint system. Optionally, the restraint system may include a secondary door locking system including a locking pin mounted onto the pillar which is releasably engaged by a keeper formed on a second pillar mounted on the rear quarter panel of the vehicle.

Growing community of inventors

Flat Rock, MI, United States of America

Stephen P Tokarz