Self-storing convertible top latch system

Abstract

A latch mechanism for latching a convertible top header to a vehicle windshield header comprises a latch hook receiver mounted adjacent to each end of the windshield header and a pair of movable latch members each having a free end mounting a hook. A mounting bracket located adjacent to each end of the top header has an elongated base slot and an intersecting curvilinear branch slot adjacent to its outer end. A guide pin and a spaced drive pin are carried by each latch member. The guide pin is received within the base slot and the drive pin is received within the branch slot in the unlatched position. A drive link is connected to each latch member drive pin. Operation of the drive link pivots the latch members about the guide pins until the drive pins enter the base slots and terminally slide both pins toward the inner ends of the base slots to move the latch members from unlatched to latched positions. This moves each hook through a compound curvilinear path between an unlatched position stored within the top header, and a latched position, extending from the top header. In one embodiment, an electric motor is mounted centrally of the top header and is connected to each drive link by a power transmission. In another embodiment, a manual operator mounted centrally of the top header is connected to each drive link by a linkage which includes an overcenter device for locking the latch members in a latched position.