The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 15, 1997
Filed:
Dec. 07, 1995
Robert H Sautter, Jr, Jackson, MI (US);
Dura Convertible Systems, Inc., Adrian, MI (US);
Abstract
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.