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:
Oct. 21, 1997
Filed:
Jun. 07, 1995
Stephen P Tokarz, Flat Rock, MI (US);
ASC Incorporated, Southgate, MI (US);
Abstract
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.