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:
Dec. 26, 2000
Filed:
Sep. 20, 1999
Mark E Gleason, Farmington Hills, MI (US);
Partha Datta, Southfield, MI (US);
DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Auburn Hills, MI (US);
Abstract
A flexible top for a motor vehicle is provided. The flexible top includes an outer surface, an inner surface, a plurality of air cells coupled between the inner and outer surfaces along the length of the flexible top and a plurality of air inlet ports coupled to the plurality of longitudinal air cells. Operation of the vehicle above a predetermined speed causes air to be forced over an air scoop device which directs a portion of the air over the outer surface as well and another portion of the air into the plurality of air inlet ports. Air flowing into the plurality of air inlet ports flows and into the plurality of longitudinal air cells, inflating and pressurizing the plurality of air cells and tending to separate the outer and inner surfaces to provide the flexible top with increased rigidity. When inflated, the plurality of air cells provide the outer surface with an air foil-like longitudinal cross-section that further enhances the resistance of the flexible top to vibration and flapping.