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. 30, 2001
Filed:
Oct. 31, 2000
Richard C. Essig, Berthoud, CO (US);
John P. Vanderhoef, Hyannis, MA (US);
Bestop, Inc., Broomfield, CO (US);
Abstract
A two-piece hardtop for sport utility vehicles. The hardtop has front and rear roof sections removably securable to each other. The front and rear sections have overlapping portions, each of which has an inverted U-shape with vertically extending legs and a horizontally extending base between them. The U-shapes nest together with side latches being provided between adjacent legs of the front and rear sections to draw the two pieces vertically together and secure them in place. Other features include a sealing member that is provided between the nested roof sections and a gutter that is created between the sealing member and the rear roof section. The gutter helps to effectively direct water away from between the two roof sections and the vehicle. Additionally, an improved air vent is provided that allowing air to flow out from the interior of the vehicle without letting water enter the vehicle through it.