GB2194759A - Folding car roof - Google Patents

Folding car roof Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2194759A
GB2194759A GB08621397A GB8621397A GB2194759A GB 2194759 A GB2194759 A GB 2194759A GB 08621397 A GB08621397 A GB 08621397A GB 8621397 A GB8621397 A GB 8621397A GB 2194759 A GB2194759 A GB 2194759A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
panel
roof
folding car
car roof
rear window
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB08621397A
Other versions
GB8621397D0 (en
Inventor
Paul Harold Woods
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB08621397A priority Critical patent/GB2194759A/en
Publication of GB8621397D0 publication Critical patent/GB8621397D0/en
Publication of GB2194759A publication Critical patent/GB2194759A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
    • B60J7/00—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs
    • B60J7/08—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position
    • B60J7/12—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position foldable; Tensioning mechanisms therefor, e.g. struts
    • B60J7/14—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position foldable; Tensioning mechanisms therefor, e.g. struts with a plurality of rigid plate-like elements or rigid non plate-like elements, e.g. with non-slidable, but pivotable or foldable movement
    • B60J7/143—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position foldable; Tensioning mechanisms therefor, e.g. struts with a plurality of rigid plate-like elements or rigid non plate-like elements, e.g. with non-slidable, but pivotable or foldable movement for covering the passenger compartment
    • B60J7/145—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position foldable; Tensioning mechanisms therefor, e.g. struts with a plurality of rigid plate-like elements or rigid non plate-like elements, e.g. with non-slidable, but pivotable or foldable movement for covering the passenger compartment at least two elements being folded in clamp-shell fashion
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
    • B60J7/00—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs
    • B60J7/20—Vehicle storage compartments for roof parts or for collapsible flexible tops
    • B60J7/201—Vehicle storage compartments for roof parts or for collapsible flexible tops being outside of vehicle, e.g. onto boot lid, or into a storage compartment to be closed by one of the roof panels itself

Abstract

A roof assembly comprises rigid panels 1, 2 and 5 which are able to fold back and down to achieve an open top car. The rear window panel 2 is located in a mounting block 3 allowing it to pivot and the roof panel 1 is connected to panel 2 allowing it to slide and pivot. As the rear window folds down and the roof panel folds on top, the sidescreens 5 are thus forced to fold and are sandwiched between panels 1 and 2. The assembly is held in the folded position by the upper side of the rear of panel 1 being held against the under side of the spoiler 6, pivoting about the coupling between panels 1 and 2 and the front end of panel 1 being connected to the base of panel 2 by a releaseable catchment device, or a concealed compartment in place of the spoiler 6. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Folding car roof This invention relates to a folding car roof assembly constructed of rigid panels.
Fold away roofs are a well known accessory to motor vehicles, mostly sports cars.
These roofs are, however, manufactured from foldable materials, such as various types of cloth and vinyls, the mechanisms being derived from the horse and carriage days. Modern variations include a rigid removable roof panel which has to be stored in the boot and occupies valuable luggage space; or a full roof and rear window component, which has to be detached and stored separately.
The rigid roofs have the desirability of security, i.e., against theft, accidents or the weather, but not the versatility of the foldable materials.
According to the present invention there is a roof and rear window assembly constructed from rigid materials incorporating a roll bar and or side panels and a mounting block.
Means for releaseably securing the roof panel to the windscreen assembly or similar and means for securing the roof panel to the rear window panel via a pivot or pivot and slide attachment. The rear window panel to be attached to the car in the mounting block via a pivot fastening. This fastening to pivot on the same axis as the boot lid and/or hinge for the same. The side panels are to be attached to the rear window panel/or roof panel/or mounting block by means allowing one or both, to pivot or hinge. The roll bar to be used in conjunction with, or instead of the side panels. The roll bar is to be a fixed or detachable component of the vehicle, i.e., by assembly or incorporated in the construction of the vehicle and to incorporate or not within itself the aforementioned mounting block.
All or part of the exterior mating components will require weather proofing.
A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a sectional view of the roof assembly with roll bar, in the assembled position.
Figure 2 illustrates a sectional view of the roof assembly with roll bar, in the folded position.
Figure 3 illustrates a sectional view of the roof assembly with side panels inplace of a roll bar in the assembled position.
Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view of the roof assembly with side panels inplace of a roll bar in the folded position.
Figure 5 illustrates a sectional view of the roof assembly with side panels inplace of a roll bar and including a covered storage space within the boot lid, in the assembled position Figure 6 illustrates a sectional view of the roof assembly with side panels inplace of a roll bar and including a covered storage space within the boot lid, in the folded position.
Figure 7 shows in perspective, the roof in the assembled position, as illustrated in fig. 3.
Figure 8 shows in perspective, the roof in the folded position, as illustrated in fig. 4.
Referring to the drawings, the roof assembly comprises of a roof panel 1, which locates against the windscreen assembly 8, by means of a releaseable catchment device and means for arresting the releasability (not shown); a rear window panel 2 which is connected to the roof panel 1, allowing panel 1 to slide and pivot, by means such as a shaft with bearings in a slider (not shown), the shaft or shafts to be located in panel 2 at the position shown in figs. 1-6 and the sliders to- be located in panel 1 in the corresponding positions.
Panel 2 has also to be connected to the mounting block 3, by means such as a shaft or shafts and bearings (not shown). Also a releaseable catchment device in panel 2 has to locate in the mountings block 3 including means for arresting the releaseability (not shown). The mounting block is a fixed or integral part of the vehicle and if the roll bar 4 is to be used, the mounting block may be separate or a fixed or integral part of the roll bar (figs. 1-2). Also the boot hinges 14 are located in the mounting block on the same centre line as the pivot for the rear window panel 2, as shown in figs. 1-8. Side panels 5 can be used in conjunction with the roll bar or inplace of it as shown in figs. 3-8.These side panels are connected to the rear window panel so that they can fold flat against the rear window panel as shown in figs. 4, 6 and 8, and to automatically unfold open when the roof panel 1, which sandwiches them flat, is lifted up off them, by means such as hinges and springs (not shown) and to locate on the mounting block 3 and under the roof panel 1 when in the assembled position.
In order to collapse the roof, as illustrated in figs. 1 and 2, the catchment device between panels 1 and 8 must be released and panel 1 may then be withdrawn to the rear indicated by arrow 9. The catchment device between panel 2 and the mounting block 3 is to be released allowing panels 1 and 2 to pivot down, as indicated by arrow 10, once clear of the roll bar and simultaneously the roof, panel 1 may fold down onto panel 2, as indicated by arrow 11, so that the rear end of panel 1 locates within the spoiler 6 and the catchment- device at the front of panel 1, which is used to locate with panel 8, connects with the catchment device in panel 2 which is used to connect with the mounting block 3.
The releaseability of the catchment between panels 1 and 2 may now be arrested.
In order to reassemble the roof the steps described above are carried out in reverse sequence.
In order to collapse the roof, as illustrated in figs. 3 and 4, the catchment device between panels 1 and 8 must be released and panel 1 may then be withdrawn to the rear, indicated by arrow 9. The catchment device between panel 2 and mounting block 3 is to be released allowing panels 1 and 2 and the sidescreens 5, which are attached to panel 2, to pivot back and down, as indicated by ar row 10. Once the sidescreens 5 have cleared the mounting block 3 the roof panel 1 may then be folded down as indicated by arrow 11 simultaneously to the folding action of ar row 10. Folding panel 1 down onto panel 2 will sandwich the sidescreens 5 between them, folding against the spring action so-that the rear end of panel 1 locates within the spoiler 6 and the catchment device at the front of panel 1 to locate with the catchment device in panel 2 as described previously.
In order to reassemble the roof, the steps described above are carried out in the reverse sequence.
In order to collapse the roof, as illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6, the catchment device retain ing the boot lid cover 13 is to be released and panel 13 to be opened, as indicated by arrow 16. The catchment device between panels 1 and 8 is to be released allowing the roof panel 1 to be withdrawn to the rear as indicated by arrow 9. The catchment device between panel 2 and the mounting block 3 is to be released, allowing panels 1 and 2 and the sidescreens 5, which are attached to panel 2, to pivot back and down as indicated by arrow 10. Once the sidescreens 5 have cleared their locating positions in the mounting block 3, the roof panel 1 may then be folded down as indicated by arrow 11 simultaneously to the folding action of arrow 10. Folding psnel 1 down onto panel 2 will sandwich the sidescreens 5 between them folding against the spring action, so that the folded assembly locates in the boot lid compartment 12 and the catchment device in panel 1 connects with the catchment device in panel 3, as described previously. The lid cover 13 may now close as indicated by arrow 17 and then arrest its releaseable catchment device.
The boot lid will pivot on the same centre line as indicated at the base of panel 2 and will pivot as indicated by arrow 15.
This is also common for figs. 1-4.
In order to reassemble the roof the steps described above are carried out in the reverse sequence.

Claims (16)

1. A folding car roof comprising of a rigid roof panel and a rigid rear window and sur round connected together by means allowing the roof to pivot and/or slide and connected to the vehicle by means allowing the rear window panel to pivot.
2. A folding car roof as claimed in claim 1 wherein a mounting block to locate the rear window panel is provided.
3. A folding car roof as claimed in claim 2 wherein a mounting block to locate the boot hinges is provided.
4. A folding car roof as claimed in claim 1 wherein a roll bar is proyided.
5. A folding car roof as claimed in claim 1 and claim 4 wherein side screens are provided.
6. A folding car roof as claimed in claim 1 and claim 2 wherein means for releaseably securing the rear window and surround in its assembled position is provided.
7. A folding car roof as claimed in claim 6 wherein means for arresting the releaseable securing is provided.
8. A folding car roof as claimed in claim 1 wherein means for releaseably securing the roof panel in its assembled position is provided.
9. A folding car roof as claimed in claim 8 wherein means for arresting the releasable securing is provided.
10. A folding car roof as claimed in claim 5 wherein means for connecting the side screens is provided.
11. A folding car roof as claimed in claim 5 and claim 10 wherein means for automatically unfolding open the side screens is provided.
12. A folding car roof as claimed in claim 1, in claim 4 and claim 5 wherein means for retaining the folded roof on the rear end of the vehicle is provided.
13. A folding car roof as claimed in claim 1, in claim 4 and claim 5 wherein means for releaseably securing the roof panel to the rear window panel in its folded position is provided.
14. A folding car roof as claimed in claim 13 wherein means for arresting the releaseable securing is provided.
15. A folding car roof as claimed in claim 1, in claim 4 and claim 5 wherein means for storing the folded in a concealed compartment to the rear of the vehicle is provided.
16. A folding car as claimed in all preceding claims wherein means for weather proofing exterior mating components is provided.
GB08621397A 1986-09-04 1986-09-04 Folding car roof Withdrawn GB2194759A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB08621397A GB2194759A (en) 1986-09-04 1986-09-04 Folding car roof

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB08621397A GB2194759A (en) 1986-09-04 1986-09-04 Folding car roof

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB8621397D0 GB8621397D0 (en) 1986-10-15
GB2194759A true GB2194759A (en) 1988-03-16

Family

ID=10603709

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB08621397A Withdrawn GB2194759A (en) 1986-09-04 1986-09-04 Folding car roof

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2194759A (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5593202A (en) * 1993-01-04 1997-01-14 Asc Incorporated Convertible top
US6042174A (en) 1997-08-22 2000-03-28 Asc Incorporated Latching and control apparatus for an automotive vehicle convertible roof
EP1241034A1 (en) * 2001-03-12 2002-09-18 CTS Fahrzeug-Dachsysteme GmbH Convertible vehicle roof movable between open and closed position
DE10215969C1 (en) * 2002-04-11 2003-10-30 Webasto Vehicle Sys Int Gmbh Openable roof for a motor vehicle
USRE38546E1 (en) * 1993-01-04 2004-07-06 Asc Incorporated Convertible top
WO2005095139A1 (en) * 2004-04-01 2005-10-13 Wilhelm Karmann Gmbh Pivotable vehicle roof
EP1857312A3 (en) * 2000-02-21 2010-07-28 Société Européenne de Brevets Automobiles Roof that can retract into the rear boot of a vehicle, said roof comprising a pivoting rear window

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB783345A (en) * 1954-12-10 1957-09-25 John Robert Vernon Dolphin Improvements in or relating to convertible vehicle bodies
GB988666A (en) * 1963-04-08 1965-04-07 Motobecane Ateliers Vehicle with lowering roof
GB1178393A (en) * 1966-04-07 1970-01-21 Cyril James Ingram Improvements in and relating to Vehicle Bodies.
GB1377626A (en) * 1972-11-22 1974-12-18 Menear M J Folding hard top

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB783345A (en) * 1954-12-10 1957-09-25 John Robert Vernon Dolphin Improvements in or relating to convertible vehicle bodies
GB988666A (en) * 1963-04-08 1965-04-07 Motobecane Ateliers Vehicle with lowering roof
GB1178393A (en) * 1966-04-07 1970-01-21 Cyril James Ingram Improvements in and relating to Vehicle Bodies.
GB1377626A (en) * 1972-11-22 1974-12-18 Menear M J Folding hard top

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5593202A (en) * 1993-01-04 1997-01-14 Asc Incorporated Convertible top
US5810422A (en) * 1993-01-04 1998-09-22 Asc Incorporated Convertible top
USRE38546E1 (en) * 1993-01-04 2004-07-06 Asc Incorporated Convertible top
US6042174A (en) 1997-08-22 2000-03-28 Asc Incorporated Latching and control apparatus for an automotive vehicle convertible roof
EP1857312A3 (en) * 2000-02-21 2010-07-28 Société Européenne de Brevets Automobiles Roof that can retract into the rear boot of a vehicle, said roof comprising a pivoting rear window
EP1241034A1 (en) * 2001-03-12 2002-09-18 CTS Fahrzeug-Dachsysteme GmbH Convertible vehicle roof movable between open and closed position
US6592168B2 (en) 2001-03-12 2003-07-15 Cts Fahrzeug-Dachsysteme Gmbh Convertible vehicle roof movable between closed and open positions
DE10215969C1 (en) * 2002-04-11 2003-10-30 Webasto Vehicle Sys Int Gmbh Openable roof for a motor vehicle
EP1352768A3 (en) * 2002-04-11 2004-03-24 Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbH Open roof for motor vehicle
WO2005095139A1 (en) * 2004-04-01 2005-10-13 Wilhelm Karmann Gmbh Pivotable vehicle roof
US7708333B2 (en) 2004-04-01 2010-05-04 Wilhelm Karmann Gmbh Pivotable vehicle roof

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB8621397D0 (en) 1986-10-15

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Legal Events

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WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)