Flexible top with air cells

Details Flexible top with air cells Flexible top with air cells

1999-09-20

2000-12-26

Dayoan, D. Glenn

Land vehicles: bodies and tops

Tops

Let-down type top

296212, B60J 708

Patent

active

061647144

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.

REFERENCES:
patent: 2833593 (1958-05-01), Olivier et al.
patent: 2838341 (1958-06-01), Watson
patent: 4998766 (1991-03-01), Biermacher et al.
patent: 5040557 (1991-08-01), Morgan
patent: 5076632 (1991-12-01), Surratt
patent: 5080428 (1992-01-01), Rouland
patent: 5297837 (1994-03-01), Burst et al.
patent: 5509712 (1996-04-01), Rausch et al.
patent: 5527081 (1996-06-01), Rausch et al.
patent: 5803529 (1998-09-01), Perry-Bores et al.

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