Land vehicles: bodies and tops – Tops – Let-down type top
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-13
2001-03-06
Dayoan, D. Glenn (Department: 3612)
Land vehicles: bodies and tops
Tops
Let-down type top
C296S107190, C296S216050
Reexamination Certificate
active
06196616
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to top accessories to be fitted on open-topped vehicles, such as off-road vehicles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Off-road vehicles may be equipped with a convertible top or a removable hard top. In some climates, however, a top may be very rarely needed. In these areas, some users employ simple fabric tops that include buckles and straps. When precipitation threatens, these tops can be buckled in place to cover the vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One general aspect of the invention features a top accessory to be mounted on an open-topped vehicle. The accessory includes a front mounting mechanism and a rear mounting mechanism. A forward-running guide is located generally in a plane between the front and rear mounting mechanisms in the accessory's mounted position and is resistant to forces having a component normal to the plane. A flexible top interacts with the rear mounting mechanism, the front mounting mechanism, and the guide.
In the preferred embodiments, the guide can include at least one track shaped to interact with runners attached to the flexible top. The flexible top can include rigid sections. The front mounting mechanism can include holes that match the position of sun visor holes in a vehicle and tapped generally cylindrical fasteners sized to pass through the holes. A first latching mechanism portion can be attached to an edge of the flexible top and be constructed and adapted to interact with a second latching portion when the top accessory is in a closed position. The rear mounting mechanism can include straps. A handle can be attached to a front portion of the flexible top.
Another general aspect of the invention features a top accessory to be mounted on an open-topped vehicle and includes means for mounting the top accessory to the open-topped vehicle, means for covering the vehicle, and means for guiding the means for covering between a closed position and an open position. In the preferred embodiments, the means for guiding can include a rigid element adapted to span from an upper, rear portion of a passenger compartment to an upper, front portion of the passenger compartment. The means for mounting can include means constructed and adapted to be attached to a roll bar and to an upper edge of a windshield, with the means for guiding being located between the means for mounting. The means for covering can be a cloth top. The accessory can include means for latching the accessory when the means for covering is deployed. The accessory can include a grasping means for allowing a driver to deploy the means for covering without leaving his or her seat in the vehicle.
Yet another general aspect of the invention features a method of operating an off-road vehicle that includes installing a top accessory on the vehicle and driving the vehicle with the top accessory in an open position. The method also includes closing top accessory by at least one occupant of the vehicle while the at least one occupant of the vehicle remains substantially seated. In the preferred embodiments, the step of closing can be performed while the vehicle is moving. The method can also include the step of driving the vehicle before the step of installing. The method can further include steps of removing and replacing the top accessory, and the step of installing can be performed by a regular occupant of the vehicle.
Still yet another general aspect of the invention features a method of operating an off-road vehicle that includes installing a top accessory on a vehicle, the top accessory including a flexible top, driving the vehicle with the top accessory in an open position, drawing the flexible top into a closed position, and using a guide to guide the flexible top during the step of guiding.
Top accessories according to the invention may be advantageous in that a driver of an off-road vehicle can rapidly and conveniently deploy them. Embodiments of the invention can also be constructed in such a way as to allow an occupant of the vehicle to deploy its top without leaving his or her seat, making this deployment rapid, convenient, and safe. Top accessories according to the invention may even be designed so that the top may be closed without stopping the vehicle, further reducing exposure to the elements and enhancing convenience and safety. These benefits may be particularly valuable in areas where sudden and violent precipitation is common (e.g., cloud bursts, dust storms). And these benefits can be made available in a relatively inexpensive and unobtrusive after-market accessory that can be easily installed by the driver.
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Dayoan D. Glenn
Elbing Kristofer E.
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