Robert Allen Boardman

US Patent:

55118445, Apr 30, 1996

Filed:

Oct 22, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/139843

Inventors:

Robert A. Boardman - Pittsford MI

Assignee:

Dura Convertible Systems, Inc. - Adrian MI

International Classification:

B60J 712

US Classification:

296107

Abstract:

A convertible top comprises a frame having a header and three transverse bows, a fabric cover for the frame, side stay pads, a panel containing a backlite, and an interior headliner. The bows and header are interconnected by articulated side linkages. The header and the #2, #3 and #4 bows have elongated open ended extrusions with transverse channels extending along their surfaces. The #4 bow includes an extra transverse channel. The fabric cover is initially attached to the header. The fabric cover, the headliner, and the stay pads all have transverse resilient attachment strips adjacent the header and/or each bow which are inserted into the bow channels to mount them on the top frame. The upper edge of the backlite also has a mounting strip received in the extra channel of the #4 bow. The attachment strips each has an arrow-shaped cross section including a wide arrowhead that is compressible for insertion through a narrow entry slot into a channel.

US Patent:

55606709, Oct 1, 1996

Filed:

Sep 19, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/308688

Inventors:

Robert A. Boardman - Pittsford MI

Assignee:

Dura Convertible Systems, Inc. - Adrian MI

International Classification:

B60J 712

US Classification:

296118

Abstract:

A convertible top bow comprises an elongated U-shaped metal channel defining a trough bounded by a pair of spaced side walls interconnected at their bottom ends by a bottom wall. An elongated plastic tacking strip has a generally-trapezoidal main body received in the channel. The main body has an upper tacking surface for receiving staples to secure a fabric top to the bow. The tacking strip is secured to the channel by deforming the upper ends of the channel side walls inwardly to clinch the tacking strip body beneath the wings. The tacking strip has a pair of upwardly convex curved wings extending from the depressed upper tacking surface up and over the upper edges of the channel sides. This isolates the channel tops from engagement with the fabric cover and provides bearing surfaces for the fabric cover as it moves over the bow during top movement.