The technology discussed below relates hardtop hinges and more particularly hinges assemblies that connect panels to the hardtop in SUV vehicles.
The changes in technology and needed functionality with vehicles. This is especially true with vehicle like jeeps and SUVs with hard tops with openable panels. The current methods can be hard to use and are not as structurally sound as the current invention. The current hinges don't function efficiently.
U.S. Pat. No. 11,192,432 is for a hinge system for a vehicle hardtop having a system with hinges (1) that allow a user to open and close a set of removable rigid rooftop panels (5, 6) for a Jeep or other sport utility vehicle without being required to fully remove and store the rigid roof panels. The hinges may be capable of supporting a partially opened position to prevent the panels from falling and slamming shut while opening. The current invention is more flexible and has a better alignment system the back panel being larger than the front panel. The current system has a double hinged system which is an improvement.
The current invention is a set of improved hinges and setup to attach a panel to the hardtop roof of a vehicle. A device that can lock the removable roof or hardtop in an open position. In the preferred embodiment the hinges are comprised of two or more separate hinges with each hinge connected to each panel by one or more alignment brackets. After opening the panels, the panels are folded back on the hinges and can be locked to the roof of the vehicles with one or more locks located on the sides of the roof. The current invention is more flexible and has a better alignment system the back panel being larger than the front panel. The current system has a double hinged system which is an improvement.
These are improvements over the current art.
The illustrations presented herein are, in some instances, not actual views of any devices or components thereof but may be idealized representations which are employed to describe the present disclosure. Additionally, elements common between figures may retain the same numerical designation.
The current invention is a Hardtop Hinge Device and System as shown in
The device is a hardtop hinge device and system.
The rear panels 30 are larger than the front panels 20. This design allows a better and easier way to align the panels (20, 30) onto the rooftop panel 40. The rear panel 30 is aligned with the edge 5 of the roof where it meets the rooftop panel 40 and the corner edges of the raised parts 6 of the roof 7. This will allow for a proper alignment of the hinges and the panels (20, 30) on the roof 7 and the rooftop panels 40. The rear panels will follow the raised part 6 of the roof 7 for the best alignment. This will make the alignment of the front panels 20 on the rooftop panels 40 to be properly aligned.
A set of panels is made by one or more hinges 10 attaching one or more front panels 20 to the corresponding rear panels 30. The panels can be attached to the rooftop panel 40 and the roof 7 by screwing, welding, or gluing or any other attachment means. In the preferred embodiment, the hinge 10 footpad will be slightly offset from the edge 5 to allow better moving of the rooftop panels 40 from their closed to open position.
As shown in the Figures the panels (20, 30) are shaped so that they are positioned around the raised parts of the roof 7.
As shown in
In an alternate embodiment, the front panel 20 can be larger than the back panel 30 if there is a need for better alignment or better to secure the rooftop panels 40 if this configuration is used.
One hinge 10 across multiple front 20 and rear 30 panels being used to secure the rooftop panel 40 as shown in
The current invention can also use a double hinge 10 configuration with attachment screws as shown in
When the system is connected to a roof 7 of a vehicle an alignment bracket 50 can be used. The alignment bracket 50 has the proper width and shape that when it is placed between two sets of panels the sets will be at their proper alignment as shown in
A tabbed alignment bracket 65 with puzzle like tabs can be used to temporarily connect the set of panels together allowing them to be properly positioned as if they were one piece as shown in
A smaller tabbed alignment bracket 65 can be used as shown in
In the preferred embodiment, the system and device will have latching mechanisms and locking mechanisms 75 as shown in
The various features associated with the examples described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings can be implemented in different examples and implementations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, although certain specific constructions and arrangements have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, such embodiments are merely illustrative and not restrictive of the scope of the disclosure, since various other additions and modifications to, and deletions from, the described embodiments will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.
This application is the non-provisional application of provisional application 63/329,476 dated Apr. 10, 2022, and claims that priority date.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63329476 | Apr 2022 | US |