Convertible roof bow tensioning apparatus
View Patent ↗The preferred embodiment of a convertible roof bow tensioning apparatus includes a pliable roof cover, a top stack mechanism supporting the roof cover having at least one roof bow, and a roof bow tensioner for selectively reducing and increasing tension of the roof cover. Another aspect of the present invention provides a camming apparatus operably extending and retracting a roof bow relative to a remainder of a convertible top stack mechanism.
1. An automotive vehicle convertible roof comprising:
a top stack mechanism movable from a raised position to a lowered position;
a soft-top cover spanning above and operably moving with the top stack mechanism;
a tensioner coupled to the top stack mechanism and movable in a substantially linear direction to selectively add and reduce tension of the cover; and
an actuator actively moving the tensioner between advanced and retracted positions.
2. The convertible roof of claim 1 wherein the actuator further comprises an electromagnetic device.
3. The convertible roof of claim 2 further comprising a linkage assembly coupling the actuator to the tensioner.
4. The convertible roof of claim 1 further comprising at least one elongated member and a lost motion connection movably coupling the actuator to the tensioner.
5. The convertible roof of claim 4 wherein the actuator also operably drives the top stack mechanism between the raised and lowered positions.
6. The convertible roof of claim 1 wherein the top stack mechanism includes a number two roof bow which is operably raised and lowered by movement of the tensioner.
7. The convertible roof of claim 1 wherein the top stack mechanism includes a number three roof bow which is operably raised and lowered by movement of the tensioner.
8. The convertible roof of claim 1 wherein the tensioner includes a camming surface which operably converts linear movement of the tensioner to substantially vertical movement of the adjacent portion of the cover.