Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02431073 2003-05-27
PROTECTIi~E SMELL F~R COloTVERTIBLE TOPS
BACKGRaurID aF THE IN~rjTIOrr
1. Field of the invention
This invention is a functional, utilitarian device that attaches overtop of
pre-
existing convertible tops. It provides protection from the elements and
vandalism,
improved sound damping and aerodynamics, reduced heat loss and is an
appearance
alternative.
2. Description of the Prior Art
As they currently exist, conventional convertible automobile tops are
typically made of vinyl, canvas or a similar material stretched over. a
collapsible
frame that collapses into a storage well that is typically located at the rear
of the
passenger compartment. Alternatives include collapsible hard tops that use
folding
hard panels instead of stretched material and hard tops that attach to the
automobile
when the existing convertible top is in the lowered configuration and use
included
latching mechanisms. Convertible automobiles are popular because they closely
simulate the comfort and protection of the elements of a hard top when in
their raised
configuration, yet allow passengers to enjoy sunlight, fresh air, and other
benefits
when in their lowered configuration.
With the exception of the collapsible hard top, vehicle manufacturers have
provided convertible tops from flexible material that is easily worn and
damaged by
environmental factors and vandalism, causing the owner to replace their
expensive
top frequently. Some manufactures provide hard tops that attach when the
existing
top is in the Lowered co~guration but the cost of production, additional
weight and
difficulty of attaching and removing make this a non-preferable option.
CA 02431073 2003-05-27
Accordingly, there are many convertible automobile owners who would like
an inexpensive and lightweight protective shell to protect their convertible
top when
in the raised configuration.
There is a need and demand for a protective shell to provide protection to
existing convertible tops. It follows that the way to fulfill the need that
exists is not
obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art of convertible tops in view of
the art
considered as a whole at the time the present invention was made.
SCiIv~ARY OF THE 1~N~TEEN'TION
The long-standing but heretofore unfulfilled need for an apparatus that
overcomes the limitations of the prior art is now met by a new, useful, and
non-
obvious invention. The present invention is for protecting a pre-existing
convertible
top with a protective ridged shell that covers the pre-existing convertible
top in the
raise configuration. Each protective shell is designed with purpose,
aerodynamics,
and application in mind. Composite material or plastic may be used to form the
thin,
lightweight shell to maintain strength.
It is a primary objective of this invention to provide a lightweight, ridged
protective shell to cover a pre-existing convertible top in the raised
configuration.
Another objective is to provide innovative means of attachment that facilitate
fast and easy attachment and removal of the protective shell.
The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction,
combination of elements and arrangement that will be exemplified in the
construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be
indicated in
the claims.
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CA 02431073 2003-05-27
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a fuller understanding of the nature of the invention, reference should be
made to the following description, taken in connection with the included
drawings,
in which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a convertible automobile and pre- existing
convertible top in raised configuration;
-Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a convertible automobile with a protective
shell in place, covering the pre-existing convertible top in the raised
configuration;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a detached protective shell and a possible
means of attachment;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The environment of the invention is denoted as a whole by the reference
numeral 1. A conventional convertible automobile 2 has a pre-existing
convertible
top 3 made of a flexible water-repellent fabric. The protective shell 4
attaches
overtop the pre- existing convertible top 3. Although the particular design
and shape
of the protective shell 4 will vary with model of convertible automobile, it
should
understood that the design will reflect on the original. design of the
convertible
automobile. The smooth outer surface of protective shell can be painted to
match the
color of the convertible automobile. A possible means of attachment 5 is an
arrangement of straps that would attach to the pre-existing convertible top.
