Device for removing, storing and installing convertible SUV hard tops and removable doors
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An apparatus for removing, storing, and installing removable hardtop devices from vehicles comprising:
- a movable base unit which is sufficiently long and wide to support the apparatus from longitudinal and axial moments with and without the hardtop engaged;
a vertical support structure having a lower and upper end, wherein said lower end is affixed to said movable base and said upper end is attached to a means for vertical lifting;
a means for vertical lifting which is connected to said vertical support structure and allows the apparatus to exert force vertically for removing the hard top from the vehicle, sustaining the hardtop at a fixed height once the hardtop has been removed from the vehicle, and allowing the hardtop to be controllably lowered onto the vehicle during installation;
a top platform assembly attached to said vertical lifting means, which top platform assembly slopes upward away from the device at an angle of 1 degree to five degrees and interfaces with the hardtop to distribute lifting forces evenly throughout the hardtop and is capable of securing and supporting the hard top longitudinally and axially while the hardtop is installed on the apparatus; and
wherein the apparatus may be positioned to the hardtop while is installed on the automobile and selectively raised or lowered by said vertical lifting means.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A device designed for the removal, storage, and installation of removable hardtops or doors from convertible sport utility vehicles, comprising a wheeled base unit, a vertical support structure and a platform assembly, wherein the base unit is aligned directly below the platform unit and the vertical support structure connects them together, wherein the device can be disassembled for simple shipping, is adjustable for height and depth to accommodate different SUV models, and includes markers for easy assembly.
3 Citations
12 Claims
-
1. An apparatus for removing, storing, and installing removable hardtop devices from vehicles comprising:
-
a movable base unit which is sufficiently long and wide to support the apparatus from longitudinal and axial moments with and without the hardtop engaged; a vertical support structure having a lower and upper end, wherein said lower end is affixed to said movable base and said upper end is attached to a means for vertical lifting; a means for vertical lifting which is connected to said vertical support structure and allows the apparatus to exert force vertically for removing the hard top from the vehicle, sustaining the hardtop at a fixed height once the hardtop has been removed from the vehicle, and allowing the hardtop to be controllably lowered onto the vehicle during installation; a top platform assembly attached to said vertical lifting means, which top platform assembly slopes upward away from the device at an angle of 1 degree to five degrees and interfaces with the hardtop to distribute lifting forces evenly throughout the hardtop and is capable of securing and supporting the hard top longitudinally and axially while the hardtop is installed on the apparatus; and wherein the apparatus may be positioned to the hardtop while is installed on the automobile and selectively raised or lowered by said vertical lifting means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
-
Specification