Sport utility vehicle mobile hard top removal, store, and install device
DCFirst Claim
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1. An apparatus for removing, storing, and installing removable hardtop devices from automobiles 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 Installed;
a vertical support structure having a lower and upper ends, 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 hardtop from the automobile, sustaining the hardtop at a fixed height once the hardtop has been removed from the automobile, and allowing the hardtop to be controllably lowered onto the automobile during installation;
a platform structure attached to said vertical lifting means which interfaces with the hardtop to distribute lifting forces evenly throughout the hardtop and is capable of securing and supporting the hardtop longitudinally and axially while the hardtop is installed on the apparatus;
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.
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Abstract
A device designed for the removal, storage, and installation of convertible hardtops from sport utility vehicles. The device is floor level and mounted on casters for portability. The device utilizes a platform and ratcheted gear apparatus to assist provide leverage and assist a single operator to remove or install a convertible hardtop form an SUV. The device also utilizes a tilting assembly to allow the operator to reduce the footprint of the device with the hardtop loaded, making it simpler to maneuver and store.
11 Citations
7 Claims
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1. An apparatus for removing, storing, and installing removable hardtop devices from automobiles comprising:
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a movable base unit which is sufficiently long and wide to support the apparatus from longitudinal and axial moments with and without the hardtop Installed; a vertical support structure having a lower and upper ends, 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 hardtop from the automobile, sustaining the hardtop at a fixed height once the hardtop has been removed from the automobile, and allowing the hardtop to be controllably lowered onto the automobile during installation; a platform structure attached to said vertical lifting means which interfaces with the hardtop to distribute lifting forces evenly throughout the hardtop and is capable of securing and supporting the hardtop longitudinally and axially while the hardtop is installed on the apparatus; 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)
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Specification