Importance

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Abstract

A folding frame for convertible top motor vehicles which stows compactly so as to minimize loss of passenger compartment space, the frame formed by a pair of pillar members pivotally anchored in body spaces alongside the rear passenger compartment, each pillar member having a unitary side rail pivotally connected to its upper end and extending forwardly above and alongside the passenger compartment with the frame in the raised position. The connected pairs of pillar members and side rails define a side window opening, and support a plurality of bow members over which the top material is stretched to enclose the passenger compartment. The pillar members each pivot to the rear in lowering the frame, while the side rails pivot forward into body spaces alongside the rear of the passenger compartment, with an intermediate top and header bow member swung to the rear by a swing arm linkage system as the side rails are pivoted forward to stow these bow members in the body space directly to the rear of the passenger compartment. Rear bow members are drawn into position for stowage in the rear body space by linkages operated by the downward pivoting motion of the pillar members to also be positioned in the body space to the rear of the passenger compartment for stowage.

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First Claim