Wind deflector for the sliding top of a motor vehicle

Claim 1

In a cover assembly for the opening in the top of a motor vehicle, an open frame shaped to fit said top opening, adapted for securement in fixed relation with the top, and having a central longitudinal fore-and-aft first axis, a cover shaped to conform to and fit said frame, guide means fixed with said frame in parallel relation with said first axis, bracket means fixed with said cover and including a slide engaging and positively guided by said guide means, to guide said cover for movement from a first position obturating the opening in said frame, to a second position clearing said opening, a deflector plate, first means mounting said plate to said frame within the opening therein, for pivoting about a second axis normal to said first axis, from a first position collapsed within said frame, to a second position erected with respect to said frame, second means responsive to movement of said cover along said first axis, between its said first and second positions and effecting pivoting of said plate between its said first and second positions, respectively, and in timed relation with movement of said cover, said bracket means comprising two elements adjustable with respect to each other for variable length, with one element connected to said cover and the other element connected to said slide, said second means comprising an actuating member connected to said other element, and spring means engaging said plate and urging the same in pivotal movement about said second axis, from its said first to its said second position, said second means further comprising an elongated lever disposed generally parallel with said first axis and pivoted at its rearward end to said frame, said plate including a slotted ear depending therefrom, a stud fixed with the forward end of said lever and slidably and pivotally engaging the slot in said ear, and roller means journaled to said bracket means and rollable along said lever in controlling contact therewith as said cover moves between its said first and second positions, and each said element of the bracket means including a vertically-disposed arm, said arms overlapping, there being an essentially vertical slot in the arm of said first element, and a bore in the arm of said second element, a screw passing through said slot and bore, a nut on said screw operable to releasably secure said arms together fixedly and in a selected one of a plurality of adjusted relations parallel with the slot in said first element, and a journal bearing for said roller means integral with said screw and extending axially thereof.