US5140112A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Switch for a convertible top control
Assignee: Dr Ing HCF Porsche AG
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Filing: 1991-01-17
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Granted: 1992-08-18
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Expires: 2011-01-17
Abstract
Abstract Switching apparatus including a switch is used for the control of a power-assisted convertible top of a motor vehicle which can be swivelled from a closed position into an opened position. For reasons of safety, the switch is disposed so that it can be used only when the motor vehicle is not moving. In preferred embodiments, the switch is disposed in a recess which is accessible only when a vehicle brake lever is in a brake engaged position.
Inventors
- 👤 Bernhard Ritter
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 10:42
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60T; B60T7/00; B60T7/02; B60T7/08; B60R; B60R16/00; B60R16/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
62 words
Apparatus for controlling operation of a power-assisted convertible top of a motor vehicle which can be moved between a closed position and an opened position, said apparatus comprising: manually actuatable switch means for causing said power assisted convertible top to move between said open and closed positions; and means for preventing actuation of said switching means when said vehicle is in motion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
62 words
Apparatus for controlling operation of a power-assisted convertible top of a motor vehicle which can be moved between a closed position and an opened position, said apparatus comprising: manually actuatable switch means for causing said power assisted convertible top to move between said open and closed positions; and means for preventing actuation of said switching means when said vehicle is in motion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said switch means is arranged on a hand brake in such a manner that it is accessible only when the hand brake is engaged.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
46 words
Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said switch means is mounted on a control stick part of the hand brake, the switch being disposed in a zone of the control stick part which projects out of a covering housing only when the hand brake is engaged.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said switch means is a rocker switch which, is disposed at least in part in a recess in the control stick part.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said switch means is mounted on a side of the control stick part facing the driver of the vehicle.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said switch means is mounted on a side of the stick part facing away from the driver of the vehicle.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said switch means is mounted on a side of the control stick part facing the driver of the vehicle.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said switch means is mounted on a side of the stick part facing away from the driver of the vehicle.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said means for preventing actuation comprises means for blocking physical access to said switch means when said vehicle is in motion.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-08-18 | 1996-02-17 | 1996-08-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-08-18 | 2000-02-17 | 2000-08-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-08-18 | 2004-02-17 | 2004-08-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |