FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003


PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10; rule 13)
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
Collapsible roof structure for Soft top Convertible automobile
APPLICANTS
TATA MOTORS LIMITED, an Indian company
having its registered office at Bombay House,
24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk,
Mumbai 400 001 Maharashtra, India
INVENTOR
Mr Shrinivas Sharangpani an Indian national
of TATA MOTORS LIMITED an Indian company
having its registered office at Bombay House,
24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk,
Mumbai 400 001 Maharashtra, India
PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the invention.


FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention is related to convertible roof of an automobile and more particularly it relates to collapsible roof structure for soft top convertible automobile.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
Generally convertible cars are used in the developed world , said convertible cars provide the features or choice to customer or occupants to have an open roof option and closed roof option whenever needed by occupant so that occupant can use as per their requirements. The convertible feature of car also gives the customer immense ownership satisfaction and it is also perceived as a status symbol. Majority of the convertible cars are used in the developed world and are based on existing sedans and hatchbacks. These convertible vehicles are much more expensive than their sedan or hatchback counterparts and have a very complex design.
OBJECTS OF INVENTION
The main object of the present invention is to provide a collapsible roof structure for soft top convertible automobile.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a collapsible roof structure for soft top convertible automobile which is simple in construction and cost effective.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a collapsible roof structure for soft top convertible automobile which is of manually foldable type construction.


BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a collapsible roof structure for soft top convertible automobile comprises;
a foldable type frame provided at the rear for carrying the convertible soft top roof, collapsible frame configured to support the soft top roof and be locked at top most position, wherein said collapsible member is facilitated at B pillar cut cross section of automobile, cross car beam between two B pillars, self locking mechanism provided for collapsing said collapsible frame, said soft top roof extend from said foldable type frame and attached to said B pillar then lock in with the front windshield frame to complete the roof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Figure-01 shows collapsible roof structure for soft top convertible automobile
Figure-02 shows the cross section of the convertible when seen from the rear side.
Figure-03 shows the self locking mechanism in the locked mode
Figure-04 shows the self locking mechanism in the un-locked mode
Figure-05 shows the convertible automobile with the soft top roof in closed option.
Figure-06 shows the convertible automobile with the soft top roof in open condition
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
Referring to figure-01 to 06, In accordance with the present invention, a collapsible roof structure for soft top convertible automobile comprises;
a foldable type frame provided at the rear for carrying the convertible soft top roof, collapsible frame configured to support the soft top roof and be locked at the top most position. Wherein said collapsible member is facilitated at the B pillar cut cross section of automobile, cross car beam between two B pillars, self locking mechanism


provided for collapsing said collapsible frame, said soft top roof extend from said foldable type frame and attached to said B pillar then lock in with the front windshield frame to complete the roof.
Now referring to figure-01 which shows the a collapsible roof structure for soft top convertible automobile which comprises; A pillar (1) , central collapsible frame (2) configured to support the soft top roof, a foldable frame having plurality of members ( 3,4,5) attached together with link (7). Said foldable frame is attached to the rear quarter panel of automobile C pillar frame. Said central collapsible frame (2) is disposed between front door (8) and rear door(9).
Now referring to Figure-02 to 04 shows the cross section of the convertible when seen from the rear side.
Said self locking mechanism comprises; a rotating knob (12) centrally mounted on said cross car beam(20), spring loaded mechanism (15) connected to said rotating knob (12) with the help of operating cable (13) and linkage (14) . Said spring loaded mechanism (15) is connected to wedge shaped lock means (16). Said rotating knob (12) pulls the said spring loaded mechanism (15) which eventually retracts the wedge shaped lock for raising the said collapsible frame (2).
Rotating the rotating knob (12) in clockwise direction retracts the wedge shaped lock (16) and the said collapsible frame (2) can be lowered into the guide column (17). When the said collapsible frame (2) is lifted upwards manually, said wedge shape lock (16) fits into the slot provided in the said collapsible frame (2); thereby self locking the said frame (2) in the 'UP' position for supporting the soft top roof. The wedge shape lock (16) ensures that the rotating knob (12) has to be operated only when the occupant wishes to lower the collapsible frame (2).
When the occupant wishes to remove the soft top roof, he folds the roof backward and rotates the knob (12) in clockwise direction which unlocks the wedge shaped lock


(16) thereby facilitating the collapsible frame (2) for lowering/collapsing it in to the guide column (17).
The self locking mechanism is operated by rotating the knob (12) mounted on the cross car beam (20). Rotating the knob (12) pulls the operating cable (13); thereby pulling the linkage (14), spring loaded mechanism (15) and wedge shape lock (16). On releasing the knob (12), due to spring force the wedge shaped lock reverts back to its original position and fits in to the slot provided in the collapsible frame (2). Said cross car beam (20) is provided horizontally between the two said B pillars (18) for stiffness, said cross car beam (20) having self locking mechanism. Said collapsible frame is collapsible in guide frame (17) disposed both side of said B pillar (18). Said collapsible frame is self locked with self locking mechanism when it is pulled upwards.
Referring to figure-05 which shows the convertible automobile with the soft top roof 'ON'; the soft top roof (10) is attached to the collapsible frame (2) to prevent sagging of the soft top. Also the front end of the soft top roof (10) is fixed to the windshield frame or A pillar (1).
Referring to figure-06 which Shows the convertible automobile with the soft top roof folded back and the collapsible frame(2) collapsed into the guide column (17) provided in the B pillar (18). To fold the soft top, the occupant has to unlock the soft top roof from the windshield frame or A pillar (1), roll the soft top (10) and fold soft top and the foldable type frame provided in the rear quarter panel of automobile and so that it rests at the rear quarter panel of the automobile. The folded soft top roof (19) is locked into this position for open top driving.


The foregoing description is a specific embodiment of the present invention. It should be appreciated that this embodiment is described for purpose of illustration only, and that numerous alterations and modifications may be practiced by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended that all such modifications and alterations be included insofar as they come within the scope of the invention as claimed or the equivalents thereof.
Dated this 31st day of March 2009

Karuna Goleria of DePENNTNG & DePENNING
TATA MOTORS LIMITED By their Agent & Attorney