FIELD

The present application relates generally to convertible top systems for a vehicle and, more particularly, to a vehicle modular overhead cover assembly with an individual compartmental sun shade and mesh screen.

BACKGROUND

It is known in the motor vehicle art to provide a convertible top, which may be folded back or removed from the vehicle. In one example, the convertible top is constructed of a hard material (e.g., referred to as a hard top) or a flexible fabric (e.g., referred to as a soft top) and is folded back to a storage position or otherwise removed from an installed position. Such tops provide a user with the benefit of open air driving while affording available protection in the event of adverse weather conditions when in the storage position. However, adverse weather conditions can be bothersome when traveling while the convertible top is removed and unavailable. Accordingly, while known convertible top systems work well for their intended purpose, it is desirable to provide an improved vehicle soft top system.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an exemplary aspect of the invention, a convertible top system for a vehicle having structural support for a vehicle roof is provided. In one example implementation, the convertible top system includes an overhead cover system having a perimeter frame configured to couple to the structural support and defining a plurality of overhead openings, and a plurality of cassettes configured to releasably couple to the perimeter frame such that each cassette of the plurality of cassettes is operably associated with one of the overhead openings. Each cassette of the plurality of cassettes includes at least one of a retractable mesh screen and a retractable shade configured to be moved between a fully open position that does not cover the associated overhead opening, and a fully closed position that covers the associated overhead opening.

In addition to the foregoing, the described convertible top system may include one or more of the following features: wherein each cassette of the plurality of cassettes includes both the retractable mesh screen and the retractable shade; wherein each cassette of the plurality of cassettes further includes a housing rotatably supporting a roller bar operably associated with a retractor mechanism; wherein each of the at least one retractable mesh screen and retractable shade include a first end coupled to the roller and are configured to be rolled up on the roller bar; and wherein each of the at least one retractable mesh screen and retractable shade further include an opposite second end having a handle with an attachment device, wherein a user is able to grasp the handle to draw the mesh screen or the shade to the fully closed position and couple the attachment device to the perimeter frame.

In addition to the foregoing, the described convertible top system may include one or more of the following features: wherein each of the at least one retractable mesh screen and retractable shade are configured to slide along a track formed in the perimeter frame when moving between the fully opened and fully closed positions; wherein the perimeter frame includes a pair of laterally spaced main side frame members and a pair of laterally spaced forward side frame members; and wherein the perimeter frame further comprises a forward transverse frame member coupled between the forward side frame members, an intermediate transverse frame member coupled between the main side frame members, and a forward dividing frame member coupled between the forward transverse frame member and the intermediate transverse frame member, wherein the forward transverse frame member, the intermediate transverse frame member, and the forward dividing frame member define (i) a driver overhead opening over a driver seat of the vehicle and (ii) a passenger overhead opening above a passenger seat of the vehicle, each of (i) and (ii) configured to receive and be selectively covered by one of the cassettes.

In addition to the foregoing, the described convertible top system may include one or more of the following features: wherein the perimeter frame further includes a front intermediate transverse frame member coupled between the main side frame members, a rear intermediate transverse frame member coupled between the main side frame members, and a rearward dividing frame member coupled between the front intermediate transverse frame member and the rear intermediate transverse frame member, wherein the a front intermediate transverse frame member, the rear intermediate transverse frame member, and the rearward dividing frame member define (i) a second row driver side overhead opening over a second row seat and (ii) a second row passenger side overhead opening over the second row seat, each of (i) and (ii) configured to receive and be selectively covered by one of the cassettes.

In addition to the foregoing, the described convertible top system may include one or more of the following features: wherein the perimeter frame further includes an intermediate transverse frame member coupled between the main side frame members, and a rearward transverse frame member, wherein the intermediate transverse frame member and the rearward transverse frame member define a rear cargo area overhead opening disposed above a rear cargo area of the vehicle and configured to receive and be selectively covered by one of the cassettes; wherein the perimeter frame further includes a pair of laterally spaced apart vertical members, a rearward transverse frame member coupled between the main side frame members, and a liftgate frame member rotatably coupled to at least one of the vertical members and the rearward transverse member and movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the liftgate frame member defines a rear opening configured to receive and be selectively covered by one of the cassettes.

In addition to the foregoing, the described convertible top system may include one or more of the following features: wherein the perimeter frame further comprises a telescoping frame telescopically coupled to the liftgate frame member and defining a telescoping frame opening configured to be selectively covered by one of the cassettes to establish a shaded canopy when the liftgate is in the open position and the telescoping frame is telescoped; further including the vehicle roof, which is configured to removably couple to the vehicle over the overhead cover system, such that the overhead cover system is disposed between the structural support and the vehicle roof; and wherein the vehicle roof is a hard top assembly configured to be removably coupled to the vehicle.

In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the invention, a vehicle is provided. In one example implementation, the vehicle includes a body, a structural support for a vehicle roof, and an overhead cover system. The overhead cover system includes a perimeter frame configured to couple to the structural support and defining a plurality of overhead openings, and a plurality of cassettes configured to releasably couple to the perimeter frame such that each cassette of the plurality of cassettes is operably associated with one of the overhead openings. Each cassette of the plurality of cassettes includes at least one of a retractable mesh screen and a retractable shade configured to be moved between a fully open position that does not cover the associated overhead opening, and a fully closed position that covers the associated overhead opening.

In addition to the foregoing, the described vehicle may include one or more of the following features: wherein the overhead cover system further comprises the vehicle roof, which is configured to removably couple to the vehicle over the overhead cover system, such that the overhead cover system is disposed between the structural support and the vehicle roof, wherein each cassette of the plurality of cassettes includes both the retractable mesh screen and the retractable shade, and wherein each cassette of the plurality of cassettes further includes a housing rotatably supporting a roller bar operably associated with a retractor mechanism; and wherein the perimeter frame further includes a pair of laterally spaced apart vertical members, and a liftgate frame member rotatably coupled to at least one of the vertical members and the rearward transverse member and movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the liftgate frame member defines a rear opening configured to receive and be selectively covered by one cassette of the plurality of cassettes.

In addition to the foregoing, the described vehicle may include one or more of the following features: wherein the perimeter frame includes a pair of laterally spaced main side frame members, a pair of laterally spaced forward side frame members, a forward transverse frame member coupled between the forward side frame members, a front intermediate transverse frame member coupled between the main side frame members, a rear intermediate transverse frame member coupled between the main side frame members, a rearward transverse frame member coupled between the main side frame members, a forward dividing frame member coupled between the forward transverse frame member and the front intermediate transverse frame member, and a rearward dividing frame member coupled between the front intermediate transverse frame member and the rear intermediate transverse frame member. The perimeter frame defines a driver overhead opening over a driver seat of the vehicle and configured to receive and be selectively covered by one cassette of the plurality of cassettes, a passenger overhead opening above a passenger seat of the vehicle and configured to receive and be selectively covered by one cassette of the plurality of cassettes, a second row driver side overhead opening over a second row seat of the vehicle and configured to receive and be selectively covered by one cassette of the plurality of cassettes, a second row passenger side overhead opening over the second row seat of the vehicle and configured to receive and be selectively covered by one cassette of the plurality of cassettes, and a rear cargo area overhead opening disposed above a rear cargo area of the vehicle and configured to receive and be selectively covered by one cassette of the plurality of cassettes.

Further areas of applicability of the teachings of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims and the drawings provided hereinafter, wherein like reference numerals refer to like features throughout the several views of the drawings. It should be understood that the detailed description, including disclosed embodiments and drawings referenced therein, are merely exemplary in nature intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, its application or uses. Thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the present disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

