Inflated Convertible Top

 

   Inflated Convertible Top

 

      This is a concept to create a convertible top somewhat like an air bag that is shaped to conform to the design of the car.  The advantages are quick closing, weight and cost reduction.  

      The convertible top would be engineered as a shaped hollow bag with internal ribs to maintain the concave shape for the passengers’ head room.  Compressed air inflates the top, eliminating the cost and weight of the mechanism associated with current cloth tops.

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Hines’ lab notebook #1, p. 142

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