Abstract: A convertible roof system employs a convertible roof assembly and a cover assembly which operably covers at least a portion of a vehicular area within which the convertible roof is stowed. In a further aspect of the present invention, the cover assembly includes a dual-acting deck lid. Another aspect of the present invention employs a movable main pivot bracket for the convertible roof assembly. Furthermore, an additional aspect of the present invention allows a stowed and collapsed convertible roof assembly to at least partially move with a stowage area cover when the cover is opened to allow rearward access into the stowage area.

Abstract: A convertible roof for an automotive vehicle is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, an in-folding convertible roof is employed. A further aspect of the present invention includes at least a partially self-covering convertible roof system which includes at least one side rail that moves in a generally cross-vehicular direction when the roof is raised or lowered.

Abstract: A roof opening and closing apparatus for a vehicle includes a cover member opening and closing mechanism including a front side opening and closing mechanical unit, a rear side opening and closing mechanical unit, and an intermediate support unit connecting the front side opening and closing mechanical unit and the rear side opening and closing mechanical unit, a panel moving mechanism including a panel member and a panel movement mechanical unit, the panel member covering a portion of a vehicle body in a case where a roof is in a stored state, the portion of the vehicle body being positioned at a lower end of a rear corner portion of the roof when the roof is in a developed state, and the panel movement mechanical unit supporting the panel member to be moved to the storage compartment in a case where the roof is in the deployed state.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle with a movable roof and at least one movable cover part that in its closed position, covers a receiving area for the opened roof situated in the auto body and which can be moved up by at least one drive element is provided. The at least one drive element is arranged on a fastening device that can be mounted on the auto body which is also a support for at least one control unit, a hydraulic pump and connections of control lines leading to the drive units for roof movement. A multifunctional holding or fastening device with several connection flanges to accommodate at least one control unit, a pump, and connections for emerging hydraulic lines is also provided. The multifunctional holding device is designed as a support for at least one drive element for a cover part of a compartment top of a convertible vehicle.

Abstract: A clip device is provided for balancing opposing variation in a tripartite trim stackup. The tripartite stackup includes a first trim member adjacent to a second trim member, and a trim component positioned at a center thereof. The clip device includes a base portion with a locating pin projecting therefrom, which operates to link the trim component to the clip device. A projection extends from the base portion, and mates with the first trim member to provide a pivot for the clip device. First and second protuberances project from the base portion. The first protuberance mates with and links the first trim member to the clip device. The second protuberance mates with and links the second trim member to the clip device. The clip device converts positional variation of the first and second trim members into rotational float, thereby repositioning the trim component at the center of the trim members.

Abstract: A link assembly for opening and closing a trunk lid of a vehicle having a movable roof includes lifting and locking links. The lifting link connects the lid to the vehicle to move the lid between a closed position covering the trunk, an opened position in which the front lid edge is raised, and another opened position in which the rear lid edge is raised. The locking link is adjustable between a first position in which its front end is movable and its rear end is pivotably locked to a rear joint, and a second position in which its front end is pivotably connected to a front joint and its rear end is movable. In the first position, the locking link acts on the lifting link to raise the front lid edge. In the second position, the locking link acts on the lifting link to raise the rear lid edge.

Abstract: The openable roof system (R) comprises: a covering element or roof (3) which in the vicinity of its rear end (3b) is mounted rotatably about a horizontal axis (4) between two parallel side uprights (5) of the bodywork of the motor car (1), close to the rear of the passenger compartment (2), and; an essentially vertical stowage compartment (6) open towards the top, formed in the motor car (1) between and below said uprights (5). The arrangement is such that the covering element or roof (3) can be pivoted about the axis (4) between a closed position, where it is arranged so as to lie at least approximately horizontally, and a midway open position, where it is arranged so as to lie substantially vertically. The covering element or roof (3) is then displaceable downwards from said midway open position into a final concealed position where it is contained so as to lie substantially vertically inside the stowage compartment (6).

Abstract: A vehicle includes a compartment, roof, roof system, cover, cover link, and coupling system. The roof is movable between a closed position and a storage position in which the roof is within the compartment. The roof system has a main link movably coupled to the vehicle via a joint and connected to the roof to move the roof. The cover is movable between a closed position covering the compartment and an opened position raised from the compartment. The cover link is movably coupled to the vehicle via a joint and connected to the cover to move the cover. The coupling system has a connecting link coupling the links such that the cover is coupled to the roof system to move about the cover link joint as the roof moves. The connecting link passes through a position in which it and the joints run along a straight line during roof movement.

Abstract: A component of an adjustment mechanism for a vehicle roof of a convertible, designed to be adjustable between a first position and a second position, which is exposed to alternating loads as a function of its position and is topologically and/or topographically adjusted to the loads acting on component for a predefined design space, so that a uniform stress distribution is at least approximately present in component, at least in critical load situations, and the component is designed in the areas with limited load with less use of material than in the areas with higher load, or with a recess.

Abstract: A vehicle, and a support device used in conjunction with a vehicle top enclosure for enclosing a top portion of a vehicle, the support device comprising a front catch positioned forward a steering mechanism of the vehicle and a first arm pivotally connected to the device, the first arm including a telescoping vehicle front connecting portion, the front connecting portion configured to engage the front catch. Further aspects include a tensioner configured with the first arm to engage the catch. A pliable cover may be included to complete the top enclosure and associated vehicle.

Abstract: A tri-fold convertible top is disclosed that is stowed in a storage compartment with a five bow oriented at an angle of between 30° and 60° relative to the vehicle belt line. The top may be tensioned by a power cylinder and linkage that raises both a one bow and the five bow when the top is initially retracted. A main power cylinder is connected to the top stack and a main pivot bracket that lifts a rear rail above the belt line during the extension and retraction cycle.

Abstract: A motor vehicle roof configuration which can be put away has at least two shaping sections, which are movable relative to one another and can be put away together, for lateral convertible top cloth strips. The shaping sections lie in a row next to one another in a closed position of the roof configuration and have water channels which run approximately parallel to each convertible top cloth strip and in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and also adjacent to the convertible top cloth strips. It is provided that, at least in a closed position of the roof configuration, an inner edge of each convertible top cloth strip together with at least one sealing configuration forms a leakproof covering for the adjacent water channel.

Abstract: A motor vehicle 1, 101 is disclosed having front and rear roof members 5 and 6 which can be moved from raised to stowed positions to change the style of the motor vehicle from a two box style to a convertible or pick-up style. The rear roof member 6 is stowed at an inclined angle between two rows of seats 9, 10 of the motor vehicle 1, 101 so as to occupy little space within the vehicle 1, 101.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle with a roof having a roof covering and several lateral frame parts, which at least partially span the roof covering when roof is closed and follow each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, in which a rear frame part extends from a window parapet line with an upward extending component. The adjacent frame part, preceding the rear frame part in the direction of travel when the roof is closed, can be moved without a force transfer through the rear frame part by at least one drive provided for roof opening, and the rear frame part is suspended on a gear mechanism that transfers the drive force and can be moved by it.

Abstract: A structural seat system is provided for an automotive vehicle. In another aspect of the present invention, a structural beam is employed which extends in a cross-vehicle direction spaced above a vehicle floor. A further aspect of the present invention provides a passenger seat with a recessed configuration. Yet another aspect of the present invention uses a structural reinforcement and seat system in a convertible roof vehicle.

Abstract: A top (1) for a convertible vehicle has at least one roof part (3) which is movable between a closed and an open position, and, in its open position, is put away in a trunk (6) of the convertible vehicle, and a movably mounted, planar covering element (8), the rear edge (9) of which, in the open position of the roof part (3), bears against a trunk lid (7) and, together with the same, closes the trunk (6). In the closed position of the at least one roof part (3), at least the rear edge (9) of the covering element (8) comes to lie below the roof part (3).

Abstract: In a control process and control device for motor vehicles with an unfoldable roof, in which at least one roof part or a lid is moved in at least one movement phase defined by a displacement path for the roof part or the lid, the displacement path is bounded by two end positions. By way of an electronic control device, the displacement device for the movement of the roof part or of the lid is actuated such that the speed at which the roof part or the lid is moved is smaller for a first path segment beginning the displacement path and for a second path segment ending the displacement path than the speed for the path segment between the first path segment and the second path segment.

Abstract: A folding top for an open motor vehicle adjustable between a closed position covering the passenger cell and a folded storage position in which the folding top and is accommodated in a folding-top storage space. In order to adjust the folding top, a control linkage is provided on both sides of the motor vehicle and has two main links that are supported on an associated bracket via a respectively assigned main bearing. At least one main bearing of each control linkage is movable in relation to either or both of the associated bracket and in relation to the assigned main link.

Abstract: A motor vehicle that is equipped with a movable convertible top comprising control equipment for controlling the convertible top motion and a detection device for recognition of an intervention into the range of motion of a convertible top mechanism, which is equipped with a sensor system with sensors operating with different measurement principles, wherein, when recognizing a malfunction of the detection device or when recognizing an obstruction situation, the convertible top motion is controlled in a safety mode during which the convertible top motion continues with reduced speed and power or is stopped or reversed.

Abstract: A vehicle roof has at least one roof part coupled to a body-side roof kinematic system to be adjustable between a closed position covering the vehicle interior and a storage position. A cover with a pivoting mount is attached to the roof kinematic system through a coupling kinematic system. The coupling kinematic system includes a connecting link that makes a swinging connection with the cover. The connecting link passes through a lined-up position when the roof is moved between its closed and storage positions. The cover swings about a body-side joint. The coupling kinematic system exclusively includes links coupled through joints. There are no more than three links in the kinematic transmission path between the cover and the roof kinematic system.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle employs a convertible roof system. The convertible roof system can include a roof cover and a top stack mechanism operable between raised and stowed positions. At least one roof bow can move between first and second positions relative to a forwardmost roof rail.

Abstract: A foldable top assembly for a golf cart having front and rear ends, passenger seating therebetween, rear support attachments disposed rearwardly of front passenger seating, and front supports mounted in front of the passenger seating is disclosed. The foldable top assembly includes an articulated frame including a pair of spaced, longitudinally extending main members connectable to the rear support attachments. A plurality of transversely extending support members is connected to the pair of longitudinally extending main members. A front support member is connected to ends of the longitudinally extending frame members and is detachably connectable to the front supports on the golf cart. A foldable top, such as a fabric or rigid top is mounted on the articulated frame. The frame is foldable to fold and nest the top in a storage position and unfoldable to a use position to cover the passenger seating.

Abstract: A folding convertible top for a vehicle has at least one roof part which can be displaced between a closed position and a stowed position, and can be brought out of the stowed position into a raised loading position. A folding-top kinematic mechanism on each side of the roof part has a main bearing element and an intermediate bearing element mounted rotatably on the main bearing element at a pivot point. The roof part is coupled both to the main bearing element and to the intermediate bearing element via links on both sides of the folding-top kinematic mechanism and can be displaced by means of at least one driving device. The driving device has at least one linear driving element that acts at least indirectly on the intermediate bearing element at a point remote from the pivot point of the intermediate bearing element with the main bearing element.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle (1) with at least one flexible roof area (10) supported by way of transverse hoops (12; 13; 14; 15; 16) lying in succession over its longitudinal course that can be shortened for opening it by displacement of transverse hoops (12; 13; 14; 15) with a movement component in vehicle longitudinal direction is designed in such a way that one longitudinal guiding aid (23; 24; 25) is assigned to a transverse hoop (13; 14; 15) for cooperation with a longitudinal guiding projection (30; 27; 28) of another transverse hoop (12; 13; 14) pointing in its direction (FIG. 2).

Abstract: A soft top is provided for a cabriolet. The soft top includes, but is not limited to, a monofilament warp thread and a monofilament weft thread. The soft top also includes, but is not limited to, a filling material substantially filling the interstices between the monofilament warp thread and the monofilament weft thread to form a substantially translucent fabric.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cabriolet vehicle (1) with a roof (2; 102), comprising at least two moving units (6, 14; 106, 114) each mounted on main bearings (7, 8; 15, 16; 107, 108; 115) fixed to the chassis such as to move and each of which is provided with a rigid roof section (3, 4; 103, 104). At least one rear rigid roof section (4; 104), comprising a rear window (5; 105), is connected to a main bearing (15, 16; 115) by means of a multi-part articulated chain (17; 117), whereby a part (18; 118) of the articulated chain (17; 117) brings about at least one movement of the rigid roof section (4; 104) relative to the main bearing (15, 16; 115) and a part (19; 119) of the articulated chain (17; 117) brings about at least one change in the angular position of the rigid roof section (4; 104).

Abstract: A load-controlled actuating arrangement utilizes a control loop that includes at least one position measuring system, a control unit and at least one measuring system of an electric motor or at least one pressure sensor of a pressure circuit. The signals of the measuring system of the electric motor or of the pressure sensor are transmittable to the control unit and the motion of the convertible top is adjustable by the control unit.

Abstract: A structural reinforcement system is provided for an automotive vehicle. In another aspect of the present invention, a structural beam is employed which extends in a cross-vehicle direction spaced above a vehicle floor. A further aspect of the present invention provides a cross-vehicle reinforcement beam inside another structural member. Yet another aspect of the present invention uses a structural reinforcement system in a convertible roof vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle roof assembly includes a roof having rear and front roof elements relative to the direction of forward vehicle travel. The roof elements are movable between closed and opened positions of the roof. The assembly further includes a roof kinematic system having first and second guide rod systems located on opposite sides of the roof for movably connecting the roof to a vehicle body to move the roof between its closed and opened positions. Each guide rod system includes a guide rod. The guide rods are articulately connectable at respective ends to the front roof element and the vehicle body. The two guide rods with their respective pairs of articulated joints form a common four-bar kinematic linkage. Alternatively, the first guide rod system may be a two-bar kinematic linkage and the second guide rod system may be a four-bar kinematic linkage.

Abstract: A stowable roof for a convertible vehicle is retractable from a closed state to an open state. The roof includes a pillar part which extends upwardly from the window beltline when the roof is in the closed state. The pillar part is movable rearwardly and downwardly when the roof is retracted to the open state. A guide track has at least a portion extending transversely inwardly. The pillar part engages the guide track such that the pillar part is guided transversely inwardly during retraction of the roof.

Abstract: A stowage mechanism 30 for a rear roof member 6 of a motor vehicle 1, 101 is also disclosed which is particularly small allowing it to be easily packaged in the motor vehicle 1, 101. The stowage mechanism 30 uses a combination of a chain 31 and a guide slot 32 to control the movement of the rear roof member 6 between raised and stowed positions which require the rear roof member 6 to be rotated, moved forwards and then lowered to reach the stowed position.

Abstract: Many vehicles use convertible tops that raise and lower. Most often these vehicles use “soft” convertible tops. Unfortunately, it is often very difficult to achieve uniform tensioning of the cover material as it is attached to the rear bow, or to achieve uniform tensioning from top to top. The disclosed apparatus and method of making a convertible top comprises maintaining a portion of the frame member in a substantially fixed position, grasping the cover with a plurality of clamping members, pulling the cover over the portion of the frame member, applying a predetermined amount of force to the cover as it is pulled over the portion of the frame member, and fixing the cover to the portion of the frame member thereby creating a predetermined tension to the convertible top.

Abstract: A convertible roofing material which includes an outer fabric layer formed at least partially of polymeric coated, core yarns such as a polyester core coated with polyvinyl chloride.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle includes a roof having roof parts including a rear roof part. The roof is movable between a closed position in which the parts cover the vehicle and a stored position in which the parts are stacked within a storage compartment of the vehicle. A trunk lid opens and closes the compartment. The rear roof part includes C-pillars on respective sides of the vehicle and a window. The window is independently movable from the rear roof part between a normal position in which the window lies between the C-pillars and a raised position in which the window lies outside of the rear roof part. An adjusting device connected between the rear roof part and the window moves the window between the normal and raised positions. A storage shelf connected to the trunk lid extends below the rear roof part into the vehicle when the roof is closed.

Abstract: A movable vehicle roof has a plurality of segments which are movable relative to one another, in particular are displaceable and/or pivotable, and of which at least one has a core containing a filling structure forming cavities. The filling structure core is provided with a retaining part which engages around it in some regions at least on one side and, together with lateral elements disposed on it as a single piece, forms at least one intersecting point with the top framework.

Abstract: The invention concerns a retractable roof consisting of at least two elements (1, 2) for a vehicle comprising a passenger compartment (7) and a rear deck (6), said roof including a front element (2) and a rear element (1) mobile between a first position wherein they cover the passenger compartment (7) and a second position wherein they are superimposed horizontally in the rear deck (6), the displacement of the rear element (1) towards the rear deck (6) being driven by at least an arm articulated (5) at one first of its ends to the chassis, and the front element (2) being linked to the rear element (1) via two levers (13, 14) articulated each at one first (15, 16) of its ends to said front element.

Abstract: A folding top for a cabriolet vehicle, that includes a first roof part which rests on a rear element of the vehicle, which can be opened, in the closed covering position, a second roof part which is pivotably mounted on the vehicle and is disposed in front of the first roof part in the direction of traffic when said second roof part is in a closed covering position, a third roof part which is disposed in front of the second roof part in the direction of traffic when said third roof part is in a closed covered position. The first roof part can be lifted from the rear element. A folding top with a particularly simple kinematic configuration is provided for allowing the third roof part to be moved over the second roof part.

Abstract: A covering apparatus protects motor vehicle occupants from an openable roof of the vehicle in which the roof is movable along an enveloping surface between a stored position in which the roof is opened and a closed position in which the roof is closed. The apparatus includes a cover movable between a rest position in which the cover is stowed and a protecting position in which the cover is extended, wherein the cover moves between the rest position and the protecting position without intersecting the enveloping surface of the roof prior to or during movement of the roof between the stored and closed positions of the roof. In the resting position, the cover is located between the vehicle interior and the enveloping surface formed by the opening and closing motion of the roof.

Abstract: A panel having active material based segments, wherein the segments define a hinge location that can be selectively stiffened or folded on demand. The active material based segments include an active material such that activation of the active material by an activation device can allow folding of the panel, can effect self-folding of the panel, or can serve to lock the panel into a fixed position when not activated. In this manner, the panel that can be variously stiffened or folded on demand. Other embodiments include forming the panel of the active material such that the panel can be compacted and stowed upon activation of the active material to change the modulus properties thereof.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle includes a folding top having a fabric covering supported on a linkage assembly. The linkage assembly is movably connected to the vehicle to move the top between a closed position in which the fabric covering covers the vehicle interior and a stored position in which the linkage assembly and the fabric covering are folded and lowered into stowage space of the vehicle trunk. The linkage assembly includes a tension bar connected to a rear section of the fabric covering. The tension bar acts upon the fabric covering with tension when the top is closed. A cover panel is mounted on the side of the tension bar facing the vehicle interior. The cover panel and the tension bar are horizontally arranged when the top is closed. The tension bar together with the cover panel are movable relative to the vehicle during movement of the top.

Abstract: A folding convertible top for a convertible vehicle includes a rotational angle detection device disposed in a rotary hinge (1) for detection of the rotational angle between linkage arms (2, 4) of a convertible top frame that are pivotably connected with each other by a bearing pin (10; 22). A rotational angle encoder (8; 18; 30) is connected with one linkage arm so as to rotate therewith and a sensor element (6; 20; 32) is connected with the other linkage arm so as to rotate therewith. The rotational angle encoder and/or the sensor element is/are disposed adjacent to the bearing pin on respective surfaces of the linkage arms facing towards each other or within housing parts (24, 26) connected to the respective linkage arms.

Abstract: A convertible roof for a vehicle and associated vehicle, the roof comprising at least one front roof element and a rear roof element which can move between a deployed position, in which the front roof element and the rear roof element cover the passenger compartment, and a storage position, in which the front roof element and the rear roof element are stored in the boot of the vehicle. The roof also comprising two pivot arms which each pivot along an axis. The roof comprising motorization means, first means of locking the pivot arms to the post of the windshield of the vehicle and second means of locking at least one front roof element of the pivot arms. The first and second locking means and the pivoting movement of the arms are controlled by the same motorization means, such as an electric motor.

Abstract: The invention relates a motor vehicle (1) comprising a roof (2) consisting of at least one part (3) which is completely displaceable between open and closed positions. In the closed position, said part of the roof is arranged between an area near a windscreen frame (4) and the rigid rear part of the roof (5, 5a). The inventive motor vehicle is constructed in such a way that the movable part of the roof (3) is divided into several adjacent sectors (15, 16) in order to enable a reduced width to pass to a normal width and vice versa by displacing said sectors and to move between the open and closed positions thereof when the width is reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic drive system used for the covers of vehicle openings, in particular for vehicle roofs with a construction that can be opened. In said system, the actuator that is designed to displace the cover is supplied with a bulk current, whose target value is determined in accordance with the control path of the actuator, which is in correlation with the controlled displacement of the cover and whose actual value is detected when supplied to the actuator by means of a bulk current sensor. The bulk current is adjusted to compensate for differences between the actual and target values.

Abstract: A motor vehicle with a movable convertible top includes a control device for controlling a convertible top motion and a device for the recognition of the convertible top position. The device for convertible top position recognition continuously monitors the position of the convertible top. The position of a defined element of the convertible top is determined by means of at least one acceleration sensor that measures the current acceleration in relationship to the acceleration of free fall.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a convertible roof system for an automotive vehicle includes a convertible roof that covers the vehicle essentially from a front header to a rearmost body panel. A further aspect of the present invention provides a forward top stack linkage mechanism, which when actuated, moves a forwardmost roof bow in such a manner that a surface of the roof bow faces upwardly when the top stack is positioned in an extended position and in a retracted position.

Abstract: A convertible roof system uses composite roof rail(s). The composite roof rail can have portions that are made of differing materials. The composite roof rail can use universal connecting pieces for the ends of the roof rail. Adjacent composite roof rails can be formed about a connector that couples the adjacent roof rails together.

Abstract: A vehicle convertible roof including a rearmost roof member, a side roof rail, an actuator and a link having a length that varies between a first length and a second as the rearmost roof member moves between a nominal and raised position. The adjustable length link is fixed at the second length during retraction and extension of the side roof rail of the vehicle convertible roof.

Abstract: A vehicle back shelf (1) comprises a central plate (6) and two side plates (7) each of which is movable relative to the central plate (6). The back shelf includes mechanism (8) adapted to control and guide the sliding of each of the side plates (7) relative to the central plate (6) in the transverse direction (19) of the vehicle in both directions between a deployed position and a retracted position in which each side plate (7) is substantially retracted under the central plate (6).

Abstract: A convertible vehicle top stack mechanism includes a moveable rearmost roof bow and an actuator. In an other aspect of the present invention, a linkage assembly couples a rearmost roof bow to a side rail. A further aspect of the present invention employs a rotatable member or crank to drive a set of buggy links in order to raise and lower an active number five roof bow.