Abstract: A convertible vehicle having a long roof is provided which includes first through third roofs, supported by the vehicle body, movable between a use position at which the roofs cover the upper part of a vehicle interior R and a non-use position at which the roofs are held in a housing unit to the rear of a body so that the upper part of the vehicle interior R is open. A rear door is supported by the body so as to rotatably open and close between a closed position and an open position further to the rear of the closed position, wherein when the first through third roofs are in non-use position, the roofs are accommodated in the housing unit, piled up one top of the other in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A supporting bearing for connecting the bows of a soft-top convertible vehicle to the folding linkage. A bearing spike is integrally formed on a linkage arm. A sleeve-shaped insert body is latched to a bearing spike. The insert body is received in an opening in the bow.

Abstract: A soft cover for a vehicle is provided comprising a foam composite having a water resistant top layer, a flexible foam layer, and a protective bottom layer. The composite is flexible, dimensionally stable and tear resistant. Methods of manufacture and of use of the soft cover are also provided.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of an automotive vehicle roof system includes a detachable convertible roof that covers a rear storage compartment and at least a portion of a passenger compartment of the vehicle. In another aspect of the present invention, the retracted convertible roof may be removed entirely from the vehicle by disengaging quick release attachment devices. Yet another aspect of the present invention provides the ability to operate the convertible roof independently of the vehicle's rear backlite. In a further aspect of the present invention, an adjustable tensioning device is employed.

Abstract: A system for opening and closing a folding top or moveable vehicle roof of a convertible car is provided, with at least one drive to operate the top or roof, at least one linear position sensor that senses continuously the position of an element of the top or roof and, a controller that receives a signal from the at least one position sensor and generates, a signal to actuate at least one drive. The linear sensor is arranged to determine the position of any element of the folding top or moveable vehicle roof relative to another moveable element of the top or roof or to a fixed element relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: An interlocking device for the folding roof of a motor vehicle with a locking hook (4) which is pivotally mounted on the front frame part (1) of the folding roof and which can be moved by means of a multiple connecting rod mechanism and can be interlocked in latching engagement on a vehicle-mounted abutment, the multiple connecting rod mechanism, especially a four-bar mechanism (6, 12, 14, 15), containing the locking hook (4) and being located self-locking in the closed position.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of an automotive convertible roof system has a flat-fold boot cover. In another aspect of the present invention, the boot cover includes various pliable fabric materials that are laminated together to form an integrated material. A further aspect of the present invention provides that flexible stiffeners be placed between the flexible sheets during the manufacturing process. Still another aspect of the present invention employs flexible stiffeners having a non-uniform thickness, which cause the flexible stiffeners to bend asymmetrically when subjected to a bending load.

Abstract: A convertible with a roof (2) which can be opened and lowered into a rear roof storage space (3), has a trunk lid (5) which can be swung up at its forward edge to clear a through opening for the roof (2) which is to be lowered, and has a covering (11) which is movably supported on the trunk lid (5) and can be moved between a covering position in front of the trunk lid (11) with the roof opened (2) and a rear lowered position under the trunk lid (5) with the roof (2) closed. A movably supported shelf (20) occupies an operating position as a shelf which with the roof (2) closed and a lowered position at the front of the roof storage space (3) with the roof (2) opened.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of an automotive vehicle roof system includes a detachable convertible roof that covers a rear storage compartment and at least a portion of a passenger compartment of the vehicle. In another aspect of the present invention, the retracted convertible roof may be removed entirely from the vehicle by disengaging quick release attachment devices. Yet another aspect of the present invention provides the ability to operate the convertible roof independently of the vehicle's rear backlite. In a further aspect of the present invention, an adjustable tensioning device is employed.

Abstract: A roof construction for a vehicle that uncovers a roof space above a passenger compartment of a vehicle body and covers the roof space, partly or fully, comprises a roof assembly, e.g. front, intermediate and rear roof panels, that is movable relatively to the vehicle body in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body so as to selectively shift between three positions, namely a closed position where the roof space is fully closed, a partly open position where the roof space is partly open and a fully open position where the roof space is fully open and a prop link mechanism operative to shift the roof assembly into a selected one of the three positions and to fixedly support the roof assembly in the selected position. During shifting the roof assembly into a selected position, the front and intermediate roof panels are superposed and held horizontally in position.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuating device, for a vehicle cover and an associated lock for locking the cover in the closed position, has a cover actuator and a lock actuator which each are provided with a first and second connection, which are respectively in communication with an associated first and second opening adjoining the actuator space. The cover actuator is provided with a third opening, which is connected to the second connection of the lock actuator. The first connection of the cover actuator and the first connection of the lock actuator are connected to a common connecting line with a single actuable valve, which in a first position connects the delivery port of the pump to the connecting line. The second connection of the cover actuator is in communication with the delivery port of the pump.

Abstract: A convertible roof is provided which includes a shelf which can be lowered into a rear stowage space of a convertible. The shelf is movably supported as it is assigned to a rear roof part of the lowerable roof and can be adjusted by an adjustment device between an operating position with the roof closed and a lowered position in which it is moved against the inside of the rear part of the roof which has been lowered into the stowage space, thereby providing space-saving stowage of the roof. The shelf has two opposing outer side areas which can be swiveled relative to a middle part of the shelf.

Abstract: In a removable vehicle roof supported by way of an operating mechanism on a vehicle body for movement between a closed position, in which the vehicle roof covers an interior vehicle space and a storage position in which the roof is deposited in a vehicle storage compartment, a spring element is supported on the vehicle body and connected to the roof operating mechanism in such a way as to bias the operating mechanism in each of the two end positions of the roof in a direction toward the other end position so as to facilitate movement of the vehicle roof out of each end position.

Abstract: In a cover arrangement for a storage compartment for a removable vehicle roof with a storage compartment cover which is movable between a closed position and a clearing position, and wherein the storage compartment cover includes a center part and two side parts with an operating mechanism for the center part and actuating mechanisms for the side parts, the center part and the side parts are supported on the vehicle body in a common plane when the storage compartment is closed but are movable to a clearing position for the movement of the roof into, and out of, the storage compartment, the side part actuating mechanisms being inter-linked with the center part operating mechanism for moving the side parts together with the center part.

Abstract: A retractable hard top for convertibles, in particular for four-seated convertibles, includes, sequentially, a first, front section, a second section, a third section and a fourth, rear section. Each section has a front, first edge portion and a rear, second edge portion The first and the second sections substantially form the roof ceiling in the closed position of the hard top, while the third section forms the C-pillar and is open rearwardly, and the fourth section includes the backlite and closes the opening in the third section. The sections are pivotally connected by a linkage which compactly folds the top for storage in a storage compartment. All four sections are inverted and nest within one another, with their respective first edge portions being positioned in the longitudinal vehicle direction behind the second edge portions.

Abstract: A convertible top has according to the invention a flexible textile cover formed of a generally horizontal top panel extending generally rearward from a front edge, a rear panel extending downward from and joined at a rear seam to the front panel, and a pair of generally vertical side panels unitarily formed with the rear panel, extending forward therefrom, and joined at respective side seams to the top panel. The side seams are generally horizontal. In addition the rear seam is generally horizontal and the side seams form end continuations of the rear seam.

Abstract: In a vehicle roof support and operating arrangement by which a vehicle roof top can be moved between closed and open positions while supported on a component carrier which also supports a roof top operating mechanism and which is connected to the vehicle body, the component carrier includes a front transverse frame member, a rear transverse frame member and two side frame members extending between, and interconnecting, the front and rear transverse frame members so as to form a closed rigid support frame reinforcing the vehicle body.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a car body having a rear vehicle area with a trunk. The rear vehicle area has a roof compartment having a lid. The roof is stowable under the lid in the roof compartment. The lid of the roof compartment is movable for releasing a passageway for stowing the roof and for releasing a loading opening for the trunk. The lid of the roof compartment is of a multi-part configuration and has at least one joint between parts of the lid, wherein the at least one joint extends transversely to a travel direction of the convertible vehicle. For releasing the passageway for the roof, the parts are pivotable relative to one another in a pivot direction. At least one drive-effecting member acts on the parts in the pivot direction.

Abstract: A convertible roof for an automotive vehicle is provided. In one aspect of the present invention, a convertible roof includes first, second and third roof sections. At least one of the roof sections rotates over one hundred and eighty degrees when moving from a raised position to a stowed position. Another aspect of the present invention employs a balance link interconnecting the second roof section and the vehicle. Another aspect of the present invention provides that a substantial portion of one of the roof sections is positioned below a top of a vehicle wheel well.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a folding roof which can be opened and lowered into a rear storage space. Partitioning of the rear storage space into a folding-top space and a residual luggage space is provided by a separating arrangement which includes a dimensionally stable covering element that can be shifted vertically from a use position into a non-use position when the folding top is stored. The covering element extends over a rear sub-length of the separating arrangement and can be displaced forwards into the non-use position shortening the length of the separating arrangement.

Abstract: A motor vehicle having a front roof region which has a roof opening which may be closed by a sliding convertible top, having a rear roof region which includes roof columns connected to one another via a body crossmember, and having sliding guidance of the sliding convertible top along lateral guides of the front and rear roof regions, the sliding convertible top being guided roughly horizontally rearwardly in the front roof region and so as to be lowered downwardly into a stowage position in the rear roof region by the guides. The guides in the rear roof region are arranged on a side of the roof columns which faces the interior space of the motor vehicle, the sliding convertible top being guided in front of the body crossmember of the rear roof region between the roof columns.

Abstract: A folding convertible top (1) of a motor vehicle with a convertible top frame (3) which has a front, a middle and a rear frame part (4, 5, 6) at each lateral side of the roof. The middle frame part (5) is displaceably supported via a main bearing means (6, 16) on the body and the front frame part (4) is displaceable relative to the middle frame part (5) via a connecting rod means (20, 23), the middle frame part (5) having a seal bearer (12) which is hinged on the middle frame part (5). When the folding convertible top (1) is lowered, the front end (36) of the seal bearer is swung outward in a transverse direction.

Abstract: With a cover device for a folding top compartment of a vehicle with a lowerable roof structure, in particular for a hardtop vehicle, it is possible to pivot the roof structure into the folding top compartment arranged behind a frontregion in a back part of the vehicle bodywork. The compartment can be closed with a folding top compartment lid which can be folded up towards the rear. A cover unit with two lateral cover parts can close a free space which is formed between the closed folding top compartment lid and the rear region. In order to simplify actuation of the individual cover parts, the lateral cover parts are pivotably mounted on the folding top compartment lid in such a way that, in an active position, the lateral cover parts adjoin the front edge region of the folding top compartment lid and, in a passive position, they bear against the underside of the folding top compartment lid.

Abstract: For a cabriolet vehicle with a convertible top hatch which can be moved between a cover position and an open position for selectively covering and opening a convertible top compartment and with a roll bar which can be moved between a lowered position and a protective position and which can be coupled to the convertible top hatch for joint movement, a convertible top hatch transmission part is provided which transfers the driving force to the convertible top hatch which can be disengageably coupled to a roll bar movement part that produces movement apparatus of the roll bar so that roll bar is movement can be produced, simultaneously with motion of the convertible top hatch, that is in a different direction from that of the convertible top hatch during at least one segment of the motion of the convertible top hatch.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle with a retractable top has a switch for operating the retractable top and windows, both, at the same time. The switch has circuitry for electrically coupling the switch with a power source, at least one vehicle window and the retractable top. The switch has a neutral position and first, second and third positions. When the switch is in its first position, the top moves from a first or cover position to a second retractable position. When the switch is in its second position, if necessary, the top continues to move to its lowered position while the at least one window is moved from a first or up position to a second or lowered position. In the third position, the switch moves the top from the second or lowered position to the first or cover position.

Abstract: In a convertible vehicle roof, which is movable between closed and open positions, and which includes front and rear roof parts which are joined by a kinematic linkage arrangement by which the roof parts, which, in a closed position, are disposed closely adjacent each other, are, upon opening of the roof, first linearly moved apart before the front roof part is pivoted below the rear roof part for placement in a storage compartment.

Abstract: A folding convertible top (1) of a motor vehicle with a convertible top frame (3) which has a front, a middle and a rear frame part (4, 5, 6) at each lateral side of the roof. The middle frame part (5) is displaceably supported via a main bearing means (6, 16) on the body and the front frame part (4) is displaceable relative to the middle frame part (5) via a connecting rod means (20, 23), the middle frame part (5) having a seal bearer (12) which is hinged on the middle frame part (5). When the folding convertible top (1) is lowered, the front end (36) of the seal bearer is swung outward in a transverse direction.

Abstract: The invention concerns a folding roof comprising a front element and a rear element, the two elements capable of being stored in the vehicle boot, and locks for locking together the front edge of the front element to the front element of the vehicle body and the rear edge of the front element to the front edge of the rear elemen. The locks are actuated by rotating rods connected to a motor. The rotating rods and the locks are arranged such that the rotation of the motor causes the control rods to rotate simultaneously and the locks to be engaged when the roof covers the vehicle.

Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle for use by disabled persons to perform certain tasks such as playing golf is described. The mobility vehicle which in one embodiment comprises a golf cart includes a seat assembly that can be (i) swiveled to permit the rider to face sideways of rearwardly and (ii) tilted to move the rider into a pseudo-standing stance. Accordingly, the rider can address and hit a golf ball in a similar manner as a person who is not disable while being supported by the vehicle's seat. In the preferred embodiment, a canopy is provided that automatically retracts as the seat is tilted.

Abstract: An actuating system, comprising a base part and a moving part, which can be moved by a compressively preloaded piston/cylinder assembly that comprises a cylinder and a piston rod, wherein a piston on the piston rod divides the cylinder into two working chambers, wherein the base part has an externally powered drive device that stands in operative connection with the moving part and functions in opposition to the operating force of the piston/cylinder assembly, wherein a control system monitors the motion of the moving system and detects an obstacle when a parameter representing the motion deviates from a stored parameter by a threshold limit, wherein the actuating system in the unpowered state holds the moving part with the aid of a locking device, wherein the locking device is formed by a flow connection between the working chambers of the piston/cylinder assembly and a pilot valve for controllably blocking fluid flow through the flow connection.

Abstract: A storage structure for convertible hardtop for effectively using a stored roof while no excessively large rear trunk is necessary. The storage structure is provided for storing a roof and a rear pillar of a convertible hardtop vehicle which has plural row forward-facing seats, in which the roof is substantially horizontally stored from the back side of a backrest of the most front seat in a manner such that the roof bestrides a parting line between the rear pillar and a trunk lid of the vehicle, and the rear pillar is stored under the roof.

Abstract: A roof construction for a vehicle that uncovers a roof space above a passenger compartment of a vehicle body and covers the roof space, partly or fully, comprises a roof assembly, e.g. front, intermediate and rear roof panels, that is movable relatively to the vehicle body in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body so as to selectively shift between three positions, namely a closed position where the roof space is fully closed, a partly open position where the roof space is partly open and a fully open position where the roof space is fully open and a prop link mechanism operative to shift the roof assembly into a selected one of the three positions and to fixedly support the roof assembly in the selected position. During shifting the roof assembly into a selected position, the front and intermediate roof panels are superposed and held horizontally in position.

Abstract: A convertible top for a vehicle, especially a motor vehicle, has a convertible top frame assembly pivotably mounted on convertible top bearings located on the body. A working cylinder composed of a cylinder and a piston rod is mounted on the top frame assembly adjacent to at least one top bearing to open and close the convertible top. Both ends of the piston rod of the working cylinder are permanently mounted on the top bearing and the cylinder and movably mounted on the piston rod, is operationally linked with a drive lever that opens and closes the folding top, oil is supplied under pressure to the working cylinder through bores in the stationary piston rod.

Abstract: A top for a convertible vehicle, including a roof frame extending from a rear region of the convertible vehicle as far as a windshield arranged between A-pillars of the convertible vehicle in a closed state of the top. The roof frame includes at least one rear frame piece, a central frame piece connected in an articulated manner to the rear frame piece, and a front frame piece. The top also includes a front element and a cover of the top fixed to the front element. The front frame piece is connected in an articulated manner directly to the central frame piece, and the front element is connected pivotably with respect to the front frame piece to the front frame piece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a main bearing unit for a convertible folding top, comprising a bearing plate, at least one kinematic pivot point of a folding-top linkage of the convertible folding top, which kinematic pivot point is mounted pivotably in the bearing plate, a linear force-introducing unit, a pin which is assigned to the folding-top linkage, wherein the linear force-introducing unit, in order to actuate the folding-top linkage, is in driving connection with the pin assigned to the folding-top linkage, and a hole in the bearing plate, wherein the force-introducing unit is held in the hole in the bearing plate and is integrated in the bearing plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a folding roof for a convertible with a canvas top which is held by the frame of the top, which frame has side roof rods, a main bow and a top mechanism supported on the body for opening and closing the folding roof, which contains one side main column which on the one hand is pivotally mounted on the body and on the other in a pivot joint on the roof rod and is adjoined by the canvas folding roof tensioned when the top is closed, the main bow (9) forming a roof cassette (10) which is permanently connected to the roof rod (8) and an additional rod (14; 14′) being movably arranged in the area of the main column (3) and being kinematically coupled to a component (10; 4), especially a folding roof frame part or a body-mounted part, to which the additional rod (14; 14′) executes relative motion when the main column (3) executes a pivoting motion, and the canvas top (26) adjoining or being attached to the additional rod (14; 14′) and the additional rod (14; 14′) exe

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a folding roof which can be opened and lowered into a rear storage space. Partitioning of the rear storage space into a folding-top space and a residual luggage space is provided by a separating arrangement which includes a dimensionally stable covering element that can be shifted vertically from a use position into a non-use position when the folding top is stored. The covering element extends over a rear sub-length of the separating arrangement and can be displaced forwards into the non-use position shortening the length of the separating arrangement.

Abstract: In a hard top vehicle roof which is movable between a closed position, in which it covers the interior of a vehicle, and a storage position, in which it is contained in a vehicle storage space, the vehicle roof includes a rear roof part, which is pivotally mounted on the vehicle body and a front roof part, which is mounted on the rear roof part so as to be movable below and in parallel relationship to the rear roof part for movement therewith into the storage space.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuating device for a vehicle cover and an associated lock for locking the cover in the closed position. The actuating device has a cover actuator and a lock actuator which each are provided with a first and a second connection, which are respectively in communication with an associated first and second opening adjoining the actuator space.

Abstract: A convertible top for a vehicle includes right and left linkages for extension and retraction, a plurality of transverse bows and a cover supported by the bows and the right and left linkages. Each linkage includes a rear four bar linkage mounted to the vehicle and connected to a center rail, and a forward four bar linkage supporting a front rail and connected to the center rail. A pushing link interconnects the rear and forward linkages so that the front rail is inverted to a position adjacent the center rail, and the center rail is shifted rearward as the rear four bar linkage contracts. The pushing link is disposed so that it does not exceed the height of the center rail.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle, especially a limousine or a coupe, with a motor vehicle roof (4) with body-mounted lengthwise roof beams (5), with a roof opening (8) in the motor vehicle roof (4), with a movable cover (9) for selectively closing or at least partially clearing the roof opening (8), and with a rear window (11) which adjoins the motor vehicle roof (4), and a trunk lid (2), and the cover (9) and rear window (11) can be moved by guide means into the open position in which they are located on top of one another on the trunk lid (2).

Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a folding top frame (3) with a rear folding top clamping collar (4; 4′; 4″), which is constructed in mirror image fashion to the longitudinal median plane (2) of the vehicle. By being shifted about a main bearing (5) attached to the car body, a folding top (7) can be stowed in or returned from a rear folding top compartment (8). The flexible roof skin (6) has in the rear region particularly a dimensionally stable rear window (9) with an essentially rectangular circumferential contour, which extends above the folding top clamping collar (4; 4′; 4″). Only in the region of the upper transverse side edge (10) as well as of its two longitudinal side edges (11, 12) is the dimensionally stable rear window (9) provided with a connection taking hold of the flexible roof skin (6).

Abstract: In a convertible vehicle roof, which is movable between closed and open positions, and which includes front and rear roof parts which are joined by a kinematic linkage arrangement by which the roof parts, which, in a closed position, are disposed closely adjacent each other, are, upon opening of the roof, first linearly moved apart before the front roof part is pivoted below the rear roof part for placement in a storage compartment.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for a motor vehicle roof with a movable roof part (14) which is connected to a carrier element (11, 111, 225) which can be displaced by a drive element (5, 19, 220) along a given path of motion (8, 219), the drive element (5, 19, 220) engaging a intermediate pivot lever (12, 112, 221) which applies the drive force applied by the drive element (5, 19, 220) via a driver (6, 244) to the carrier element (11, 111, 225) depending on the pivot position of the intermediate lever (12, 112, 221), and the drive arrangement is constructed such that the pivot position of the intermediate lever (12, 112, 221) is determined by the position of the carrier element (11, 111, 225) along the path of motion (8, 219).

Abstract: A vehicle roof has a convertible top which can be adjusted between a closed position and an open position. The top spans the vehicle interior in the closed position and is deposited in a convertible top depositing device in the open position. Furthermore, a rollover bar is coupled with the convertible top depositing device. For a facilitated assembly and function testing, the rollover bar forms a cohesive, firmly connected unit with the convertible top depositing device and the convertible top. The unit can be integrated in the vehicle as a preassembled module.

Abstract: A profiled seal for sealing between a vertically sliding window pane and a roof frame of a convertible automobile comprises a length of profiled elastomer which is co- extruded with a metal reinforcement. The profiled seal has a three-dimensional shape and can be fixed to connection parts of the roof frame. A holding section having a U-shaped cross-section is part of the length of profiled elastomer and contains the embedded reinforcement which is likewise U-shaped in cross-section. A sealing section is formed laterally as one on a first limb of the holding section which can be placed in a self-clamping and sealing manner on an attachment flange. A foot formed as one on the first limb comprises on a first longitudinal edge adjacent to a free longitudinal edge of the first limb a longitudinal groove into which a dimensionally stable edge flange of a roof of the convertible engages.

Abstract: A drive assembly for driving a moveable component of a vehicle in which the component can adopt one or more positions in which the component prevents access to the vehicle or a part of the vehicle. The drive assembly has an actuator which is coupled to the component and provides the force for moving the component, and a control unit for actuating the actuator. In an emergency operating mode, the actuator can move freely in at least one direction, in such a manner that the actuator allows movement of the component caused by an external force being exerted on the component other than by means of the actuator, preferably by hand. The drive assembly is also provided with a theft detection unit for detecting theft or attempted theft of the vehicle or of goods which are present in the vehicle. The theft detection unit is coupled to the control unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an unlocking device for a vehicle convertible top, comprising a handle for actuating the unlocking device, and at least one locking hook which locks the vehicle convertible top and is operatively connected to the handle by means of an actuating arrangement, a signal generator being provided which detects the position of the handle and which generates a signal when the handle is shifted by a predetermined extent, and the signal causing a catch to be released, preventing further shifting of the handle beyond the predetermined extent.

Abstract: A process for controlling movement of a roof of a vehicle, which is to be opened in a power-operated manner, by means of an operating device. The process for controlling movement of the roof of a vehicle to be opened, which requires only a simplified controlling device, the operating device direction of the roof is selected as a function of the position of the roof.

Abstract: A convertible top for a vehicle includes right and left linkages for extension and retraction, a plurality of transverse bows and a cover supported by the bows and the right and left linkages. Each linkage includes a rear four bar linkage mounted to the vehicle and connected to a center rail, and a forward four bar linkage supporting a front rail and connected to the center rail. A pushing link interconnects the rear and forward linkages so that the front rail is inverted to a position adjacent the center rail, and the center rail is shifted rearward as the rear four bar linkage contracts. The pushing link is disposed so that it does not exceed the height of the center rail.