Abstract: A drive device for a swivelling component that is pivotally mounted, for example, on a motor vehicle. The swivelling component is connected to a drive via a coupler which can be swivelled by the drive. The coupler having a connector which is connected via a connecting rod to the swivelling component. The connector can be driven by the drive and is movably supported along a guideway. To achieve uniform transfer of motion the guideway is a curved guide rail that is circular with the center of the circle lying on the axis of rotation of the swivelling component or is a three-dimensional curve.

Abstract: A retractable hard top for a vehicle including a linkage and a top guide track for moving the hard top from a top up position to a stowed position. As the retractable hard top is moved between the top up and stowed positions the trunk is raised by the trunk linkage. A tonneau is provided to cover the retractable hard top storage area in both the top up and stowed position. Rear quarter windows are shifted from a top up position in which they function as windows to a stowed position in which the windows are rotated to a stowed position. The retractable hard top, trunk lid, rear quarter window, tonneau, and roll bar may be assembled as a single unitary module including the linkages that coordinate operation of the retractable hard top, trunk lid, rear quarter window, and tonneau.

Abstract: A covering arrangement such as a soft top for a motor vehicle comprises a surface element such as a soft top element connected to another structural element which is in the form of a second surface element, or a roof channel or gutter, or a window pane member, or a frame linkage assembly member. The first-mentioned surface element and the other structural element are connected together by a strip-shaped PUR-casting resin bead element.

Abstract: A vehicle top system comprising a soft top composed of a mesh material to thereby block out a portion of sunlight but allow the passage of a portion of air therethrough. The soft top may include a top section to cover at least the driver and front passenger portion of a vehicle (such as a JEEP® brand vehicle). The top section may have a front edge and side edges. The soft top may include laterally spaced apart side sections each having a vertical edge and a horizontal edge; and a rear section to cover the rear portion of a vehicle and having an edge. A tubular seam extends around at least the horizontal edge of each of the side sections and the rear section edge; at least one tube may be positioned within said tubular seam. The at least one tube may be secured to a vehicle. A plurality of fasteners may be affixed to the at least one tube. A reinforcing belt and an extrusion member may be secured along the top section front edge for attachment to a vehicle windshield flange.

Abstract: An actuation arrangement for hinged components of vehicle tops, particularly convertible top hoops or covers for convertible tops, whereby the hinged components are pivotably mounted on the vehicle on at least one main bearing and whereby the actuation arrangement has at least one direct or indirect rotary drive engaging thereon with an indirectly or directly driven rotary shaft. The rotary shaft (W) of the rotary drive (D) is structurally integrated into the main bearing (H) of the hinged component (S, K) of the vehicle top system whereby the main bearing (H) is provided with a receiving or bearing structure (2) for the rotary shaft (W) of the rotary drive (D) to create a simple construction, which produces a constant moment while requiring a small mounting space and having a low weight and which is possibly suited for any swing angle in principle.

Abstract: An adjustable vehicle roof having a folding top which can be adjusted between a closed position and a deposited position, and a folding top linkage and a folding top covering material. A material holding bow is connected with the folding top linkage and, in the closed position of the folding top, rests on a rearward, vehicle-body-side component apply tension to the folding top covering material. In order to close off the folding top in a windtight and watertight manner in the closed position while the vehicle body can be freely designed, a tensioning hoop is provided which acts upon the material holding bow in the closed position and which is supported on the folding top linkage.

Abstract: The invention concerns a folding top mechanism (1) for a convertible, a rollover protection system and a convertible. The top mechanism (1) is combined with a rollover bar (25) providing rollover protection, said rollover bar being pivotally connected to the top mechanism (1) so that it turns in synchronism with it, and that the rollover bar (25) forms a frame to which a rear window (4) is connected.

Abstract: A folding hard top (3) for a convertible, in which the rear end (10) of the forward top panel (6) has a first cut-out (14) extending in the widthwise direction of the vehicle across a substantial part of the width of the forward top panel. The front edge (15) of the first cut-out is located in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle at a first distance (1) from a first hinge axis (12) forward of said axis. The rearward top panel (7) comprises a second cut-out (16) formed in its front end (11) and extending in the widthwise direction of the vehicle through a substantial part of the width of the rearward top panel. The rear edge (17) of the second cut-out is located in the longitudinal direction at a second distance (L) from the first hinge axis (12) rearward of said axis. A middle top panel (8) is hinged on the rearward top panel (7) near the rear edge (17) of the second cut-out (16) so as to allow it to turn about a horizontal second hinge axis (18).

Abstract: A covering arrangement such as a soft top for a motor vehicle comprises a surface element such as a soft top element connected to another structural element which is in the form of a second surface element, or a roof channel or gutter, or a window pane member, or a frame linkage assembly member. The first-mentioned surface element and the other structural element are connected together by means of a strip-shaped PUR-casting resin bead element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a folding roof arrangement for a convertible type motor vehicle comprising a folding covering having a front section, a front crossmember, the front end section being fastened to the front crossmember, a plurality of lateral roof links defining part of a folding-top kinematic arrangement, wherein the front crossmember is shiftable in an infinite variable manner relative to the lateral roof links between a closed position and a half open position of the folding arrangement, the lateral roof links being in the same configuration in said closed position and in said half open position of the folding arrangement, and wherein in an open position of the folding roof arrangement, the front crossmember, the plurality of roof links and the folding covering are deposited one above another in a folding-top compartment so that at least two of the plurality of roof links define an essentially V-shaped folded arrangement.

Abstract: A retractable top for a Jeep® CJ-7® or Wrangler® or other vehicle with an open passenger compartment and an open rear compartment. The top attaches to the floor of the open rear compartment. A number of expanding linkage arms allow the cover to be deployed forwardly over both the rear compartment and the passenger compartment. Windscreen brackets fasten the cover to the vehicle's windscreen.

Abstract: A motor-vehicle convertible top has a foldable and waterproof cover having an inner face, a framework having a plurality of rigid struts juxtaposed with the inner face and having ends at edges of the cover, reinforcing belts having outer faces provided at the strut ends with a directly bonded cushion layer engaging the cover inner face, and connecting elements securing the struts to the cover. The cushion layer is a foamed plastic bonded directly to the belt outer face. A foam-plastic insulating layer unitarily bonded to the inner face has a reduced thickness at the strut ends. A roof liner is bonded to mounting strips, which are therein attached to the struts.

Abstract: An adjustable vehicle roof has an adjustable folding top between a closed position and a folded position with a convertible top rod assembly and a top cover material. At least one rod component of the convertible top rod assembly is lowerable into a stowing compartment in the folded position via an adjustment kinematic. In a space conserving embodiment, this rod component is moved along the path of a pitch circle during transport into the stowing compartment.

Abstract: A protective cover assembly for use as a convertible top is provided. The protective cover assembly includes a flexible cover and an alarm assembly. The flexible cover includes an outer layer of flexible material, an inner layer of flexible material, and at least one layer of tear resistant material interposed between the outer and inner layers. The alarm assembly includes a pair of conductor plates interposed between the outer layer of flexible material and the inner layer of flexible material, a power source, and an alarm system electrically connected to the power source and at least one of the first and second conductor plates such that upon an electrical conducting implement piercing the first conductor plate and contacting the second conductor plate an electrical connection is established between the first conductor plate and the second conductor plate thereby causing the alarm system to emit an alerting signal.

Abstract: A retractable hard top for a vehicle including a linkage and a top guide track for moving the hard top from a top up position to a stowed position. As the retractable hard top is moved between the top up and stowed positions the trunk is raised by the trunk linkage. A tonneau is provided to cover the retractable hard top storage area in both the top up and stowed position. Rear quarter windows are shifted from a top up position in which they function as windows to a stowed position in which the windows are rotated to a stowed position. The retractable hard top, trunk lid, rear quarter window, tonneau, and roll bar may be assembled as a single unitary module including the linkages that coordinate operation of the retractable hard top, trunk lid, rear quarter window, and tonneau.

Abstract: Folding top for a motor vehicle with a folding top frame, which exhibits on the side a front, center and rear frame part, of which the center frame part can be adjusted by a four-membered joint, where a lever is formed by the rear frame part. The front frame part can be adjusted with respect to the center frame part by three guides, of which in a swivel joint the first and second guides can be swivelled in succession around a motor vehicle cross axis and are hinged to the front frame part. On the other hand, the first guide is hinged to the center frame part. The third guide can be swivelled around a motor vehicle cross axis in a swivel joint and is hinged to the rear frame part and, on the other hand, is hinged to the first guide. The second guide can be swivelled around a motor vehicle cross axis in a swivel joint and is hinged to the third guide.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for a folding top (1) of a convertible has an electric motor (10) with a rotational speed that can be regulated for driving a hydraulic gear mechanism (11). A control unit (7) for actuating the electric motor (10) has a memory (18) for rotational speeds intended according to the positions of the folding top (1). As a result, the rotational speeds are stored as software that is easy to change.

Abstract: A folding top for a convertible has a lateral folding linkage with linkage legs lying opposite to one another in pairs, symmetrically to the longitudinal center plane of the vehicle. The parallelogram links of the linkage legs form a front and a rear four-bar chain, which is supported in the region of a common connecting leg with at least three hinge points. In the case of the inventive folding top, the connector between the two four-bar chains is constructed as a cantilever girder supporting a rear guiding leg of the front four-bar chain as well as a front main guide bar of the rear four-bar chain with a height distance in in each case one of its hinge points and the front four-bar chain with the front link forming the third hinge point is assigned to this cantilever girder.

Abstract: A drive assembly for driving a moveable component of a vehicle.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuating system for movable parts, particularly for hinged covers on vehicles, includes at least one or more working cylinders with a piston equipped with sealing means pressing against the cylinder wall. A control unit is connected with one or all cylinders, and a pressure sensor connected to a control unit. Devices on the cylinder and piston are designed to cause pressure modulation in the cylinder and a common hydraulic circuit. The outgoing signals from the pressure sensor, are changed corresponding to the pressure modulations and are transmitted to the control unit to be used for position control and/or identification of one or all cylinders by the control unit.

Abstract: An actuation arrangement for hinged components on vehicles such as rear covers, trunk lids, covers for convertible tops or convertible top components themselves, having at least one fluid drive engaging the hinged component directly or indirectly, the fluid drive of the arrangement driving a rotary shaft (W) to realize a constant moment at a small mounting space as wells as a suitable configuration for principally any rotation angle. The rotary shaft, which lies in the swiveling axis (A) of the hinged component (V), is non-rotatably connected to the hinged component (V), possibly via an interconnected lever (H).

Abstract: A covering arrangement such as a soft top for a motor vehicle comprises a surface element such as a soft top element connected to another structural element which is in the form of a second surface element, or a roof channel or gutter, or a window pane member, or a frame linkage assembly member. The first-mentioned surface element and the other structural element are connected together by a strip-shaped PUR-casting resin bead element.

Abstract: An automobile including an occupant seat section C and a loading platform section T adjoining a rear side of the occupant seat section is provided with a movable roof R which is selectively movable between a closed position Rs which closes a top opening O in the occupant seat section C, and an opened position Ro which opens the top opening O. The movable roof R covers at least a portion of the loading platform section when the movable roof is in the opened position Ro. Thus, in a state in which the movable roof R has been retained in the opened position to open the top opening O in the occupant seat section C, at least a part of loads within the loading platform section T can be covered with the roof R and hence, it is possible to effectively prevent such loads from being exposed to direct sunlight and from flying out of the loading platform section.

Abstract: A retractable hard top for a vehicle including a linkage and a top guide track for moving the hard top from a top up position to a stowed position. As the retractable hard top is moved between the top up and stowed positions the trunk is raised by the trunk linkage. A tonneau is provided to cover the retractable hard top storage area in both the top up and stowed position. Rear quarter windows are shifted from a top up position in which they function as windows to a stowed position in which the windows are rotated to a stowed position. The retractable hard top, trunk lid, rear quarter window, tonneau, and roll bar may be assembled as a single unitary module including the linkages that coordinate operation of the retractable hard top, trunk lid, rear quarter window, and tonneau.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for monitoring and controlling the operation of a motorized convertible top such that it may be extended and retracted automatically. The system and method of the present invention monitors the movement of the various components to provide fluid, simultaneous motion. It further detects and corrects improper alignments that may result in damage to the top due to overlapping elements or binding elements, and stores error information useful in diagnosing and repairing unrecoverable errors.

Abstract: A folding top for a motor vehicle, which can be adjusted between a closed position and a deposited position, has a folding top linkage and a folding top covering held on the folding top linkage. The folding top linkage comprises a plurality of adjustable side bows and at least one roof bow extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In order to improve the design possibilities for the depositing space of a folding top, it is provided that the length of the roof bow is variably adjustable as a function of the position of the folding top.

Abstract: Conversion of a hard top or half-hard top auto to an open-top auto is accomplished with a frame assembly and optional hatchback cap of the invention. The frame assembly is permanently mounted to the auto. It comprises a set of mounting plates for attachment to inside sidewalls of the auto, a stabilizer bar secured to the mounting plates and extending laterally across the auto, a set of main frame rails pivotally attached to the mounting plates and extending generally vertically, a pivot bar attached to the main frame rails and extending laterally across the auto, a set of secondary rail extensions with each pivotally attached to the pivot bar and a secondary cross rail secured to the secondary rail extensions and extending laterally across the auto. The frame assembly is collapsible about the pivot points into a seating area of the auto to give an open-top auto. The stabilizer bar helps to hold the hatchback cap in position.

Abstract: A folding top for a convertible has a folding top linkage and a folding top covering carried by the folding top linkage. The folding top covering comprises at least one folding top material segment. For reducing or saving the connecting seams and the sealing measures, at least one folding top material segment is shaped by thermal deformation to a three-dimensional shape adapted to the contour of the folding top.

Abstract: A covering arrangement such as a soft top for a motor vehicle comprises a surface element such as a soft top element connected to another structural element which is in the form of a second surface element, or a roof channel or gutter, or a window pane member, or a frame linkage assembly member. The first-mentioned surface element and the other structural element are connected together by means of a strip-shaped PUR-casting resin bead element.