Abstract: A system for suspending a rigid panel in an opening formed in a barrier structure. The system comprises a sleeve of flexible material having an anchor portion attachable to the perimeter of the opening and a grip portion opposite the anchor portion. The grip portion is contoured so as to form a channel disposed between an anterior extension and a posterior extension of the grip portion. Each of the anterior extension and the posterior extension comprises a fold of the flexible material having an apex at its inner end. A first elongated tensioning member is received within the apex of the anterior extension and a second elongated tensioning member is received within the apex of the posterior extension. The edges of the panel are received within the channel and the first and second elongated tensioners may be made sufficiently taut to prevent easy removal of the panel from the channel. Another aspect includes a method of suspending a rigid panel in a barrier structure by employing the suspension system.

Abstract: The present invention is a window system for convertible motor vehicles that incorporates the use of woven fabric made from vinyl coated polyester yarn in such a way that it (1) reduces the “greenhouse effect” that occurs when the soft-covering system is on the vehicle, whether the window is open or not, (2) reduces the harmful unwanted effects the sun can have on the driver, the passengers and the interior of the passenger compartment, (3) reduces the airflow that occurs when the vehicle is driven with one or more flexible windows down, (4) makes it more difficult for a passerby to see into the passenger compartment, while still allowing an occupant to see the outside from inside the passenger compartment and (5) protects the flexible window from being scratched or otherwise damaged.

Abstract: An open air system for an automotive vehicle includes a roof panel, which can be retracted to a stowed position below a storage compartment cover. In another aspect of the present invention, two or more generally rigid roof panels are movable from above a passenger compartment to below a generally horizontal plane. A further aspect of the present invention provides a back window, which can be raised and lowered.

Abstract: A top for a convertible vehicle having a vehicle body. The top includes a roof part held movably on the vehicle body and moveable from a closed state to an open state, a rear window element having a side, and a pillar element disposed on the roof part and disposed at the side of the rear window element in the closed state of the roof part. The pillar element is inwardly pivotable relative to the roof part toward a center of the vehicle.

Abstract: A backlite retention system for a motor vehicle convertible roof includes a roof canopy defining an opening therein, an outer ring disposed along an edge of the opening and adjacent an outer side of the canopy, and a transparent backlite adhesively bonded to an outer surface of the outer ring. In addition, a method for attaching a backlite to a roof canopy of a convertible motor vehicle includes fastening an outer ring to the roof canopy adjacent an outer side of the canopy along an opening in the canopy, and adhesively bonding a backlite to an outer surface of the outer member.

Abstract: A folding top for a convertible vehicle includes a rear shell component, at least one front shell component, and a central shell component. The at least one front shell component, the central shell component and the rear shell component are able to be arranged as a top over an interior of the convertible vehicle in a closed condition. The at least one front shell component and the central shell component are able to be deposited in a rear area of the convertible vehicle using a first positive control mechanism. The rear shell component can be deposited in the rear area of the convertible vehicle using a second positive control mechanism. The rear shell component is mounted on a rear element that at least partially covers the rear area of the convertible vehicle. In an open condition of the top, the rear element at least partially covers the rear shell component.

Abstract: Convertible vehicles (1) may include a vehicle body (6) defining a window shoulder line (5) along its upper edge. A foldable roof (2) preferably includes a rear window (4) disposed within a rear roof portion (3) and the foldable roof can be stored substantially completely within the vehicle body and below the window shoulder line. First and second tensioning bow portions (16a) extend substantially laterally with respect to the rear window and substantially in parallel with a central longitudinal axis of the vehicle. A first end of each tensioning bow portion may be pivotably coupled to the vehicle body and a second end of each tensioning bow portion may be pivotably coupled to the rear window. A gap or space is preferably between the tensioning bow portions proximal to the window shoulder line. At least a portion of the rear window optionally may extend within the gap or space when the roof is disposed in the roof closed position.

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 retractable hardtop system with a rigid front panel and a rear portion including a pair of C-pillars and a central window panel therebetween has the window panel hingedly linked to the C-pillars and the C-pillars hingedly linked to both the vehicle body and the front panel. In a retracted position, a portion of the central window panel is articulated to an elevated position with respect to the C-pillars in order to increase usable space below the retracted system.

Abstract: In a hard top vehicle roof comprising front and rear roof parts movable by an operating mechanism between a closed position, in which the roof parts cover an interior vehicle space, and an open position, in which they are deposited in a rear vehicle storage compartment, the rear roof part includes a window supported on the rear roof part by a four link mechanism having two window links pivotally connected with one of their ends to the rear roof part and with their opposite ends to the rear window, and a control lever connected to the front roof part for controlling the movement of the rear window relative to the rear roof part during movement of the roof parts between the closed and the open positions.

Abstract: A vehicle soft top with a main body and removable panels. Each panel is at least partially received in a conforming cutout section in the main body and has a plurality of sides with the upper side preferably secured to the upper side of the cutout section by a pair of interconnecting, sliding members. The interconnecting members have mating hook portions that can be aligned with one another and slid axially relative to each other to hold the upper sides of the panel and main body together. A zipper is preferably used to secure second sides of the panel and cutout section together and the remaining sides are preferably secured together with either belt and channel arrangements or additional zippers.

Abstract: A cover for a foldable convertible top has a highly stretchable outer foil having an inner face, and a foam-plastic core layer bonded over the entire bonding-foil inner face and itself having an inner face. The outer foil can be a one-piece slush-molded foil or it can be highly stretchable and a thin thermoplastic bonding foil can be provided between the outer foil and the core layer.

Abstract: A convertible has an at least partially flexible top stowable in the rear of the convertible. The top has a mechanical support and a flexible top part stretched across the mechanical support. The mechanical support is configured to shorten the flexible top part in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the convertible when opening the top.

Abstract: A backlite control system is provided for an automotive vehicle having a convertible roof. In another aspect of the present invention, a backlite control link uses a living hinge to aid in controlling the travel of the backlite during expansion and retraction of the convertible roof. A further aspect of the present invention employs a backlite control link directly connected to the number four roof bow of the convertible roof assembly.

Abstract: The invention concerns a roof retractable into the rear deck (5) of a vehicle. The retractable roof includes a front roof element (3) and a rear roof element (1) linked together by an intermediate element (2). Displacement of the elements (1, 2, 3) is controlled by a first mechanism for controlling and guiding the displacement of the rear element (1) towards a stowed position wherein the element (1) extends substantially horizontally to the upper part of the rear deck (5); the first mechanism co-operating with a second mechanism for controlling the lifting of the intermediate element (2) relative to the rear element (1), then for superposing the intermediate element (2) above the rear element in the rear deck (5); the second mechanism co-operating with a third mechanism for controlling the pivoting downwards of the front element (3) during its movement towards the rear deck (6) up to a position wherein the element extends substantially vertically to the front of the rear deck (5).

Abstract: A device (6) for producing a folding top (2) of a convertible, which comprises a frame region (4) for gripping a windowpane (3), especially a rear window, at least partially, a part (5) of the folding top (2), including the frame region (4) being holdable and connectable with the windowpane (3), wherein the device (6) comprises a fixing device (8) for holding the windowpane (3) in an accurately fitting manner with respect to the frame region (4).

Abstract: A top for a convertible vehicle includes a lateral roof frame having at least one front roof frame (1) and one rear roof frame part (2), a front bow (3) held in a longitudinally displaceable manner on the front roof frame part (1), a bow element (3) held on the front roof frame part (1), and a front frame (8) of the convertible vehicle, to which the front roof frame part (1) can be releasably locked. A movement of the front bow (3) from a first opening position into a second opening position and unlocking of the front roof frame part (1) from the front frame (8) are coupled by a positive control.

Abstract: Foldable tops (1) suitable for convertible vehicles may include a rear window (3) supported within a roof covering (2). A tensioning bow (5) imparts a tension across a rear portion of the roof covering when the foldable top is disposed in a roof closed position. A lower edge (4) of the rear window (3) is supported along a supporting portion of the tensioning bow when the foldable top is disposed in the roof closed position. At least one connector (9) is preferably disposed along the supporting portion between the rear window and the tensioning bow. The at least one connector releaseably engages the lower edge of the rear window with the tensioning bow when the foldable top is disposed in the roof closed position and disengages the rear window from the tensioning bow when the foldable top is opened. The at least one connector preferably comprises a hook portion (10) and a complementary projection (11).

Abstract: A motor vehicle roof which can be lowered into a rear receiving space, with a rear roof part (8) which is pivotally supported on the body and a front roof part (6) which is pivotally supported thereon. The rear roof part (8) has a lengthwise dimension which is equal essentially to twice the lengthwise dimension of the rear window (22). The rear window can be moved out of a position which closes a rear window cutout to under the closed front section of the rear roof part.

Abstract: A control process for the automatic closing of a convertible top of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle has moveable front side window panes and rear side window panes. Prior to the closing of the top, at least the rear side window panes are moved into a position that is characterized by a predefinable aperture between the edge of the respective side window pane and the closed top.

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. The retractable hard top linkage includes a pivot bracket that is movable within the top guide track to limit the clearance necessary for folding the hard top into a stowed position. 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 shifted outboard of the retractable hard top and 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 with the linkages that coordinate operation of the retractable hard top, trunk lid, rear quarter window, and tonneau to facilitate assembly to a vehicle.

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: In a sealing element for a movable roof section of a vehicle which seal element includes a pocket delimited by a sealing wall of the sealing element and is open toward one side for receiving cables, a cable guide channel is formed on the inside of the sealing wall so as to be accessible by way of the open side of the pocket and a sealing lip extends over the open side of the pocket and forms, between the outside of the sealing wall and the sealing lip, a seal channel for receiving a part of the movable roof section when the movable roof section is closed.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle having a body with a removable soft top and a separate rear window with an electrically-operable component. The rear window being selectively attachable to and removable from the top. A separable fastener assembly such as a zipper is provided with the top and the rear window so that the electrically-operated component is electrically connected with a vehicle power supply upon attachment of the rear window to the soft top.

Abstract: A backlite control system is provided for an automotive vehicle having a convertible roof. In another aspect of the present invention, a backlite control link uses a living hinge to aid in controlling the travel of the backlite during expansion and retraction of the convertible roof. A further aspect of the present invention employs a backlite control link directly connected to the number four roof bow of the convertible roof assembly.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a carbody having a rear area and a roof connected to the carbody. The roof has a first rigid roof part arranged rearwardly and provided with a rear window. The roof further has at least one second rigid roof part. The first and second roof parts can be nested into one another when opening the roof and stowed in the stowed position in the rear area of the carbody. The first roof part is positioned in a stowed position of the roof above the at least one second roof part in a substantially horizontal position. The rear window has an exterior side in a closed position of the roof, and the exterior side of the rear window in the stowed position faces upwardly.

Abstract: A convertible roof system for an automotive vehicle include a roof bow that is operable between extended and retracted positions to vary tension of the roof cover and is actuated by a link that travels along a camming surface when the folding mechanism supporting the cover moves between the raised and stowed position.

Abstract: The rear roof element includes a central element that is movable relative to said rear roof element. The central element is connected on either side of the vehicle to the bodywork by two pivot arms comprising a front arm and a rear arm, and is hinged about respective front and rear hinge axes carried by respective ends of the corresponding pivot arms whose respective opposite ends are hinged to the bodywork of the vehicle.

Abstract: In a hardtop vehicle roof, which includes a front roof element and a rear roof element comprising side support members and a rear window panel, the front roof element is supported so as to be independently movable from the closed position to a storage position in a storage compartment disposed behind the vehicle roof so as to provide for the vehicle a Targa configuration, the rear window panel is independently movable into the storage compartment to provide for a Landau configuration and the front window is deposited in the storage compartment below the rear window panel while the side support members are retracted into side storage spaces to provide for a cabriolet configuration of the vehicle.

Abstract: A convertible has a top storable in the rear of the convertible when the top is open. A top cover is provided and the top is stored underneath the top cover when open. The top cover is movable for releasing a passageway for the top via which the top is moved for storing the top and for returning the top from the open position into the closed position. An extension member is pivotably connected to the top cover. In the open position of the top, the extension member is positioned substantially in front of the top cover, when viewed in the travel direction of the convertible. The extension member is pivotable relative to the top cover such that the extension member, when the top is closed, is positioned in a stored position at substantially a right angle to the top cover underneath the top cover.

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: A convertible roof having a backlite that is substantially vertical when the convertible roof is in a raised position is provided. An automatically powered actuator used to actively control retraction of a convertible roof and a backlite frame is provided. Actively controlling a roof bow immediately forward of a backlite frame is provided.

Abstract: In a drainage arrangement for a folding hard-top vehicle roof that can be moved into a storage position in the vehicle luggage compartment with the aid of pivotable C pillars, the rear window is pivotable relative to the C pillars (2). Associated with the bottom edge of the rear window is a seal which has a water-guiding channel formed therein. The channel opens in the area of the C pillars into a collecting trough (12), which in turn is connected by a flexible hose (13) to a moisture space of one of the vehicle side windows.

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. The retractable hard top linkage includes a pivot bracket that is movable within the top guide track to limit the clearance necessary for folding the hard top into a stowed position. 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 shifted outboard of the retractable hard top and 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 with the linkages that coordinate operation of the retractable hard top, trunk lid, rear quarter window, and tonneau to facilitate assembly to a vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle roof which can be adjusted between a closed position and an opening position has an adjusting device and at least one side window which during the transfer between the closed and opening position can be pivoted via a rotational joint by an actuating element. The actuating element is coupled on one side to the side window at a distance from the side-window rotational axis and is connected on its opposite side to an element of the adjusting device.

Abstract: A motor vehicle having a fixed roof is provided which can be opened and has a front and a rear roof part which are connected to each other in an articulated manner and, controlled by a main link arrangement, can be shifted between a closing position and a storage position in a rear storage space, having a fixed rear window which is mounted pivotably on lateral roof pillars and the pivot axis of which runs in the central region of the rear window in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The rear window is driven in a rotational manner relative to the roof pillars during the opening and closing movement of the fixed roof, and the rear window, after reaching the closing position of the fixed roof, is pressed via the rotational drive against a sealing seat interacting with the rear window.

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 the rear region in a back part of the vehicle bodywork. The compartment can be closed off with a folding top compartment lid which can be folded up towards the rear. A cover unit with a front cover part, a rear cover part, and 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 front cover part is pivotably mounted on the vehicle bodywork, while the rear cover part is pivotably mounted on the front cover part and each of the lateral cover parts is pivotably mounted on the folding top compartment lid.

Abstract: A cover device for a folding top compartment of a vehicle with a lowerable roof structure. It being possible to pivot the roof structure into the folding top compartment which is arranged behind a rear region in a back part of the vehicle bodywork and which can be closed with a folding top compartment lid. A cover unit closes, with a front cover part and a rear cover part, a free space which is formed between the closed folding top compartment lid and the rear region. The rear cover part is mounted in a pivotably adjustable fashion on the front cover part, and can be adjusted between an active position, in which the rear cover part closes a gap between the front cover part and the folding top compartment lid, and a passive position, in which the rear cover part clears the gap.

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: A retractable top for a motor vehicle, comprising a first and a second main link, a rear roof part, said rear roof part being connected to said first main link a rear-window part, said rear-window part being associated with an aperture in said rear roof part in a closed position of the top, and a link mechanism, said rear-window part being fixed in an articulated manner on the first main link, said rear-window part being connected to the second main link by said link mechanism, and said articulated fixing of the rear-window part on the first main link being provided at an end of said rear-window part.

Abstract: In a convertible vehicle with a hardtop vehicle roof comprising at least two roof parts, which are movable between a closed position in which to roof parts cover the interior space of the vehicle and an open position in which the roof parts are in storage compartment behind the interior vehicle space, and wherein the roof includes a rear window which is removable from the roof and utilized, in a raised upright position, as a wind deflector, the roof parts and the window are separated from each other and fitted when the roof is open, into the storage compartment behind the interior space in an upright position one behind the other transverse to the longitudinal vehicle direction.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle including a folding top frame constructed in mirror-image fashion to a longitudinal median plane of the vehicle and having a rear folding top clamping collar. The folding top clamping collar can be shifted jointly with a folding top about a main bearing fastened to the car body and stowed in a rear folding top compartment. The flexible roof skin has, in the rear region, a rear window which extends above the folding top clamping collar and can be detached in the region of the lower transverse side edge from the folding top clamping collar. The rear window is supported in the closed position with its lower transverse side edge directly above and on the folding top clamping collar. A control assembly is linked to the frame encompassing the rear window in U-shaped fashion such that the frame with the rear window can be lifted from the folding top clamping collar during a movement of the folding top and shifted to a distance and an angle relative to the folding top clamping collar.

Abstract: In a hardtop vehicle roof comprising at least two roof parts which are movable between a closed position, in which the roof covers the interior space of the vehicle and an open position, in which the roof is in storage compartment behind the interior vehicle space, the roof parts are separated from each other along a separation line extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and are fitted, when the roof is open, into the storage compartment behind the interior space in a position transverse to the longitudinal vehicle direction.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle with a folding top having a flexible roof skin and a folding top frame constructed in mirror image fashion to a longitudinal median plane of the vehicle. The folding top includes a frame part having a window frame for surrounding a rear window and including side legs and an upper transverse leg extending between the side legs. The folding top can be transferred into or out of a folding top compartment at a rear of the vehicle by shifting it about a main bearing. The frame part also includes a clamping collar having a basic strut situated below the rear window and side struts alongside the basic strut. The frame part can be swiveled by more than 90° during the movement of the folding top into an open position and is hinged by connecting parts directly at the folding top frame.

Abstract: A lowerable rear window in a folding top has a window which, during opening of the folding top, can be lowered about a horizontal axis into a depositing space of the vehicle. Lateral steering levers which are guided corresponding to the movement of the folding top during opening and closing are used for guiding the rear window. The rear window reaches directly under a vehicle body element without the need for a connection made of a folding top cover between the vehicle body element and the rear window.

Abstract: A motor vehicle having a fixed roof is provided which can be opened and has a front and a rear roof part which are connected to each other in an articulated manner and, controlled by a main link arrangement, can be shifted between a closing position and a storage position in a rear storage space, having a fixed rear window which is mounted pivotably on lateral roof pillars and the pivot axis of which runs in the central region of the rear window in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The rear window is driven in a rotational manner relative to the roof pillars during the opening and closing movement of the fixed roof, and the rear window, after reaching the closing position of the fixed roof, is pressed via the rotational drive against a sealing seat interacting with the rear window.

Abstract: A convertible roof and tonneau cover system having a retractable convertible roof and a tonneau cover selectively enclosing the retractable convertible roof. The tonneau cover extends upward to obstruct a backwash of wind during vehicle travel, thereby serving as a wind deflector. A backlite is mounted within the tonneau cover and a drive mechanism is provided that is operable to simultaneously move the retractable convertible roof and the tonneau cover each between raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: A sealing profile having a profile base for attachment by insertion into a receiving orifice of a bodywork part and has a sealing portion which is attached to the profile base. The profile base is provided with a structural part and a holding limb which is formed as one piece therewith. The holding limb is formed for the purpose of engaging behind a first projection of the bodywork part and is formed so as to be able to fold in a resilient manner in the direction of the structural part. The profile base includes a holding surface which faces away from the holding limb and opposite which lies an edge of a fabric top. A locking strip is attached to the edge and in the assembled state is disposed inside the receiving orifice.

Abstract: A convertible roof (2) of a convertible motor vehicle with at least one front roof part which is movably supported on the body by a bearing (8), and a rear roof part (13) which can be moved over the front roof part (5) and can be lowered with it into a rear stowage space (3). An especially simple structure can be achieved when the rear roof part (13) on the front side can be moved over the front roof part (5) by a raising mechanism (27) which is movably supported on a lengthwise guide (32) which is located on the front roof part (5). A carriage (31) can be guided on the lengthwise guide (32) of the front roof part (5) and the raising lever (28) of the raising mechanism, which lever is pivotally connected to the rear roof part (13), is supported on the carriage to be able to pivot and to be moved by the raising mechanism.