Abstract: An articulating slanted back soft top assembly for 4-door and 2-door SUVs. A fabric cover is supported by a frame that is at least partially articulatable from at least a closed position to at least one open air position. The frame includes at least one forward fabric support bow member and at least one rearward fabric support bow member. The rear fabric support bow member being positioned when in the closed position in a manner which allows the fabric to clear a sport bar or “roll bar” member of a vehicle in the closed position such that a rear portion of the top is angled from the vertical when viewing the vehicle from the side.

Abstract: A panel top assembly for a vehicle including a controlled guide roller management system and install/release mechanism. A pivotal portion, that is rotatable between a closed position and open position, is coupled to guide assemblies slidably connected to guide track assemblies. Each guide track assembly includes a forward isolator assembly that restricts undesired movement/rattling of a roller in a guide track. A rearward isolator assembly restricts undesired movement/rattling of the roller in each guide track, and selectively keeps the roller in the track when the panel top assembly is in a down/open position. The rearward isolator assembly also includes an isolator that selectively allows an opening in the track for releasing the guide assembly from the track to move the panel top assembly to an open/stowed position, and, reinstalling the guide assembly to the track.

Abstract: A power-actuated fabric top for a vehicle includes a fabric top section configured to be adapted between a folded position and an unfolded position, guide rails statically affixed to an existing frame of the vehicle, and a power-actuated displacement mechanism for retracting and advancing the fabric top section between the folded position and the unfolded position. Such a power-actuated displacement mechanism is operably coupled to the guide rails. The fabric top section is configured to have a substantially horizontal travel path along an anterior portion of the guide rails and thereby does not pivot up and away from the guide rails. The fabric top section is operably coupled to the guide rails and responsive to an operating mode of the power-actuated displacement mechanism. The folded position of the fabric top section is piled up inside the existing tailgate portion of the existing vehicle.

Abstract: A soft panel top assembly for a vehicle in sealing engagement with a hard top portion of a roof. The soft panel top assembly has a fixed portion attached to the vehicle and a lightweight pivotal portion that folds back to provide a quick and easy open air effect. Two door rails of the soft panel top assembly are connected to the vehicle. Two side rail linkage assemblies are attached to the header, which is secured to a windshield frame when in a closed position, and are connected at pivot points created with a bracket attached to the door rails to allow the pivotal portion to pivot to an open position. The soft panel top assembly includes a rear header that is lightweight and has a sealing arrangement that engages with the hard top roof portion and existing seal of the hard top roof portion to provide a weatherproof seal.

Abstract: A vehicle exterior windshield visor accessory is provided which is configured to assist in managing some of the unwanted outdoor elements such as excessive wind and bright sunlight. In a version, the visor accessory is generally configured to be operably and attachably removable with existing and future exposed top or removable top type vehicles having a roll cage. Generally, the visor accessory includes a front shade panel assembly, a first and second lateral end shade panels, and a means for securing each end shade panel to the roll cage.

Abstract: A foldable roof assembly having a soft panel top assembly for a vehicle in sealing engagement with a hard top portion of a roof. The soft panel top assembly has a fixed portion attached to the vehicle and a lightweight pivotal portion that folds back to provide the occupant a quick and easy open air effect. Two door rails of the soft panel top assembly are connected to the vehicle. Two side bows are attached to a first bow member, which is secured to a windshield frame when in a closed position, and are connected at a pivot point created with a bracket attached to the door rails to allow the pivotal portion to pivot to an open position. The soft panel top assembly includes a rear header that is a wireframe and engages with seals in the hard top roof portion to provide a weatherproof seal.

Abstract: A sliding/folding soft top assembly having opposing first and second linkage assemblies with a plurality of guide rollers located within a first and second guide track for selectively moving the soft top assembly between a deployed position to a first stowed position or a retracted stowed position. A first bow and second bow are coupled to each of the first and second linkage assemblies, which include a first pivot joint for rotating the first bow to the first stowed position. A rear pivot joint allows a rear link of the first and second linkage assemblies to rotate in an area where the first and second guide tracks curve. A third bow is rotatably connected to first and second pivot brackets, and a fourth bow is pivotably connected to the third bow, to allow rotation of the third and fourth bow between the deployed position and retracted stowed position.

Abstract: A cabriolet vehicle having an opening hood which is displaceable between a closed position spanning the interior of the vehicle, and a stowage position which opens up the top of the vehicle interior and which comprises a hood frame which comprises a frame arrangement on each side in relation to a vertical vehicle longitudinal center plane wherein the frame arrangement is mounted pivotally on a main bearing fixed on the vehicle at the rear end and in the closed position of the hood engages through a frame opening arranged in a vehicle edge area wherein the opening can be covered by means of a flap arrangement when the hood is in the stowage position, as well as a locking arrangement which secures the hood in its stowage position.

Abstract: A captive track motion system for a convertible roof which includes a first rear side rail pivotally connected to a main frame, and an intermediate side rail pivotally connected to the first rear side rail. The first rear side rail and the intermediate side rail are part of a movable frame assembly. A roller is connected to the intermediate side rail, and a track is connected to the main frame. The roller is disposed in the track, and the movement of the roller in the track defines the movement of the movable frame assembly as the movable frame assembly is changed between a stowed position and a deployed position.

Abstract: A cabriolet vehicle having an opening hood which is displaceable between a closed position spanning the interior of the vehicle, and a stowage position which opens up the top of the vehicle interior and which comprises a hood frame which comprises a frame arrangement on each side in relation to a vertical vehicle longitudinal center plane wherein the frame arrangement is mounted pivotally on a main bearing fixed on the vehicle at the rear end and in the closed position of the hood engages through a frame opening arranged in a vehicle edge area wherein the opening can be covered by means of a flap arrangement when the hood is in the stowage position, as well as a locking arrangement which secures the hood in its stowage position.

Abstract: A sliding/folding soft top assembly having opposing first and second linkage assemblies with a plurality of guide rollers located within a first and second guide track for selectively moving the soft top assembly between a deployed position to a first stowed position or a retracted stowed position. A first bow and second bow are coupled to each of the first and second linkage assemblies, which include a first pivot joint for rotating the first bow to the first stowed position. A rear pivot joint allows a rear link of the first and second linkage assemblies to rotate in an area where the first and second guide tracks curve. A third bow is rotatably connected to first and second pivot brackets, and a fourth bow is pivotably connected to the third bow, to allow rotation of the third and fourth bow between the deployed position and retracted stowed position.

Abstract: A folding sliding roof for a convertible vehicle includes a top fabric, a guide rail, a sliding top bow, and a corner bow. The sliding top bow is connected to the top fabric and is displaceably mounted to the guide rail to move the top fabric between closed and opened positions. The corner bow is connected to the top fabric and is pivotably mounted on the guide rail about a pivot axis.

Abstract: A roof system for a vehicle that has a roof support structure to which a hardtop roof (34) or a retractable soft top roof (62) may be latched. The roof support structure includes a transverse reel that extends transversely relative to the vehicle direction and is connected to a panel that is also connected to the rear rail. The hardtop includes a rigid panel and a frame. The soft top is supported on attached bows with which the soft top is stored in a cassette after removal.

Abstract: A sliding roof structure of a vehicle includes rails 5a, 5b installed on the right and left roof side portions of the vehicle and a cover member 2 that can be slid and folded along the rails 5a, 5b, wherein the cover member 2 is comprised of a detachable inner cover member 30 and an outer cover member 40, which is slid along the rails 5a, 5b and to which the inner cover member 30 is mounted in detachable state, or the cover member 2 is comprised of a base cover member 7, which is made by attaching a bottom cover sheet 9 to the bottom frame member 10, and a top cover member 8, which is made by attaching a top cover sheet 8a to the top frame member 14, either the top frame member 14 or the bottom frame member 10 is equipped with an engaging portion 14a and the other with a groove 12 for supporting the engaging portion 14a, and the engaging portion 14a is inserted into the groove 12 and the top cover member 8 attached to the base cover member 7 in detachable state.

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: An actuating device for opening and closing a folding roof (2) of a motor vehicle with a bearing carriage (3) which is movably supported on a roof-side guideway (4) and which is connected to the movable part (7) of the folding roof (2), and with a drive means which is connected to the bearing carriage (3) by a drive carriage (10) which is supported on the roof-side guideway (11) and a connecting rod arrangement (13, 14) which has a toggle lever (14) and which is controlled by a control guideway (23), on the last portion of the closing path, the connecting rod arrangement (13, 14) steps down the drive motion of the drive carriage (10).

Abstract: A lowerable roof (1) of a hard-top convertible (2) with a front roof element (3), a middle roof element (4) and a rear roof element (5) which can all be moved out of a closed position which covers the motor vehicle interior (6) by a bearing mechanism into an open position in which they are deposited on top of one another in a rear-side convertible top storage compartment (9). The front roof element (3) is movably supported on the middle roof element (4), and the front roof element (3) can be lowered or raised by a carrier mechanism (17) which supports the front roof element (3) on the middle roof element (3) when the roof (1) is being moved to over or under the middle part (4) by a lengthwise guide (29).

Abstract: For a convertible vehicle with a foldable at least partially flexible roof where longitudinal side support components and between these, cross-connecting supports are arranged for the support of at least the flexible roof section, at least one bow is arranged in a longitudinally moveable fashion with regard to the longitudinal side support components and in a movable fashion subject to the opening or closing of the roof via at least one control device.

Abstract: A folding roof (1) for a convertible with a canvas top (2) which is attached to a front bow (3) and which can be moved into a rear lowered position with a top mechanism which comprises a side roof rod (11, 12) for opening the folding roof (1), the front bow (3) being guided to be able to move lengthwise on both side of the roof on guides (9, 10) of the side roof rod (11, 12), so that by moving the front bow (3) rearward along the lateral guides (9, 10) from a closed position in which it adjoins the front cross member (4), the folding roof (1) can be partially opened into an intermediate position.

Abstract: A displaceable folding top for a motor vehicle has a folding top cover material that is held to a folding top rod system, and has a plurality of articulated rod parts. Furthermore, in the area of a vehicle side, a main hoop is arranged, which is swivel mounted to the motor vehicle and to which a sealing element is coupled. To provide a folding top that takes little space in its deposited position, and that has a high seal tightness and a long service life, the sealing element is held on a separately formed sealing frame swivelably mounted on the motor vehicle. The swiveling axes of the sealing frame and the main hoop are spaced from each other in at least one position of the folding top, and the sealing frame is displaceably coupled with the main hoop via displacement kinematics.

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 top accessory to be mounted on an open-topped vehicle includes a front mounting mechanism and a rear mounting mechanism. A forward-running guide is located generally in a plane between the front and rear mounting mechanisms in the accessory's mounted position and is resistant to forces having a component normal to the plane. A flexible top interacts with the rear mounting mechanism, the front mounting mechanism, and the guide. Embodiments of the accessory can be constructed in such a way as to allow an occupant of the vehicle to deploy its top without leaving his or her seat.