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

Abstract: A convertible roof includes a segmented pair of front roof rails that in-fold when being retracted, thereby reducing the packaging space required to stow the convertible roof. The in-folding of the segmented front roof rails is controlled by linkages between the segmented portions and the number one roof bow and synchronizes and constrains the in-folding of the segmented front roof rails. A dampening device is utilized to dampen a portion of the movement of the top stack mechanism between extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A retractable pillar is used in a convertible vehicle. In another aspect of the present invention, a pillar is automatically retracted and extended. A further aspect of the present invention rotates at least a portion of the pillar during its movement. In still another aspect of the present invention, a retractable B-pillar provides weatherstrip sealing to a door-mounted window.

Abstract: A convertible top latch employing a linkage assembly and a driving mechanism is disclosed. The linkage assembly can be positioned on-center or over-center in a closed position. The linkage assembly can have an adjustable link. At least one link can remain the same and/or the latch member can move the same distance regardless of the linkage assembly being operated by a powered or manual actuator. A damping member can dampen movement of the top latch. The manual actuator can be biased to a specific orientation.

Abstract: An open air system can be utilized on a vehicle with a liftgate configuration. The open air system does not interfere or hinder operation of the liftgate between the open and closed positions. The open air system can include one or more roof panels that are moveable relative to the vehicle roof to provide an open air motoring experience. The moveable panels can be moved to a position above or below the liftgate. The moveable panels can move with the liftgate between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A vehicle panel stowage system advantageously provides for stowage of a removable vehicle panel on the exterior of the vehicle. The panel can be stowed substantially flush with a stowage rack on the exterior of the vehicle. The stowage system advantageously protects portions of the removable panel from the environment when positioned on the stowage rack.

Abstract: The retractable roof structural system utilizes a structural member that is coupled to opposing quarter panel sections of the vehicle to enhance the torsional rigidity and stiffness of the vehicle. The structural member can be selectively uncoupled from the vehicle to allow the for unimpeded retraction of the retractable roof.

Abstract: In accordance with the present teachings, an automotive vehicle open air system includes a pair of tracks connected to the vehicle, a flexible roof that is coupled to the tracks, one or more movement mechanisms that are integrated in the tracks and connected to the roof, an automatic actuator and a rear header that is connected to the roof and is movable with the roof. Other aspects of the teachings, the rear header may include a stop light that is mounted in the header or it may include a rear windshield wiper system.

Abstract: A vehicle convertible roof fabric attachment system provides a cross-car elongated member having a first channel and a second channel located parallel with the first channel, a fastener engaging and fully recessed within the channels, and a convertible roof inner layer secured by the fastener to the elongated member, separating a fastener head from a convertible roof outer layer.

Abstract: A latching system for an automotive vehicle having a convertible roof is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, front and/or rear convertible roof sections are rigid, hard-top roofs. A further aspect of the present invention system provides a latch which secures a generally rigid tonneau cover.

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

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an open air system for a motor vehicle includes a forward flexible roof portion with a pair of tracks, a rear flexible roof portion with a pair of tracks, a seal between the forward and rear roof portions, at least one movement mechanism and at least one actuator. Other aspects of the present invention include forming a barrier with the rear roof section between a passenger area and a cargo area of a vehicle.

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

Abstract: A joint locking device for a convertible roof system is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, an outfolding convertible roof employs a device for deterring member-to-member movement when fully raised. A further aspect of the present invention employs a linearly moving lock for a convertible roof joint, which may be automatically actuated and/or manually actuated. Still another aspect of the present invention provides a joint lock at the A-joint, B-joint, C-joint and/or another joint of the convertible roof top stack mechanism.

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

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a convertible roof system is provided which includes rotary actuators which are operable to pivot the roof rails relative to one another and a portion of the actuator is disposed within one of the roof rails. In another aspect of the present invention, a convertible roof for an automotive vehicle is provided which includes a retractable roof cover with a flexible portion and at least three rotary actuators that are each located at a pivot joint between the roof rails and are operable to rotate the roof rails relative to one another or to the vehicle.

Abstract: A modular bulkhead assembly is provided for a convertible roof system for an automobile. The convertible roof system is mounted to the bulkhead or wall member including left and right linkage assemblies, an electronic control unit, and a hydraulic control system. The bulkhead module can then be assembled into a vehicle as a modular unit. The electronic control unit can then be connected to the vehicle power supply by connection of wire harnesses from the electrical control unit.

Abstract: A tonneau cover employs a plurality of independently operable panels that extend across the truck bed and are arranged so that the tailgate can be moved between open and closed positions regardless of the positions of the panels. Latch assemblies employ an initiator such that when operated to unlatch the panel, the initiator encourages movement of the panel to an ajar position. The panels are connected by a hinge assembly that includes a biased prop that automatically engages to hold the panel in an open position. There are two different pairs of mounting assemblies wherein a first pair includes two latching surfaces and one mounting location and the other pair includes one latching surface and two mounting locations. A two-way operable seal is employed between adjacent panels to seal the panels regardless of the sequence in which the two adjacent panels are closed.

Abstract: A hardtop convertible roof for a vehicle includes rigid panels that are interconnected to one another to selectively cover the passenger compartment. The roof panels rearward of a forwardmost roof panel are directly pivotally connected to a single pair of brackets which are fixedly connected to opposite sides of the vehicle. An interior surface of a third roof panel faces a majority of an exterior surface of a second roof panel when the roof panels are in a stowed position. The rearmost two roof panels form an at least four-bar linkage and a moveable link interconnecting the two panels is positioned between the majority of portions of the rearmost panels and the pivotal connections of these panels to a fixed location.