Abstract: A double pivot notch-brake hinge for securing a door to a motor vehicle body, including a first leaf or connector securable to a door pillar of the vehicle body, a second leaf or connector securable to the door, and a U-shaped link pivotally connecting the first and the second leaves. The U-shaped link has two opposite legs at its respective ends, and gudgeons for receiving hinge pins and defining, respectively, pillar-side and door-side pivot connections of the U-shaped link with the first and the second connectors. The pillar and door side pivots are checked with a resistance pivot using a notch-brake mechanism, which allows controlled movement of the pivot.

Abstract: A convertible top for a vehicle having a vehicle body has a backlite having a first position corresponding to a retracted position of the convertible top and a second position corresponding to a deployed position of the convertible top. A floating bow is connected to the backlite, the floating bow having a raised position when the backlite is in the second position and a lowered position when the backlite is in the first position. An attachment device connects the floating bow to the vehicle body, the attachment device including a base section attachable to the vehicle body and an adjustment section connected to the floating bow and moveable with respect to the base section for adjusting the raised position of the floating bow.

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 double pivot notch-brake hinge for securing a door to a motor vehicle body, including a first leaf or connector securable to a door pillar of the vehicle body, a second leaf or connector securable to the door, and a U-shaped link pivotally connecting the first and the second leaves. The U-shaped link has two opposite legs at its respective ends, and gudgeons for receiving hinge pins and defining, respectively, pillar-side and door-side pivot connections of the U-shaped link with the first and the second connectors. The pillar and door side pivots are checked with a resistance pivot using a notch-brake mechanism, which allows controlled movement of the pivot.

Abstract: A cover assembly for a vehicle having a convertible top stowage area and a trunk. The cover assembly includes a stowage cover and an intermediate panel disposed between the trunk and the convertible top stowage area. The assembly also includes a connecting apparatus attached to the stowage cover and the intermediate panel. The connecting apparatus is configured to guide the stowage cover between a covering position, in which the stowage cover is covering the convertible top stowage area, and a stored position, in which the stowage cover is located in the trunk. In addition, a method for covering a convertible top of a vehicle that includes a convertible top stowage area and a trunk.

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 double pivot door hinge for a door of a motor vehicle that includes a first hinge assembly, a second hinge assembly, and a connecting member rigidly joining the first and second hinge assemblies. The first hinge assembly includes a first door connector for connecting to the door of the motor vehicle, a first pillar connector for connecting to a door pillar or body of the motor vehicle, and a first link rotatably connected to the first door connector at a first door-side pivot and rotatably connected to the first pillar connector at a first pillar-side pivot. The second hinge assembly includes a second door connector for connecting to the door, a second pillar connector for connecting to the door pillar or the body, and a second link rotatably connected to the second door connector at a second door-side pivot and rotatably connected to the second pillar connector at a second pillar-side pivot.

Abstract: A convertible top for a vehicle having a vehicle body has a backlite having a first position corresponding to a retracted position of the convertible top and a second position corresponding to an deployed position of the convertible top. A floating bow is connected to the backlite, the floating bow having a raised position when the backlite is in the first position and a lowered position when the backlite is in the second position. An attachment device connects the floating bow to the vehicle body, the attachment device including a base section attachable to the vehicle body and an adjustment section connected to the floating bow and moveable with respect to the base section for adjusting the raised position of the floating bow.

Abstract: A cover assembly for a vehicle having a convertible top stowage area and a trunk. The cover assembly includes a stowage cover and an intermediate panel disposed between the trunk and the convertible top stowage area. The assembly also includes a connecting apparatus attached to the stowage cover and the intermediate panel. The connecting apparatus is configured to guide the stowage cover between a covering position, in which the stowage cover is covering the convertible top stowage area, and a stored position, in which the stowage cover is located in the trunk. In addition, a method for covering a convertible top of a vehicle that includes a convertible top stowage area and a trunk.

Abstract: A vehicle convertible system includes a roof section having a plurality of retractable panel and a movable rear section separate from the roof section defining part of a storage area for the retractable panels. The rear section includes a first rear panel and a second rear panel, with the second rear panel may include a window. A convertible system for SUVs (sports utility vehicles) and minivans is thus possible.

Abstract: A double pivot door hinge for a door of a motor vehicle including a door connector for connecting to a door of the motor vehicle, a pillar connector for connecting to a door pillar or body of the motor vehicle, a link, a door-side pivot rotatably connecting the link and the door connector, a pillar-side pivot rotatably connecting the link and the pillar connector. A braking resistance of the pillar-side pivot is less than a braking resistance of the door-side pivot during opening.