Patents Assigned to Magna Car Top Systems
  • Convertible Top Having a Common Pivot for a Pivot Link for Two Bows and a Tensioning Link for a Rear Rail
    Publication number: 20100109374
    Abstract: A convertible top having a pivot link is provided that supports two bows. A main spring is secured to a pivot pin and connected to a main pivot bracket on the vehicle to provide a counterbalancing force on the balance link that assists in lifting the top stack linkage as the convertible top is retracted and extended. A five bow extends between and is attached to right and left pivot links by right and left pressure links, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: MAGNA CAR TOP SYSTEMS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Jan Just, Thomas G. Fischer
  • Convertible Top Stack Having a Triple Pivot for a Pivot Link, Center Rail, and Rear Rail
    Publication number: 20100109375
    Abstract: A convertible top stack linkage is provided that is formed, in part, in a thixotropic magnesium molding process. Many structural parts of the convertible top stack linkage may be thixotropically molded. A pivot link of the top stack linkage is pivotally connected to two bows, for example, the three and four bows of the top stack. A five bow extends between and is attached to right and left pivot links by right and left pressure links, respectively. A pivot link is provided that has a triple pivot connection to a tensioning link, a center rail and a rear rail. A main spring is secured to a pivot pin and connected to a main pivot bracket on the vehicle to provide a counterbalancing force on the balance link that assists in lifting the top stack linkage as the convertible top is retracted and extended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: MAGNA CAR TOP SYSTEMS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Jan Just, Thomas G. Fischer
  • Injection molded magnesium convertible top stack
    Patent number: 7658008
    Abstract: A convertible top stack linkage is provided that is formed, in part, in a thixotropic magnesium molding process. Many structural parts of the convertible top stack linkage may be thixotropically molded. A pivot link of the top stack linkage is pivotally connected to two bows, for example, the three and four bows of the top stack. A five bow extends between and is attached to right and left pivot links by right and left pressure links, respectively. A pivot link is provided that has a triple pivot connection to a tensioning link, a center rail and a rear rail. A main spring is secured to a pivot pin and connected to a main pivot bracket on the vehicle to provide a counterbalancing force on the balance link that assists in lifting the top stack linkage as the convertible top is retracted and extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Jan Just, Thomas G. Fischer
  • Vehicle window seal
    Patent number: 7650719
    Abstract: A seal includes a body and two lips. The body includes two walls defining a space with an opening. The lips have fixed ends respectively connected to the walls adjacent the opening. A movable end of the first lip is within the space. A movable end of the second lip extends across the opening towards the first lip fixed end. The movable end of the first lip includes a first end portion extending from the first lip fixed end along the first wall to a middle portion extending across the space to a second end portion extending along the second wall towards the second lip fixed end. The second end portion includes a hook section meeting the second wall and the second lip fixed end. The second lip movable end moves into the space and presses the hook section against the second wall to clamp the hook section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Jens Anders
  • VEHICLE ROOF ARCHITECTURE FOR REMOVABLE SOFT TOP OR HARDTOP COVER
    Publication number: 20100007179
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: MAGNA CAR TOP SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Robert E. Fallis, III, Michael T. Willard, Robert D. Wiechowski
  • Retractable hardtop with extended buttresses and an active rear window
    Patent number: 7621583
    Abstract: A retractable hardtop for a vehicle is disclosed that includes a unitary roof panel, an active rear window and a four bar link. The four bar link includes a pair of buttress panels and a pair of rear rails that are connected to the roof panel and the vehicle. No structural members of the retractable hard top interconnect the lower portion of the buttress panels or the rear rails between the pivot connections to the roof and the pivot connections to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Robert E. Fallis, III, Michael T. Willard, Robert D. Wiechowski
  • Convertible top cover attachment system
    Patent number: 7621584
    Abstract: A system and method for attaching a cover (14) of a convertible top (12) of a motor vehicle. The system includes a cover (14) having an anchoring strip (50) and a structural support (16) having a recessed portion (32) and a plurality of retainer flanges (34). The anchoring strip (50) is disposed between the recessed portion (32) and the plurality of flanges (34) when the cover (14) is attached to the structural support (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Jan Just
  • Movable vehicle roof assembly
    Patent number: 7618080
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a roof, a roof part kinematic system (RPKS), and a transmission kinematic system (TKS). The roof includes roof parts movably connected together to be movable between a closed position in which the parts cover the vehicle interior and a stored position in which the roof parts expose the vehicle interior. The RPKS includes a guide rod pivotably supported at one end about a vehicle body-side rotary joint and pivotably supported at another end to one of the parts to movably connect the part to the vehicle such that upon RPKS actuation the RPKS moves the roof part between the positions. The TKS has a spring connected at one end to the guide rod. The spring acts on the guide rod with a swivel torque about the first rotary joint during the part transfer. The spring orientation traverses the first rotary joint during the part transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Gernot Bruder
  • INJECTION MOLDED MAGNESIUM LINK AND METHOD OF MAKING AN INJECTION MOLDED MAGNESIUM LINK
    Publication number: 20090261615
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an operational link of a top stack linkage for a convertible top of a vehicle is presented. The link has a spine having a main body portion and an offset portion and one or more lateral structural members including at least one reinforcing rib. The spine and the one or more lateral structural members may form a unitary pivot link. In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a pivot link of a top stack linkage for a convertible top of a vehicle is presented. The method includes providing a mold defining an interior cavity that defines the shape of a pivot link, injecting molten magnesium into the mold, and molding the molten magnesium injected into the mold to form a spine and a plurality of lateral structural members that are integral with the spine to form a monolithic pivot link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: MAGNA CAR TOP SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventor: George F. Purcell
  • MOVABLE ROOF PART IN AN AUTOMOBILE ROOF
    Publication number: 20090256383
    Abstract: An assembly includes a roof part kinematic system having front and rear connecting rods. Each connecting rod is pivotally connected to a roof part and is pivotally connectable to a vehicle body such that the roof part kinematic system can move the roof part between end positions. The assembly further includes a spring-loaded kinematic system having a spring, a coupling rod, and a triangular-shaped spring lever. The spring is connected to the front connecting rod and is connected to the first spring lever corner, the coupling rod is connected to the rear connecting rod and is connected to the second spring lever corner, and the third spring lever corner is pivotally connectable to the vehicle body such that the spring produces a torque on the connecting rods to move the roof part away from either end position when the roof part is in that end position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: MAGNA CAR TOP SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Gernot Bruder, Marcus Papendorf
  • TRUNK LID LINK ASSEMBLY FOR CONVERTIBLE VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20090230719
    Abstract: A link assembly for opening and closing a trunk lid of a vehicle having a movable roof includes lifting and locking links. The lifting link connects the lid to the vehicle to move the lid between a closed position covering the trunk, an opened position in which the front lid edge is raised, and another opened position in which the rear lid edge is raised. The locking link is adjustable between a first position in which its front end is movable and its rear end is pivotably locked to a rear joint, and a second position in which its front end is pivotably connected to a front joint and its rear end is movable. In the first position, the locking link acts on the lifting link to raise the front lid edge. In the second position, the locking link acts on the lifting link to raise the rear lid edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Holger Roeder
  • Adjustable vehicle roof
    Patent number: 7585012
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a compartment, roof, roof system, cover, cover link, and coupling system. The roof is movable between a closed position and a storage position in which the roof is within the compartment. The roof system has a main link movably coupled to the vehicle via a joint and connected to the roof to move the roof. The cover is movable between a closed position covering the compartment and an opened position raised from the compartment. The cover link is movably coupled to the vehicle via a joint and connected to the cover to move the cover. The coupling system has a connecting link coupling the links such that the cover is coupled to the roof system to move about the cover link joint as the roof moves. The connecting link passes through a position in which it and the joints run along a straight line during roof movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Metodi Kostadinov
  • CLOSING DEVICE FOR A MOVABLE ROOF
    Publication number: 20090218828
    Abstract: A closing device for locking and unlocking a movable roof to and from a vehicle body includes a hook and a lever system. The hook is movable between a closed position to engage a vehicle body component and an opened position to disengage from the component. The lever system has a hook lever and a drive lever pivotable about respective pivot axes extending in a longitudinal direction. The hook is connected to the hook lever to move between the closed and opened positions in response to the hook lever pivoting. The lever system has a control lever with first and second end portions and a middle section. The end portions are respectively connected to the hook lever at first and second link axes extending in the longitudinal direction and adjacent to the pivot axes to couple the hook lever and the drive lever together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: MAGNA CAR TOP SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventor: Thorsten Schumacher
  • OPERATING LINKAGE ASSEMBLY FOR A MOVABLE ROOF
    Publication number: 20090200829
    Abstract: A folding roof linkage assembly includes front and rear frames and first and second arms. The front frame has a rear portion extending at an acute angle therefrom and having front and rear ends. The rear frame has a front portion extending perpendicularly therefrom and having bottom and top ends. The first arm has a front end pivotally connected to the front end of the front frame and a rear end pivotally connected to the bottom end of the rear frame. The second arm has a front end pivotally connected to the rear end of the front frame and a rear end pivotally connected to the top end of the rear frame. The front frame is movable between a closed position in which the frames extend from one another and an opened position in which the front frame folds over the rear frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: MAGNA CAR TOP SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Tobias Kober, Gernot Bruder
  • CLOSURE FOR A MOVABLE ROOF
    Publication number: 20090179453
    Abstract: A closure assembly for a vehicle includes a hook movable between locked and unlocked positions. An actuator is connected to the hook and is linearly movable to move the hook between the locked and unlocked positions. First and second rotatable gears are engaged with one another such that either gear rotates as the other gear rotates. First and second levers are respectively connected between the gears and the actuator. The levers move as the gears rotate in response to the first gear rotating in a first rotary direction and thereby cause the actuator to move linearly in a first direction to thereby move the hook to the locked position. The levers move as the gears rotate in response to the first gear rotating in a second rotary direction and thereby cause the actuator to move linearly in a second direction to thereby move the hook to the unlocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Thorsten Schumacher, Holger Klemm
  • Roof for a motor vehicle
    Patent number: 7556311
    Abstract: A passenger vehicle roof includes front and rear roof parts. The front roof part is longitudinally slidable. The front roof part cooperates with the rear roof part via a control lever such that upon an opening longitudinal motion of the front roof part the control lever lowers the rear roof part in a forcibly guided manner and upon a closing longitudinal motion of the front roof part the control lever raises the rear roof part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfram Salz
  • Rear Window in a Rear Roof Section of an Openable Roof Vehicle
    Publication number: 20090160212
    Abstract: A rear window for a flexible rear roof section of an openable roof vehicle. The rear window is comprised of a transparent plastic material such as a polycarbonate material, and a fastening section that connects the rear window to the flexible covering of the open roof vehicle. The fastening section forms a single piece with the rear window and is offset relative to the plane of the rear window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: MAGNA CAR TOP SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Halbweiss, Wojciech Wezyk
  • MOVABLE ROOF FOR A PASSENGER VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20090146464
    Abstract: A roof assembly includes a roof having a roof frame with front, center, and rear sections, and a lever assembly. The lever assembly includes three levers which are respectively linked to three swivel axes on the rear section such that the roof is movable between a closed position and an opened position. The first lever connects the rear section at the first axis to a support such that the rear section is movable about the first axis; the second lever connects the rear section at the second axis to the center section such that the center section is movable about the second axis; and the third lever connects the rear section at the third axis to the front section such that the front section is movable about the third axis. The levers are adjacently situated in a transverse direction with the second lever being between the first and third levers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: MAGNA CAR TOP SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Frank Zehnder, Jan Just
  • Vehicle roof adjustable between closed and storage positions
    Patent number: 7537266
    Abstract: A vehicle roof assembly includes a roof having roof parts adjustable between a closed position in which the parts cover the vehicle interior and a storage position in which the parts are stowed in the vehicle trunk. A rear cover frame is adjustably attached to the vehicle body to move between a maximum raised position and a lowered storage position. A kinematic system connected between a rear cover and the frame is movable between an extended position in which the cover is in an opened position raised above the trunk and the frame is in a raised position, and a retracted position in which the cover is in a closed position covering the trunk and the frame is in its lowered position. A stop device associated with the frame limits the raising motion of the frame in an intermediate raised position between its lowered and maximum raised positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Thorsten Schumacher, Stephan Rau
  • Modular convertible top
    Patent number: 7523977
    Abstract: A removable top system for a vehicle having a front removable roof section and a rear removable roof section. Different removable roof coverings may be interchangeably combined to provide a complete roof for a sport utility vehicle having a permanent hoop dividing the front and rear roof sections. Soft top and hard top roof coverings are selectively provided. Different retraction mechanisms are disclosed for retracting and storing the removable roof sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Robert E. Fallis, III, Michael T. Willard