Abstract: A retractable top is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The top includes a roof cover, a linkage mechanism, a rear bow and an overcenter linkage. The linkage mechanism is pivotally coupled to the vehicle. The rear bow is pivotally coupled to the vehicle. The linkage mechanism supports a front portion of the roof cover. The rear bow supports a rear end of the roof cover. The overcenter linkage extends between the linkage mechanism and the rear bow. The overcenter linkage is movable to an overcenter position for locking the rear bow in the extended position.

Abstract: A latch assembly allows a first part and a second part of a convertible top system to be latched together. The latch assembly includes a pair of latch mechanisms disposed on the first part. Each latch mechanism has a hook movable between a locked position engaged with a receiver on the second part to latch the first and second parts together and an unlocked position disengaged from the receiver to unlatch the first and second parts from each other. The latch assembly also includes an actuating mechanism disposed on the first part between the latch mechanisms for moving the hooks between the locked and unlocked positions. The actuating mechanism includes a multi-link assembly movable to a dual overcenter position for maintaining the hooks in the locked position.

Abstract: A component of an adjustment mechanism for a vehicle roof of a convertible, designed to be adjustable between a first position and a second position, which is exposed to alternating loads as a function of its position and is topologically and/or topographically adjusted to the loads acting on component for a predefined design space, so that a uniform stress distribution is at least approximately present in component, at least in critical load situations, and the component is designed in the areas with limited load with less use of material than in the areas with higher load, or with a recess.

Abstract: A method and tool for mass manufacturing convertible roofs having an outer shell, a frame and lateral linkage parts for supporting the outer shell, the outer shell including at least two outer shell parts is provided. The method includes the steps of providing an upper tool fixture and a lower tool fixture, aligning and assembling the frame and outer shell in the lower tool fixture such that the frame and outer shell are upside down, aligning and assembling connection members onto the frame part so the roof can fittingly engage the windshield frame when the roof is in a closed position, and lowering the lateral linkage parts onto the assembled frame and outer shell using the upper tool fixture.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cabriolet vehicle with a roof with a flexible cover in at least parts of its area, including a front roof area which can be stored in the same orientation as in the closed state in a body recess, which is bounded on the rear by an edge of the auto body. The outer surface of the front roof area is separated relative to the rear roof area lying farther rearward and provided with a cover, and the rear edge of the front roof area is adapted to the trend of the edge of body bounding the body recess on the rear.

Abstract: A widescreen deflector assembly is provided for an automotive vehicle having a passenger compartment extending between opposing side walls and a rear end, wherein the passenger compartment includes front seats and rear seats. The widescreen deflector assembly includes a membrane element. A first cross member is connected to an end of the membrane element. A second cross member is operatively coupled to the vehicle for movement between a retracted position disposed along the rear end of the passenger compartment and a use position disposed between the front and rear seats of the passenger compartment.

Abstract: A convertible device of a vehicle comprises a convertible top (10) movable between a closed position and a folded-together, lowered open position and a separating wall (22, 24) separating the convertible top at least in its folded-together open position at least partially from the interior of a luggage space (19) of the vehicle when the convertible device is mounted thereon. At least a portion of the separating wall is formed by a rear shelf part (24) that separates the passenger compartment from the luggage space in the closed position of the convertible top and during movement of the folding top into its open position moves downwardly together with the lower, rear edge portion of the convertible top, so that the folded-together convertible top is disposed above the rear shelf part. A sensor apparatus detects an object located in the luggage space and hindering a lowering of the rear shelf part.

Abstract: A latch assembly is provides selective locking of a front portion of a convertible top to a windshield header. The latch assembly includes a latch mechanism, an actuator and a frame. The latch mechanism has a hook movable between locked and unlocked states with a striker bar on the front portion of the convertible top. The actuator is operatively coupled to the latch mechanism for actuating the hook between locked and unlocked states. The frame supports both the latch mechanism and the actuator so that the entire latch assembly can be assembled to the windshield header as a unit.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a convertible top includes a plurality of panel assemblies movably coupled to each other for movement between a closed position in which the panel assemblies are arranged end to end to cover a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle and an open position in which the panel assemblies are disposed in a storage space adjacent the passenger compartment. Each of the panel assemblies has an outer surface and a fabric trim cover separate from the other of the panel assemblies. The trim covers remain along the outer surface during movement of the top between the closed position and the open position.

Abstract: A linkage of a convertible top supports a portion of a cover and provides movement of the top between an extended position extending over a passenger compartment and a retracted position. A rear bow supports a rear edge of the cover and articulates the rear edge of the cover during movement of the top between the extended and retracted positions. The top also includes a backlight assembly having a rear window and supporting a rear portion of the cover. The backlight assembly forms part of an articulating mechanism that moves the rear bow.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular unit for a convertible vehicle, comprising a transverse stiffening structure that separates an occupant space from a rear stowage space and a rollover protection system with a first module, attached to the body, with guide devices for a second module, movable between a lowered rest position and an elevated support position, with at least one rollover element, in which a releasable holding device for holding the second module in its rest position, a locking device, by means of which the second module can be automatically supported in a position deviating from its rest position against a force acting in the direction of the rest position, and a drive system, by means of which the second module can be biased in its rest position and moved, as required, in the direction of its support position, are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cabriolet car (1) comprising a roof provided with a flexible cover (3) at least in the rear part thereof, wherein the cover (3) being in a closed position can be tensionally supported with respect to a body (7) with the aid of a tension bow (11). In order to open the roof (2), the tension bow (11) is displaced to the closed position thereof, wherein said bow is arranged on a closed support element (A) of the body (7), first upward (AS) and, when the support element is open, backward (RS) and subsequently to the open position, wherein said tension bow is arranged under the plan of the closed support element (A) being displaced downwards (AV). Said invention provides for a first displacement center (25) for displacing the tension bow (11) upwards and backwards (AS, RS) and a separate second displacement center for displacing said tension bow downward (AV).

Abstract: A latch mechanism for releasably locking at least a portion of a convertible top of a motor vehicle in the closed position. The latch mechanism has a locked position in which the latch mechanism is lockingly engaged with the receiver to lock at least a portion of the top in the closed position and an unlocked position in which the latch mechanism is disengaged with the receiver and allows movement of the at least portion of the top between the closed and open positions. The latch mechanism has a memory metal element operative for actuating the latch mechanism between the locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: A motor vehicle (1) with a hatchback (H1) comprising lateral frame parts (H3) rising in the direction of travel, between which in a rear window (H4) is received in at least one position and which rest on a rear section (8) of lateral members of the bodywork of the vehicle (6) when the hatchback (H1) is in a closed position, forming part of the outer surface of the vehicle. According to the invention, when the hatchback (H1) is opened, it can be moved with the most forward-lying area (HF) thereof counter to the direction of travel (F) and a passageway (D1) enabling the roof parts (P1;P2;H4) to move inside the bodywork of the vehicle (6) is opened up in the overlapping area when the hatchback (H1) is closed.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes at least one displaceable roof section, which when closed abuts the windscreen frame at the front of the vehicle and whose lateral outer areas respectively abut a support. The supports can be relocated in lateral columns of the windscreen frame, where the ends of the supports at the front of the vehicle and the section of the supports lying in the exit region of the lateral column are guided without play in a housing channel that is formed by the respective lateral column, by a respective roller bearing, at a defined distance from the wall of the receiving channel. An optimized guidance system and stability are achieved., if the end of the support at the rear of the vehicle is held in a central manner in a locking device on a rear roof section. The locking device is configured with a cylindrical fastening element comprising a centering recess, in which a rocker-mounted locking lever, designed to engage in a cavity of the support, is located.

Abstract: The invention relates to a convertible vehicle (1) having a movable roof (2), which has a flexible cover (4) at least in its back area (6), said cover being held in a tensioning bracket (8) in the back area thereof, which can be displaced upwards from a tensioned position forming the closed roof (2). The convertible vehicle is configured in such a way that at least one folding device (13) acting upon a border area of the cover (4) that is located beneath and in front of the tensioning bracket (8) in driving direction (F) of the cover (4) is assigned to said cover (4), said folding device exerting a constraining folding force upon said border area when the roof is being opened (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a cabriolet vehicle comprising a displaceable roof which can be maintained in the closed position thereof at a point on the windscreen frame. According to the invention, at least one displaceable engaging element and one spring-loaded pivotable drive lever which engages in a direct or indirect manner with said element is provided for the movement thereof in or out of the engaged position for the maintenance thereof. The cabriolet vehicle is embodied in such a manner that the pivotable drive lever, which acts against the spring force with a component which is oriented away from the pivotable axis of the pivotable drive lever and which also enables the pivotable drive lever to be displaceably mounted.

Abstract: A folding top for a convertible vehicle comprises a rigid rear window assembly (24) and a top framework with side frame parts (10, 12, 14, 40) for supporting a roof covering (16), which parts are at least partially retractable into a rear portion (29) of the vehicle. At least a rear area of the roof covering, which is affixed to the rear window (26) and to the rearmost side frame part (40), is made of a flexible material. The rearmost side frame part is connected via a linkage (44, 50, 54, 56) with the rear window assembly such that the distance between the rearmost side frame part and the side edge of the rear window passes through a maximum shortly before reaching the fully closed position of the folding top, whereby the tensioning of the flexible material counteracts against an opening of the folding top.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hood (1) for a convertible (2), comprising a tail end/roof segment (6) and at least one other roof segment (7, 8). The roof segments (6, 7, 8) can be folded together in a Z-shape by means of a folding mechanism and at least the tail end/roof segment (6) is provided with a flexible roof skin (3) which is accommodated between opposite outer roof profiles (9, 10, 11) which are symmetrical in relation to a longitudinal axis (33) of the vehicle and which encloses a dimensionally stable rear window (12). The rear window (12) and the outer roof frame profiles (9), which are associated with the tail end/roof segment (6), are placed in a folded position when the hood (1) is open or unfolded from said position as a result of a movement in the same direction.

Abstract: A motor vehicle with a vehicle body, which comprises at least a pair of struts, at least one vibration-selective detection unit for detecting longitudinal stresses on the struts during operation of the vehicle, and at least one actuator for producing a force that counteracts the longitudinal stress, wherein the at least two struts are connected by a holding device, which is movably supported relative to the body, wherein a common actuator is configured for simultaneously adjusting the struts connected by the actuator.