Patents Assigned to Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
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Patent number: 7309098Abstract: A motor vehicle with a retractable roof includes front and rear rigid roof parts that are movable between a closed position covering the passenger compartment and an open position stored in a rear receiver space. An articulated connector interconnects the front and rear roof parts. The articulated connector includes two control levers, which form a four-bar linkage, and a support plate. The control levers each having one end rotatably connected to the rear roof part and another end rotatably connected to the support plate. The support plate is movably connected to the front roof part. In the open position, the front roof part is arranged below the rear roof part and the outer surfaces of the roof parts face upwardly.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2004Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventor: Frank Neubrand
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Patent number: 7303225Abstract: A Targa roof system for a vehicle includes a roof part (10) for spanning a compartment between a cross member (4), including the upper side of a windshield, and a traverse cross beam (8), which traversely spans a vehicle inner compartment and is spaced from the cross member (4). Guide elements (20, 22) are affixed in the rear area of the roof part (10) on both sides thereof, the guide elements being spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction of the roof part. The roof part (10) is pivotable from its closed position about the two guide elements (20, 22), which oppose each other with reference to the vehicle width, and subsequently is lowerable downwardly guided along the guide rails (24) into a stowed position by the forward guide element (20) and the rear guide element (22) without pivoting.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2004Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventors: Udo Heselhaus, Winfried Bunsmann
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Publication number: 20070194594Abstract: A motor vehicle (1) comprising a movable roof region which is engaged over by a cover and whose front-side end, or the roof peak, (13) can be secured indirectly or directly to the windshield frame (20) and which, in its open position, can be stowed in the rear vehicle region is configured such that the movable roof region (2) is provided at its end region (4) at the rear in the closed position with at least one rigid cross member (15) and can be turned upside down in the manner of a roof peak (13) for the upward opening and can be held anti-parallel to a part region (14) of the movable roof region (2) adjoining it to the front in the direction of travel (F) (FIG. 3).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2007Publication date: August 23, 2007Applicant: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventor: Udo Heselhaus
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Publication number: 20070192993Abstract: An articulated connection of at least two elements of a folding top mechanism of a convertible vehicle is provided, with a pivot pin, on which at least two elements are mounted next to one another rotationally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pivot pin, wherein at least one bushing is located on the pivot pin on which a first element is mounted on its hollow cylindrical section, and for which an elastically formed collar extending in the radial direction is formed with an undulating profile in the axial direction, which is designed to compensate for axial and/or radial play between the first element and a second element. The collar has at least one recess forming a material lug extending from the outer edge to the hollow cylindrical section.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2005Publication date: August 23, 2007Applicant: WILHELM KARMANN GMBHInventor: Heinrich Selle
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Publication number: 20070187984Abstract: A convertible vehicle is provided with a rear windshield and a rear roof element that laterally comprises C pillars that are at least substantially located next to the rear windshield, adjoining which is at least one front roof element, arranged upstream thereof in the direction of travel when the roof is closed. In order to open the roof the rear roof element can move rearward and downward, and the front roof element can swivel toward the rear roof element. When the roof is open, the C pillars can be swiveled inward in relation to a center section comprising the windshield about axes into a position lying above the center position when the roof is open, and the axes when the roof is closed have at least one component in the direction of travel and one upwardly directed component.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2005Publication date: August 16, 2007Applicant: WILHELM KARMANN GMBHInventor: Franz-Ulrich Brockhoff
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Publication number: 20070187980Abstract: A folding convertible top for a convertible vehicle includes a rotational angle detection device disposed in a rotary hinge (1) for detection of the rotational angle between linkage arms (2, 4) of a convertible top frame that are pivotably connected with each other by a bearing pin (10; 22). A rotational angle encoder (8; 18; 30) is connected with one linkage arm so as to rotate therewith and a sensor element (6; 20; 32) is connected with the other linkage arm so as to rotate therewith. The rotational angle encoder and/or the sensor element is/are disposed adjacent to the bearing pin on respective surfaces of the linkage arms facing towards each other or within housing parts (24, 26) connected to the respective linkage arms.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2007Publication date: August 16, 2007Applicant: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventors: Jorg Jahn, Peter Gutendorf
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Publication number: 20070187992Abstract: A B-pillar segment (24) for a convertible vehicle (10) comprises a stationary lower part (30) and an upper part (28) displaceable relative to the stationary part (28), wherein the upper part (28) is insertable into the lower part (30) when the side windows (18, 20) of the vehicle (10) are opened.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2007Publication date: August 16, 2007Applicant: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventor: Franz-Ulrich Brockhoff
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Publication number: 20070170746Abstract: A convertible vehicle with a roof having a roof covering and several lateral frame parts, which at least partially span the roof covering when roof is closed and follow each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, in which a rear frame part extends from a window parapet line with an upward extending component. The adjacent frame part, preceding the rear frame part in the direction of travel when the roof is closed, can be moved without a force transfer through the rear frame part by at least one drive provided for roof opening, and the rear frame part is suspended on a gear mechanism that transfers the drive force and can be moved by it.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2005Publication date: July 26, 2007Applicant: WILHELM KARMANN GMBHInventor: Nils Kreiling
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Publication number: 20070170752Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2005Publication date: July 26, 2007Applicant: WILHELM KARMANN GMBHInventor: Frank Neubrand
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Publication number: 20070164584Abstract: A convertible vehicle with a roof, which includes, in the closed state, a section of a laterally running roof strut on an area directly or indirectly adjacent to the windshield frame that protrudes farther into the passenger compartment than roof areas lying behind it. The section, on a surface facing the passenger compartment, has at least one large-area recess, coverable by at least one deformable covering.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2004Publication date: July 19, 2007Applicant: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventors: Petra Liedmeyer, Uwe Willenborg, Norbert Bahlmann
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Publication number: 20070126258Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2005Publication date: June 7, 2007Applicant: WILHELM KARMANN GMBHInventors: Nils Kreiling, Sven Hollenbeck
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Patent number: 7216921Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a carbody and a retractable top connected to the carbody. A top compartment is provided in the carbody, wherein the retractable top in a folded-down position of the retractable top is stowed in the top compartment. A top compartment lid for closing the top compartment is provided, wherein the top compartment lid extends within a rear carbody contour of the carbody. A holding-down device is arranged between the top compartment lid and the retractable top, wherein the holding-down device in a holding-down position is placed onto the retractable top stowed in the top compartment when closing the top compartment lid. The holding-down device has a counter member pivotably supported on the top compartment lid and a support part that is movable jointly with the retractable top and is connectable to the counter member in the folded-down position of the retractable top.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2003Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventor: Norbert Habacker
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Patent number: 7204541Abstract: The invention relates a motor vehicle (1) comprising a roof (2) consisting of at least one part (3) which is completely displaceable between open and closed positions. In the closed position, said part of the roof is arranged between an area near a windscreen frame (4) and the rigid rear part of the roof (5, 5a). The inventive motor vehicle is constructed in such a way that the movable part of the roof (3) is divided into several adjacent sectors (15, 16) in order to enable a reduced width to pass to a normal width and vice versa by displacing said sectors and to move between the open and closed positions thereof when the width is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2003Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventor: Franz-Ulrich Brockhoff
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Publication number: 20070057500Abstract: The present invention relates to a roll-over protection device for a motor vehicle, particularly for a convertible, comprising a roll bar (2). This roll bar is provided with an at least nearly U-shaped design having a transverse yoke (3) and lateral limbs (4A, 4B) while leaving a loading opening (11) unobstructed, and extending such that it essentially spans the width of the vehicle. The lateral limbs (4A, 4B) can be displaced along fixed guiding devices (6, 7) in order to transfer the roll bar (2) out of a lowered non-operational position and into a raised supporting position. To this end, a central retaining and activating device (12) for the roll bar (2), said device being controlled by an actuator (18), is provided and/or a device (17) that synchronizes the displacement of the limbs (4A, 4B) of the roll bar (2) along the guiding devices (6, 7) is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2004Publication date: March 15, 2007Applicant: WILHELM KARMANN GMBHInventors: Winfried Bunsmann, Franz Brockhoff, Stefan Hoge
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Patent number: 7182390Abstract: A retractable hardtop for use with a vehicle including a rear section pivotally coupled to the vehicle and a front section pivotally coupled to the rear section for movement of the hardtop between an extended position defining a roof over a passenger compartment in the vehicle and a retracted position at least partially stowed in a storage compartment. A balance link extends between one end pivotally coupled to the vehicle and an opposite end pivotally coupled to the front panel. A center panel opening is defined between the front and rear panels. A center panel is operatively coupled to the balance link for movement in and out of the center panel opening during movement of the hardtop between the extended and retracted positions, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2005Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventor: Frank Neubrand
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Patent number: 7182388Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a carbody and a top connected to the carbody. A top compartment is provided for receiving the top when the top is open. A top compartment lid for closing the top compartment is pivotably supported on the carbody by a hinge device. The hinge device has a frame part connected to the carbody, a connecting part, and a hinge lifter having a first end connected to the frame part by a first hinge and a second end connected by a second hinge to the connecting part mounted on the top compartment lid. The hinge device has an integrated movement lock between the connecting part and the frame part. The movement lock is moved by an opening movement of the top compartment lid into a securing position counteracting a return movement of the top compartment lid. The securing position is releasable for closing the top compartment lid.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2003Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventor: Norbert Habacker
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Patent number: 7175225Abstract: A motor vehicle with a movable convertible top includes a control device for controlling a convertible top motion and a device for the recognition of the convertible top position. The device for convertible top position recognition continuously monitors the position of the convertible top. The position of a defined element of the convertible top is determined by means of at least one acceleration sensor that measures the current acceleration in relationship to the acceleration of free fall.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2003Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventors: Thorsten Hofers, Joachim Vedder
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Publication number: 20070029833Abstract: A device for selectively moving a rear trunk lid 30 of a vehicle from a closed position into a forwardly-inclined intake position and into a rearwardly-inclined loading position comprises at least one support lever on one vehicle side, which support lever is pivotable about an axis stationary relative to the vehicle. In its closed position, the rear trunk lid, in the area of its rear edge, is in hinged connection with an area of the support lever 12 that is located above its pivot axis A. A catch component 20 is arranged on the support lever 12 in front of and above the hinge connection 18, 46 for engagement with another catch component 48 that is provided on the rear trunk lid, above and in front of the hinge connection. The front wall of the rear trunk lid is connected with the vehicle via a hinge 40 that is rearwardly slidable out of a slotted link 44 that is stationary relative to the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2004Publication date: February 8, 2007Applicant: WILHELM KARMANN GMBHInventor: Jürgen Kuhr
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Patent number: 7172242Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle (1) provided with a roof (2) comprising at least one part (3) thereof which is fully movable for the opening thereof and extends from an area adjacent to a wind screen frame (4) to the rear particularly rigid part (5) of the roof transversely covering the entire width between the upper edges of the side windows (7) of said motor vehicle. The inventive motor vehicle is characterised in that the movable part (3) of the roof can be arranged in the fully opened position thereof above the rear rigid part (5) of the roof.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2003Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventor: Udo Heselhaus
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Patent number: 7150481Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a rear area with a storage compartment for stowing the top located adjacent to the trunk. A variable partitioning device separates the trunk and the storage compartment. The partitioning device has a top receiving position and a luggage receiving position. The partitioning device has a panel-shaped end member that, in the top receiving position, is in an upright position and delimits rearwardly the storage compartment relative to the trunk. An adjoining panel is connected to the end member. The end member is releasably secured to the carbody. For moving the partitioning device into the luggage receiving position, the end member is detached from the carbody and pivoted relative to the adjoining panel by a forwardly oriented movement. Subsequently, the end member and the adjoining panel are moved together by a second forwardly oriented movement.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2004Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventor: Karl Knieper
