Abstract: In a motor vehicle having a tail gate (10) affixed to a lateral, rear pillar of the vehicle structure by means of at least one hinge so as to be pivotable about a substantially vertical axis (A-A), a hinge part that swings out together with the tail gate is located in an area of a lateral tail light (18) of the vehicle when the tail gate (10) is closed.

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 convertible having a roof is provided with stiff parts, at least one rear roof part, and an upper roof part, which is mounted in front of the rear roof part relative to the direction of travel in the closed state and is located above a passenger area. The upper roof part of the convertible encompasses an at least substantially transparent plate member which can be displaced counter to the direction of travel like a sliding roof; is held parallel to a rear window that is embraced by the rear roof part in the open position thereof; and can be moved along with the roof in the parallel position in order to be opened and closed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hood (1) for a convertible (2), comprising a tail end/roof segment (6), a front roof segment (8) and at least one central roof segment (7). The roof segments (6, 7, 8) comprise opposite roof frame profiles (9, 10, 11) which are symmetrical in relation to a longitudinal axis (33) of the vehicle and can be folded together in a Z-shape by means of a folding mechanism. In order to reduce the packing height of the hood (1), the roof segments (9, 10, 11) lie substantially on top of each other in a parallel manner in a folded position when the hood is open (1) and the outer roof frame profiles (10) of the at least one central roof segment (7) are rotated about the axis, which is at least approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis (33) of the motor vehicle, by means of a guide device (21) in relation to a position when the hood is closed and are displaced in the direction of the centre of the vehicle.

Abstract: A retractable top system for a vehicle includes a front section, a middle section, and a rear section. Each of the sections has an inner surface that face the passenger compartment of the vehicle when the top is in the extended position, and an opposed outer surface. The rear section is a rigid panel that extends between opposed side edges and between forward and rearward edges of the rear section. A flexible roof membrane covers at least the outer surfaces of the front section and middle section when the top is in the extended position. When the top is in the retracted position, the outer surface of the front section is directed upwardly and the outer surface of the middle section is directed downwardly.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a carbody having a rear top compartment with a top compartment lid. A retractable top is connected to the carbody and stowed in the top compartment when open. Its back bow is placed onto the top compartment lid in a closed position of the top. A locking device secures the back bow and the top compartment lid to one another. The locking device has a connecting member on the back bow and a counter member on the top compartment lid below a through opening of the top compartment lid. At least one flap part is provided at the through opening and movable by the connecting member from a closed position into an open position. A switching member cooperates with the at least one flap part. The connecting member has two support legs that define a receiving slot for the counter member engaging the receiving slot positive-lockingly.

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: 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 retractable soft top system includes a support frame with a forward end and a rearward end. The rearward end is detachably and pivotably interconnected with the vehicle body at the rear of the passenger compartment. The support frame includes a latching member extending from the forward end. The latching member is operable to selectively engage an engagement feature on the windshield header so as to interconnect the forward end of the support frame with the header. A cover selectively covers a storage area behind the passenger compartment. The cover is pivotally supported such that the forward end moves upwardly to uncover at least a portion of the storage area. The cover has an underside with an engagement feature adjacent the forward end and a retaining latch spaced rearwardly therefrom.

Abstract: Foldable tops (1) suitable for convertible vehicles may include a rear window (3) supported within a roof covering (2). A tensioning bow (5) imparts a tension across a rear portion of the roof covering when the foldable top is disposed in a roof closed position. A lower edge (4) of the rear window (3) is supported along a supporting portion of the tensioning bow when the foldable top is disposed in the roof closed position. At least one connector (9) is preferably disposed along the supporting portion between the rear window and the tensioning bow. The at least one connector releaseably engages the lower edge of the rear window with the tensioning bow when the foldable top is disposed in the roof closed position and disengages the rear window from the tensioning bow when the foldable top is opened. The at least one connector preferably comprises a hook portion (10) and a complementary projection (11).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a carbody and a foldaway top connected to the carbody. A top compartment receives the foldaway top when folded open. A top compartment lid is provided for closing the top compartment. A hinge device is connected to the carbody and to the top compartment lid so that the top compartment lid is pivotable relative to the carbody. The top compartment lid has a front end interacting with a locking device in the area of a lateral side rail for locking it on the side rail by a push-pivot movement; it is released by a reverse movement. A lifting drive acting on the top compartment lid is supported on the carbody spaced from the hinge device and is pivotably connected to the top compartment lid. The top compartment lid is pivotable in the area of the hinge device relative to support part of the hinge device.

Abstract: A retractable hardtop for use with a vehicle includes 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.

Abstract: Apparatus suitable for use in convertible vehicles may include a convertible top comprising a substantially rigid front portion that moves downwardly towards and releaseably engages a windshield frame of the vehicle in order to close the convertible vehicle. At least one dampening device may be disposed at a rear portion of the convertible top and may be operably coupled to the front portion in order to slow downward movement of the front portion during a final phase of a convertible top closing operation. Further, the dampening device may be operably coupled between two pivotably connected linkages provided within the rear portion of the convertible top. The two pivotably connected linkages are preferably arranged and constructed so that the opening distance between the two linkages increases when the front portion is moving downwardly towards the windshield frame.

Abstract: An articulating decklid system for a vehicle with a retractable roof includes a first linkage member with a forward end pivotally interconnected with the vehicle body and a rearward end spaced therefrom. A decklid has a forward end and a rearward end, with the rearward end being pivotally connected to the rearward end of the first linkage member. A second linkage assembly has an upper end pivotally interconnected with the decklid and a lower end pivotally interconnected with the first linkage member between its forward and rearward ends. The second linkage assembly has a folded and an unfolded position. The system also includes an actuator. The system has a closed position with the rearward ends of the first linkage member and decklid adjacent the rearward end of the luggage compartment, the second linkage assembly folded, and the forward end of the decklid adjacent the forward end of the luggage compartment.

Abstract: Convertible vehicles (1) may include a vehicle body (6) defining a window shoulder line (5) along its upper edge. A foldable roof (2) preferably includes a rear window (4) disposed within a rear roof portion (3) and the foldable roof can be stored substantially completely within the vehicle body and below the window shoulder line. First and second tensioning bow portions (16a) extend substantially laterally with respect to the rear window and substantially in parallel with a central longitudinal axis of the vehicle. A first end of each tensioning bow portion may be pivotably coupled to the vehicle body and a second end of each tensioning bow portion may be pivotably coupled to the rear window. A gap or space is preferably between the tensioning bow portions proximal to the window shoulder line. At least a portion of the rear window optionally may extend within the gap or space when the roof is disposed in the roof closed position.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a carbody having a rear area and a roof stowable in the rear area of the carbody. The roof has a rigid rear roof end member and a rear window. A passageway allows movement of the roof relative to the carbody. The passageway, when the roof is in a closed position, is located in front of the rear roof end member and below the rear window. A movable cover functioning as a rear deck closes the passageway at least partially. The movable cover is connected to the roof in an area of the rear roof end member and is movable together with the roof.

Abstract: A retractable soft top system includes a support frame with a forward end and a rearward end. The rearward end is detachably and pivotably interconnected with the vehicle body at the rear of the passenger compartment. The support frame includes a latching member extending from the forward end. The latching member is operable to selectively engage an engagement feature on the windshield header so as to interconnect the forward end of the support frame with the header. A cover selectively covers a storage area behind the passenger compartment. The cover is pivotally supported such that the forward end moves upwardly to uncover at least a portion of the storage area. The cover has an underside with an engagement feature adjacent the forward end and a retaining latch spaced rearwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A convertible (1) with a roof (2), which can be stowed in the rear region (3) of the vehicle beneath a lid part (4), it being possible to open and close the lid part (4), on the one hand, for unblocking an opening (7) for the passage of the roof (2) adjacent to the front region (4a) of the lid part (4) and, on the other, for unblocking an opening (8) for luggage, adjacent to the rear end region (9), an auxiliary frame (11) being disposed beneath the lid part (4a) and connected in the, in the driving direction (F), pre-disposed area over a multiple joint (14) with the lid part (4) and mounted moveably with respect to the vehicle body in its rear region (12), wherein the multiple joint (14), while the opening (7) for the passage of the roof (2) is unblocked, is held in stood-up position which enlarges the distance between the lid part (4) and the auxiliary frame (11) relative to that of the closed position.