Abstract: The present invention is a twinsheet door which includes a first door portion and a second door portion connected to the first door portion. The twinsheet door of the present invention is manufactured using a thermoforming process, during which a vacuum shapes the first door portion and the second door portion such that one or more closed sections are created when the first door portion is thermally bonded to the second door portion and simultaneously a vacuum is applied to form the first door portion and said second door portion. The closed section formed between the first door portion and second door portion provides additional strength and rigidity to the twinsheet door. Additionally, the forming of the closed section between the first door portion and the second door portion and the bonding between the first door portion and second door portion is achieved during a single manufacturing process.

Abstract: The present invention is a cable tonneau system having at least one frame assembly selectively mounted to a vehicle, and at least one bow portion having a plurality of links pivotally connected to the frame assembly. Also included is a cover operatively connected to the frame assembly and the bow portion for concealing a storage area of the vehicle. The frame assembly and the plurality of links are operable to be pivoted between a stowed position and a deployed position. The cover is positioned to expose the storage area of the vehicle when the frame assembly and the plurality of links are in the stowed position. The cover conceals the storage area of the vehicle when the frame assembly and the plurality of links are in the deployed position.

Abstract: The present invention is a serviceable fabric assembly for a convertible roof of a motor vehicle having a retainer connected to a fabric cover and slidably engaged within a channel formed in a first bow member. The first bow member has an upper panel and a lower panel configured to form the channel substantially along the longitudinal length of the first bow member. The channel is configured to laterally receive a compressible portion of the retainer which prevents the retainer from exiting the channel in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the first bow member. A gap is formed near at least one end of the channel on the outboard side of the channel and is sized such that an operator can slide the retainer out of the channel through the gap for servicing and replacing the fabric cover without having to disassemble the first bow member.

Abstract: The present invention is a twinsheet door which includes a first door portion and a second door portion connected to the first door portion. The twinsheet door of the present invention is manufactured using a thermoforming process, during which a vacuum shapes the first door portion and the second door portion such that one or more closed sections are created when the first door portion is thermally bonded to the second door portion and simultaneously a vacuum is applied to form the first door portion and said second door portion. The closed section formed between the first door portion and second door portion provides additional strength and rigidity to the twinsheet door. Additionally, the forming of the closed section between the first door portion and the second door portion and the bonding between the first door portion and second door portion is achieved during a single manufacturing process.

Abstract: The present invention is a serviceable fabric assembly for a convertible roof of a motor vehicle having a retainer connected to a fabric cover and slidably engaged within a channel formed in a first bow member. The first bow member has an upper panel and a lower panel configured to form the channel substantially along the longitudinal length of the first bow member. The channel is configured to laterally receive a compressible portion of the retainer which prevents the retainer from exiting the channel in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the first bow member. A gap is formed near at least one end of the channel on the outboard side of the channel and is sized such that an operator can slide the retainer out of the channel through the gap for servicing and replacing the fabric cover without having to disassemble the first bow member.

Abstract: An automotive convertible top is provided having a side bow which in a storage position is placed on top of a forward folding backlite bow. In a preferred embodiment, the convertible top stores on top of a rear storage area of a vehicle in a small space.

Abstract: An automotive convertible top is provided having a side bow which in a storage position is placed on top of a forward folding backlite bow. In a preferred embodiment, the convertible top stores on top of a rear storage area of a vehicle in a small space.