Abstract: A stowable top or cover mounted on an open bed of a truck, such as a pickup truck, using lift frames and actuators in a manner to be raised above the bed. The cover and lift frames include attachment channels for connecting a flexible tent-like enclosure thereto such that the enclosure can be attached thereto after the cover is raised. The flexible enclosure can comprise a camper enclosure that encloses the truck bed and also optionally can extend beyond the truck bed to form additional sitting and sleeping rooms supported on separate portable tent-type posts and platforms. A flexible awning enclosure can be attached to the raised cover and lift frames to form an awning that extends beyond the truck bed supported on separate tent-type posts to provide a covered area for on-site work/commercial/recreational activities. An office enclosure can be attached to the raised cover and lift frames to form an office or meeting room where job-site work/meetings and the like can be conducted protected from the weather.

Abstract: A sunroof assembly for an automotive vehicle employs a fixed roof panel, a rear sunroof panel, a front sunroof panel, a rear sunshade, and a front sunshade. Another aspect of the present invention includes adjustable fastening together of the tracks. A modular sunroof assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A powered venting panel assembly includes a panel pivotable from a closed position to an open venting position, an automatic actuator, a linkage mechanism and a member coupling the automatic actuator to the linkage mechanism. In a further aspect of the present invention, the elongated member is a flexible cable. The window is a venting sunroof window in yet another aspect of the present invention.

Abstract: A powered drive assembly for positioning various slidable components within a vehicle interior. The powered drive assembly includes a motor assembly operably coupled to a flexible flocked drive cable which is supported for rotation within a housing. The flocked drive cable provides a helical surface. Specific coupling members are adapted to engage the helical surface and operably couple the drive cable with the slidable component. For example, in one preferred embodiment a coupling bracket operably couples the flocked drive cable to a slidable window assembly of the type used in the rear opening of a pick-up cab for opening and closing the window. In a second preferred embodiment, the coupling member operably couples the drive cable to a curtain assembly located within the interior of an over-the-road truck cab for opening and closing the curtain.

Abstract: A composite window assembly for use in an automotive vehicle includes a composite guide plate. The composite guide plate is molded from a polymeric material. The guide plate has a plurality of guide structures. Furthermore, a molded polymeric composite sector gear has an integrated extension arm. Moreover, a molded composite window mounting plate is provided. The present invention also provides a guide, retention means and ball bearing construction. A method of manufacturing the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved bow for a convertible top is described which is molded from a polymeric resin such as nylon and reinforced with glass fibers. The bow has a general I beam cross section and can be reinforced for additional strength. The ends of the bow can be configured to retain stay pads or tack strips. The bow can be molded in a set of tools that have interchangeable ends and retain the same mold for the central section of the bow. The interchangeable tools for producing the ends of the bow allow for greater manufacturing flexibility in that the central tool is retained for use in producing multiple styles of bows while expenses only have to be incurred for additional tooling for the ends of the bows.

Abstract: A multi-position hardtop roof for a vehicle which is retractable between a coupe position enclosing the passenger compartment and a convertible position wherein the roof is stored within the rear deck of the vehicle. The roof is segmented into a front fixed panel incorporating the windshield, an intermediate panel and a rear panel. The intermediate panel of the roof is telescopically retractable onto the rear panel and both movable panels are thereafter retractable into the rear deck of the vehicle. From the coupe position, the intermediate roof segment can be tilted to a second venting position. Further retraction moves the intermediate segment rearwardly onto the rear roof segment to a targa position. Finally, the roof segments may be fully retracted to the convertible position. Two sets of piston/cylinder mechanisms control movement of the intermediate segment and the rear roof segment.