Patents by Inventor Gernot Bruder

Gernot Bruder has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20230053274
    Abstract: A closure system for a motor vehicle cargo bed includes a closure panel having a plurality of slats moveable between a deployed position and a retracted position, with each adjacent pair of the slats being pivotably connected to one another by a hinge unit for pivotal movement of the adjacent slats about a hinge axis. First and second guide track units are configured to be mounted to one side of the cargo bed to extend adjacent opposite side edge portions of the closure panel. A plurality of roller units, each having first and second rollers, are supported along the opposite side edge portions of the cover panel for rolling movement along the first and second guide track units, with each roller unit rolling about a roller axis that is coaxially aligned with one of the hinge axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Inventors: Tobias KOBER, Mariusz GIERAK, Marcus PAPENDORF, Gernot BRUDER, Jens ANDERS, Metodi KOSTADINOV, Frank BERTZ
  • Patent number: 10189338
    Abstract: A folding top for a cabriolet vehicle, and which includes a top linkage and a top cover. The top linkage may be adjusted for movement between a closed position and an open position via a roof kinematic system. The roof kinematic system is configured as a four-bar linkage kinematic system having a first link, a second link, and a drive member to drive the first link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: MAGNA Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Gernot Bruder, Tobias Kober, Metodi Kostadinov, Christian Soergel, Reinhard Suess
  • Publication number: 20170203641
    Abstract: A folding top for a cabriolet vehicle, and which includes a top linkage and a top cover. The top linkage may be adjusted for movement between a closed position and an open position via a roof kinematic system. The roof kinematic system is configured as a four-bar linkage kinematic system having a first link, a second link, and a drive member to drive the first link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Inventors: Gernot BRUDER, Tobias KOBER, Metodi KOSTADINOV, Christian SOERGEL, Reinhard SUESS
  • Patent number: 9186967
    Abstract: Apparatus configured to open, close, unlock and lock a flap of a motor vehicle. A drive link of a kinematic drive mechanism is configured to act on a kinematic flap mechanism, in which a deflecting lever of the kinematic actuating mechanism is drivable by an actuator and, during a closing movement, engages in an engagement element of the kinematic flap mechanism or of the flap and, in the process, closes and locks the flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: MAGNA Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Gernot Bruder, Metodi Kostadinov, Artur Mangold
  • Patent number: 8746776
    Abstract: A roof construction of a motor vehicle has a fixed roll bar, and a roof element which, in the closed position, is accommodated between the roll bar and a windshield and, in the open position, is accommodated behind the roll bar in a convertible-top compartment. The roof element can be shifted from the open position into the closed position and vice versa beyond the roll bar via an opening and closing mechanism. With the roof element in the closed position, the mechanism penetrates lateral offsets of the roll bar and, in the open position, opens up the lateral offsets. The lateral offsets of the roll bar are each assigned, on the front side of the roll bar, a covering which, in the closed position of the roof element, opens up the lateral offset for the passage of the mechanism and which, in the open position, covers the lateral offsets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignees: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft, Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Schulzki, Kurt Pfertner, Gernot Bruder
  • Publication number: 20140075845
    Abstract: Apparatus configured to open, close, unlock and lock a flap of a motor vehicle. A drive link of a kinematic drive mechanism is configured to act on a kinematic flap mechanism, in which a deflecting lever of the kinematic actuating mechanism is drivable by an actuator and, during a closing movement, engages in an engagement element of the kinematic flap mechanism or of the flap and, in the process, closes and locks the flap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: MAGNA Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Gernot BRUDER, Metodi KOSTADINOV, Artur MANGOLD
  • Patent number: 8459719
    Abstract: A roof construction for a motor vehicle has a roll bar and a roof element which, in a closed position, is accommodated between the roll bar and a windshield and, in an open position, is accommodated behind the roll bar and can be shifted from the open position into the closed position and vice versa beyond the roll bar via an opening and closing mechanism. The roof constructing further has a covering which covers the roll bar on the outside in the open position of the roof element and in the closed position of the roof element. Vertical extending side parts of the covering can be shifted relative to the roll bar during the shifting of the roof element. A transverse part of the covering extends substantially in a horizontal direction and is fastened to the roll bar so as not to be able to be shifted relative thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignees: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft, Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Schulzki, Kurt Pfertner, Gernot Bruder, Metodi Kostadinov, Christian Soergel
  • Publication number: 20120153665
    Abstract: A roof construction of a motor vehicle has a fixed roll bar, and a roof element which, in the closed position, is accommodated between the roll bar and a windshield and, in the open position, is accommodated behind the roll bar in a convertible-top compartment. The roof element can be shifted from the open position into the closed position and vice versa beyond the roll bar via an opening and closing mechanism. With the roof element in the closed position, the mechanism penetrates lateral offsets of the roll bar and, in the open position, opens up the lateral offsets. The lateral offsets of the roll bar are each assigned, on the front side of the roll bar, a covering which, in the closed position of the roof element, opens up the lateral offset for the passage of the mechanism and which, in the open position, covers the lateral offsets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicants: MAGNA CAR TOP SYSTEMS GMBH, DR. ING. H.C. F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: MARKUS SCHULZKI, KURT PFERTNER, GERNOT BRUDER
  • Publication number: 20120153664
    Abstract: A roof construction for a motor vehicle has a roll bar and a roof element which, in a closed position, is accommodated between the roll bar and a windshield and, in an open position, is accommodated behind the roll bar and can be shifted from the open position into the closed position and vice versa beyond the roll bar via an opening and closing mechanism. The roof constructing further has a covering which covers the roll bar on the outside in the open position of the roof element and in the closed position of the roof element. Vertical extending side parts of the covering can be shifted relative to the roll bar during the shifting of the roof element. A transverse part of the covering extends substantially in a horizontal direction and is fastened to the roll bar so as not to be able to be shifted relative thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicants: MAGNA CAR TOP SYSTEMS GMBH, DR. ING. H.C. F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: MARKUS SCHULZKI, KURT PFERTNER, GERNOT BRUDER, METODI KOSTADINOV, CHRISTIAN SOERGEL
  • Patent number: 8079630
    Abstract: An assembly includes a roof part kinematic system having front and rear connecting rods. Each connecting rod is pivotally connected to a roof part and is pivotally connectable to a vehicle body such that the roof part kinematic system can move the roof part between end positions. The assembly further includes a spring-loaded kinematic system having a spring, a coupling rod, and a triangular-shaped spring lever. The spring is connected to the front connecting rod and is connected to the first spring lever corner, the coupling rod is connected to the rear connecting rod and is connected to the second spring lever corner, and the third spring lever corner is pivotally connectable to the vehicle body such that the spring produces a torque on the connecting rods to move the roof part away from either end position when the roof part is in that end position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Gernot Bruder, Marcus Papendorf
  • Patent number: 7841643
    Abstract: A folding roof linkage assembly includes front and rear frames and first and second arms. The front frame has a rear portion extending at an acute angle therefrom and having front and rear ends. The rear frame has a front portion extending perpendicularly therefrom and having bottom and top ends. The first arm has a front end pivotally connected to the front end of the front frame and a rear end pivotally connected to the bottom end of the rear frame. The second arm has a front end pivotally connected to the rear end of the front frame and a rear end pivotally connected to the top end of the rear frame. The front frame is movable between a closed position in which the frames extend from one another and an opened position in which the front frame folds over the rear frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Tobias Kober, Gernot Bruder
  • Patent number: 7762611
    Abstract: An assembly includes a roof having front and rear roof parts, a motion system, and a coupling rod. The motion system includes front and rear guide rods, a spring, and a guide rod mechanism to move the roof between closed and opened positions. The front guide rod is fixed to the front roof part and is pivotably supportable on a bearing. The rear guide rod is fixed to the rear roof part and is pivotably supportable on a bearing. The coupling rod is articulately connected to the front guide rod and to the rear roof part. The spring is articulately connected to the front guide rod and to the guide rod mechanism which is articulately connected to the rear guide rod such that the spring is biased to open the roof when the roof is closed and is biased to close the roof when the roof is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Marcus Papendorf, Gernot Bruder
  • Patent number: 7618080
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a roof, a roof part kinematic system (RPKS), and a transmission kinematic system (TKS). The roof includes roof parts movably connected together to be movable between a closed position in which the parts cover the vehicle interior and a stored position in which the roof parts expose the vehicle interior. The RPKS includes a guide rod pivotably supported at one end about a vehicle body-side rotary joint and pivotably supported at another end to one of the parts to movably connect the part to the vehicle such that upon RPKS actuation the RPKS moves the roof part between the positions. The TKS has a spring connected at one end to the guide rod. The spring acts on the guide rod with a swivel torque about the first rotary joint during the part transfer. The spring orientation traverses the first rotary joint during the part transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Gernot Bruder
  • Publication number: 20090256383
    Abstract: An assembly includes a roof part kinematic system having front and rear connecting rods. Each connecting rod is pivotally connected to a roof part and is pivotally connectable to a vehicle body such that the roof part kinematic system can move the roof part between end positions. The assembly further includes a spring-loaded kinematic system having a spring, a coupling rod, and a triangular-shaped spring lever. The spring is connected to the front connecting rod and is connected to the first spring lever corner, the coupling rod is connected to the rear connecting rod and is connected to the second spring lever corner, and the third spring lever corner is pivotally connectable to the vehicle body such that the spring produces a torque on the connecting rods to move the roof part away from either end position when the roof part is in that end position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: MAGNA CAR TOP SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Gernot Bruder, Marcus Papendorf
  • Publication number: 20090200829
    Abstract: A folding roof linkage assembly includes front and rear frames and first and second arms. The front frame has a rear portion extending at an acute angle therefrom and having front and rear ends. The rear frame has a front portion extending perpendicularly therefrom and having bottom and top ends. The first arm has a front end pivotally connected to the front end of the front frame and a rear end pivotally connected to the bottom end of the rear frame. The second arm has a front end pivotally connected to the rear end of the front frame and a rear end pivotally connected to the top end of the rear frame. The front frame is movable between a closed position in which the frames extend from one another and an opened position in which the front frame folds over the rear frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: MAGNA CAR TOP SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Tobias Kober, Gernot Bruder
  • Publication number: 20080258490
    Abstract: An assembly includes a roof having front and rear roof parts, a motion system, and a coupling rod. The motion system includes front and rear guide rods, a spring, and a guide rod mechanism to move the roof between closed and opened positions. The front guide rod is fixed to the front roof part and is pivotably supportable on a bearing. The rear guide rod is fixed to the rear roof part and is pivotably supportable on a bearing. The coupling rod is articulately connected to the front guide rod and to the rear roof part. The spring is articulately connected to the front guide rod and to the guide rod mechanism which is articulately connected to the rear guide rod such that the spring is biased to open the roof when the roof is closed and is biased to close the roof when the roof is opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: MAGNA CAR TOP SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Marcus Papendorf, Gernot Bruder
  • Patent number: 7344179
    Abstract: Linkages of a vehicle hardtop having two main links. The two main links have link attachments to a main bearing. The link attachments are offset with respect to each other in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The first main link is connected to the front link attachment of the main bearing. The second main link is a C-pillar link that is attached to and moves with the rear roof part of the hardtop. An intermediate link connects the second main link to the main bearing. A connection link connects the intermediate link to the first main link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Marcus Papendorf, Gernot Bruder
  • Publication number: 20080042467
    Abstract: A multipart roof for a vehicle is adjustable on a vehicle body between a closed position and an opened position. The roof includes a front roof part and a rear roof part. The roof parts are movable via a lever such that in the opened position of the roof the front roof part assumes an upright position in a storage compartment of the vehicle. The lever includes a coupling gear having multiple gear elements to effect the open position of the roof parts. The gear elements are in mechanical linkage with the vehicle body and with the front roof part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: MAGNA CAR TOP SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Gernot Bruder, Philipp Wolf
  • Patent number: 7325858
    Abstract: A folding top assembly includes roof and transmission systems. The roof system includes a main link for rotatably coupling a roof to a vehicle. The main link includes a first end for coupling to the roof and a second end for rotatably coupling to the vehicle such that the main link is rotatable to move the roof between closed and opened positions. The transmission system includes tilting and drive levers. The tilting lever has two arms and a center. The second tilting arm and the first drive lever end are rotatably coupled to one another, the second drive lever end and an extension of the second main link end are rotatably coupled to one another, and the tilting center is rotatable such that the tilting lever, the drive lever, and the main link rotate to move the roof upon the first tilting arm being actuated by the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Marcus Papendorf, Gernot Bruder, Holger Roder
  • Publication number: 20070284910
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a roof having roof parts, a roof kinematic system, and a transmission kinematic system. The roof parts are movable between a closed position covering the vehicle interior and a stored position exposing the vehicle interior. The roof kinematics system has a guide rod pivotably supported about a vehicle body-side rotary joint and pivotably supported to a roof part to movably connect the roof part to the vehicle such that upon actuation of the rod the roof kinematic system moves the roof part. The transmission kinematic system has a spring and a displaceable tensioning lever. The spring is connected to the rod and the lever. When the spring is pretensioned the spring acts upon the rod with a swivel torque about the rotary joint to actuate the rod to move the roof part. The lever places the spring under pretension upon being displaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Gernot Bruder