Abstract: A convertible top having a cover and a headliner interconnected by transverse bows having fore and aft slots that are connected to either the cover or the headliner by flexible welts. A method of making a convertible top with welts that are assembled to the bows by sliding first and second welts lengthwise into fore and aft slots formed on the bows. The bows are assembled to the top stack after the cover and headliner are attached to the bows. One or more bows may include a central portion and two end portions that are assembled to opposite ends of the central portion in a range of predetermined positions. A method is disclosed for making a bow by extruding the central portion of the bow and molding the right and left end portions of the bow in a thixotropic molding process.

Abstract: A one piece rod spring clip is attached to a tensioning cable in a convertible top . The rod spring clip (40) includes a leg that is aligned with an end of the cable. The rod spring clip is secured to the one bow (38) of the convertible top and applies a biasing force to the end of the cable through the action of a flexure portion of the rod spring clip that applies an axial force to the cable.

Abstract: A convertible top stack linkage is provided that is formed, in part, in a thixotropic magnesium molding process. Many structural parts of the convertible top stack linkage may be thixotropically molded. A pivot link of the top stack linkage is pivotally connected to two bows, for example, the three and four bows of the top stack. A five bow extends between and is attached to right and left pivot links by right and left pressure links, respectively. A pivot link is provided that has a triple pivot connection to a tensioning link, a center rail and a rear rail. A main spring is secured to a pivot pin and connected to a main pivot bracket on the vehicle to provide a counterbalancing force on the balance link that assists in lifting the top stack linkage as the convertible top is retracted and extended.

Abstract: A latching system for a convertible top of a motor vehicle. The latching system includes a keeper disposed proximate a windshield header and a latch pin actuated by a handle. The latching system is actuated between a latched position in which the latch pin engages the keeper and an unlatched position in which the latch pin is spaced apart from the keeper.

Abstract: A system and method for attaching a cover (14) of a convertible top (12) of a motor vehicle. The system includes a cover (14) having an anchoring strip (50) and a structural support (16) having a recessed portion (32) and a plurality of retainer flanges (34). The anchoring strip (50) is disposed between the recessed portion (32) and the plurality of flanges (34) when the cover (14) is attached to the structural support (16).

Abstract: A convertible top having right and left side rails that fold toward each other as the convertible top is retracted. A segmented one bow is connected by a linkage to the side rails. The side rails being shiftable from an extended position wherein they extend longitudinally relative to the vehicle to a retracted position wherein the side rails extend transversely relative to the vehicle. A one piece one bow is latched to the windshield header in the extended position and is stored in a storage compartment when the convertible top is retracted.

Abstract: A flap in the covering of a vehicle can be adjusted by flap kinematics between a closed position, in which the flap is situated essentially in the plane of the vehicle covering, and an opening position. In an operationally reliable construction, a vehicle-fixed link path for the passive guidance of a first guiding lever, which connects the flap with the vehicle, is provided in the lateral area of the flap. In the opposite lateral area of the flap, a second, actively guided guiding lever is arranged which is acted upon by a motor-driven actuator.

Abstract: A vehicle roof has a convertible top which can be adjusted between a closed position and an open position. The top spans the vehicle interior in the closed position and is deposited in a convertible top depositing device in the open position. Furthermore, a rollover bar is coupled with the convertible top depositing device. For a facilitated assembly and function testing, the rollover bar forms a cohesive, firmly connected unit with the convertible top depositing device and the convertible top. The unit can be integrated in the vehicle as a preassembled module.

Abstract: An adjustable vehicle roof having a folding top which can be adjusted between a closed position and a deposited position, and a folding top linkage and a folding top covering material. A material holding bow is connected with the folding top linkage and, in the closed position of the folding top, rests on a rearward, vehicle-body-side component apply tension to the folding top covering material. In order to close off the folding top in a windtight and watertight manner in the closed position while the vehicle body can be freely designed, a tensioning hoop is provided which acts upon the material holding bow in the closed position and which is supported on the folding top linkage.

Abstract: A folding top for vehicles has a tension bow which is connected with the rearward lower edge of the folding top covering. In the closed position of the folding top, the covering is supported by at least one sealing body on the bottom side of an adjoining vehicle body part. So that damage to the vehicle body part as a result of an excessive contact pressure of the tension bow is avoided and a defined contact pressure of the sealing body can be achieved, the tension bow is connected with a stationary rollover bar by way of at least one adjustable relief device.

Abstract: A folding top for vehicles includes a folding top structure and a folding top covering, an edge area of the folding top covering being fastened on a rear-side tensioning bow of the folding top structure and a sealing body being held in position which is in an operative connection with an adjoining vehicle body part. In order to achieve a simple mounting of the folding top covering and of the sealing body on the tensioning bow during the first assembly and in the case of repair, it is provided that separate receiving devices for fastening the folding top covering and for holding the sealing body are arranged on the tensioning bow.

Abstract: A wind protector for a passenger vehicle with a rearwardly folding top can be displaced from an inoperative position to an operative position and vice versa. For increasing the operating comfort, it is provided that the wind protector is coupled with the top via a control device in such a manner that, when the top is folded rearward into the rearward-side deposited position, the wind protector is automatically moved into its operative position.