Abstract: A latch mechanism associated with one of a convertible top and a automobile component is provided. The latch mechanism is adapted to cooperate with an engagement member associated with the other of the convertible top and the automobile component. A hook, a first guide pin and a second guide pin are provided. The first and second guide pins are associated with the hook. A first guide slot is associated with the first guide pin and a second guide slot is associated with the second guide pin. A drive mechanism is associated with the latch assembly and adapted to move each of the first and second guide pins along its respective first and second guide slot to move the hook between a latched position and an unlatched position.

Abstract: A latch mechanism associated with one of a convertible top and a automobile component is provided. The latch mechanism is adapted to cooperate with an engagement member associated with the other of the convertible top and the automobile component. A hook, a first guide pin and a second guide pin are provided. The first and second guide pins are associated with the hook. A first guide slot is associated with the first guide pin and a second guide slot is associated with the second guide pin. A drive mechanism is associated with the latch assembly and adapted to move each of the first and second guide pins along its respective first and second guide slot to move the hook between a latched position and an unlatched position.

Abstract: A retractable hard-top roof for an automotive vehicle is comprised of a rigid front roof section which is retractable upon a rear roof section for horizontal stowage between the front seat and the trunk. Another aspect of a retractable roof provides for a floating pivot.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in an automotive vehicle having a convertible roof system is comprised of an escutcheon which is juxtapositioned proximate with a roof and movable between a functional position and a hidden position. In another aspect of the present invention, an interior trim panel substantially hides a portion of a balance link as viewed from inside a passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle when a roof is in a fully extended position.

Abstract: An automotive side window system provides a mechanism for retracting and extending a side window into and away from an adjacent portion of a roof structure.

Abstract: A power latching mechanism for use on automobile closures is disclosed, comprising a pin member, a keeper member having a hollow cylindrical body which receives the pin member, a motor for urging engagement between the pin member and the keeper member, and a spring and associated hardware for selectively retaining the pin member in the keeper member. In one embodiment, the keeper member retentively engages the pin member when the pin member is manually inserted thereinto and is also manually disengagable.

Abstract: A vehicle convertible top linkage assembly having improved means for controlling the articulation of the convertible top as it is raised and lowered. This linkage assembly includes a pair of pillar links that are pivotally coupled to the vehicle and a pair of balance links that control the articulation of the convertible top. The balance links are coupled to the linkage assembly by coupling means that simultaneously allow the balance links to be pivotally and longitudinally displaced. Longitudinal displacement of the balance links is accomplished by a variety of displacing means and serves the purpose of actuating the control links. These displacing means displace the balance link when the convertible top is being raised and lowered to provide various paths of movement.

Abstract: The present invention is a powered sliding door system for a vehicle including a semi-rigid cable adapted to be affixed to the sliding door of a vehicle and a powered electromagnetic clutch for driving the cable longitudinally for opening and closing the sliding door.

Abstract: A powered latching mechanism includes a threaded pin which engages an opposed pair of rotating dogs maintained within a keeper assembly driven by an electric motor connected to the header of the windshield. The dogs are configured to have a ramped portion which permits the manual urging of the pin therepast in the event of failure of the electric motor and/or the hydraulics of the convertible top.

Abstract: A manually operated convertible top structure for vehicles having a pivotal tonneau mounted rearward of the passenger compartment. The convertible top structure includes a pair of spaced rigid side rails which are interconnected by a plurality of spaced, transversely extending crossbows to form a frame work over which a flexible folding top is disposed. A pair of rear rails extending in a substantially upright orientation are pivotally mounted to the vehicle at one end and are connected by a control linkage to the side rails. The rearmost crossbow is pivotally connected to a mounting bracket attached to the vehicle. The side rails are pivotally connected to the frontmost crossbows for outward lateral movement as the top structure is lowered. An over-center lock formed of first and second links is pivotally connected between the rear rails and the rearmost crossbow for positively locking the rearmost crossbow on the tonneau when the convertible top structure is in its raised position.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for an automotive vehicle and, in particular, a convertible-type or a movable-type vehicle includes a three-dimensional, two-component positionally adjustable assembly which is mounted to the vehicle and includes a screw-type projection which is received in a keeper disposed proximate the windshield header of the vehicle. A handle is permanently affixed to the pin to facilitate rotation of the pin into and out of the keeper for latching and unlatching, as desired.

Abstract: A retractable backlight apparatus for vehicles includes first and second pairs of links, each being pivotally connected at one end to the interior vehicle body structure. The opposite ends of each of the first and second pairs of links are pivotally connected to upper and lower portions, respectively, of frame members attached to the side edges of the backlight panel. A tab is mounted centrally on the bottom portion of the backlight panel to enable the backlight panel to be urged downward from a raised position to a storage position recessed within the interior of the vehicle structure during which movement the first and second pairs of links guide the backlight panel downward into a substantially vertical orientation within the interior of the vehicle. Alternately, a drive motor rotates a pair of transversely extending output shafts, each having a drive gear mounted thereon. The drive gears drive sector gears rigidly attached to the second pair of links to automatically raise and lower the backlight panel.

Abstract: A latch apparatus for a fold-down rear vehicle window releasably holds the window in a folded down position opening the rear window opening of the vehicle. The latch apparatus includes a channel member mounted on the vehicle rearward of the rear window of the vehicle. A latch member in the form of a solid body having a slot for releasably engaging one edge of the rear window of the vehicle includes a base portion slidably mounted within the channel member. A biasing spring is mounted within the channel member and is connected to the body for biasing the body towards the front end of the vehicle thereby permitting movement of the body to releasably receive the rear window and to allow pivoting of the rear window when the rear window is in the latched, folded down position and the rear deck lid of the vehicle is raised or lowered.

Abstract: A retractable backlight apparatus for vehicles includes arcuate-shaped guide tracks mounted within the vehicle on opposite sides of the backlight panel. Rollers operably driven by a drive motor and connected to the backlight panel ride within the guide tracks to move the backlight panel between a raised, angled position closing the rear opening in the vehicle roof structure to a retracted, substantially vertical, stowed position within the interior of the vehicle. In one embodiment, a link is connected between a roller and the backlight panel and provides a final pivoting movement of the bottom edge of the backlight panel to bring the backlight panel into secure, sealing engagement in the vehicle roof structure when in the raised condition. A closure panel is pivotally mounted within the vehicle forward of the backlight panel and operably connected to the backlight panel to control the tilting movement of the backlight panel as the backlight panel moves between the raised and retracted positions.

Abstract: A vehicle having a convertible top includes internal body reinforcement members including a belt line reinforcement assembly attached to the upper back panel and the upper portion of the body quarter panels. The belt line reinforcement assembly is connected to quarter panel reinforcements to form a box-like structure having an aperture therethrough which disposes the trunk and passenger compartments of the vehicle in communication. The quarter panel reinforcement members are attached to the body quarter panels and the wheelhouse panels of the vehicle. A cross-support member attached to the rear seat riser portion of the compartment floor pan and rocker panel reinforcement are also provided. A header is mounted to the upper edge of the vehicle windshield and is provided with a recessed rear portion for receiving the front cross-bow of the convertible top in a flush alignment with the upper surface of the header.