Patents by Inventor Norbert Habacker

Norbert Habacker 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).

  • Patent number: 8459721
    Abstract: A top for a convertible motor vehicle includes a top linkage operable to move the top between a closed position and an open position. The top linkage includes at least one functional component having a first position and a second position. The functional component is generally in the first position at a start of the opening movement and at the start of the closing movement, and also at an end of an opening movement and at the end of the closing movement. The functional component is moved from the first position to the second position for at least a portion of the opening movement and of the closing movement when the top linkage is between the open and closed positions. The movement of the functional component from the first position to the second position provides clearance for at least one element that moves during movement of the top linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Theuerkauf, Norbert Habacker, Michael Schroeder, Andreas Baumeier
  • Patent number: 8322777
    Abstract: A top for a convertible vehicle includes a folding roof which can be moved by a top linkage between a closed position in which it can be fixed to a windshield frame and an open position in which it is stowed in a rear side stowage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Norbert Habacker
  • Publication number: 20100289292
    Abstract: A top for a convertible vehicle includes a folding roof which can be moved by a top linkage between a closed position in which it can be fixed to a windshield frame and an open position in which it is stowed in a rear side stowage position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Norbert Habacker
  • Publication number: 20100276965
    Abstract: A top for a convertible motor vehicle includes a top linkage operable to move the top between a closed position and an open position. The top linkage includes at least one functional component having a first position and a second position. The functional component is generally in the first position at a start of the opening movement and at the start of the closing movement, and also at an end of an opening movement and at the end of the closing movement. The functional component is moved from the first position to the second position for at least a portion of the opening movement and of the closing movement when the top linkage is between the open and closed positions. The movement of the functional component from the first position to the second position provides clearance for at least one element that moves during movement of the top linkage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Theuerkauf, Norbert Habacker, Michael Schroeder, Andreas Baumeier
  • Patent number: 7780218
    Abstract: A locking device (10) for locking a convertible top (18) in its opened position comprises a catch element (14) and an opposing element (16) bringable into engagement therewith for locking, wherein the catch element or the opposing element is attached on the convertible top (18) and the other element of the catch element and the opposing element is borne on a vehicle body side. One element (14, 16) is displaceably borne in a retainer (20) and is biased in a locking direction by a biasing device (22). The retainer (20) is movable together with the biasing device (22) and with the element (14) borne in the retainer as a function of the movement of the convertible top (18) into an active position and into an idle position. In the active position, an engagement between the catch element and the opposing element is possible, which is excluded in the idle position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Norbert Habacker
  • Patent number: 7731267
    Abstract: A convertible car includes a mobile roof which can be retained on a windshield frame when closed. For retaining the roof, at least two mobile engaging elements and at least one actuating element for the same are provided. The actuating element is operatively coupled with the engaging elements via respective force transmitters which project with one component in the vehicle transverse direction. At least inward pointing ends of the force transmitters, for the purpose of force transmission, are movable in a purely translational manner and in parallel to their projecting component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Norbert Habacker
  • Patent number: 7503617
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cabriolet vehicle comprising a displaceable roof which can be maintained in the closed position thereof at a point on the windscreen frame. According to the invention, at least one displaceable engaging element and one spring-loaded pivotable drive lever which engages in a direct or indirect manner with said element is provided for the movement thereof in or out of the engaged position for the maintenance thereof. The cabriolet vehicle is embodied in such a manner that the pivotable drive lever, which acts against the spring force with a component which is oriented away from the pivotable axis of the pivotable drive lever and which also enables the pivotable drive lever to be displaceably mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Norbert Habacker
  • Publication number: 20080309117
    Abstract: A convertible car includes a mobile roof which can be retained on a windshield frame when closed. For retaining the roof, at least two mobile engaging elements and at least one actuating element for the same are provided. The actuating element is operatively coupled with the engaging elements via respective force transmitters which project with one component in the vehicle transverse direction. At least inward pointing ends of the force transmitters, for the purpose of force transmission, are movable in a purely translational manner and in parallel to their projecting component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: WILHELM KARMANN GMBH
    Inventor: Norbert Habacker
  • Publication number: 20080258493
    Abstract: A locking device (10) for locking a convertible top (18) in its opened position comprises a catch element (14) and an opposing element (16) bringable into engagement therewith for locking, wherein the catch element or the opposing element is attached on the convertible top (18) and the other element of the catch element and the opposing element is borne on a vehicle body side. One element (14, 16) is displaceably borne in a retainer (20) and is biased in a locking direction by a biasing device (22). The retainer (20) is movable together with the biasing device (22) and with the element (14) borne in the retainer as a function of the movement of the convertible top (18) into an active position and into an idle position. In the active position, an engagement between the catch element and the opposing element is possible, which is excluded in the idle position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Norbert Habacker
  • Patent number: 7425031
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a carbody having a rear top compartment with a top compartment lid. A retractable top is connected to the carbody and stowed in the top compartment when open. Its back bow is placed onto the top compartment lid in a closed position of the top. A locking device secures the back bow and the top compartment lid to one another. The locking device has a connecting member on the back bow and a counter member on the top compartment lid below a through opening of the top compartment lid. At least one flap part is provided at the through opening and movable by the connecting member from a closed position into an open position. A switching member cooperates with the at least one flap part. The connecting member has two support legs that define a receiving slot for the counter member engaging the receiving slot positive-lockingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventors: Norbert Habacker, Achim Böhnke, Detlef Wasilewski
  • Patent number: 7392873
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a carbody and a foldaway top connected to the carbody. A top compartment receives the foldaway top when folded open. A top compartment lid is provided for closing the top compartment. A hinge device is connected to the carbody and to the top compartment lid so that the top compartment lid is pivotable relative to the carbody. The top compartment lid has a front end interacting with a locking device in the area of a lateral side rail for locking it on the side rail by a push-pivot movement; it is released by a reverse movement. A lifting drive acting on the top compartment lid is supported on the carbody spaced from the hinge device and is pivotably connected to the top compartment lid. The top compartment lid is pivotable in the area of the hinge device relative to support part of the hinge device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Norbert Habacker
  • Publication number: 20080122249
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cabriolet vehicle comprising a displaceable roof which can be maintained in the closed position thereof at a point on the windscreen frame. According to the invention, at least one displaceable engaging element and one spring-loaded pivotable drive lever which engages in a direct or indirect manner with said element is provided for the movement thereof in or out of the engaged position for the maintenance thereof. The cabriolet vehicle is embodied in such a manner that the pivotable drive lever, which acts against the spring force with a component which is oriented away from the pivotable axis of the pivotable drive lever and which also enables the pivotable drive lever to be displaceably mounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Norbert Habacker
  • Patent number: 7216921
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a carbody and a retractable top connected to the carbody. A top compartment is provided in the carbody, wherein the retractable top in a folded-down position of the retractable top is stowed in the top compartment. A top compartment lid for closing the top compartment is provided, wherein the top compartment lid extends within a rear carbody contour of the carbody. A holding-down device is arranged between the top compartment lid and the retractable top, wherein the holding-down device in a holding-down position is placed onto the retractable top stowed in the top compartment when closing the top compartment lid. The holding-down device has a counter member pivotably supported on the top compartment lid and a support part that is movable jointly with the retractable top and is connectable to the counter member in the folded-down position of the retractable top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Norbert Habacker
  • Patent number: 7182388
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a carbody and a top connected to the carbody. A top compartment is provided for receiving the top when the top is open. A top compartment lid for closing the top compartment is pivotably supported on the carbody by a hinge device. The hinge device has a frame part connected to the carbody, a connecting part, and a hinge lifter having a first end connected to the frame part by a first hinge and a second end connected by a second hinge to the connecting part mounted on the top compartment lid. The hinge device has an integrated movement lock between the connecting part and the frame part. The movement lock is moved by an opening movement of the top compartment lid into a securing position counteracting a return movement of the top compartment lid. The securing position is releasable for closing the top compartment lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Norbert Habacker
  • Publication number: 20060197355
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a carbody having a rear top compartment with a top compartment lid. A retractable top is connected to the carbody and stowed in the top compartment when open. Its back bow is placed onto the top compartment lid in a closed position of the top. A locking device secures the back bow and the top compartment lid to one another. The locking device has a connecting member on the back bow and a counter member on the top compartment lid below a through opening of the top compartment lid. At least one flap part is provided at the through opening and movable by the connecting member from a closed position into an open position. A switching member cooperates with the at least one flap part. The connecting member has two support legs that define a receiving slot for the counter member engaging the receiving slot positive-lockingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Publication date: September 7, 2006
    Applicant: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventors: Norbert Habacker, Achim Bohnke, Detlef Wasilewski
  • Publication number: 20060043759
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a carbody and a retractable top connected to the carbody. A top compartment is provided in the carbody, wherein the retractable top in a folded-down position of the retractable top is stowed in the top compartment. A top compartment lid for closing the top compartment is provided, wherein the top compartment lid extends within a rear carbody contour of the carbody. A holding-down device is arranged between the top compartment lid and the retractable top, wherein the holding-down device in a holding-down position is placed onto the retractable top stowed in the top compartment when closing the top compartment lid. The holding-down device has a counter member pivotably supported on the top compartment lid and a support part that is movable jointly with the retractable top and is connectable to the counter member in the folded-down position of the retractable top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Publication date: March 2, 2006
    Applicant: WILHELM KARMANN GMBH
    Inventor: Norbert Habacker
  • Publication number: 20060038426
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a carbody and a top connected to the carbody. A top compartment is provided for receiving the top when the top is open. A top compartment lid for closing the top compartment is pivotably supported on the carbody by a hinge device. The hinge device has a frame part connected to the carbody, a connecting part, and a hinge lifter having a first end connected to the frame part by a first hinge and a second end connected by a second hinge to the connecting part mounted on the top compartment lid. The hinge device has an integrated movement lock between the connecting part and the frame part. The movement lock is moved by an opening movement of the top compartment lid into a securing position counteracting a return movement of the top compartment lid. The securing position is releasable for closing the top compartment lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2003
    Publication date: February 23, 2006
    Inventor: Norbert Habacker
  • Publication number: 20060012213
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a carbody and a foldaway top connected to the carbody. A top compartment receives the foldaway top when folded open. A top compartment lid is provided for closing the top compartment. A hinge device is connected to the carbody and to the top compartment lid so that the top compartment lid is pivotable relative to the carbody. The top compartment lid has a front end interacting with a locking device in the area of a lateral side rail for locking it on the side rail by a push-pivot movement; it is released by a reverse movement. A lifting drive acting on the top compartment lid is supported on the carbody spaced from the hinge device and is pivotably connected to the top compartment lid. The top compartment lid is pivotable in the area of the hinge device relative to support part of the hinge device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2003
    Publication date: January 19, 2006
    Applicant: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Norbert Habacker
  • Patent number: 6814390
    Abstract: Convertible vehicles (1) include passage apertures (7) defined in longitudinally-extending side walls (6) of a vehicle body (1a). A guiding element (9) is disposed in or below each passage aperture. Foldable, longitudinally-extending components (21) are disposed along side edges of a foldable frame (20), which components pass through the passage aperture (7) during foldable top opening and closing operations. A storage compartment lid (2) is movably coupled to the vehicle body for covering the folding top. A cover plate (8) is movably coupled to the lid and moves towards the passage aperture during the folding top opening operation. A safety catch (10) may be coupled to the cover plate so as to engage the guiding element during the folding top opening operation. The safety catch and guiding element serve to accurately guide and position the cover plate during the folding top opening operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Norbert Habacker
  • Publication number: 20040061353
    Abstract: Convertible vehicles (1) include passage apertures (7) defined in longitudinally-extending side walls (6) of a vehicle body (1a). A guiding element (9) is disposed in or below each passage aperture. Foldable, longitudinally-extending components (21) are disposed along side edges of a foldable frame (20), which components pass through the passage aperture (7) during foldable top opening and closing operations. A storage compartment lid (2) is movably coupled to the vehicle body for covering the folding top. A cover plate (8) is movably coupled to the lid and moves towards the passage aperture during the folding top opening operation. A safety catch (10) may be coupled to the cover plate so as to engage the guiding element during the folding top opening operation. The safety catch and guiding element serve to accurately guide and position the cover plate during the folding top opening operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Norbert Habacker