Abstract: A clamping arrangement for removably securing an elongated header for a vehicle soft top to the windshield frame of a sport utility or other vehicle. The arrangement includes first and second clamp sections. The first section is fixedly attached to the header and the second section is pivotally mounted or otherwise movable relative to the first. The first clamp section includes a downwardly open hook portion that is positionable over a catch member of a footman loop mounted to the main body of the windshield frame. In operation of the preferred embodiment, the second clamp section engages the main body of the windshield wherein the first section and attached header are then rotated forwardly about the axis of the catch member. This forces or drives the header downwardly against the sealing cap on the top of the windshield frame where it is then secured in place.

Abstract: A multi-positionable storage arrangement with removable front and top panels that can be configured in a number of ways between two side panels to form a variety of both secured and open storage spaces. In the preferred configurations, the front, top, and side panels of the arrangement combine with the rear deck and tailgate of the vehicle to enclose a securable storage space. In use, the front panel can be slid substantially vertically into one of three sets of grooves in the side panels. One or more of the top panels can thereafter be slid horizontally in grooves in the side panels until the forward most top panel abuts and overlaps the front panel. The closed tailgate then abuts the rearward most top panel securing the top and front panels in place. Additional grooves are provided in the side panels immediately adjacent the front panel and when not in use, the three top panels can be conveniently and compactly stored immediately adjacent the front panel and each other.

Abstract: A clamping arrangement for removably securing an elongated header for a vehicle soft top to the windshield frame of a sport utility or other vehicle. The arrangement includes first and second clamp sections. The first section is fixedly attached to the header and the second section is pivotally mounted or otherwise movable relative to the first. The first clamp section includes a downwardly open hook portion that is positionable over a catch member of a footman loop mounted to the main body of the windshield frame. In operation of the preferred embodiment, the second clamp section engages the main body of the windshield wherein the first section and attached header are then rotated forwardly about the axis of the catch member. This forces or drives the header downwardly against the sealing cap on the top of the windshield frame where it is then secured in place.

Abstract: A vehicle soft top with a main body and removable panels. Each panel is at least partially received in a conforming cutout section in the main body and has a plurality of sides with the upper side preferably secured to the upper side of the cutout section by a pair of interconnecting, sliding members. The interconnecting members have mating hook portions that can be aligned with one another and slid axially relative to each other to hold the upper sides of the panel and main body together. A zipper is preferably used to secure second sides of the panel and cutout section together and the remaining sides are preferably secured together with either belt and channel arrangements or additional zippers.

Abstract: A carrying tray assembly for the rear of a sport utility vehicle. The assembly is suspended from sections of the sports bar arrangement and permits easy access to any items on the tray of the assembly. The assembly also permits other gear to be placed below the tray on the floor of the rear deck of the vehicle and covered with a tonneau if desired to protect the gear from the elements. The assembly has front and rear supporting systems that are adjustable to fit a variety of sport bar designs. Additionally, because the tray is suspended from sections of the sports bar arrangement rearwardly of the driver's and front passenger's seats, traditional half tops and windscreens can also be used on the vehicle at the same time as the carrying tray assembly.

Abstract: A carrier for the spare tire of a sport utility vehicle. The carrier includes a pair of additional hinges mounted to the vehicle body just outside the rear gate and an arrangement of leg members that moves in unison with the rear gate as it is opened and closed. The spare tire is mounted on the arrangement of leg members which includes an adjustable leg member which not only helps to properly align the spare tire with the vertical but also can be used to correct or offset any sag that might develop in the rear gate. It can also be used to vary the relative amounts of the tire's weight being supported by the gate including its hinges versus being supported by the body of the vehicle at the hinges for the carrier.

Abstract: A carrying tray assembly for the rear of a sport utility vehicle. The assembly is suspended from sections of the sports bar arrangement and permits easy access to any items on the tray of the assembly. The assembly also permits other gear to be placed below the tray on the floor of the rear deck of the vehicle and covered with a tonneau if desired to protect the gear from the elements. The assembly has front and rear supporting systems that are adjustable to fit a variety of sport bar designs. Additionally, because the tray is suspended from sections of the sports bar arrangement rearwardly of the driver's and front passenger's seats, traditional half tops and windscreens can also be used on the vehicle at the same time as the carrying tray assembly.

Abstract: A two-piece hardtop for sport utility vehicles. An air vent is provided that allows air to flow out from the interior of the vehicle without letting water enter the vehicle through it.

Abstract: A carrier for the spare tire of a sport utility vehicle. The carrier includes a pair of additional hinges mounted to the vehicle body just outside the rear gate and an arrangement of leg members that moves in unison with the rear gate as it is opened and closed. The spare tire is mounted on the arrangement of leg members which includes an adjustable leg member which not only helps to properly align the spare tire with the vertical but also can be used to correct or offset any sag that might develop in the rear gate. It can also be used to vary the relative amounts of the tire's weight being supported by the gate including its hinges is versus being supported by the body of the vehicle at the hinges for the carrier.

Abstract: A two-piece hardtop for sport utility vehicles. The hardtop has front and rear roof sections removably securable to each other. The front and rear sections have overlapping portions, each of which has an inverted U-shape with vertically extending legs and a horizontally extending base between them. The U-shapes nest together with side latches being provided between adjacent legs of the front and rear sections to draw the two pieces vertically together and secure them in place. Other features include a sealing member that is provided between the nested roof sections and a gutter that is created between the sealing member and the rear roof section. The gutter helps to effectively direct water away from between the two roof sections and the vehicle. Additionally, an improved air vent is provided that allows air to flow out from the interior of the vehicle without letting water enter the vehicle through it.

Abstract: A tailgate sealing arrangement for sport utility and other vehicles having a removable, flexible top. The sealing arrangement includes an elongated, rigid member attached to the lower section of the rear portion of the flexible top. The rigid member is removably mounted to extend across the tailgate opening and has a flexible seal depending downwardly from it. The tailgate in the preferred embodiment is mounted for pivotal movement about a vertical axis and has a horizontally extending, flat, upper surface. In operation and as the tailgate is closed, the depending seal contacts and wipes across the flat, upper surface of the tailgate to form an effective sealing arrangement. All of this is done without having to disturb or otherwise manipulate the top.

Abstract: A two-piece hardtop for sport utility vehicles. The hardtop has front and rear roof sections removably securable to each other. The front and rear sections have overlapping portions, each of which has an inverted U-shape with vertically extending legs and a horizontally extending base between them. The U-shapes nest together with side latches being provided between adjacent legs of the front and rear sections to draw the two pieces vertically together and secure them in place. Other features include a sealing member that is provided between the nested roof sections and a gutter that is created between the sealing member and the rear roof section. The gutter helps to effectively direct water away from between the two roof sections and the vehicle. Additionally, an improved air vent is provided that allowing air to flow out from the interior of the vehicle without letting water enter the vehicle through it.

Abstract: Retainer arrangements for removably attaching flexible tops to sports utility, convertible, and other vehicles. The arrangements include a belt or flange which is sewn or otherwise attached to the flexible top and a U-shaped channel which is formed on the vehicle body. In the preferred embodiments. the belt or flange is received in the U-shaped channel and a mating protuberance and recess arrangement is provided to removably lock the flange in the channel.

Abstract: Retainer arrangements for removably attaching flexible tops to sport utility, convertible, and other vehicles. The arrangements include a belt or flange which is sewn or otherwise attached to the flexible top and a U-shaped channel member which is formed on the vehicle body. In the preferred embodiments, the belt or flange is received in the U-shaped channel member and a mating protuberance and recess arrangement is provided to removably lock the flange in the channel member.

Abstract: Retainer arrangements for removably attaching flexible tops to sport utility, convertible, and other vehicles. The arrangements include a belt or flange which is sewn or otherwise attached to the flexible top and a U-shaped channel which is formed on the vehicle body. In the preferred embodiments, the belt or flange is received in the U-shaped channel and a mating protuberance and recess arrangement is provided to removably lock the flange in the channel.

Abstract: Retainer arrangements for removably attaching flexible tops to sport utility, convertible, and other vehicles. The arrangements include a belt or flange which is sewn or otherwise attached to the flexible top and a U-shaped channel which is formed on the vehicle body. In the preferred embodiments, the belt or flange is received in the U-shaped channel and a mating protuberance and recess arrangement is provided to removably lock the flange in the channel.

Abstract: A tailgate sealing arrangement for sport utility and other vehicles having a removable, flexible top. The sealing arrangement includes an elongated, rigid member attached to the lower section of the rear portion of the flexible top. The rigid member is removably mounted to extend across the tailgate opening and has a flexible seal depending downwardly from it. The tailgate in the preferred embodiment is mounted for pivotal movement about a vertical axis and has a horizontally extending, flat, upper surface. In operation and as the tailgate is closed, the depending seal contacts and wipes across the flat, upper surface of the tailgate to form an effective sealing arrangement. All of this is done without having to disturb or otherwise manipulate the top.

Abstract: A foldable and removable top for a passenger vehicle. The top includes an overhead cover member and side curtains. The overhead cover member has a support arrangement including front and rear headers, transverse bow members, and side rails. The flexible and foldable fabric of the cover member is secured at its end portions to the front and rear headers and the bow members are secured across the middle section of the fabric between the side rails. One end of each side rail is pivotally mounted to the rear header and the other, free end is releasably securable to an end of the front header. When assembled, the side rails extend between the front and rear headers to hold them in a spaced-apart, extended position with the fabric of the cover member being drawn taut therebetween. The side curtains of the top are releasably securable to the overhead cover member and are also releasably securable to the vehicle itself by a unique hook and catch arrangement.