Abstract: A convertible top for a vehicle is disclosed that includes an inverted U-shaped rear window frame that defines an opening for a rear window. The rear window may be connected on its upper edge by a hinge to a rear window frame. Alternatively, a rear window may be retracted into a tailgate of a vehicle. The flexible cover material is secured to the rear window frame and a tailgate cooperates with the rear window and extends between the two lower ends of the rear window frame. The rear window is openable relative to the rear window frame.

Abstract: A pair of side linkages for raising a convertible top between a raised position, covering the vehicle body passenger compartment, through a body opening, and a lowered position folded into a storage compartment within the vehicle body, said top including a header for engaging the vehicle windshield in the top raised position and at least one crossbow extending between the side linkages, each linkage comprising side rails pivoted to and extending rearwardly from the header, and a plurality of links forming 4-bar linkages connecting the header, side rails and vehicle body for folding the top in a Z-shaped folding action to a compact shape in the storage compartment such that the header is not inverted and covers the folded top and closes the body opening.

Abstract: A pair of side linkages for raising a convertible top (10) between a raised position, covering the vehicle body passenger compartment, through a body opening, and a lowered position folded into a storage compartment within the vehicle body, said top including a header (12) for engaging the vehicle windshield in the top raised position and at least one crossbow (14) extending between the side linkages, each linkage comprising side rails (18, 22) pivoted to and extending rearwardly from the header, and a plurality of links (34, 50, 56, 62) forming 4-bar linkages connecting the header (12), side rails (18, 22) and vehicle body for folding the top (10) in a Z-shaped folding action to a compact shape in the storage compartment such that the header (12) is not inverted and covers the folded top (10) and closes the body opening.

Abstract: A pair of side linkages for raising a convertible top (10) between a raised position, covering the vehicle body passenger compartment, through a body opening, and a lowered position folded into a storage compartment within the vehicle body, said top including a header (12) for engaging the vehicle windshield in the top raised position and at least one crossbow (14) extending between the side linkages, each linkage comprising side rails (18, 22) pivoted to and extending rearwardly from the header, and a plurality of links (34, 50, 56, 62) forming 4-bar linkages connecting the header (12), side rails (18, 22) and vehicle body for folding the top (10) in a Z-shaped folding action to a compact shape in the storage compartment such that the header (12) is not inverted and covers the folded top (10) and closes the body opening.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle includes a U-shaped top storage well having rear and side edges that are defined by body sheet metal, a front edge defined by the vehicle rear seat, and forwardly-projecting side quarter portions having a front and spaced side walls. A boot for covering the stored top comprises a semi-rigid laminate of vinyl and foam layers having a smooth top surface. The bottom surface has two longitudinal grooves enabling folding for storage. The periphery of the rear surface has spaced indentations between the grooves for locating and mounting peripheral C-shaped clips which grip the well rear and side edges, and quarter side and front walls. A tongue is mounted on the boot front edge and includes a latch bead. The tongue is inserted into the slot of a receiver mounted on the rear seat back. The receiver comprises a base having a recess for receiving the latch bead and an opposing flexible wall which clamps the tongue to latch the bead into the recess.

Abstract: A suspension for a pair of wheels of a motor vehicle, comprising a spring (10,30) extending tranversely of the vehicle and supported by two mountings (11,12) spaced between the spring ends and which ends are connected, directly or indirectly, to wheel carrier members, wherein the spring has a portion (22,24) displaced out of the general line of adjacent parts of the spring to give a clearance from a part of the vehicle. The displaced part of the spring may be the entire central portion (40,50,60,100) thereof between its mountings (45,46,101) and end portions of the spring may be inclined to such central portion, so that the space directly between the wheels is clear of suspension parts.

Abstract: An H-frame vehicle suspension, having pivoted arms joined by a transverse member, has its arms (10) pivoted within enclosures (16) connected to or incorporated in the vehicle structure, such enclosures also containing springs (19) operating on the arms. The springs are preferably of fiber reinforced plastics material.