Abstract: The invention provides for a heavy truck tire (1) having a sub-casing, a belt package (19) and a rubber tread (2), the tread extending axially form a first tread edge (N) to a second tread edge (N?) over a rolling tread width (RTW), the tread comprising a shoulder zone (21) adjacent to each of said first and second edges and a center zone (25) separating the two shoulder zones, each shoulder zone comprising a radially lower shoulder layer (24) and a radially upper shoulder layer (22), the upper shoulder layer being intended to come into contact with the ground and the lower shoulder layer being interposed between the belt package and the upper shoulder layer, the upper shoulder layer consisting of an upper shoulder rubber compound, the lower shoulder layer consisting of a lower shoulder rubber compound being different from the upper shoulder rubber compound, wherein: —the upper shoulder layer extends a distance LI from a tread edge (N, N?) axially inward, the distance LI being greater than 15% and less than 4

Abstract: The invention provides for a heavy truck tire tread having a longitudinal direction, a lateral direction and a thickness direction, said tread comprising : a pair of opposing tread edges (21, 21?) spaced apart along the lateral direction; a tread region extending between the tread edges over a rolling tread width (RTW); a shoulder zone (SZ) adjacent to each tread edge of said pair of opposing tread edges and extending over a lateral length of 10% of the rolling tread width (RTW); and a center zone (CZ) defined between said shoulder zones; wherein the tread region comprises a plurality of ribs (23) separated by grooves (22), said grooves running continuously from the center zone toward each of said tread edges at a groove angle relative to the lateral direction and extending out to the respective tread edge; and wherein a shoulder zone average groove angle is greater than 45° in absolute value; the shoulder zone average groove angle is greater than a center zone average groove angle in absolute values; and the

Abstract: A tire has three or more circumferential direction main grooves, a first land portion and a second land portion that are partitioned by the circumferential direction main grooves, first sipes that are provided in the first land portion, and that have a bend portion protruding in the tire circumferential direction, and whose two ends communicate respectively with the circumferential direction main grooves, second sipes that are provided in the second land portion on a virtual extension of the first sipes, and whose two ends communicate respectively with the circumferential direction main grooves, and first terminal grooves that are provided in the first land portion between first sipes, that are positioned on an outer side in a tire width direction of the first land portion and communicate with the circumferential direction main grooves, and that terminate at a position further to the outer side in the tire width direction than a position in the tire width direction of a distal end of the bend portion, wherein

Abstract: The disclosure is related to a tread for a tire, this tread having a tread surface intended to come into contact with a roadway and comprising at least one groove of width W and depth P delimited by two facing lateral walls, these lateral walls being connected together by a groove bottom. At least one groove has a plurality of closing devices for reducing the running resonance noise generated by this groove, each closing device comprising at least two sets of flexible blades, a first set is connected to the bottom of the groove and is intended to flex around a first axis, and at least one second set connected to a lateral wall delimiting the groove, this second set being intended to flex around a second axis, this second axis being different than the first axis.

Abstract: A tire includes a tread portion being provided with a circumferentially extending main groove to define a first land portion between the main groove and a tread edge. The main groove includes a groove bottom, an outer groove wall extending radially outwardly and inclined toward the tread edge, and an inner groove wall extending radially outwardly and inclined toward the tire equator. The groove bottom extends in a zigzag manner in a tire circumferential direction in such a manner as to alternate between a first location where the groove bottom is located nearest to the tire equator and a second location where the groove bottom is located nearest to the tread edge. An angle ?2b of the outer groove wall in a groove cross-section at the second location is greater than an angle ?1a of the inner groove wall in a groove cross-section at the first location.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a condition of a tread of a tyre for vehicles may include: a sensor associated to at least a portion of the tread and consisting of extrinsically conductive polymers; a supply system of electric current able to provide electrical energy to the sensor; a data processing unit; and/or means for reading data of electrical resistance by the sensor and for transmitting the data to the data processing unit. The means for reading data may be able to continuously read variations of electrical resistance picked up by the sensor, which gives a measurement of wear of surface layers of the tyre in which the sensor is arranged. A set of algorithms may interpret the variations of the electrical resistance by comparison with reference data of the electrical resistance corresponding to a normal condition of the tread, to identify and quantify a condition of wear of the tread.

Abstract: A tire wear state estimation system includes at least one sensor disposed on a vehicle and a CAN bus system. The sensor measures selected parameters associated with the vehicle and communicates data for the selected parameters through the CAN bus system, including a first set of data, a second set of data and a third set of data. A rolling radius estimator receives the first set of data and estimates a rolling radius for the tire. An acceleration slip estimator receives the second set of data and the estimated rolling radius to estimate the slip of the tire during acceleration. A braking slip estimator receives the third set of data and the estimated rolling radius to estimate the slip of the tire during braking. A tire slip analyzer correlates the acceleration slip estimation and the braking slip estimation and generates an estimated wear state of the tire.

Abstract: In a tire 2, a band 12 is disposed between a tread 4 and a carcass 10 in a radial direction, and is layered over the carcass 10. A first carcass ply 30 of the carcass 10 has a main portion 30a and turned-up portions 30b. A second carcass ply 32 of the carcass 10 is disposed outward of the main portion 30a of the first carcass ply 30 in the radial direction, and is extended on and between one of the beads 8 and the other of the beads 8. Ends P2 of the second carcass ply 32 are disposed between the beads 8 and the turned-up portions 30b, respectively, on outer side in the axial direction. Ends P1 of the turned-up portions 30b are disposed between the main portion 30a and the band 12. The turned-up portions 30b and the band 12 are layered over each other.

Abstract: A bead core for a tire is provided. The bead core is formed from a carbon fiber composite. The bead is formed into the shape of a hoop or ring before the carbon fiber composite is fully cured. The strain present in the carbon fiber composite after forming the ring, via finally curing with energy sources (218) the carbon fiber composite firstly treated with a resin bath and shaped as a precursor (214), which is then wrapped onto a roller (216) before curing, is carefully controlled to be less than 0.1 percent. A tire incorporating such a bead core within the bead portions of the tire can have improved weight relative to a tire with conventional, steel bead core constructions.

Abstract: In a pneumatic tire, a suppressing member to suppress cavity resonance is fixed to a tire inner face. The suppressing member includes a bulge portion bulging further toward a tire radial direction inner side than the tire inner face so as to provide a space between the bulge portion and the tire inner face.

Abstract: Tires having an electrically conductive tire sealing material containing metallic electrically conductive particles are described for detecting the presence of one or more sealed puncture areas in the tire. The tires can have a sealed tire portion that is formed by the electrically conductive tire sealing material flowing into and filling a puncture in the tire. The sealed tire portion includes a portion having electrically conductive particles and the portion being at the outer surface of the tire such as in the tread area. The tire can be positioned to be in contact with a conductive section of an apparatus capable of measuring electrical conductivity.

Abstract: An axle assembly having a constant shaft disposed at least partially through a bearing hub assembly. The constant shaft defines a fluid conduit therethrough. A steering knuckle is disposed at least partially about the constant shaft. The axle assembly may include a bearing spacer disposed about the constant shaft, the bearing spacer being disposed at least partially axially between the bearing hub assembly and the steering knuckle. Additionally, a first rotary seal and a second rotary seal may be disposed radially between the bearing spacer and the constant shaft. The first and second rotary seals may at least partially define a fluid chamber in fluid communication with the constant shaft fluid conduit. Further, a port may be disposed through the bearing spacer, wherein the port is in fluid communication with the fluid chamber.

Abstract: A pressure measuring device for a bicycle has a housing that includes a pressure chamber. The pressure chamber has a valve disposed in a first opening and a second opening into or out of a tire assembly volume of a tire assembly. A sense element is in pressure communication with the pressure chamber along a flow path between the first and second openings.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring unit has a pressure sensor for measuring the tire pressure and a printed circuit board which carries an antenna circuit for transmitting pressure data. The antenna circuit is designed to transmit pressure data by means of Bluetooth low-energy technology and for this purpose has an antenna, the ends of which are secured on the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A pressure measuring device for a bicycle has a housing that includes a pressure chamber. The pressure chamber has a valve disposed in a first opening and a second opening into or out of a tire assembly volume of a tire assembly. A sense element is in pressure communication with the pressure chamber along a flow path between the first and second openings.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for transmitting data from a wheel unit, arranged on a wheel of a vehicle, to a central unit of the vehicle The invention relates to a method for transmitting data from a wheel unit (20-1 to 20-4), arranged on a wheel (W1-W4) of a vehicle (1), to a central unit (30) of the vehicle (1), involving: sending the data in the form of temporally spaced data transmissions (R1-R4) from the wheel unit (20-1 to 20-4) to the central unit (30), transmission times of the data transmissions (R1-R4) being stipulated by the wheel unit (20-1 to 20-4) according to a transmission algorithm; and receiving the data transmissions (R1-R4) sent by the wheel unit (20-1 to 20-4) by means of the central unit (30).

Abstract: An air maintenance system for use with a pneumatic tire is described. The air maintenance system includes a pumping mechanism that is preferably mounted on the interior surface of a wheel rim to keep the pneumatic tire from becoming underinflated. The pumping mechanism includes at least one dual chamber pump, preferably at least two dual chamber pumps configured in series. More preferably, the dual chamber pumps are driven by an external mass that moves as the tire rotates. The tire's rotational energy operates the pump to ensure the tire cavity is maintained at the desired pressure level. An optional control valve shuts off airflow to the pumping mechanism when the tire cavity pressure is at the desired level.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a radially outer portion of a nonpneumatic wheel onto a hub having a plurality of slots extending along an axis, each of the slots arranged in a frustoconical orientation extending from the first end to the second end such that the distance between the slots is greater at the first end than at the second end.

Abstract: A vehicle includes: a power source; a first drive device configured to be driven by an output of the power source; a second drive device configured to be driven by the output of the power source; a non-stage transmission device capable of continuously changing a rotation speed which is transmitted to an input shaft of the second drive device; a power distribution device coupled to an output shaft of the power source, coupled to an input shaft of the first drive device and an input shaft of the non-stage transmission device, and configured to be capable of distributing the output of the power source to the first drive device and the second drive device in a state where the output shaft of the power source is coupled to the input shaft of the first drive device and the input shaft of the non-stage transmission device at respective predetermined fixed reduction ratios; a first instruction device configured to output a first instruction value related to a rotation speed of the input shaft of the first drive devic

Abstract: Longitudinal member (10) for amphibious undercarriage, which internally defines one or more air chambers (2) for its own buoyancy and externally at least one sliding trail (4), wherein the longitudinal member (10) comprises one or more tracks (6, 6?), which develop around the sliding trail (4) and comprising chains (8, 12) flanked to each other and slidably mounted, each chain (8, 12) comprising concatenated links (14, 16), forged in one piece, fluid-powered motor means, attached to the longitudinal member (10) and configured to promote the sliding of the track (6, 6?) or plurality of tracks through the chains (8, 12). The forged links (14,16) are forged in one piece. The invention further relates to an undercarriage and an amphibious vehicle.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle according to some embodiments includes a vehicle body, a plurality of wheels disposed on each of both sides of the vehicle body, a crawler disposed on each of both sides of the vehicle body so as to surround the plurality of wheels, and one or more wheel covers mounted to an outer side or an inner side of at least one wheel of the plurality of wheels so as to cover a side surface of the wheel.

Abstract: A gear arm assembly for a vehicle includes gear arm housing having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion, the gear arm housing from the intermediate portion to the first end defining a first arm segment, and the gear arm housing from the intermediate portion to the second end defining a second arm segment. The assembly further includes a plurality of gears meshed together in series and housed within the gear arm housing, the plurality of gears including an intermediate gear within the intermediate portion of the gear arm housing. The assembly further includes a first wheel hub connected to a first gear of the plurality of gears at the first end of the gear arm housing, and a second wheel hub connected to a second gear of the plurality of gears at the second end of the gear arm housing.

Abstract: There is provided a ball joint comprising a ball stud including a ball; a bearing configured to enclose and support the ball of the ball stud; a ball joint case configured to accommodate a portion of the ball stud and the bearing, the ball joint case being made of a plastic material; and a ball joint mounting case configured to accommodate the ball joint case and fastened to a suspension arm, wherein the ball joint mounting case is made of a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP).

Abstract: This torsion beam manufacturing method is a method of manufacturing a torsion beam that includes a uniformly shaped closed cross-sectional portion of which a cross section orthogonal to a longitudinal direction is a closed cross section having a substantial V-shape or a substantial U-shape at any position in the longitudinal direction, and a shape changing portion which has a connection region leading to the uniformly shaped closed cross-sectional portion and including a closed cross section having a shape different from the shape of the closed cross section of the uniformly shaped closed cross-sectional portion. The torsion beam manufacturing method includes pulling process of applying a tensile force in the longitudinal direction to at least the connection region of a torsion beam material including the uniformly shaped closed cross-sectional portion and the shape changing portion, to obtain the torsion beam.

Abstract: A regenerative shock absorber that include a housing and a piston that moves at least partially through the housing when the shock is compressed or extended from a rest position. When the piston moves, hydraulic fluid is pressurized and drives a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor, in turn, drives an electric generator that produced electric energy. The electric energy may be provided to a vehicle, among other things. The regenerative shock absorber may also provide ride performance that comparable to or exceeds that of conventional shock absorbers.

Abstract: A vehicle height adjustment device includes front forks, a rear suspension, a weight estimation unit, and a front wheel-side target movement amount determination unit. The front fork includes a front wheel-side suspension spring and a front wheel-side support member, which supports one end of the front wheel-side suspension spring, and moves toward another end of the front wheel-side spring to change the front wheel-side suspension spring length. The rear suspension includes a rear wheel-side suspension spring and a rear wheel-side support member, which supports one end of the rear wheel-side suspension spring, and moves toward another one end of the rear wheel-side spring to change the rear wheel-side suspension spring length. The weight estimation unit estimates a weight applied to a vehicle. The front wheel-side target movement amount determination unit decreases, a movement amount of the front wheel-side support member as the estimated weight increases.

Abstract: The invention resides in a system and method for determining the manner in which a vehicle is driven. The system comprises a processor comprising an input configured to receive dynamic ride data from at least one on-board vehicle dynamic ride sensor, wherein the processor is configured (i) to calculate an output signal which is indicative of whether the dynamic ride data exceeds at least one dynamic ride data threshold value for a predetermined period of time; and (ii) to compare the output signal with at least one output threshold to determine the manner in which the vehicle is driven. The processor comprises an output configured to send a control signal to one or more vehicle components, wherein the control signal is indicative of the manner in which the vehicle is driven.

Abstract: A method for operating an electronically controllable air spring system having air springs includes ascertaining a vehicle velocity of a vehicle and performing a procedure of monitoring a loading procedure and/or a procedure of monitoring an unloading procedure if the vehicle velocity indicates that the vehicle is at a standstill. The method further includes suppressing a level control procedure via the air spring system for a determined time period if at least one pressure difference that is allocated to the air springs exceeds the respective loading pressure limit difference or undercuts the unloading pressure difference and/or a loading criterion or an unloading criterion are met.

Abstract: An electronic variable suspension system applicable to a motorcycle includes a plurality of sensors, a suspension unit, an actuation unit, and a control unit. The sensors are disposed in a front portion and/or rear portion of the motorcycle to sense acceleration, displacement, or frequency so as to generate a plurality of sensing signals. The suspension unit includes front and rear suspension devices disposed in the motorcycle. The actuation unit includes front and rear actuation devices coupled to the front suspension device and the rear suspension device, respectively. The control unit generates at least a control signal according to the sensing signals. The actuation unit changes a damping value and/or a preload value of the front suspension device and/or the rear suspension device according to the at least a control signal.

Abstract: An active control system for a mass traveling along a guideway and method for active control of a mass traveling along a guideway. The active control system includes at least one displacement sensor and at least one motion sensor. Signals from the at least one displacement sensor and the least one motion sensor are processed to adjust a displacement of a reference location on the mass from a fixed reference.

Abstract: A traveling control system for a vehicle includes a first sprung structure acceleration sensor, a second sprung structure acceleration sensor, a third sprung structure acceleration sensor, a fourth sprung structure acceleration sensor, and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to calculate a vertical acceleration, a roll acceleration, and a pitch acceleration at a gravity center position, calculate vertical accelerations of a sprung structure at positions of a front right wheel, a front left wheel, a rear right wheel, and a rear left wheel, and control traveling of the vehicle based on the vertical accelerations of the sprung structure at the positions of the front right wheel, the front left wheel, the rear right wheel, and the rear left wheel.

Abstract: A method of on-demand energy delivery to an active suspension system comprising an actuator body, hydraulic pump, electric motor, plurality of sensors, energy storage facility, and controller is provided. The method comprises disposing an active suspension system in a vehicle between a wheel mount and a vehicle body, detecting a wheel event requiring control of the active suspension; and sourcing energy from the energy storage facility and delivering it to the electric motor in response to the wheel event.

Abstract: A shock absorber including a pressure tube, a piston assembly slidably disposed within the pressure tube, and a fluid transfer tube that extends about the pressure tube is provided. The piston assembly divides an inner volume of the pressure tube into first and second working chambers. An intermediate chamber between the pressure tube and the fluid transfer tube is arranged in fluid communication with the first working chamber. A valve assembly is disposed in fluid communication with the intermediate chamber and the second working chamber. The valve assembly controls fluid flow between the intermediate chamber and the second working chamber. At least part of the intermediate chamber is formed by a fluid transfer channel that extends longitudinally within the fluid transfer tube to provide a fluid flow path extending between the first working chamber and the valve assembly.

Abstract: A coupled torsion beam axle for buckling induction may include a torsion beam, a cross section of which varies laterally, a right axle coupler and a left axle coupler being respectively formed at both end portions of the torsion beam, the torsion beam being provided with a buckling induction member configured to induce buckling deformation by an external load applied to each of the right and left axle couplers.

Abstract: The present invention enhances quietness in a passenger compartment of a vehicle by reducing the volume of refrigerant flowing noise emitted from an evaporator provided within a unit case. A vehicle air conditioner (1) includes a unit case (2) incorporated in a dashboard of a vehicle, an air flow path (3) formed in an interior of the unit case (2), an evaporator (4) provided inside the air flow path (3), and a connecting member (16A) configured to connect a portion of the evaporator (4) that is located near a central portion thereof in a surface direction to a structure (a front panel (2b)) of the unit case (2). The connecting member (16A) may be a biasing member that biases the portion of the evaporator (4) that is located near the central portion thereof in the surface direction in a direction orthogonal to a surface of the evaporator (4).

Abstract: A carrier device for mounting a preferably fuel-operated heater (34) on a vehicle. The carrier device includes a mounting area (20) for mounting the carrier device (14) on a vehicle and a carrying area (152) for mounting a heater (34) on the carrier device (14). A combustion air line area (52) is provided for sending combustion air to a combustion air inlet (55) of a heater (34), or/and a heat transfer medium line area (60) is provided for sending heat transfer medium flowing in a heat transfer medium circuit (176) of a vehicle through the carrier device (14) or/and to or from a heat exchanger area (38) of the vehicle heater (34).

Abstract: A heater of the present disclosure includes: a columnar heater main body including a ceramic body, and a heat generating resistor embedded within the ceramic body, the heat generating resistor being drawn out at a rear end portion of the ceramic body to a side surface of the heater main body; a tubular metal support member attached to the side surface of the heater main body, the metal support member including a first region joined via a bonding material to the heater main body and a second region spaced away from the heater main body, the metal support member being configured so as to open toward the rear end portion; and a lid body which is disposed between the heater main body and the second region to separate front end-side space and rear end-side space of the heater.

Abstract: An air conditioner for a vehicle includes an air conditioning case having a first air passageway and a second air passageway partitioned by a separator therein; a PTC heater disposed in each of the first air passageway and the second air passageway to generate heat by electric energy; and a control unit for controlling operation of the PTC heater. The control unit individually controls discharge temperature of the first air passageway and discharge temperature of the second air passageway of the PTC heater, and if target discharge temperature of the first air passageway and target discharge temperature of the second air passageway are different from each other, the control unit calculates and outputs a compensation value for the PTC heater output of at least one of the first air passageway and the second air passageway. The PTC heater therefore has a reduced output when controlling for dual temperatures.

Abstract: A centralized energy (CE) module for a vehicle may include a base plate; a compressor mounted on the base plate and compressing a refrigerant; a condenser mounted on the base plate at a location distanced from the compressor and exchanges heat between the compressed refrigerant supplied from the compressor with cooling water which flows into the condenser to condense the refrigerant; and an evaporator mounted on the base plate at a location distanced from the condenser and evaporating the refrigerant supplied from an expansion valve, integrally mounted, through heat transfer with the cooling water which flows into the evaporator and supplies the evaporated refrigerant to the compressor.

Abstract: Air outlet for a vehicle that includes a housing with an air inlet opening and an air outlet opening, between which a flow connection is formed. The air outlet also includes a slat carrier, mounted movably in the housing, and a shut-off element which is movable between a closed position, in which the shut-off element blocks the flow connection, and an open position, in which the shut-off element frees the flow connection. The slat carrier is coupled to the shut-off element such that, by actuation of the slat carrier, the shut-off element is adjustable between the closed position and the open position. The shut-off element is adjustable into intermediate positions between the closed position and the open position, starting from the closed position or the open position, by actuation of the slat carrier. The shut-off element remains in the intermediate positions until the slat carrier is actuated again.

Abstract: A register includes an annular fin that can improve the directivity of air conditioning air while suppressing increase in the number of parts. A front fin includes an annular-shaped annular fin portion. A bezel has upstream side inclined surfaces formed on inner peripheral surfaces facing with each other in the shorter side direction (vertical direction) of an air blow outlet. The upstream side inclined surfaces incline toward a direction of approaching the annular fin portion from an upstream side toward a downstream side of an air blowing direction. An air conditioning air flowing in the air blowing direction is guided to the annular fin portion side by the upstream side inclined surfaces.

Abstract: A air vent with a housing has at least one opening for supplying an airflow and an opening for discharging the supplied airflow. The airflow can be supplied to the air vent from an air supply shaft or from an air supply line in a heating, ventilating, or air-conditioning systems for a motor vehicle. The housing of the air vent is adapted to be inserted into a wall opening or can be assembled behind such a wall opening and secured there via one of the at least two parts of the housing. In the non-use state of the air vent, one part of the housing lies in or over the other part of the housing.

Abstract: Vehicle automatic window sunscreens are provided, which may comprise a plurality of roller shades for the windows of a vehicle. Sunscreens are installed for the side windows of the vehicle in addition to the windshield and rear window. The sunscreens block or filter radiant energy to reduce the effects of sunlight and heat on occupants and interior components of, and personal property in, the vehicle. The sunscreens protect infants and children if they are forgotten and left in the vehicle during sunny, hot days.

Abstract: A vehicle window shade system to seal the widow area from the rest of the vehicle. The shade is stored in the dash and extends upward via tracks on the window posts. The screen is sealed at the top to the headliner. The screen is stored in a container in the dashboard.

Abstract: An emergency vehicle door opening system includes a vehicle assembly with a body having an opening therein to allow passenger entry. The opening has a front edge, a rear edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge. A door is pivotally coupled to the body adjacent to the front edge and is positionable in a closed position closing the opening or in an open position exposing the opening. The door has an inner edge positioned adjacent to the front edge and an outer edge positioned opposite of the inner edge. An opening assembly is mounted on the vehicle assembly. The opening assembly is mounted on the vehicle and moves the door from an ajar position to a fully open position when the opening assembly is actuated. The outer edge of the door moves at a speed greater than 30 mph when the opening assembly moves the door.

Abstract: A vehicle sliding door, including: an outer panel; an inner panel; a module panel to which devices are fixed; a first reinforcement member for reinforcing a sliding-direction end portion of the inner panel; and a fixation part to which the inner panel, the module panel and the first reinforcement member are fixed is provided.

Abstract: A roof structure includes: a roof panel 11; a sunroof unit 13; a roof lining 10; and a roof lamp 17. The roof panel 11 has a sunroof opening 12. The room lamp 17 has a cover part which is mounted on a vehicle body while penetrating an insertion hole 18 of the roof lining 10 and designed to cover an edge part of the insertion hole 18 from inside the vehicle compartment. The sunroof unit 13 has a sunroof frame 14 which is mounted so as to extend substantially along an edge part of the sunroof opening 12. The sunroof frame 14 is provided integrally with a displacement restriction part which is designed to restrict upward displacement of the edge part of the insertion opening 18 of the roof lining 10.

Abstract: A vehicle convertible top having a link arrangement on both sides relative to a vertical longitudinal center plane of the convertible-top, link arrangement being mounted on a main bearing fixed, displaces a convertible-top element between a lifted operating position and a lowered storage position. Each link arrangement may have a base link, mounted on the main bearing; a four-joint arrangement having a first adjusting link and a second adjusting link are connected to the convertible-top element; and a coupling element, a component of the four-joint arrangement, to which the base link, the first adjusting link and the second adjusting link are hinged. The link arrangements each may have a backlite link arrangement having a first coupling link hinged to the coupling element, which can be connected to one of the adjusting links via a second coupling link to couple the four-joint arrangement to the backlite link arrangement.

Abstract: A top for a convertible vehicle, displaceable between a closed position to cover a vehicle interior, and an open storage position, the top having a top linkage, which has a link arrangement on both sides with respect to the top vertical longitudinal center plane, each link arrangement pivotably mounted on a main bearing, which is fixed to the vehicle, a top element, which can be displaced between a lifted operating position and a lowered storage position by means of the top linkage, and a locking means on both sides of the vertical longitudinal center plane of the top, each locking means being height-adjustable together with the top element and comprising a locking hook arrangement, which is displaceable between a locked position and a release position and which secures the top element, both in the operating and storage position, to at least one component fixed to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A tonneau cover system includes a cover assembly coupled to first and second side rails. The cover assembly includes a cover disposed over and coupled to a frame, a latch mechanism coupled to the frame and having a catch biased toward a latch position to secure the cover to the first side rail and retractable to an unlatch position to release the cover from the first side rail, a release device coupled to the frame and latch mechanism and actuatable to move the catch to the unlatch position, and an adjustment mechanism coupled to the latch mechanism. The adjustment mechanism has a first portion coupled to the catch and a second portion interacting with the first portion to adjust a vertical position of the catch relative to the frame transverse to a width-wise axis defined between the side rails, with the first and/or second portions forming a sloped profile.