Abstract: An improved roof panel latch mechanisms of the type in which a latch bolt is selectively retractable and extendible from a roof closure panel to respectively engage and disengage an end portion of the latch bolt in the bolt receiving aperture of a keeper mounted on a vehicle body. A sleeve, preferably of plastic material, is slidably mounted on the end portion of the latch bolt and has a tapered end. A spring acts between the latch bolt and the sleeve to bias the sleeve in the direction toward engagement with the keeper. The keeper has a tapered surface engageable by the spring biased sleeve so that the tapered end of the sleeve engages with the tapered surface of the keeper to establish a rattle-free relationship between the latch bolt and the keeper. The latch bolt extends further beyond the sleeve and into the keeper.

Abstract: A latching arrangement for a top includes a latching device arranged at a forward frame part of the top and a mounting device provided at the windshield frame, whereby a pivot arm of the latching device movable about an approximately horizontally aligned pivot axis includes a rotatable roller which cooperates during the closing operation of the top with a guide track of the mounting device. In order to achieve with small structural height of the latching arrangement a relatively large lift movement of the top in the vertical direction, two rollers arranged at a distance to one another are provided at the pivot arm which during the actuation of the pivot arm cooperate sequentially with the fixed guide track.

Abstract: A latching system for securing the header of a convertible top frame to the windshield frame top piece including a pair of laterally spaced latching mechanisms operated by a central rotary handle, each mechanism having a striker bar reciprocated between a locking and release position by a crank actuated pull bar actuating the striker bar. The striker bar is received into a recess formed in a striker block fixed to the windshield frame top piece when the striker blade is moved to the locking position and these elements coact to draw the header down to be securely latched. As the striker bars are advanced, downwardly inclined guide tangs are inserted in an inclined pocket in the striker block. As the top frame is positioned atop the windshield frame, the tangs draw the header forward into proper forward alignment with the windshield frame top piece.

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 latch mechanism for convertible vehicles, detaches from the header by a manually-applied, moderate, releasing force applied in the downward direction. This detachment is further enhanced by a unique mechanical linkage that employs cam action between the engaging member and the releasing member. The latch mechanism is mounted in the side-rail of the foldable top of a convertible vehicle. The latch mechanism includes a stationary member, a release member, and an engaging member. The stationary member has a pedestal and a foot extending from the pedestal. The engaging member has a keeper which attaches to the header, and a lip opposite the keeper. The release member is rotatably mounted to the stationary member and pivotally mounted to the engaging member. To detach the latch mechanism from the header, the release member is actuated by applying a disengaging force to the release member in a downward direction.

Abstract: The invention concerns a power-assisted lock for doors, hatches hoods or hard tops of vehicles and the like. In addition to a known pivotal latch and a catch for a releasable engagement with the pivotal latch there is a control disc pivotally mounted in the housing of the lock. A manual or power actuated drive means is attached to the control disc for the closing and opening operation. The pivotal latch and the control disc have a drive connection providing for limited play. The arrangement together with the catch leads to a locking of the control disc before a closing operation and an unlocking of the control disc by turning the pivotal latch during the closing operation of the lock. The pivotal latch has the usual pre-lock position.

Abstract: A removable folding roof for a motor vehicle, especially for a passenger motor vehicle, which extends between a windshield frame and a roll bar and which includes laterally disposed longitudinally extending girders, several struts extending parallel to the girders and a roof covering. The folding roof is detachably retained at the windshield frame and at the roll bar by means of locking mechanisms. To achieve an effective support of the folding roof and a simple assembly operation for latching and tensioning the folding roof to the vehicle body, the longitudinally extending girders are placed on the upwardly extending tensioning levers of the locking mechanisms which are then pivoted downwardly along with the edges of the top to a latched position. An automatic tensioning of the folding roof in the vehicle transverse direction and simultaneous latching of the roof to the vehicle body is achieved by the pivoting of the tensioning lever to a lowered position.

Abstract: A device for fixing a roof detachable from a motor vehicle body to the vehicle body. The detachable roof is provided thereon with first and second lock pins guided by guides and projectable in directions opposite to each other. These lock pins are inserted into lock holes formed in the vehicle body, whereby the detachable roof can be fixed to the vehicle body. The guides have a plurality of fixed positions around the axis of respective mounting holes of the detachable roof. A guide hole formed in the guides is made eccentric with the center axis of each guide such that a straight line from the center of the guide hole to the center axis of the mounting hole of the detachable roof is inclined to the horizontal line, whereby positional differences between the outer surface of the detachable roof and the main roof body surface, when the detachable roof is locked in place, may be minimized.

Abstract: A device for locking a detachable roof in a motor vehicle to a vehicle body. The lock device has first and second lock pins which are caused to appear and disappear in synchronism with each other in directions opposite to each other by means of a control lever through a first lever, a second lever and connecting mechanisms. These lock pins are inserted into lock holes formed on the vehicle body sides, whereby the roof is fixed to the vehicle body. The turning paths of the connecting mechanisms are shifted in position in the directions of rotary axes of the first and the second levers.

Abstract: A device for locking a detachable roof in a motor vehicle to a vehicle body. The lock device has first and second lock pins caused to appear from or disappear into the detachable roof in synchronism in directions opposite to each other by means of a control lever through first and second levers. These lock pins are inserted into lock holes formed in the vehicle body, whereby the detachable roof is fixed.

Abstract: Apparatus for opening and closing a convertible top of a motor vehicle includes an electric drive for moving the top between fully opened and fully closed position, electrically powered locking mechanisms for locking the top into the fully closed position, position sensors for sensing the locked and unlocked positions of the locking mechanisms, and a control circuit for the top drive system and locking mechanisms. The control circuit prevents the top drive system from attempting to open or close the top when the locking mechanisms are in other than a fully unlocked position. The system further includes limit switches located in the proximity of the locking mechanisms for indicating to the control circuit when the top is in the fully closed position, a terminal switch for providing a signal to the control circuit when the top is in the fully opened position, and a manually operated key for initiating unlocking/opening and closing/locking operations.

Abstract: There is disclosed a toggle linkage for moving a closure panel between a ventilating position and a closed position. The closure panel is detachably arranged in an opening formed in a vehicle roof. The toggle linkage comprises a handle pivotably connected to the lower surface of the closure panel and having bearing lugs, a bearing component fixed on the lower surface of the vehicle roof and having a base, and a link mechanism for connecting the handle with the bearing component. In this arrangement, means are provided to limit rotation of the handle to a predetermined position whereby the closure panel is maintained in its ventilating 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 vehicle roof structure including a stationary roof panel having an opening and a movable roof panel having a contour conforming to the opening. A handle is attached to the movable roof panel for manually positioning the movable roof panel. A support structure is connected to the stationary roof panel along the opening for releasably receiving a sliding bar extending from the handle. The support structure includes a plate secured to the stationary roof panel and a wall portion connected to the plate and defining a locking hole formed within the wall portion to receive the sliding bar. The handle includes an unlocking member for disengaging the sliding bar when positioned within the locking hole. In addition, the sliding bar contains a cam surface having a projection for contacting the unlocking member. Further, as least one inner panel is slidably positioned along the opening of the vehicle roof structure and supported by the wall portion.

Abstract: A device is provided for locking the top of a motor vehicle to the windshield frame of the vehicle. The device comprises a locking member arranged at a forward frame section of the top, a mounting provided at the windshield frame, as well as centering members effective between the top and the windshield frame.The locking member comprises a crank connected with an operating unit, this crank being equipped with a locking pin. The locking pin cooperates with a slotted guide track constituting the mounting, in such a manner that the movement of the locking pin within the track of the slotted guide track means results in a reciprocating motion of the frame section of the top. The device is capable of being advantageously employed in a convertible top vehicle.

Abstract: A sliding roof for a vehicle with a roof opening, comprising a transparent outer panel and an inner panel with a grip. The outer panel may be moved downwardly from its closed position in the roof opening and may be slid backwardly between the fixed roof and the inner roof lining of the vehicle to a wholly or partly opened position and back. Upon opening of the outer panel a carrier means on the outer panel slides the inner panel backwardly and in the wholly opened position of the outer panel the inner panel substantially entirely lies between the inner roof lining and the fixed roof and a hand grip of the inner panel is inaccessible. Upon the forward movement of the outer panel from its substantially rearward wholly opened position, a locking mechanism locks the inner panel in a position in which the handgrip remains inaccessible.

Abstract: A latching mechanism is disclosed for securing a convertible top frame header member to the windshield frame including individual spaced latching mechanisms, each having a post mounted to the header and, a tubular socket mounted to the windshield frame with a cam ring mounted over the socket and carrying a projection passing through a cam slot formed in the socket and a groove formed in the post, moving together the frame members upon rotation of the cam ring. The cam rings are each rotated by an attached lever member with a cover moving into a recess formed in the windshield frame in the latched position to provide a smoothly contoured exterior.

Abstract: A tilt-out roof for vehicles having a closure panel arranged in the area of an opening in the roof of the vehicle. A frame extends around the edge of the opening in the roof, and a telescopic jack, that is used for the lifting and lowering of the rear part of the cover, is connected to the frame, on the one hand, and to the closure panel, on the other hand. The telescopic jack has several threaded parts that engage with one another, one of which is connected with a turning handle. The turning handle has a rotary plate that establishes the connection with one threaded part and closes the telescopic jack toward the bottom, and a separate handle rim that is detachably connected with the rotary plate. The rotary plate acts to hold the threaded parts of the jack in a predetermined relationship with respect to one another when the handle rim is detached.

Abstract: A latch assembly for removable vehicle roof panels includes a handle for selectively releasably retaining the panel on the vehicle. A bracket pivotally mounts the handle and a first locking member on the panel. The handle is movable between a first latching orientation in which the panel is secured to the vehicle and a second non-latching orientation in which the panel is removable from the vehicle. A second locking member, provided on the handle, cooperates with the first to lock the handle in the latching orientation. The second locking member is key-actuable to be moved out of locking cooperation with the first to permit movement of the handle to the non-latching orientation.

Abstract: An improved latch assembly is provided particularly for use in so-called sunroof windows or the like in an automotive vehicle to movably position a vent panel, such as a pane of glass, to selectively open and close a vent opening. The latch assembly comprises at least one pair of mechanical links pivoted to each other and respectively pivoted to the vent panel and a stationary main frame at one side of the vent opening. The links are designed for articulated movement generally over-center relative to each other between a first position holding a latch in locking engagement with a keeper on the main frame thereby locking the vent panel in a closed position and a second position supporting the vent panel in an open position relative to the vent opening.

Abstract: A combined escape hatch and ventilator for a vehicle roof having a frame bounding its opening in the roof, a cover hingedly connected to the frame and normally limited in opening movement as a ventilator relative to one or more sides of the frame for ventilating an interior of the vehicle, one of the hinge connections being separable and formed of interfittable parts fixed respectively to the frame and cover and releasably connected by a latch pivotally mounted on one of the parts, the latch having a cam engageable with a lug on the other part for normally clamping the parts together and in an emergency enabling the parts of the separable connection to be disengaged and the cover swing about the connection on the opposite side of the frame for converting the roof opening to a fully openable escape hatch.

Abstract: A multi-positioning latch assembly adapted for use with hinged panels, and more particularly for use in combination with a hinged glass panel and the related fixed frame structure, such as employed in sunroof-window structures for vehicles, wherein the assembly comprises a first link member defining a latch handle and a second link member defining a toggle-latch arm, the adjacent ends of the first and second link members being provided with cooperating position-engaging members. The toggle-latch arm is pivotally attached at one end to the fixed frame structure and at the other end to the latch handle, the opposite end of the latch handle being pivotally attached to the hinged panel, whereby the panel can be locked into any one of several open positions or a closed position.

Abstract: A latching device for a detachably attachable type roof panel in a vehicle constructed with a roof of the vehicle having an opening formed in one part thereof, the opening of which has an inner peripheral brim; a roof panel of a size to be snugly fitted in the opening of the roof in a detachably attachable manner; a detachably attachable hinge member provided on the front edge of the roof panel and which is engaged with the inner peripheral brim of the roof opening; a toggle latch provided on the rear edge of the roof panel to be also engaged with the inner peripheral brim of the roof; a pivotal shaft for connecting one of link members of the toggle latch and the roof being inserted and withdrawn by the expanding and contracting operations of a connecting shaft for the links through the links, and the pivotal shaft being maintained in its fitted state by a spring provided on the connecting shaft; and a locking mechanism which inhibits contraction of the expanding and contracting connecting shaft and is capabl

Abstract: An anti-theft mechanism for a handle operated latching mechanism of a removable automobile roof panel of the type in which the handle pivots to latch and unlatch the panel relative to the automobile roof. The anti-theft mechanism includes a fixed post positioned adjacent the handle. A keeper bar, preferably angle shaped, is formed with an opening adjacent one end which opening fits over the fixed post so that the keeper bar can be positioned to engage the handle to prevent pivotal movement thereof. A locking mechanism is provided which engages the fixed post and the keeper bar to prevent removal of the keeper bar from the fixed post. In one embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism includes a nut which is threadedly engaged with the fixed post and the keeper bar and a lockable housing which swivels on the fixed post and encloses the nut so it cannot be removed.

Abstract: A frame and trim ring for a removable sunroof panel is disclosed. The frame is of one piece construction and is configured to cooperate with forward edge releasing bayonets which support the forward edge of the removable panel and a rear edge support for the panel comprising a two piece releasable latch assembly. The two-part rear edge fastener moves the rear edge of the panel from its closed position where it is sealed to the frame to a vented position wherein the rear edge of the panel is positioned above the frame to create an opening. A pivoting link in the two-part fastener is separated from a releasable latch attached to the frame to separate the rear edge of the panel from the frame. When the pivoting link has been released and the bayonets at the forward edge of the panel are released, the panel can be removed from the vehicle.

Abstract: A removable sunroof panel having a frame extending around an opening in the roof of a vehicle is disclosed. The panel has a pivoted arm assembly which is movable from an overcenter closed position to an overcenter vented position wherein the rear edge of the panel is raised above the roof of the vehicle creating an opening. The rear edge of the panel is moved from its closed to vented position by a 2 part fastener having a releasable latch assembly attached to the frame and the pivoted arm assembly pivoted to the panel. A pivoting link has one end pivotally attached to the arm and the other end pivotally and releasably connected to the releasable latch. Sliding a latch slide in the releasable latch releases the rear edge of the panel from the releasable latch.

Abstract: An adjustable and releasable locking device for a removable vehicle roof panel is disclosed. A rotating lever longitudinally projects a pair of tapered pins which mate with apertures in the windshield post and headliner. The transverse and vertical position of the tapered pins is adjustable to position the panel relative to other parts of the vehicle and provide a smooth transition between the vehicle roof and the removable panel and provide an adequate seal between the vehicle and the removable panel.

Abstract: An improved locking arrangement for a vehicle body member with an opening, a tiltable and removable cover for closing the opening which is swivelable in the vicinity of a front edge and has a tilting mechanism near its rear edge and connected with the cover is formed by first locking elements which are so disposed and designed that they are releasable only from inside the vehicle, even when the cover is tilted, and second locking elements which are releasable only from the outside of the vehicle when the cover is tilted. According to a preferred embodiment, the first locking elements are provided laterally next to the tilting mechanism on both sides thereof and are shielded by walls both laterally and below, while a preferred arrangement for the second locking elements includes a hook engageable with a locking surface which is so disposed that the hook latches rearward of the first locking elements.

Abstract: Valve means associatable with free traveling spherical means are sealing engageable onto and wipable off of companion seats to selectively control flow. A spool permits selective movement of the head means to the seat means and selective engagement of the head and seat means upon shuttling.An interface assembly comprises means which are extendible to the spool and a piston head element within the housing and carried around an extension for travel along the extension in response to pressure variation. The piston head is shiftable in a first direction in response to fluid variation for travel along the extension for transfer of the spherical means within the piston from one camway to another camway without movement of the spool within the housing.

Abstract: A folding roof assembly for a vehicle having a roof with an opening therein, the assembly comprising a support member extending transversely of the opening and having at its ends guides slidble in guide members mounted at opposite sides of the opening, a cover plate disposed above the support member, a flexible cover attached at one end to the cover plate and at the other end to the roof at one end of the opening, two operating devices adjacent the ends of the support member connected between the latter and the cover plate, a turnable handle mounted on the support member at a position between said devices, and two flexible drive elements such as belts operatively connecting the handle to the respective devices, the arrangement being that the support member is movable relative to the opening between a position in which the cover is extended and closes the opening, a position in which the cover is folded up and the roof is open and intermediate positions in which the roof is partially open, and the operating de

Abstract: In an opening roof assembly for an opening in the roof of a vehicle the roof covering is tightened or released by a handle mechanism which is coupled to a flap through a pair of rods. The rods are moved towards and away from each other in response to rotation of the handle mechanism. The free ends of the rods work in inclined slots in downwardly depending flanges on the flap so that relative movement between the rods causes the flap to move angularly with respect to a front cross-member of the roof assembly on which it is pivotally mounted. Rotation of the handle mechanism in a direction to tighten the covering is accompanied by the flap being drawn down into close sealing engagement with the roof around the front of the opening.

Abstract: A frame extending around an opening in a vehicle roof is adapted to support the perimeter of a curved glass panel to close off the opening. A pair of bayonets projecting in spaced relation to the underside of the forward edge of the panel mates with an aperture in the frame when the panel is inclined with respect to the roof to act as a pivotable hinge allowing motion of the panel between a closed position and that inclined position. A two part fastener for the rear edge of the panel includes a handle pivotably connected to the underside of the panel and a tongue pivotably connected to the handle and adapted to be retained in a lock member in the frame. The handle acts as an over-center linkage to bend the panel against its curvature, forcing its perimeter into intimate engagement with the frame or may be extended to maintain the panel with its rear edge tilted upwardly away from the opening.

Abstract: A vehicle roof having a movable panel arranged in a framed roof aperture, the rear edge of the panel being deployable outwardly and facility being provided for the complete detachment of the panel from the roof frame. The front or leading edge of the panel is attached to the roof frame through two detachable hinge components and the rear edge is attached through a detachable deploying mechanism.

Abstract: A crank drive assembly for sliding roof mechanisms of automobiles, in which a hand-operated crank drives a push-pull cable, the assembly including a releasable clutch between a drive shaft and a drive pinion transmitting the crank motion to the drive cable, and an arresting mechanism blocking the pinion, whenever the clutch mechanism is disengaged. The clutch mechanism and the arresting mechanism are simultaneously operated by a pivoting motion of the drive crank.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for the openable roof panel of an automobile in which a rotatable assembly consisting of a twist handle, a vertical shaft and a double-arm lever is movable axially by pulling the twist handle, thereby disengaging locking serrations on the handle and on a fixed retaining flange, a spring re-engaging the serrations, as soon as the handle is released.