Let-down Type Top Patents (Class 296/107.01)
  • Patent number: 10953733
    Abstract: The invention relates to a top for a convertible vehicle, comprising a top cover and a top linkage which is displaceable between a covering position, in which a vehicle interior is covered, and a storage position, in which the vehicle interior is uncovered, and which comprises a link assembly on either side of a vertical longitudinal center plane of the vehicle, each link assembly being pivotably mounted on a vehicle-attached main bearing and securable in at least two positions of the top linkage by means of a locking device comprising a lock element disposed on a first link of the link assembly, a first lock counterelement, and a second vehicle-attached lock counterelement. The first lock counterelement of each locking device is disposed on a second link of the respective link assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: WEBASTO SE
    Inventors: Christian Rudolfi, Magnus Sviberg
  • Patent number: 10857864
    Abstract: A top for a convertible vehicle, having a top cover and a top linkage which can be displaced between a covering position, in which a vehicle interior is covered, and a storage position, in which the vehicle interior is open at the top, and which may have, on either side of a vertical longitudinal center plane of the top, a link assembly having a four-bar linkage comprising a first main link, a second main link, and a coupling link, the first main link and the second main link each being pivotably mounted on a vehicle-attached main bearing, and a front bow which fixes the top to a front header of the vehicle in the covering position extending between the two link assemblies. The front bow is rigidly attached to the first main link of the respective four-bar assembly on either side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: WEBASTO SE
    Inventor: Magnus Sviberg
  • Patent number: 10766344
    Abstract: A top of a convertible vehicle is provided having a displaceable top cover and a top linkage on both sides with respect to a vertical longitudinal center plane of the top, each linkage arrangement having two main links, pivotably mounted on a main bearing fixed to the vehicle and one of which is driven by means of a main drive, panel bows extending between the bilaterally arranged linkage arrangements, a first one of said panel bows being a front bow, a second one being a front center bow, a third one being a rear center bow and a fourth one being a rear window bow, wherein a tension bow is arranged between the bilaterally arranged linkage arrangements, which limits the top cover at the rear in the closed position and is displaceable between a lowered position and a lifted position by means of a tension rod arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: WEBASTO SE
    Inventors: Heinrich Wüllrich, Magnus Sviberg, Franz Haberl, Alexander Haimerl
  • Patent number: 10435101
    Abstract: A retractable top for a motorcycle including a windshield and a storage compartment, the retractable top is provided with at least one hinge secured to the storage compartment, at least one folding member for pivotably securing a front section of the retractable top to an adjacent section of the retractable top, and at least one buckle for securing the front section of the retractable top to the windshield. Each buckle includes a first hook disposed on an inner surface of the windshield, a pivotal loop configured to place on the first hook, a second hook disposed on an inner surface of the front section of the retractable top, and a third hook pivotably secured to the pivotal loop and configured to secure to the second hook. The retractable top and the windshield are configured to releasably fasten together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: ADIVA Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Komasato Rinda
  • Patent number: 10173508
    Abstract: A top of a convertible vehicle is proposed, comprising a top cover and a top linkage which can be displaced between a closed position, in which a vehicle interior is covered, and a storage position, in which the vehicle interior is open toward the top, and which has a linkage arrangement on both sides with respect to a vertical longitudinal center plane of the top, each linkage arrangement comprising two main links, which are pivotably mounted on a main bearing fixed to the vehicle and one of which is driven by means of a main drive. Panel bows extend between the bilaterally arranged linkage arrangements, a first one of said panel bows being a front bow, a second one being a front center bow, a third one being a rear center bow and a fourth one being a rear window bow. In the storage position, the rear center bow is arranged below the rear window bow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: WEBASTO SE
    Inventors: Heinrich Wüllrich, Magnus Sviberg, Franz Haberl, Alexander Haimerl
  • Patent number: 9849764
    Abstract: The invention relates to a convertible top cloth, including an outer top cloth, an inner roof lining, an insulating layer which is arranged between the outer top cloth and the inner roof lining, and at least one absorbent film which is accommodated between the outer top cloth and the inner roof lining, is a plastic film produced at least from polyester and is provided on the insulating layer adjacent to the inner roof lining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: WEBASTO-EDSCHA CABRIO GMBH
    Inventors: Xaver Wittenzellner, Alexander Reichelt, Hans-Joachim Bammann, Erwin Blessberger
  • Patent number: 9783031
    Abstract: A roof system (12) for a cabriolet vehicle (10) has a folding top (14) that is movable between a deployed position and a retracted position covered by a folding-top compartment lid (18). A side fin (16) is movable from a use position, in which the side fin (16) forms a rearward elongation of a support pillar (22), into a pivoted-away position, in which the side fin (16) is swiveled away from the folding-top compartment lid (18) about a swivel axis and into a pivoted-in position in which the side fin (16) is below the folding-top compartment lid (18). Movement of the side fin (16) away from the folding-top compartment lid (18) enables the side fin (16) to be positioned closer to or in the range of movement of the folding top (14) and the folding-top compartment lid (18) during movement between the deployed and retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Mathias Froeschle, Dietmar Stukowski
  • Patent number: 9676255
    Abstract: A top of a convertible vehicle includes a linkage, wherein, by using the linkage, at least one top element is displaceable between a closed position for spanning a vehicle interior and a cleared position for clearing the vehicle interior to the top. By using the linkage, a rear window, which, in relation to a vertical longitudinal center plane of the top on each of its two sides, is connected to the linkage via a rear window link, is displaceable between a lifted viewing position and a lowered storage position, in which the rear window is arranged in a storage space, as well as comprising a detection apparatus. The detection apparatus identifies an obstacle in the storage space when the rear window is being displaced from the viewing position in the direction of the storage position and which interacts with a control apparatus of the top. The rear window is part of the detection apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Webasto-Edscha Cabrio GmbH
    Inventor: Magnus Sviberg
  • Patent number: 9452665
    Abstract: A roof arrangement (3) of a motor vehicle is stowable and, in a closed position, extends between an upper windshield cowl and a fixed rollover hoop (6). The roof arrangement (3) has a roof frame (4) which is articulated, via a linkage (11, 13), in a mount (11) that is fixed with respect to a bodyshell. Seals (17) run on both sides of the roof frame (4) and form seal strands in the closed position of the roof arrangement. Each seal (17) is divided into three over its length. A front portion (18) of the seal (17) is fastened to the roof frame (4), a middle portion (19) of the seal (17) is fastened to a link (11) of the linkage (11, 13) and a rear portion (20) of the seal (17) is fastened to a rear surface bow (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Markus Schulzki
  • Patent number: 9415669
    Abstract: A retractable top for a vehicle having an open top, the vehicle including four doors, the retractable top including a left and a right rear roll bar projecting vertically from the rear floor above the vertical walls, the roll bars projecting forward to join a transverse roll bar forming a roll cage, the retractable top including support members attached to two of the three horizontal sides. The retractable top includes linkage arms attached to support members configured to move from a retracted position to an extended position, the linkage arms including a bow arm having a first tapered interconnection aperture, the first tapered interconnection aperture shaped to receive a first connector and recess the first connector such that an end of the first connector is flush with a first surface of the bow arm. The retractable top includes an enclosure material that covers the open top when extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventor: Dennis G. Barker
  • Patent number: 9403425
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle includes a top movable between a closed position covering a vehicle interior and a storage position uncovering the vehicle interior. The top is arranged in a rear top accommodating space in the storage position and includes a linkage with a link arrangement on each side of a vertical longitudinal center plane of the vehicle. The link arrangement includes two main links pivotably mounted at a respective main bearing and each connected to the main bearing via a lower articulation point and to at least one roof link via an upper articulation point. At least one rigid roof shell is fixed at a respective one of the roof links, which, in the closed position, spans the vehicle interior in a direction transverse to the top. The vehicle includes a substantially vertical rear window arranged toward the front of the vehicle with respect to the top accommodating space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: WEBASTO-EDSCHA CABRIO GMBH
    Inventor: Magnus Sviberg
  • Patent number: 9186969
    Abstract: A car having: a passenger compartment, a frame provided with two external vertical posts, which project from the belt line of the car, are arranged facing each other on opposite sides of the car, and form a rear delimitation of the passenger compartment; an openable rigid sun roof provided with two rigid roof members; a baggage compartment arranged in the rear position to contain the openable rigid sun roof when the roof is arranged in an open position; a mobile cover to close the baggage compartment; a rear window which is arranged between the two external vertical posts and is slidably mounted; and a pair of lateral glasses which project from the belt line of the car, are arranged facing each other on opposite sides of the car, lay at the back against the corresponding external vertical posts, and constitute a lateral delimitation of the passenger compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.
    Inventor: Riccardo Ugolini
  • Patent number: 9004572
    Abstract: An actuating device for an adjustable convertible top system of a motor vehicle includes at least two hydraulic drive cylinders. A first drive cylinder transmits an adjustment movement to a first gearing arrangement, and a second drive cylinder transmits the adjustment movement to a second gearing arrangement. The first drive cylinder and the second drive cylinder are connected hydraulically in series, such that an annular volume of the first drive cylinder is in fluid communication with a circular volume of the second drive cylinder via a connecting line. There is a difference between an annular area of the first drive cylinder forming the annular volume and a circular area of the second drive cylinder forming the circular volume. Intermediate gears having a different geometry and/or kinematics compensate for a speed difference between the two drive cylinders resulting from the difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Webasto-Edscha Cabrio GmbH
    Inventors: Georg Kopp, Franz Haberl
  • Publication number: 20130285407
    Abstract: A soft top is provided for a cabriolet. The soft top includes, but is not limited to, a monofilament warp thread and a monofilament weft thread. The soft top also includes, but is not limited to, a filling material substantially filling the interstices between the monofilament warp thread and the monofilament weft thread to form a substantially translucent fabric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Roger GUSTAVSSON, Magnus OLSSON
  • Patent number: 8500187
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a vehicle, comprising a hydraulic actuation device for moving one or more moveable components of the vehicle. The actuation device comprises a hydraulic pump with an associated drive means, a reservoir for hydraulic fluid as well as one or more hydraulic actuators connected to the pump through hydraulic hoses. The hydraulic actuators act on the one or more moveable components. The pump is designed to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to the one or more hydraulic actuators. A pressure ripple reduction device for reducing pressure ripples in the hydraulic fluid originating from the hydraulic pump is provided, having an expansion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventor: Daniël van't Veen
  • Patent number: 8486846
    Abstract: A soft top is provided for a cabriolet. The soft top includes, but is not limited to, a monofilament warp thread and a monofilament weft thread. The soft top also includes, but is not limited to, a filling material substantially filling the interstices between the monofilament warp thread and the monofilament weft thread to form a substantially translucent fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Roger Gustavsson, Magnus Olsson
  • Patent number: 8474899
    Abstract: A retractable top is disclosed for off-road vehicle such as Jeep® Wrangler® and CJ® brand vehicles. The top includes a frame and a fabric cover designed to cover and move with the frame. The frame includes a base plate that is secured to the belt rail surrounding the rear compartment of the vehicle. The top is deployable between a stowed configuration folded upon itself over the rear compartment of a vehicle and a deployed configuration covering the passenger and rear compartments of the vehicle. During deployment, the top unfolds in a substantially vertical direction over the rear compartment substantially to its full extent. This avoids collision with the rear doors and roll bars of the vehicle. Once so deployed, the entire top pivots downwardly into place covering the passenger and rear compartments of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Omix-Ada, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Moran, Ali Azadi
  • Patent number: 8398147
    Abstract: A convertible top having a pivot link is provided that supports two bows. A main spring is secured to a pivot pin and connected to a main pivot bracket on the vehicle to provide a counterbalancing force on the balance link that assists in lifting the top stack linkage as the convertible top is retracted and extended. A five bow extends between and is attached to right and left pivot links by right and left pressure links, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Jan Just, Thomas G. Fischer
  • Publication number: 20130038083
    Abstract: A folding top for vehicles has a cast-resin bead element provided in a connecting region between an outer cover surface element and at least one further cover element. The top is made by first inserting at least one section of the outer cover surface element into a casting mold and at least one section of a sacrificial profile into the casting mold. A head area of the profile is wider than a neck area thereof. Then a casting compound is introduced into the casting mold around the head area. After curing of the compound, the cover surface element is removed with bead element affixed thereto from the casting mold. The sacrificial profile is extracted from the bead element in order to provide an undercut seat in the bead element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Andreas ASCHER
  • Patent number: 8366174
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a movable top with a sunroof part that is movable with respect to the surrounding top region. The sunroof part has a closed position and an open position, as well as an interference-preventing position and an intermediate position. The top is movable from the top closed position with the sunroof part in the closed position and the top is movable from the top closed position with the sunroof part in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Holger Hilbk
  • Patent number: 8302311
    Abstract: A convertible top stack linkage is provided that is formed, in part, in a thixotropic magnesium molding process. Many structural parts of the convertible top stack linkage may be thixotropically molded. A pivot link of the top stack linkage is pivotally connected to two bows, for example, the three and four bows of the top stack. A five bow extends between and is attached to right and left pivot links by right and left pressure links, respectively. A pivot link is provided that has a triple pivot connection to a tensioning link, a center rail and a rear rail. A main spring is secured to a pivot pin and connected to a main pivot bracket on the vehicle to provide a counterbalancing force on the balance link that assists in lifting the top stack linkage as the convertible top is retracted and extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Jan Just, Thomas G. Fischer
  • Patent number: 8220861
    Abstract: A vehicle body is provided that includes, but is not limited to a frame and a roof held above the frame so as to be movable between a closed configuration in which it covers a passenger compartment and an open configuration in which the passenger compartment is uncovered. The passenger compartment has at least one door. At least one pair of pillars is mounted to the frame to the rear of the door for supporting the roof in its closed configuration. The roof is adapted to assume an intermediate configuration between its open and closer configurations in which the roof is spaced apart from said pillars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Taras Czornyj, Martin Johansson
  • Patent number: 8172302
    Abstract: A folding roof arrangement has a folding top covering (12) and a folding top structure (14). The folding top structure (14) has at least one roof frame (20) with a front area and at least one elastically deformable tensioning element (31-34) The folding top structure (14) can be folded or collapsed with or without the folding top covering (12), so that the tensioning element (31-34) is elastically deformed when folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Mathias Froschle
  • Patent number: 8132841
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a movable top with a sunroof part that is movable with respect to the surrounding top region. The sunroof part has a closed position and an open position, as well as an interference-preventing position and an intermediate position. The sunroof part is moved to the interference-preventing position during at least part of the movement of the top from the top closed position to the top open position and is moved to the intermediate position when in the top open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventors: Joerg Steuernagel, Marian Dziubiel, Morten Goedecke, Thomas Oberhoff
  • Patent number: 8113568
    Abstract: A collapsible roof assembly for a vehicle includes a roof, an actuating linkage system, and a main bearing. The roof is movable between closed and opened positions relative to the vehicle body. The actuating linkage system has a guide rod connected at a first end to the roof for moving the roof between the closed and opened positions. The main bearing is connectable to the vehicle body. The main bearing has first and second bearing plates each having at least one corresponding connecting section. The corresponding connecting sections are connected together such that the first and second bearing plates are joined together with surface regions other than the corresponding connecting sections spaced apart from one another with a parallel spacing delimited by a cavity. The guide rod is articulately connected at a second end to the main bearing via a bearing pin extending through one of the corresponding connecting sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Jan Just
  • Publication number: 20110316304
    Abstract: The invention provides an antitrap protection system for a moving system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Hans Schwaiger, Thomas Kandziora, Peter Fasshauer, Claus Kaltner
  • Patent number: 8075042
    Abstract: A frame assembly of a folding top for a vehicle includes a front roof bow, a front support having a rear control arm, and a middle support having a front control arm. The rear end of the front support and the front end of the middle support face one another. The front roof bow and the front end of the front support are connected together through a first bolt connection. The rear end of the front support and the rear control arm are connected together through a second bolt connection. The front control arm and the front end of the middle support are connected together through a third bolt connection. The rear control arm and the front control arm are connected together at a joint such that the front support and the middle support are connected together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Jan Just
  • Publication number: 20110266827
    Abstract: A guide assembly for an interior lining of a folding top of a vehicle includes a pillar configured to move as the folding top moves, a pull rope connected at one end to the interior lining, and a guide track fixedly connected to the pillar. The pull rope is configured to pull the interior lining as the folding top moves. The guide track has a wrap-around. An edge region of the interior lining is movably held in the wrap-around of the guide track such that the edge region of the interior lining can slide along the guide track as the interior lining is being pulled by the pull rope as the folding top moves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: MAGNA CAR TOP SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Markus Sczuka, Bärbel Reuter, Josef Epli
  • Patent number: 8042858
    Abstract: A retractable roof includes a roof member 2 including a front roof panel 21, a back roof panel 22, and a linkage mechanism 4 for alternately chaining the position of the roof member 2 between an in-use position and a storage position. The back roof panel 22 is pivotally connected to the front roof panel 21 and a car body side member 42 to function as a first link of a four-bar link constituted by the first link and a second link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Webasto AG
    Inventors: Kozo Odoi, Shigeki Hiyama, Tomoaki Matsunobu
  • Patent number: 8042856
    Abstract: A tri-fold convertible top is disclosed that is stowed in a storage compartment with a five bow oriented at an angle of between 30° and 60° relative to the vehicle belt line. The top may be tensioned by a power cylinder and linkage that raises both a one bow and the five bow when the top is initially retracted. A main power cylinder is connected to the top stack and a main pivot bracket that lifts a rear rail above the belt line during the extension and retraction cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Michael T. Willard, Jan Just
  • Publication number: 20110233959
    Abstract: A frameless soft convertible top having a top section with a storage compartment for stowing removable side sections and a rear section of the convertible top. The convertible top has mounting straps with fasteners sewn to the top section for attaching the convertible top to body components of a vehicle and a mounting assembly for attaching to a windshield frame of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Scott Cover, Thor Jonsson
  • Patent number: 7997636
    Abstract: The invention relates to the actuation of an openable roof system, for example of a cabriolet canopy system, in which a synchronized adjusting phase (Ts) is provided during the adjustment (t? to t3) for opening and/or closing the vehicle roof system, in which synchronized adjusting phase (Ts) a first hydraulic actuator and a second hydraulic actuator are hydraulically coupled for the synchronized movement (s1, s2) of two components of the vehicle roof system. In order to increase operational reliability, in particular to reduce the risk of undesired collisions of the components, the invention provides monitoring of the synchronized movement (s1, s2) of the two components during the synchronized adjusting phase (Ts), and in the event of a deviation of the synchronized movement (s1, s2) from a predefined nominal synchronized movement being detected, correction of the synchronized movement by at least partially suspending the hydraulic coupling of the two hydraulic actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Webasto AG
    Inventors: Michael Antreich, Markus Gross, Christof Morscheit
  • Patent number: 7963583
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for sensing an object in the pivoting range of a top for a convertible vehicle, the system comprising an electrode for sensing field properties of a field which is assigned to the top, and an evaluation unit for evaluating the sensed field properties. The invention further relates to a method for sensing a top of a convertible vehicle which is moved by a drive, comprising the steps: sensing of a field between the top of the convertible vehicle and the bodywork during movement of the top of the convertible vehicle, adjusting of the sensed characteristic variables to setpoint values, and acting on the drive as a function of the sensed characteristic variables of the field and of the setpoint values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Eisenreich, Klaus Obendiek
  • Publication number: 20110127758
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle with a roof, comprising a moving flexible roof region, provided with a cover, embodied such that the roof comprises a further roof region separate from the flexible region and divided into rigid roof sections, whereby in the fully open roof position the flexible roof region lies below a rigid roof section extending over the same in the form of a cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Nils Kreiling
  • Patent number: 7900991
    Abstract: A roof system for a vehicle that has a roof support structure to which a hardtop roof (34) or a retractable soft top roof (62) may be latched. The roof support structure includes a transverse reel that extends transversely relative to the vehicle direction and is connected to a panel that is also connected to the rear rail. The hardtop includes a rigid panel and a frame. The soft top is supported on attached bows with which the soft top is stored in a cassette after removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Robert E. Fallis, III, Michael T. Willard, Robert D. Wiechowski
  • Patent number: 7849602
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle having a roof moveable between a stored position to a closed position, and method of manufacturing said convertible vehicle. The roof is supported by a pair of lateral main support units fixed to opposite sides of the vehicle body. Each lateral main support unit has a fastening flange movable along a portion thereof for securing the roof to pins disposed on the vehicle body. The convertible roof is manufactured such that the main support units and the linkage parts are assembled upside down on a fixture replicating the vehicle body. Thus alignment of the roof to the vehicle body is ensured. Furthermore manufacturing tolerances are accommodated by moving the fastening flanges along a portion of the lateral main support units such that the fastening flanges are registered to the pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Jörg Hälker
  • Patent number: 7841643
    Abstract: A folding roof linkage assembly includes front and rear frames and first and second arms. The front frame has a rear portion extending at an acute angle therefrom and having front and rear ends. The rear frame has a front portion extending perpendicularly therefrom and having bottom and top ends. The first arm has a front end pivotally connected to the front end of the front frame and a rear end pivotally connected to the bottom end of the rear frame. The second arm has a front end pivotally connected to the rear end of the front frame and a rear end pivotally connected to the top end of the rear frame. The front frame is movable between a closed position in which the frames extend from one another and an opened position in which the front frame folds over the rear frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Tobias Kober, Gernot Bruder
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100259065
    Abstract: A motor vehicle (5) is disclosed having a roof structure comprised of a front roof member (6) and a rear member (4) which together form a cover for a passenger compartment (1) of the motor vehicle (5) when both of the roof members (4, 6) are in respective raised positions. When both of the roof members (4, 6) are lowered into stowed positions to form a convertible vehicle, a flap (7, 107) is deployed on each side of the motor vehicle (5) to bridge a gap between the stowed front roof member (6) and an upper edge of an outer rear panel (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Alan Richard Condon, John K. Harding, Torsten Gerhardt
  • Patent number: 7806459
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a vehicle body with a passenger compartment defined therein and a rearward body region with a top storage well defined therein. A movable roof has a closed position extending over the passenger compartment and a stowed position in the top storage well. The top storage well has a base element that is movable between a raised position and a lowered position. The base element covers an intermediate space between the rearward side of the seats and the inner side of the rear roof region when the roof is in the closed position and the base element is in the raised position. A coupling linkage interconnects the base element with the rear roof region such that movement of the roof from the stowed position to the closed position causes movement of the base element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventors: Olaf Weismüller, Udo Heselhaus
  • Patent number: 7798555
    Abstract: A roof assembly includes a roof having a roof frame with front, center, and rear sections, and a lever assembly. The lever assembly includes three levers which are respectively linked to three swivel axes on the rear section such that the roof is movable between a closed position and an opened position. The first lever connects the rear section at the first axis to a support such that the rear section is movable about the first axis; the second lever connects the rear section at the second axis to the center section such that the center section is movable about the second axis; and the third lever connects the rear section at the third axis to the front section such that the front section is movable about the third axis. The levers are adjacently situated in a transverse direction with the second lever being between the first and third levers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Zehnder, Jan Just
  • Patent number: 7798554
    Abstract: A motor vehicle roof configuration which can be put away has at least two shaping sections, which are movable relative to one another and can be put away together, for lateral convertible top cloth strips. The shaping sections lie in a row next to one another in a closed position of the roof configuration and have water channels which run approximately parallel to each convertible top cloth strip and in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and also adjacent to the convertible top cloth strips. It is provided that, at least in a closed position of the roof configuration, an inner edge of each convertible top cloth strip together with at least one sealing configuration forms a leakproof covering for the adjacent water channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Dominik Beierl, Felix Hermann, Harald Neidlein, Angelo Bronda
  • Publication number: 20100230995
    Abstract: The invention relates to a convertible vehicle (1) comprising a displaceable roof (2) that can be opened as a whole in relation to its opening. Said displaceable roof (2) comprises a sunroof (4) that can be displaced in relation to a surrounding roof part (5) when the roof is in the closed position. Said convertible vehicle is configured in such a manner that it is possible to directly open the roof from a closed position when the roof part (4) is open as well as from a closed position when the roof part (4) is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Holger Hilbk
  • Publication number: 20100225140
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a movable top with a sunroof part that is movable with respect to the surrounding top region. The sunroof part has a closed position and an open position, as well as an interference-preventing position and an intermediate position. The sunroof part is moved to the interference-preventing position during at least part of the movement of the top from the top closed position to the top open position and is moved to the intermediate position when in the top open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: Wihelm Kamann GMBH
    Inventors: Joerg Steuernagel, Marian Dziubiel, Morten Goedecke, Thomas Oberhoff
  • Patent number: 7780219
    Abstract: A vehicle roof assembly includes a roof having rear and front roof elements relative to the direction of forward vehicle travel. The roof elements are movable between closed and opened positions of the roof. The assembly further includes a roof kinematic system having first and second guide rod systems located on opposite sides of the roof for movably connecting the roof to a vehicle body to move the roof between its closed and opened positions. Each guide rod system includes a guide rod. The guide rods are articulately connectable at respective ends to the front roof element and the vehicle body. The two guide rods with their respective pairs of articulated joints form a common four-bar kinematic linkage. Alternatively, the first guide rod system may be a two-bar kinematic linkage and the second guide rod system may be a four-bar kinematic linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Halbweiss, Wojciech Wezyk, Robert Koschien
  • Patent number: 7775579
    Abstract: A top drive for a flexible vehicle roof which can be transferred from a closed position into a storage position and vice versa. At least one roof link is movable via a linear drive, the roof link and a fixed end of the linear drive being fastened to a main bearing of the top, wherein an actuating end of the linear drive is fastened pivotably to a throw-over lever which is fastened to the main bearing of the top and at the free end of which there is arranged a drive connecting rod which is fastened at a first end in an articulated manner to the free end of the throw-over lever and at a second end in an articulated manner to a section of the roof link, which section is spaced apart from the pivot point on the main bearing of the top, as a result of which a driving movement of the linear drive can be transmitted to the roof link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Lars Schulz, Felix Hermann, Dominik Beierl
  • Publication number: 20100186541
    Abstract: An actuating device for opening and closing a cover of a folding top compartment of a convertible vehicle. The actuating device includes a drive unit and an interconnected seven-bar linkage system. The linkage system is pivotably connected to a main bearing of the vehicle body and is pivotably connected to the cover. The drive unit actuates the linkage system to move the linkage system between a retracted position corresponding to the cover being in a lowered closed position covering the folding top compartment and an extended position corresponding to the cover being in a raised opened position allowing access to the folding top compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Jan Just, Kwan Yoder, Waldemar Stapler
  • Patent number: 7740302
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has a movable roof with a cover and whose front end can be secured indirectly or directly to the windshield frame. The roof, in its open position, can be stowed in the rear vehicle region. The roof has a rear region in the closed position with at least one rigid cross member and can be turned upside down and disposed on top of a part of the movable roof region adjoining it to the front in the direction of travel (F).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Udo Heselhaus
  • Patent number: 7731266
    Abstract: An articulated connection of at least two elements of a folding top mechanism of a convertible vehicle is provided, with a pivot pin, on which at least two elements are mounted next to one another rotationally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pivot pin, wherein at least one bushing is located on the pivot pin on which a first element is mounted on its hollow cylindrical section, and for which an elastically formed collar extending in the radial direction is formed with an undulating profile in the axial direction, which is designed to compensate for axial and/or radial play between the first element and a second element. The collar has at least one recess forming a material lug extending from the outer edge to the hollow cylindrical section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH i.l.
    Inventor: Heinrich Selle
  • Patent number: 7726721
    Abstract: A displaceable roof in a vehicle, in particular a folding top in a motor vehicle, with a front first roof section for connecting to the frame of the windshield of the vehicle, a second roof section disposed after it, and two link configurations which are mounted on both sides of the center of the vehicle, connect the roof sections to each other. The link configurations contain at least two links which couple the two roof sections to each other in such a manner that the first roof section moves over the second roof section during closing or opening of the roof. The roof link configurations are mounted on both sides of the center of the vehicle in bearings fixed on the vehicle body and are articulated on the second roof section. Each roof link configuration is coupled to a link of the link configuration disposed on the same side of the vehicle, for the purpose of displacing the roof sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Mathias Fröschle