Top And Window Combination Patents (Class 296/107.07)
-
Patent number: 10576811Abstract: A top of a convertible vehicle, having a foldable top covering and a top linkage, from which the top covering can be displaced between a closed position spanning a vehicle interior and a storage position releasing the vehicle interior to the top and which comprises a linkage arrangement on each of the two sides of the top linkage relative to a vertical longitudinal center plane of the top, panel bows extending between the two linkage arrangements arranged on both sides of the top linkage, said panel bows being arranged flush behind each other in the longitudinal direction of the top when in the closed position and being arranged atop of each other when in the storage position and one of the panel bows forming a backlite bow which accommodates a backlite. The backlite bow is realized as a frame-like composite part which encloses the backlite.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2017Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: Webasto SEInventors: Magnus Sviberg, Heinrich Wullrich, Robert Elek, Franz Haberl
-
Patent number: 10525806Abstract: There are provided a front roof, a rear roof, a glass unit including a rear-window glass, a rear roof support link which openably supports the rear roof at a vehicle body, a front-roof support link mechanism which openably supports the front roof, the front-roof support link mechanism being connected to the rear roof support link such that closed states of both the front roof and the rear roof are achieved by means of the rear roof support link and the front-roof support link mechanism, and a glass-unit support link mechanism which is connected to the rear roof support link and configured to support the glass unit in a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2018Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: Webasto Japan Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koji Sawahata, Yasufumi Kawakami
-
Patent number: 10518803Abstract: An articulated work vehicle with linked front and rear frames includes a joystick lever, a hydraulic actuator, a control valve, a force imparting component, a joystick displacement sensor, a steering angle sensor, and a controller. The joystick lever is operated to allow a target steering angle to be set. The hydraulic actuator is driven hydraulically to change an actual steering angle. The control valve controls flow of fluid supplied to the hydraulic actuator to eliminate deviation between the target and actual steering angles. The force imparting component imparts an assist force or a counterforce to the operation of the joystick lever. The controller controls the force imparting component so that a counterforce is imparted to the operation of the joystick lever when the joystick lever has been operated in an opposite direction from a rotation direction of the front frame based on detections of the sensors.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2016Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.Inventors: Yuita Takenaka, Masanobu Nakabayashi, Masanori Ikari
-
Patent number: 10293669Abstract: Supports for rear windows and rear window panels of a soft top structure may include a first support arm pivotably coupled to a portion of a vehicle. A second support arm may be pivotably coupled to the first support arm, and may further be pivotably coupled to a rear window panel of the soft top structure. The first support arm and the second support arm can be connected to pivot relative to each other to form an angle less than 180° in an open position, and an angle substantially greater than 180° in a closed position. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also included.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2017Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Inventor: Brian Goldwitz
-
Patent number: 10286764Abstract: A roof panel includes a first member and a second member. A panel is attached to and interconnects the first member and the second member. The panel is configurable between a deployed configuration for attachment to a vehicle, and a stowed configuration for storage. The panel has a planar form when in the deployed configuration, and a rolled up form when in the stowed configuration. The panel may include an adjustable stiffness panel, such as a layer jamming panel, controllable in response to a control signal to exhibit a first stiffness when in the deployed configuration or the stowed configuration, or a second stiffness for reforming the panel between the deployed configuration and the stowed configuration.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2017Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Wonhee M. Kim, Paul W. Alexander, Julien P. Mourou, James H. Shoemaker, Besy J. Philip
-
Patent number: 10214085Abstract: A trim structure of a vehicle includes a deck cover constituting a vehicle interior upper portion at a vehicle rear side. The trim structure is provided between a seat and the deck cover and at an upper end of a door main body. The deck cover includes: left and right cover side portions opposed to each other; a rear window opening opening at a vehicle rear side of the seat; and a rear window configured to be openable and closable. The trim structure includes a straightening trim body located between a lower portion of a front end of one of the cover side portions and the seat and projecting to the upper end of the door main body. The straightening trim body is formed so as to straighten traveling wind to the rear window opening in an open state, the traveling wind flowing into a vehicle interior.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2016Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Hirofumi Saka, Hiroki Ohira, Masanori Mochizuki
-
Patent number: 10183561Abstract: There are provided a front roof, a rear roof, a glass unit including a rear-window glass, a rear roof support link which openably supports the rear roof at a vehicle body, a front-roof support link mechanism which openably supports the front roof, the front-roof support link mechanism being connected to the rear roof support link such that closed states of both the front roof and the rear roof are achieved by means of the rear roof support link and the front-roof support link mechanism, and a glass-unit support link mechanism which is connected to the rear roof support link and configured to support the glass unit in a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2017Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignees: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION, Webasto Japan Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kouichi Matsumoto, Koji Sawahata, Yasufumi Kawakami
-
Patent number: 10029548Abstract: A vehicle has a forward end and a rearward end with a passenger compartment there between. The passenger compartment has a floor below, a steering wheel forwardly, and two laterally spaced roll bars rearwardly. A support platform is fixedly positioned above the passenger compartment. A forward support rail is between the floor and the support platform. A rearward support plate has lateral edges coupled to the roll bars. A left roof section has a left front and a left back. A right roof section has a right front and a right back. The left and right roof sections rest upon the support platform when in a lowered operative orientation. A hinge assembly couples the left back and the right back to the support platform for independent movement of the left and right roof sections between the lowered operative orientation forwardly and the raised inoperative orientation rearwardly.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2016Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Inventor: Mark A. Stadnyk
-
Patent number: 9688121Abstract: A rear window module of a vehicle having a window body, which can be advanced in guide rails that are fixed relative to the vehicle, between a lifted closed position and a lowered open position. The window body, in relation to a vertical longitudinal center plane, at each of its two lateral edges, is provided with a sliding element, which is guided in the relevant guide rail and is fixed to the window body, being spaced apart from a lower window edge.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2016Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: WEBASTO-EDSCHA CABRIO GMBHInventor: Magnus Sviberg
-
Patent number: 9586463Abstract: A top for an openable vehicle roof, includes a front section constructed coupleable to a windshield cross member of a vehicle, a rear section configured pivotal and/or lowerable, a flexible section arranged between the front section and the rear section, wherein at least one of the front section and the flexible section is configured shiftable, and a self-supporting pushing- and/or pulling device for moving the flexible section, wherein during an opening process of the top the flexible section is foldable above the rear section so that an outer surface of the flexible section faces an outer surface of the front section.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2015Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: AUDI AGInventor: Andreas Dillinger
-
Patent number: 9457644Abstract: A convertible top for a vehicle includes a convertible top assembly having a pivotally interconnected link arrangement between a forward assembly and an aft assembly. The forward assembly is configured to pivotally move relative to the vehicle framework and the aft assembly from a closed position to a first retracted position. The aft assembly is configured to pivotally move relative to the vehicle framework and the forward assembly from the first retracted position to a lowered storage position. Methods for opening the convertible top assembly are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2014Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: WEBASTO-EDSCHA CABRIO GMBHInventors: Jason Bowles, Magnus Sviberg
-
Patent number: 8985670Abstract: A soft top for motor vehicles having an apparatus for the replaceable introduction of a pane, and to a soft top of this type having a pane. The soft top has an apparatus for the replaceable introduction of a pane, comprising a flexible roof element and having a pane receiving gap. The roof element is folded over toward the pane receiving gap in an end region which faces the pane receiving gap. An insert element is provided in a pocket which is formed by the folded-over roof element, and a holding element is provided which extends on a first side of the pane receiving gap between a side of the insert element, which side faces away from the pane receptacle, and the roof element and on a second side of the pane receiving gap, which second side lies opposite the first side.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2014Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Inventors: Mirko Blau, Maximilian Klein
-
Patent number: 8857888Abstract: A car having: a frame provided with two external vertical posts, which are arranged facing each other on opposite sides of the car, and two internal vertical posts, which are arranged between the two external vertical posts and at a given distance from the external vertical posts; a passenger compartment; a sun roof, which is supported by the frame and can be set in an open position or a closed position with respect to the passenger compartment; a housing for containing the sun roof when the sun roof itself is set in the open position; a movable cover for closing the housing; and a rear window, which is mounted in a sliding manner so as to move between an extracted position, in which the rear window projects from the car body, and a withdrawn position, in which the rear window is housed inside the car body.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2012Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.Inventor: Riccardo Ugolini
-
Publication number: 20140292019Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: Ferrari S.p.A.Inventor: Riccardo Ugolini
-
Publication number: 20140284959Abstract: A zipper less removable window system having removable windows for use with a foldable, stowable roof for a vehicle. A plurality of attachment devices of the zipper less removable window system connect the windows to the foldable, stowable roof and to the vehicle without the use of zippers. The operator zipper effort caused by traditional windows is thereby eliminated and misalignment issues present with traditional zippered windows is eliminated or reduced. The stress placed on the portions of the windows connectable to the foldable roof during installation and removal, including around curved portions of the removable window, is eliminated or reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2014Publication date: September 25, 2014Applicant: Magna International Inc.Inventor: Eric John Hanson
-
Publication number: 20140217769Abstract: A soft top for motor vehicles having an apparatus for the replaceable introduction of a pane, and to a soft top of this type having a pane. The soft top has an apparatus for the replaceable introduction of a pane, comprising a flexible roof element and having a pane receiving gap. The roof element is folded over toward the pane receiving gap in an end region which faces the pane receiving gap. An insert element is provided in a pocket which is formed by the folded-over roof element, and a holding element is provided which extends on a first side of the pane receiving gap between a side of the insert element, which side faces away from the pane receptacle, and the roof element and on a second side of the pane receiving gap, which second side lies opposite the first side.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2014Publication date: August 7, 2014Inventors: Mirko Blau, Maximilian Klein
-
Patent number: 8764095Abstract: A folding top of a cabriolet vehicle, comprising a foldable top lining which can be adjusted by a top linkage between a closed position, in which it covers a vehicle interior, and a stowed position, in which it opens up the vehicle interior in the upward direction, the top linkage having, at both sides of a vertical top longitudinal central plane, in each case one link arrangement which comprises a rear-window link to which there is articulatedly connected a rigid rear window which is bordered by the top lining. The rear-window links are articulatedly connected in each case via a first joint to an intermediate link which is articulatedly connected via a second joint to a base element. The rear-window links, in the closed position, are supported in each case on the respectively associated intermediate link via a rear-window link stop.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2013Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Webasto-Edscha Cabrio GmbHInventors: Peter Ritzinger, Armin Anzinger
-
Publication number: 20140035312Abstract: A roof arrangement for a cabriolet vehicle has a rear window arrangement (10) with a rear (15) that surrounds a front edge (14A) of the rear window (14), a lower frame element (16) that surrounds a lower edge (14B) of the rear window (14), and connecting elements (18) that connect respective ends (15A, 15B, 16A, 16B) of the front and the lower frame element (15, 16). The roof arrangement also has a lower roof element (20) that is connected to the rear window arrangement (10) and can be moved between open and closed positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: Dr. Ing h.c.F. Porsche AktingesellschaftInventor: Markus Schulzki
-
Publication number: 20140028048Abstract: The invention relates, among other aspects, to a motor-vehicle top (10) comprising a flexible cover layer (11) that provides an outer face of the top with a cutout provided therein, and at least one window is provided in the cutout, particularly a rear window (12), a circumferential edge region of the cover layer being connected to an outer window edge by a polyurethane bead (13), and wherein the polyurethane bead is synthesized by reacting an isocyanate component with a polyol component, the polyol component comprising at least the following constituents: a) polyols, herein polyetherols and/or polyesterols; b) a propellant; c) a lead-free catalyst.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2013Publication date: January 30, 2014Inventor: Christian KORNEXL
-
Patent number: 8596709Abstract: A car having: a frame provided with two external vertical posts, which are arranged facing each other on opposite sides of the car, and two internal vertical posts, which are arranged between the two external vertical posts and at a given distance from the external vertical posts; a passenger compartment; a sun roof, which is supported by the frame and can be set in an open position or a closed position with respect to the passenger compartment; a housing for containing the sun roof when the sun roof itself is set in the open position; a movable cover for closing the housing; and a rear window, which is mounted in a sliding manner so as to move between an extracted position, in which the rear window projects from the car body, and a withdrawn position, in which the rear window is housed inside the car body.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2012Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.Inventor: Riccardo Ugolini
-
Patent number: 8567844Abstract: A car having: a frame provided with two external vertical posts, which are arranged facing each other on opposite sides of the car, and two internal vertical posts, which are arranged between the two external vertical posts and at a given distance from the external vertical posts; a passenger compartment; a sun roof, which is supported by the frame and can be set in an open position or a closed position with respect to the passenger compartment; a housing for containing the sun roof when the sun roof itself is set in the open position; a movable cover for closing the housing; and a rear window, which is mounted in a sliding manner so as to move between an extracted position, in which the rear window projects from the car body, and a withdrawn position, in which the rear window is housed inside the car body.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2012Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.Inventor: Riccardo Ugolini
-
Patent number: 8500188Abstract: The present invention is directed to a zipper for use with a foldable, stowable roof for a vehicle, where the foldable roof includes one or more windows made of a foldable material. The zipper also changes from being in a two-dimensional plane to a three-dimensional plane around a curved portion of the window, reducing the stress placed on the portion of the zipper connected to the foldable roof, and the portion of the zipper connected to the window.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2011Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Magna International, Inc.Inventors: Keijo J. Huotari, Eric Hanson
-
Patent number: 8398146Abstract: A convertible top has a convertible top cover, a backlight, and a headliner. A connector system includes a molded ring of material affixed to the backlight and the top cover. The connector system includes a clip attached to the headliner. The molded ring may have a slot formed on an interior surface between the backlight and the cover. The clip may be inserted into the slot to secure the headliner insider the top cover. A method of securing a headliner to a convertible top is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2009Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbHInventors: Jan Just, Robert E. Fallis, III
-
Publication number: 20130057017Abstract: A convertible top having a glass window attached to the top by positioning a ring around a window opening in the soft top and wrapping an edge of the window opening around at least a portion of the ring. An adhesive is positioned between the edge portion of the ring and the soft top and the glass window is positioned over the ring and secured thereto by an adhesive.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2012Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: GAHH, LLCInventor: GAHH, LLC
-
Patent number: 8382190Abstract: A convertible top assembly for a motor vehicle having a seating compartment with front and rear seating areas includes multiple panels with a front panel displaceable over the rear seating panel and at least two panels displaceable to form a stack that is displaced rearwardly of the seating compartment.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2010Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbHInventors: Robert E. Fallis, III, Michael T. Willard, Robert D. Wiechowski
-
Publication number: 20130038083Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2012Publication date: February 14, 2013Inventor: Andreas ASCHER
-
Publication number: 20130033062Abstract: A car having: a frame provided with two external vertical posts, which are arranged facing each other on opposite sides of the car, and two internal vertical posts, which are arranged between the two external vertical posts and at a given distance from the external vertical posts; a passenger compartment; a sun roof, which is supported by the frame and can be set in an open position or a closed, position with respect to the passenger compartment; a housing for containing the sun roof when the sun roof itself is set in the open position; a movable cover for closing the housing; and a rear window, which is mounted in a sliding manner so as to move between an extracted position, in which the rear window projects from the car body, and a withdrawn position, in which the rear window is housed inside the car body.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2012Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: Ferrari S.p.A.Inventor: Riccardo Ugolini
-
Patent number: 8336948Abstract: A method of attaching a glass window to an auto soft top by positioning a ring around a window opening in the soft top and wrapping an edge of the window opening around at least a portion of the ring. An adhesive is positioned between the edge portion of the ring and the soft top and the glass window is positioned over the ring and secured thereto by an adhesive.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2007Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: GAHH, Inc.Inventors: Martin Brown, Neshan Markarian, John Bath
-
Patent number: 8287028Abstract: A roof structure for a cabriolet vehicle has a top (10) with a top material and a substantially U-shaped corner bow (19) that extends transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction at a position substantially adjacent to a rear window. The corner bow (19) has lateral limbs (20) with free lower ends (21). Molded elements (23) are plugged onto the free lower ends (21) of the lateral limbs (20) of the corner bow (19) and can be plugged into recesses near the B pillars of a body structure of the cabriolet vehicle. The molded elements (23) are configured to guide the top material of the top (10) in sections in a closed state of the top (10). Sealing elements (27) are mounted on the molded elements (23) and interact with vertically running edges of side window panes.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2010Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Claus Baumgart, Tobias Korluss, Stefan Pozsgai, Stefan Eichholz
-
Patent number: 8205929Abstract: A car including a frame, a passenger compartment, a sun roof supported by the frame that can be set to an open position or a closed position with respect to the passenger compartment, a housing for housing the sun roof when the sun roof is in the open position, and a movable cover for closing the housing. The sun roof includes two rigid roof members which, when the sun roof is in the closed position, are substantially horizontal, substantially coplanar, and positioned seamlessly one behind the other, and, when the sun roof is in the open position, are packed one on top of the other inside the housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2006Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.Inventors: Riccardo Ugolini, Roberto Conconi
-
Publication number: 20120098290Abstract: The vehicle roof with a retractable windshield provides a retractable windshield for vehicles, such as UTVs, golf carts and the like, which typically do not include a windshield. The vehicle roof with a retractable windshield includes a roof base adapted for mounting on the vehicle in place of the conventional single panel roof. A cover is also provided, with the cover being adapted for mounting on the roof base so that a storage compartment is defined therebetween. A rear edge of the cover is pivotally secured to a rear edge of the roof base by hinges or the like. A windshield having a support frame with opposed upper and lower edges is removably and slidably disposed within the storage compartment defined between the cover and the roof base.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Inventor: MICHAEL C. MILLER
-
Patent number: 8123275Abstract: The invention relates to a convertible top for a convertible vehicle, comprising a convertible top material having a cutout, a profile part, and a window element, the profile part comprising a first connecting region and a second connecting region, wherein the first connecting region is assigned to the window element and wherein the second connecting region is assigned to the convertible top material, wherein a first adhesive layer is substantially encompassed by the first connecting region and the window element, said first adhesive layer defining a first adhesive connection between the window element and the profile part. A convertible top for a convertible vehicle which has an improved connection to a window element is provided in that the profile part is connected to the second connecting region of the convertible top material using a stitched connection.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2009Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme GmbHInventors: Walter Pecho, Karl-Heinz Kaiser
-
Patent number: 8096601Abstract: A rear window for a flexible rear roof section of an openable roof vehicle. The rear window is comprised of a transparent plastic material such as a polycarbonate material, and a fastening section that connects the rear window to the flexible covering of the open roof vehicle. The fastening section forms a single piece with the rear window and is offset relative to the plane of the rear window.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2008Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbHInventors: Thomas Halbweiss, Wojciech Wezyk
-
Patent number: 8042858Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 28, 2007Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Webasto AGInventors: Kozo Odoi, Shigeki Hiyama, Tomoaki Matsunobu
-
Publication number: 20110233959Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2011Publication date: September 29, 2011Inventors: Scott Cover, Thor Jonsson
-
Patent number: 8002326Abstract: A linkage of a convertible top supports a portion of a cover and provides movement of the top between an extended position extending over a passenger compartment and a retracted position. A rear bow supports a rear edge of the cover and articulates the rear edge of the cover during movement of the top between the extended and retracted positions. The top also includes a backlight assembly having a rear window and supporting a rear portion of the cover. The backlight assembly forms part of an articulating mechanism that moves the rear bow.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventor: Frank Neubrand
-
Patent number: 8002327Abstract: A motor vehicle (5) has a roof structure including a front roof member (6) and a rear member (4) which together form a cover for a passenger compartment (I) 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: GrantFiled: March 8, 2007Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Ford Global TechnologiesInventors: Alan Richard Condon, John K Harding, Torsten Gerhardt
-
Publication number: 20110198881Abstract: The present invention is directed to a zipper for use with a foldable, stowable roof for a vehicle, where the foldable roof includes one or more windows made of a foldable material. The zipper also changes from being in a two-dimensional plane to a three-dimensional plane around a curved portion of the window, reducing the stress placed on the portion of the zipper connected to the foldable roof, and the portion of the zipper connected to the window.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2011Publication date: August 18, 2011Applicant: Magna International Inc.Inventors: Keijo J. Huotari, Eric Hanson
-
Patent number: 7950718Abstract: A convertible soft top for a motor vehicle is provided. The convertible soft top has a front portion and a rear portion, the top also having and movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The top includes a fabric cover that extends across the front portion and the rear portion, the fabric cover forming a pair of spaced apart fins that extend from the front portion in a rearwardly direction when the top is in the extended position. The convertible soft top is dimensioned such that a motor vehicle with a conventional opening for heretofor convertible tops can be used with the soft top of the instant invention.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2008Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventor: Frank Neubrand
-
Patent number: 7909385Abstract: The invention relates to a convertible vehicle (1) provided with a roof (2) which comprises at least one rigid rear part (3) provided with a rear screen (4) and displaceable, independent of a roof area (5) which is arranged therebefore, in the direction of travel (F). The inventive convertible vehicle is characterized in that the roof area (5) arranged before the rear part (3) in the direction of travel (F) comprises at least two parts of the roof (6, 7) which are arranged in tandem when the roof is closed, displaceable at least partially on each other in order to be opened and can be stored is said connected position in the body (8).Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2003Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventor: Klaus Russke
-
Patent number: 7896422Abstract: A convertible top for a vehicle that is provided with a dynamic roll bar or dynamic occupant head protection system. The convertible top has a skylight that is retained in a skylight opening formed in the flexible cover of the convertible top. The skylight may be supported on one of the bows of the convertible top or may be supported on a skylight linkage that cooperates with the top stack linkage. In the event that a need for the roll bar is sensed by the vehicle resulting in the actuation of the roll bar assembly, the roll bar assembly may break the skylight in the course of deployment to assure fully deployment of the roll bar assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2009Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbHInventors: Michael T. Willard, Robert E. Fallis, III, Jan Just
-
Patent number: 7883138Abstract: A convertible includes an automobile body and a movable roof having at least a rear roof part and an upper roof part, wherein the rear roof part extends at least between a belt line and the upper roof part. The upper roof part is located above a passenger compartment and in front of the rear roof part. The rear roof part has a middle section that encloses a rear window and is located between lateral main posts of the automobile body when the roof is closed. The main posts and the middle section are each rotationally connected with the automobile body and with the upper roof part by joints which form a multijoint linkage whose axis of rotation lie in a common plane in at least one movement position of the roof, so that at least one additional support of the upper roof part located in front of the rear roof part is provided for supporting the upper roof part with respect to the automobile body, wherein the additional support is active in the at least one movement position of the roof.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2003Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventor: Klaus Russke
-
Patent number: 7845704Abstract: A retractable vehicle hardtop has a predominantly transparent top roof panel and a predominantly transparent combined back light/sail panel. The panels are attached to a top stack linkage that is used to retract and extend the hardtop. The top roof panel and combined back light/sail panel each feature a smooth, continuous two-part retractable hardtop that provides panoramic overhead views both when retracted and when extended. A frame is assembled to opaque peripheral portions of the top roof panel. Reinforcement bars are assembled to opaque portions of the combined back light/sail panel. A method of making the retractable hardtop.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2008Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Magna Car Top SystemsInventors: Jan Just, Robert E. Fallis, III
-
Publication number: 20100237651Abstract: A cabriolet top (8) for a cabriolet (1) has a roof (10) which, in a closed position (ST) of the cabriolet top, upwardly bounds a vehicle interior (9) and, for an open position of the cabriolet (1), is movable into a storage position (AS) in a storage space (21). The roof (10) has a main roof part (11) and closing roof parts (12, 13) which, in the closed position (ST), form a continuous roof surface. The main roof part (11) has at least one open-edged cutout (24, 25) that is closed by the closing roof part (12, 13) in the closed position (ST). However, the closing roof part (12, 13) is displaced relative to the main roof part (11) and opens the cutout (24, 25) in the storage position (AS).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2010Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Hanno Weber, Mathias Froschle
-
Publication number: 20100230998Abstract: A convertible top for a vehicle that is provided with a dynamic roll bar or dynamic occupant head protection system. The convertible top has a skylight that is retained in a skylight opening formed in the flexible cover of the convertible top. The skylight may be supported on one of the bows of the convertible top or may be supported on a skylight linkage that cooperates with the top stack linkage. In the event that a need for the roll bar is sensed by the vehicle resulting in the actuation of the roll bar assembly, the roll bar assembly may break the skylight in the course of deployment to assure fully deployment of the roll bar assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2009Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: MAGNA CAR TOP SYSTEMS GMBHInventors: Michael T. Willard, Robert E. Fallis, III, Jan Just
-
Patent number: 7789449Abstract: A folding top for a motor vehicle is provided. The folding top includes a rear roof part which delimits a window opening for a rear window and which is displaceable about a main pivot axis in order to transfer the folding top from a closed position into a storage position. The rear window is pivotable relative to the rear roof part about a window pivot axis which extends at a distance from the main pivot axis. The rear window bears against the rear roof part from the outside when the folding top is in the closed position and, after the folding top has been transferred into its storage position, is moved at least by way of a partial region through the window opening.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2007Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Daimler AGInventors: Martin Guckel, Bernhard Schenk, Juergen Schrader
-
Patent number: 7758093Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a vehicle body with a passenger compartment, a convertible roof receiving space, and a baggage space defined therein. A convertible roof has a rear part with a rear window. The convertible roof has a closed position wherein it extends over the passenger compartment and an open position wherein the convertible roof is at least partially received in the roof receiving space. A tailgate at least partially covers the baggage space and has an open position and a closed position. The tailgate is movable to the open position to define a loading opening for baggage. The rear window is automatically pivoted upwardly to provide an additional loading opening for baggage when the roof is in the closed position and the tailgate is moved to the open position to provide the loading opening for baggage.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventors: Thomas Tobergte, Markus Grave
-
Patent number: 7758099Abstract: A convertible vehicle includes a retractable top with a rear window laterally surrounded by flexible cover regions. The rear window is movable relative to the cover regions. The top has flexible and tensionable loose material portions that forms a water pockets for sealing between the cover regions and the sides of the rear window. Each loose material portion has a lower end fixed to a material holding hoop disposed beneath the rear window. The material holding hoop has a holding opening through which a part of the loose material portion extends.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2006Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventors: Heiner Bensmann, Heiko Pohlmann, Holger Plettendorf
-
Patent number: 7744144Abstract: A device for activating a rear window of a motor vehicle is provided that includes a control lever designed as a 3-point link, which is pin-jointed at one end with the rear window. The device further includes a driving link, which can be driven rotatably about a first fixed bearing, and a coupling link, which is guided pivotably about a second fixed bearing. At least the first fixed bearing is arranged on a roof element of the motor vehicle, while the control lever is coupled to the driving link and the coupling link in a restricted guidance, such that a rotation of the driving link about the first fixed bearing shifts the linking point of the control lever to the rear window substantially vertically.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2007Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme GmbHInventors: Franz Haberl, Klaus Obendiek
-
Publication number: 20100156135Abstract: A folding top for a motor vehicle is provided. The folding top includes a rear roof part which delimits a window opening for a rear window and which is displaceable about a main pivot axis in order to transfer the folding top from a closed position into a storage position. The rear window is pivotable relative to the rear roof part about a window pivot axis which extends at a distance from the main pivot axis. The rear window bears against the rear roof part from the outside when the folding top is in the closed position and, after the folding top has been transferred into its storage position, is moved at least by way of a partial region through the window opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2007Publication date: June 24, 2010Inventors: Martin Guckel, Bernhard Schenk, Juergen Schrader