Abstract: A retractable hardtop assembly is provided for a vehicle. A retractable hardtop assembly includes a front section that is connected by a linkage to a vehicle and a rearward portion that is connected by a separate linkage to a decklid of the vehicle. A package shelf/tonneau is secured by a linkage to the back section of the linkage. The package shelf/tonneau is moved from a package/shelf position below the rearward portion of the roof to a tonneau position above the retractable roof when the retractable roof is disposed in the storage compartment. The package shelf/tonneau is moved between the front portion of the roof and rearward portion of the roof during the extension and retraction cycles. The package shelf/tonneau may be rotated 360° as it is moved between the package shelf and tonneau positions.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A folding-top compartment lid is held on a mounting support which can be moved into an open and a closed position by opening levers. To lock the folding-top compartment lid, locking hooks are provided, and these can be activated along with the opening levers in accordance with the control of the latter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle (1) provided with a roof (2) comprising at least one part (3) which is fully movable for the opening thereof and extends from an area adjacent to a windscreen frame (4) to the rear particularly rigid part (5) of the roof. The inventive motor vehicle is characterized in that the movable part (3) of the roof, which is otherwise in a closed position, can be raised in the back area thereof.

Abstract: An actuation device (30) for a flap element, in particular a variable top receptacle (20), having at least one wall element (22) that is pivotable between a first and a second position, wherein the actuation device comprises a fixedly borne spring element (34) and the spring element traverses a point of maximum deflection between its first and second position by interacting with the wall element (22) during pivoting of the wall element (22).

Abstract: A link assembly for opening and closing a trunk lid of a vehicle having a movable roof includes lifting and locking links. The lifting link connects the lid to the vehicle to move the lid between a closed position covering the trunk, an opened position in which the front lid edge is raised, and another opened position in which the rear lid edge is raised. The locking link is adjustable between a first position in which its front end is movable and its rear end is pivotably locked to a rear joint, and a second position in which its front end is pivotably connected to a front joint and its rear end is movable. In the first position, the locking link acts on the lifting link to raise the front lid edge. In the second position, the locking link acts on the lifting link to raise the rear lid edge.

Abstract: A roof opening/closing apparatus for operating a roof of a vehicle to move between first and second positions includes a panel member for covering an upper portion of an accommodating space and a panel moving mechanism. The panel member includes a first panel and a second panel which are aligned in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The panel moving mechanism is provided under the panel member to movably support the first and second panels. The panel moving mechanism includes a sliding mechanism slidably moving the second panel relative to the first panel so that the first and second panels are overlapped when the roof is located in the first position and a length of the panel member in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle is reduced to be smaller than the length of the panel member when the roof is located in the second position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cabriolet vehicle having a roof which is provided with lateral roof linkage parts and can be stowed away in the rear of the vehicle. At least one hold-down device acts on the roof linkage parts of the stowed roof and is associated with the body of the vehicle.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A retractable hardtop for a vehicle including a front panel and an intermediate panel disposed behind the front panel in an extended position. A back panel supports a back light and is disposed below and rearwardly adjacent to the intermediate panel in the extended position. A pair of sail panels are disposed below the intermediate panel and engage opposite lateral sides of the back panel in the extended position but are separated from the back panel in the retracted position. A linkage connects the front panel, intermediate panel, and back panel to the vehicle. The front panel is shifted by the linkage over the intermediate panel and the back panel is shifted below the intermediate panel as the retractable hardtop is moved from the extended position toward a retracted position. A method of retracting a retractable hardtop as described above is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a vehicle comprising a body roof having an opening capable of being closed and a folding top consisting of several rigid parts (3), (4), (5) and a modular roof assembly (1) mounted directly in one single piece on the vehicle structure, said assembly comprising the folding top, with its mobile parts (3), (4), (5), a frame (10) supporting the folding top, adapted to be positioned opposite marking elements (75) of the vehicle structure and connected thereto, the parts of the roof being mobile between an extended position, resulting from a forward displacement, and a folded position wherein said parts are substantially vertically retracted behind the seats (7), side by side, a mechanism (40, 50) for displacing the roof parts, borne by the support frame, being also provided, after the modular roof assembly has been positioned inside the vehicle, for displacing said roof parts relative to the roof opening between their extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: In a roof retractable type vehicle including a roof storage area, a roof storage mechanism for storing a roof, and a tonneau cover for opening and closing the roof storage area, the tonneau cover is connected to the vehicle body side via a mechanism in which the front end of the tonneau cover moves frontward and upward from the closed position and the rear end of the tonneau cover moves frontward, and the tonneau cover is retracted in an inclined posture to the front of the roof storage area. The tonneau cover includes a central member positioned in the center in the vehicle width direction and side members adjacent to both sides of the central member, and the side members and are connected swingably to the central member so that the side members can be retracted to the center side in the vehicle width direction.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle having an openable roof structure (1), said vehicle comprising a trunk lid (5), said trunk lid being supported by a guide linkage (6). The roof structure (1) is lowerable into a folding-top compartment (7) located in an upper region of the trunk (8) of the vehicle under said trunk lid. The vehicle also comprises a frame (9) on which said trunk lid (5) is articulated via said guide linkage (6). The frame (9) is supported to the lower rear end region of the bodywork by a flexural spring (10) enabling turning of the frame.

Abstract: A motor vehicle with a center drive tonneau cover assembly for covering a convertible top in a stored configuration is provided. The assembly has a tonneau cover with a linkage system that pivotally couples the cover to the vehicle. The linkage system can have a center link that is located generally along a longitudinal center portion of the vehicle body. The linkage system is operable to move the tonneau cover between a closed position and the open position in which the center link occupies free space between the tonneau cover and the convertible top in the stored configuration within the storage compartment. In addition, with the center link provides free space between a side portion of the tonneau cover and an adjacent portion of a side body panel of the vehicle body.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle with a roof or roof section which may be placed below a cover piece in the rear section of the vehicle, whereby the cover piece can be opened to provide a loading opening for luggage or a through opening for the roof. The cover piece is retained by at least one displacement mechanism in the vehicle, embodied such that the displacement mechanism, on at least one vehicle side, comprises a movement with only one degree of freedom for both opening directions of the cover piece.

Abstract: A soft top for a motor vehicle, lockable on a windshield frame by a latch disposed on a forward soft top section and swivelable to a locked position, the soft top movable to a rearward stowed position once the latch has been swiveled into an unlocked position. A locking mechanism provides a catch hook on the vehicle body swivelable between a releasing position and a blocking position, in which the same engages with a catch hook engaging part that is mounted on the soft top or the vehicle body when the soft top is in the blocked state. The locking mechanism is fitted with a spring device, against the spring force of which the soft top runs into the stowed position, while the catch hook can be swiveled into the released position by means of the locking drive in order to release the locking mechanism.

Abstract: 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).

Abstract: A guide rod system movably connects a trunk lid to a vehicle such that the lid is movable between a base position in which the lid covers a trunk of the vehicle, a luggage storage position in which the rear of the lid is raised relative to the trunk, and a roof transport position in which the front of the lid is raised relative to the trunk. The guide rod system includes first and second guide rods and a coupler. The first guide rod is respectively connected at opposite ends to the front of the lid and the vehicle. The second guide rod is respectively connected at opposite ends to the rear of the lid and the vehicle. The coupler is connected between the guide rods to actuate the guide rods to move the lid between the base, luggage storage, and roof transport positions.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle having an openable roof structure (1), said vehicle comprising a trunk lid (5), said trunk lid being supported by a guide linkage (6). The roof structure (1) is lowerable into a folding-top compartment (7) located in an upper region of the trunk (8) of the vehicle under said trunk lid. The vehicle also comprises a frame (9) on which said trunk lid (5) is articulated via said guide linkage (6). The frame (9) is supported to the lower rear end region of the bodywork by a flexural spring (10) enabling turning of the frame.

Abstract: An adjusting mechanism of a movable component, particularly a soft top compartment cover of a convertible, which is movably mounted by means of at least one control arm (2) that is hingedly connected to the vehicle body. A crossarm gear (19, 20) is mounted between the control arm (2) and a drive unit (27, 28) of the adjusting mechanism. In order to improve the moving behavior of the movable component, the control arm (2) is coupled to a rotatably mounted crank (14) via a coupling rod (11). Said crank (14) is connected to a driving arm (21) via two crossarms (19, 20), the driving arm (21) being movable by the drive unit (27, 28).

Abstract: A convertible top can be displaced between a closed position and a put-away position. The convertible top contains a flexible convertible top cloth, rear side regions of which each have at least one folding device acting on them, impressing at least one defined fold in each case on the convertible top cloth during the transfer from the closed position into the put-away position. Each folding device has at least one linear, rod-shaped folding mechanism which, during the transfer of the convertible top into the put-away position, prevents a folding of the convertible top cloth transversely with respect to its longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A retractable hardtop assembly is provided for a vehicle. A retractable hardtop assembly includes a front section that is connected by a linkage to a vehicle and a rearward portion that is connected by a separate linkage to a decklid of the vehicle. A package shelf/tonneau is secured by a linkage to the back section of the linkage. The package shelf/tonneau is moved from a package/shelf position below the rearward portion of the roof to a tonneau position above the retractable roof when the retractable roof is disposed in the storage compartment. The package shelf/tonneau is moved between the front portion of the roof and rearward portion of the roof during the extension and retraction cycles. The package shelf/tonneau may be rotated 360° as it is moved between the package shelf and tonneau positions.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle, alternatively, with a hardtop version, an entry level soft top module, a five-bow soft top module, or a retractable hardtop module. Any one of the four tops may be assembled on an automotive vehicle having a substantially common body structure with only minor modifications to the vehicle body being required to accept any one of the four different vehicle tops. A vehicle body architecture is provided that is configured to selectively receive one of four different style roofs on a roof mounting bracket that is attached to the side walls of the vehicle.

Abstract: A retractable roof device for a vehicle, including a roof panel configured to be displaced by a guide, moving from a closed position covering the passenger compartment of the vehicle to a retracted position in a rear area of the vehicle. The device also includes a cover structure. The controlled displacement of the roof between the closed position and the retracted position causes displacement of the rear cover structure and/or part of the passenger compartment such that the rear cover structure and/or passenger compartment part allows the roof panel and guide to be displaced.

Abstract: A retractable roof device for a vehicle, including a roof panel configured to be displaced by a guide to move from a closed position in the passenger area of the vehicle to a retracted position in a rear area of the vehicle. The device also includes a rear cover structure that includes closing shutters. The closing shutters can be automatically controlled between a position in which they are deployed and a position in which they are stored.

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).

Abstract: The invention relates to a convertible vehicle (1) comprising a roof (2) which can be stored below a cover part (6) arranged below in the back of a vehicle. The cover part can be selectively opened in order to release a charging hole for luggage or to release an opening for the roof (2). A first pivoting axis (7), for said above-mentioned opening (7), is arranged in the region of a rear sided closing edge of the cover part (6) and at least the lateral swinging arms (10) associated with at least the longitudinal sides of the vehicle are coupled to the cover part (6) by means of a joint connection. The convertible vehicle is configured in such a manner that tolerance compensation is provided in the cover part (6) and/or in the joint connection (12). Said compensation results in a deviation of the trajectory of one part of the cover part (6) and/or the joint connection (12) of the circular trajectory (20, 21), at least during the pivoting of the cover part (6) in order to release the opening for the roof.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle roof (20) comprises a forward roof element (22) and a rearward roof element (24). An unchangeable, upwardly opened, recessed storage area (14) for the roof elements is defined in a rear trunk lid (12). The forward roof element may be pivoted relative to the rearward roof element about a first axis (A1) that is perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal plane. The forward roof element and the rearward roof element also may be pivoted together about a second axis (A2) that extends perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal plane. At least the forward roof element is curved such that, in the open position of the vehicle roof, i.e. when it is folded onto the rearward roof element and is stored in the storage area, it forms a substantially continuous, curved outer shell together with the rear trunk lid.

Abstract: A retractable roof for a vehicle, including a roof panel configured to be displaced by a guide from a closed position in the passenger area of the vehicle to a retracted position in a rear area of the vehicle. The roof also includes a rear cover structure including a rear shelf. The rear shelf can be automatically controlled between a rest position and an open position.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a roof retracting device, the roof retracting device comprises a driving shaft, a rear frame, a trunk cover, a main axle, a first lever, a second lever extending transversely from one end of the driving shaft, and a connecting lever, wherein the driving shaft rotates around the main axle, and drives a roof to move between an extended position and a retracted position; the rear frame opens for the passage of the roof, and closes to seal a space between the roof and the trunk cover; the first lever connects to the second lever, and rotates around the main axle; and the connecting lever connects the first lever to the rear frame. The rear frame operates harmoniously with the driving shaft via the first lever, the second lever and the connecting lever.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a roof that is movable between a closed position extending over the passenger compartment and an opened position stowed in a rearward storage region. A movable cover has a closed position wherein the cover covers the rearward storage area and is movable to a first opened position to provide a passage opening for the roof and to a second opened position to provide a loading opening for baggage. A cover extension has an extended position wherein the cover extension at least partially covers an opening between the movable cover and the passenger.

Abstract: A motor vehicle with a roof that is at least partially moveable and can be stowed in the body beneath a cover section. The cover section can be moved upward in a pivoting motion, opening up toward the rear to reveal a stowage opening for the roof sections or for the entire roof. A drive element is provided that lies in a longitudinal vertical plane of the vehicle. When the drive element is in close proximity to its retracted position, it actuates a moveable power pull-down device for the cover which comprises at least one pivoting control arm disposed on the body by acting on the pivoting control arm.

Abstract: A roof operating device includes a roof member operated so as to be extended from and stored in vehicle body, a lid operated to be opened and closed when the roof member is operated, an operation switch, actuators driving the roof member and the lid, a first and second closer mechanisms provided at first and second portions and operated for moving the lid so as to be in a fully closed state, and each of the first and second closer mechanisms including a striker, a latch and a half latched state detection portion for detecting a half latched state between the latch and the striker, wherein after the half latched state detection portions detect the half latched state, and the operation switch is continuously operated, the first and second closer mechanisms are synchronously operated in order to move the lid so as to be in a fully closed state.

Abstract: A vehicle body 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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cabriolet vehicle having a roof that can be stored underneath a cover part in an open position, at least two displaceable engagement organs and an associated drive being provided to secure a closed cover part. The drive interacts with the engagement organs to transmit a driving force through a force transmission element having a component that extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle. A driven organ can lie in a transverse direction of the vehicle and generally on the same plane as the force transmission elements. In addition, a gear mechanism can be displaced by a rectilinear coupling organ that is connected to the force transmission element and runs parallel to the drive organ.

Abstract: A folding top compartment lid, in particular a folding top compartment lid with an integrated engine bay lid, is pivoted into an open position and into a closed position by a so-called four-bar hinge arrangement. An actuating device is articulatedly connected to a rear and a front setting-out lever of the four-bar hinge mechanism, which actuating device is coupled to a locking device which contains locking hooks. The actuating device with the setting-out levers can be activated by a hydraulic cylinder so as to pivot into the open and closed positions in such a way that the folding top compartment lid can be moved from the locked closed position into an unlocked open position and back from the open position into the closed position.

Abstract: In a convertible vehicle having a folding convertible top (16), whose rear side is affixed to a tensioning bow (20) laterally supported relative to the vehicle, and a rear trunk lid (14) laterally supported relative to the vehicle, wherein its front side is arranged in the vicinity of the tensioning bow in its closed state, the tensioning bow (20) can be brought into an upwardly pivoted position during the opening of the rear trunk lid (14) or when the rear trunk lid is opened, so that an opening for loading of a luggage compartment, which is arranged underneath the rear trunk lid and underneath the tensioning bow at least when the folding convertible top is closed, is enlarged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a covering flap of a convertible, with a roof which is mounted movably on the vehicle body by means of roof kinematics and can be lowered into a rear storage compartment, wherein the covering flap is mounted pivotably and can be displaced between a covering position and a raised intermediate position by means of a displacement device coupled to the roof kinematics, and wherein the displacement device has a link mechanism with a component having a slotted guide and a component having an engagement part guided in the slotted guide, for the forced control of the displacement movement of the covering flap.

Abstract: A control system controls the movement of a convertible top, decklid, and tonneau cover to minimize the overall cycle time of the system. The top is pivotally coupled to a vehicle body for movement between an extended position covering a passenger compartment and a retracted position disposed in a storage space. The decklid is pivotally coupled to the body for movement between a closed position covering the storage space and an open position to accommodate movement of the top into the storage space. The tonneau cover moves between a use position extending outwardly from an end of the decklid to conceal the convertible top in the retracted position and a stowed position disposed beneath the decklid. The control system is preprogrammed to begin movement of the tonneau cover to the use position when the decklid reaches a predetermined angle as the decklid moves between the closed and open positions.

Abstract: A roof opening and closing apparatus for a vehicle includes a cover member opening and closing mechanism including a front side opening and closing mechanical unit, a rear side opening and closing mechanical unit, and an intermediate support unit connecting the front side opening and closing mechanical unit and the rear side opening and closing mechanical unit, a panel moving mechanism including a panel member and a panel movement mechanical unit, the panel member covering a portion of a vehicle body in a case where a roof is in a stored state, the portion of the vehicle body being positioned at a lower end of a rear corner portion of the roof when the roof is in a developed state, and the panel movement mechanical unit supporting the panel member to be moved to the storage compartment in a case where the roof is in the deployed state.

Abstract: A top for a convertible has a rear window frame, at least one roof section placed in front of it in the direction of travel when the top is closed, and a lateral top linkage. When the top is closed, a further roof section which is connected to the top linkage in an articulated manner and can be driven by the latter is provided between a front roof section and the rear window frame.

Abstract: A retractable hardtop assembly is provided for a vehicle. A retractable hardtop assembly includes a front section that is connected by a linkage to a vehicle and a rearward portion that is connected by a separate linkage to a decklid of the vehicle. A package shelf/tonneau is secured by a linkage to the back section of the linkage. The package shelf/tonneau is moved from a package/shelf position below the rearward portion of the roof to a tonneau position above the retractable roof when the retractable roof is disposed in the storage compartment. The package shelf/tonneau is moved between the front portion of the roof and rearward portion of the roof during the extension and retraction cycles. The package shelf/tonneau may be rotated 360° as it is moved between the package shelf and tonneau positions.

Abstract: A retractable hardtop for a vehicle is disclosed that includes a unitary roof panel, an active rear window and a four bar link. The four bar link includes a pair of buttress panels and a pair of rear rails that are connected to the roof panel and the vehicle. No structural members of the retractable hard top interconnect the lower portion of the buttress panels or the rear rails between the pivot connections to the roof and the pivot connections to the vehicle.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle with a roof can be folded down under a cover part in a rear section of the vehicle. The cover part can be opened in a first direction to release an opening for luggage and in a second direction to release an opening for the roof. The vehicle includes a movement mechanism to hold the cover part and further includes at least one multi-link chain. The multi-link chain includes a plurality of hinges for the movement of the cover part. At least one of the plurality of hinges is held in an idle state when the cover part is opened in the first direction and the second direction.

Abstract: A retractable hard-top roof for a convertible-roof vehicle is disclosed. The roof comprises a forward roof panel and a rear roof panel. The panels fit together flush when the roof is in a top-up position. In a top-down position the panels are stowed in a roof stowage deck. A pair of roof hinge mechanisms moves the roof panels between the top-up position and the top-down position with a first linear actuator. A pair of tonneu cover mechanisms raises and then lowering a tonneu cover when the roof panels are moved from one position to the other. A roof deck lid, a front roof panel lock, and a pillar roof lock may also be included to secure the roof in either its top-up or top-down positions.

Abstract: The openable roof system (R) comprises: a covering element or roof (3) which in the vicinity of its rear end (3b) is mounted rotatably about a horizontal axis (4) between two parallel side uprights (5) of the bodywork of the motor car (1), close to the rear of the passenger compartment (2), and; an essentially vertical stowage compartment (6) open towards the top, formed in the motor car (1) between and below said uprights (5). The arrangement is such that the covering element or roof (3) can be pivoted about the axis (4) between a closed position, where it is arranged so as to lie at least approximately horizontally, and a midway open position, where it is arranged so as to lie substantially vertically. The covering element or roof (3) is then displaceable downwards from said midway open position into a final concealed position where it is contained so as to lie substantially vertically inside the stowage compartment (6).

Abstract: A link assembly for opening and closing a trunk lid of a vehicle having a movable roof includes lifting and locking links. The lifting link connects the lid to the vehicle to move the lid between a closed position covering the trunk, an opened position in which the front lid edge is raised, and another opened position in which the rear lid edge is raised. The locking link is adjustable between a first position in which its front end is movable and its rear end is pivotably locked to a rear joint, and a second position in which its front end is pivotably connected to a front joint and its rear end is movable. In the first position, the locking link acts on the lifting link to raise the front lid edge. In the second position, the locking link acts on the lifting link to raise the rear lid edge.

Abstract: A convertible device of a vehicle comprises a convertible top (10) movable between a closed position and a folded-together, lowered open position and a separating wall (22, 24) separating the convertible top at least in its folded-together open position at least partially from the interior of a luggage space (19) of the vehicle when the convertible device is mounted thereon. At least a portion of the separating wall is formed by a rear shelf part (24) that separates the passenger compartment from the luggage space in the closed position of the convertible top and during movement of the folding top into its open position moves downwardly together with the lower, rear edge portion of the convertible top, so that the folded-together convertible top is disposed above the rear shelf part. A sensor apparatus detects an object located in the luggage space and hindering a lowering of the rear shelf part.

Abstract: A convertible roof includes a segmented rearmost roof bow that has a length that can change during the retraction and extension process. The rearmost roof bow can be segmented such that the pieces can move relative to one another to shorten a length of the rearmost roof bow when being stowed. When in the fully raised and operative position, the sections of the segmented rearmost roof bow can be aligned and form a roof bow having an operative length. In the retracted state, the sections of the segmented rearmost roof bow can be moved relative to one another such that they are no longer aligned and have a length that is less than the operative length when aligned.