Including Top Storage Compartment With Closure Patents (Class 296/107.08)
  • Patent number: 6824194
    Abstract: A convertible (1) with a roof (2), which can be stowed in the rear region (3) of the vehicle beneath a lid part (4), it being possible to open and close the lid part (4), on the one hand, for unblocking an opening (7) for the passage of the roof (2) adjacent to the front region (4a) of the lid part (4) and, on the other, for unblocking an opening (8) for luggage, adjacent to the rear end region (9), an auxiliary frame (11) being disposed beneath the lid part (4a) and connected in the, in the driving direction (F), pre-disposed area over a multiple joint (14) with the lid part (4) and mounted moveably with respect to the vehicle body in its rear region (12), wherein the multiple joint (14), while the opening (7) for the passage of the roof (2) is unblocked, is held in stood-up position which enlarges the distance between the lid part (4) and the auxiliary frame (11) relative to that of the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventors: Olaf Weissmueller, Udo Heselhaus
  • Patent number: 6820917
    Abstract: A convertible roof for an automotive vehicle is provided. In one aspect of the present invention, a retraction mechanism couples first, second and third roof sections to a vehicle. Another aspect of the present invention employs a flexible cable interconnecting a rear linkage with a forward pivot assembly to pivot the first roof section relative to the second roof section. Another aspect of the present invention provides that the three roof sections are substantially horizontally oriented in a stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: ASC Incorporated
    Inventor: Todd Grubbs
  • Publication number: 20040222658
    Abstract: The retractable roof structural system utilizes a structural member that is coupled to opposing quarter panel sections of the vehicle to enhance the torsional rigidity and stiffness of the vehicle. The structural member can be selectively uncoupled from the vehicle to allow the for unimpeded retraction of the retractable roof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventor: Christopher Dilluvio
  • Patent number: 6814390
    Abstract: Convertible vehicles (1) include passage apertures (7) defined in longitudinally-extending side walls (6) of a vehicle body (1a). A guiding element (9) is disposed in or below each passage aperture. Foldable, longitudinally-extending components (21) are disposed along side edges of a foldable frame (20), which components pass through the passage aperture (7) during foldable top opening and closing operations. A storage compartment lid (2) is movably coupled to the vehicle body for covering the folding top. A cover plate (8) is movably coupled to the lid and moves towards the passage aperture during the folding top opening operation. A safety catch (10) may be coupled to the cover plate so as to engage the guiding element during the folding top opening operation. The safety catch and guiding element serve to accurately guide and position the cover plate during the folding top opening operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Norbert Habacker
  • Patent number: 6808222
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle (1) with a roof (4) consisting of at least two parts, comprising a rear roof part (6) and a roof part (5) which is in the forward position when the roof is closed, where, when the roof is open, the rear roof part (6) is essentially vertical and the roof part (5) in the forward position with respect to the direction of travel (F) is essentially parallel to the rear part, is designed in such a way that a common drive (14), one of which is on each side of the vehicle, is used to move both the rear roof part (6) and the roof part (5) in front to open and close the roof (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignees: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH, ASC Incorporated
    Inventor: Reinhard Quindt
  • Patent number: 6799788
    Abstract: mechanisms each have an upper portion interconnected with the forward end of the decklid and a lower portion interconnected with the vehicle body. The front articulation mechanisms each have a latched position wherein the upper and lower portions are latchedly interconnected and an unlatched position wherein the upper and lower portions are separable. The upper portion includes a multilink hinge having a retracted position and an extended position. A rear articulation mechanism has an upper portion interconnected with the rearward end of the deck and a lower portion interconnected with the vehicle body. The rear articulation mechanism has a latched position wherein the upper and lower portions are latchedly interconnected and an unlatched position wherein the upper and lower portions are separable. The lower portion includes a multilink hinge having a retracted position and an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: SSR Roofing Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Frank Plesternings
  • Patent number: 6796594
    Abstract: A convertible with a roof (2) which can be opened and lowered into a rear roof storage space (3), has a trunk lid (5) which can be swung up at its forward edge to clear a through opening for the roof (2) which is to be lowered, and has a covering (11) which is movably supported on the trunk lid (5) and can be moved between a covering position in front of the trunk lid (11) with the roof opened (2) and a rear lowered position under the trunk lid (5) with the roof (2) closed. A movably supported shelf (20) occupies an operating position as a shelf which with the roof (2) closed and a lowered position at the front of the roof storage space (3) with the roof (2) opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Open Air Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Antreich
  • Patent number: 6793267
    Abstract: A convertible has an at least partially flexible top stowable in the rear of the convertible. The top has a mechanical support and a flexible top part stretched across the mechanical support. The mechanical support is configured to shorten the flexible top part in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the convertible when opening the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Udo Hesselhaus
  • Publication number: 20040178656
    Abstract: In a vehicle roof which is movable between a closed position and a storage position in a rear storage compartment of a vehicle comprising a rear cover which is pivotally supported such that it can be raised at the rear end thereof from a closed position, in which it covers the storage compartment, to a loading position, in which the rear end of the rear cover is raised, the vehicle roof stored in the rear storage compartment can be raised independently of the rear cover and can be locked with the rear cover in the raised position, in which access to the rear trunk is facilitated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Gerald Hahn
  • Patent number: 6786525
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a carbody with a rear area provided with a trunk lid. A roof is stowable within the rear area of the convertible vehicle underneath the trunk lid. The trunk lid is movable in a first direction for releasing a passageway for the roof and in a second direction for releasing a receiving opening for luggage. The trunk lid is divided into several parts along at least one joint extending substantially in a transverse vehicle direction. When opening the trunk lid in the first direction, a frontmost one of the several parts of the trunk lid, viewed in a travel direction of the convertible vehicle, is moved in the travel direction at least partially into a position above a rear part of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Russke, Udo Heselhaus
  • Patent number: 6786527
    Abstract: The invention concerns a roof retractable into the rear deck (5) of a vehicle. The retractable roof includes a front roof element (3) and a rear roof element (1) linked together by an intermediate element (2). Displacement of the elements (1, 2, 3) is controlled by a first mechanism for controlling and guiding the displacement of the rear element (1) towards a stowed position wherein the element (1) extends substantially horizontally to the upper part of the rear deck (5); the first mechanism co-operating with a second mechanism for controlling the lifting of the intermediate element (2) relative to the rear element (1), then for superposing the intermediate element (2) above the rear element in the rear deck (5); the second mechanism co-operating with a third mechanism for controlling the pivoting downwards of the front element (3) during its movement towards the rear deck (6) up to a position wherein the element extends substantially vertically to the front of the rear deck (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: France Design
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Guillez, Gérard Queveau
  • Publication number: 20040155480
    Abstract: A two-way opening modular decklid assembly is disclosed. The modular decklid assembly includes a frame and a decklid that are installed in a vehicle as a modular unit. The decklid assembly uses a simple at least four-bar non-scissor linkage assembly to attach a frame to the vehicle. The linkage assembly is operable to move the frame between open and closed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Willard
  • Publication number: 20040145210
    Abstract: In a roof storage compartment cover of a vehicle, particularly for passenger cars, which have a roof that is movable between a closed position in which the roof covers an interior vehicle space and an open position in which the roof is deposited in a storage compartment behind the interior vehicle space, the storage compartment has a cover including a front cover part and a rear cover part which are supported by a support console and can be moved by a support mechanism out of the way to provide a passage for transferring the roof into and out of the storage compartment, the rear cover part being pivoted below the front cover part and being locked therein by pivoting the support console employing the roof operating mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Corinna Fuchs, Markus Papendorf, Timo Czechtizki
  • Patent number: 6764126
    Abstract: A hydraulic actuating device, for a vehicle cover and an associated lock for locking the cover in the closed position, has a cover actuator and a lock actuator which each are provided with a first and second connection, which are respectively in communication with an associated first and second opening adjoining the actuator space. The cover actuator is provided with a third opening, which is connected to the second connection of the lock actuator. The first connection of the cover actuator and the first connection of the lock actuator are connected to a common connecting line with a single actuable valve, which in a first position connects the delivery port of the pump to the connecting line. The second connection of the cover actuator is in communication with the delivery port of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventors: Laurentius Andreas Gerhardus Mentink, Johnny Antonius Jacobus Wiggemans
  • Patent number: 6742829
    Abstract: A motor vehicle roof which can be lowered into a rear receiving space, with a rear roof part (8) which is pivotally supported on the body and a front roof part (6) which is pivotally supported thereon. The rear roof part (8) has a lengthwise dimension which is equal essentially to twice the lengthwise dimension of the rear window (22). The rear window can be moved out of a position which closes a rear window cutout to under the closed front section of the rear roof part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Reihl
  • Patent number: 6739645
    Abstract: In a hardtop vehicle roof including rigid front intermediate and rear roof parts, which are movable between a closed position, in which the roof parts are arranged, in the longitudinal vehicle direction, one after the other so as to cover an interior of a vehicle body, and a storage position, in which the roof parts are disposed in a rear roof storage compartment which is provided with a compartment lid pivotally supported on the vehicle body, so that it can be raised for the transfer of the rigid roof parts between their closed positions and their positions in the roof storage compartment, the rear roof part is supported on the roof storage compartment lid, the intermediate roof part is supported directly on the vehicle body and the front part is supported on the intermediate roof part in such a way that in the storage compartment all the roof parts are disposed in the same orientation on top of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: CTS Fahrzeug-Dachsysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Marcus Papendorf, Gerald Hahn
  • Patent number: 6739644
    Abstract: In a containment for receiving a removable vehicle top, including a containment cover, a containment cover operating mechanism for transferring the vehicle top between closed and open positions, a containment bottom movable between raised and lowered positions and a containment bottom operating mechanism, the containment bottom operating mechanism is coupled to the vehicle top in such a way that, during the transfer of the vehicle top from the closed to the open position, movement of a component of the vehicle top initiates the lowering of the containment bottom by uncoupling the containment bottom from its operating mechanism before the vehicle top enters the containment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: CTS-Fahrzeug-Dachsysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Gerald Hahn, Christian Holst, Bernd Roschat
  • Patent number: 6736444
    Abstract: A motor vehicle roof with a front roof part (3), a middle roof part (4) and a rear roof part (5), which can be moved between a closed position which covers the motor vehicle interior and a lowered position in a rear convertible top compartment (10) which exposes the motor vehicle interior, the middle roof part (4) being pivotally supported via a first connecting rod arrangement (12, 13) on the body and the front roof part (3) being movably supported by a second connecting rod arrangement (14, 15) on the middle roof part (4) and being displaced over the middle roof part (4) during lowering. For space-saving lowering of the roof parts, it is provided that the rear roof part (5) is pivotally supported by a third connecting rod arrangement (16, 17) on the middle roof part (4), and when the roof (1) is lowered, is displaced over the middle roof part (3 or 4) so that the three roof parts (3, 4, 5) are deposited on top of one another in an identically cambered orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbH
    Inventor: Burkhard Reinsch
  • Patent number: 6736443
    Abstract: In a cover arrangement for a storage compartment for a removable vehicle roof with a storage compartment cover which is movable between a closed position and a clearing position, and wherein the storage compartment cover includes a center part and two side parts with an operating mechanism for the center part and actuating mechanisms for the side parts, the center part and the side parts are supported on the vehicle body in a common plane when the storage compartment is closed but are movable to a clearing position for the movement of the roof into, and out of, the storage compartment, the side part actuating mechanisms being inter-linked with the center part operating mechanism for moving the side parts together with the center part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: CTS Fahrzeug-Dachsysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Holst, Andreas Hasselgruber, Thomas Halbweiss, Matthias Roesler
  • Patent number: 6736445
    Abstract: A top for a convertible vehicle includes a rear top part attached pivotably to the convertible vehicle and a front, movably mounted top part. In a closed state of the top, the front top part and the rear top part are disposed over the convertible vehicle in a closed state of the top. In an open state of the top, the front top part and the rear top part are disposed behind front seats of the convertible vehicle with the front top part disposed below the rear top part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Obendiek
  • Publication number: 20040080178
    Abstract: In a roof for a convertible vehicle including a folding roof supported by a linkage mounted to the vehicle body with a roof cover material extending over the linkage wherein the folding roof is movable between a closed position, in which it covers an interior vehicle space, and a storage position, in which it is deposited in a folding roof storage space, a rigid rear roof part is provided, which is supported by the vehicle body in a closed position when the folding roof is in a closed position and also when the folding roof is stored in the roof storage space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Berthold Klein, Klaus Laue, Wojciech Wezyk
  • Patent number: 6726270
    Abstract: Vertically adjustable folding top compartment floor on a vehicle with a folding or convertible top, which floor is connected by way of foldable side walls with the vehicle body. Two side walls arranged on opposite side areas of the convertible top compartment floor are formed by two wall sections, respectively, which are swivellably connected about a hinge axis. One wall section is swivellable about a connection axis linked to the convertible top compartment floor, and the other wall section is swivellable about a supporting axis linked to the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
    Inventor: Walter Meierhofer
  • Patent number: 6726269
    Abstract: A convertible top operating mechanism includes a bi-directional hydraulic pump which is selectively connected to top-operating hydraulic cylinders and tonneau-operating hydraulic cylinders by a two-way, 5-condition control valve to selectively raise and lower the top and tonneau. A mechanical linkage connects the top-operating cylinders with a movable rear bow and is co-operable with a spring during operation of the top-operating cylinders when fully extending and initially retracting to move the rear bow to enable tonneau operation and to seal the top on the tonneau.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Dura Convertible Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: George Joseph Frank
  • Patent number: 6722723
    Abstract: A top mechanism for a convertible vehicle includes a rear region of the convertible vehicle arranged behind a passenger compartment and is configured to receive a top, in an opened state of the top. The top mechanism also includes a rear element at least partially covering the rear region in a closed state of the top. The top mechanism also includes a covering element, and at least one rear roof part. The covering element, in a first position associated with a closed state of the top, is adjacent at one end to a boundary of the passenger compartment and is adjacent at the other end to the rear roof part. The covering element is movable to a second position for providing a movement space for the top, and is moveable to a third position associated with an opened state of the top, in which the covering element is adjacent at one end to the boundary of the passenger compartment and is adjacent at the other end to the rear element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Obendiek
  • Publication number: 20040066057
    Abstract: A retractable soft top system includes a support frame with a forward end and a rearward end. The rearward end is detachably and pivotably interconnected with the vehicle body at the rear of the passenger compartment. The support frame includes a latching member extending from the forward end. The latching member is operable to selectively engage an engagement feature on the windshield header so as to interconnect the forward end of the support frame with the header. A cover selectively covers a storage area behind the passenger compartment. The cover is pivotally supported such that the forward end moves upwardly to uncover at least a portion of the storage area. The cover has an underside with an engagement feature adjacent the forward end and a retaining latch spaced rearwardly therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Reinhard Wolfgang Quindt, Frank Neubrand
  • Patent number: 6715819
    Abstract: A convertible automobile has a roof which can be deposited in a rear area of the vehicle under a trunk lid. To uncover an opening for the roof, the trunk lid is mounted on a lock member permitting movement in a first opening direction about a body-fast axis of rotation at a rear end such that it forms an acute angle (&agr;) with a vector of travel when in the open position. In order to free a loading opening to the trunk space, the lock member permits movement of the trunk lid 4 in a second opening direction such that the trunk lid forms in the open position an obtuse angle (&bgr;) with the vector of travel. A part bearing an axis of rotation is configured such that the lock member associated with the trunk lid is situated, when the trunk lid is in the closed position, ahead of the axis of rotation in the direction of travel and, upon the movement of the trunk lid in the first opening direction, the lock member is carried on a circular path around the central axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Olaf Weissmueller
  • Publication number: 20040061352
    Abstract: The retractable roof comprises several rigid roof elements (1, 2, 3) able to move between a position in which they cover the passenger compartment of the vehicle and a position in which they are stored inside the rear boot (4) of the vehicle, so as to be superimposed substantially horizontally under the lid (5) of the rear boot (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Guillez, Gerard Queveau
  • Publication number: 20040061353
    Abstract: Convertible vehicles (1) include passage apertures (7) defined in longitudinally-extending side walls (6) of a vehicle body (1a). A guiding element (9) is disposed in or below each passage aperture. Foldable, longitudinally-extending components (21) are disposed along side edges of a foldable frame (20), which components pass through the passage aperture (7) during foldable top opening and closing operations. A storage compartment lid (2) is movably coupled to the vehicle body for covering the folding top. A cover plate (8) is movably coupled to the lid and moves towards the passage aperture during the folding top opening operation. A safety catch (10) may be coupled to the cover plate so as to engage the guiding element during the folding top opening operation. The safety catch and guiding element serve to accurately guide and position the cover plate during the folding top opening operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Norbert Habacker
  • Patent number: 6705662
    Abstract: A convertible has a car body and a lid part arranged to the rear of the car body. The convertible top can be stowed under the lid part. The lid part can open and close for releasing a through opening for the top adjacent to a forward end of the lid part and for releasing a loading opening for luggage adjacent to a rearward end of the lid part. An auxiliary frame is arranged underneath the lid part in a closed position of the lid part. The auxiliary frame is connected pivotably on the car body and is pivotable transversely to the travel direction about a pivot axis. The pivot axis of the auxiliary frame, in the travel direction of the convertible, is arranged in front of the rearward end of the lid part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Holger im Sande
  • Patent number: 6705663
    Abstract: A supporting framework of a rear cover may be pivoted up about a front transverse axis and a rear transverse axis, of a rear compartment in a bodywork of a passenger vehicle having a fold-away roof, the rear compartment being used for accommodating a roof or roof part and luggage. Due to a special kinematic arrangement of the supporting framework, the rear cover executes a lifting movement before it pivots about the rear transverse axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventor: Siegfried Zipperle
  • Patent number: 6702361
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a car body having a rear vehicle area with a trunk. The rear vehicle area has a roof compartment having a lid. The roof is stowable under the lid in the roof compartment. The lid of the roof compartment is movable for releasing a passageway for stowing the roof and for releasing a loading opening for the trunk. The lid of the roof compartment is of a multi-part configuration and has at least one joint between parts of the lid, wherein the at least one joint extends transversely to a travel direction of the convertible vehicle. For releasing the passageway for the roof, the parts are pivotable relative to one another in a pivot direction. At least one drive-effecting member acts on the parts in the pivot direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Russke
  • Patent number: 6702362
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a carbody having a rear area and a roof connected to the carbody. The roof has a first rigid roof part arranged rearwardly and provided with a rear window. The roof further has at least one second rigid roof part. The first and second roof parts can be nested into one another when opening the roof and stowed in the stowed position in the rear area of the carbody. The first roof part is positioned in a stowed position of the roof above the at least one second roof part in a substantially horizontal position. The rear window has an exterior side in a closed position of the roof, and the exterior side of the rear window in the stowed position faces upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Eichholz, Thorsten Budzinski
  • Publication number: 20040036312
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a carbody having a rear area and a roof stowable in the rear area of the carbody. The roof has a rigid rear roof end member and a rear window. A passageway allows movement of the roof relative to the carbody. The passageway, when the roof is in a closed position, is located in front of the rear roof end member and below the rear window. A movable cover functioning as a rear deck closes the passageway at least partially. The movable cover is connected to the roof in an area of the rear roof end member and is movable together with the roof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: WILHELM KARMANN GMBH
    Inventors: Stefan Eichholz, Frank Neubrand
  • Patent number: 6695386
    Abstract: A convertible roof for an automotive vehicle is provided. In one aspect of the present invention, a convertible roof includes first, second and third roof sections. At least one of the roof sections rotates over one hundred and eighty degrees when moving from a raised position to a stowed position. Another aspect of the present invention employs a balance link interconnecting the second roof section and the vehicle. Another aspect of the present invention provides that a substantial portion of one of the roof sections is positioned below a top of a vehicle wheel well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: ASC Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael T. Willard
  • Patent number: 6688669
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has a folding roof which can be opened and lowered into a rear storage space. Partitioning of the rear storage space into a folding-top space and a residual luggage space is provided by a separating arrangement which includes a dimensionally stable covering element that can be shifted vertically from a use position into a non-use position when the folding top is stored. The covering element extends over a rear sub-length of the separating arrangement and can be displaced forwards into the non-use position shortening the length of the separating arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Thomas Foelster, Juergen Schrader, Reiner Wesenick
  • Publication number: 20040017092
    Abstract: A convertible with a roof (2) which can be opened and lowered into a rear roof storage space (3), has a trunk lid (5) which can be swung up at its forward edge to clear a through opening for the roof (2) which is to be lowered, and has a covering (11) which is movably supported on the trunk lid (5) and can be moved between a covering position in front of the trunk lid (11) with the roof opened (2) and a rear lowered position under the trunk lid (5) with the roof (2) closed. A movably supported shelf (20) occupies an operating position as a shelf which with the roof (2) closed and a lowered position at the front of the roof storage space (3) with the roof (2) opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Open Air Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Antreich
  • Patent number: 6682124
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle with a roof, which can be stowed in the rear area of the vehicle, and which is connected to supports underneath a windowsill line by linkage elements, which are provided at least on the sides. When the roof is closed, the linkage elements extend-through through-openings in a plane of the windowsill line, wherein the through-openings for the linkage elements can be covered at least to a certain extent by panel parts. The convertible vehicle is constructed in such a way that at least one panel part is supported on a bracket acting from underneath and can be lowered as it is being opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Achim Böhnke
  • Patent number: 6682149
    Abstract: The retractable roof comprises a front element connected in an articulated fashion to a rear element, these two elements being able to move between a position in which they cover the passenger compartment of the vehicle and a position in which they are folded in the trunk. Beyond each lateral edge (8a) of the rear surface (8) there is provided an obturator (9) able to pivot on an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle between a position in which each obturator (9) is situated in line with the rear surface (8) and a position in which each obturator (9) frees a passage to the trunk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: France Design
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Guillez, Paul Queveau, Gérard Queveau
  • Patent number: 6672646
    Abstract: A fastening device for a convertible top includes a front bow, a front window frame, a bracket disposed on one of the front bow and the front window frame, a first catch element assigned to the other of the front bow and the front window frame, and at least one second catch element. The first catch element is secured so as to be pivotable about a first axis, and is connectable to the bracket. The at least one second catch element is connectable to the bracket and pivotable about a second axis spaced apart from the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Obendiek
  • Patent number: 6672645
    Abstract: A convertible has a top storable in the rear of the convertible when the top is open. A top cover is provided and the top is stored underneath the top cover when open. The top cover is movable for releasing a passageway for the top via which the top is moved for storing the top and for returning the top from the open position into the closed position. An extension member is pivotably connected to the top cover. In the open position of the top, the extension member is positioned substantially in front of the top cover, when viewed in the travel direction of the convertible. The extension member is pivotable relative to the top cover such that the extension member, when the top is closed, is positioned in a stored position at substantially a right angle to the top cover underneath the top cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Reinhard Quindt
  • Patent number: 6666495
    Abstract: A vehicle convertible system includes a roof section having a plurality of retractable panel and a movable rear section separate from the roof section defining part of a storage area for the retractable panels. The rear section includes a first rear panel and a second rear panel, with the second rear panel may include a window. A convertible system for SUVs (sports utility vehicles) and minivans is thus possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Edscha Roof Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Adrian Nania
  • Patent number: 6663163
    Abstract: With a cover device for a folding top compartment of a vehicle with a lowerable roof structure, in particular for a hardtop vehicle, it is possible to pivot the roof structure into the folding top compartment arranged behind a frontregion in a back part of the vehicle bodywork. The compartment can be closed with a folding top compartment lid which can be folded up towards the rear. A cover unit with two lateral cover parts can close a free space which is formed between the closed folding top compartment lid and the rear region. In order to simplify actuation of the individual cover parts, the lateral cover parts are pivotably mounted on the folding top compartment lid in such a way that, in an active position, the lateral cover parts adjoin the front edge region of the folding top compartment lid and, in a passive position, they bear against the underside of the folding top compartment lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventor: Michael Koch
  • Patent number: 6659534
    Abstract: A convertible roof system includes a front roof section, a rear roof section, an automatically power actuator and a linkage mechanism. In another aspect of the present invention, the front and/or rear roof sections are rigid, hard-top roofs. A further aspect of the present invention provides that the outside surfaces of the roofs have a generally vertical orientation when in their open and retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: ASC Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael T. Willard
  • Publication number: 20030218353
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a car body having a rear vehicle area with a trunk. The rear vehicle area has a roof compartment having a lid. The roof is stowable under the lid in the roof compartment. The lid of the roof compartment is movable for releasing a passageway for stowing the roof and for releasing a loading opening for the trunk. The lid of the roof compartment is of a multi-part configuration and has at least one joint between parts of the lid, wherein the at least one joint extends transversely to a travel direction of the convertible vehicle. For releasing the passageway for the roof, the parts are pivotable relative to one another in a pivot direction. At least one drive-effecting member acts on the parts in the pivot direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Applicant: WILHELM KARMANN GMBH
    Inventor: Klaus Russke
  • Publication number: 20030218354
    Abstract: A frameless articulating decklid system is designed for a vehicle with a body and a retractable roof selectively covering a passenger compartment disposed in the body. The vehicle has a luggage storage compartment positioned rearward of the passenger compartment and disposed in the body. The luggage compartment has a forward end and a rearward end. The decklid system includes a decklid with a forward and a rearward end. A pair of front articulation mechanisms each have an upper portion interconnected with the forward end of the decklid and a lower portion interconnected with the vehicle body. The front articulation mechanisms each have a latched position wherein the upper and lower portions are latchedly interconnected and an unlatched position wherein the upper and lower portions are separable. The upper portion includes a multilink hinge having a retracted position and an extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventor: Frank Plesternings
  • Patent number: 6652017
    Abstract: In a multi-part cover for a storage space of a roof in the rear of a vehicle, which cover comprises a center part and side parts pivotally connected to the center part, a common operating mechanism for operating the parts of the cover depending on the position of the roof is provided with a coupling between a roof operating linkage and a cover operating linkage whereby the roof operating linkage can be uncoupled from the cover operating linkage when the roof is deposited in the rear storage space for permitting longitudinal movement of the cover into an end position, in which it covers the roof in the storage space and the side parts of the cover are pivoted outwardly from the center part of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: CTS Fahrzeug-Dachsysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Tobias Wagner, Thorsten Schumacher, Jörg Brettmann
  • Publication number: 20030209920
    Abstract: In a cover plate arrangement in a motor vehicle including a cover plate comprising at least a section with a metallic support plate structure which section is coupled to a component of the motor vehicle so as to be movable relative thereto the metallic support structure is electrically insulated with respect to any adjacent components of the motor vehicle for use as an antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Corinna Fuchs, Michael Koch
  • Patent number: 6644715
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle with a roof, which can be stowed in the rear area of the vehicle, and which is connected to supports underneath a windowsill line by linkage elements, which are provided at least on the sides. When the roof is closed, the linkage elements pass through openings and thus through the plane of the windowsill line, wherein the through-openings for the linkage elements can be covered by panel parts. The convertible vehicle is constructed in such a way that at least one panel part can be pivoted upward on a pivoting parallelogram, the pivot axles of which extend essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, in such a way that an outer edge of the panel part can be shifted inward and upward when it is opened, the upward shift of the outside edge being less than that of the edge of the panel part facing the interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Achim Böhnke
  • Publication number: 20030197395
    Abstract: A cabriolet vehicle with a convertible top (12), a stowage space (58) which uses part of the trunk space (60), and a convertible top hatch (30) formed as part of the trunk lid (34), in which the convertible top (12) can be moved between a closed position in which it covers the passenger compartment (14), and a stowage position in which it is held as a folded package in the stowage space (58) which is covered by the convertible top hatch (30). The position of the convertible top (12) can be adjusted upward into an intermediate position by moving the convertible top hatch (30). In the intermediate position, the folded package extends out of the stowage space (58), for providing increased access to the trunk space. The convertible top hatch (30) can be pivoted around a first pivoting device (40, 42, 44) for opening of the stowage space, and the trunk lid (34) can be pivoted around a second pivoting device (38) independently of the convertible top hatch (30) for opening the trunk (60).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbH
    Inventor: Burkhard Reinsch
  • Publication number: 20030189355
    Abstract: In a containment for receiving a removable vehicle top, including a containment cover, a containment cover operating mechanism for transferring the vehicle top between closed and open positions, a containment bottom movable between raised and lowered positions and a containment bottom operating mechanism, the containment bottom operating mechanism is coupled to the vehicle top in such a way that, during the transfer of the vehicle top from the closed to the open position, movement of a component of the vehicle top initiates the lowering of the containment bottom by uncoupling the containment bottom from its operating mechanism before the vehicle top enters the containment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Gerald Hahn, Christian Holst, Bernd Roschat