Abstract: A convertible roof employs a top stack mechanism and a generally rigid roof cover. Furthermore, the frame may be stowed under a rigid roof cover. In another aspect of the present invention, the top stack mechanism employs a rearmost roof bow that is moved from above a roof cover to allow the roof cover to open, and then the entire top stack mechanism retracts into a storage area. A further aspect of the present invention provides a lost motion coupling of the top stack mechanism to the vehicle body. In yet another aspect of the present invention, a fluid powered actuator controls movement of the rearmost roof bow relative to the remainder of the top stack mechanism.

Abstract: A snap connector for coupling a convertible boot arm to a quarter trim panel including an edge flange. According to an example embodiment, the snap connector includes a substantially C-shaped element coupled to the convertible boot arm that is adapted to snap fit over the edge flange of the quarter trim panel. The snap connector may include a flexible detent element that may distend over the edge flange during an installation of the snap connector over the edge flange, and upon installation, may extend over the flange to removably adjoin the snap connector to the edge flange.

Abstract: A boot lid mechanism for the lid of the boot of a convertible motor car which includes means enabling the lid to pivot about an axis situated near the forward portion of the lid and substantially orthogonal of the longitudinal centre line of the car, this pivoting movement being accompanied by a movement towards and away from the axis.

Abstract: A covering of a convertible top compartment of a convertible which has a convertible top which can be deposited in a convertible top compartment, the covering having at least one first cover part and one second cover part which are supported to be able to pivot relative to one another.

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 the rear region in a back part of the vehicle bodywork. The compartment can be closed off with a folding top compartment lid which can be folded up towards the rear. A cover unit with a front cover part, a rear cover part, and 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 front cover part is pivotably mounted on the vehicle bodywork, while the rear cover part is pivotably mounted on the front cover part and each of the lateral cover parts is pivotably mounted on the folding top compartment lid.

Abstract: A vehicle with a folding hard roof is provided with a rear passenger space between front and rear seats that is suitably expanded by turning a rear seatback forward down and then moving the rear seatback backward so as to receive the folding hard roof retracted therein.

Abstract: A cover device for a folding top compartment of a vehicle with a lowerable roof structure. It being possible to pivot the roof structure into the folding top compartment which is arranged behind a rear region in a back part of the vehicle bodywork and which can be closed with a folding top compartment lid. A cover unit closes, with a front cover part and a rear cover part, a free space which is formed between the closed folding top compartment lid and the rear region. The rear cover part is mounted in a pivotably adjustable fashion on the front cover part, and can be adjusted between an active position, in which the rear cover part closes a gap between the front cover part and the folding top compartment lid, and a passive position, in which the rear cover part clears the gap.

Abstract: A top for a convertible vehicle, comprising a roof part, said roof part at least partially covering the vehicle in a closed state and being pivotable about a main bearing; a frame element, said frame element being arranged in a rear area of the vehicle; a rear element, said rear element at least partially covering said rear area of the vehicle in a closed state, and a loading lid; said rear element being fixed on said frame element, in such a way as to be pivotable relative to said frame element, by means of a rear bearing arranged at a distance from said main bearing; said frame element being fixed on the vehicle in such a way as to be pivotable relative to the vehicle about an axis arranged in the region of said main bearing; said roof part being pivotable relative to the vehicle about said axis together with the frame element in an open, deposited position of said roof part; said main bearing being firmly connected to said frame element, and said loading lid being fixed on the rear element in such a way as

Abstract: In a folding top for vehicles, in particular passenger cars, it is proposed to assign to the folding top, between its closing position and its put-away position, an intermediate position in which the folding top assumes a folded-together stowage position, from which the folding top can be transferred as a stack into the put-away position or can be unfolded into the closing position.

Abstract: In a convertible vehicle roof, which is movable between closed and open positions, and which includes front and rear roof parts which are joined by a kinematic linkage arrangement by which the roof parts, which, in a closed position, are disposed closely adjacent each other, are, upon opening of the roof, first linearly moved apart before the front roof part is pivoted below the rear roof part for placement in a storage compartment.

Abstract: A trunk lid for a convertible vehicle with a folding roof can be opened on the one hand for stowing the folded roof in the trunk and on the other hand to obtain access to the trunk for stowing luggage. The trunk lid is fixed to the bodyshell so that it can pivot from the rear toward the front and simultaneously slide from the front toward the rear.

Abstract: In a convertible vehicle with a hardtop vehicle roof comprising at least two roof parts, which are movable between a closed position in which to roof parts cover the interior space of the vehicle and an open position in which the roof parts are in storage compartment behind the interior vehicle space, and wherein the roof includes a rear window which is removable from the roof and utilized, in a raised upright position, as a wind deflector, the roof parts and the window are separated from each other and fitted when the roof is open, into the storage compartment behind the interior space in an upright position one behind the other transverse to the longitudinal vehicle direction.

Abstract: In a convertible vehicle including a roof which 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 passenger compartment of the vehicle, that is covered by a rear lid, an operating mechanism for opening and closing the rear lid is provided which includes front and rear pivot arms pivotally mounted to the vehicle body, a coupling arm pivotally connected to the pivot arms and first and second links, each of which has one end pivotally connected to the rear lid and the first link is pivotally connected with its other end to the coupling arm while the second link forms an extension of the rear pivot arm.

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.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle system employs a generally rigid body panel which is movable in an automatic manner from a generally horizontal and closed position to an upwardly angled open position. In another aspect of the present invention, an entire vehicle body panel is initially movable from a closed position to a vertically raised intermediate position, and then subsequently pivoted to an open and somewhat vertically angled position.

Abstract: In a hardtop vehicle roof comprising at least two roof parts which are movable between a closed position, in which the roof covers the interior space of the vehicle and an open position, in which the roof is in storage compartment behind the interior vehicle space, the roof parts are separated from each other along a separation line extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and are fitted, when the roof is open, into the storage compartment behind the interior space in a position transverse to the longitudinal vehicle direction.

Abstract: In a roof storage compartment cover operating arrangement for a convertible vehicle whose roof is movable between a closed position and a storage position in a storage compartment, a hydraulic operating mechanism for operating the roof storage compartment cover and a force element for applying to the roof storage compartment cover a force in the opening direction are connected to opposite ends of a rocker whose pivoting angle is limited so that the roof storage compartment is opened to a greater degree when operated by the hydraulic operating mechanism than it is when manually opened while the hydraulic operating mechanism is inoperative.

Abstract: A fastening device for a folding-top covering of a folding top of an open motor vehicle, having a plug-in profile. The plug-in profile is fastened to the folding-top covering of the folding top. The fastening device also has a folding-top frame part and a receiving channel which is formed on the folding-top frame part. It is possible for the plug-in profile to be plugged into the receiving channel on the folding-top frame part in such a manner that a permanent fixing of the folding-top covering relative to the folding-top frame part can be produced.

Abstract: A convertible roof employs a top stack mechanism and a generally rigid roof cover. Furthermore, the frame may be stowed under a rigid roof cover. In another aspect of the present invention, the top stack mechanism employs a rearmost roof bow that is moved from above a roof cover to allow the roof cover to open, and then the entire top stack mechanism retracts into a storage area. A further aspect of the present invention provides a lost motion coupling of the top stack mechanism to the vehicle body. In yet another aspect of the present invention, a fluid powered actuator controls movement of the rearmost roof bow relative to the remainder of the top stack mechanism.

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.

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.

Abstract: A covering device for a convertible-top compartment of a motor vehicle and includes a cover section that, in a forward position, covers a front area of the convertible-top compartment. The cover section is moved longitudinally from the forward position to a rearward position via a positive control mechanism.

Abstract: An improved four-bar hinge assembly for attaching a trunk deck lid to a vehicle body in which the control link of the four-bar linkage has its usual vehicle-mounted pivot pin replaced by the rotatably driven output drive shaft of a power drive mechanism that is rigidly and directly coupled to the control link to swing to the same and thereby power actuate the four-bar linkage in order to pivot the deck lid between open and closed positions. The hinge elements are located on the weather side of the vehicle body components and the drive shaft extends through the vehicle sheet metal into the weather sealed trunk compartment so that the electro-mechanical drive components are mounted within the weather sealed trunk.

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.

Abstract: A lowerable rear window in a folding top has a window which, during opening of the folding top, can be lowered about a horizontal axis into a depositing space of the vehicle. Lateral steering levers which are guided corresponding to the movement of the folding top during opening and closing are used for guiding the rear window. The rear window reaches directly under a vehicle body element without the need for a connection made of a folding top cover between the vehicle body element and the rear window.

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 the rear region in a back part of the vehicle bodywork. The compartment can be closed off with a folding top compartment lid which can be folded up towards the rear. A cover unit with a front cover part, a rear cover part, and 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 front cover part is pivotably mounted on the vehicle bodywork, while the rear cover part is pivotably mounted on the front cover part and each of the lateral cover parts is pivotably mounted on the folding top compartment lid.

Abstract: A cover device for a folding top compartment of a vehicle with a lowerable roof structure. It being possible to pivot the roof structure into the folding top compartment which is arranged behind a rear region in a back part of the vehicle bodywork and which can be closed with a folding top compartment lid. A cover unit closes, with a front cover part and a rear cover part, a free space which is formed between the closed folding top compartment lid and the rear region. The rear cover part is mounted in a pivotably adjustable fashion on the front cover part, and can be adjusted between an active position, in which the rear cover part closes a gap between the front cover part and the folding top compartment lid, and a passive position, in which the rear cover part clears the gap.

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 front region 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.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle (1) with a roof (2), which can be stowed in the rear region of the vehicle beneath a lid part (7), the lid part (7) being movable in order to open up an opening for the passage of the roof and the roof having at least one rigid, front roof termination (16) for connection with a windshield frame in the closed position of the roof (2), which termination (16) faces the rear of the vehicle in the stowed position of the roof (2), is constructed so that the lid part (7) is provided with a mechanism (25, 27) for securing the position of the front roof termination (16) in the stowed position of the roof (2).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the actuation of a convertible top system on vehicles whereby the convertible top may be received in its resting position in a compartment that is securable by a cover and whereby the convertible top may be unfolded and secured after opening of the cover, for which purpose there are controllable drive elements provided for the cover and the convertible top. The cover (1) and the convertible top (3) are essentially moved in a parallel manner under certain operational conditions to realize a loading-assistance function in a simple and functionally flexible manner, whereby the convertible top (3) remains in its resting, folded position. The control arrangement for the drive elements of the convertible top system is provided thereby with a switch position in which only one drive element (5) or a group of drive elements is triggered, which lifts the cover (3) from its resting position.

Abstract: A flap in the covering of a vehicle can be adjusted by flap kinematics between a closed position, in which the flap is situated essentially in the plane of the vehicle covering, and an opening position. In an operationally reliable construction, a vehicle-fixed link path for the passive guidance of a first guiding lever, which connects the flap with the vehicle, is provided in the lateral area of the flap. In the opposite lateral area of the flap, a second, actively guided guiding lever is arranged which is acted upon by a motor-driven actuator.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuating unit for integration into a preassembled folding roof unit of a motor vehicle is adapted for mounting as a single unit in a motor vehicle with the hydraulic actuating unit integrated therein. The preassembled folding roof unit has a folding roof with a foldable cover and a framework for the cover. A main bow is pivoted by a hydraulic main bow actuator and a rear bow is pivoted by a hydraulic rear bow actuator, each actuator being of the double-acting type. The hydraulic actuating unit also has an actuable two-position control valve, which control valve has an outlet port, an inlet port and a reservoir port, the outlet port being connected to a working chamber of the main bow actuator and/or a working chamber of the rear bow actuator. The control valve, in a first position, connects the associated outlet port to the reservoir port and, in a second position, connects the associated outlet port to the inlet port of the control valve.

Abstract: A roof construction for a motor vehicle having a removable roof, includes a first, front hard roof part, a main bearing fixed on the motor vehicle body, a first, articulated connection, the first, front hard roof part being connected via the first, articulated connection to the main bearing, the first, front hard roof part being pivotable from a closed position into a lowered position in a trunk by means of the first, articulated connection, a second roof part containing a rear window, a second, articulated connection, the second, articulated connection being arranged pivotably outside the first, articulated connection on the same main bearing, the second roof part being pivotable from a closed position into a lowered position in the trunk via the second, articulated connection, the first, front hard roof part being arranged in its lowered position above the second roof part, and a loading area for loading purposes remaining below the second roof part.

Abstract: A retractable hard-top roof for an automobile vehicle is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, a retraction mechanism couples a rear roof section and a front roof section to a vehicle. A further aspect of the present invention employs a lever arm which is elongated in a generally cross-car direction, driven by an automatic actuator, which has one end coupled to a pivot and an opposite end which can move in a generally vertical direction.

Abstract: A top for a convertible vehicle, comprising a roof part, said roof part at least partially covering the vehicle in a closed state and being pivotable about a main bearing; a frame element, said frame element being arranged in a rear area of the vehicle; a rear element, said rear element at least partially covering said rear area of the vehicle in a closed state, and a loading lid; said rear element being fixed on said frame element, in such a way as to be pivotable relative to said frame element, by means of a rear bearing arranged at a distance from said main bearing; said frame element being fixed on the vehicle in such a way as to be pivotable relative to the vehicle about an axis arranged in the region of said main bearing; said roof part being pivotable relative to the vehicle about said axis together with the frame element in an open, deposited position of said roof part; said main bearing being firmly connected to said frame element, and said loading lid being fixed on the rear element in such a way as

Abstract: A convertible roof for a motor vehicle with a front roof element (3) and a rear roof element (4), which are supported to pivot on the body by a respective lever arrangement and can be deposited in a stowage space (6) which can be covered by a pivotable cover (7) of the stowage space. The front roof element (3) and the rear roof element (4) are deposited essentially in a vertical arrangement in the stowage space (6) for the roof elements. The cover (7) of the stowage space (6) for the roof elements is pivotally mounted on the body and can swing upward out of its cover position with the rear element (4) closed.

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.

Abstract: A convertible top for a vehicle includes right and left linkages for extension and retraction, a plurality of transverse bows and a cover supported by the bows and the right and left linkages. Each linkage includes a rear four bar linkage mounted to the vehicle and connected to a center rail, and a forward four bar linkage supporting a front rail and connected to the center rail. A pushing link interconnects the rear and forward linkages so that the front rail is inverted to a position adjacent the center rail, and the center rail is shifted rearward as the rear four bar linkage contracts. The pushing link is disposed so that it does not exceed the height of the center rail.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle is equipped with a tailgate (2), which is provided in the rear region of the vehicle and is supported at the vehicle body so that it can be swiveled, on the one hand, by a movement (arrow A) about a first front swiveling axis (4) into a first open position, which opens up the trunk (6) to the rear and, on the other, by a movement (arrow B) about a second rear swiveling axis (7; 7′) into a second open position, opening up in the upward direction the compartment (8) for a folding top (3). Pursuant to the invention, the rear support of the tailgate (2) is formed by at least one closing device (12, 12′) with a supporting body (11), which is hinged over a hinge unit (10) at the tailgate (2) and can be introduced with its free end region into an accommodating body (14), which is attached to the body of the vehicle, and can be fixed in this connection position by a locking element (15).

Abstract: An adjustable vehicle roof has an adjustable folding top between a closed position and a folded position with a convertible top rod assembly and a top cover material. At least one rod component of the convertible top rod assembly is lowerable into a stowing compartment in the folded position via an adjustment kinematic. In a space conserving embodiment, this rod component is moved along the path of a pitch circle during transport into the stowing compartment.

Abstract: In a convertible vehicle including a roof which 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 passenger compartment of the vehicle, that is covered by a rear lid, an operating mechanism for opening and closing the rear lid is provided which includes front and rear pivot arms pivotally mounted to the vehicle body, a coupling arm pivotally connected to the pivot arms and first and second links, each of which has one end pivotally connected to the rear lid and one is pivotally connected with its other end to the coupling arm while the other forms an extension of one of the pivot arms.

Abstract: In a multi-part cover for a vehicle top storage compartment of a convertible vehicle with removable top, which cover includes a center part and adjacent side parts which, for opening the storage compartment are movable out of the positions adjacent the center part into an overlapping position with the center part while undergoing a height displacement, the side parts are elastic resiliently connected to the center parts. Stops are provided on the vehicle body, by which the side parts are engaged when the cover is closed so that the side parts are biased against the elastic support into a reference plane defined by the center part for flush alignment with the center part.

Abstract: In a roof storage compartment cover operating arrangement for a convertible vehicle whose roof is movable between a closed position and a storage position in a storage compartment, a hydraulic operating mechanism for operating the roof storage compartment cover and a force element for applying to the roof storage compartment cover a force in the opening direction are connected to opposite ends of a rocker whose pivoting angle is limited so that the roof storage compartment is opened to a greater degree when operated by the hydraulic operating mechanism then it is when manually opened while the hydraulic operating mechanism is inoperative.

Abstract: A vehicle roof has a convertible top which can be adjusted between a closed position and an open position. The top spans the vehicle interior in the closed position and is deposited in a convertible top depositing device in the open position. Furthermore, a rollover bar is coupled with the convertible top depositing device. For a facilitated assembly and function testing, the rollover bar forms a cohesive, firmly connected unit with the convertible top depositing device and the convertible top. The unit can be integrated in the vehicle as a preassembled module.

Abstract: A convertible automobile (1) with a roof (3), which can be deposited in a rear area (2) of the vehicle under a trunk lid (4), wherein on the one hand to uncover an opening (6) for the roof, (3) the trunk lid (4) can be moved by a lock member (9) associated with it in a first opening direction about a body-fast axis of rotation (5) at the rear end such that it forms an acute angle (&agr;) with the vector of travel (F) when in the open position, and on the other hand, in order to free a loading opening (7) to the trunk space (8), it can be moved in a second opening direction such that the trunk lid (4) forms in the open position an obtuse angle (&bgr;) with the vector of travel (F), while the lock member (9) associated with the trunk lid (4), from which the part bearing the axis of rotation (5) is separated, is configured such that the lock member (9) associated with the trunk lid (4) is situated, when the trunk lid (4) is in the closed position, ahead of the axis of rotation (5) in the direction of travel (F)

Abstract: A convertible roof and tonneau cover system having a retractable convertible roof and a tonneau cover selectively enclosing the retractable convertible roof. The tonneau cover extends upward to obstruct a backwash of wind during vehicle travel, thereby serving as a wind deflector. A backlite is mounted within the tonneau cover and a drive mechanism is provided that is operable to simultaneously move the retractable convertible roof and the tonneau cover each between raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a convertible motor vehicle roof having a front roof section and a rear roof section, each roof section being pivotally mounted on the vehicle body by a lever mechanism. The rear roof section is mounted so as to pivot over the front roof section, and can be lowered jointly with the front roof section into a back stowage space or area in the motor vehicle. The rear roof section being supported with a pivoting capacity on at least one of the front roof section and the lever mechanism. Preferably, when the motor vehicle roof is in a closed position, at least one of the lever mechanism and the lever for the front roof section are located substantially vertical in an area of one side front edge of the front rear roof section.

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.

Abstract: A movable roof system for an automotive vehicle includes a roof panel which can be retracted to a stowed position below a storage compartment cover while the vehicle is being driven. In another aspect of the present invention, two or more generally rigid roof panels are movable from above a passenger compartment to below a plane defined by a closed rear deck lid.

Abstract: A retractable hard top for a vehicle including a linkage and a top guide track for moving the hard top from a top up position to a stowed position. As the retractable hard top is moved between the top up and stowed positions the trunk is raised by the trunk linkage. A tonneau is provided to cover the retractable hard top storage area in both the top up and stowed position. Rear quarter windows are shifted from a top up position in which they function as windows to a stowed position in which the windows are rotated to a stowed position. The retractable hard top, trunk lid, rear quarter window, tonneau, and roll bar may be assembled as a single unitary module including the linkages that coordinate operation of the retractable hard top, trunk lid, rear quarter window, and tonneau.