Abstract: A rearwardly extending golf cart enclosure is disclosed. The golf cart enclosure is movable from a stored position to a deployed position which covers the golf bag storage area of the golf cart. The enclosure includes a plurality of struts which are substantially the same size. The enclosure is mounted to the golf cart rear roof supports via a pair of mounting wings or brackets. The mounting wings include a cam member rotatably mounted to a lower end of the mounting wing. The cam member includes a slot which allows at least one strut to move within the slot as the cam member is rotated to store or deploy the enclosure. The enclosure is mounted to an underside of the golf cart roof such that in the stored position, the enclosure fits underneath the golf cart roof and is protected from the elements or sun by a rear end of the golf cart roof.

Abstract: A locking device for a top of a convertible vehicle is proposed, comprising a locking support (22), a locking hook (28), which can be shifted in a translational and rotational manner so as to be displaced between a release position and a locked position, and a driving mechanism for the locking hook (28), said driving mechanism comprising a driving motor (64) and driving a slide (36) movable on the locking support (22). The slide (36) is connected to a driving section of the locking hook (28) via a pull-link arrangement (46) in such a manner that the locking hook (28) undergoes a pivoting movement when the slide (36) is moved. The locking support (22) has an insert having a guiding track for a guiding element which is arranged on the pull-link arrangement (46) or on the locking hook (28), and the guiding track defines a pivot position of the locking hook (28) with respect to the locking support (22).

Abstract: A tailgate deactivation system. A switch includes two terminals configured to be electrically coupled to a tailgate power circuit that supplies power to at least a portion of a tailgate of a vehicle, and an actuator configured to electrically couple the two terminals in an on state to allow power to flow in the tailgate power circuit, and to electrically decouple the two terminals in an off state to inhibit power from flowing in the tailgate power circuit.

Abstract: An awning is mounted in stake pockets of a truck bed and casts shade asymmetrically relative to its mount rearwardly toward the truck tailgate. The awning is braced by struts connecting the truck and the awning. The awning is pivoted between a stowed position overlying the truck rails to a position extending rearwardly of the truck bed.

Abstract: A folding top for a vehicle includes a folding top fabric for covering a vehicle interior in a closed position and opening up the vehicle interior in an open position. The folding top has an A pillar portion for mechanical connection to an A pillar of the vehicle, a C pillar portion for mechanical connection to a C pillar of the vehicle, a B pillar portion between the A pillar portion and the C pillar portion for lateral connection to a B pillar of the vehicle. A tensioning cable extends from the A pillar portion via the B pillar portion into the C pillar portion on each side of the folding top fabric in order to tension the folding top fabric in the closed position.

Abstract: A top for a convertible vehicle, having a top cover and a top linkage which can be displaced between a covering position and a storage position, in which the vehicle interior is open at the top, and which may have a link assembly on either side of a vertical longitudinal center plane of the top, the top linkage having a corner bow which extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle and which defines an area of transition of the top cover between a roof portion and a rear portion when the top linkage is in the covering position. When the top linkage is in the covering position, the corner bow is secured against pivoting by means of at least one blocking element disposed on a pivoting part of the top linkage and can be displaced from the covering position into a loading position by displacing the pivoting part.

Abstract: An articulating front top cover assembly for a vehicle in sealing engagement with a hard top portion of a roof. The articulating portion is operably connected to a frame. An articulating portion movable between at least a closed position over the front vehicle compartment and open position for an open air feel.

Abstract: A top for a convertible vehicle, displaceable between a closed position to cover a vehicle interior, and an open storage position, the top having a top linkage, which has a link arrangement on both sides with respect to the top vertical longitudinal center plane, each link arrangement pivotably mounted on a main bearing, which is fixed to the vehicle, a top element, which can be displaced between a lifted operating position and a lowered storage position by means of the top linkage, and a locking means on both sides of the vertical longitudinal center plane of the top, each locking means being height-adjustable together with the top element and comprising a locking hook arrangement, which is displaceable between a locked position and a release position and which secures the top element, both in the operating and storage position, to at least one component fixed to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A deck cover is openably provided at a vehicle-body rear portion positioned in back of a cabin. A top portion of a rear wheelhouse is provided at the vehicle-body rear portion. This top portion is configured to be displaced upward, relative to a vehicle-body rear end portion, such as a rear bumper or a rear end panel, by vehicle-body deformation caused by a vehicle rear collision. The deck cover is supported at a position of the vehicle-body rear portion which is located vertically above or in front of the top portion of the rear wheelhouse such that the deck cover is elevated in accordance with upward displacement of the top portion when the vehicle-body rear portion receives a rear-collision load.

Abstract: A headliner corner retractor for a convertible top. The corner retractor moves a front corner of the headliner between a covering position concealing a front portion of the side linkage and a contracted position in which clearance is provided for the side linkages to extend and retract the convertible top. The corner retractor is moved by a mechanical actuator including a cable and a hollow tubular housing.

Abstract: A composite soft top assembly having a convertible roof portion that provides an open air feel with a soft, flexible outer layer. The composite soft top assembly further includes soft sides with hard glass or hard polymer materials connected to a frame, which is connected to the soft sides of the assembly. Additionally, the rear window has a removable horseshoe frame structure about which the hard rear window is connected with hinges to allow for the rear window to pivot about at least one hinge between an open and closed position. Additionally, the rear window can have a wiper or electronic wire mounts for a center high mount stop lamp. Additionally, the horseshoe frame structure allows for the connection of other electrical components such as a rear defrost system.

Abstract: A tonneau cover device electrically moves a tonneau cover between an extension position, at which the tonneau cover conceals a cargo compartment of a vehicle, and a storage position, at which the tonneau cover is separated from the cargo compartment. The tonneau cover device includes a switch, which is operated from outside the vehicle, and a tonneau cover control unit, which moves the tonneau cover between the extension position and the storage position when the switch is operated.

Abstract: A convertible top for a vehicle includes a convertible top assembly having a pivotally interconnected link arrangement between a forward assembly and an aft assembly. The forward assembly is configured to pivotally move relative to the vehicle framework and the aft assembly from a closed position to a first retracted position. The aft assembly is configured to pivotally move relative to the vehicle framework and the forward assembly from the first retracted position to a lowered storage position. Methods for opening the convertible top assembly are also provided.

Abstract: A folding top frame has a corner bow with a lower end connected pivotably to a main bow. A load-bearing support is articulated pivotably on a folding top bearing, and has a guide slot, at an end opposite the folding top bearing. The corner bow is guided in the guide track by way of a journal. In the closed position of the folding top frame, the journal is at a lower end stop of the guide slot so that the corner bow is supported.

Abstract: A composite soft top assembly having a convertible roof portion that provides an open air feel with a soft, flexible outer layer. The composite soft top assembly further includes soft sides with hard glass or hard polymer materials connected to a frame, which is connected to the soft sides of the assembly. Additionally, the rear window has a removable horseshoe frame structure about which the hard rear window is connected with hinges to allow for the rear window to pivot about at least one hinge between an open and closed position. Additionally, the rear window can have a wiper or electronic wire mounts for a center high mount stop lamp. Additionally, the horseshoe frame structure allows for the connection of other electrical components such as a rear defrost system.

Abstract: A cabriolet vehicle having an opening hood which is displaceable between a closed position spanning the interior of the vehicle, and a stowage position which opens up the top of the vehicle interior and which comprises a hood frame which comprises a frame arrangement on each side in relation to a vertical vehicle longitudinal center plane wherein the frame arrangement is mounted pivotally on a main bearing fixed on the vehicle at the rear end and in the closed position of the hood engages through a frame opening arranged in a vehicle edge area wherein the opening can be covered by means of a flap arrangement when the hood is in the stowage position, as well as a locking arrangement which secures the hood in its stowage position.

Abstract: A convertible top of a cabriolet vehicle includes a convertible top rod assembly, which can be adjusted between a closed position spanning the vehicle interior and a storage position. The top trod assembly includes a link arrangement on both sides of a vertical longitudinal center plane of the convertible top. The link arrangement includes a main link and a main column, which are pivotably mounted on a vehicle-fixed main bearing, and a front-side first link element and a second link element, which is arranged rearward of the first link element in the closed position and is connected to the first link element by a joint arrangement. The first link element can be pivoted relative to the second link element by an actuating link extending along the second link element and can be secured against pivoting relative to the second link element in the closed position by a locking element.

Abstract: A captive track motion system for a convertible roof which includes a first rear side rail pivotally connected to a main frame, and an intermediate side rail pivotally connected to the first rear side rail. The first rear side rail and the intermediate side rail are part of a movable frame assembly. A roller is connected to the intermediate side rail, and a track is connected to the main frame. The roller is disposed in the track, and the movement of the roller in the track defines the movement of the movable frame assembly as the movable frame assembly is changed between a stowed position and a deployed position.

Abstract: A folding top of a cabriolet vehicle, comprising a foldable top lining which can be adjusted by a top linkage between a closed position, in which it covers a vehicle interior, and a stowed position, in which it opens up the vehicle interior in the upward direction, the top linkage having, at both sides of a vertical top longitudinal central plane, in each case one link arrangement which comprises a rear-window link to which there is articulatedly connected a rigid rear window which is bordered by the top lining. The rear-window links are articulatedly connected in each case via a first joint to an intermediate link which is articulatedly connected via a second joint to a base element. The rear-window links, in the closed position, are supported in each case on the respectively associated intermediate link via a rear-window link stop.

Abstract: A device for locking a motor vehicle opening panel, and a latch designed for such a locking device. The opening panel includes an opening mechanism so that it can be moved between a closed position in which the opening panel closes off an opening in the roof of the vehicle, and an open position in which the opening panel at least partially uncovers the opening. The opening mechanism includes at least one link rod, a first end of which is articulated to the vehicle about a first fixed transverse axis and a second end of which is articulated to the mobile opening panel about a second transverse axis. The opening panel is mounted to pivot about a third transverse axis able to move longitudinally with respect to the roof. The locking device includes a latch including a base fixed to the opening panel and including a throat configured to accept a fist striker in the closed position and a second striker in the open position.

Abstract: A convertible top comprising a plurality articulated rail links that move the convertible top in a fore-and-aft direction. A trim piece carries a window seal and is assembled to at least one of the rail links for movement in the fore-and-aft direction. The trim piece also moves in a lateral direction outwardly when the top is retracted and in the lateral direction inwardly when the top is extended. A stop member is secured to the trim piece and at least one rail link to limit the lateral movement of the trim piece relative to the at least one rail link. A cam block is secured to the trim piece and at least one of the rail links to guide the lateral movement of the trim piece relative to the at least one rail link.

Abstract: A composite soft top assembly having a convertible roof portion that provides an open air feel with a soft, flexible outer layer. The composite soft top assembly further includes soft sides with hard glass or hard polymer materials connected to a frame, which is connected to the soft sides of the assembly. Additionally, the rear window has a removable horseshoe frame structure about which the hard rear window is connected with hinges to allow for the rear window to pivot about at least one hinge between an open and closed position. Additionally, the rear window can have a wiper or electronic wire mounts for a center high mount stop lamp. Additionally, the horseshoe frame structure allows for the connection of other electrical components such as a rear defrost system.

Abstract: A convertible top for a vehicle includes a flexible material and an embroidered pattern. The embroidered pattern is formed by at least one yarn in the flexible material. The embroidered pattern contrasts from the flexible material to provide an aesthetic feature to the flexible material. In a second embodiment, a method of decorating a convertible top includes providing a convertible top connected to a vehicle. The convertible top has latches, a window, a frame and a layer of fabric. The method includes removing the convertible top from the vehicle and removing the latches, the window, and the frame from the layer of fabric. The method further includes introducing the layer of fabric to a sewing and embroidery machine and selecting a pattern. The method further includes providing a yarn operatively coupled to the sewing and embroidery machine and stitching the yarn into the layer of fabric, wherein the yarn forms an embroidered pattern that approximates the pattern.

Abstract: A folding top of a cabriolet vehicle, comprising a foldable top lining which can be adjusted by means of a top linkage between a closed position, in which it covers a vehicle interior, and a stowed position, in which it opens up the vehicle interior in the upward direction, the top linkage having, at both sides of a vertical top longitudinal central plane, in each case one link arrangement which comprises a rear-window link to which there is articulatedly connected a rigid rear window which is bordered by the top lining. The rear-window links are articulatedly connected in each case via a first joint to an intermediate link which is articulatedly connected via a second joint to a base element. The rear-window links, in the closed position, are supported in each case on the respectively associated intermediate link via a rear-window link stop.

Abstract: A folding top frame has a corner bow with a lower end connected pivotably to a main bow. A load-bearing support is articulated pivotably on a folding top bearing, and has a guide slot, at an end opposite the folding top bearing. The corner bow is guided in the guide track by way of a journal. In the closed position of the folding top frame, the journal is at a lower end stop of the guide slot so that the corner bow is supported.

Abstract: A car having: a frame provided with two external vertical posts, which are arranged facing each other on opposite sides of the car, and two internal vertical posts, which are arranged between the two external vertical posts and at a given distance from the external vertical posts; a passenger compartment; a sun roof, which is supported by the frame and can be set in an open position or a closed position with respect to the passenger compartment; a housing for containing the sun roof when the sun roof itself is set in the open position; a movable cover for closing the housing; and a rear window, which is mounted in a sliding manner so as to move between an extracted position, in which the rear window projects from the car body, and a withdrawn position, in which the rear window is housed inside the car body.

Abstract: A convertible top comprising a plurality articulated rail links that move the convertible top in a fore-and-aft direction. A trim piece carries a window seal and is assembled to at least one of the rail links for movement in the fore-and-aft direction. The trim piece also moves in a lateral direction outwardly when the top is retracted and in the lateral direction inwardly when the top is extended. A stop member is secured to the trim piece and at least one rail link to limit the lateral movement of the trim piece relative to the at least one rail link. A cam block is secured to the trim piece and at least one of the rail links to guide the lateral movement of the trim piece relative to the at least one rail link.

Abstract: The invention relates to a folding top for a convertible vehicle, wherein the folding top can be displaced between a closed position and an opened position, comprising a main guide link mechanism with a first main guide link, a second main guide link and a guide link element, and a first folding top element, wherein the first folding top element pivotally couples the first main guide link and the second main guide link together, and wherein, starting from the closed position of the folding top, one of the first main guide link and the second main guide link can be displaced in a vertical direction by a swiveling of the guide link element.

Abstract: A convertible top and method of operating the convertible top is disclosed. The top has a power cylinder that is mounted to the top stack linkage that lifts the one bow from the windshield header on a four bar link and also simultaneously releases the pressure applied by a pressure link to the rear bow. The pressure link includes an upper link and a lower link that are locked together in an over-center relationship when the top is extended to eliminate vibration of the rear bow or lifting the rear bow off of the rear deck.

Abstract: A folding top apparatus for a vehicle includes a movable folding top and a support arm assembly. The folding top has front and rear roof parts and a corner bow. The support arm assembly includes a drive arm pivotably connected to the front roof part and pivotably connected to a main bearing, a coupling arm connected to the corner bow and pivotably connected to the drive arm, and a control arm pivotably connected to the main bearing and displaceably connected to the coupling arm whereby swivel motion of the corner bow is influenced by the coupling arm and the control arm.

Abstract: In one embodiment of a retractable top for a vehicle having an open top, including a left and a right rear roll bar projecting vertically from the rear floor above the height of the vertical walls, the roll bars projecting forward to join a transverse roll bar and forming a roll cage, the retractable top includes support members attached to two of the three horizontal sides. The retractable top includes linkage arms attached to the support members configured to move from a retracted position to an extended position, linkage arms including a bow arm that has a first tapered interconnection aperture, the first tapered interconnection aperture shaped to receive a first connector and recess the first connector such that an end of the first connector is flush with a first surface of the bow arm. The retractable top includes an enclosure material oriented to cover the open top when extended.

Abstract: A retractable top for a vehicle having an open top, the vehicle including four doors, the retractable top including a left and a right rear roll bar projecting vertically from the rear floor above the vertical walls, the roll bars projecting forward to join a transverse roll bar forming a roll cage, the retractable top including support members attached to two of the three horizontal sides. The retractable top includes linkage arms attached to support members configured to move from a retracted position to an extended position, the linkage arms including a bow arm having a first tapered interconnection aperture, the first tapered interconnection aperture shaped to receive a first connector and recess the first connector such that an end of the first connector is flush with a first surface of the bow arm. The retractable top includes an enclosure material that covers the open top when extended.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle with a roof, comprising a moving flexible roof region, provided with a cover, embodied such that the roof comprises a further roof region separate from the flexible region and divided into rigid roof sections, whereby in the fully open roof position the flexible roof region lies below a rigid roof section extending over the same in the form of a cover.

Abstract: A folding roof arrangement has a folding top covering (12) and a folding top structure (14). The folding top structure (14) has at least one roof frame (20) with a front area and at least one elastically deformable tensioning element (31-34). The folding top structure (14) can be folded or collapsed with or without the folding top covering (12), so that the tensioning element (31-34) is elastically deformed when folded.

Abstract: A closing device for locking and unlocking a movable roof to and from a vehicle body includes a hook and a lever system. The hook is movable between a closed position to engage a vehicle body component and an opened position to disengage from the component. The lever system has a hook lever and a drive lever pivotable about respective pivot axes extending in a longitudinal direction. The hook is connected to the hook lever to move between the closed and opened positions in response to the hook lever pivoting. The lever system has a control lever with first and second end portions and a middle section. The end portions are respectively connected to the hook lever at first and second link axes extending in the longitudinal direction and adjacent to the pivot axes to couple the hook lever and the drive lever together.

Abstract: A stowable roof configuration for a convertible has a main link with at least two arms and is able to move about a main bearing and, a main roof element, which is connected to the main link by first joints. At least one additional roof element is disposed behind the main roof element in a closed position of the roof configuration and is connected to the main link by or in second joints. A connecting rod system is provided for connecting to the additional roof element. The connecting rod system and the additional roof element along with the main link form an at least five-member coupler mechanism, in which the second joints for the additional roof element lie between the main bearing and the first joints.

Abstract: A roof arrangement (17) for a convertible (1) has a flexible convertible-top cloth (19) that can be removed by hand and stretched over a passenger compartment (16) between a cowl (9) and a rear end fastening device (18). A supporting bow (26) is beneath the convertible-top cloth (19) and is arranged in the transverse direction (FQ) of the convertible (1) at a distance behind the cowl (9). A tensioning device (32) keeps the convertible-top cloth (19) tensioned in relation to the cowl (9). The tensioning device (32) braces the convertible-top cloth (19) down adjacent to the supporting bow (26) and approximately in the vertical direction of the vehicle (FH) when the roof arrangement (17) is mounted on the convertible (1).

Abstract: A folding top for a vehicle includes a cover, a frame assembly having rear and front top bows, a light, and a securing device. The cover has a top cloth and an interior covering which are spaced apart from one another. The bows extend through the spacing between the top cloth and the covering. The top cloth and the covering are stretched over the bows with the opening of the covering being rearward of the rear bow. The bows are movable between a closed position in which the cover is raised and an opened position in which the cover is lowered. The light is positioned within the opening of the covering. The securing device extends through the spacing between the top cloth and the covering between the front bow and rearward of the rear bow. The securing device tensions the light against the rear bow when the cover is raised.

Abstract: A convertible top for a vehicle includes a flexible material and an embroidered pattern. The embroidered pattern is formed by at least one yarn in the flexible material. The embroidered pattern contrasts from the flexible material to provide an aesthetic feature to the flexible material. In a second embodiment, a method of decorating a convertible top includes providing a convertible top connected to a vehicle. The convertible top has latches, a window, a frame and a layer of fabric. The method includes removing the convertible top from the vehicle and removing the latches, the window, and the frame from the layer of fabric. The method further includes introducing the layer of fabric to a sewing and embroidery machine and selecting a pattern. The method further includes providing a yarn operatively coupled to the sewing and embroidery machine and stitching the yarn into the layer of fabric, wherein the yarn forms an embroidered pattern that approximates the pattern.

Abstract: A frameless soft convertible top having a top section with a storage compartment for stowing removable side sections and a rear section of the convertible top. The convertible top has mounting straps with fasteners sewn to the top section for attaching the convertible top to body components of a vehicle and a mounting assembly for attaching to a windshield frame of the vehicle.

Abstract: A convertible top includes a linkage assembly that is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, with a mid position defined therebetween. A spring system assists movement of the linkage assembly from the extended position to the mid position and also from the retracted position to the mid position.

Abstract: A road vehicle: provided with a coachwork; an interior compartment, delimited by a windscreen supported by a frame; and a convertible roof, which can be connected to the coachwork for closing, at the top, the interior compartment and is provided with a covering cloth comprising two side beams at respective side ends; and a supporting frame, which can be mechanically connected to the coachwork for supporting the covering cloth; each side beam is provided with: a rigid side panel, which rises in cantilever fashion from a rear end of the side beam and, in the position for closing the interior compartment, is set substantially vertical; and engagement means for connecting the covering cloth to the frame and for connecting the two side panels to a portion of the coachwork that delimits the interior compartment at the rear and at the sides.

Abstract: The invention relates to the actuation of an openable roof system, for example of a cabriolet canopy system, in which a synchronized adjusting phase (Ts) is provided during the adjustment (t? to t3) for opening and/or closing the vehicle roof system, in which synchronized adjusting phase (Ts) a first hydraulic actuator and a second hydraulic actuator are hydraulically coupled for the synchronized movement (s1, s2) of two components of the vehicle roof system. In order to increase operational reliability, in particular to reduce the risk of undesired collisions of the components, the invention provides monitoring of the synchronized movement (s1, s2) of the two components during the synchronized adjusting phase (Ts), and in the event of a deviation of the synchronized movement (s1, s2) from a predefined nominal synchronized movement being detected, correction of the synchronized movement by at least partially suspending the hydraulic coupling of the two hydraulic actuators.

Abstract: A lower tool frame is used in manufacturing a plurality of convertible roofs. Structural roof parts are disposed in the lower tool frame upside down with respect to their use position. Forward connection parts are provided for selectively connecting the forward end of the convertible roof to a windshield frame and rearward connection parts are provided for attaching the rearward end of the convertible roof to a vehicle body. A single upper tool frame is lowerable onto the lower tool and is used to position the forward and rearward connection parts with respect to the structural roof parts. The single upper tool frame is used to assemble all of the convertible roofs for a series of vehicles.

Abstract: A lift system for use with a foldable, stowable roof capable of being moved between a deployed position and a stowed position. The lift system includes at least one side link, with the side link as part of a frame assembly. The frame assembly supports a foldable roof, and both the frame assembly and the roof are operable for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position. A biasable member is operable with the side link for biasing the side link and the frame assembly toward the deployed position. When it is desired to move the frame assembly and roof from the stowed position to the deployed position, a reduced amount of force is applied to the frame assembly to move the frame assembly to the deployed position because of the force applied to the frame assembly from the biasable member.

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: The invention discloses a protective joint frame for an inventive buggy, comprising: a hinge mount, a fixed bar connecting with the hinge mount and a folding bar, characterized in that, on the said hinge mount, there is another hinge joint connected with the said folding bar via a link mechanism. The hinge joint can slide on the folding bar and can cover the protective cover of exposed notch of the said hinge mount when the said folding bar is rotated; by adding a protective cover that moves with the folding bar, whereby the folding bar rotates, the protective cover is then driven to rotate so as to cover the gap between the bar and hinge groove; in such a manner, the baby cannot poke his/her fingers in, and thus to prevent the damage occurrence.

Abstract: A folding top bin cover assembly includes a folding top bin cover and a fixation system. The bin cover is movable to a covered position in which the bin cover covers a folding top bin of a vehicle body. The fixation system acts between the bin cover and a structural element fixable to the vehicle body. The fixation system has a fixing mechanism including a sliding element and an insertion bracket. The sliding element is connected to the bin cover and the insertion bracket is fixedly connected to the structural element. The fixation system adjusts the bin cover at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body as the sliding element operates interactively with the insertion bracket while the bin cover is in the covered position.

Abstract: A lift system for use with a foldable, stowable roof capable of being moved between a deployed position and a stowed position. The lift system includes at least one side link, with the side link as part of a frame assembly. The frame assembly supports a foldable roof, and both the frame assembly and the roof are operable for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position. A biasable member is operable with the side link for biasing the side link and the frame assembly toward the deployed position. When it is desired to move the frame assembly and roof from the stowed position to the deployed position, a reduced amount of force is applied to the frame assembly to move the frame assembly to the deployed position because of the force applied to the frame assembly from the biasable member.

Abstract: A folding top for a convertible vehicle that includes at least one folding top portion, wherein the folding top is displaceable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the folding top portion has an internal surface oriented towards a vehicle passenger compartment and an external surface oriented towards a vehicle external area when the folding top is in the closed position, and wherein a solar absorption area of a conversion device for converting solar energy into electrical energy is mounted on the external surface of the folding top portion.