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.

Abstract: A convertible top for a vehicle that is provided with a dynamic roll bar or dynamic occupant head protection system. The convertible top has a skylight that is retained in a skylight opening formed in the flexible cover of the convertible top. The skylight may be supported on one of the bows of the convertible top or may be supported on a skylight linkage that cooperates with the top stack linkage. In the event that a need for the roll bar is sensed by the vehicle resulting in the actuation of the roll bar assembly, the roll bar assembly may break the skylight in the course of deployment to assure fully deployment of the roll bar assembly.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle employs a convertible roof system. The convertible roof system can include a roof cover and a top stack mechanism operable between raised and stowed positions. At least one roof bow can move between first and second positions relative to a forwardmost roof rail.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle having a roof moveable between a stored position to a closed position, and method of manufacturing said convertible vehicle. The roof is supported by a pair of lateral main support units fixed to opposite sides of the vehicle body. Each lateral main support unit has a fastening flange movable along a portion thereof for securing the roof to pins disposed on the vehicle body. The convertible roof is manufactured such that the main support units and the linkage parts are assembled upside down on a fixture replicating the vehicle body. Thus alignment of the roof to the vehicle body is ensured. Furthermore manufacturing tolerances are accommodated by moving the fastening flanges along a portion of the lateral main support units such that the fastening flanges are registered to the pins.

Abstract: A folding top for a vehicle comprises a roof frame which comprises at least one front frame part and one rear frame part, a top cloth and a frame link, which is coupled kinematically to the roof frame, for moving the roof frame from a storage position, in which the top is put away in a receiving space, into a closed position, in which the top spans a passenger compartment. The top cloth is at least partially connected laterally to the frame link.

Abstract: A motor vehicle provided with a folding top, which is supported by a frame of the motor vehicle and can be set in an open position or in a closed position. The folding top has an element of covering, which is substantially horizontal in the closed position and is hinged at the rear to the frame of the motor vehicle so that it can rotate about a first horizontal axis between the open position and the closed position. The element of covering is made up of two half-elements, which are connected together in such a way that one half-element of front covering is folded on a half-element of rear covering when the folding top passes from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing noise in a vehicle having a soft top roof. The apparatus includes a main extension bar having a first end and an opposing second end. A first coupling mechanism is affixed to the first end and a second coupling mechanism is affixed to the second end. The first and second coupling mechanisms are attached to roll bars located on a top portion of the vehicle. With the apparatus in place upon the roll bars, the main extension bar exerts upward force against the soft top roof of the vehicle, thereby reducing movement of the soft top roof and noise within the interior of the vehicle.

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: An apparatus is provided for the actuation of at least one pivotable external element of a vehicle, in particular of a top element of a convertible vehicle, with at least one pivot joint and a drive. The drive may be an electric motor which introduces a drive torque directly into the at least one pivot joint.

Abstract: A convertible top for a vehicle that is provided with a dynamic roll bar or dynamic occupant head protection system. The convertible top has a skylight that is retained in a skylight opening formed in the flexible cover of the convertible top. The skylight may be supported on one of the bows of the convertible top or may be supported on a skylight linkage that cooperates with the top stack linkage. In the event that a need for the roll bar is sensed by the vehicle resulting in the actuation of the roll bar assembly, the roll bar assembly may break the skylight in the course of deployment to assure fully deployment of the roll bar assembly.

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 roof assembly for a vehicle includes a roof, a guide bar system, and a guide bar mechanism. The roof has front, middle, and rear roof elements movable between a closed position covering a passenger compartment of the vehicle and an opened position stacked in a storage compartment of the vehicle. The guide bar system has front and rear guide bars. The guide bars are connected at one end to the front roof element and are rotatable about respective articulated joints at another end to move the roof elements between the closed and opened positions. The guide bar mechanism has a first control rod rotatably connected between the front guide bar and the middle roof element and a second control rod rotatably connected between the rear guide bar and the middle roof element to assure a desired movement of the middle roof element between the closed and opened positions.

Abstract: A vehicle roof assembly includes a roof having rear and front roof elements relative to the direction of forward vehicle travel. The roof elements are movable between closed and opened positions of the roof. The assembly further includes a roof kinematic system having first and second guide rod systems located on opposite sides of the roof for movably connecting the roof to a vehicle body to move the roof between its closed and opened positions. Each guide rod system includes a guide rod. The guide rods are articulately connectable at respective ends to the front roof element and the vehicle body. The two guide rods with their respective pairs of articulated joints form a common four-bar kinematic linkage. Alternatively, the first guide rod system may be a two-bar kinematic linkage and the second guide rod system may be a four-bar kinematic linkage.

Abstract: A folding convertible top for a convertible vehicle includes a rotational angle detection device disposed in a rotary hinge (1) for detection of the rotational angle between linkage arms (2, 4) of a convertible top frame that are pivotably connected with each other by a bearing pin (10; 22). A rotational angle encoder (8; 18; 30) is connected with one linkage arm so as to rotate therewith and a sensor element (6; 20; 32) is connected with the other linkage arm so as to rotate therewith. The rotational angle encoder and/or the sensor element is/are disposed adjacent to the bearing pin on respective surfaces of the linkage arms facing towards each other or within housing parts (24, 26) connected to the respective linkage arms.

Abstract: A folding top for a convertible is proposed, comprising a folding-top cloth (16) and a folding-top linkage (14) which is provided on both sides with a main link (28) which is mounted on a main bearing (26) and to which a frame part (38), which extends substantially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in the closed position of the top, and an intermediate link (44) are coupled. A front, rigid folding-top element (22) is connected via a first folding-top element link (58) to the intermediate link (44) and via a second folding-top element link (60) to the frame part (38). According to the invention, means are provided on the folding-top linkage (14), said means bringing about a continuous slowing-down of the front, rigid folding-top element (22) during the sequence of movement of the top from a storage position to the closed position.

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

Abstract: A 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 relates to an emergency folding top for a roof opening in a vehicle. Said folding top comprises at least one folding canopy (3) and a rod mechanism (2) for unfolding and folding the canopy (3). The rod mechanism (2) is designed like an umbrella mechanism while the canopy (3) can be moved from a state in which the same is folded like a rope into a state in which the same is stretched in a planar manner.

Abstract: A displaceable roof in a vehicle, in particular a folding top in a motor vehicle, with a front first roof section for connecting to the frame of the windshield of the vehicle, a second roof section disposed after it, and two link configurations which are mounted on both sides of the center of the vehicle, connect the roof sections to each other. The link configurations contain at least two links which couple the two roof sections to each other in such a manner that the first roof section moves over the second roof section during closing or opening of the roof. The roof link configurations are mounted on both sides of the center of the vehicle in bearings fixed on the vehicle body and are articulated on the second roof section. Each roof link configuration is coupled to a link of the link configuration disposed on the same side of the vehicle, for the purpose of displacing the roof sections.

Abstract: A convertible roof for an automotive vehicle is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, an in-folding convertible roof is employed. A further aspect of the present invention includes at least a partially self-covering convertible roof system which includes at least one side rail that moves in a generally cross-vehicular direction when the roof is raised or lowered.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle is provided with a rear windshield and a rear roof element that laterally comprises C pillars that are at least substantially located next to the rear windshield, adjoining which is at least one front roof element, arranged upstream thereof in the direction of travel when the roof is closed. In order to open the roof the rear roof element can move rearward and downward, and the front roof element can swivel toward the rear roof element. When the roof is open, the C pillars can be swiveled inward in relation to a center section comprising the windshield about axes into a position lying above the center position when the roof is open, and the axes when the roof is closed have at least one component in the direction of travel and one upwardly directed component.

Abstract: A foldable top assembly for a golf cart having front and rear ends, passenger seating therebetween, rear support attachments disposed rearwardly of front passenger seating, and front supports mounted in front of the passenger seating is disclosed. The foldable top assembly includes an articulated frame including a pair of spaced, longitudinally extending main members connectable to the rear support attachments. A plurality of transversely extending support members is connected to the pair of longitudinally extending main members. A front support member is connected to ends of the longitudinally extending frame members and is detachably connectable to the front supports on the golf cart. A foldable top, such as a fabric or rigid top is mounted on the articulated frame. The frame is foldable to fold and nest the top in a storage position and unfoldable to a use position to cover the passenger seating.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle is provided with at least two roof elements that are separated from each other at a joint when the roof is in the closed position and arranged one after the other relative to the direction of travel, and in order to open the roof a rear roof element can move at least essentially rearward and downward, and a front roof element can swivel toward the rear roof element. When the roof is open, the C pillars can be swiveled inward in relation to a center section comprising to mediate the swiveling, at least one shaft, which when the roof is closed has at least one component in the direction of travel and one upwardly directed component, and whose rotary movement in the region of the joint between the roof elements can be translated into a swivel movement between them.

Abstract: The invention relates to a convertible vehicle (1) comprising a roof (2) provided with a flexible roof covering (4) in at least certain areas, said roof covering being gripped from below by one or several bows (6, 7) which are arranged in a transversal manner in relation to the direction of travel (F). At least one bow (6;7) is made of several pieces and comprises a central area (9) which is connected to lateral fittings (10) and is configured in such a manner that securing means are provided (16) in order to connect the central part (9) and the fittings (10). When the roof is closed, said securing means are arranged in the region of the respective bow (6, 7) and are at least approximately parallel to the extension plane (17;18) of the external roof covering (4).

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 convertible vehicle comprising a moving roof that includes a main pillar which projects upwardly from a window breast line and is movable rearwardly and downwardly around a bearing on the opening of the roof is configured such that the bearing is transposed upwardly with respect to the closed position at least during a part of the roof opening movement.

Abstract: A top for a convertible has a linkage with which a plurality of roof sections can be displaced between a closed position and an open position. The rearmost roof section is configured as a rear window frame, and the linkage has a control link which is mounted pivotally on a bracket which can be fastened or is fastened to the vehicle. The linkage has a clamping hoop and a coupling linkage for controlling the kinematics of the rear window frame, said coupling linkage having a front coupling link and a rear coupling link which are mounted pivotally on the clamping hoop and on the rear window frame. In order to stabilize the top in its end positions, for the rear coupling link, there is formed on the clamping hoop a front stop against which the rear coupling link bears when the top is closed, and a rear stop against which the rear coupling link bears when the top is open.

Abstract: A top for a convertible vehicle with a flexible roof panel, which is attached to an arrangement of convertible-top rods and, in its rear area, to an attachment device of the vehicle body, in which a clamping device, acting on the flexible roof panel in the region of its attachment to the vehicle body in the closed state of the convertible top, is provided. The clamping device is designed with at least one bracket that forces the flexible roof panel in the closed state of the convertible top against an auto-body closure seal.

Abstract: A retractable top is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The top includes a roof cover, a linkage mechanism, a rear bow and an overcenter linkage. The linkage mechanism is pivotally coupled to the vehicle. The rear bow is pivotally coupled to the vehicle. The linkage mechanism supports a front portion of the roof cover. The rear bow supports a rear end of the roof cover. The overcenter linkage extends between the linkage mechanism and the rear bow. The overcenter linkage is movable to an overcenter position for locking the rear bow in the extended position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cabriolet vehicle with a roof with a flexible cover in at least parts of its area, including a front roof area which can be stored in the same orientation as in the closed state in a body recess, which is bounded on the rear by an edge of the auto body. The outer surface of the front roof area is separated relative to the rear roof area lying farther rearward and provided with a cover, and the rear edge of the front roof area is adapted to the trend of the edge of body bounding the body recess on the rear.

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

Abstract: The object of providing a technical function edge and a styling edge is solved by the cloth for a soft top according to the invention which is designed to be stretchable over at least one solid element, wherein the solid element comprises at least one offsetting or indentation, and wherein the cloth overstretching the solid element is deformed by suitable clamping devices such that the cloth substantially follows the contour of the offsetting or indentation in the region of the offsetting or indentation.

Abstract: A removable top system for a vehicle having a front removable roof section and a rear removable roof section. Different removable roof coverings may be interchangeably combined to provide a complete roof for a sport utility vehicle having a permanent hoop dividing the front and rear roof sections. Soft top and hard top roof coverings are selectively provided. Different retraction mechanisms are disclosed for retracting and storing the removable roof sections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cabriolet car (1) comprising a roof provided with a flexible cover (3) at least in the rear part thereof, wherein the cover (3) being in a closed position can be tensionally supported with respect to a body (7) with the aid of a tension bow (11). In order to open the roof (2), the tension bow (11) is displaced to the closed position thereof, wherein said bow is arranged on a closed support element (A) of the body (7), first upward (AS) and, when the support element is open, backward (RS) and subsequently to the open position, wherein said tension bow is arranged under the plan of the closed support element (A) being displaced downwards (AV). Said invention provides for a first displacement center (25) for displacing the tension bow (11) upwards and backwards (AS, RS) and a separate second displacement center for displacing said tension bow downward (AV).

Abstract: An automotive convertible top is provided having a side bow which in a storage position is placed on top of a forward folding backlite bow. In a preferred embodiment, the convertible top stores on top of a rear storage area of a vehicle in a small space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle roof with a roof opening (12) and with a roof section (10) having a roof tip (16) pointing to the front of the vehicle (14) and a roof end (18) pointing to the rear of the vehicle (12). The roof section (10) can be moved along guide tracks (23), which run on both sides of the roof opening, out of a closed position, which closes the roof opening (2), into an open position, which at least partially opens up the roof opening. In order to optimize the vehicle roof to the effect that, in the partially open position and/or during the opening movement while under way, only very low travelling noises, if any at all, are produced and the highest requirements with regard to the sealing in the closed position are met, the opening movement from the closed position of the roof section begins with a movement of the roof end (18) into a lowered position below the roof opening (2).

Abstract: A folding top for a convertible is proposed, comprising a folding-top cloth (16) and a folding-top linkage (14) which is provided on both sides with a main link (28) which is mounted on a main bearing (26) and to which a frame part (38), which extends substantially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in the closed position of the top, and an intermediate link (44) are coupled. A front, rigid folding-top element (22) is connected via a first folding-top element link (58) to the intermediate link (44) and via a second folding-top element link (60) to the frame part (38). According to the invention, means are provided on the folding-top linkage (14), said means bringing about a continuous slowing-down of the front, rigid folding-top element (22) during the sequence of movement of the top from a storage position to the closed position.

Abstract: A folding top for a convertible vehicle comprises a rigid rear window assembly (24) and a top framework with side frame parts (10, 12, 14, 40) for supporting a roof covering (16), which parts are at least partially retractable into a rear portion (29) of the vehicle. At least a rear area of the roof covering, which is affixed to the rear window (26) and to the rearmost side frame part (40), is made of a flexible material. The rearmost side frame part is connected via a linkage (44, 50, 54, 56) with the rear window assembly such that the distance between the rearmost side frame part and the side edge of the rear window passes through a maximum shortly before reaching the fully closed position of the folding top, whereby the tensioning of the flexible material counteracts against an opening of the folding top.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hood (1) for a convertible (2), comprising a tail end/roof segment (6) and at least one other roof segment (7, 8). The roof segments (6, 7, 8) can be folded together in a Z-shape by means of a folding mechanism and at least the tail end/roof segment (6) is provided with a flexible roof skin (3) which is accommodated between opposite outer roof profiles (9, 10, 11) which are symmetrical in relation to a longitudinal axis (33) of the vehicle and which encloses a dimensionally stable rear window (12). The rear window (12) and the outer roof frame profiles (9), which are associated with the tail end/roof segment (6), are placed in a folded position when the hood (1) is open or unfolded from said position as a result of a movement in the same direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a folding canopy for a motor vehicle, having a canopy linkage arrangement which has a main member (12) and a main column (14), wherein the main member and the main column are mounted via in each case one first hinge point (16, 18) on a main bearing, which is fixed to the body, of the vehicle, and are articulately connected to one another via in each case one second hinge point (20, 22) by means of a connecting element (24), and having a seal carrier (26) which is moveably connected to the main column. It is provided according to the invention that the main member (12) and the seal carrier (26) are articulately connected to one another by means of a transverse member (28).

Abstract: A removable top assembly for a vehicle and method of providing a removable top cover for a vehicle is provided. The removable top assembly includes a fabric cover over a frame. The frame includes a rear bow that is pivotally connected on opposite sides to side rails and a C-pillar. A one bow is latched to a fixed transverse beam. A two bow is detachably secured to right and left side rails that are in turn attached to right and left fixed side beams of the vehicle.

Abstract: In a control process and control device for motor vehicles with an unfoldable roof, in which at least one roof part or a lid is moved in at least one movement phase defined by a displacement path for the roof part or the lid, the displacement path is bounded by two end positions. By way of an electronic control device, the displacement device for the movement of the roof part or of the lid is actuated such that the speed at which the roof part or the lid is moved is smaller for a first path segment beginning the displacement path and for a second path segment ending the displacement path than the speed for the path segment between the first path segment and the second path segment.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle employs a convertible roof system. The convertible roof system can include a roof cover and a top stack mechanism operable between raised and stowed positions. At least one roof bow can move between first and second positions relative to a forwardmost roof rail.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roof part (7) of an openable vehicle roof (2), which roof part is mounted movably by means of a bearing device (12, 13) on a bearing slide (14), which is mounted in a manner such that it can be shifted on a guide (10) of the vehicle roof (2) and can be displaced along the guide (10) by means of a drive (21), wherein, for improved adjustment of the movable roof part, the roof part (7) can be displaced relative to the bearing slide (14) by means of an additional controllable adjusting device (22, 25, 27).

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: The invention relates to a convertible vehicle with a rear window, which is surrounded on its side by flexible covering areas and which can move relative thereto. In order to ensure a sealing between the covering areas and the rear window, a flexible and tensible cloth loose section is provided, which is frequently also designated as a water pocket. The inventive convertible vehicle is designed in such a manner that the cloth slack section is fastened at the bottom to a cloth retainer engaging underneath the rear window, and the cloth retainer has, for retaining, a retaining opening that is passed through by a portion of the cloth slack section. In addition, the cloth slack section comprises a thickened edge stop at its edge, which is located toward the inside with regard to the vehicle transversal direction and which faces the lateral edge of the rear window.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a carbody and a foldaway top connected to the carbody. A top compartment receives the foldaway top when folded open. A top compartment lid is provided for closing the top compartment. A hinge device is connected to the carbody and to the top compartment lid so that the top compartment lid is pivotable relative to the carbody. The top compartment lid has a front end interacting with a locking device in the area of a lateral side rail for locking it on the side rail by a push-pivot movement; it is released by a reverse movement. A lifting drive acting on the top compartment lid is supported on the carbody spaced from the hinge device and is pivotably connected to the top compartment lid. The top compartment lid is pivotable in the area of the hinge device relative to support part of the hinge device.

Abstract: A cam switch assembly is actuated by movement of a member, such as a part of a convertible top that is pivoted about a first pivot axis toward and away from a surface that is fixed relative to the pivot. The cam switch comprises a holder for at least one switch that is attached to the member. A cam switch actuator having an arm is attached to the holder at a second pivot axis. The cam switch actuator opens and closes the switch as the cam switch actuator is pivoted relative to the holder about the second pivot axis. The arm has a first lost motion connection to the movable member in a first direction. The member has a second lost motion connection at the first pivot axis that is aligned with the first direction when the member is moved into engagement with the surface. The member is movable relative to the surface in a first direction and the arm is permitted to move relative to the surface without changing the angular orientation of the cam switch actuator relative to the holder.

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

Abstract: A retractable top for a vehicle includes a front section, a middle section and a rear section. A first embodiment includes rigid front, middle and rear sections. A second embodiment includes rigid front and rear sections and a membranous middle section. A single retracting mechanism design is utilized for both the first and second embodiments, which allows selective movement of the front, middle and rear sections of the top between an open position and a closed position.