Abstract: A flexible tack strip (30, 30′) is provided for mounting the rear hem (28) of a convertible top cover (22) to a vehicle body (12). The tack strip (30, 30′) is preferably glass-filled plastic material (30′) and is sufficiently flexible to enable deformation and insertion through the top storage compartment opening (16) when the topstack (18) is being installed on the vehicle body (12). The tack strip (30, 30′) has at least one stop member (38) which engages a stop clip (42) mounted on the body to limit the upward and forward movement of the tack strip (30, 30′) to secure the cover hem (28) and tension the cover (22) when the top is raised. An optional spring latch (46) can be included adjacent each stop clip to trap the tack strip when installed.

Abstract: In a folding convertible roof for a vehicle which roof is movable between a closed position, in which it covers the interior of the vehicle, and an storage position, in which it is folded into a storage compartment behind the vehicle interior the folding roof includes a roof support structure with a roof material and side support elements extending at opposite sides of the roof and being mounted each on a pivot member which is pivotably and tiltably supported and coupled to the actuating element capable of pivoting and tilting the pivot member while opening or closing said roof for transferring the side support element between the closed position, in which it extends longitudinally along a side of the roof and a transverse storage position.

Abstract: A top for a convertible vehicle moveable between an open state and a closed state: The top includes a flexible top fabric, a top linkage, a laterally disposed top-cloth tensioning bracket, and a fin link including an inherently rigid structural part configured to bear longitudinal and tensile loads. The fin link is connected in an articulated manner on a rear end of the top-cloth tensioning bracket. In the closed state, the top-cloth tensioning bracket is part of a fin of the top and the fin link supports the top-cloth.

Abstract: A device for determining an angular position of parts of a convertible roof, which can be swiveled relative one another has an electrical or electronic determining instrument with a housing connected to a first part of the folding top, and a controller member, which can be rotated to relative to the first part of the folding top, connected to a second part of the folding top, which can be swiveled relative to the first part. A connection of the housing to the first part of the folding top of and/or a connection the controller member to the second part is constructed as a movable connection.

Abstract: An openable motor vehicle roof with a front movable roof element (12) which is movably supported on side roof rails (2) and which in the closed position of the roof can be placed against an apron (8) or the like, the roof element (12) being supported by a guide means (15, 16) on the guide rails (10) of the side roof rails (2), the guide means having a four-bar mechanism (15, 16) by means of which the roof element (12) is supported to be able to pivot on a carriage (17) which can be moved on the guide rail (10), and a control lever (16, 23) of the four-bar mechanism controlling the motion of the four-bar mechanism and of the roof element (12), especially in the opening or closing motion away from or to the apron (8) depending on the position of the carriage (17) relative to the guide rail (10).

Abstract: A motor vehicle folding top with a roof peak (12) which is movably supported via a driven carriage (17) on the guide rail (10) of the respective side roof rail (2) and which can be placed in the closed position of the folding top against the apron (8) or the like, the drive part (40) which is movably supported on the respective guide rail (10) being coupled to the carriage (17) via a coupling means (42, 43) which during lengthwise displacement of the carriage (17), in the open position of the folding top, forms a rigid coupling, and on the last path of motion when the roof peak (12) is being closed, transfers the closing motion with increased force to the carriage (17) by stepping down the drive motion.

Abstract: An automobile convertible top for an automobile which can be adjusted between a closed position and a folded-down position has a convertible-top mechanism and a convertible-top fabric which is supported by the convertible-top mechanism. A side bar, is comprised of two limbs arranged at an angle and, in the side region of the convertible-top mechanism, is held by a joint having a first axis and a second axis which runs at an angle to the first axis. The side bar is arranged on the convertible-top mechanism such that, in the folded-down position, one limb of the side bar is with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The end side of the limb which is remote from the joint faces toward the side region lying opposite the joint.

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: In a folding convertible roof for a vehicle which roof is movable between a closed position, in which it covers the interior of the vehicle, and an storage position, in which it is folded into a storage compartment behind the vehicle interior the folding roof includes a roof support structure with a roof material and side support elements extending at opposite sides of the roof and being mounted each on a pivot member which is pivotably and tiltably supported and coupled to the actuating element capable of pivoting and tilting the pivot member while opening or closing said roof for transferring the side support element between the closed position, in which it extends longitudinally along a side of the roof and a transverse storage position.

Abstract: A cover for a foldable convertible top has a highly stretchable outer foil having an inner face, and a foam-plastic core layer bonded over the entire bonding-foil inner face and itself having an inner face. The outer foil can be a one-piece slush-molded foil or it can be highly stretchable and a thin thermoplastic bonding foil can be provided between the outer foil and the core layer.

Abstract: A convertible has an at least partially flexible top stowable in the rear of the convertible. The top has a mechanical support and a flexible top part stretched across the mechanical support. The mechanical support is configured to shorten the flexible top part in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the convertible when opening the top.

Abstract: The invention relates to a folding roof for a convertible with a canvas top which is held by the frame of the top, which frame has side roof rods, a main bow and a top mechanism supported on the body for opening and closing the folding roof, which contains one side main column which on the one hand is pivotally mounted on the body and on the other in a pivot joint on the roof rod and is adjoined by the canvas folding roof tensioned when the top is closed, the main bow (9) forming a roof cassette (10) which is permanently connected to the roof rod (8) and an additional rod (14; 14′) being movably arranged in the area of the main column (3) and being kinematically coupled to a component (10; 4), especially a folding roof frame part or a body-mounted part, to which the additional rod (14; 14′) executes relative motion when the main column (3) executes a pivoting motion, and the canvas top (26) adjoining or being attached to the additional rod (14; 14′) and the additional rod (14; 14′) exe

Abstract: A latching device for latching a folding roof (1) of a motor vehicle on a windshield apron (3) which has a movably supported latch hook (5) which can be latched by a drive in locking engagement on a counterpiece of the lock. The latch hook (5) is movably supported either on the free end (2) of the folding roof (1) or on the apron (3) and it can be latched on the apron (3) or the roof free end (2) as a lock counterpiece, and the drive moves an intermediate element, such as a pivot lever (14) which is coupled to the latch hook (5), for closing and latching the folding roof (1) in a pivoting and sliding motion relative to the stationary guide part (7) which is in guided engagement in a guideway (8) of the latch hook (5) and pivots around the guide part (7).

Abstract: A folding top for a convertible vehicle including a folding top frame movable between a closed, stretched position and an open, compacted position. The top frame includes two rod linkage systems, each including a first leg and a frame section having a guide rail connected to the first leg and a holding strut movable relative to the guide rail and the first leg during movement of the top frame between the open and closed positions. A flexible skin is retained by the holding strut such that the skin is movable relative to the first leg during movement of the first leg to thereby reduce stresses on the skin.

Abstract: A method for opening a vehicle covering system for a convertible. The covering system has a first, second and third roof sections and a one-piece cover for stretching over all three roof sections. The three roof sections can be pivoted from an open position covering the vehicle to a terminal folded position within the vehicle.

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 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 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 drive arrangement for a motor vehicle roof with a movable roof part (14) which is connected to a carrier element (11, 111, 225) which can be displaced by a drive element (5, 19, 220) along a given path of motion (8, 219), the drive element (5, 19, 220) engaging a intermediate pivot lever (12, 112, 221) which applies the drive force applied by the drive element (5, 19, 220) via a driver (6, 244) to the carrier element (11, 111, 225) depending on the pivot position of the intermediate lever (12, 112, 221), and the drive arrangement is constructed such that the pivot position of the intermediate lever (12, 112, 221) is determined by the position of the carrier element (11, 111, 225) along the path of motion (8, 219).

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 retractable top for a Jeep® CJ-7® or Wrangler® or other vehicle with an open passenger compartment and an open rear compartment. The top attaches to the floor of the open rear compartment. A number of expanding linkage arms allow the cover to be deployed forwardly over both the rear compartment and the passenger compartment. Windscreen brackets fasten the cover to the vehicle's windscreen.

Abstract: A flexible hood for a convertible car which includes a cover with a front portion and a rear portion and a frame for supporting the cover which includes side portions secured to the car body, extending along the sides of the hood and each including a first and a second parallelogram linkage arranged in series and operable to enable the hood to be moved to an extended configuration covering the driving compartment and to a configuration folded away behind this compartment. Each of the second parallelogram linkages has means enabling it selectively to move independently of its associated first linkage, thus making it possible to fold only the front portion of the flexible hood.

Abstract: Convertible vehicle with a roof which can be folded up and is provided with a rear window and two lateral clamping collars at the rear. The rear window is movably in a guideway defined by a roof frame part on the roof and a car body frame part on the car body. In a closed position of the roof, the rear window is movable from a closed normal position into a lowered position. The roof is constructed so that the clamping collars are connected firmly with one another over a transverse connecting part and, between the roof frame part and the car body frame part, a space is provided in the guideway for the passage of the transverse connecting part during the folding up of the roof.

Abstract: A drive assembly for driving a moveable component of a vehicle in which the component can adopt one or more positions in which the component prevents access to the vehicle or a part of the vehicle. The drive assembly has an actuator which is coupled to the component and provides the force for moving the component, and a control unit for actuating the actuator. In an emergency operating mode, the actuator can move freely in at least one direction, in such a manner that the actuator allows movement of the component caused by an external force being exerted on the component other than by means of the actuator, preferably by hand. The drive assembly is also provided with a theft detection unit for detecting theft or attempted theft of the vehicle or of goods which are present in the vehicle. The theft detection unit is coupled to the control unit.

Abstract: A convertible top having right and left side rails that fold toward each other as the convertible top is retracted. A segmented one bow is articulated to allow the side rails to converge and move from an extended position wherein they extend longitudinally relative to the vehicle to a retracted position wherein the side rails extend transversely.

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 folding top of a motor vehicle with a roof frame with side roof rails, on which at least one movable roof element is movably supported, and which can be pivoted relative to the main part of the roof frame and can be detached from the windshield apron for lowering the folding top has a locking mechanism (9) for locked fixing of the side roof rails on the apron and with a drive for locking and unlocking the locking mechanism (9).

Abstract: A device (1) for determining an angular position of parts of a convertible roof, which can be swiveled against one another, the device (1) comprising an electrical or electronic determining instrument (5) with a housing (6), which is connected with the first part (3) of the folding top, and a controller (7), which can be rotated to relative to the first part (3) of the folding top and is connected to the second part (4) of the folding top, which can be swiveled relative to the first part (3) is constructed so that the connection (10; 11) of the housing (6) with the first part (3) of the folding top of and/or the connection (12; 13) of the controller (7) with the second part (4) of the folding top is constructed as a movable connection.

Abstract: A dual bow assembly for supporting a flexible covering member of a Jeep-type vehicle in proximity to a forward top covering member. The vehicle includes a forwardly situated seating area upon which the forward covering member is secured and a rearwardly situated storage area defined by a belt line extending around sides and a rear of the vehicle. A pair of spaced apart roll bars extend along the seating and storage area of the vehicle and the flexible covering member is associated with the vehicle storage area. A first substantially “U” shaped bow is located proximate a forward end of the vehicle storage area and envelopes the spaced apart roll bars. Opposing and linearly extending ends of the first bow each include a linkage member pivotally associated with the linearly extending ends at a first location and pivotally engaged with the vehicle belt line at a second location.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle (1) with an unfoldable roof (2), which can be placed under a cover (5) in the open position and has at least one rear bracket (4), which rests on the cover (5) in the closed position of the roof (2), and is constructed in such a way that the opening motion of the roof (2) includes a combined lift/rotation motion (13) of the bracket (4).

Abstract: An adjustable folding top for a motor vehicle can be adjusted between a closed position covering the vehicle interior and a deposited position. The top is equipped with a folding top linkage having a plurality of movably arranged transverse and side bows. In order to provide a simply constructed and space-saving folding top, a rearward transverse bow of the folding top linkage, which faces the depositing space of the folding top, has a multipart construction with at least one center section and two lateral sections. The lateral sections are connected with the center section by way of articulations.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle (1) with an unfoldable roof (2), which can be placed under a cover (5) in the open position and has at least one rear bracket (4), which rests on the cover (5) in the closed position of the roof (2), and is constructed in such a way that the opening motion of the roof (2) includes a combined lift/rotation motion (13) of the bracket (4).

Abstract: A latching device for latching a folding roof (1) of a motor vehicle on a windshield apron (3) which has a movably supported latch hook (5) which can be latched by a drive means in lock engagement on a counterpiece of the lock. The latch hook (5) is movably supported either on the free end (2) of the folding roof (1) or on the apron (3) and it can be latched on the apron (3) or the roof free end (2) as a lock counterpiece, and the drive means moves an intermediate element, and especially a pivot lever (14) which is coupled to the latch hook (5), for closing and latching the folding roof (1) in a pivoting and sliding motion relative to the stationary guide part (7) which is in guided engagement in a guideway (8) of the latch hook (5) and pivots around the guide part (7).

Abstract: A folding top for a convertible vehicle is provided with a folding top frame (4), which can be swiveled out of a closed position in contact with the windshield frame into a rear open position and has rod linkage legs (6, 6′, 7, 7′), which lie opposite to one another in pairs symmetrically to the longitudinal medium plane (5) and at which, in particular, a flexible skin (8) of the folding top (2) is held. The inventive folding top frame (4) is provided in the region of at least one pair of rod linkage legs (6, 6′), lying opposite to one another, in each case with a frame section (9), which is intended to hold the folding top (2) and can be shifted to during the opening and closing motions (arrow A) relative to these rod linkage legs (6, 6′).

Abstract: A convertible vehicle with a roof, which can be stowed in the rear region of the vehicle and comprises at least one front roof part, which faces a windshield frame in the closed position, and a rear roof part, which extends backward and downward at the rear and has, at its side edge regions, frame parts, which are held at their rear end regions so that they can be swiveled about a horizontal axis.

Abstract: A flexible hood for a convertible car which includes a cover with a front portion and a rear portion and a frame for supporting the cover which includes side portions secured to the car body, extending along the sides of the hood and each including a first and a second parallelogram linkage arranged in series and operable to enable the hood to be moved to an extended configuration covering the driving compartment and to a configuration folded away behind this compartment. Each of the second parallelogram linkages has means enabling it selectively to move independently of its associated first linkage, thus making it possible to fold only the front portion of the flexible hood.

Abstract: A vehicle top system comprising a soft top composed of a mesh material to thereby block out a portion of sunlight but allow the passage of a portion of air therethrough. The soft top may include a top section to cover at least the driver and front passenger portion of a vehicle (such as a JEEP® brand vehicle). The top section may have a front edge and side edges. The soft top may include laterally spaced apart side sections each having a vertical edge and a horizontal edge; and a rear section to cover the rear portion of a vehicle and having an edge. A tubular seam extends around at least the horizontal edge of each of the side sections and the rear section edge; at least one tube may be positioned within said tubular seam. The at least one tube may be secured to a vehicle. A plurality of fasteners may be affixed to the at least one tube. A reinforcing belt and an extrusion member may be secured along the top section front edge for attachment to a vehicle windshield flange.

Abstract: An adjustable vehicle roof having a folding top which can be adjusted between a closed position and a deposited position, and a folding top linkage and a folding top covering material. A material holding bow is connected with the folding top linkage and, in the closed position of the folding top, rests on a rearward, vehicle-body-side component apply tension to the folding top covering material. In order to close off the folding top in a windtight and watertight manner in the closed position while the vehicle body can be freely designed, a tensioning hoop is provided which acts upon the material holding bow in the closed position and which is supported on the folding top linkage.

Abstract: The invention concerns a folding top mechanism (1) for a convertible, a rollover protection system and a convertible. The top mechanism (1) is combined with a rollover bar (25) providing rollover protection, said rollover bar being pivotally connected to the top mechanism (1) so that it turns in synchronism with it, and that the rollover bar (25) forms a frame to which a rear window (4) is connected.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for opening a vehicle covering system for a convertible. The covering system has a first, second and third roof sections and a one-piece cover for stretching over all three roof sections. The three roof sections can be pivoted from an open position covering the vehicle to a terminal folded position within the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a folding roof arrangement for a convertible type motor vehicle comprising a folding covering having a front section, a front crossmember, the front end section being fastened to the front crossmember, a plurality of lateral roof links defining part of a folding-top kinematic arrangement, wherein the front crossmember is shiftable in an infinite variable manner relative to the lateral roof links between a closed position and a half open position of the folding arrangement, the lateral roof links being in the same configuration in said closed position and in said half open position of the folding arrangement, and wherein in an open position of the folding roof arrangement, the front crossmember, the plurality of roof links and the folding covering are deposited one above another in a folding-top compartment so that at least two of the plurality of roof links define an essentially V-shaped folded arrangement.

Abstract: A displaceable folding top for a motor vehicle has a folding top cover material that is held to a folding top rod system, and has a plurality of articulated rod parts. Furthermore, in the area of a vehicle side, a main hoop is arranged, which is swivel mounted to the motor vehicle and to which a sealing element is coupled. To provide a folding top that takes little space in its deposited position, and that has a high seal tightness and a long service life, the sealing element is held on a separately formed sealing frame swivelably mounted on the motor vehicle. The swiveling axes of the sealing frame and the main hoop are spaced from each other in at least one position of the folding top, and the sealing frame is displaceably coupled with the main hoop via displacement kinematics.

Abstract: Convertible top assembly for a vehicle with a passenger compartment, comprising a convertible top which can move between a closed position, in which the convertible top covers the passenger compartment of the vehicle, and an open position, in which the passenger compartment is open, and a hydraulic actuating device for moving one or more components of the convertible top assembly, the actuating device comprising a hydraulic pump with an associated drive motor and a reservoir for hydraulic fluid, as well as one or more hydraulic actuators, the actuators acting on the convertible top assembly and the pump being designed to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to the actuators. The actuating device comprises control means which are designed to regulate the volumetric output of the pump while the convertible top assembly is being actuated.

Abstract: A soft top for a vehicle, in particular a passenger vehicle, comprises a soft-top linkage which is mounted pivotably on soft-top supports on the body, the soft top being movable, by means of an actuating device, forwards from a rear storage position into a locking position situated above the windscreen frame. In order to provide a soft top in which, during the closing process, sufficient spring deflection is available, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, the forces for closing are kept low, provision is made that, during the closing process, the soft top is stopped, by the actuating device, in a premounted position above the locking position and is supported in this position by at least one spring-loaded stop.

Abstract: Conversion of a hard top or half-hard top auto to an open-top auto is accomplished with a frame assembly and optional hatchback cap of the invention. The frame assembly is permanently mounted to the auto. It comprises a set of mounting plates for attachment to inside sidewalls of the auto, a stabilizer bar secured to the mounting plates and extending laterally across the auto, a set of main frame rails pivotally attached to the mounting plates and extending generally vertically, a pivot bar attached to the main frame rails and extending laterally across the auto, a set of secondary rail extensions with each pivotally attached to the pivot bar and a secondary cross rail secured to the secondary rail extensions and extending laterally across the auto. The frame assembly is collapsible about the pivot points into a seating area of the auto to give an open-top auto. The stabilizer bar helps to hold the hatchback cap in position.

Abstract: There is provided an automotive convertible top attaching construction in which a roof is opened, and an open portion is covered with a top cloth, characterized in that the front end portion of the top cloth 12 is mounted to a top fixing panel 15, a frame 16 supporting the top fixing panel 15 is pivotally mounted on both sides of the open portion rotatably in the longitudinal direction of vehicle body, and the top fixing panel 15 is mounted to the frame 16 rotatably with respect to the axis in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the flattering of the top cloth 12 can be prevented when the top cloth 12 is open. Thereby, the entrance of wind into the folded top cloth can be prevented when a sun roof portion is open, and the appearance can be improved.

Abstract: A folding top for a convertible has a folding top linkage and a folding top covering carried by the folding top linkage. The folding top covering comprises at least one folding top material segment. For reducing or saving the connecting seams and the sealing measures, at least one folding top material segment is shaped by thermal deformation to a three-dimensional shape adapted to the contour of the folding top.