Abstract: A folding top for a convertible vehicle, is provided having a top linkage and a top cover which may have a first fabric cut and a second fabric cut connected to the first fabric cut. The two fabric cuts may be connected via a stretchable portion which is made of an elastically stretchable fabric whose stretchability is greater than that of the two fabric cuts.

Abstract: A separating device for a storage space (36) of a convertible vehicle having a top is proposed, which can be displaced between a closed position spanning a vehicle interior and a storage position opening the vehicle interior upward, comprising a separating wall, which divides the storage space into a cargo space and a top receiving space and which can be pivoted around a pivotal axis (A), which extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle, between a horizontal cargo space enlarging position and a vertical receiving space enlarging position. The separating wall is connected to a coupling device, which transmits a displacement movement of a top element to a pivotal movement of the separating wall.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a convertible top which can be moved between a closed convertible top position and an opened convertible top position and which is extended in its closed convertible top position over a convertible top frame with a convertible top linkage. A storm linkage is coupled in an articulated fashion, by a supporting device for supporting the closed convertible top, between the convertible top linkage and a tensioning bar which is arranged at the rear. In order to improve the support of the storm linkage in the convertible vehicle, the supporting device has a locking connecting rod with a roller which interacts with the storm linkage.

Abstract: A convertible top having a pivot link is provided that supports two bows. A main spring is secured to a pivot pin and connected to a main pivot bracket on the vehicle to provide a counterbalancing force on the balance link that assists in lifting the top stack linkage as the convertible top is retracted and extended. A five bow extends between and is attached to right and left pivot links by right and left pressure links, respectively.

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: The invention relates to a tensioning bow for a convertible top, a convertible top for a convertible vehicle, a convertible vehicle and a method for mounting a convertible top to a body of a convertible vehicle. The tensioning bow comprises a main segment having a first end and a second end, a first pivotable segment being assigned to the first end of the main segment, and a second segment, wherein a first rotary joint pivotably connects the first pivotable segment to a portion of the main segment, and wherein a second rotary joint pivotably connects the first pivotable segment to the second segment.

Abstract: A collapsible roof for a vehicle includes a top fabric having a rear region, a tensioning stay arranged underneath the top fabric and attached to the rear region of the top fabric, and a pair of roof guides extending along opposite sides of a roof opening. The top fabric is movably coupled to the roof guides such that the top fabric is movable between a closed position in which the top fabric covers the roof opening and an opened position in which the top fabric is moved rearward away from the roof opening. The tensioning stay is a flat-shaped component that imparts the rear region of the top fabric to have side regions and corner regions.

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 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 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 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 having changeable cover tension includes a cover stretched over a frame which is movable to move the cover between closed and opened positions. A tension bow is swung by a landau bar between a tensioning position and a non-tensioning position. Part of the rear portion of the cover is held in a narrow groove in the tension bow. The tension bow applies tension to this part of the cover when tension bow is in either of the tensioning or non-tensioning positions. Another part of the rear portion of the cover can slide into and out of a wide groove of the tension bow. The tension bow applies tension to this part of the cover when the tension bow is in the tensioning position but does not apply tension to this part of the cover when the tension bow is in the non-tensioning position.

Abstract: A cabriolet top for a cabriolet vehicle for displacement between a closed position covering a vehicle interior and a storage position opening up the vehicle interior is proposed, comprising a pivotably mounted cabriolet-top linkage on which a rigid cabriolet-top element is arranged, the cabriolet-top element extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle, being adjacent, in the closed position of the cabriolet top, to a transverse post bounding a windscreen at the top, and, together with the cabriolet-top linkage, stretches open a foldable cabriolet-top cloth and, in the storage position of the cabriolet top, is arranged on the upper side in a cabriolet-top storage compartment such that the cabriolet-top cloth runs downwardly over a rear border of the cabriolet-top element.

Abstract: A folding top drive assembly for adjusting a folding top with a fabric cover of a convertible vehicle between closed and opened positions includes a tensioning stay and a landau mechanism. The tensioning stay stretches the fabric cover when the folding top is closed. The landau mechanism supports the tensioning stay to a roof frame component when the folding top is closed. The landau mechanism includes upper and lower landau bars and a coupling element. The upper landau bar is hinged at its forward end to the roof frame component. The lower landau bar is hinged at its rearward end to the tensioning stay. The upper landau bar is hinged at its rearward end to the coupling element and the lower landau bar is hinged at its forward end to the coupling element. The landau bars are hinged at a distance from one another to the coupling element.

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 convertible vehicle having an openable roof structure (1), said vehicle comprising a trunk lid (5), said trunk lid being supported by a guide linkage (6). The roof structure (1) is lowerable into a folding-top compartment (7) located in an upper region of the trunk (8) of the vehicle under said trunk lid. The vehicle also comprises a frame (9) on which said trunk lid (5) is articulated via said guide linkage (6). The frame (9) is supported to the lower rear end region of the bodywork by a flexural spring (10) enabling turning of the frame.

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 having changeable cover tension includes a cover stretched over a frame which is movable to move the cover between closed and opened positions. A tension bow is swung by a landau bar between a tensioning position and a non-tensioning position. Part of the rear portion of the cover is held in a narrow groove in the tension bow. The tension bow applies tension to this part of the cover when tension bow is in either of the tensioning or non-tensioning positions. Another part of the rear portion of the cover can slide into and out of a wide groove of the tension bow. The tension bow applies tension to this part of the cover when the tension bow is in the tensioning position but does not apply tension to this part of the cover when the tension bow is in the non-tensioning position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for tensioning the retractable top of a motor vehicle (1). Said top comprises a front element (2) and a rear element (3) which are displaceable between the closed and opened positions thereof. The displacement of said elements is controlled by two articulated arms (6, 7). The inventive device is provided with arresting means (9) carried by the first arm (7) in such a way that is abuts against the second arm (6) when two elements (2, 3) of the top are relatively near to the closed position thereof. The arresting means (9) are provided with elastic means able to resist to the relative motion of the arms (6, 7) when the elements of the top (2, 3) are displaced from the relative position thereof, which is near to the closed position, and move towards said closed position.

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 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 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 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 roof opening/closing apparatus includes a roof moved between first and second positions and structured with first, second and third panels, a first supporting mechanism movably supporting the first and second panels in association with each other, a second supporting mechanism movably supporting the third panel, a first lock mechanism locking the first panel to the vehicle body, a second lock mechanism locking the first supporting mechanism, and a third lock mechanism locking the third panel to the second panel. The roof is moved between the first position and the second position by the first and second supporting mechanisms and retained at the first position by the first to third lock mechanisms. The second and third lock mechanisms are connected to each other by an operational member and operated in association with each other to release locking operations thereof by the operational member.

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: Disclosed is a convertible (1) comprising a movable roof (2) that is provided with a flexible cover (4), at least in the rear area (6) thereof. The rear zone of said flexible cover (4) is retained on a stretching hoop (8) which can be displaced upward from a stretching position forming the closed roof (2). At least one flexible stretching device (13) is assigned to the cover (4) in lower edge areas that are located in front of the stretching loop (8) relative to the direction of travel (F), said flexible stretching device (13) applying a tensioning force to said edge areas when the roof (2) is closed.

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: A vehicle, and a support device used in conjunction with a vehicle top enclosure for enclosing a top portion of a vehicle, the support device comprising a front catch positioned forward a steering mechanism of the vehicle and a first arm pivotally connected to the device, the first arm including a telescoping vehicle front connecting portion, the front connecting portion configured to engage the front catch. Further aspects include a tensioner configured with the first arm to engage the catch. A pliable cover may be included to complete the top enclosure and associated vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a convertible vehicle (1) having a movable roof (2), which has a flexible cover (4) at least in its back area (6), said cover being held in a tensioning bracket (8) in the back area thereof, which can be displaced upwards from a tensioned position forming the closed roof (2). The convertible vehicle is configured in such a way that at least one folding device (13) acting upon a border area of the cover (4) that is located beneath and in front of the tensioning bracket (8) in driving direction (F) of the cover (4) is assigned to said cover (4), said folding device exerting a constraining folding force upon said border area when the roof is being opened (2).

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: The invention relates to an adjusting mechanism of a movable component, particularly a soft top compartment cover of a convertible, which is movably mounted by means of at least one control arm (2) that is hingedly connected to the vehicle body. A crossarm gear (19, 20) is mounted between the control arm (2) and a drive unit (27, 28) of the adjusting mechanism. In order to improve the moving behavior of the movable component, the control arm (2) is coupled to a rotatably mounted crank (14) via a coupling rod (11). Said crank (14) is connected to a driving arm (21) via two crossarms (19, 20), the driving arm (21) being movable by the drive unit (27, 28).

Abstract: A one piece rod spring clip is attached to a tensioning cable in a convertible top . The rod spring clip (40) includes a leg that is aligned with an end of the cable. The rod spring clip is secured to the one bow (38) of the convertible top and applies a biasing force to the end of the cable through the action of a flexure portion of the rod spring clip that applies an axial force to the cable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cabriolet vehicle (1), with a roof (2), comprising a flexible cover (3), at least in the rear part thereof, whereby the cover (3) may be held in tension against the chassis (7), by means of a tension stay (11) and the tension stay (11) rests on one or several supports (15) in the open position, embodied such that the support(s) (15) are fixed on one or more bracket(s) (14), connected to a roof frame (5), attached below the cover (3), before assembly thereof on the chassis (7).

Abstract: A convertible vehicle with a moving roof having a flexible cover, in which the cover is engaged underneath by at least one strap (9), following essentially the course of the roof when the roof is closed, which is secured on support structure arranged across the roof. The at least one end of the strap passes through a slit recess of the roof support structure and is secured against pulling out from the slit recess by an end thickening.

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: The preferred embodiment of a convertible roof bow tensioning apparatus includes a pliable roof cover, a top stack mechanism supporting the roof cover having at least one roof bow, and a roof bow tensioner for selectively reducing and increasing tension of the roof cover. Another aspect of the present invention provides a camming apparatus operably extending and retracting a roof bow relative to a remainder of a convertible top stack mechanism.

Abstract: A corner bow for a vehicle having a folding top can be swiveled about a transverse vehicle axis formed jointly on lateral folding top control arms. The corner bow is fastened to the folding top fabric or to a tension band that connects several transverse hoops or “bows” of the folding top. The corner bow has a stop, while the folding top control arm (or another linkage element of the folding top) has a counterstop. The corner bow is loaded by a spring element about the transverse vehicle axis, such that, during an adjustment of the closed folding top into a rearward storage (or “open”) position, or during adjustment of the open folding top into the closed position (covering the vehicle occupant compartment), the stop approaches the counterstop. In the respective open position or closed position of the folding top, the stop rests against the counterstop.

Abstract: A retractable soft top system includes a support frame with a forward end and a rearward end. The rearward end is detachably and pivotably interconnected with the vehicle body at the rear of the passenger compartment. The support frame includes a latching member extending from the forward end. The latching member is operable to selectively engage an engagement feature on the windshield header so as to interconnect the forward end of the support frame with the header. A cover selectively covers a storage area behind the passenger compartment. The cover is pivotally supported such that the forward end moves upwardly to uncover at least a portion of the storage area. The cover has an underside with an engagement feature adjacent the forward end and a retaining latch spaced rearwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A convertible roof actuation mechanism includes at least a forward bow, a power actuated rearmost bow and an intermediate bow. A linkage set separately connects the rearmost bow to the intermediate bow. When the forward bow is latched and as the rearmost bow is rearwardly rotated, the linkage set rotates the intermediate bow to tension the roof cover.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of a convertible roof bow tensioning apparatus includes a pliable roof cover, a top stack mechanism supporting the roof cover having at least one roof bow, and a roof bow tensioner for selectively reducing and increasing tension of the roof cover. Another aspect of the present invention provides a camming apparatus operably extending and retracting a roof bow relative to a remainder of a convertible top stack mechanism.

Abstract: Convertible vehicles (1) may include a vehicle body (6) defining a window shoulder line (5) along its upper edge. A foldable roof (2) preferably includes a rear window (4) disposed within a rear roof portion (3) and the foldable roof can be stored substantially completely within the vehicle body and below the window shoulder line. First and second tensioning bow portions (16a) extend substantially laterally with respect to the rear window and substantially in parallel with a central longitudinal axis of the vehicle. A first end of each tensioning bow portion may be pivotably coupled to the vehicle body and a second end of each tensioning bow portion may be pivotably coupled to the rear window. A gap or space is preferably between the tensioning bow portions proximal to the window shoulder line. At least a portion of the rear window optionally may extend within the gap or space when the roof is disposed in the roof closed position.

Abstract: A passenger vehicle a folding top can be changed from a closed position spanning a passenger compartment into a storage position. The folding top includes a folding top frame structure and a folding top cover which is held in place on the folding top frame structure, and a rigid rear window. The folding top frame structure has at least one rear, U-shaped tensioning bar which in the closed position of the folding top can be displaced into a substantially horizontal tensioned position and into an upward folded, for example upright, mounted position and which on its free bar ends is seated in a swivel axis that runs roughly parallel to the vehicle's transverse axis. For improved accessibility of the storage compartment each leg of the U-shaped tensioning bar is connected with the swivel axis by means of a detachable connecting device.

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 preferred embodiment of an automotive vehicle roof system includes a detachable convertible roof that covers a rear storage compartment and at least a portion of a passenger compartment of the vehicle. In another aspect of the present invention, the retracted convertible roof may be removed entirely from the vehicle by disengaging quick release attachment devices. Yet another aspect of the present invention provides the ability to operate the convertible roof independently of the vehicle's rear backlite. In a further aspect of the present invention, an adjustable tensioning device is employed.

Abstract: A convertible roof actuation mechanism includes at least a forward bow, a power actuated rearmost bow and an intermediate bow. A linkage set separately connects the rearmost bow to the intermediate bow. When the forward bow is latched and as the rearmost bow is rearwardly rotated, the linkage set rotates the intermediate bow to tension the roof cover.

Abstract: A convertible contains a folding top comprising a folding top frame structure, which is pivotably connected to the motor vehicle, with a rear tensioning bar and a folding top cover that is held in position on the folding top frame structure. The tensioning bar can be displaced about a substantially horizontal swivel axis into a roughly horizontal tensioned position and a roughly upright mounted position. In order to keep the tensioning bar securely in the mounted position a fastening strap is provided, which engages with the tensioning bar that is displaced in the mounted position, and which can be attached to the folding top or the motor vehicle and thus keeps the tensioning bar in the mounted position.

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: In a vehicle roof arrangement with a folding top which is movable between a closed position and a storage position, a support and operating linkage is provided by which the roof material is tensioned when the roof is closed by a tensioning structure which is held in position by an over-center tensioning linkage. For opening the roof, the tensioning linkage is first moved out of its over-center position by an auxiliary actuator and the tension in the roof is released which is then lowered by the operating linkage into a rear storage compartment.

Abstract: Convertible vehicles (1) may include a vehicle body (6) defining a window shoulder line (5) along its upper edge. A foldable roof (2) preferably includes a rear window (4) disposed within a rear roof portion (3) and the foldable roof can be stored substantially completely within the vehicle body and below the window shoulder line. First and second tensioning bow portions (16a) extend substantially laterally with respect to the rear window and substantially in parallel with a central longitudinal axis of the vehicle. A first end of each tensioning bow portion may be pivotably coupled to the vehicle body and a second end of each tensioning bow portion may be pivotably coupled to the rear window. A gap or space is preferably between the tensioning bow portions proximal to the window shoulder line. At least a portion of the rear window optionally may extend within the gap or space when the roof is disposed in the roof closed position.

Abstract: A passenger vehicle a folding top can be changed from a closed position spanning a passenger compartment into a storage position. The folding top includes a folding top frame structure and a folding top cover which is held in place on the folding top frame structure, and a rigid rear window. The folding top frame structure has at least one rear, U-shaped tensioning bar which in the closed position of the folding top can be displaced into a substantially horizontal tensioned position and into an upward folded, for example upright, mounted position and which on its free bar ends is seated in a swivel axis that runs roughly parallel to the vehicle's transverse axis. For improved accessibility of the storage compartment each leg of the U-shaped tensioning bar is connected with the swivel axis by means of a detachable connecting device.