Abstract: A soft top assembly for SUV/UTV vehicles having connected thereto at least one lighting source, such as a fixed light emitting diode lighting device, a rope/flexible light emitting diode lighting device, a solid fiber optic lighting device, to illuminate the interior of the vehicle. The lighting device has at least one water resistant housing that is low profile. The lighting device is also shock resistant. The lighting device has a predetermined ON/OFF feature and at least one power source is provided such as battery powered, powered by replaceable/rechargeable batteries, via connection to the vehicle by a wired harness or electrical contacts, or solar powered.

Abstract: A soft top assembly for SUV/UTV vehicles having connected thereto at least one lighting source, such as a fixed light emitting diode lighting device, a rope/flexible light emitting diode lighting device, a solid fiber optic lighting device, to illuminate the interior of the vehicle. The lighting device has at least one water resistant housing that is low profile. The lighting device is also shock resistant. The lighting device has a predetermined ON/OFF feature and at least one power source is provided such as battery powered, powered by replaceable/rechargeable batteries, via connection to the vehicle by a wired harness or electrical contacts, or solar powered.

Abstract: A soft top assembly for SUV/UTV vehicles having connected thereto at least one lighting source, such as a fixed light emitting diode lighting device, a rope/flexible light emitting diode lighting device, a solid fiber optic lighting device, to illuminate the interior of the vehicle. The lighting device has at least one water resistant housing that is low profile. The lighting device is also shock resistant. The lighting device has a predetermined ON/OFF feature and at least one power source is provided such as battery powered, powered by replaceable/rechargeable batteries, via connection to the vehicle by a wired harness or electrical contacts, or solar powered.

Abstract: A convertible top having a top cover and a cover linkage adjustable between a closed position and a storage position and which has a linkage arrangement on each of its two sides linkage arrangement pivotably mounted on a respective main bearing, which is fixed to the vehicle, via a main multi-joint arrangement comprising two main links, a rear bow realized as a panel bow mounted on each of the bilaterally arranged linkage arrangements via a rear link arrangement. The two bilaterally arranged rear link arrangements can each be actuated by a drive lever, which drives the respective rear link arrangement starting from the closed position in a first opening phase while the main multi-joint arrangement is static and drives the respective rear link arrangement in the opposite direction of the respective main multi-joint arrangement in a second opening phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a convertible top, comprising a top linkage, which can be moved between an open position that opens the vehicle interior upward and a closed position that covers the vehicle interior above and which as a link assembly on both sides with respect to a vertical vehicle longitudinal center plane, and at least one top element that is at least largely rigid, which top element extends between the link assemblies arranged on both sides. The top element is designed as a plastic composite component that comprises a substrate structure, which is formed on an outer skin that is made of a textile material having a rubber back lining.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a movable top with a sunroof part that is movable with respect to the surrounding top region. The sunroof part has a closed position and an open position, as well as an interference-preventing position and an intermediate position. The top is movable from the top closed position with the sunroof part in the closed position and the top is movable from the top closed position with the sunroof part in the open position.

Abstract: A collapsible roof for a vehicle includes a roof guide, a roof cap, a top fabric, and an adjusting mechanism. The adjusting mechanism movably couples the roof cap to the roof guide such that the roof cap with the top fabric are movable relative to the roof guide between a closed position in which the top fabric covers a roof opening and an opened position in which the top fabric exposes the roof opening. The adjusting mechanism includes front and rear control arms coupled to the roof cap. The front control arm includes a locking hook and the rear control arm includes a latching hook. The locking hook engages a front cavity of the roof guide in the closed position to fix the roof cap in place and the latching hook engages a rear cavity of the roof guide in the opened position to fix the roof cap in place.

Abstract: The invention relates to a top for a convertible, comprising a front bow, a first surface bow, a second surface bow, and a main link mechanism being adapted to displace the front bow, the first surface bow and the second surface bow with respect to a body-mounted main bearing unit in order to open or to close the top, wherein the main link mechanism comprises a main pillar and a main link, wherein, when the top is closed, the front bow, the first surface bow and the second surface bow cover an interior space of the convertible, wherein the first surface bow is arranged between the front bow and the second surface bow, wherein a first supporting link connects the second surface bow in an articulated manner to the main pillar, and wherein a second supporting link connects the second surface bow in an articulated manner to the main link.

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

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

Abstract: A 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 convertible roof includes an outer cover with a recess defined therein. The roof has a front roof edge which joins the windshield frame when the convertible roof is in a closed position. The front region of the roof includes a rigid assembly disposed under the cover. The rigid assembly includes a frame part. A sun roof part is received in the recess defined by the cover and is openable to a position raised out of a plane defined by the roof cover. The recess defined by the cover is open to the front.

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

Abstract: A top for a convertible, which has a rear window frame with a rear window and, in the closed state, at least one roof section situated in front of the rear window frame in the direction of travel. When there are two roof sections which are adjacent to each other when the top is closed, a respective extension, which is extended to the rear or front, is formed on the lateral border regions of one of the roof sections. The extension being configured as a seal carrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle (1) provided with a roof (2) comprising at least one part (3) which is fully movable for the opening thereof and extends from an area adjacent to a windscreen frame (4) to the rear particularly rigid part (5) of the roof. The inventive motor vehicle is characterized in that the movable part (3) of the roof, which is otherwise in a closed position, can be raised in the back area thereof.

Abstract: A convertible top includes a plurality of panel assemblies movably coupled to each other for movement between a closed position in which the panel assemblies are arranged end to end to cover a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle and an open position in which the panel assemblies are disposed in a storage space adjacent the passenger compartment. Each of the panel assemblies has an outer surface and a fabric trim cover separate from the other of the panel assemblies. The trim covers remain along the outer surface during movement of the top between the closed position and the open position.

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 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 method of manufacturing a vehicle, alternatively, with a hardtop version, an entry level soft top module, a five-bow soft top module, or a retractable hardtop module. Any one of the four tops may be assembled on an automotive vehicle having a substantially common body structure with only minor modifications to the vehicle body being required to accept any one of the four different vehicle tops. A vehicle body architecture is provided that is configured to selectively receive one of four different style roofs on a roof mounting bracket that is attached to the side walls of the vehicle.

Abstract: A flexible vehicle roof has a flexible roof skin and a plurality of supporting elements that interact with the roof skin. The supporting elements are configured at least partially in some regions as sheet-like surface elements that support the roof skin. The supporting elements can be shifted together with the roof skin from a closed position into an open position opening up the vehicle interior, with it being possible for a plurality of the surface elements to be brought into overlap at least in some regions. In the open position, a front surface element forming the roof lug is disposed above a rear element surrounding a rear window, and a third surface element which, in the closed position, is disposed between the front and the rear elements can be displaced during the opening phase in a positively coupled manner into a packing position located below the rear element.

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: 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: A cabriolet vehicle with a roof provided which at least in some areas has a flexible cover, which includes in its front roof area a rigid area, a so-called roof top, overlapped by a cover. The front roof area can be stored in the same orientation as in the closed state in a body recess, and the body recess is bounded on the rear by an edge serving as a front edge of the additional body outer surface extending to the rear. The edge is preceded at least in parts of it area by a support step for a flexible lining running from the edge to an area of the roof. The step is adapted to the contour of the edge.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle with at least one front roof area, having a flexible covering in the direction of travel, and a rigid roof area, including a rear window. The front roof area includes several lateral frame parts lying one behind the other, which can be folded opposite to each other, at least in the essentially horizontal axes, and can be covered by the rear roof area in the stored position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a movable closeout device or closeout panel for a convertible roof that attaches to the rear bow of the roof and moves up and down with the rear bow as the convertible roof retracts or extends. The closeout device may be a substantially rigid panel such as a parcel shelf, or may be a flexible or elastic panel. The movable closeout device attenuates noise entering the vehicle interior from the trunk and improves vehicle appearance by substantially closing out the area between the rear seat and the roof stowage area of the trunk when the convertible roof is in the up position.

Abstract: A durable soft-top cover used to cover the passenger compartment of a vehicle. The durable soft-top cover includes a rigid member that prevents the annoying and turbulent flapping of the soft-top at high rates of speed when the vehicle velocity and wind speed is increased. The durable soft-top cover is reinforced with rigid members that support the canvas-like material of the soft-top. The rigid members are disposed adjacent to and/or within a material making up the durable soft-top. The durable soft-top may be portably rolled and/or folded and compactly stored. The rigid construction may be composed of at least one or more rigid member to provide the rigidity to the durable soft-top.

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 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.

Abstract: A retractable top system for a vehicle includes a front section, a middle section, and a rear section. Each of the sections has an inner surface that face the passenger compartment of the vehicle when the top is in the extended position, and an opposed outer surface. The rear section is a rigid panel that extends between opposed side edges and between forward and rearward edges of the rear section. A flexible roof membrane covers at least the outer surfaces of the front section and middle section when the top is in the extended position. When the top is in the retracted position, the outer surface of the front section is directed upwardly and the outer surface of the middle section is directed downwardly.

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 retractable hard top for convertibles, in particular for four-seated convertibles, includes, sequentially, a first, front section, a second section, a third section and a fourth, rear section. Each section has a front, first edge portion and a rear, second edge portion. The first and the second sections substantially form the roof ceiling in the closed position of the hard top, while the third section forms the C-pillar and includes the backlite. The sections are pivotally connected by a linkage which compactly folds the top for storage in a storage compartment. All three sections are inverted and nest within one another, with their respective first edge portions being positioned in the longitudinal vehicle direction behind the second edge portions.

Abstract: A retractable top system for a vehicle includes a front section, a middle section, and a rear section. Each of the sections has an inner surface that face the passenger compartment of the vehicle when the top is in the extended position, and an opposed outer surface. The rear section is a rigid panel that extends between opposed side edges and between forward and rearward edges of the rear section. A flexible roof membrane covers at least the outer surfaces of the front section and middle section when the top is in the extended position. When the top is in the retracted position, the outer surface of the front section is directed upwardly and the outer surface of the middle section is directed downwardly.

Abstract: A top for a convertible vehicle, including a roof frame extending from a rear region of the convertible vehicle as far as a windshield arranged between A-pillars of the convertible vehicle in a closed state of the top. The roof frame includes at least one rear frame piece, a central frame piece connected in an articulated manner to the rear frame piece, and a front frame piece. The top also includes a front element and a cover of the top fixed to the front element. The front frame piece is connected in an articulated manner directly to the central frame piece, and the front element is connected pivotably with respect to the front frame piece to the front frame piece.

Abstract: Disclosed is a retractable hard top for passenger cars, comprising: a first substantially rigid roof section, which forms an essentially horizontal upper roof portion of the passenger car; a second substantially rigid rear roof section which forms a substantially vertical or obliquely extending roof portion which is of hollowed shape, thereby forming an inner space, wherein the rear roof section at an upper end is pivotally connected to the first roof section via a rod assembly at both longitudinal sides of the passenger car and at a lower end is pivotally connected to the passenger car at a support at both sides of the passenger car; pivotally arranged guiding rods that link the rod assemblies and the supports of the passenger car, wherein the rod assembly and the guiding rod are formed and connected in a manner that, when an upper end of the guiding rods is pivoted towards a tail of the car, the second roof section is pivoted in the direction of the tail of the car, while simultaneously the first roof secti

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: The present invention refers to a retractable top (3) of a motor vehicle, in particular for at least 4-seat convertibles (1), comprising: an upper, substantially rigid roof section (5) which forms an upper roof portion and which can be connected to the upper edge portion (19) of the windshield (17), a rear, substantially rigid roof section (7) which is connected to the upper roof section (5) and extends behind the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle (1), a rear window (9) arranged at the rear roof section (7), wherein the upper and the rear roof section (5, 7) are arranged pivotal into and out of an accommodation chamber (13) in the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A folding roof (1) for a convertible with a canvas top (2) which is attached to a front bow (3) and which can be moved into a rear lowered position with a top mechanism which comprises a side roof rod (11, 12) for opening the folding roof (1), the front bow (3) being guided to be able to move lengthwise on both side of the roof on guides (9, 10) of the side roof rod (11, 12), so that by moving the front bow (3) rearward along the lateral guides (9, 10) from a closed position in which it adjoins the front cross member (4), the folding roof (1) can be partially opened into an intermediate position.

Abstract: Folding top for a motor vehicle with a folding top frame, which exhibits on the side a front, center and rear frame part, of which the center frame part can be adjusted by a four-membered joint, where a lever is formed by the rear frame part. The front frame part can be adjusted with respect to the center frame part by three guides, of which in a swivel joint the first and second guides can be swivelled in succession around a motor vehicle cross axis and are hinged to the front frame part. On the other hand, the first guide is hinged to the center frame part. The third guide can be swivelled around a motor vehicle cross axis in a swivel joint and is hinged to the rear frame part and, on the other hand, is hinged to the first guide. The second guide can be swivelled around a motor vehicle cross axis in a swivel joint and is hinged to the third guide.

Abstract: A folding top for a vehicle, particularly for a passenger car, comprises a folding top structure, which is pivotally disposed on vehicle-body-side folding top bases and a folding top covering, the folding top structure having a main hoop and at least one control arm connecting a forward folding top section with the folding top base. While the folding top kinematics are simplified, during the opening operation of the folding top, a coordinated movement takes place between the main hoop and of the control arm disposed in front of the main hoop. An adjusting device is arranged between the material-controlled main hoop and the control arm disposed in front thereof and is operative at least during the opening of the folding top.