Pivoted Top Patents (Class 296/107.16)
  • Patent number: 10913338
    Abstract: A lift assist lock-down assembly for a soft top assembly, the lock-down assembly operably coupled to first and second bows selectively rotatable between an open/sunroof position and an open/downward position. A handle member is rotatable between unlocked and locked positions. A cam and a cam lockout selectively prevent the bows from rotating. When locked in a first position, the bows are prevented from rotating generally rearward/downward, thereby preventing the soft top assembly from moving into the open/downward position. When locked in a second position, the bows are prevented from rotating generally forward/upward, thereby generally preventing the soft top from bouncing or from moving into the open/sunroof position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, Tavis Lutzka
  • Patent number: 10583721
    Abstract: A frame and soft top assembly which includes lift assist and improved fabric management. The assembly includes a pair of front arms pivotally attached to rear side rails and are attached to the vehicle roll bar. A plurality of fabric control bows connected with pivot links provide fabric control to the top material during pivoting of the front side rails. A pair of bow pivot links are pivotally connected to the rear side rail. A rear gas strut and a front gas strut are attached longitudinally to either side of the pair of bow pivot links, one providing lift assistance at the start of the pivotal opening of the sunroof while the other of the struts gets loaded as the top is deployed and buffers the closing of the roof which also loads the strut to provide assistance in the closing direction when it is time to close the sunroof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, Duane C. Junkin
  • Patent number: 9566849
    Abstract: There is provided a deck lid provided to move so as to cover an opening portion of a roof storage room in a roof closed state in which an openable roof covers over a passenger cabin and in a roof open state in which a portion of the openable roof is stored in the roof storage room and to open the opening portion of the roof storage room in a transitional state between the roof closed state and the roof open state. This deck lid comprises a base portion, a pair of right-and-left protrusion portions which are integrally formed at both end portions, in a vehicle width direction, of the base portion, protrude upward relative to the base portion, and extend in a vehicle longitudinal direction, and a connecting portion which interconnects respective upper portions of the pair of protrusion portions in the vehicle width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Kouichi Matsumoto, Takashi Senoo, Masaki Oda
  • Patent number: 9333841
    Abstract: A top of a convertible motor vehicle includes a linkage movable between a closed position spanning a vehicle interior and a storage position uncovering the vehicle interior to the top A linkage arrangement having first and second pivot components is on opposing sides of the linkage and pivotably mounted at a rear main bearing. A rotatable drive wheel is coupled to the two pivot components. When the drive wheel is rotated, the first pivot component is always subjected to a drive torque, whereas the second pivot component, as a function of the position of a control element in a control slot that is fixed relative to the main bearing, is either held in place or is subjected to a drive torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: WEBASTO-EDSCHA CABRIO GMBH
    Inventors: Franz Haberl, Georg Kopp
  • Patent number: 8540303
    Abstract: A cabriolet top (8) for a cabriolet (1) has a roof (10) which, in a closed position (ST) of the cabriolet top, upwardly bounds a vehicle interior (9) and, for an open position of the cabriolet (1), is movable into a storage position (AS) in a storage space (21). The roof (10) has a main roof part (11) and closing roof parts (12, 13) which, in the closed position (ST), form a continuous roof surface. The main roof part (11) has at least one open-edged cutout (24, 25) that is closed by the closing roof part (12, 13) in the closed position (ST). However, the closing roof part (12, 13) is displaced relative to the main roof part (11) and opens the cutout (24, 25) in the storage position (AS).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hanno Weber, Mathias Froschle
  • Patent number: 8528960
    Abstract: A vehicle roof retracting device comprises a guiding mechanism, a rear shelf, a principal shaft, an adjusting lever, an initiative lever, and a connecting lever. The guiding mechanism of the roof rotates around the principal shaft for actuating the roof to displace between a closed position and a retracted position. The rear shelf provides a space for the passage of the roof when it is opened and conceals a gap between the roof and the trunk cover when it is closed. The adjusting lever is connected to an extension extending transversely from one end of the guiding mechanism and actuated by the extension to rotate around the principal shaft. A protruding part of the adjusting lever is engaged with or disengaged from the initiative lever for rotating the initiative lever around said principal shaft. The connecting lever is configured to connect the initiative lever and the rear shelf for displacing the rear shelf between the open position and the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: BYD Company Limited
    Inventors: Dehe Mao, Hu Man, Hongfei Yan, Yi Qin, Tao Liu
  • Patent number: 8459719
    Abstract: A roof construction for a motor vehicle has a roll bar and a roof element which, in a closed position, is accommodated between the roll bar and a windshield and, in an open position, is accommodated behind the roll bar and can be shifted from the open position into the closed position and vice versa beyond the roll bar via an opening and closing mechanism. The roof constructing further has a covering which covers the roll bar on the outside in the open position of the roof element and in the closed position of the roof element. Vertical extending side parts of the covering can be shifted relative to the roll bar during the shifting of the roof element. A transverse part of the covering extends substantially in a horizontal direction and is fastened to the roll bar so as not to be able to be shifted relative thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignees: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft, Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Schulzki, Kurt Pfertner, Gernot Bruder, Metodi Kostadinov, Christian Soergel
  • Patent number: 8220861
    Abstract: A vehicle body is provided that includes, but is not limited to a frame and a roof held above the frame so as to be movable between a closed configuration in which it covers a passenger compartment and an open configuration in which the passenger compartment is uncovered. The passenger compartment has at least one door. At least one pair of pillars is mounted to the frame to the rear of the door for supporting the roof in its closed configuration. The roof is adapted to assume an intermediate configuration between its open and closer configurations in which the roof is spaced apart from said pillars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Taras Czornyj, Martin Johansson
  • Publication number: 20120086230
    Abstract: A locking apparatus for a folding top of a vehicle includes a housing, a locking hook, a driving apparatus, and a sensor. The locking hook has a gripping end and a bearing end. The bearing end is movably mounted in the housing to be horizontally adjustable in a longitudinal direction of the locking hook such that the locking hook is movable between closed and opened positions. The driving apparatus has a driving arm and a crank mechanism. The crank mechanism has a crank that is arranged eccentric to an axis of rotation and is rotationally adjustable around the rotation axis. The crank is connected with the driving arm such that the crank actuates the driving arm while rotating around the rotation axis. The driving arm drives the locking hook to move the locking hook between the closed and opened positions upon the driving arm being actuated by the crank. The sensor cooperates with the crank mechanism to sense when the locking hook is in the closed and opened positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: MAGNA CAR TOP SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Gunnar Wilke, Christof Blech
  • Patent number: 8118343
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Dominik Beierl
  • Patent number: 8052197
    Abstract: A cabriolet vehicle has a body structure and a roof structure that can be attached to the body structure (14). The roof structure has a top with a top material. The top material has a main section, which forms the actual roof of the roof structure in the closed state of the top and lateral rear elongation sections. The elongation sections can be threaded into openings (15) of the body structure (14) and attached to tensioning brackets (19) of the body structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bernd Kasperowski, Wolfgang Ramin, Grant Larson, Stefan Eichholz
  • Patent number: 7959208
    Abstract: A convertible soft top for a motor vehicle is provided. The convertible soft top has a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion has a header element that can attach to a frame around a front window of the motor vehicle and a pair of in-folding side rails. The in-folding side rails afford for the length of the front portion to be reduced and allow for the front portion to be stored on top of the rear portion in a clam shell configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Neubrand
  • Patent number: 7934765
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Felix Hermann, Dominik Beierl, Lars Schulz
  • Publication number: 20100295333
    Abstract: A folding top includes a roof cap extending transversely to a longitudinal direction and a top rail extending on one side of the roof cap in the longitudinal direction. The top rail has front and rear rail guides arranged end to end in the longitudinal direction with a rear end of the front rail guide facing a front end of the rear rail guide. The front rail guide is connected to the roof cap by screws. The front lever is connected to the rear end of the front rail guide. The rear lever is connected to the front end of the rear rail guide. The levers are connected together via a rotating bearing such that the rail guides are connected together and are movable relative to one another as the levers rotate about the bearing. The levers and the bearing are fabricated separately from the rail guides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: MAGNA CAR TOP SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Jan Just, Michael Schwarzer
  • Patent number: 7832785
    Abstract: The invention concerns a vehicle comprising a body roof having an opening capable of being closed and a folding top consisting of several rigid parts (3), (4), (5) and a modular roof assembly (1) mounted directly in one single piece on the vehicle structure, said assembly comprising the folding top, with its mobile parts (3), (4), (5), a frame (10) supporting the folding top, adapted to be positioned opposite marking elements (75) of the vehicle structure and connected thereto, the parts of the roof being mobile between an extended position, resulting from a forward displacement, and a folded position wherein said parts are substantially vertically retracted behind the seats (7), side by side, a mechanism (40, 50) for displacing the roof parts, borne by the support frame, being also provided, after the modular roof assembly has been positioned inside the vehicle, for displacing said roof parts relative to the roof opening between their extended and retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Societe Europeenne de Brevet Automobiles
    Inventors: Gerard Queveau, Paul Queveau, Jean-Marc Guillez
  • Publication number: 20100276965
    Abstract: A top for a convertible motor vehicle includes a top linkage operable to move the top between a closed position and an open position. The top linkage includes at least one functional component having a first position and a second position. The functional component is generally in the first position at a start of the opening movement and at the start of the closing movement, and also at an end of an opening movement and at the end of the closing movement. The functional component is moved from the first position to the second position for at least a portion of the opening movement and of the closing movement when the top linkage is between the open and closed positions. The movement of the functional component from the first position to the second position provides clearance for at least one element that moves during movement of the top linkage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Theuerkauf, Norbert Habacker, Michael Schroeder, Andreas Baumeier
  • Patent number: 7815240
    Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided having front and rear roof panels and which can be moved from in use to stowed positions to change the style of the motor vehicle from a two box style to a convertible or pick-up style. A stowage mechanism for the rear roof panel having two interlinked four bar linkages is disclosed which allows a small linear actuator to produce the range of displacement required to stow the rear roof panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alan Richard Condon, Torsten Gerhardt, John K. Harding
  • Patent number: 7780217
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Halbweiss
  • Patent number: 7762611
    Abstract: An assembly includes a roof having front and rear roof parts, a motion system, and a coupling rod. The motion system includes front and rear guide rods, a spring, and a guide rod mechanism to move the roof between closed and opened positions. The front guide rod is fixed to the front roof part and is pivotably supportable on a bearing. The rear guide rod is fixed to the rear roof part and is pivotably supportable on a bearing. The coupling rod is articulately connected to the front guide rod and to the rear roof part. The spring is articulately connected to the front guide rod and to the guide rod mechanism which is articulately connected to the rear guide rod such that the spring is biased to open the roof when the roof is closed and is biased to close the roof when the roof is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Marcus Papendorf, Gernot Bruder
  • Publication number: 20100156136
    Abstract: A convertible soft top for a motor vehicle is provided. The convertible soft top has a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion has a header element that can attach to a frame around a front window of the motor vehicle and a pair of in-folding side rails. The in-folding side rails afford for the length of the front portion to be reduced and allow for the front portion to be stored on top of the rear portion in a clam shell configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Neubrand
  • Publication number: 20100148533
    Abstract: A cabriolet vehicle (1) is provided with a roof (3) which at least in some areas has a flexible cover (6), which includes in its front roof area (7) a rigid end area (8), a so-called roof top, overlapped by a cover (6), in which the front roof area (7) can be stored in the same orientation as in the closed roof state in or partially above a body recess (9), which is bounded at least rearward by an edge (11) of auto body (4). The front roof area (7) is variable in length by at least one additional support (14) that supports roof area (6) from below, and can be displaced in the vehicle longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2005
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: Nils Kreiling
  • Patent number: 7712817
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a movable roof with a rearward roof part closed divided into a middle region including a rear window and two lateral outer regions. The middle region is upwardly displaceable with respect to the outer regions during the opening of the roof. The movable roof is configured such that the top end of the middle region is connected to the forward roof part, which is held above the rearward roof part when the roof is open. The lower region of the middle region is connected to a movement linkage to move this region upwardly relative to the outer regions during the opening of the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Wilheim Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Meinert
  • Patent number: 7708333
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle roof (20) comprises a forward roof element (22) and a rearward roof element (24). An unchangeable, upwardly opened, recessed storage area (14) for the roof elements is defined in a rear trunk lid (12). The forward roof element may be pivoted relative to the rearward roof element about a first axis (A1) that is perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal plane. The forward roof element and the rearward roof element also may be pivoted together about a second axis (A2) that extends perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal plane. At least the forward roof element is curved such that, in the open position of the vehicle roof, i.e. when it is folded onto the rearward roof element and is stored in the storage area, it forms a substantially continuous, curved outer shell together with the rear trunk lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Andre Kracht
  • Patent number: 7677635
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Franz-Ulrich Brockhoff
  • Patent number: 7669912
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Franz-Ulrich Brockhoff
  • Patent number: 7644974
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hood (1) for a convertible (2), comprising a tail end/roof segment (6), a front roof segment (8) and at least one central roof segment (7). The roof segments (6, 7, 8) comprise opposite roof frame profiles (9, 10, 11) which are symmetrical in relation to a longitudinal axis (33) of the vehicle and can be folded together in a Z-shape by means of a folding mechanism. In order to reduce the packing height of the hood (1), the roof segments (9, 10, 11) lie substantially on top of each other in a parallel manner in a folded position when the hood is open (1) and the outer roof frame profiles (10) of the at least one central roof segment (7) are rotated about the axis, which is at least approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis (33) of the motor vehicle, by means of a guide device (21) in relation to a position when the hood is closed and are displaced in the direction of the center of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Jürgen Theuerkauf
  • Patent number: 7585012
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a compartment, roof, roof system, cover, cover link, and coupling system. The roof is movable between a closed position and a storage position in which the roof is within the compartment. The roof system has a main link movably coupled to the vehicle via a joint and connected to the roof to move the roof. The cover is movable between a closed position covering the compartment and an opened position raised from the compartment. The cover link is movably coupled to the vehicle via a joint and connected to the cover to move the cover. The coupling system has a connecting link coupling the links such that the cover is coupled to the roof system to move about the cover link joint as the roof moves. The connecting link passes through a position in which it and the joints run along a straight line during roof movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Metodi Kostadinov
  • Patent number: 7497498
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Jürgen Theuerkauf
  • Patent number: 7464981
    Abstract: In a motor vehicle and or a subassembly of a motor vehicle, e.g., a convertible or a roadster, with an opening roof, e.g., a soft top or a hardtop, which includes roof parts or roof elements which are mounted on a main bearing device so as to be able to pivot from a closed position into an open position, the main bearing device is fastened to a supporting structure of the motor vehicle, and with a roll bar which is fitted to the motor vehicle so as to be able to pivot from a storage position into a protective position. To reduce manufacturing costs, the main bearing device has an additional, secondary bearing device on which the roll bar is pivotally mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Frank Amrhein, Bernhard Schenk, Carsten Unruh
  • Patent number: 7441825
    Abstract: A retractable roof for a vehicle comprising at least one front roof element (4) and one rear roof element (3), these at least two elements being mobile between a covering position in which they cover the passenger compartment of the vehicle and a storage position in which they are folded away in the rear boot of the vehicle, the roof also comprising two pivoting arms (1, 2) mounted such as to pivot around axles of rotation (9, 10) on the rear roof element (3) between a longitudinal position in which they extend between the front end of the rear element (3) and the rear of the windscreen on either side and all along the front roof element (4), and a transverse position in which they overlap each other transversally in relation to the plane of symmetry of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Heuliez
    Inventors: Gérard Queveau, Paul Queveau, Jean-Marc Guillez
  • Publication number: 20080224496
    Abstract: A folding top for a cabriolet vehicle, that includes a first roof part which is embodied as a rigid shell element, a second roof part which is embodied as a rigid shell element, and a forced control unit. The first roof part and the second roof part are pivotable relative to a body of the vehicle, are driven by a common force-introducing unit, and are movable by means of the forced control unit. The forced control unit includes a mechanical control device, by means of which movement of the second roof part can be delayed from movement of the first roof part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: EDSCHA CABRIO-DACHSYSTEME GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Obendiek
  • Patent number: 7377574
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Richter, David Connolly, Markus Wulf, Frank Neubrand
  • Patent number: 7334832
    Abstract: The invention concerns a retractable roof consisting of at least two elements (1, 2) for a vehicle comprising a passenger compartment (7) and a rear deck (6), said roof including a front element (2) and a rear element (1) mobile between a first position wherein they cover the passenger compartment (7) and a second position wherein they are superimposed horizontally in the rear deck (6), the displacement of the rear element (1) towards the rear deck (6) being driven by at least an arm articulated (5) at one first of its ends to the chassis, and the front element (2) being linked to the rear element (1) via two levers (13, 14) articulated each at one first (15, 16) of its ends to said front element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Societe Europeenne de Brevets Automobiles
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Guillez, Gérard Queveau, Paul Queveau
  • Patent number: 7275783
    Abstract: A convertible roof includes a segmented pair of front roof rails that in-fold when being retracted, thereby reducing the packaging space required to stow the convertible roof. The in-folding of the segmented front roof rails is controlled by linkages between the segmented portions and the number one roof bow and synchronizes and constrains the in-folding of the segmented front roof rails. A dampening device is utilized to dampen a portion of the movement of the top stack mechanism between extended and retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventor: Christopher J. Dilluvio
  • Patent number: 7258388
    Abstract: Disclosed is a convertible top assembly for a vehicle, which comprises a pair of reinforcing plate members 20 each attached to an inner surface of a lower region in a corresponding one of right and left lateral edges of a convertible top 3, and connection means X (plate spring 28) for connecting between a main link 6 and each of the reinforcing plate members 20, whereby the rigidity of the lower region in each of the right and left lateral edges of the convertible top 3 is increased to ensure a sufficient sealing between the convertible top 3 and a vehicle body 2 in a closed position of the convertible top 3 in a simplified structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Mori, Hiroki Tanoue
  • Patent number: 7246841
    Abstract: A convertible roof includes a segmented pair of front roof rails that in-fold when being retracted, thereby reducing the packaging space required to stow the convertible roof. The in-folding of the segmented front roof rails is controlled by linkages between the segmented portions and the number one roof bow and synchronizes and constrains the in-folding of the segmented front roof rails. A dampening device is utilized to dampen a portion of the movement of the top stack mechanism between extended and retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: ASC Incorporated
    Inventor: Christopher J. Dilluvio
  • Patent number: 7150491
    Abstract: The invention relates to a retractable roof for passenger vehicles, especially a hard top for two-seater convertibles, roadsters or similar, comprising a dimensionally stable shell consisting of a roof part and rear support pillars which are rigidly connected to the roof part at an obtuse angle, a rear window for a window opening and an accommodating area located perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle directly behind the seats, wherein the roof part can be moved in and out with the support columns thereof by means of guiding and drive means. The roof part is kinematically and restrictively guided on a guide track with the support pillars thereof. The aim of the invention is to provide a retractable roof of the above-mentioned variety which exhibits the required structural rigidity yet which is lightweight, operates smoothly and is mechanically simply and easy to use while at the same time being compact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Inventor: Petros Perakis
  • Patent number: 7125065
    Abstract: A top for a convertible vehicle, the top including a storage space for storing the top in an opened state of the top, an essentially shape-preserving covering member for covering the storage space in a closed state of the top, and a rear top section. The top section is arranged at least partially above the storage space in the closed state of the top, and the covering member is connected to the rear top section by at least one connecting member. Movement of the top section can move the covering member via the connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Edscha Cabrio-Dachsystems GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Haberl, Klaus Obendiek
  • Patent number: 7118161
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Neubrand
  • Patent number: 7017972
    Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided which includes a passenger compartment, a vehicle roof which in its closed position closes the passenger compartment, and a cargo bed open to the top and located behind the passenger compartment. The vehicle roof can be swiveled from its closed position into an open position in which its rear edge is located behind the passenger compartment near the cargo bed. A multiple-joint arrangement is provided for swiveling the motor vehicle roof out of the closed position into the open position and thus allowing the vehicle to be easily converted from a pick-up into a convertible. The multiple-joint arrangement includes a first part attached to the roof at or near the rear edge of the roof and a second part attached to a middle area of the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Webasto AG
    Inventors: Thomas Rudolph, Michael Kölbl, Peter Oberhaus, Francois De Gaillard, Manfred Färber
  • Patent number: 7014247
    Abstract: A hardtop convertible roof for a vehicle includes rigid panels that are each retractable and at least two of the panels are directly connected to fixed pivots and rotate about the fixed pivots when being retracted. One of the panels can be directly connected to a fixed pivot that is located between wheel housings on the vehicle. The rearmost roof section can be directly connected to a fixed pivot and rotate rearwardly about the fixed pivot less than about 90° when moving from the raised to stowed position. At least four roof sections can be used wherein one of the roof sections is directly connected to a fixed pivot about which it rotates when moving between the raised and stowed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: ASC Incorporated
    Inventor: Christopher J. Dilluvio
  • Patent number: 6964340
    Abstract: A retractable hardtop for use with a vehicle includes a rear section pivotally coupled to the vehicle and a front section pivotally coupled to the rear section for movement of the hardtop between an extended position defining a roof over a passenger compartment in the vehicle and a retracted position at least partially stowed in a storage compartment. A balance link extends between one end pivotally coupled to the vehicle and an opposite end pivotally coupled to the front panel. A center panel opening is defined between the front and rear panels. A center panel is operatively coupled to the balance link for movement in and out of the center panel opening during movement of the hardtop between the extended and retracted positions, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Neubrand
  • Patent number: 6874841
    Abstract: The invention concerns a folding roof wherein the front element (1) is linked to the intermediate element (2), the rear element (3) is not linked to the intermediate element (2) and is mobile towards the rear deck (5) through driving means independent of those controlling the displacement of the intermediate element (2) and of the front element (1) towards the rear deck (5). The intermediate element is linked to the vehicle body by two arms (6, 7) articulated to said body and to said intermediate element (2), one of said two arms (6, 7) being associated with means controlling its pivoting, the front of the intermediate element (2) being linked to the front element (1) by two levers (13, 14) articulated to said intermediate element (2) and to said front element (1), one (6) of said two arms being linked to one (14) of said levers by a link rod (19) articulated to said arm (6) and said lever (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: France Design
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Guillez, Gérard Oueveau
  • Patent number: 6866325
    Abstract: A convertible roof system includes a front roof section, a rear roof section, an automatically power actuator and a linkage mechanism. In another aspect of the present invention, the front and/or rear roof sections are rigid, hard-top roofs. A further aspect of the present invention provides that the outside surfaces of the roofs have a generally vertical orientation when in their open and retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: ASC Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael T. Willard
  • Patent number: 6832805
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Wolfgang Quindt, Frank Neubrand
  • Patent number: 6695384
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Obendiek, Jason Bowles
  • Patent number: 6695386
    Abstract: A convertible roof for an automotive vehicle is provided. In one aspect of the present invention, a convertible roof includes first, second and third roof sections. At least one of the roof sections rotates over one hundred and eighty degrees when moving from a raised position to a stowed position. Another aspect of the present invention employs a balance link interconnecting the second roof section and the vehicle. Another aspect of the present invention provides that a substantial portion of one of the roof sections is positioned below a top of a vehicle wheel well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: ASC Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael T. Willard
  • Patent number: 6672645
    Abstract: A convertible has a top storable in the rear of the convertible when the top is open. A top cover is provided and the top is stored underneath the top cover when open. The top cover is movable for releasing a passageway for the top via which the top is moved for storing the top and for returning the top from the open position into the closed position. An extension member is pivotably connected to the top cover. In the open position of the top, the extension member is positioned substantially in front of the top cover, when viewed in the travel direction of the convertible. The extension member is pivotable relative to the top cover such that the extension member, when the top is closed, is positioned in a stored position at substantially a right angle to the top cover underneath the top cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Reinhard Quindt
  • Patent number: 6659533
    Abstract: A convertible roof having a backlite that is substantially vertical when the convertible roof is in a raised position is provided. An automatically powered actuator used to actively control retraction of a convertible roof and a backlite frame is provided. Actively controlling a roof bow immediately forward of a backlite frame is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: ASC Incorporated
    Inventor: Todd A. Grubbs
  • Patent number: 6648397
    Abstract: A Lowerable motor vehicle roof, with at least one openable front roof part (13) which is movably supported lengthwise on side roof members (8), and a rear roof part or rear element (7) which can be moved into the storage position in the body. The at least one front roof part (13) is located first in a storage space in the body (1) or on part of the roof (5) when the roof (5) is being lowered, and then the roof (5) is lowered into its storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Schütt, Philipp Hutterer