Rigid Patents (Class 296/107.17)
  • Patent number: 7677634
    Abstract: A foldable top assembly for a golf cart having front and rear ends, passenger seating therebetween, rear support attachments disposed rearwardly of front passenger seating, and front supports mounted in front of the passenger seating is disclosed. The foldable top assembly includes an articulated frame including a pair of spaced, longitudinally extending main members connectable to the rear support attachments. A plurality of transversely extending support members is connected to the pair of longitudinally extending main members. A front support member is connected to ends of the longitudinally extending frame members and is detachably connectable to the front supports on the golf cart. A foldable top, such as a fabric or rigid top is mounted on the articulated frame. The frame is foldable to fold and nest the top in a storage position and unfoldable to a use position to cover the passenger seating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Daniel J. Flynn
  • Patent number: 7618080
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a roof, a roof part kinematic system (RPKS), and a transmission kinematic system (TKS). The roof includes roof parts movably connected together to be movable between a closed position in which the parts cover the vehicle interior and a stored position in which the roof parts expose the vehicle interior. The RPKS includes a guide rod pivotably supported at one end about a vehicle body-side rotary joint and pivotably supported at another end to one of the parts to movably connect the part to the vehicle such that upon RPKS actuation the RPKS moves the roof part between the positions. The TKS has a spring connected at one end to the guide rod. The spring acts on the guide rod with a swivel torque about the first rotary joint during the part transfer. The spring orientation traverses the first rotary joint during the part transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Gernot Bruder
  • Patent number: 7597379
    Abstract: A collapsible top for a convertible can be stowed in a rear region of the convertible. The top has a rear window frame and at least one roof section which, in the closed state of the top, is situated in front thereof in the direction of travel. At least one roof section and/or the rear window frame is/are each designed as a frame-like module carrier to which different sheet-like roof modules can be fitted in order to implement different roof variants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dominik Beierl, Harald Biersack
  • Patent number: 7597380
    Abstract: A retractable hard-top roof for a convertible-roof vehicle is disclosed. The roof comprises a forward roof panel and a rear roof panel. The panels fit together flush when the roof is in a top-up position. In a top-down position the panels are stowed in a roof stowage deck. A pair of roof hinge mechanisms moves the roof panels between the top-up position and the top-down position with a first linear actuator. A pair of tonneu cover mechanisms raises and then lowering a tonneu cover when the roof panels are moved from one position to the other. A roof deck lid, a front roof panel lock, and a pillar roof lock may also be included to secure the roof in either its top-up or top-down positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph Adwok Adjwok
  • Publication number: 20090230720
    Abstract: The openable roof system (R) comprises: a covering element or roof (3) which in the vicinity of its rear end (3b) is mounted rotatably about a horizontal axis (4) between two parallel side uprights (5) of the bodywork of the motor car (1), close to the rear of the passenger compartment (2), and; an essentially vertical stowage compartment (6) open towards the top, formed in the motor car (1) between and below said uprights (5). The arrangement is such that the covering element or roof (3) can be pivoted about the axis (4) between a closed position, where it is arranged so as to lie at least approximately horizontally, and a midway open position, where it is arranged so as to lie substantially vertically. The covering element or roof (3) is then displaceable downwards from said midway open position into a final concealed position where it is contained so as to lie substantially vertically inside the stowage compartment (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Fioravanti S.r.l.
    Inventor: Leonardo Fioravanti
  • 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: 7559597
    Abstract: A vehicle roof automatic opening/closing device includes a first roof panel, a second roof panel and a rear window panel, a retracting mechanism moving the first roof panel so as to overlap the second roof panel and moving the first roof panel and the second roof panel so as to further overlap the rear window panel, a lift mechanism moving those panels so as to be stored within a luggage space, the retracting mechanism including plural rotational link members provided among the first roof panel, the second roof panel and the rear window panel, the rear window panel including a protruding portion formed so as to cover one of: a side surface of the second roof panel; and both a side surface of the first roof panel and the side surface of the second roof panel, and the rotational link members supported by the protruding portion of the rear window panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Keiji Mori
  • Publication number: 20090174218
    Abstract: A hardtop folding roof for an open motor vehicle includes an upper roof part and a rear roof part having a rear window. The roof parts can be transferred from a closed position into a storage position via respective lateral link mechanisms. Each link mechanism includes two main links. A first main link is assigned to an associated roof pillar of the rear roof part, and a second main link is coupled at least indirectly to the upper roof part at a distance in front of the associated first main link. A rear window holder of the rear window can be moved relative to the roof pillars during the transfer of the folding roof, and the second main links of each link mechanism are assigned to the rear window holder of the rear window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Koch
  • Patent number: 7513563
    Abstract: A roof for a vehicle comprising several roof elements that can be displaced between a first position above the passenger compartment and a second position in which they are stowed inside the boot, the roof elements being, when they cover the passenger compartment, connected to each other and to respectively front and rear parts of the body structure of the vehicle via securing elements controlled by rigid rods driven by an electric motor. These rods are constantly connected to each other in pairs from one of the roof elements to another, as much in the first position as in the second position of these elements, by a cable transmitting the movement generated by the electric motor between the rods and allowing to secure the roof elements to the body structure of the vehicle, as much in their first as in their second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Societe Europeenne de Brevets Automobiles
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Guillez, Paul Queveau, Gérard Queveau
  • Patent number: 7506916
    Abstract: A motor vehicle includes at least one displaceable roof section, which when closed abuts the windscreen frame at the front of the vehicle and whose lateral outer areas respectively abut a support. The supports can be relocated in lateral columns of the windscreen frame, where the ends of the supports at the front of the vehicle and the section of the supports lying in the exit region of the lateral column are guided without play in a housing channel that is formed by the respective lateral column, by a respective roller bearing, at a defined distance from the wall of the receiving channel. An optimized guidance system and stability are achieved., if the end of the support at the rear of the vehicle is held in a central manner in a locking device on a rear roof section. The locking device is configured with a cylindrical fastening element comprising a centering recess, in which a rocker-mounted locking lever, designed to engage in a cavity of the support, is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Jürgen Kuhr
  • Patent number: 7500710
    Abstract: A hardtop vehicle roof having at least two rigid roof parts, at least one of which can be adjusted, by a roof part kinematic system, between a closed position in which the vehicle interior is covered and in which the roof parts are arranged one behind the other in the direction of travel, and a storage position exposing the vehicle interior. The roof part kinematic system of the roof parts is arranged on the outside of at least one roof part facing away from the vehicle interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Wojciech Wezyk, Berthold Klein, Thomas Halbweiss
  • Patent number: 7497499
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a roof, a compartment, and a lid. A roof kinematic system moves the roof between a closed position and a stored position in which the roof is in the compartment. The lid is movable between a closed position in which the lid covers the compartment and an opened position. First and second locks include respective closing parts movable between locked and unlocked positions. A shared kinematic system connects the closing parts to synchronously move them together. When the roof is in its stored position within the compartment and the lid is in its closed position over the compartment, the shared kinematic system moves the closing parts to their locked position such that the first part interacts with the roof and locks the roof within the compartment and the second part interacts with the lid and locks the lid over the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Halbweiss, Kristian Franz, Horst Meier
  • Patent number: 7455347
    Abstract: A vehicle roof structure (10), which has at least one rear-side convertible top compartment lid (16) and a rigid roof part (12) movable between an opened- and a closed position, which roof part (12) extends in the closed position between a windshield frame (14) of the vehicle and the convertible top compartment lid (16) and in the opened position is stored in a space underneath the convertible top compartment lid (16), is movable between the closed position and the opened position by a linkage mechanism (30, 36) and is additionally provided with at least one guide device (40, 42, 44), with which the roof part (12) is in contact during at least one portion of its movement path between the opened- and closed position and which effects a directional change of the movement path of the roof part (12) when it arrives in contact with the roof part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventors: Udo Heselhaus, Winfried Bunsmann, Franz Ulrich Brockhoff
  • 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: 20080258490
    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: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: MAGNA CAR TOP SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Marcus Papendorf, Gernot Bruder
  • Publication number: 20080246302
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle having a roof moveable between a stored position to a closed position, and method of manufacturing said convertible vehicle. The roof is supported by a pair of lateral main support units fixed to opposite sides of the vehicle body. Each lateral main support unit has a fastening flange movable along a portion thereof for securing the roof to pins disposed on the vehicle body. The convertible roof is manufactured such that the main support units and the linkage parts are assembled upside down on a fixture replicating the vehicle body. Thus alignment of the roof to the vehicle body is ensured. Furthermore manufacturing tolerances are accommodated by moving the fastening flanges along a portion of the lateral main support units such that the fastening flanges are registered to the pins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Jorg Halker
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080197667
    Abstract: A hardtop a convertible vehicle has at least two roof parts which can be displaced between a closed position and a stowed position. In the stowed position, the roof parts are stowed in a vehicle trunk, and can be brought into a loading position which is elevated relative to the stowed position. Furthermore, the hardtop has a folding-top actuation assembly which has at least one folding-top linkage, at least one drive device and at least one bearing device. The roof parts are coupled to the bearing device via at least one link of the folding-top linkage and can be displaced by the drive device. The bearing device has a main bearing and an intermediate bearing which is movable relative to the main bearing. The drive device has a translatory drive element and a rotatory drive elements, which are engaged with each other. The link of the folding-top linkage is connected to the rotatory drive element and is mounted such that it can rotate together with the intermediate bearing about a common pivot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventor: Michael Koch
  • Patent number: 7404587
    Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a roof having at least one part which can be moved as a whole between an opened position and a closed position and which, in the closed position, extends between an area near a wind shield frame and a rear rigid roof part. The rear rigid roof part includes two lateral tips which, when the roof is closed, are overlapped on their upper side by frame parts which can be moved upward to create an opening for the passage of the movable roof part. The roof has a rear window which is mounted relatively far towards the front so that the rear window is not window is not moved upwardly when the frame parts are moved upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Franz-Ulrich Brockhoff
  • Publication number: 20080136214
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in a motor vehicle having a roof system, the motor vehicle further having a body with a passenger compartment and a trunk space, the apparatus comprising a roof system comprising any one of a rigid panel hardtop, a retractable hardtop moveable from an extended position disposed above the passenger compartment to a retracted position, or a soft convertible top movable from an extended position disposed above the passenger compartment to a retracted position, wherein any one of the rigid panel hardtop, retractable hardtop or convertible soft top includes an attachment bracket. A transverse support beam having a first end and a second end is included, the support beam carrying any one of the rigid panel top, the retractable hardtop or the soft convertible top, wherein the first end and said second end include universal adapter brackets. The universal adapter brackets are connected to the attachment brackets and to the vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: COLLINS & AIKMAN PRODUCTS CO.
    Inventors: Albert W. Harrison III, John Thomas
  • 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: 7374226
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Obendiek
  • Publication number: 20080100089
    Abstract: A storage system for sport utility hardtops and other vehicle parts including accessories. The system includes a storage cart that can be secured to the rear portion of the hardtop while the hardtop is still positioned atop the vehicle body. The hardtop and secured cart can then be lifted off the vehicle body as a unit and the cart placed on a garage floor or other horizontal surface. The stored hardtop is essentially upright on the cart and takes up a minimum of floor space. The cart preferably has rollers and the upright hardtop and cart can be easily and quickly moved across the floor to any convenient storage area and enclosed in a protective cover. The storage system also includes a caddy for the other vehicle parts including accessories. The caddy is designed to mate with the cart and the hardtop stored on it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Christopher R. Schumacher, Ronald S. Dahms
  • Patent number: 7364217
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle top includes a first roof part, a second roof part adjoining the first roof part in a closed position of the top, and an outer link pivotably connected to the first roof part and to the second roof part. The outer link is connected to the first roof part by a first link mechanism and is disposed on an outer side of the first roof part in the closed position of the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Obendiek, Heinrich Wuellrich
  • Patent number: 7347481
    Abstract: A vehicle roof of a convertible with at least one front roof part, a rear roof part that is movable between a closed position over the vehicle interior and an open position in which it is stowed in a rear stowage space, and a rear window which is pivotably supported on the rear roof part. In the open position in the stowage space, the window is raised relative to the rear roof part. For improved actuation of the rear window, a holding mechanism keeps the rear window in its closed position on the rear roof part and when the rear roof part is being stowed, releases the rear window to swing relative to the rear roof part. A support is located in the stowage space and supports the rear window while the rear roof part is lowered into its stowage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Open Air Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Schuett, Fritz Wegener
  • Patent number: 7344180
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle includes a roof having roof parts including a rear roof part. The roof is movable between a closed position in which the parts cover the vehicle and a stored position in which the parts are stacked within a storage compartment of the vehicle. A trunk lid opens and closes the compartment. The rear roof part includes C-pillars on respective sides of the vehicle and a window. The window is independently movable from the rear roof part between a normal position in which the window lies between the C-pillars and a raised position in which the window lies outside of the rear roof part. An adjusting device connected between the rear roof part and the window moves the window between the normal and raised positions. A storage shelf connected to the trunk lid extends below the rear roof part into the vehicle when the roof is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Halbweiss, Robert Koschien
  • Patent number: 7344179
    Abstract: Linkages of a vehicle hardtop having two main links. The two main links have link attachments to a main bearing. The link attachments are offset with respect to each other in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The first main link is connected to the front link attachment of the main bearing. The second main link is a C-pillar link that is attached to and moves with the rear roof part of the hardtop. An intermediate link connects the second main link to the main bearing. A connection link connects the intermediate link to the first main link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Marcus Papendorf, Gernot Bruder
  • 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: 7309099
    Abstract: A roof assembly for a vehicle includes a roof having roof parts. A rod kinematic system is connected to the roof parts to move the roof parts between a closed position of the roof in which the roof parts adjoin one another along a planar level to thereby cover the vehicle interior and a stored position of the roof in which the roof parts stack on top of one another to thereby expose the vehicle interior. First and second locking devices are associated with the roof parts. The locking devices have locking elements which engage one another to lock the stacked roof parts together when the roof is in the stored position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Netzel, Michael Neuberger
  • Patent number: 7309098
    Abstract: A motor vehicle with a retractable roof includes front and rear rigid roof parts that are movable between a closed position covering the passenger compartment and an open position stored in a rear receiver space. An articulated connector interconnects the front and rear roof parts. The articulated connector includes two control levers, which form a four-bar linkage, and a support plate. The control levers each having one end rotatably connected to the rear roof part and another end rotatably connected to the support plate. The support plate is movably connected to the front roof part. In the open position, the front roof part is arranged below the rear roof part and the outer surfaces of the roof parts face upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Neubrand
  • Patent number: 7300094
    Abstract: A hardtop convertible vehicle has a front roof part, a central roof part and a rear roof part that includes C-pillars and a rear window. The roof parts are connected to one another in an articulated manner and are movable between a closed roof position and an open roof position by means of a displacing device. In the open roof position, the roof parts are located in a trunk of the vehicle, with the rear roof part and the central roof part lying one above the other. The rear window of the rear roof part is mounted in an articulated manner in relation to the C-pillars of the rear roof part such that it is pivoted in relation to the C-pillars during the movement of the roof parts between the closed roof position and the open roof position and assumes a position with its curvature in the same direction as the central roof part. In the open roof position, the front roof part lies outside the rear roof part and the central roof part, either along a backrest or along a motor vehicle tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventor: Bernhard Schenk
  • Patent number: 7296843
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle with a removable top, comprising a stowable rigid roof that is provided with a forward roof element (15) and a rear roof element (17), a stowing space for the roof, which is located between the seats and the rear hood of the vehicle, first displacement means (35) for moving the roof elements side by side when the roof is opened, and second pivoting means (37, 43, 47) for displacing the roof elements by pivoting said roof elements between the closed state of the roof in which the elements are arranged in a substantially horizontal direction and the open state of the roof in which the elements are disposed in an essentially vertical direction within the stowing space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Society Europeene de Brevet Automobiles
    Inventors: Gérard Queveau, Paul Queveau, Jean-Marc Guillez
  • Patent number: 7255121
    Abstract: A universal portable vehicle canopy unit is provided for a front engine riding lawn mower style vehicle and includes suction cup affixing to the rear fender for easy assembly and disassembly of unit to vehicle. The portable vehicle canopy is supported by two vertical upright tube assemblies that are pivotally connected to the vehicle. Front and back of the canopy framework is held upright by adjustable length straps. A flexible canopy sheet assembly constructed of light weight nylon or similar materials is supported by the top canopy framework cross beams. Main usage for the portable vehicle canopy would be protection from sun light. Secondary usage for the portable vehicle canopy would be to ward off light rain. Material of the canopy frame work structure is light guage aluminum bent tubing or plastic molded tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventors: Charles Edward Milner, Michael Lee Malott
  • Patent number: 7232177
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for swiveling the parts of a convertible vehicle top, which consists at least of two cinematically linked parts, between a locked position and a put-down position and vice versa. To simplify the arrangement and to make it more effective, an intermediate bearing is carried at the body in such a way that it can be swiveled and it is coupled at one side to the body via a flexibly actuated connection element and at the other side it is coupled to one of the swiveling parts of the convertible top of the vehicle. A drive unit is provided at the intermediate bearing for swiveling the convertible top parts. At the body, a fixed control stop is positioned for a stop element that is mounted at the swiveling part of the convertible top that is coupled to the intermediate bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Rausch & Pausch GmbH
    Inventor: Tobias Wagner
  • Patent number: 7185940
    Abstract: The invention concerns a retractable roof for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one front roof element and one rear roof element (4), rigid and able to be moved between a closed position in which they cover the vehicle cabin (2) and a storage position in which they are stored in the rear boot (3) of the vehicle, the rear element being arranged so as to be moved by means of pivoting arms and guided by runners (19) extending in the boot. This roof comprises a first arm (7) articulated transversely to the plane of symmetry of the vehicle, at a first (8) of its ends on the vehicle chassis and at its second end (12) on a first end of a second arm (13) articulated at its second end (14) on the said rear element, also transversely to the plane of symmetry of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: SEBA (Societe Europeenne de Brevets Automobiles)
    Inventors: Gérard Queveau, Paul Queveau, Jean-Marc Guillez
  • Patent number: 7178852
    Abstract: A top for a convertible vehicle includes a roof module having at least one rigid roof part, the roof module being connected to the vehicle by way of a main link mechanism. The roof module is movable over the course of an opening movement of the top into a rear-side storage region of the vehicle. The main link mechanism includes a main four-bar linkage and a second four-bar linkage constructed on the main four-bar linkage. The second four-bar linkage is coupled in a positively controlled manner to the main four-bar linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Obendiek, Franz Haberl
  • Patent number: 7172236
    Abstract: A retractable Targa roof system having a windshield header, a pair of side pillars, a rollbar, a backlight, a single pivoting roof panel and at least one pivot-carrying buttress. The rigid roof panel has at least one fixedly attached swing arm independent of the side pillars and pivotally articulated to said buttress. The buttress pivot is positioned between the bases of the side pillars in transverse direction and substantially above the belt line of the vehicle. Various arrangements of the system allow for a rearward rotary motion to bring the roof panel into either externally retracted position above a forward-hinged deck lid, or internally retracted position under a rear-hinged deck lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: American Sunroof Corporation
    Inventor: Dmitri Chevtsov
  • Patent number: 7163254
    Abstract: A convertible includes a folding top having side beams, which are articulated to one another, and a roof structure, which is connected to the side beams and made at least partially of high-strength hot-formed steel material. Hereby the roof structure may include a roof member which is made of high strength hot formed steel material, or the roof structure may include a roof member and a reinforcement member which is made of high strength hot formed steel material and extends between the side beams, for support of the roof member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Jochem Fischer
  • Patent number: 7152903
    Abstract: The invention relates to a canopy assembly for use on a tractor that can be conveniently installed and removed by a single operator. The canopy assembly includes, among other things, a sun shield, a bracket assembly, and attachment arms. Installing the sun shield includes the step of attaching a pair of attachment arms to a pair of bracket mounting arms that are mounted to a tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Westendorf Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew N. Westendorf, Myron J. Kellen, Neal W. Westendorf
  • Patent number: 7152905
    Abstract: The roof according to the present invention has a front part, a rear central element articulated to the front part of the roof, and two rear side elements that are installed free to move with respect to the central element. A front drive and guidance system is adapted to displace the side elements with respect to the central element when the front part of the roof is displaced with respect to the central element and includes two side connecting rods, each rod being installed free to rotate at the front part of the roof and relative to a displacement system designed to displace the corresponding side element relative to the central element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Heuliez
    Inventors: Paul Queveau, Gerard Queveau, Jean-Marc Guillez
  • 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: 7134708
    Abstract: A convertible having a roof is provided with stiff parts, at least one rear roof part, and an upper roof part, which is mounted in front of the rear roof part relative to the direction of travel in the closed state and is located above a passenger area. The upper roof part of the convertible encompasses an at least substantially transparent plate member which can be displaced counter to the direction of travel like a sliding roof; is held parallel to a rear window that is embraced by the rear roof part in the open position thereof; and can be moved along with the roof in the parallel position in order to be opened and closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Russke
  • Patent number: 7118162
    Abstract: A foldable roof is disclosed, which is adapted to a convertible vehicle, and which includes first and second rigid roof elements connected to one another by a first articulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Heuliez
    Inventors: Paul Queveau, Gérard Queveau, Jean-Marc Guillez
  • 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: 7108310
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control device for a convertible vehicle roof comprising several rear (1), intermediary (2) and front (3) rigid roof elements which can be moved between a closed position and a storage position. Said rear (1), intermediary (2) and front (3) elements are connected to each other and to the body in such a way as to pivot around three fulcrum pins (A1, A2, A3). The inventive device comprises co-ordinating means (5, 6, 7, 8) which are used to co-ordinate the pivot movements around said pins (A1, A2, A3). The invention is characterised in that the co-ordinating means (5, 6, 7, 8) are disposed such that the combined movement thereof enables the intermediary element (2) to be inclined at a greater angle when said element is in the highest position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Societe Europeene de Brevets Automobiles
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Guillez, Gérard Queveau, Paul Queveau
  • Patent number: 7093884
    Abstract: A modular bulkhead assembly is provided for a convertible roof system for an automobile. The convertible roof system is mounted to the bulkhead or wall member including left and right linkage assemblies, an electronic control unit, and a hydraulic control system. The bulkhead module can then be assembled into a vehicle as a modular unit. The electronic control unit can then be connected to the vehicle power supply by connection of wire harnesses from the electrical control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignees: ASC Incorporated, Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan W. Eichhorst, Timothy J. Olind, Gary J. Forgue
  • Patent number: 7080873
    Abstract: This invention relates to a control device for tilting for at least one movable roof panel for a convertible vehicle comprising a structural body, a passenger compartment and at least two seats side by side arranged in this passenger compartment on each side of a vertical longitudinal plane of the vehicle. The control device comprises an actuator arranged and acting approximately in this vertical longitudinal plane. The actuator is connected to the roof panel to tilt it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Heuliez
    Inventors: Paul Queveau, Gerard Queveau, Jean-Marc Guillez
  • Patent number: 7063371
    Abstract: A hardtop convertible roof for a vehicle includes rigid panels that are interconnected to one another to selectively cover the passenger compartment. The roof panels rearward of a forwardmost roof panel are directly pivotally connected to a single pair of brackets which are fixedly connected to opposite sides of the vehicle. An interior surface of a third roof panel faces a majority of an exterior surface of a second roof panel when the roof panels are in a stowed position. The rearmost two roof panels form an at least four-bar linkage and a moveable link interconnecting the two panels is positioned between the majority of portions of the rearmost panels and the pivotal connections of these panels to a fixed location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: ASC Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael T. Willard
  • Patent number: 7029053
    Abstract: A roof for a convertible vehicle includes first and second roof parts which can be moved by a bearing mechanism between a closed position which covers an interior of the vehicle and a lowered position in a rear roof deposition space which exposes the vchicle interior. A locking device is provided for interlocking of the first and second roof parts in the closed position of the roof. The locking device has a first closing unit for mutual interlocking of the first and second roof parts and which is coupled to a drive mechanism. The first closing unit has a coupling mechanism to couple to a second closing unit which acts on one of the first and second roof parts and which interlocks the acted upon roof part to a third roof part or to a body part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Open Air Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Heller, Burkhard Reinsch
  • 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