Abstract: A retractable hardtop for a vehicle is disclosed that includes a unitary roof panel, an active rear window and a four bar link. The four bar link includes a pair of buttress panels and a pair of rear rails that are connected to the roof panel and the vehicle. No structural members of the retractable hard top interconnect the lower portion of the buttress panels or the rear rails between the pivot connections to the roof and the pivot connections to the vehicle.

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.

Abstract: A retractable top is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The top includes a roof cover, a linkage mechanism, a rear bow and an overcenter linkage. The linkage mechanism is pivotally coupled to the vehicle. The rear bow is pivotally coupled to the vehicle. The linkage mechanism supports a front portion of the roof cover. The rear bow supports a rear end of the roof cover. The overcenter linkage extends between the linkage mechanism and the rear bow. The overcenter linkage is movable to an overcenter position for locking the rear bow in the extended position.

Abstract: A 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.

Abstract: A retractable vehicle hardtop has a predominantly transparent top roof panel and a predominantly transparent combined back light/sail panel. The panels are attached to a top stack linkage that is used to retract and extend the hardtop. The top roof panel and combined back light/sail panel each feature a smooth, continuous two-part retractable hardtop that provides panoramic overhead views both when retracted and when extended. A frame is assembled to opaque peripheral portions of the top roof panel. Reinforcement bars are assembled to opaque portions of the combined back light/sail panel. A method of making the retractable hardtop is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a folding top for a convertible, comprising a rod assembly (8) and a top (4, 19) which is mounted on the rod assembly (8). In order to create a modular folding top concept, the rod assembly (8) is provided with a fastening base that is designed for mounting different tops (4, 19). Furthermore, one respective top (4, 19) that is selected among a group of at least two tops which are formed differently especially regarding the movement functionalities thereof while having the same connecting dimensions is mounted on the fastening base to complete the folding top.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle roof of a convertible having a front roof part (2) and a rear roof part (3) that contains the rear window (14) and is hingedly connected to the vehicle body. Front and rear roof part are connected to one another in an articulated manner and can be displaced between a closed position over the vehicle interior and a rear put-away position. The rear window (14) which is pivotably mounted to the rear roof part (3) is connected at the front edge thereof to the front roof part by means of a control rod (22) of a control cinematics, which is pivotably mounted to the front roof part, while in the put-away position the rear window has a position which is elevated in relation to the rear roof part (3). According to the invention, a pivotable bearing part (20) of the control cinematics, which is mounted on the front side of the rear window (14), can be accommodated at the guide (21) of the control rod (22) so as to be displaceable.

Abstract: An automotive convertible top is provided having a side bow which in a storage position is placed on top of a forward folding backlite bow. In a preferred embodiment, the convertible top stores on top of a rear storage area of a vehicle in a small space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cabriolet vehicle (1) with a roof (2; 102), comprising at least two moving units (6, 14; 106, 114) each mounted on main bearings (7, 8; 15, 16; 107, 108; 115) fixed to the chassis such as to move and each of which is provided with a rigid roof section (3, 4; 103, 104). At least one rear rigid roof section (4; 104), comprising a rear window (5; 105), is connected to a main bearing (15, 16; 115) by means of a multi-part articulated chain (17; 117), whereby a part (18; 118) of the articulated chain (17; 117) brings about at least one movement of the rigid roof section (4; 104) relative to the main bearing (15, 16; 115) and a part (19; 119) of the articulated chain (17; 117) brings about at least one change in the angular position of the rigid roof section (4; 104).

Abstract: A convertible roof system employs a convertible roof assembly and a cover assembly which operably covers at least a portion of a vehicular area within which the convertible roof is stowed. In a further aspect of the present invention, the cover assembly includes a dual-acting deck lid. Another aspect of the present invention employs a movable main pivot bracket for the convertible roof assembly. Furthermore, an additional aspect of the present invention allows a stowed and collapsed convertible roof assembly to at least partially move with a stowage area cover when the cover is opened to allow rearward access into the stowage area.

Abstract: A retractable roof includes a front roof panel, a back roof panel formed by joining outer and inner panel layers to each other, a lower link pivotally connected to a vehicle body member, an upper link pivotally connected to the front roof panel, and an intermediate link rigidly connected to each of the lower link and the upper link. The intermediate link is placed in between the outer and inner panel layers of the back roof panel.

Abstract: A cam switch assembly is actuated by movement of a member, such as a part of a convertible top that is pivoted about a first pivot axis toward and away from a surface that is fixed relative to the pivot. The cam switch comprises a holder for at least one switch that is attached to the member. A cam switch actuator having an arm is attached to the holder at a second pivot axis. The cam switch actuator opens and closes the switch as the cam switch actuator is pivoted relative to the holder about the second pivot axis. The arm has a first lost motion connection to the movable member in a first direction. The member has a second lost motion connection at the first pivot axis that is aligned with the first direction when the member is moved into engagement with the surface. The member is movable relative to the surface in a first direction and the arm is permitted to move relative to the surface without changing the angular orientation of the cam switch actuator relative to the holder.

Abstract: A latch assembly allows a first part and a second part of a convertible top system to be latched together. The latch assembly includes a pair of latch mechanisms disposed on the first part. Each latch mechanism has a hook movable between a locked position engaged with a receiver on the second part to latch the first and second parts together and an unlocked position disengaged from the receiver to unlatch the first and second parts from each other. The latch assembly also includes an actuating mechanism disposed on the first part between the latch mechanisms for moving the hooks between the locked and unlocked positions. The actuating mechanism includes a multi-link assembly movable to a dual overcenter position for maintaining the hooks in the locked position.

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 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.

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.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sliding roof system for a vehicle, comprising at least one front roof panel (40) and one rear roof panel (48), mobile relative to each other between a flush position and an offset position in height. One of the roof panels comprises assemblies of front and rear levers articulated to tilt between a low position and a high position wherein the panel involved is offset in height relative to its flush level. One of the panels comprises driving means for driving the lever assemblies either from the front rearwards, to raise the panel, or inversely, to shift it from its offset position towards its flush position. The lever assemblies engage guides (41, 44) adapted, upon controlled displacement from the front rearwards of the lever assemblies, to guide their tilting movement upwards and, upon reverse displacement, to guide their tilting movement downwards.

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.

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.

Abstract: A vehicle roof has at least two roof segments which, in the closed position of the roof, support a flexible roof skin at least in some regions and can be shifted via at least two pairs of links in a positively controlled manner from a closed position G of the top into a fixed storage position A of the top and vice-versa. One pair of links is thereby drivable by motor in order to move all of the roof parts. In the storage position A of the top, the driven pair of links can be supported by a first vehicle-body-side stop on each side of the vehicle in order to fix all of the roof parts with defined distances being maintained at least between the at least two pairs of links.

Abstract: A displaceable roof in a vehicle, in particular a folding top in a motor vehicle, with a front first roof section for connecting to the frame of the windshield of the vehicle, a second roof section disposed after it, and two link configurations which are mounted on both sides of the center of the vehicle, connect the roof sections to each other. The link configurations contain at least two links which couple the two roof sections to each other in such a manner that the first roof section moves over the second roof section during closing or opening of the roof. The roof link configurations are mounted on both sides of the center of the vehicle in bearings fixed on the vehicle body and are articulated on the second roof section. Each roof link configuration is coupled to a link of the link configuration disposed on the same side of the vehicle, for the purpose of displacing the roof sections.

Abstract: A folding top of a motor vehicle has two top bearings which are fixed on the vehicle body and on which a top linkage for the folding top is mounted such that it can be pivoted between a closed position of the top and a lowered position of the top. A pivotal rear window carrier is coupled to the top linkage in such a manner that it is raised when the folding top is closed and is lowered when the folding top is lowered. The top linkage is coupled, for the purpose of raising the rear window carrier, to front links mounted on the latter on both sides at the front, as seen in the direction of the front end of the vehicle. The rear window carrier is coupled on both sides to the top bearing by rear links, whereas the top linkage is coupled, for the purpose of displacing the rear window carrier, between the raised and lowered position, to one of the front links by in each case at least one coupling element.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle comprising a movable roof whose roof part at the rear with respect to the direction of travel(F)when the roof is closed is divided into a middle region including a rear window and into lateral outer regions, with the middle region being regionally upwardly displaceable with respect to the outer regions during the opening of the roof, is configured such that the end of the middle region at the top when the roof is closed is connected to a roof part arranged at the front which is arranged at the front of the roof part at the rear in the direction of travel (F) when the roof is closed and is held above the rear roof part when the roof is open and is connected in its lower region to a movement device disposing this region upwardly relative to the outer regions during the opening of the roof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a retractable car roof, comprising several rigid roof elements that can be moved between a position in which they cover the passenger compartment of the vehicle and a position in which they are stored in the vehicle's rear luggage compartment. This roof comprises the following: at least one rear central roof element (5) and one front central roof element (6); rear (7) and front (8) lateral roof elements; the rear central roof element articulated to the chassis of the vehicle around a first transverse axle (9) and the front central roof element articulated to the rear central roof element around a second transverse axle (10); the rear lateral elements articulated to the chassis and the front lateral elements articulated to the rear lateral roof elements.

Abstract: A motor vehicle 1, 101 is disclosed having front and rear roof members 5 and 6 which can be moved from raised to stowed positions to change the style of the motor vehicle from a two box style to a convertible or pick-up style. The rear roof member 6 is stowed at an inclined angle between two rows of seats 9, 10 of the motor vehicle 1, 101 so as to occupy little space within the vehicle 1, 101.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A device used to facilitate the insertion of objects under a folded roof in the boot of a motor vehicle. The roof includes a rear element which is equipped with a finger bar that is designed to slide along a rail comprising a storage section, which is intended to guide the roof between a deployed position and a folded, stored position, and a raised section, which is intended to guide said roof between a folded, stored position and a folded, raised position. The device comprises a raising member which moves the above-mentioned finger along the length of the raised section. Moreover, a locking member is mounted to the raising member between an unlocked position and a locked position in which it blocks the auxiliary roof element in relation to the rear element when the roof is moved toward the folded, raised position thereof.

Abstract: A storable vehicle roof structure having an upper roof component for covering an area above seats in a vehicle interior compartment, a rear roof component coupled to the upper roof component at a rear side thereof so as to cover a rear portion of the vehicle interior compartment, and a package tray which covers the top of a rear storage space in the closed position of the roof. The rear side of the package tray is fitted on the rear roof component via a rotary mechanism for rotating at least the front side of the package tray. The front side of the package tray is guided by a guide member to enable the package tray together with roof components to be stored in the storage space for exposing the vehicle interior compartment.

Abstract: A retractable roof includes a front roof panel, a back roof panel formed by joining outer and inner panel layers to each other, a lower link pivotally connected to a vehicle body member, an upper link pivotally connected to the front roof panel, and an intermediate link rigidly connected to each of the lower link and the upper link. The intermediate link is placed in between the outer and inner panel layers of the back roof panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for controlling the motion of the swiveling parts of a vehicle. The task of this invention to overcome the disadvantages of the state of the art in a simple manner and to provide an arrangement for controlling the motion of the swiveling parts of a vehicle without much effort is solved by an arrangement that controls the motion of the swiveling parts of a vehicle, such as a convertible top and/or a rear lid, and includes at least one distance sensor and one control unit, which controls the motion of at least one motor by means of which the vehicle parts can be set into motion, and distance sensor and control unit set upon the motion in a controlling manner.

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.

Abstract: A convertible roof for a vehicle and associated vehicle, the roof comprising at least one front roof element and a rear roof element which can move between a deployed position, in which the front roof element and the rear roof element cover the passenger compartment, and a storage position, in which the front roof element and the rear roof element are stored in the boot of the vehicle. The roof also comprising two pivot arms which each pivot along an axis. The roof comprising motorization means, first means of locking the pivot arms to the post of the windshield of the vehicle and second means of locking at least one front roof element of the pivot arms. The first and second locking means and the pivoting movement of the arms are controlled by the same motorization means, such as an electric motor.

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.

Abstract: In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a retractable roof system for a hard top vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a rigid roof portion that resides above a vehicle body forward a rear storage space when closed. Additionally, the storage space includes a lid adjacent the roof portion. Lastly, a motor is operatively configured to assist in the simultaneous movement of the roof portion and lid to a recessed, open position. Further provided is a method of retracting a rigid vehicle roof.

Abstract: In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a retractable roof apparatus for a hard top vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a roof portion that resides above a vehicle body forward a rear storage space when closed. Additionally, the storage space includes a lid that is configured to descend into the storage space as the roof portion moves to an open position, resting above the lid. Lastly, the open position preserves the vehicle side profile and permits storage space access. Further provided is a method of retracting a rigid vehicle roof.

Abstract: A convertible top architecture for a series of vehicles of a common platform is disclosed, the vehicles having roof styles of different shapes or passenger spaces of different lengths, the top designed to cover the different length passenger spaces, the top characterized by a rear rail, top cover and backlight that are unique to each length passenger space or roof style and further including common componentry for the remainder of the top regardless of the length of the passenger space or roof style.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hardtop vehicle roof with three roof pieces, which can be supported against the chassis, stacked together over the middle section, the front and rear roof pieces of which are jointed to the middle roof piece and can swing together in the same sense over the middle section to lie on the middle section, whereby a common drive is provided for the front and the rear roof piece, which is provided on the middle roof section.

Abstract: A retractable hardtop for use with a vehicle including 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A latching system for an automotive vehicle having a convertible roof is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, front and/or rear convertible roof sections are rigid, hard-top roofs. A further aspect of the present invention system provides a latch which secures a generally rigid tonneau cover.

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.

Abstract: A convertible includes a top having a foldable support structure made of metal sections articulated with one another. The metal sections are hot-formed and at least partially heat treated.

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.

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.

Abstract: A retractable roof for a motor vehicle is formed from a front and rear element. An electric motor and the elements are arranged to permit the motor to drive the elements in either direction between a front position over the passenger compartment, where the elements are adjacent to each other and cover the passenger compartment, to a rear position in the rear trunk, where the elements are folded together with the front element uppermost. Hinges, between the front edge of the rear element and the rear edge of the front element and between the rear edge of the rear element and the structure of the vehicle adjacent to the front of the trunk opening, tie the elements together and permit the above element movements.