Pivotally Connected Sections Patents (Class 296/108)
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Patent number: 6767046Abstract: The invention concerns a motor vehicle retractable roof, comprising a front roof element (1), an intermediate roof element (2) and a rear roof element (3). The rear part of the rear element (3) is articulated at a fixed point (6) of the chassis, the front part of said rear element (3) being linked in articulation to the rear of the intermediate element (2), the intermediate element (2) is linked in articulation through an arm (9) articulated in a fixed point (10) of the chassis, the articulations (8, 10) of said arm (9) forming with the articulations (6, 7) of the rear element (3), a deformable quadrilateral.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2003Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: France DesignInventors: Jean-Marc Guillez, Gérard Queveau
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Patent number: 6767045Abstract: A motor vehicle roof with a front first roof part (3) and a following second roof part (4) which can be displaced between a closed position which covers the motor vehicle interior and a lowered position in a rear roof storage space (10) which exposes the motor vehicle interior. The front roof part (3) is movably supported by a laterally arranged multiple hinge linkage (14, 15) on the second roof part (4) and is raisable over the second roof part (4) when being lowered. In order to devise a stable and still space-saving support for the front roof part (3), the rear connecting rod (15) of the multiple hinge linkage (14, 15) is supported on the second roof part (4) to be able to pivot around a pivot axis (29) which is set back from its front edge (22) and swings upward out of the roof surface (23) of the second roof part (4) when the roof (1) is being lowered.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2002Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbHInventor: Burkhard Reinsch
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Patent number: 6767047Abstract: A convertible roof latch operable to retain a convertible roof apparatus in a retracted position. The convertible roof latch is lockingly engaged and disengaged in response to actuation of a tonneau cover. The convertible roof latch is positionable in an unlocked position where a top stack mechanism is free to move relative to the locking mechanism and a locked position where the top stack mechanism is coupled with the locking mechanism when the tonneau cover is in the closed position to prevent relative movement of the top stack mechanism and the locking mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2003Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: ASC IncorporatedInventors: Stefan Eichhorst, Gary J. Forgue, David W. Brooks
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Patent number: 6764127Abstract: A top for a convertible vehicle includes a lateral roof frame having at least one front roof frame (1) and one rear roof frame part (2), a front bow (3) held in a longitudinally displaceable manner on the front roof frame part (1), a bow element (3) held on the front roof frame part (1), and a front frame (8) of the convertible vehicle, to which the front roof frame part (1) can be releasably locked. A movement of the front bow (3) from a first opening position into a second opening position and unlocking of the front roof frame part (1) from the front frame (8) are coupled by a positive control.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2003Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme GmbHInventor: Klaus Obendiek
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Patent number: 6764128Abstract: In a hardtop vehicle roof comprising a front, an intermediate and a rear roof part supported on a vehicle body so as to be movable between a closed position, in which the roof parts cover an interior vehicle space, and an open position, in which the roof parts are deposited in a storage compartment behind the interior vehicle space, wherein the rear roof part is pivotally supported on the vehicle body, the front roof part is movable under the intermediate roof part in parallel relationship therewith and the intermediate roof part is supported so as to be movable together with the front roof part into the storage compartment onto the rear roof part already pivoted into the storage compartment so as to form in the storage compartment a roof part packet with the rear roof part disposed at the bottom with its outer surface facing downwardly and the intermediate roof part disposed on top of the packet and the front roof parts is disposed between the rear and intermediate roof parts with the top surfaces of both thType: GrantFiled: July 15, 2003Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: CTS Fahrzeug-Dachsysteme GmbHInventors: Thomas Halbweiss, Andreas Hasselgruber, Jens Merte, Thobias Wagner
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Patent number: 6761392Abstract: In a hardtop vehicle roof which is movable between a closed position, in which it covers a vehicle interior, and a storage position and which includes rigid roof shells which, in the closed position, are disposed end to end adjacent one another, at least one of the roof shells includes a center section and side sections which are pivotally connected to the center section and the center sections are displaced in the storage position of the roof shells upwardly relative to the respective side sections so as to be received within one of the roof shells thereby to reduce the volume required for the storage of the roof shells in the storage position thereof.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2003Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: CTS Fahrzeug Dachsysteme GmbHInventors: Andreas Hasselgruber, Wojciech Wezyk, Emil Schnell, Klaus Laue
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Publication number: 20040124660Abstract: A convertible roof is provided which includes a shelf which can be lowered into a rear stowage space of a convertible. The shelf is movably supported as it is assigned to a rear roof part of the lowerable roof and can be adjusted by an adjustment device between an operating position with the roof closed and a lowered position in which it is moved against the inside of the rear part of the roof which has been lowered into the stowage space, thereby providing space-saving stowage of the roof. The shelf has two opposing outer side areas which can be swiveled relative to a middle part of the shelf.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2003Publication date: July 1, 2004Applicant: OPEN AIR SYSTEMS GMBHInventors: Alexander Heller, Burkhard Reinsch
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Publication number: 20040119316Abstract: In a folding vehicle roof, particularly for passenger cars, comprising roof parts of which one forms a support for an adjacent follower roof part, the support roof part is supported on the vehicle body, and the follower roof part is supported on the support roof part each by a four-link operating mechanism forming, with the support roof part, a connecting linkage in the form of a parallelogram having connecting points to four link operating mechanisms defined by corner points of congruent essentially rectangular connecting triangles.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: Matthias Rosler, Wojciech Wezyk, Thomas Halbweiss, Andreas Hasselgruber
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Publication number: 20040113454Abstract: A lowerable motor vehicle roof with two rigid roof elements (4, 6) which are located in succession in the closed state. The first roof element (4) can be moved via a driving connecting rod mechanism (10), which is made as a double rocker and which engages the sides of the front roof element, to the rear into a stowed position which is lowered in the convertible top compartment (14). The rear roof element (6) is coupled to the front roof element (4) via a connecting rod (28) which is connected to the connecting rod mechanism (10) and is guided on it via a sliding guide (34, 32) such that the rear roof element (6), when the front roof element (4) is moved, first, travels into a position which overlaps it and is then entrained into the stowed position. The closing of the vehicle roof has the reverse sequence of motions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2003Publication date: June 17, 2004Applicant: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbHInventor: Andreas Hoppermann
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Publication number: 20040108748Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2003Publication date: June 10, 2004Applicant: Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme GmbHInventors: Klaus Obendiek, Heinrich Wuellrich
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Patent number: 6742829Abstract: A motor vehicle roof which can be lowered into a rear receiving space, with a rear roof part (8) which is pivotally supported on the body and a front roof part (6) which is pivotally supported thereon. The rear roof part (8) has a lengthwise dimension which is equal essentially to twice the lengthwise dimension of the rear window (22). The rear window can be moved out of a position which closes a rear window cutout to under the closed front section of the rear roof part.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2003Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbHInventor: Peter Reihl
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Patent number: 6739645Abstract: In a hardtop vehicle roof including rigid front intermediate and rear roof parts, which are movable between a closed position, in which the roof parts are arranged, in the longitudinal vehicle direction, one after the other so as to cover an interior of a vehicle body, and a storage position, in which the roof parts are disposed in a rear roof storage compartment which is provided with a compartment lid pivotally supported on the vehicle body, so that it can be raised for the transfer of the rigid roof parts between their closed positions and their positions in the roof storage compartment, the rear roof part is supported on the roof storage compartment lid, the intermediate roof part is supported directly on the vehicle body and the front part is supported on the intermediate roof part in such a way that in the storage compartment all the roof parts are disposed in the same orientation on top of one another.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2003Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: CTS Fahrzeug-Dachsysteme GmbHInventors: Marcus Papendorf, Gerald Hahn
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Publication number: 20040090082Abstract: The invention concerns a folding roof whereof the rear element (3) is linked in articulation near the rear upper edge (4) of the rear deck (5) so as to tilt forward inside the deck (5). The intermediate element (2) is linked in articulation to a pivoting arm (7) articulated to the body, in a point (8) located near the front upper edge (9) of the deck (5) and to a lever (10) articulated to said intermediate element (2) and to the rear element (3). The intermediate element (2) is linked to the front element (1) through an articulated lever (11). First linking means are provided for controlling the pivoting of the lever (11) to push the front element (1) along the slide rail (13) above the intermediate element (2), when said pivoting arm (7) pivots rearwards and second linking means being provided to control the tilting of the rear element (3) forward and towards the deck (5), when said pivoting arm (7) pivots rearwards.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2003Publication date: May 13, 2004Inventors: Jean-Marc Guillez, Gerard Queveau
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Patent number: 6729673Abstract: In a vehicle roof arrangement with a folding top which is movable between a closed position and a storage position, a support and operating linkage is provided by which the roof material is tensioned when the roof is closed by a tensioning structure which is held in position by an over-center tensioning linkage. For opening the roof, the tensioning linkage is first moved out of its over-center position by an auxiliary actuator and the tension in the roof is released which is then lowered by the operating linkage into a rear storage compartment.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: CTS Fahrzeug-Dachsysteme GmbHInventor: Gerald Hahn
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Patent number: 6722723Abstract: A top mechanism for a convertible vehicle includes a rear region of the convertible vehicle arranged behind a passenger compartment and is configured to receive a top, in an opened state of the top. The top mechanism also includes a rear element at least partially covering the rear region in a closed state of the top. The top mechanism also includes a covering element, and at least one rear roof part. The covering element, in a first position associated with a closed state of the top, is adjacent at one end to a boundary of the passenger compartment and is adjacent at the other end to the rear roof part. The covering element is movable to a second position for providing a movement space for the top, and is moveable to a third position associated with an opened state of the top, in which the covering element is adjacent at one end to the boundary of the passenger compartment and is adjacent at the other end to the rear element.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2002Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme GmbHInventor: Klaus Obendiek
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Patent number: 6722724Abstract: A retractable hard top for convertibles, in particular for four-seated convertibles, includes, sequentially, a first, front section, a second section, a third section and a fourth, rear section. Each section has a front, first edge portion and a rear, second edge portion The first and the second sections substantially form the roof ceiling in the closed position of the hard top, while the third section forms the C-pillar and is open rearwardly, and the fourth section includes the backlite and closes the opening in the third section. The sections are pivotally connected by a linkage which compactly folds the top for storage in a storage compartment. All four sections are inverted and nest within one another, with their respective first edge portions being positioned in the longitudinal vehicle direction behind the second edge portions.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2003Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Inventor: David P. MacFarland
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Publication number: 20040061354Abstract: The invention concerns a motor vehicle retractable roof, comprising front (1), intermediate (2) and rear (3) roof elements. The displacement of the rear element (3) towards the rear deck is controlled by at least an arm (6) articulated to the vehicle chassis and to the rear element (3). The rear element (3) is linked to the intermediate element (2) through two levers (9, 10) forming a deformable quadrilateral. The intermediate element (2) is linked to the front element (1) through two other levers (15, 16) forming a deformable quadrilateral. The arm (16) is linked in articulation to one (10) of the two levers linking the rear (3) and intermediate (2) elements, through a hinge link (21). The other lever (9) linking the rear (3) and intermediate (2) elements is linked to one (16) of the levers linking the intermediate (2) and front (1) elements through a hinge link (24).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Jean-Marc Guillez, Gerard Queveau
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Publication number: 20040061355Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Jean-Marc Guillez, Gerard Oueveau
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Publication number: 20040056507Abstract: The invention concerns a retractable roof for a vehicle comprising at least a rigid front roof element (2) and a rigid rear roof element (3) bearing a rear window (4), said front (2) and rear (3) elements being mobile towards the rear deck (6). The rear window (4) is mobile between a first substantially horizontal position when the roof is closed, a second substantially vertical position, folded down towards the passenger compartment (5), and a third position beneath the front element (2) when the roof is stowed in the rear deck (6).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Inventors: Jean-Marc Guillez, Gerard Oueveau
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Publication number: 20040051342Abstract: The invention concerns a folding roof wherein the rear element (3) is linked in articulation near the upper rear edge (4) of the rear deck (5) so as to be tilted forward inside the deck (5). The intermediate element (2) is linked in articulation to the pivoting arm (7) articulated to the body, in a point (8) located near the front upper end (9) of the deck (5) and to a lever (10) articulated to said intermediate element (2) and to the rear element (5). The intermediate element (2) is linked to the front element (1) through two articulated levers (11, 12), first linking means being provided to control the pivoting of said two levers (11, 12) to cause the front element (1) to pass above the intermediate element (2) when said pivoting arm (7) pivots rearwards and second linking means being provided for controlling the tilt of the rear element (3) forward and towards the deck (5) when said pivoting arm (7) pivots rearwards.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2003Publication date: March 18, 2004Inventors: Jean-Marc Guillez, Gerard Oueveau
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Patent number: 6702362Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a carbody having a rear area and a roof connected to the carbody. The roof has a first rigid roof part arranged rearwardly and provided with a rear window. The roof further has at least one second rigid roof part. The first and second roof parts can be nested into one another when opening the roof and stowed in the stowed position in the rear area of the carbody. The first roof part is positioned in a stowed position of the roof above the at least one second roof part in a substantially horizontal position. The rear window has an exterior side in a closed position of the roof, and the exterior side of the rear window in the stowed position faces upwardly.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2003Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventors: Stefan Eichholz, Thorsten Budzinski
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Patent number: 6702363Abstract: A vehicle with a folding hard roof is provided with a rear passenger space between front and rear seats that is suitably expanded by turning a rear seatback forward down and then moving the rear seatback backward so as to receive the folding hard roof retracted therein.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2003Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Isao Tohda, Haruo Ohe, Kouji Iwasaka
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Publication number: 20040041436Abstract: The invention concerns a roof retractable into the rear deck (5) of a vehicle, comprising a front roof element (3) and a rear roof element (1) linked together by an intermediate element (2). The means controlling the displacement of the elements (1, 2, 3) comprise: first means for controlling and guiding the displacement of the rear element (1) towards a stowed position wherein said element (1) extends substantially horizontally to the upper part of the rear deck (5); said first means co-operating with second means for controlling the lifting of the intermediate element (2) relative to the rear element (1), then for superposing said intermediate element (2) above the rear element in the rear deck (5); said second means co-operating with third means for controlling the pivoting downwards of the front element (3) during its movement towards the rear deck (6) up to a position wherein said element extends substantially vertically to the front of the rear deck (5).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2003Publication date: March 4, 2004Inventors: Jean-Marc Guillez, Gerard Queveau
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Publication number: 20040041437Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2003Publication date: March 4, 2004Inventor: Michael T. Willard
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Publication number: 20040036314Abstract: The invention concerns a vehicle retractable roof, comprising a front roof element (1), an intermediate roof element (2) and a rear roof element (3). The displacement of the rear element (3) towards the rear deck is controlled by an arm (6) articulated to the vehicle chassis and to the rear element (3). The invention is characterised in that the rear element (3) is linked in articulation to the intermediate element (2) through a first lever (10), a second lever (11) linking in articulation the intermediate element (2) to a fixed articulation point (13) of the chassis, the intermediate element (2) comprises a slide (14) extending between its front and rear edges, a finger (15) integral with the rear of the front element (1) being engaged in said slide (14) so that the front element (1) can slide on the intermediate element (2), the front part of the intermediate element (2) is linked in articulation to the front element (1) through a lever (16).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2003Publication date: February 26, 2004Inventors: Jean-Marc Guillez, Gerard Queveau
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Patent number: 6695386Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 18, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: ASC IncorporatedInventor: Michael T. Willard
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Patent number: 6695385Abstract: A convertible roof system for an automotive vehicle include a roof bow that is operable between extended and retracted positions to vary tension of the roof cover and is actuated by a link that travels along a camming surface when the folding mechanism supporting the cover moves between the raised and stowed position.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: ASC IncorporatedInventor: Eric W. Lange
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Publication number: 20040032145Abstract: A hard-top convertible roof apparatus is provided. Another aspect of the present invention employs rigid hard-top front and/or rear roof sections. A further aspect of the present invention provides that the outside surfaces of retractable roof sections have a generally vertical orientation when in their open and retracted positions. In yet another aspect of the present invention, a roof structure has diverging peripheral flanges. A first roof flange retains a roof-to-roof weatherstrip and an adjacent second roof flange retains an interior trim panel, in still another aspect of the present invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2003Publication date: February 19, 2004Inventor: Randall Worley
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Patent number: 6688670Abstract: A convertible roof (2) of a convertible motor vehicle with at least one front roof part which is movably supported on the body by a bearing (8), and a rear roof part (13) which can be moved over the front roof part (5) and can be lowered with it into a rear stowage space (3). An especially simple structure can be achieved when the rear roof part (13) on the front side can be moved over the front roof part (5) by a raising mechanism (27) which is movably supported on a lengthwise guide (32) which is located on the front roof part (5). A carriage (31) can be guided on the lengthwise guide (32) of the front roof part (5) and the raising lever (28) of the raising mechanism, which lever is pivotally connected to the rear roof part (13), is supported on the carriage to be able to pivot and to be moved by the raising mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2002Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbHInventors: Peter Biecker, Marco Lauterbach, Gerhard Schwarz, Fritz Wegener, Burkhard Reinsch
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Publication number: 20040021338Abstract: The invention concerns a motor vehicle retractable roof, comprising a front roof element (1), an intermediate roof element (2) and a rear roof element (3). The displacement of the rear element (3) towards the rear deck is controlled by at least an arm articulated to the chassis and to the rear element.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2003Publication date: February 5, 2004Inventors: Jean-Marc Guillez, Gerard Queveau
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Patent number: 6685252Abstract: A seal arrangement is used for a folding roof of a hardtop vehicle, which has a front roof part, a rear roof part and a frame. The rear roof part can be moved from a closed position into a storage position inside a rear luggage space. The frame has a rear window and is pivotable in relation to the lateral roof pillars. The seal arrangement includes a sealing strip at least partially disposed in a region adjacent to a front end of the rear window, and an additional seal extending under the rear window and from the region of the pivoting axis to a rear edge of the rear window. The sealing strip extends under the front roof part and the lateral roof pillars and into a region of a pivoting axis of the rear window. The sealing strip includes a main seal having a surface, a comfort seal, and a channel disposed between the main seal and comfort seal.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2002Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Thomas Graf, Uwe Wacker
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Publication number: 20040012224Abstract: In a hardtop vehicle roof comprising a front, an intermediate and a rear roof part supported on a vehicle body so as to be movable between a closed position, in which the roof parts cover an interior vehicle space, and an open position, in which the roof parts are deposited in a storage compartment behind the interior vehicle space, wherein the rear roof part is pivotally supported on the vehicle body, the front roof part is movable under the intermediate roof part in parallel relationship therewith and the intermediate roof part is supported so as to be movable together with the front roof part into the storage compartment onto the rear roof part already pivoted into the storage compartment so as to form in the storage compartment a roof part packet with the rear roof part disposed at the bottom with its outer surface facing downwardly and the intermediate roof part disposed on top of the packet and the front roof parts is disposed between the rear and intermediate roof parts with the top surfaces of both thType: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2003Publication date: January 22, 2004Inventors: Thomas Halbweiss, Andreas Hasselgruber, Jens Merte, Thobias Wagner
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Publication number: 20040012223Abstract: The invention concerns a vehicle retractable roof, comprising a front roof element (1), an intermediate roof element (2) and a rear roof element (3). The displacement of the rear element (3) towards the rear deck (5) is controlled by at least an arm (6) articulated to the vehicle chassis and to the rear element (3).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2003Publication date: January 22, 2004Inventors: Jean-Marc Guillez, Gerard Queveau
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Patent number: 6679539Abstract: The rear roof element includes a central element that is movable relative to said rear roof element. The central element is connected on either side of the vehicle to the bodywork by two pivot arms comprising a front arm and a rear arm, and is hinged about respective front and rear hinge axes carried by respective ends of the corresponding pivot arms whose respective opposite ends are hinged to the bodywork of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2002Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: Societe Europeene de Brevets AutomobilesInventors: Jean-Marc Guillez, Paul Queveau, Gerard Queveau
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Publication number: 20040007896Abstract: A motor vehicle roof which can be lowered into a rear receiving space, with a rear roof part (8) which is pivotally supported on the body and a front roof part (6) which is pivotally supported thereon. The rear roof part (8) has a lengthwise dimension which is equal essentially to twice the lengthwise dimension of the rear window (22). The rear window can be moved out of a position which closes a rear window cutout to under the closed front section of the rear roof part.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Applicant: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbHInventor: Peter Reihl
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Publication number: 20040007897Abstract: In a hardtop vehicle roof which is movable between a closed position, in which it covers a vehicle interior, and a storage position and which includes rigid roof shells which, in the closed position, are disposed end to end adjacent one another, at least one of the roof shells includes a center section and side sections which are pivotally connected to the center section and the center sections are displaced in the storage position of the roof shells upwardly relative to the respective side sections so as to be received within one of the roof shells thereby to reduce the volume required for the storage of the roof shells in the storage position thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: Andreas Hasselgruber, Wojciech Wezyk, Emil Schnell, Klaus Laue
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Publication number: 20040004369Abstract: A retractable hardtop system is designed for a vehicle with a passenger compartment and a storage area behind the passenger compartment. The system has an extended position wherein it defines a roof over the passenger compartment and a retracted position wherein at least a portion of the hardtop system is disposed in the storage area. The system includes a support assembly for supporting the remainder of the hardtop and interconnecting with the vehicle body. A generally rigid front panel has a forward edge and a rearward edge. The forward edge interconnects with the windshield header and the front panel defines a portion of the roof over the passenger compartment when the system is in the extended position. A rear portion is disposed rearwardly of the front panel and defines the remainder of the roof over the passenger compartment when the system is in the extended position. The rear portion includes a central window panel having a pair of C-pillars.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2003Publication date: January 8, 2004Inventors: Frank Neubrand, Wolfgang Ulrich Richter
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Patent number: 6666495Abstract: A vehicle convertible system includes a roof section having a plurality of retractable panel and a movable rear section separate from the roof section defining part of a storage area for the retractable panels. The rear section includes a first rear panel and a second rear panel, with the second rear panel may include a window. A convertible system for SUVs (sports utility vehicles) and minivans is thus possible.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2001Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: Edscha Roof Systems Inc.Inventor: Adrian Nania
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Publication number: 20030230907Abstract: A roof opening and closing device includes a roof panel for opening and closing a roof of a vehicle body and disposed over the vehicle for closing the roof at its mounting position, a back window having a back window flame and a back window glass and disposed rearwards of the roof panel at its mounting position, a first displacement mechanism for displacing the roof panel and the back window from their mounting position to their storage position being stowed in a luggage room in order to open the roof and a second displacement mechanism for contacting a front end portion and a rear end portion of the back window glass in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body to the back window flame at the mounting position of the roof panel and the back window and for displacing the front end portion and the rear end portion of the back window glass upwards in relation to the back window flame.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2003Publication date: December 18, 2003Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA.Inventors: Toshiyuki Sasaki, Kenichiroh Hayashi, Teruhisa Katoh
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Patent number: 6663164Abstract: The front second panel is connected to the rear first panel via two sets of substantially parallel front and rear auxiliary pivot arms each hinged at its rear end to a respective rear hinge point fixed to the rear first panel and at its front end to a respective front hinge point fixed to the front second panel. The roof system has mechanisms for causing the two sets of auxiliary arms to pivot in one direction or the other in order to open or close the roof system, and the two auxiliary arms in a given set are arranged in such a manner as to be situated transversely on the outside of the roof panels.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2002Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: Societe Europeenne de Brevets AutomobilesInventors: Jean-Marc Guillez, Paul Queveau, Gerard Queveau
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Patent number: 6659534Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 15, 2001Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: ASC IncorporatedInventor: Michael T. Willard
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Publication number: 20030218355Abstract: In a cabriolet motor vehicle (10) with a foldable roof, especially a foldable hardtop (12), with a rigid rear window (18) which is movable between a closed position in which it covers the vehicle interior, and a stowage position in which it is held in the stowage space (54) in the vehicle (10), the hardtop (12) has a front roof part (14) which can be connected to a transverse roof support (20) which borders the windshield and a rear roof part (16) which can be moved relative to it and which is coupled to it. Furthermore, the rear window (18) is made on a rear window element (18) which can be moved relative to the vehicle body and relative to the rear roof part (16).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2003Publication date: November 27, 2003Applicant: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbHInventors: Jurgen Stenvers, Michael Respondek, Thomas Dintner, Kozo Ohdoi
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Publication number: 20030201658Abstract: A top for a convertible vehicle having a vehicle body. The top includes a roof part held movably on the vehicle body and moveable from a closed state to an open state, a rear window element having a side, and a pillar element disposed on the roof part and disposed at the side of the rear window element in the closed state of the roof part. The pillar element is inwardly pivotable relative to the roof part toward a center of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2003Publication date: October 30, 2003Applicant: Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme GmbHInventors: Klaus Obendiek, Franz Haberl
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Patent number: 6637802Abstract: A driving device for a convertible top includes a main bearing having a first fixed bearing point, a first link pivotally connected to the main bearing at the first fixed bearing point, a driving cylinder, a push and pull rod, a first bent link, and a second bent link. The first link includes a double lever having two hinge points each positioned on different sides with respect to the first fixed bearing point. The push and pull rod is coupled to one of the two hinge points via the first bent link and coupled to the other of the two hinge points via the second bent link. The driving cylinder provides a force acting upon the push and pull rod.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2002Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Edscha Cabrio-Verdecksysteme GmbHInventor: Klaus Obendiek
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Publication number: 20030197396Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a carbody having a rear area and a roof connected to the carbody. The roof has a first rigid roof part arranged rearwardly and provided with a rear window. The roof further has at least one second rigid roof part. The first and second roof parts can be nested into one another when opening the roof and stowed in the stowed position in the rear area of the carbody. The first roof part is positioned in a stowed position of the roof above the at least one second roof part in a substantially horizontal position. The rear window has an exterior side in a closed position of the roof, and the exterior side of the rear window in the stowed position faces upwardly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2003Publication date: October 23, 2003Applicant: WILHELM KARMANN GMBHInventors: Stefan Eichholz, Thorsten Budzinski
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Publication number: 20030197397Abstract: In a hardtop vehicle roof including rigid front intermediate and rear roof parts, which are movable between a closed position, in which the roof parts are arranged, in the longitudinal vehicle direction, one after the other so as to cover an interior of a vehicle body, and a storage position, in which the roof parts are disposed in a rear roof storage compartment which is provided with a compartment lid pivotally supported on the vehicle body, so that it can be raised for the transfer of the rigid roof parts between their closed positions and their positions in the roof storage compartment, the rear roof part is supported on the roof storage compartment lid, the intermediate roof part is supported directly on the vehicle body and the front part is supported on the intermediate roof part in such a way that in the storage compartment all the roof parts are disposed in the same orientation on top of one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2003Publication date: October 23, 2003Inventors: Marcus Papendorf, Gerald Hahn
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Patent number: 6629718Abstract: A motor vehicle having a fixed roof is provided which can be opened and has a front and a rear roof part which are connected to each other in an articulated manner and, controlled by a main link arrangement, can be shifted between a closing position and a storage position in a rear storage space, having a fixed rear window which is mounted pivotably on lateral roof pillars and the pivot axis of which runs in the central region of the rear window in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The rear window is driven in a rotational manner relative to the roof pillars during the opening and closing movement of the fixed roof, and the rear window, after reaching the closing position of the fixed roof, is pressed via the rotational drive against a sealing seat interacting with the rear window.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2002Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Ulrich Bauer, Thomas Baessler, Michael Koch, Stefan Orth, Juergen Schrader
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Patent number: 6623064Abstract: A convertible motor vehicle roof, especially for hatchbacks or pickups, with at least one roof part which is supported to move lengthwise on the side roof members and when the roof is being opened, can be moved into the storage position. The roof part or roof parts can be moved onto a roof unit or rear unit before lowering of the roof into a storage space. The storage space compactly accommodates the roof part or the roof parts arranged stacked therein so that due to the reduced space requirement, the possibilities for movement and storage for the movable and storable roof parts on the motor vehicle body are improved.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2001Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbHInventors: Thomas Schütt, Jens Bader
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Patent number: 6604775Abstract: A top for a convertible vehicle, comprising a roof part, said roof part at least partially covering the vehicle in a closed state and being pivotable about a main bearing; a frame element, said frame element being arranged in a rear area of the vehicle; a rear element, said rear element at least partially covering said rear area of the vehicle in a closed state, and a loading lid; said rear element being fixed on said frame element, in such a way as to be pivotable relative to said frame element, by means of a rear bearing arranged at a distance from said main bearing; said frame element being fixed on the vehicle in such a way as to be pivotable relative to the vehicle about an axis arranged in the region of said main bearing; said roof part being pivotable relative to the vehicle about said axis together with the frame element in an open, deposited position of said roof part; said main bearing being firmly connected to said frame element, and said loading lid being fixed on the rear element in such a way asType: GrantFiled: April 3, 2002Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Edscha Cabrio-Dachsysteme GmbHInventor: Klaus Obendiek
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Patent number: RE38546Abstract: A convertible top for an automotive vehicle is provided. This convertible top is coupled to the vehicle such that it moves between a raised operative position and a lowered storage position. When in the raised operative position, the convertible top covers the passenger compartment of the vehicle. When in the lowered storage position, the convertible top is stored in the rear seat area and is covered by a portion of the convertible top itself.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2000Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: ASC IncorporatedInventors: George A. Corder, Charles C. Turney