Abstract: A vehicle step device includes: a movable step that is provided in a door opening of a vehicle; and a drive controller that drives the movable step so that the movable step operates in deployment and storage directions. The drive controller includes a sidewalk detection unit that detects a sidewalk provided in parallel with a traveling road surface of the vehicle, a separation distance detecting unit that detects a separation distance between a side edge portion of the vehicle in which the movable step is stored and the sidewalk, and a deployment amount setting unit that sets a deployment amount of the movable step extending in a width direction of the traveling road surface from the side edge portion of the vehicle based on the separation distance. The deployment amount setting unit sets a deployment amount of the movable step to be larger as the separation distance increases.

Abstract: A point of sale application may initially process a transaction between a customer and a merchant. While the point of sale application processes the transaction, an add-on application may monitor a current state of a user interface of the point of sale application. Upon recognizing a triggering event associated with the current state of the user interface, the add-on application may take over the processing of the transaction from the point of sale application. Upon completion of the processing of the transaction, the add-on application may return a result of the transaction to the point of sale application by emulating user actions on the user interface of the point of sale application.

Abstract: A point of sale application may initially process a transaction between a customer and a merchant. While the point of sale application processes the transaction, an add-on application may monitor a current state of a user interface of the point of sale application. Upon recognizing a triggering event associated with the current state of the user interface, the add-on application may take over the processing of the transaction from the point of sale application. Upon completion of the processing of the transaction, the add-on application may return a result of the transaction to the point of sale application by emulating user actions on the user interface of the point of sale application.

Abstract: A vehicular door device includes a door-side engagement portion including a guide groove that includes a pair of side wall portions facing each other in a vehicle width direction and extends in an opening-closing operation direction of the door, a vehicle body-side engagement portion including a shaft-shaped engagement portion extending in an up-down direction of a vehicle, and an expansion mechanism provided in a second link arm. In an opening-closing operation position near a full closed position of the door where the door-side engagement portion and the vehicle body-side engagement portion engage with each other, the shaft-shaped engagement portion is disposed in the guide groove. The shaft-shaped engagement portion is relatively displaced along an extending direction of the guide groove while a change in length of the second link arm, based on an operation of the expansion mechanism, is accompanied, and thus the door can perform an opening-closing operation.

Abstract: A quick release system for a vehicle cover includes a housing and a locking member received within the housing, the locking member including a keyhole opening and a biasing mechanism. The biasing mechanism biases the locking member to a first, locked position within the housing whereby a locking pin received though the keyhole opening cannot be removed via an axial force exerted on the locking pin. The locking member is movable against the bias of the biasing mechanism to a second, clearance position whereby the locking pin can be withdrawn from the locking member.

Abstract: A point of sale application may initially process a transaction between a customer and a merchant. While the point of sale application processes the transaction, an add-on application may monitor a current state of a user interface of the point of sale application. Upon recognizing a triggering event associated with the current state of the user interface, the add-on application may take over the processing of the transaction from the point of sale application. Upon completion of the processing of the transaction, the add-on application may return a result of the transaction to the point of sale application by emulating user actions on the user interface of the point of sale application.

Abstract: The invention relates to a convertible vehicle having a top linkage which can be displaced between a closed position and a storage position, and a linkage arrangement on both of its two sides relative to a vertical longitudinal center plane of the top. The linkage arrangement includes a main multi-joint arrangement pivotally mounted on a corresponding main bearing permanently mounted to the vehicle. The main multi-joint arrangement includes two main links, at least one of which rests against an abutment arrangement of the corresponding main bearing when in the closed position of the top so that the main bearing is in its a normal position. The abutment arrangement includes a displaceable abutment element which can be displaced between a rest position and an active position, in which the main link resting against the abutment arrangement is pivoted from the normal position to a deviated position.

Abstract: A bumper fascia having a tow hook opening and a tow hook cover is provided. The bumper fascia includes a perimeter surface surrounding the tow hook opening. A first shaped panel, a second shaped panel, a step surface, and a lip portion extend from the perimeter surface defining the tow hook opening. The shaped panels cooperate with a portion of the perimeter surface to define recessed chambers and two attachment notches. The shaped panels include elongated ribs sitting below the exterior surface of the bumper fascia. The tow hook cover includes a pair of wing segment having chamfered surfaces engageable with the step surface and a pair of L-shaped clips engageable with the attachment notches. The tow hook cover is pivotable about the elongated ribs to engage and disengage the tow hook cover from the bumper fascia.

Abstract: A vehicle and method for lowering a window pane of a door of a vehicle to make it easier for the vehicle occupant to enter and exit the vehicle. The door has a door unlocking apparatus and a drive device for lowering and raising the window pane. The vehicle has an unlocking sensor, which registers the operation or the imminent operation of the door unlocking apparatus and converts the operation or imminent operation into corresponding unlocking signals, and a control unit, which receives the unlocking signals and converts the signals into operating signals for triggering the drive device. The method checks whether the door unlocking apparatus is operated or operation is imminent and, if the door unlocking apparatus is operated or operation is imminent, triggers the drive device with the control unit to lower the window pane to a position which is easier for the vehicle occupant to enter and exit the vehicle.

Abstract: There provided an openable roof, a link mechanism foldably supporting the openable roof, and a drive device to drive a drive link of a link mechanism. The drive device comprises a drive unit including a drive gear connected to a drive motor, a driven gear provided at the drive link, and an intermediate gear engaging with the drive gear and the driven gear. The drive unit is located at a lower level than a beltline of the vehicle body, the driven-gear pivotal portion is located at a higher level than the beltline, and the intermediate gear is located at a specified level such that the intermediate gear overlaps the beltline in a side view.

Abstract: There are provided an openable roof capable of covering over a passenger cabin, a back window provided in back of the openable roof to be apart from a rear end of the openable roof which is in a state in which the openable roof covers over the passenger cabin, a link mechanism connecting the openable roof and the back window to a vehicle body such that the openable roof and the back window swing relative to the vehicle body, a storage room provided in back of the passenger cabin to store the openable roof and the back window, and a shielding member to shield a gap between the openable roof and the back window which are in a state in which the openable roof and the back window cover over the passenger cabin. This shielding member is provided not to be storable in the storage room.

Abstract: Above a belt line, a motor vehicle body exhibits a windshield segment, a rear segment and a roof segment that is connected with the rear segment so that it can be displaced in a displacement direction, which in a first configuration bridges an intermediate space between the windshield segment and rear segment, and in a second configuration overlaps the rear segment. The roof segment can be swiveled out of the first configuration around a roof segment axis into an intermediate position, in which a rear edge of the roof segment extends under a front edge of the rear segment without any overlap in the displacement direction.

Abstract: A top of a convertible motor vehicle includes a linkage movable between a closed position spanning a vehicle interior and a storage position uncovering the vehicle interior to the top A linkage arrangement having first and second pivot components is on opposing sides of the linkage and pivotably mounted at a rear main bearing. A rotatable drive wheel is coupled to the two pivot components. When the drive wheel is rotated, the first pivot component is always subjected to a drive torque, whereas the second pivot component, as a function of the position of a control element in a control slot that is fixed relative to the main bearing, is either held in place or is subjected to a drive torque.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a vehicle, comprising a hydraulic actuation device for moving one or more moveable components of the vehicle. The actuation device comprises a hydraulic pump with an associated drive means, a reservoir for hydraulic fluid as well as one or more hydraulic actuators connected to the pump through hydraulic hoses. The hydraulic actuators act on the one or more moveable components. The pump is designed to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to the one or more hydraulic actuators. A pressure ripple reduction device for reducing pressure ripples in the hydraulic fluid originating from the hydraulic pump is provided, having an expansion chamber.

Abstract: A convertible top and method of operating the convertible top is disclosed. The top has a power cylinder that is mounted to the top stack linkage that lifts the one bow from the windshield header on a four bar link and also simultaneously releases the pressure applied by a pressure link to the rear bow. The pressure link includes an upper link and a lower link that are locked together in an over-center relationship when the top is extended to eliminate vibration of the rear bow or lifting the rear bow off of the rear deck.

Abstract: A convertible top and method of operating the convertible top is disclosed. The top has a power cylinder that is mounted to the top stack linkage that lifts the one bow from the windshield header on a four bar link and also simultaneously releases the pressure applied by a pressure link to the rear bow. The pressure link includes an upper link and a lower link that are locked together in an over-center relationship when the top is extended to eliminate vibration of the rear bow or lifting the rear bow off of the rear deck.

Abstract: A rear bumper protective device containing (i) a base layer of hanging flexible material having a top portion, side portions, and a bottom portion, and having a construction and thickness capable of reducing or preventing damage to a rear portion of a vehicle, and being of sufficient dimensions to at least partially cover a rear portion of a vehicle; and (ii) one or more stabilizing blocks protruding from the top portion of the base layer and positioned colinearly with or along a contour edge of the top portion and being of sufficient rigidity, thickness, width, and length to reduce curling of the rear bumper protective cover. The bumper protective device can include one or more securing features capable of attaching to a rear portion of a vehicle.

Abstract: A linkage of a convertible top supports a portion of a cover and provides movement of the top between an extended position extending over a passenger compartment and a retracted position. A rear bow supports a rear edge of the cover and articulates the rear edge of the cover during movement of the top between the extended and retracted positions. The top also includes a backlight assembly having a rear window and supporting a rear portion of the cover. The backlight assembly forms part of an articulating mechanism that moves the rear bow.

Abstract: An actuation mechanism for a stowable front roof panel includes a first support assembly to provide vertical movement of the roof panel and a second sliding support structure to provide horizontal movement of the front roof panel. The first support assembly includes first and second upwardly extending supports and a transverse tubular cross member that in combination form an inverted U-shaped roll over protection member. The roll over protection member is used to provide roll over protection to the occupants of the motor vehicle in the event of a vehicle roll over.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the actuation of at least one pivotable external element of a vehicle, in particular of a top element of a convertible vehicle, with at least one pivot joint and a drive. The drive may be an electric motor which introduces a drive torque directly into the at least one pivot joint.

Abstract: A convertible top having a pivot link is provided that supports two bows. A main spring is secured to a pivot pin and connected to a main pivot bracket on the vehicle to provide a counterbalancing force on the balance link that assists in lifting the top stack linkage as the convertible top is retracted and extended. A five bow extends between and is attached to right and left pivot links by right and left pressure links, respectively.

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 modular reconfigurable bumper system for an off road vehicle includes a center base mountable to the front of the vehicle. The center base has ends, a top face, and a front face. A pair of first mounting locations having associated mounting holes are located on the front face of the center base adjacent its ends and a pair of second mounting locations having associated mounting holes are located on the top face adjacent the ends of the center base. A pair of third mounting locations are located on the ends of the center base. A plurality of optional accessories including end plates, end extenders, an overrider, a prerunner, a stinger, and D-rings are selectively mountable to the center base, all via the first, second, and third mounting locations. The system also includes a rear bumper assembly mountable to the back of the vehicle and having a hinged spare tire carrier and D-rings selectively attachable to the rear bumper via common fourth mounting locations.

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 bumper assembly that includes a molded bumper fascia and a molded cover/bezel mounted in an opening in the bumper. The bezel/cover is adapted to contain a fog lamp and is accurately positioned within the opening of the bumper fascia to avoid motion along the longitudinal axis of the opening, both in the forward and reverse directions, by external ribs on the cover/bezel that engage edges of the bumper to act as detents. Living hinges may be integrally molded with the bumper fascia to provide a mechanical fixation to the cover/bezel after the cover/bezel is installed in the opening and the hinges are bent from their mold positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cabriolet car (1) comprising a roof provided with a flexible cover (3) at least in the rear part thereof, wherein the cover (3) being in a closed position can be tensionally supported with respect to a body (7) with the aid of a tension bow (11). In order to open the roof (2), the tension bow (11) is displaced to the closed position thereof, wherein said bow is arranged on a closed support element (A) of the body (7), first upward (AS) and, when the support element is open, backward (RS) and subsequently to the open position, wherein said tension bow is arranged under the plan of the closed support element (A) being displaced downwards (AV). Said invention provides for a first displacement center (25) for displacing the tension bow (11) upwards and backwards (AS, RS) and a separate second displacement center for displacing said tension bow downward (AV).

Abstract: A convertible vehicle with a roof having a roof covering and several lateral frame parts, which at least partially span the roof covering when roof is closed and follow each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, in which a rear frame part extends from a window parapet line with an upward extending component. The adjacent frame part, preceding the rear frame part in the direction of travel when the roof is closed, can be moved without a force transfer through the rear frame part by at least one drive provided for roof opening, and the rear frame part is suspended on a gear mechanism that transfers the drive force and can be moved by it.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle (1) with at least one flexible roof area (10) supported by way of transverse hoops (12; 13; 14; 15; 16) lying in succession over its longitudinal course that can be shortened for opening it by displacement of transverse hoops (12; 13; 14; 15) with a movement component in vehicle longitudinal direction is designed in such a way that one longitudinal guiding aid (23; 24; 25) is assigned to a transverse hoop (13; 14; 15) for cooperation with a longitudinal guiding projection (30; 27; 28) of another transverse hoop (12; 13; 14) pointing in its direction (FIG. 2).

Abstract: A load-controlled actuating arrangement utilizes a control loop that includes at least one position measuring system, a control unit and at least one measuring system of an electric motor or at least one pressure sensor of a pressure circuit. The signals of the measuring system of the electric motor or of the pressure sensor are transmittable to the control unit and the motion of the convertible top is adjustable by the control unit.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a carbody and a foldaway top connected to the carbody. A top compartment receives the foldaway top when folded open. A top compartment lid is provided for closing the top compartment. A hinge device is connected to the carbody and to the top compartment lid so that the top compartment lid is pivotable relative to the carbody. The top compartment lid has a front end interacting with a locking device in the area of a lateral side rail for locking it on the side rail by a push-pivot movement; it is released by a reverse movement. A lifting drive acting on the top compartment lid is supported on the carbody spaced from the hinge device and is pivotably connected to the top compartment lid. The top compartment lid is pivotable in the area of the hinge device relative to support part of the hinge device.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuating device for a convertible top assembly of a motor vehicle. The actuating device comprises a hydraulic pump with an associated electric pump motor and one or more hydraulic actuators, each for driving an associated movable part of the convertible top assembly. The actuating device also comprises a control circuit for effecting a defined sequence of movements of the one or more actuators and feedback means, which are connected to the control unit, for feeding information relating to the sequence of movements of an actuator back to the control unit. The feedback means comprise means for measuring the electric power consumed by the pump motor, which means transmit a feedback signal to the control unit.

Abstract: A motor vehicle with a movable convertible top includes a control device for controlling a convertible top motion and a device for the recognition of the convertible top position. The device for convertible top position recognition continuously monitors the position of the convertible top. The position of a defined element of the convertible top is determined by means of at least one acceleration sensor that measures the current acceleration in relationship to the acceleration of free fall.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a convertible roof system is provided which includes rotary actuators which are operable to pivot the roof rails relative to one another and a portion of the actuator is disposed within one of the roof rails. In another aspect of the present invention, a convertible roof for an automotive vehicle is provided which includes a retractable roof cover with a flexible portion and at least three rotary actuators that are each located at a pivot joint between the roof rails and are operable to rotate the roof rails relative to one another or to the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle convertible roof including a rearmost roof member, a side roof rail, an actuator and a link having a length that varies between a first length and a second as the rearmost roof member moves between a nominal and raised position. The adjustable length link is fixed at the second length during retraction and extension of the side roof rail of the vehicle convertible roof.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle top stack mechanism includes a moveable rearmost roof bow and an actuator. In an other aspect of the present invention, a linkage assembly couples a rearmost roof bow to a side rail. A further aspect of the present invention employs a rotatable member or crank to drive a set of buggy links in order to raise and lower an active number five roof bow.

Abstract: Foldable tops (1) suitable for convertible vehicles may include a rear window (3) supported within a roof covering (2). A tensioning bow (5) imparts a tension across a rear portion of the roof covering when the foldable top is disposed in a roof closed position. A lower edge (4) of the rear window (3) is supported along a supporting portion of the tensioning bow when the foldable top is disposed in the roof closed position. At least one connector (9) is preferably disposed along the supporting portion between the rear window and the tensioning bow. The at least one connector releaseably engages the lower edge of the rear window with the tensioning bow when the foldable top is disposed in the roof closed position and disengages the rear window from the tensioning bow when the foldable top is opened. The at least one connector preferably comprises a hook portion (10) and a complementary projection (11).

Abstract: A convertible roof actuation mechanism includes at least a forward bow, a power actuated rearmost bow and an intermediate bow. A linkage set separately connects the rearmost bow to the intermediate bow. When the forward bow is latched and as the rearmost bow is rearwardly rotated, the linkage set rotates the intermediate bow to tension the roof cover.

Abstract: Apparatus suitable for use in convertible vehicles may include a convertible top comprising a substantially rigid front portion that moves downwardly towards and releaseably engages a windshield frame of the vehicle in order to close the convertible vehicle. At least one dampening device may be disposed at a rear portion of the convertible top and may be operably coupled to the front portion in order to slow downward movement of the front portion during a final phase of a convertible top closing operation. Further, the dampening device may be operably coupled between two pivotably connected linkages provided within the rear portion of the convertible top. The two pivotably connected linkages are preferably arranged and constructed so that the opening distance between the two linkages increases when the front portion is moving downwardly towards the windshield frame.

Abstract: A system for opening and closing a folding top or moveable vehicle roof of a convertible car is provided, with at least one drive to operate the top or roof, at least one linear position sensor that senses continuously the position of an element of the top or roof and, a controller that receives a signal from the at least one position sensor and generates, a signal to actuate at least one drive. The linear sensor is arranged to determine the position of any element of the folding top or moveable vehicle roof relative to another moveable element of the top or roof or to a fixed element relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: A convertible roof system for an automotive vehicle includes 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.

Abstract: A convertible roof for an automotive vehicle is provided. In one aspect of the present invention, a retraction mechanism couples first, second and third roof sections to a vehicle. Another aspect of the present invention employs a flexible cable interconnecting a rear linkage with a forward pivot assembly to pivot the first roof section relative to the second roof section. Another aspect of the present invention provides that the three roof sections are substantially horizontally oriented in a stowed position.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle (1) with a roof (4) consisting of at least two parts, comprising a rear roof part (6) and a roof part (5) which is in the forward position when the roof is closed, where, when the roof is open, the rear roof part (6) is essentially vertical and the roof part (5) in the forward position with respect to the direction of travel (F) is essentially parallel to the rear part, is designed in such a way that a common drive (14), one of which is on each side of the vehicle, is used to move both the rear roof part (6) and the roof part (5) in front to open and close the roof (4).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A convertible top operating mechanism includes a bi-directional hydraulic pump which is selectively connected to top-operating hydraulic cylinders and tonneau-operating hydraulic cylinders by a two-way, 5-condition control valve to selectively raise and lower the top and tonneau. A mechanical linkage connects the top-operating cylinders with a movable rear bow and is co-operable with a spring during operation of the top-operating cylinders when fully extending and initially retracting to move the rear bow to enable tonneau operation and to seal the top on the tonneau.

Abstract: A convertible top operating mechanism includes a bi-directional hydraulic pump which is selectively connected to top-operating hydraulic cylinders and tonneau-operating hydraulic cylinders by a two-way, 5-condition control valve to selectively raise and lower the top and tonneau. A mechanical linkage connects the top-operating cylinders with a movable rear bow and is co-operable with a spring during operation of the top-operating cylinders when fully extending and initially retracting to move the rear bow to enable tonneau operation and to seal the top on the tonneau.

Abstract: A folding convertible top (1) of a motor vehicle with a convertible top frame (3) which has a front, a middle and a rear frame part (4, 5, 6) at each lateral side of the roof. The middle frame part (5) is displaceably supported via a main bearing means (6, 16) on the body and the front frame part (4) is displaceable relative to the middle frame part (5) via a connecting rod means (20, 23), the middle frame part (5) having a seal bearer (12) which is hinged on the middle frame part (5). When the folding convertible top (1) is lowered, the front end (36) of the seal bearer is swung outward in a transverse direction.

Abstract: A convertible roof having a backlite that is substantially vertical when the convertible roof is in a raised position is provided. An automatically powered actuator used to actively control retraction of a convertible roof and a backlite frame is provided. Actively controlling a roof bow immediately forward of a backlite frame is provided.

Abstract: A vehicle roof which can be adjusted between a closed position and an opening position has an adjusting device and at least one side window which during the transfer between the closed and opening position can be pivoted via a rotational joint by an actuating element. The actuating element is coupled on one side to the side window at a distance from the side-window rotational axis and is connected on its opposite side to an element of the adjusting device.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle with a retractable top has a switch for operating the retractable top and windows, both, at the same time. The switch has circuitry for electrically coupling the switch with a power source, at least one vehicle window and the retractable top. The switch has a neutral position and first, second and third positions. When the switch is in its first position, the top moves from a first or cover position to a second retractable position. When the switch is in its second position, if necessary, the top continues to move to its lowered position while the at least one window is moved from a first or up position to a second or lowered position. In the third position, the switch moves the top from the second or lowered position to the first or cover position.

Abstract: In a folding top for vehicles, in particular passenger cars, it is proposed to assign to the folding top, between its closing position and its put-away position, an intermediate position in which the folding top assumes a folded-together stowage position, from which the folding top can be transferred as a stack into the put-away position or can be unfolded into the closing position.