Abstract: Improved soft top assemblies, systems, and methods to cover an open space above the driver and passenger seats of an automobile provide or use precision molded frame elements with interconnecting fastening assemblies to support a soft top cover attached to forward and rearward frame elements. A centrally hinged and pivoting stabilizing bar fitted within frame side elements maintains support and stability to the soft top cover. Forward and rearward frame elements provide mating surfaces matching existing OEM attachment points for a removable fitted hard top for the automobile. Each frame side element underside includes a channel sized to receive a corresponding closed automobile door windshield.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure may include a front pillar extending in a height direction of a vehicle and positioned in front along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. A rear pillar extends in the height direction and is positioned in rear along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Roof side members extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and are disposed on the left and right sides along a width direction of the vehicle. At least one roof rail extends along the width direction of the vehicle and connecting the roof side members of the left and right sides. The front pillar includes a front pillar inner member and a front pillar outer reinforcing member. A front end portion of the roof side member along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is inserted between the front pillar inner member the front pillar outer reinforcing member.

Abstract: A locking device for a top of a convertible vehicle having a locking support, a locking hook, which can be shifted in a translational and rotational manner so as to be displaced between a release position and a locked position, and a driving mechanism for the locking hook, the driving mechanism comprising a driving wheel, which is driven by a driving motor and which drives a slide movable on the locking support, the slide being connected to the locking hook in such a manner that the locking hook undergoes a displacing movement when the slide is moved. A securing pin is arranged on a first component movable relative to the locking support, the securing pin engaging into a corresponding recess of a second component moveable relative to the locking support when the locking hook is in the locked position.

Abstract: A locking device for a top of a convertible vehicle having a locking support, a locking hook, which can be shifted in a translational and/or rotational manner so as to be displaced between a release position and a locked position, and a driving mechanism for the locking hook, the driving mechanism having a driving wheel, which is driven by a driving motor and which drives a slide movable on the locking support. The slide is connected to a driving section of the locking hook via a pull-link arrangement in such a manner that the locking hook undergoes a pivoting movement when the slide is moved.

Abstract: A connector comprises a first coupling part having a flat surface with a shaft projecting therefrom; and a second coupling part having a corresponding flat surface and a hole, such that the flat surfaces may be in abutment when the shaft is inserted into the hole and the first coupling part is positioned transverse to the second coupling part. The first coupling part is movable relative to the second coupling part from a position in which the shaft is inserted into the hole to a position in which the coupling parts are held so as to be inseparable by the shaft being captured inside the hole. The first coupling part is rotatable relative to the second coupling part about the shaft when the first coupling part is in the position in which the coupling parts are held so as to be inseparable.

Abstract: A convertible top of a cabriolet vehicle includes a convertible top rod assembly movable between a closed position spanning a vehicle interior and a storage position. The top rod assembly includes a link arrangement on opposing sides of the assembly. The link arrangement includes a main link and a main column pivotably mounted on a main bearing, and a front-side first link element and a second link element. The second link element is rearward of the first link element in the closed position and connected to the first link element by a joint arrangement, wherein the first link element being pivotable relative to the second link element by an actuating link extending along the second link element. A knee lever arrangement connected to the first link element, the second link element, and the actuating link includes a closing bolt.

Abstract: A convertible top of a cabriolet vehicle includes a convertible top rod assembly, which can be adjusted between a closed position spanning the vehicle interior and a storage position. The top trod assembly includes a link arrangement on both sides of a vertical longitudinal center plane of the convertible top. The link arrangement includes a main link and a main column, which are pivotably mounted on a vehicle-fixed main bearing, and a front-side first link element and a second link element, which is arranged rearward of the first link element in the closed position and is connected to the first link element by a joint arrangement. The first link element can be pivoted relative to the second link element by an actuating link extending along the second link element and can be secured against pivoting relative to the second link element in the closed position by a locking element.

Abstract: A convertible top of a cabriolet adjustable between a closed position spanning a vehicle interior and a storage position opening the vehicle interior toward the top includes a forward rigid roof element. The roof element extends in the transverse direction of the convertible top and can be secured to a forward cowl by at least one lock arrangement in a closed position of the convertible top. The lock arrangement includes a locking hook adjustable between a locked position and an open position and which is engaged with a corresponding locking element in the locked position. A holding device ensures that the locking hook and the corresponding locking element remain engaged in the closed position of the convertible top and in the locked position of the locking hook if the cowl is offset with regard to the rigid roof element.

Abstract: A removable hard top system for a convertible sport utility vehicle is described. The system comprises an adapter kit which is installed onto a vehicle and which remains in place on a semi-permanent basis. The system further comprises a removable hard top assembly which disassembles into component parts that may be fully stored in the vehicle to allow the user to install the hard top assembly on the vehicle at a time and place either at or remote from the home base of the vehicle. The system is modular so that the user can customize the coverage desired.

Abstract: A mechanism for latching a convertible top to a vehicle header includes a screw, and a screw receiver sized such that the screw is threadable to the screw receiver. The mechanism also includes a drive motor operable to rotate either the screw or the screw receiver to thread the screw into the receiver. The other one of the screw and the screw receiver is nonrotatable. The screw and the screw receiver are each configured to be operatively connectable to a different one of the convertible top and the vehicle header such that the convertible top is latched to the vehicle header when the screw is threaded to the receiver. The latching occurs via the threads as the screw moves with the convertible top to the closed position.

Abstract: A convertible top of a cabriolet adjustable between a closed position spanning a vehicle interior and a storage position opening the vehicle interior toward the top includes a forward rigid roof element. The roof element extends in the transverse direction of the convertible top and can be secured to a forward cowl by at least one lock arrangement in a closed position of the convertible top. The lock arrangement includes a locking hook adjustable between a locked position and an open position and which is engaged with a corresponding locking element in the locked position. A holding device ensures that the locking hook and the corresponding locking element remain engaged in the closed position of the convertible top and in the locked position of the locking hook if the cowl is offset with regard to the rigid roof element.

Abstract: A device for locking a motor vehicle opening panel, and a latch designed for such a locking device. The opening panel includes an opening mechanism so that it can be moved between a closed position in which the opening panel closes off an opening in the roof of the vehicle, and an open position in which the opening panel at least partially uncovers the opening. The opening mechanism includes at least one link rod, a first end of which is articulated to the vehicle about a first fixed transverse axis and a second end of which is articulated to the mobile opening panel about a second transverse axis. The opening panel is mounted to pivot about a third transverse axis able to move longitudinally with respect to the roof. The locking device includes a latch including a base fixed to the opening panel and including a throat configured to accept a fist striker in the closed position and a second striker in the open position.

Abstract: A cabriolet top having a top linkage which can be adjustable between a closed position, in which it spans a vehicle interior space, and an open position having at both sides of a vertical vehicle longitudinal central plane, in each case one link arrangement assigned a closure unit which can be adjusted by means of an actuating device between a locking and unlocking position and which, in its locking position in the closed position of the top linkage, secures a front bow, which connects the two link arrangements to one another, to a front cowl of the vehicle by means of a locking hook. The locking hook can be connected via a first joint to a first locking link pivotable about an axle fixed to the front bow and via a second joint to a second locking link pivotable about an axle fixed to the front bow.

Abstract: In one embodiment of a retractable top for a vehicle having an open top, including a left and a right rear roll bar projecting vertically from the rear floor above the height of the vertical walls, the roll bars projecting forward to join a transverse roll bar and forming a roll cage, the retractable top includes support members attached to two of the three horizontal sides. The retractable top includes linkage arms attached to the support members configured to move from a retracted position to an extended position, linkage arms including a bow arm that has a first tapered interconnection aperture, the first tapered interconnection aperture shaped to receive a first connector and recess the first connector such that an end of the first connector is flush with a first surface of the bow arm. The retractable top includes an enclosure material oriented to cover the open top when extended.

Abstract: A collapsible roof for a vehicle includes a roof guide, a roof cap, a top fabric, and an adjusting mechanism. The adjusting mechanism movably couples the roof cap to the roof guide such that the roof cap with the top fabric are movable relative to the roof guide between a closed position in which the top fabric covers a roof opening and an opened position in which the top fabric exposes the roof opening. The adjusting mechanism includes front and rear control arms coupled to the roof cap. The front control arm includes a locking hook and the rear control arm includes a latching hook. The locking hook engages a front cavity of the roof guide in the closed position to fix the roof cap in place and the latching hook engages a rear cavity of the roof guide in the opened position to fix the roof cap in place.

Abstract: A retractable top for a vehicle having an open top, the vehicle including four doors, the retractable top including a left and a right rear roll bar projecting vertically from the rear floor above the vertical walls, the roll bars projecting forward to join a transverse roll bar forming a roll cage, the retractable top including support members attached to two of the three horizontal sides. The retractable top includes linkage arms attached to support members configured to move from a retracted position to an extended position, the linkage arms including a bow arm having a first tapered interconnection aperture, the first tapered interconnection aperture shaped to receive a first connector and recess the first connector such that an end of the first connector is flush with a first surface of the bow arm. The retractable top includes an enclosure material that covers the open top when extended.

Abstract: A locking apparatus for a folding top of a vehicle includes a housing, a locking hook, a coupling device, a driving apparatus, and a sensor. The locking hook has a gripping end and a bearing end. The coupling device is movably mounted in the housing to be horizontally adjustable in a longitudinal direction of the locking hook. The bearing end is movably mounted to the coupling device to be horizontally adjustable with the coupling device in the longitudinal direction of the locking hook between closed and opened positions. The driving arm drives the locking hook to move the locking hook between the closed and opened positions. The sensor is configured to sense when the locking hook is in the closed and opened positions.

Abstract: A locking apparatus for a folding top of a vehicle includes a housing, a locking hook having a gripping end and a bearing end, a coupling device, and a driving apparatus. The coupling device is movably mounted in the housing to be horizontally adjustable in a longitudinal direction of the locking hook. The bearing end is pivotably mounted to the coupling device around a pivot axis oriented horizontally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the locking hook such that the locking hook is horizontally adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the locking hook between closed and opened positions. The driving apparatus is connected with the bearing end through the coupling device for driving the locking hook to move between the closed and opened positions.

Abstract: A top for a convertible motor vehicle includes a top linkage operable to move the top between a closed position and an open position. The top linkage includes at least one functional component having a first position and a second position. The functional component is generally in the first position at a start of the opening movement and at the start of the closing movement, and also at an end of an opening movement and at the end of the closing movement. The functional component is moved from the first position to the second position for at least a portion of the opening movement and of the closing movement when the top linkage is between the open and closed positions. The movement of the functional component from the first position to the second position provides clearance for at least one element that moves during movement of the top linkage.

Abstract: A locking apparatus for a folding top of a vehicle includes a housing, a locking hook, a coupling device, and a driving apparatus. The locking hook has a gripping end and a bearing end. The coupling device is movably mounted in the housing to be horizontally adjustable in a longitudinal direction of the locking hook. The bearing end is mounted to the coupling device such that the bearing end is movably mounted in the housing to be horizontally adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the locking hook such that the locking hook is movable between closed and opened positions. The driving apparatus is for driving the locking hook to move between the closed and opened positions and includes a first two-bar linkage, a driving arm connected with the two-bar linkage, and an actuating drive for actuating the driving arm.

Abstract: A convertible top comprising a plurality articulated rail links that move the convertible top in a fore-and-aft direction. A trim piece carries a window seal and is assembled to at least one of the rail links for movement in the fore-and-aft direction. The trim piece also moves in a lateral direction outwardly when the top is retracted and in the lateral direction inwardly when the top is extended. A stop member is secured to the trim piece and at least one rail link to limit the lateral movement of the trim piece relative to the at least one rail link. A cam block is secured to the trim piece and at least one of the rail links to guide the lateral movement of the trim piece relative to the at least one rail link.

Abstract: The present invention is a roof attachment means for an A-Frame style trailer which has two roofs that fold atop one another when the A-Frame trailer is not in use. The two roofs raise to create a peak for use. There are securing straps attached to the outer front corners of the front roof and along the top outer edged of the rear roof such that as the roofs are being raised by the operator the securing straps maintain the relationship between the front and rear roofs by an elastic component of the securing straps which provides tension and a fixed length component of the securing straps does not allow the roofs to extend beyond the peak of the A-Frame trailer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a folding top for a convertible vehicle, wherein the folding top can be displaced between a closed position and an opened position, comprising a main guide link mechanism with a first main guide link, a second main guide link and a guide link element, and a first folding top element, wherein the first folding top element pivotally couples the first main guide link and the second main guide link together, and wherein, starting from the closed position of the folding top, one of the first main guide link and the second main guide link can be displaced in a vertical direction by a swiveling of the guide link element.

Abstract: A top for a convertible vehicle includes a folding roof which can be moved by a top linkage between a closed position in which it can be fixed to a windshield frame and an open position in which it is stowed in a rear side stowage position.

Abstract: A roof apparatus for a convertible car is provided, which includes a front roof and a rear roof which are folded and unfolded by a motor, a support provided at a lower portion of the rear roof for supporting the rear roof; wherein the support including, a base provided at a lower surface of the rear roof in a relatively rotatable manner; an output gear provided on the base that is motor driven; a driving gear engaged with the output gear to rotate on the base, a plurality of links rotatably engaged to the driving gear, and a latch connected to the respective links and rotated by the links on the base so as to be latched to or unlatched from the rear roof. The roofs folded and unfolded by the motor system are able to quickly operate and be accurately controlled. The unfolded roofs are firmly supported by the roof support for supporting the rear roof to increase the overall strength of the roof device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (9) for locking a retractable roof of a motor vehicle (2), comprising: a strike (11) fixed to a lateral roof element (7a, 7b); a locking finger (12) pivotally mounted on a support (13) fixed to the front roof element (3) between an unlocked position and a locked position in which said finger (12) exerts on the strike (11) a force along a substantially vertical axis Z so as to press the lateral roof element (7a, 7b) towards its covering position in which it bears on the central element (6) and/or on the front element (3). The invention also relates to a locking system, a retractable roof and a vehicle equipped with such a device.

Abstract: A locking apparatus for a folding top of a vehicle includes a housing, a locking hook having a gripping end and a bearing end, a coupling device, and a driving apparatus. The coupling device is movably mounted in the housing to be horizontally adjustable in a longitudinal direction of the locking hook. The bearing end is pivotably mounted to the coupling device around a pivot axis oriented horizontally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the locking hook such that the locking hook is horizontally adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the locking hook between closed and opened positions. The driving apparatus is connected with the bearing end through the coupling device for driving the locking hook to move between the closed and opened positions.

Abstract: A locking apparatus for a folding top of a vehicle includes a housing, a locking hook, a coupling device, and a driving apparatus. The locking hook has a gripping end and a bearing end. The coupling device is movably mounted in the housing to be horizontally adjustable in a longitudinal direction of the locking hook. The bearing end is mounted to the coupling device such that the bearing end is movably mounted in the housing to be horizontally adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the locking hook such that the locking hook is movable between closed and opened positions. The driving apparatus is for driving the locking hook to move between the closed and opened positions and includes a first two-bar linkage, a driving arm connected with the two-bar linkage, and an actuating drive for actuating the driving arm.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for latching a convertible top to a cross-member of a windshield frame of a vehicle. The locking mechanism includes a support element, a locking hook, and a pin having a retaining section and a shaft connected together. The support element is mountable to a front portion of the convertible top. The locking hook is pivotably connected to the support element to be movable between resting and operating positions. The retaining section of the pin is fixedly mounted to the support element. The shaft of the pin is projectable along a direction into a corresponding recess of a receptacle in the cross-member of the windshield frame. The pin is of a plastic material that is rigid in shape and plastically deformable and the shaft is constricted in the direction in which the shaft is projectable into the corresponding recess of the receptacle in the cross-member.

Abstract: A folding roof arrangement has a folding top covering (12) and a folding top structure (14). The folding top structure (14) has at least one roof frame (20) with a front area and at least one elastically deformable tensioning element (31-34). The folding top structure (14) can be folded or collapsed with or without the folding top covering (12), so that the tensioning element (31-34) is elastically deformed when folded.

Abstract: A cabriolet includes a displaceable roof that can be secured in its closed position on a windscreen frame. To secure the roof, the cabriolet is equipped with at least two displaceable engagement bodies and at least one associated drive, which interacts with the engagement bodies to transmit the drive force via intermediary elements having a component that extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The drive includes a drive member, which is generally parallel to the transverse direction of the vehicle on the plane of the intermediary elements and which is used to displace a gear that controls the displacement of one or more intermediary elements by means of a coupling member that lies on the plane of the drive member.

Abstract: A roof locking apparatus for a vehicle (70) is provided in a vehicle body and operable to hold a middle portion with respect to a vehicle width direction of a front edge of the roof (2) within a storage space (7).

Abstract: A closure assembly for a vehicle includes a hook movable between locked and unlocked positions. An actuator is connected to the hook and is linearly movable to move the hook between the locked and unlocked positions. First and second rotatable gears are engaged with one another such that either gear rotates as the other gear rotates. First and second levers are respectively connected between the gears and the actuator. The levers move as the gears rotate in response to the first gear rotating in a first rotary direction and thereby cause the actuator to move linearly in a first direction to thereby move the hook to the locked position. The levers move as the gears rotate in response to the first gear rotating in a second rotary direction and thereby cause the actuator to move linearly in a second direction to thereby move the hook to the unlocked position.

Abstract: To reliably prevent lifting of a roof panel when the roof panel is fully closed. To provide a roof panel (12) to a vehicle body (1) capable of opening/closing a vehicle cabin space (11), a link mechanism (3) for supporting the roof panel (12) at the vehicle body (1) having a front connecting link (33) rotatably connected to both of the vehicle body (1) and the roof panel (12), and a rear connecting link (34) rotatably connected to both of the vehicle body (1) and the roof panel (12) at rear side of a vehicle relative to front connecting link (33), and link restricting mechanism (500) for restricting the rear connecting link (34) to the vehicle body (1) when the roof panel (12) is in fully closed state over the vehicle cabin space (11).

Abstract: A top for a convertible vehicle includes a folding roof which can be moved by a top linkage between a closed position in which it can be fixed to a windshield frame and an open position in which it is stowed in a rear side stowage position.

Abstract: A convertible has a top which can be opened and can be put away and which has a rear window frame and, when the top is closed, at least one surface bow situated in front of said rear window frame in the direction of travel. A coupling linkage for carrying out a relative movement of the surface bow with respect to the rear window frame is arranged between the rear window frame and the surface bow. It is essential for the invention that at least two surface bows which are situated in front of the rear window frame in the direction of travel are provided, which surface bows, when the top is closed, form a continuous roof contour together with the rear window frame. Furthermore, the coupling linkage is designed in such a manner that, at the beginning of the opening of the top, the second surface bow can be moved downward relative to the adjacent first surface bow and relative to the rear window frame out of the roof contour.

Abstract: The present invention is a serviceable fabric assembly for a convertible roof of a motor vehicle having a retainer connected to a fabric cover and slidably engaged within a channel formed in a first bow member. The first bow member has an upper panel and a lower panel configured to form the channel substantially along the longitudinal length of the first bow member. The channel is configured to laterally receive a compressible portion of the retainer which prevents the retainer from exiting the channel in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the first bow member. A gap is formed near at least one end of the channel on the outboard side of the channel and is sized such that an operator can slide the retainer out of the channel through the gap for servicing and replacing the fabric cover without having to disassemble the first bow member.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for latching a convertible top to a cross-member of a windshield frame of a vehicle. The locking mechanism includes a support element, a locking hook, and a pin having a retaining section and a shaft connected together. The support element is mountable to a front portion of the convertible top. The locking hook is pivotably connected to the support element to be movable between resting and operating positions. The retaining section of the pin is fixedly mounted to the support element. The shaft of the pin is projectable along a direction into a corresponding recess of a receptacle in the cross-member of the windshield frame. The pin is of a plastic material that is rigid in shape and plastically deformable and the shaft is constricted in the direction in which the shaft is projectable into the corresponding recess of the receptacle in the cross-member.

Abstract: A convertible with a roof, which can be displaced longitudinally in an approximately horizontal position towards the rear of the vehicle, between a closed position, in which the roof is held directly or indirectly against the windshield frame and an intermediate position, in which the fixture between the roof and the windshield frame is released, is provided. The roof, for at least part of the lowering motion, is held in a receiving space of the car body in the rear intermediate position and in the lowered condition it can be displaced longitudinally towards the front of the vehicle. At least one displaceable locking element for the roof can be actuated during the longitudinal displacement of the stowed-away roof.

Abstract: A locking device (10) for locking a convertible top (18) in its opened position comprises a catch element (14) and an opposing element (16) bringable into engagement therewith for locking, wherein the catch element or the opposing element is attached on the convertible top (18) and the other element of the catch element and the opposing element is borne on a vehicle body side. One element (14, 16) is displaceably borne in a retainer (20) and is biased in a locking direction by a biasing device (22). The retainer (20) is movable together with the biasing device (22) and with the element (14) borne in the retainer as a function of the movement of the convertible top (18) into an active position and into an idle position. In the active position, an engagement between the catch element and the opposing element is possible, which is excluded in the idle position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a soft top for a motor vehicle, comprising longitudinal struts that span a roof opening and a flexible roof skin which spans the width of the vehicle and is fastened to a windshield frame in the front and a bow spanning the width of the vehicle in the rear in the mounted state. One respective longitudinal strut that delimits the roof skin in the transversal direction of the vehicle is embodied as a lateral rail which can be connected at least to one lateral vehicle element. In order to put the soft top down, it can be folded in the transversal direction of the vehicle, the roof skin and the longitudinal struts being joined so as to form a pre-assembled unit.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for releasably locking at least a portion of a convertible top of a motor vehicle in the closed position. The latch mechanism has a locked position in which the latch mechanism is lockingly engaged with the receiver to lock at least a portion of the top in the closed position and an unlocked position in which the latch mechanism is disengaged with the receiver and allows movement of the at least portion of the top between the closed and open positions. The latch mechanism has a memory metal element operative for actuating the latch mechanism between the locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle according to the present invention includes a vehicle body with a windshield frame with an upper transverse frame part. A convertible roof for the vehicle has a front end. At least one hook part is disposed in the upper transverse frame part and is linearly movable in the upper transverse frame part.

Abstract: A device for fixing the position of a lid of a motor vehicle in the closed position, the lid being moveable between an open position and a closed position, in particular the position of the cover of a convertible top compartment, having a component attached to the body of the vehicle, and a component which is attached to the lid and which, when the component attached to the body assumes the closed position, is guided at least in one direction. The component attached to the lid or the component attached to the body has a base plate for connection to the lid or the body and an insertion element connected to the base plate. The base plate can be moved by means of a cam pivoted on the plate relative to the lid or the body. The movement of the cam is limited by two stop elements which are attached to the base plate and which are essentially opposite one another.

Abstract: A convertible car includes a mobile roof which can be retained on a windshield frame when closed. For retaining the roof, at least two mobile engaging elements and at least one actuating element for the same are provided. The actuating element is operatively coupled with the engaging elements via respective force transmitters which project with one component in the vehicle transverse direction. At least inward pointing ends of the force transmitters, for the purpose of force transmission, are movable in a purely translational manner and in parallel to their projecting component.

Abstract: A convertible roof for an automotive vehicle is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, an in-folding convertible roof is employed. A further aspect of the present invention includes at least a partially self-covering convertible roof system which includes at least one side rail that moves in a generally cross-vehicular direction when the roof is raised or lowered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cabriolet vehicle having a roof that can be stored underneath a cover part in an open position, at least two displaceable engagement organs and an associated drive being provided to secure a closed cover part. The drive interacts with the engagement organs to transmit a driving force through a force transmission element having a component that extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle. A driven organ can lie in a transverse direction of the vehicle and generally on the same plane as the force transmission elements. In addition, a gear mechanism can be displaced by a rectilinear coupling organ that is connected to the force transmission element and runs parallel to the drive organ.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle is provided with a rear windshield and a rear roof element that laterally comprises C pillars that are at least substantially located next to the rear windshield, adjoining which is at least one front roof element, arranged upstream thereof in the direction of travel when the roof is closed. In order to open the roof the rear roof element can move rearward and downward, and the front roof element can swivel toward the rear roof element. When the roof is open, the C pillars can be swiveled inward in relation to a center section comprising the windshield about axes into a position lying above the center position when the roof is open, and the axes when the roof is closed have at least one component in the direction of travel and one upwardly directed component.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle is provided with at least two roof elements that are separated from each other at a joint when the roof is in the closed position and arranged one after the other relative to the direction of travel, and in order to open the roof a rear roof element can move at least essentially rearward and downward, and a front roof element can swivel toward the rear roof element. When the roof is open, the C pillars can be swiveled inward in relation to a center section comprising to mediate the swiveling, at least one shaft, which when the roof is closed has at least one component in the direction of travel and one upwardly directed component, and whose rotary movement in the region of the joint between the roof elements can be translated into a swivel movement between them.

Abstract: A convertible top stack linkage is provided that is formed, in part, in a thixotropic magnesium molding process. Many structural parts of the convertible top stack linkage may be thixotropically molded. A pivot link of the top stack linkage is pivotally connected to two bows, for example, the three and four bows of the top stack. A five bow extends between and is attached to right and left pivot links by right and left pressure links, respectively. A pivot link is provided that has a triple pivot connection to a tensioning link, a center rail and a rear rail. 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.