Abstract: A roof for a convertible vehicle includes first and second roof parts which can be moved by a bearing mechanism between a closed position which covers an interior of the vehicle and a lowered position in a rear roof deposition space which exposes the vchicle interior. A locking device is provided for interlocking of the first and second roof parts in the closed position of the roof. The locking device has a first closing unit for mutual interlocking of the first and second roof parts and which is coupled to a drive mechanism. The first closing unit has a coupling mechanism to couple to a second closing unit which acts on one of the first and second roof parts and which interlocks the acted upon roof part to a third roof part or to a body part.

Abstract: A convertible top latch employing a linkage assembly and a driving mechanism is disclosed. The linkage assembly can be positioned on-center or over-center in a closed position. The linkage assembly can have an adjustable link. At least one link can remain the same and/or the latch member can move the same distance regardless of the linkage assembly being operated by a powered or manual actuator. A damping member can dampen movement of the top latch. The manual actuator can be biased to a specific orientation.

Abstract: A bumper for attachment to the front of a vehicle, includes an elongated bumper beam having a front face provided with at least one rearwardly depressed portion extending lengthwise of the bumper beam, a compressable energy absorbing foam material extending lengthwise of the bumper beam, and a bumper fascia covering the foam material. The foam material has a first portion received in the depressed portion and a second portion protruding forwardly from the front face of the bumper beam such that the second portion is compressed into the depressed portion upon receipt of a collision impact.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of a convertible roof bow tensioning apparatus includes a pliable roof cover, a top stack mechanism supporting the roof cover having at least one roof bow, and a roof bow tensioner for selectively reducing and increasing tension of the roof cover. Another aspect of the present invention provides a camming apparatus operably extending and retracting a roof bow relative to a remainder of a convertible top stack mechanism.

Abstract: In a locking arrangement for a hardtop vehicle roof, which is movable between open and closed positions and includes at least front and rear roof parts, which, in the closed position of the vehicle roof, are disposed behind one another, two locking structures with pivotal locking hooks are supported by support plates on the front roof part for engaging locking pins mounted on a windshield frame and, respectively, the rear roof part and are operable by an operating mechanism so as to pivot toward each other for engaging the locking pins and pulling the roof into firm engagement with the windshield frame, and, at the same time, the front and rear roof parts into firm engagement with each other.

Abstract: A locking device suitable for a removable top of a motor vehicle, which extends between fixed structures, such as a windshield frame and an anti-roll bar of a vehicle body, includes a locking element on the roof, which works together with a mounting that is attached, for example, to the anti-roll bar, is directed towards the passenger compartment, and is provided in a fastening plate. The fastening plate, which may be attached to the anti-roll bar, includes a cover element, which can be displaced from a first position into a second position covering the mounting of the fastening plate and vice versa.

Abstract: A retractable roof fixing apparatus capable of drawing the roof to a vehicle body to be snugly fixed thereto by automatically retracting a striker engaged with a latch by a sufficient distance. The retractable roof fixing apparatus comprises: a striker fixed on a roof; a base plate fixed on a body of a vehicle; a slide plate slidably attached to the base plate in a direction of movement of the striker; a latch rotatably mounted on the slide plate that engages the striker with a rotation of the latch; a cam rotatably mounted on the base plate; and a motor that rotates the cam, wherein the motor operates when the striker engages the latch to rotate the cam so as to slide the slide plate away from the roof.

Abstract: A covering shell connected with a folding top clamp by way of detents and holding noses so that, in the event of an emergency operation of the folding top, the shell can be removed from the clamp at any time.

Abstract: A removable header for a soft top or similar accessory for a sport utility vehicle. The header has a main body that is releasably securable to the vehicle windshield using just clamps. The header also includes short extensions on each side of the main body that extend rearwardly of it. In use, the extensions abut portions of the safety bar arrangement immediately adjacent the windshield of the vehicle and prevent the header from rotating beyond a predetermined position relative to the windshield.

Abstract: In a foldable vehicle roof for a convertible vehicle with an operating mechanism including spaced control arms pivotally supported on the vehicle body for moving the vehicle roof between a closed position, in which an interior vehicle space is covered, and an open position, and the vehicle roof includes a rear roof part and a roof part disposed in front of, and adjacent, the rear roof part, the rear roof part is biased in the closed position of the vehicle roof against the vehicle body by way of clamping means engaging one of the control arms with the rear roof part.

Abstract: A closure device for a convertible top includes a lateral roof frame, a hoop element, and a pivotable hook arranged on the lateral roof frame which can be brought into engagement with the hoop element. The closure device also includes a first sliding element, the hook being accommodated in a pivotable manner on the first sliding element, and a second sliding element, it being possible for pivoting of the hook to be driven by a drivable movement of the second sliding element relative to the first sliding element.

Abstract: A hardtop convertible roof apparatus is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, rigid, hardtop front and/or rear roof sections are employed. A further aspect of the present invention provides a header latch assembly capable of conveniently and reliably latching the front roof section to a front header. In yet another aspect of the present invention, a panel-to-panel latch assembly is provided that selectively couples the front roof section to the rear roof section in response to the latching of the front roof section to the front header.

Abstract: A retractable roof fixing apparatus capable of drawing the roof to a vehicle body to be snugly fixed thereto by automatically retracting a striker engaged with a latch by a sufficient distance. The retractable roof fixing apparatus comprises: a striker fixed on a roof; a base plate fixed on a body of a vehicle; a slide plate slidably attached to the base plate in a direction of movement of the striker; a latch rotatably mounted on the slide plate that engages the striker with a rotation of the latch; a cam rotatably mounted on the base plate; and a motor that rotates the cam, wherein the motor operates when the striker engages the latch to rotate the cam so as to slide the slide plate away from the roof.

Abstract: An interlocking device for the folding roof of a motor vehicle with a locking hook (4) which is pivotally mounted on the front frame part (1) of the folding roof and which can be moved by means of a multiple connecting rod mechanism and can be interlocked in latching engagement on a vehicle-mounted abutment, the multiple connecting rod mechanism, especially a four-bar mechanism (6, 12, 14, 15), containing the locking hook (4) and being located self-locking in the closed position.

Abstract: A retractable soft top system includes a support frame with a forward end and a rearward end. The rearward end is detachably and pivotably interconnected with the vehicle body at the rear of the passenger compartment. The support frame includes a latching member extending from the forward end. The latching member is operable to selectively engage an engagement feature on the windshield header so as to interconnect the forward end of the support frame with the header. A cover selectively covers a storage area behind the passenger compartment. The cover is pivotally supported such that the forward end moves upwardly to uncover at least a portion of the storage area. The cover has an underside with an engagement feature adjacent the forward end and a retaining latch spaced rearwardly therefrom.

Abstract: In a locking arrangement for a hardtop vehicle roof, which is movable between open and closed positions and includes at least front and rear roof parts, which, in the closed position of the vehicle roof, are disposed behind one another, two locking structures with pivotal locking hooks are supported by support plates on the front roof part for engaging locking pins mounted on a windshield frame and, respectively, the rear roof part and are operable by an operating mechanism so as to pivot toward each other for engaging the locking pins and pulling the roof into firm engagement with the windshield frame, and, at the same time, the front and rear roof parts into firm engagement with each other.

Abstract: A covering shell connected with a folding top clamp by way of detents and holding noses so that, in the event of an emergency operation of the folding top, the shell can be removed from the clamp at any time.

Abstract: The retractable roof for a vehicle comprises several rigid roof elements (1, 2, 3), able to move between a position in which they cover the passenger compartment (4) of the vehicle and a position in which they are stored inside the rear boot of the vehicle, the roof elements (1, 2, 3) being, when they cover the passenger compartment (4), connected to each other and to the front and rear parts of the bodywork by locks controlled by rods (7) extending inside the roof elements, driven in rotation by an electric motor (8) housed in a rear roof element.

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: In a vehicle roof which is movable between a closed position, in which the roof covers an interior vehicle space, and an open position and wherein the roof part includes a locking bolt for engagement with an adjacent vehicle part when the roof is in a closed position, the roof part and the adjacent vehicle part each has a guide tube incorporated therein and the locking bolt is movably supported in one of the adjacent guide tubes and, upon closing of the vehicle roof, is insertable into the adjacent guide tube and lockable thereto so that the guide tubes and the locking bolt form a continuous tube structure with a common axis when the vehicle roof is in the closed position.

Abstract: A closure device for a convertible top includes a lateral roof frame, a hoop element, and a pivotable hook arranged on the lateral roof frame which can be brought into engagement with the hoop element. The closure device also includes a first sliding element, the hook being accommodated in a pivotable manner on the first sliding element, and a second sliding element, it being possible for pivoting of the hook to be driven by a drivable movement of the second sliding element relative to the first sliding element.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A latch mechanism associated with one of a convertible top and a automobile component is provided. The latch mechanism is adapted to cooperate with an engagement member associated with the other of the convertible top and the automobile component. A hook, a first guide pin and a second guide pin are provided. The first and second guide pins are associated with the hook. A first guide slot is associated with the first guide pin and a second guide slot is associated with the second guide pin. A drive mechanism is associated with the latch assembly and adapted to move each of the first and second guide pins along its respective first and second guide slot to move the hook between a latched position and an unlatched position.

Abstract: A convertible roof is provided which includes a folding mechanism that couples a pair of adjacent roof rails together with at least two links to form a linkage assembly with at least four-bars without the adjacent pair of roof rails being directly connected to one another. A convertible roof having a folding mechanism that controls retraction of the convertible roof so that a portion of the convertible roof serves as a cover that conceals a portion of the convertible roof within the stowage compartment is also provided.

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

Abstract: A lock system (10) for a cabriolet convertible top, with a drive device (12) which actuates at least two lock elements (14, 16). A drive cable (18, 20) which has a core (22, 24) which is suitable for transferring compressive and tension forces is provided between the drive device (12) and each of at least two lock elements (14, 16) for actuating the at least two lock elements (14, 16). Furthermore, a ring bearing for use with the lock system has an annular configuration that facilitates insertion of a locking journal (34) and enables tolerances in the transverse and vertical direction to be accommodated.

Abstract: The retractable roof for a vehicle comprises several rigid roof elements (1, 2, 3), able to move between a position in which they cover the passenger compartment (4) of the vehicle and a position in which they are stored inside the rear boot of the vehicle, the roof elements (1, 2, 3) being, when they cover the passenger compartment (4), connected to each other and to the front and rear parts of the bodywork by locking means controlled by rods (7) extending inside the roof elements, driven in rotation by an electric motor (8) housed in a rear roof element.

Abstract: A lock system (10) for a cabriolet convertible top, with a drive device (12) which actuates at least two lock elements (14, 16). A drive cable (18, 20) which has a core (22, 24) which is suitable for transferring compressive and tension forces is provided between the drive device (12) and each of at least two lock elements (14, 16) for actuating the at least two lock elements (14, 16). Furthermore, a ring bearing for use with the lock system has an annular configuration that facilitates insertion of a locking journal (34) and enables tolerances in the transverse and vertical direction to be accommodated.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: In a vehicle roof which is movable between a closed position, in which the roof covers an interior vehicle space, and an open position and wherein the roof part includes a locking bolt for engagement with an adjacent vehicle part when the roof is in a closed position, the roof part and the adjacent vehicle part each has a guide tube incorporated therein and the locking bolt is movably supported in one of the adjacent guide tubes and, upon closing of the vehicle roof, is insertable into the adjacent guide tube and lockable thereto so that the guide tubes and the locking bolt form a continuous tube structure with a common axis when the vehicle roof is in the closed position.

Abstract: A hardtop convertible roof apparatus is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, rigid, hardtop front and/or rear roof sections are employed. A further aspect of the present invention provides a header latch assembly capable of conveniently and reliably latching the front roof section to a front header. In yet another aspect of the present invention, a panel-to-panel latch assembly is provided that selectively couples the front roof section to the rear roof section in response to the latching of the front roof section to the front header.

Abstract: A latch mechanism associated with one of a convertible top and a automobile component is provided. The latch mechanism is adapted to cooperate with an engagement member associated with the other of the convertible top and the automobile component. A hook, a first guide pin and a second guide pin are provided. The first and second guide pins are associated with the hook. A first guide slot is associated with the first guide pin and a second guide slot is associated with the second guide pin. A drive mechanism is associated with the latch assembly and adapted to move each of the first and second guide pins along its respective first and second guide slot to move the hook between a latched position and an unlatched position.

Abstract: A fastening device for a convertible top includes a front bow, a front window frame, a bracket disposed on one of the front bow and the front window frame, a first catch element assigned to the other of the front bow and the front window frame, and at least one second catch element. The first catch element is secured so as to be pivotable about a first axis, and is connectable to the bracket. The at least one second catch element is connectable to the bracket and pivotable about a second axis spaced apart from the first axis.

Abstract: A wind deflector (5) for a motor vehicle with roof or a convertible top which can be transferred to a stowage space. The wind deflector (5) is pivotally supported on a cross beam (4) which extends over the front windshield (3), and it can be pivoted by a drive (13) which also actuates a detachable interlock of the convertible top (2) on the cross beam (4), depending on the position of the raising mechanism (18) which is actuated by the drive means (13) for the wind deflector (5), a locking device (11) is coupled to the drive (13) or is uncoupled from it.

Abstract: A releasable linking unit has first and second support elements designed to be applied one against the other, said first support element having a catch loop; a hook joined to said second support element and displaceable relative to this second support element; control members having elements for guiding the hook between a locked position and an unlocked position. The guide elements are designed to bias the two support elements one against the other when the hook is fully displaced from its intermediate position into its locked position.

Abstract: An interlocking device for the folding roof of a motor vehicle with a locking hook (4) which is pivotally mounted on the front frame part (1) of the folding roof and which can be moved by means of a multiple connecting rod mechanism and can be interlocked in latching engagement on a vehicle-mounted abutment, the multiple connecting rod mechanism, especially a four-bar mechanism (6, 12, 14, 15), containing the locking hook (4) and being located self-locking in the closed position.

Abstract: A closing device for a folding top of a convertible including a one-handed swiveling handle supported in a longitudinal median plane of the vehicle at the roof peak part. The swiveling handle has a rod which extends symmetrically to the longitudinal median plane of the vehicle and transfers a swiveling motion. The connecting rod is constructed as a torsion bar which can be shifted jointly with the swiveling handle about a drag bearing of the swiveling handle at the roof peak part. End parts of the torsion bar are mounted immovably at the roof peak part in the region of locking mechanisms engaging the windshield frame.

Abstract: A fastening device for a convertible top includes a front bow, a front window frame, a bracket disposed on one of the front bow and the front window frame, a first catch element assigned to the other of the front bow and the front window frame, and at least one second catch element. The first catch element is secured so as to be pivotable about a first axis, and is connectable to the bracket. The at least one second catch element is connectable to the bracket and pivotable about a second axis spaced apart from the first axis.

Abstract: In a removable vehicle roof including an operating mechanism for moving the roof between a closed position in which the vehicle roof covers an interior vehicle space and a storage position in which the vehicle roof is deposited in a rear storage compartment, the operating mechanism includes operating and coupling arms which are pivotable relative to each other and provided with locking means for locking the vehicle roof in position in the storage compartment and also for rigidly interconnecting the operating and coupling arms when the vehicle roof is in a closed position.

Abstract: The invention concerns a folding roof comprising a front element and a rear element, the two elements capable of being stored in the vehicle boot, and locks for locking together the front edge of the front element to the front element of the vehicle body and the rear edge of the front element to the front edge of the rear elemen. The locks are actuated by rotating rods connected to a motor. The rotating rods and the locks are arranged such that the rotation of the motor causes the control rods to rotate simultaneously and the locks to be engaged when the roof covers the vehicle.

Abstract: A fastening device for a folding-top covering of a folding top of an open motor vehicle, having a plug-in profile. The plug-in profile is fastened to the folding-top covering of the folding top. The fastening device also has a folding-top frame part and a receiving channel which is formed on the folding-top frame part. It is possible for the plug-in profile to be plugged into the receiving channel on the folding-top frame part in such a manner that a permanent fixing of the folding-top covering relative to the folding-top frame part can be produced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a main bearing unit for a convertible folding top, comprising a bearing plate, at least one kinematic pivot point of a folding-top linkage of the convertible folding top, which kinematic pivot point is mounted pivotably in the bearing plate, a linear force-introducing unit, a pin which is assigned to the folding-top linkage, wherein the linear force-introducing unit, in order to actuate the folding-top linkage, is in driving connection with the pin assigned to the folding-top linkage, and a hole in the bearing plate, wherein the force-introducing unit is held in the hole in the bearing plate and is integrated in the bearing plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a folding roof for a convertible with a canvas top which is held by the frame of the top, which frame has side roof rods, a main bow and a top mechanism supported on the body for opening and closing the folding roof, which contains one side main column which on the one hand is pivotally mounted on the body and on the other in a pivot joint on the roof rod and is adjoined by the canvas folding roof tensioned when the top is closed, the main bow (9) forming a roof cassette (10) which is permanently connected to the roof rod (8) and an additional rod (14; 14′) being movably arranged in the area of the main column (3) and being kinematically coupled to a component (10; 4), especially a folding roof frame part or a body-mounted part, to which the additional rod (14; 14′) executes relative motion when the main column (3) executes a pivoting motion, and the canvas top (26) adjoining or being attached to the additional rod (14; 14′) and the additional rod (14; 14′) exe

Abstract: A latching device for latching a folding roof (1) of a motor vehicle on a windshield apron (3) which has a movably supported latch hook (5) which can be latched by a drive in locking engagement on a counterpiece of the lock. The latch hook (5) is movably supported either on the free end (2) of the folding roof (1) or on the apron (3) and it can be latched on the apron (3) or the roof free end (2) as a lock counterpiece, and the drive moves an intermediate element, such as a pivot lever (14) which is coupled to the latch hook (5), for closing and latching the folding roof (1) in a pivoting and sliding motion relative to the stationary guide part (7) which is in guided engagement in a guideway (8) of the latch hook (5) and pivots around the guide part (7).

Abstract: A convertible roof and tonneau cover system having a retractable convertible roof and a tonneau cover selectively enclosing the retractable convertible roof. The tonneau cover extends upward to obstruct a backwash of wind during vehicle travel, thereby serving as a wind deflector. A backlite is mounted within the tonneau cover and a drive mechanism is provided that is operable to simultaneously move the retractable convertible roof and the tonneau cover each between raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: A roof construction for a motor vehicle having a removable roof, includes a first, front hard roof part, a main bearing fixed on the motor vehicle body, a first, articulated connection, the first, front hard roof part being connected via the first, articulated connection to the main bearing, the first, front hard roof part being pivotable from a closed position into a lowered position in a trunk by means of the first, articulated connection, a second roof part containing a rear window, a second, articulated connection, the second, articulated connection being arranged pivotably outside the first, articulated connection on the same main bearing, the second roof part being pivotable from a closed position into a lowered position in the trunk via the second, articulated connection, the first, front hard roof part being arranged in its lowered position above the second roof part, and a loading area for loading purposes remaining below the second roof part.

Abstract: In a locking arrangement for a hardtop vehicle roof, which is movable between open and closed positions and includes at least two roof parts, which are disposed behind one another, two locking hooks are pivotally supported on a support for engaging locking pins mounted on a windshield frame and operable by an operating mechanism so as to pivot toward each other for engaging the locking pins and pulling the roof into firm engagement with the windshield frame, and, at the same time, the two roof parts into firm engagement with each other.

Abstract: A control apparatus for opening and closing a convertible top of a vehicle includes first detecting device for outputting a first signal representing that a movable roof is closed, a second detecting device for outputting a second signal representing that a locking mechanism is in a locked condition, a third detecting device for outputting a third signal representing that a driving mechanism is turned to an excessive load condition, and a controller for controlling the driving mechanism according to the first signal, the second signal and the third signal. The controller includes a processing device for executing an error step when the third signal is inputted to the controller and the second signal is not inputted to the controller while the first signal is inputted to the controller.

Abstract: A retractable top for a Jeep® CJ-7® or Wrangler® or other vehicle with an open passenger compartment and an open rear compartment. The top attaches to the floor of the open rear compartment. A number of expanding linkage arms allow the cover to be deployed forwardly over both the rear compartment and the passenger compartment. Windscreen brackets fasten the cover to the vehicle's windscreen.

Abstract: The invention relates to an unlocking device for a vehicle convertible top, comprising a handle for actuating the unlocking device, and at least one locking hook which locks the vehicle convertible top and is operatively connected to the handle by means of an actuating arrangement, a signal generator being provided which detects the position of the handle and which generates a signal when the handle is shifted by a predetermined extent, and the signal causing a catch to be released, preventing further shifting of the handle beyond the predetermined extent.