Abstract: A roller tarp system for covering a truck bed includes a first pivot arm assembly pivotally coupled to one side of the truck bed and a second pivot arm assembly pivotally coupled to an opposite side of the truck bed. A generally hollow and cylindrical tarp spool extends along a longitudinal axis between opposite first and second ends. The tarp spool is rotatably coupled between the first and second pivot arm assemblies for rotatably supporting a flexible tarp cover. A drive assembly is housed within the tarp spool adjacent one of the first and second ends. The drive assembly is operatively coupled between one of the first and second pivot arm assemblies and the tarp spool for selectively rotating the tarp spool and actuating the tarp system between an open position uncovering the truck bed and a closed position covering the truck bed.

Abstract: An actuation assembly for a cover extendable over an open-topped container body from a stowed position to a deployed position includes two actuator mechanisms on each side of the body, each including at least one torsion spring having a base portion and at least one reaction end and at least one reaction post in contact with a corresponding reaction end of the at least one spring. In a first exterior actuator mechanism, the reaction post is connectable to the bail arm, while in the second interior actuator mechanism the reaction post is mountable to the container body. A common shaft extends between the base portions of the spring(s) of each actuator mechanism to transmit torque from the interior spring(s) to the exterior spring(s), serving as a rotating anchor for the exterior actuator mechanism. In one embodiment, only the exterior actuator mechanism is situated outside the side extent of the container body.

Abstract: A modular roof assembly includes a pair of side rails configured for attachment to longitudinal roll bar members of a vehicle frame by at least one fastener. The side rails extend a direction along a length of the vehicle frame and include at least one guideway to slidably receive transverse tensioning bows and a track car for a soft top and include at least one attachment member adapted to latchably receive at least one hard top panel.

Abstract: A folding top frame has a corner bow with a lower end connected pivotably to a main bow. A load-bearing support is articulated pivotably on a folding top bearing, and has a guide slot, at an end opposite the folding top bearing. The corner bow is guided in the guide track by way of a journal. In the closed position of the folding top frame, the journal is at a lower end stop of the guide slot so that the corner bow is supported.

Abstract: A spring assist mechanism is disclosed for aiding manual deployment of a collapsible soft top that has a frame incorporating a back bow that includes spaced side struts joined at upper ends by a crossbar. The spring assist mechanism includes a bracket securable to the body of the vehicle on one side thereof. A pivot pin extends from the bracket to a distal end and a pivot plate is rotatably supported on the pivot pin. An attachment feature is fixed to the pivot plate displaced from the pivot pin and the pivot plate forms an attachment arm configured to be fixed to a lower end of one of the side struts. The pivot plate thus facilitates pivotal movement of the side strut and back bow between a generally vertical deployed configuration and a generally horizontal stowed configuration. A biasing member, which can be a coil spring, has a first end fixed relative to the bracket and a second end coupled to the attachment feature.

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 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 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: The invention relates to a tensioning bow for a convertible top, a convertible top for a convertible vehicle, a convertible vehicle and a method for mounting a convertible top to a body of a convertible vehicle. The tensioning bow comprises a main segment having a first end and a second end, a first pivotable segment being assigned to the first end of the main segment, and a second segment, wherein a first rotary joint pivotably connects the first pivotable segment to a portion of the main segment, and wherein a second rotary joint pivotably connects the first pivotable segment to the second segment.

Abstract: A tri-fold convertible top is disclosed that is stowed in a storage compartment with a five bow oriented at an angle of between 30° and 60° relative to the vehicle belt line. The top may be tensioned by a power cylinder and linkage that raises both a one bow and the five bow when the top is initially retracted. A main power cylinder is connected to the top stack and a main pivot bracket that lifts a rear rail above the belt line during the extension and retraction cycle.

Abstract: A lift system for use with a foldable, stowable roof capable of being moved between a deployed position and a stowed position. The lift system includes at least one side link, with the side link as part of a frame assembly. The frame assembly supports a foldable roof, and both the frame assembly and the roof are operable for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position. A biasable member is operable with the side link for biasing the side link and the frame assembly toward the deployed position. When it is desired to move the frame assembly and roof from the stowed position to the deployed position, a reduced amount of force is applied to the frame assembly to move the frame assembly to the deployed position because of the force applied to the frame assembly from the biasable member.

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.

Abstract: A vehicle body includes, but is not limited to a frame and a roof held above the frame so as to be movable between a closed configuration in which it covers a passenger compartment and an open configuration in which the passenger compartment is uncovered. The passenger compartment has at least one door. At least one pair of pillars is mounted to the frame to the rear of the door for supporting the roof in its closed configuration. The roof is adapted to assume an intermediate configuration between its open and closer configurations in which the roof is spaced apart from said pillars.

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.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle comprising a moving roof that includes a main pillar which projects upwardly from a window breast line and is movable rearwardly and downwardly around a bearing on the opening of the roof is configured such that the bearing is transposed upwardly with respect to the closed position at least during a part of the roof opening movement.

Abstract: A convertible roof includes a segmented rearmost roof bow that has a length that can change during the retraction and extension process. The rearmost roof bow can be segmented such that the pieces can move relative to one another to shorten a length of the rearmost roof bow when being stowed. When in the fully raised and operative position, the sections of the segmented rearmost roof bow can be aligned and form a roof bow having an operative length. In the retracted state, the sections of the segmented rearmost roof bow can be moved relative to one another such that they are no longer aligned and have a length that is less than the operative length when aligned.

Abstract: A joint locking device for a convertible roof system is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, an outfolding convertible roof employs a device for deterring member-to-member movement when fully raised. A further aspect of the present invention employs a linearly moving lock for a convertible roof joint, which may be automatically actuated and/or manually actuated. Still another aspect of the present invention provides a joint lock at the A-joint, B-joint, C-joint and/or another joint of the convertible roof top stack mechanism.

Abstract: A folding top assembly includes roof and transmission systems. The roof system includes a main link for rotatably coupling a roof to a vehicle. The main link includes a first end for coupling to the roof and a second end for rotatably coupling to the vehicle such that the main link is rotatable to move the roof between closed and opened positions. The transmission system includes tilting and drive levers. The tilting lever has two arms and a center. The second tilting arm and the first drive lever end are rotatably coupled to one another, the second drive lever end and an extension of the second main link end are rotatably coupled to one another, and the tilting center is rotatable such that the tilting lever, the drive lever, and the main link rotate to move the roof upon the first tilting arm being actuated by the actuator.

Abstract: A three-dimensional four bar linkage mechanism is described which provides in and out movement of the rear corners of a convertible top as the top is being lowered or extended which allows the storage space for the retracted top to be smaller in width than the width of the foot print of the top when extended. A drag link which is hinged at one end to one bar and connected by a ball joint to a second bar which in turn is obliquely hinged to a third bar provides the three-dimensional action.

Abstract: A collapsible truck bed cover comprising a frame and an outer covering, wherein the frame comprises four primary support bars, four secondary support bars, and four cross bars. The primary support bars are pivotally connected to each other at a swinging pivot point. The secondary support bars are pivotally connected to the primary support bars. The two rear primary support bars are pivotally connected to the truck bed rails at two stationary pivot points. When the cover is fully collapsed, it fits underneath an existing tonneau cover.

Abstract: A supporting bearing for connecting the bows of a soft-top convertible vehicle to the folding linkage. A bearing spike is integrally formed on a linkage arm. A sleeve-shaped insert body is latched to a bearing spike. The insert body is received in an opening in the bow.

Abstract: A convertible top for a vehicle having a vehicle body has a backlite having a first position corresponding to a retracted position of the convertible top and a second position corresponding to a deployed position of the convertible top. A floating bow is connected to the backlite, the floating bow having a raised position when the backlite is in the second position and a lowered position when the backlite is in the first position. An attachment device connects the floating bow to the vehicle body, the attachment device including a base section attachable to the vehicle body and an adjustment section connected to the floating bow and moveable with respect to the base section for adjusting the raised position of the floating bow.

Abstract: A passenger vehicle a folding top can be changed from a closed position spanning a passenger compartment into a storage position. The folding top includes a folding top frame structure and a folding top cover which is held in place on the folding top frame structure, and a rigid rear window. The folding top frame structure has at least one rear, U-shaped tensioning bar which in the closed position of the folding top can be displaced into a substantially horizontal tensioned position and into an upward folded, for example upright, mounted position and which on its free bar ends is seated in a swivel axis that runs roughly parallel to the vehicle's transverse axis. For improved accessibility of the storage compartment each leg of the U-shaped tensioning bar is connected with the swivel axis by means of a detachable connecting device.

Abstract: A top for a convertible vehicle includes a lateral roof frame having at least one front roof frame (1) and one rear roof frame part (2), a front bow (3) held in a longitudinally displaceable manner on the front roof frame part (1), a bow element (3) held on the front roof frame part (1), and a front frame (8) of the convertible vehicle, to which the front roof frame part (1) can be releasably locked. A movement of the front bow (3) from a first opening position into a second opening position and unlocking of the front roof frame part (1) from the front frame (8) are coupled by a positive control.

Abstract: In a folding convertible roof for a vehicle which roof is movable between a closed position, in which it covers the interior of the vehicle, and an storage position, in which it is folded into a storage compartment behind the vehicle interior the folding roof includes a roof support structure with a roof material and side support elements extending at opposite sides of the roof and being mounted each on a pivot member which is pivotably and tiltably supported and coupled to the actuating element capable of pivoting and tilting the pivot member while opening or closing said roof for transferring the side support element between the closed position, in which it extends longitudinally along a side of the roof and a transverse storage position.

Abstract: A device for determining an angular position of parts of a convertible roof, which can be swiveled relative one another has an electrical or electronic determining instrument with a housing connected to a first part of the folding top, and a controller member, which can be rotated to relative to the first part of the folding top, connected to a second part of the folding top, which can be swiveled relative to the first part. A connection of the housing to the first part of the folding top of and/or a connection the controller member to the second part is constructed as a movable connection.

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: A method for opening a vehicle covering system for a convertible. The covering system has a first, second and third roof sections and a one-piece cover for stretching over all three roof sections. The three roof sections can be pivoted from an open position covering the vehicle to a terminal folded position within the vehicle.

Abstract: A dual bow assembly for supporting a flexible covering member of a Jeep-type vehicle in proximity to a forward top covering member. The vehicle includes a forwardly situated seating area upon which the forward covering member is secured and a rearwardly situated storage area defined by a belt line extending around sides and a rear of the vehicle. A pair of spaced apart roll bars extend along the seating and storage area of the vehicle and the flexible covering member is associated with the vehicle storage area. A first substantially “U” shaped bow is located proximate a forward end of the vehicle storage area and envelopes the spaced apart roll bars. Opposing and linearly extending ends of the first bow each include a linkage member pivotally associated with the linearly extending ends at a first location and pivotally engaged with the vehicle belt line at a second location.

Abstract: A bumper beam extension for a bumper beam having left and right bumper beam extensions and a method for manufacturing the bumper beam extensions to provide impact crush resistance is disclosed. The bumper beam extensions include an insert end contoured and sized to fit in the end of the bumper beam and a main body portion having substantially a rearwardly facing saddle shape that includes an upper wing and a lower wing joined at a bight section. The main body portion is blow molded to configure the bight section to taper from a preselected distance from a forward wall of the main body portion until it is face to face with the forward wall. For increased stiffness, the bumper beam may be welded to a frame of a vehicle.

Abstract: In a bumper bar for vehicles, the bar is extended in one dimension, has a closed cross-section and two ends and includes at least one front flange, one rear flange, one top side and one bottom side. The bumper bar has at least one part of the rear flange, lying along the bar, in contact with at least one part of the front flange, also lying along the bar. In the method for manufacturing the bumper bar, the at least one part of the rear flange is wholly or partially pressed in towards the at least one part of the front flange.

Abstract: A device for driving a folding top for a convertible has at least one main bearing, which is at least indirectly connected to the vehicle body, at least one main pillar to which the folding top is attached and which is mounted in a rotatable manner on the at least one main bearing, at least one driving mechanism for driving the at least one main pillar, and a fabric-retaining bow for stretching the folding top when it is closed. The at least one main bearing has a connecting-link-type guide. The at least one main pillar is provided with a slot. The at least one driving mechanism has a bolt-like element which is intended to be accommodated in the connecting-link-type guide of the at least one main bearing and in the slot of the at least one main pillar. At least one additional lever is connected in an articulated manner via a pivot to the fabric-retaining bow, and the at least one additional lever has a recess on its side facing away from the pivot for the purpose of accommodating the bolt-like element.

Abstract: A hinged joint in vehicle bodies is provided with a first bearing section and a second bearing section. The bearing sections are held together by a bearing pin. In order to be able to produce highly stressed hinged joints in the area of vehicle bodies using simple techniques for easy manufacturing and operational safety, at least one of the joint parts of the joint connection is provided with a low-friction surface coating to reduce the friction.

Abstract: A displaceable folding top for a motor vehicle has a folding top cover material that is held to a folding top rod system, and has a plurality of articulated rod parts. Furthermore, in the area of a vehicle side, a main hoop is arranged, which is swivel mounted to the motor vehicle and to which a sealing element is coupled. To provide a folding top that takes little space in its deposited position, and that has a high seal tightness and a long service life, the sealing element is held on a separately formed sealing frame swivelably mounted on the motor vehicle. The swiveling axes of the sealing frame and the main hoop are spaced from each other in at least one position of the folding top, and the sealing frame is displaceably coupled with the main hoop via displacement kinematics.

Abstract: A motor vehicle roof with a lowerable roof part (12) which can be moved via a lowering mechanism (48) from a raised into a lowered position and which has a closing device (14), with which the lowerable roof part (12) can be locked both in the raised and also in the lowered position, the closing device (14) with the lowerable roof part (12) raised interacting with a first pivot support (11) which is fixed on a stationary roof part (20). The lowerable roof part (12) can be locked securely in the raised and in the lowered position without high construction cost, and which enables universal use is created by the closing device (14) with the lowerable roof part (12) lowered interacting with a second pivot support (62) which is fixed on an element of the lowering mechanism (48).

Abstract: Conversion of a hard top or half-hard top auto to an open-top auto is accomplished with a frame assembly and optional hatchback cap of the invention. The frame assembly is permanently mounted to the auto. It comprises a set of mounting plates for attachment to inside sidewalls of the auto, a stabilizer bar secured to the mounting plates and extending laterally across the auto, a set of main frame rails pivotally attached to the mounting plates and extending generally vertically, a pivot bar attached to the main frame rails and extending laterally across the auto, a set of secondary rail extensions with each pivotally attached to the pivot bar and a secondary cross rail secured to the secondary rail extensions and extending laterally across the auto. The frame assembly is collapsible about the pivot points into a seating area of the auto to give an open-top auto. The stabilizer bar helps to hold the hatchback cap in position.

Abstract: A folding top for a convertible has two roof frames which run along the longitudinal sides. Each of these roof frames is divided into three sections. The rear of these sections is connected to a pivot on the body and, by means of a further pivot, to the central frame piece. The front frame piece is linked to the central frame piece with the aid of a parallelogram link arrangement which is configured in such a way that during opening the front frame piece is guided upward onto the central frame piece, so that the roof lining is not exposed even when the folding top is open.

Abstract: An arrangement for attaching a top storage well cover to a motor vehicle body for a pivotal movement about an axis arranged in the region of a rear edge of a top storage well opening between closed and open positions, with the arrangement including two articulated devices spaced from each other in a direction transverse to a longitudinal extent of the vehicle and each including two articulated arms, which form an articulated lever parallelogram, support axles for pivotally attaching the two articulated arms to the storage well cover and to the vehicle body, and a linkage for displacement of one of support axles of at least one arm during the pivotal movement of the cover.

Abstract: A latching and control apparatus for an automotive vehicle convertible roof employs an actuator which operably drives a main gear. In one aspect of the present invention, the main gear causes a latching hook to move from an unlatching position to a latching position. In a further aspect of the present invention, the main gear causes a first structural roof member to move relative to a second structural roof member.

Abstract: A convertible roof actuation mechanism includes a pliable roof cover, a top stack mechanism supporting the roof cover, and at least one roof bow of the top stack mechanism independently movable relative to the remainder of the top stack mechanism for selectively reducing and increasing tension of the roof cover during latching. Another aspect of the present invention provides a single driving mechanism, for each side of the vehicle, to operate both the tension relieving roof bow and the top stack mechanism.

Abstract: A composite fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) bumper includes an energy absorbing outer shell which is spaced from a rigid inner beam. The outer shell deforms under low impact loads and serves as an energy absorber. Upon high impact loads, the shell abuts the inner beam which, in turn, transfers the loads to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for pivotally mounting a bow on a truck. The apparatus comprises a housing, a pivot assembly, a locator pin, and at least one spiral torsion spring. The housing is mounted to the truck generally below a bed of the truck. The pivot assembly includes a shaft and an integral bow base. The shaft is mounted in the housing, and the bow base extends from the generally perpendicular to the shaft, and is movable between a home position and a deployed position. The locator pin extends generally parallel to the shaft, and is selectively attachable to the housing at different locations relative to the shaft. The springs are disposed in the housing, and engage the locator pin and an axial groove in the shaft to bias the pivot assembly toward the home position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stroller, in particularly a tandem seat stroller, and a unique canopy mechanism and a unique reclining mechanism for use in the stroller according to the present invention. The stroller includes a main frame having a first seat support for supporting a first seat and a first reclinable backrest frame for supporting a first backrest. A first reclining mechanism is connected to the backrest frame and the main frame for selectively pivotally moving the backrest relative to the main frame, which includes at least one pivot mechanism. A first canopy mechanism is also connected to the main frame which includes a first tensioning mechanism, a first canopy frame connected to one end of a canopy and a second canopy frame connected to the other end of the canopy.

Abstract: A receiver for a tarp bow, a tarp bow and a frame for supporting a removable covering. The receiver is adapted to be attached to a side wall of a container with an open top, said receiver further adapted to be pivoted in a vertical plane with respect to the side wall. The receiver has an open end that is circular in cross section with a coalesced side channel for receipt of a leg of a tarp bow. The tarp bow is preferably formed of aluminum tubing having a cross section complementary to the receiver. A plurality of bows spanning the width of the top opening and mounted in the receivers forms a frame that can be pivoted out of the top opening at either end of the bow.

Abstract: A folding top for a vehicle, particularly a passenger car, consists of a folding top structure and of a folding top covering, the folding top structure including a rigid substantially plate shaped folding top section which extends adjacent to the windshield frame. The plate-shaped folding top section is supported on the adjoining folding top section by way of B-column control arms, which are constructed in one piece. For linking of the dimensionally stable folding top section adjacent to each B-column control arm, a main control arm is arranged whose one end is pivotably connected to the forward folding top section and whose other end is pivotably connected to a lower control lever, each lower control lever connecting the B-column control arm with a main hoop which spans the passenger compartment in a curved manner and is situated behind it.

Abstract: An isolation apparatus reduces vibrations and destructive twisting forces otherwise transmitted between an automotive vehicle body and roof. A striker isolator and a roof pivot isolator are provided. Furthermore, a hinge isolator is provided between a pair of foldable roof sections. These isolators are ideally suited for use in combination with convertible roofs.

Abstract: A first, fork-shaped component accommodates a second component, in which case an articulated connection between the two components takes place by means of an inserted pin. In order to establish a rattle-free connection between the two components with a good functioning and a simple mounting and a small space requirement in the longitudinal direction of the pin, it is provided that one sleeve respectively, which receives the pin, is inserted into bores of the first fork-shaped component, on the side facing the second component, each sleeve having an outwardly directed, elastic ring segment which, under prestress, is supported on the two components. In addition, on the side facing away from the ring segment, inwardly directed elastic noses are molded to the sleeves and reach behind the slid-in pin without a head and secure it against a falling-out.

Abstract: An adjusting device for a hood of a toy stroller includes a middle element engaged to a side tube of the toy stroller, a first side element and a second side element engaged to a first side and a second side of the middle element which has a tubular portion extending laterally from both sides thereof, each tubular portion having a toothed portion defined in an outer periphery thereof, the first side element and the second side element each having a skirt portion extending laterally from a side facing the corresponding toothed portion of the middle element and having a plurality of protrusions extending radially from an inner periphery of the skirt portion for engagement with the corresponding toothed portion, a first support and a second support for supporting the hood, each having two distal ends engaged to the respective first side element and the second side element such that the hood can be extended by rotating the first support and/or the second support by moving the protrusions across the toothed portio

Abstract: A hinge for a folding roof in an automotive vehicle has a pivoting mechanism coupling a front roof section to a rear roof section wherein the pivoting mechanism provides separation between the front roof and the rear roof prior to arcuate displacement thereof.

Abstract: An attachment system for pickup bed covers as well as a tonneau cover construction and a collapsible canopy for pickup beds are disclosed. The attachment system includes attachment rails which are affixed to a top of the sidewalls of the pickup bed. The attachment rails have a depending lip which defines a narrow bight that extends along one edge of the rail. A narrow thin resilient fastener strip sewn along an edge of the pickup bed covers is folded inwardly and inserted in the bight to secure the covers to the rail. The front edge of each cover is attached to the pickup bed with a hook and loop fastener, and the rear edge is attached to the tailgate with a rubberized magnetic strip. The tonneau cover incorporates the attachment system. The collapsible canopy is supported by a foldable framework that includes first and second X-shaped frames having two U-shaped ribs pivotably connected by a scissor-type joint.