Abstract: A Targa roof system for a vehicle includes a roof part (10) for spanning a compartment between a cross member (4), including the upper side of a windshield, and a traverse cross beam (8), which traversely spans a vehicle inner compartment and is spaced from the cross member (4). Guide elements (20, 22) are affixed in the rear area of the roof part (10) on both sides thereof, the guide elements being spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction of the roof part. The roof part (10) is pivotable from its closed position about the two guide elements (20, 22), which oppose each other with reference to the vehicle width, and subsequently is lowerable downwardly guided along the guide rails (24) into a stowed position by the forward guide element (20) and the rear guide element (22) without pivoting.

Abstract: A convertible roof system uses composite roof rail(s). The composite roof rail can have portions that are made of differing materials. The composite roof rail can use universal connecting pieces for the ends of the roof rail. Adjacent composite roof rails can be formed about a connector that couples the adjacent roof rails together.

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.