Abstract: A slide member to lock a roof member stored in a storage space by its rearward sliding and unlock the roof member by its forward sliding is provided. An operational member to rotate around a first rotational axis includes an operational portion to be operated from an inside of a vehicle compartment. A slide member slides longitudinally when a middle member rotates around a second rotational axis. The middle member is linked with the operational member such that it rotates in an opposite direction to a rotational direction of the operational member. The second rotational axis is located at a lower level than the first rotational axis such that the slide member slides forward to an unlock position when the middle member rotates according to an upward rotation of the operational portion.

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 cabriolet vehicle has a top system (2) that can be stowed in a rear-end stowage compartment (7). The top system (2) is held in the stowage compartment (7) by a support with a hinge element (9) having a horizontally pivotable hinge arm (11) and a top bearing (8) integrated in the hinge arm (11). The hinge arm (11) has a drive device (12) actuable by a roof link (30) of the top system (2) and configured to pivot the hinge arm (11) about a vertical axis (10) from a folded-in rest position (R), in which the hinge arm (11) is oriented transversely in the vehicle (1), into a folded-out bearing position (A), in which the hinge arm (11) extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction and in which the top bearing (8) receives a support (14) of a roof element (5) of the top system (2).

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: 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 convertible has a convertible top which can be put away in the rear region of the convertible and, in a fully open position, is received in a convertible top compartment which can be at least partially closed by a convertible top compartment cover. In this case, the put-away convertible top is held down with the aid of the convertible top compartment cover and is fixed in the held-down position by at least one holding-down device which can be placed onto the convertible top and is disposed on the convertible top compartment cover. The holding-down device has a friction-reducing coating facing the convertible top.

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: The invention relates to a cabriolet vehicle having a roof which is provided with lateral roof linkage parts and can be stowed away in the rear of the vehicle. At least one hold-down device acts on the roof linkage parts of the stowed roof and is associated with the body of the vehicle.

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 soft top for a motor vehicle, lockable on a windshield frame by a latch disposed on a forward soft top section and swivelable to a locked position, the soft top movable to a rearward stowed position once the latch has been swiveled into an unlocked position. A locking mechanism provides a catch hook on the vehicle body swivelable between a releasing position and a blocking position, in which the same engages with a catch hook engaging part that is mounted on the soft top or the vehicle body when the soft top is in the blocked state. The locking mechanism is fitted with a spring device, against the spring force of which the soft top runs into the stowed position, while the catch hook can be swiveled into the released position by means of the locking drive in order to release the locking mechanism.

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 for a movable motor vehicle part (2), especially a movable roof part of a vehicle roof which can be opened, has a locking element (3) for fixing the vehicle part (2) in the end position of motion, a pivoting support (5) which can be pivoted between a rest position and an operating position. The locking element (3) is movably supported on the pivoting support (5), and is covered on the visible side by the pivoting support (5) when it is in a rest position. When the vehicle part (2) has moved into the end position of its motion, it is supported by the pivoting support which has pivoted into the operating position (5), and in this position, is fixed by the locking element. The locking element is covered on the visible side by the pivoting support when it is in the rest position.

Abstract: A convertible has a convertible top which can be put away in the rear region of the convertible and, in a fully open position, is received in a convertible top compartment which can be at least partially closed by a convertible top compartment cover. In this case, the put-away convertible top is held down with the aid of the convertible top compartment cover and is fixed in the held-down position by at least one holding-down device which can be placed onto the convertible top and is disposed on the convertible top compartment cover. The holding-down device has a friction-reducing coating facing the convertible top.

Abstract: A foam guard system that attaches to the side and bumper areas of a parked vehicle to protect it from damage to paint and body is herein disclosed. The guard is made of closed cell polyethylene foam supported by a supporting interior core and secured in place by means of sturdy flexible strapping extending over the door, fender, and/or bumper areas.

Abstract: Trim elements affixable to a vehicle body provide protection to the vehicle body from dents. Each of the trim elements comprises an outer shell of determinate length wherein the outer shell has a conformable wall for interfacing with a vehicle body and a convex wall affixed to outer edges of the conformable wall. This outer shell defines an interior void that is filled with energy absorbing foam.

Abstract: A roof for a vehicle comprising several roof elements that can be displaced between a first position above the passenger compartment and a second position in which they are stowed inside the boot, the roof elements being, when they cover the passenger compartment, connected to each other and to respectively front and rear parts of the body structure of the vehicle via securing elements controlled by rigid rods driven by an electric motor. These rods are constantly connected to each other in pairs from one of the roof elements to another, as much in the first position as in the second position of these elements, by a cable transmitting the movement generated by the electric motor between the rods and allowing to secure the roof elements to the body structure of the vehicle, as much in their first as in their second positions.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a roof, a compartment, and a lid. A roof kinematic system moves the roof between a closed position and a stored position in which the roof is in the compartment. The lid is movable between a closed position in which the lid covers the compartment and an opened position. First and second locks include respective closing parts movable between locked and unlocked positions. A shared kinematic system connects the closing parts to synchronously move them together. When the roof is in its stored position within the compartment and the lid is in its closed position over the compartment, the shared kinematic system moves the closing parts to their locked position such that the first part interacts with the roof and locks the roof within the compartment and the second part interacts with the lid and locks the lid over the compartment.

Abstract: A device used to facilitate the insertion of objects under a folded roof in the boot of a motor vehicle. The roof includes a rear element which is equipped with a finger bar that is designed to slide along a rail comprising a storage section, which is intended to guide the roof between a deployed position and a folded, stored position, and a raised section, which is intended to guide said roof between a folded, stored position and a folded, raised position. The device comprises a raising member which moves the above-mentioned finger along the length of the raised section. Moreover, a locking member is mounted to the raising member between an unlocked position and a locked position in which it blocks the auxiliary roof element in relation to the rear element when the roof is moved toward the folded, raised position thereof.

Abstract: The retractable roof structural system utilizes a structural member that is coupled to opposing quarter panel sections of the vehicle to enhance the torsional rigidity and stiffness of the vehicle. The structural member can be selectively uncoupled from the vehicle to allow the for unimpeded retraction of the retractable roof.

Abstract: A foldable roof is disclosed, which is adapted to a convertible vehicle, and which includes first and second rigid roof elements connected to one another by a first articulation.

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 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: An open roof apparatus includes a link lock mechanism for fastening a swinging distal end portion of a link mechanism to a rear portion of a vehicle body when a roof is moved into a stored position. When the roof is moved into the stored position, the link mechanism supports the vehicle body between a portion to which a swinging proximal portion of the link mechanism is mounted and the rear portion of the vehicle body to which the swinging distal end portion is fastened.

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: Vehicle body protectors for protecting external mirrors and a lower portions of the vehicle extending from a rear surface of the front wheel well to a front surface of the rear wheel well under the doors of the vehicle are constructed from conformable sheets of impact absorbing material having peripheral means for coupling the protector to non-external portions of the vehicle body and to other portions of the protector so that the body protectors remain in fixed position on the vehicle body during motion of the vehicle. The body protectors can be formed from more than one layer of material to form an outer layer, a liner layer of resilient energy absorbing material positioned on the under surface of the outer layer for engagement with an outer surface of the vehicle body, and optionally an intermediate reinforcing layer.

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 vehicle door protector that includes a flat sheet of flexible material that is disposed to substantially overlie the entire exterior surface of the lower portion of the door. The flat sheet is constructed from vinyl and an underlying foam rubber sheet to provide a tough exterior surface and a cushion for articles that may impact the door and cause damage. A flap opening is provided in the flat sheet in registry with the door handle. A number of straps extend from the vertical edges of the flat sheet around the front and rear door edge surfaces and across the interior surface of the door. A connecting ring receives and secures the strap ends in contact with the interior door surface. Decorative notches may be formed near the vertical edges of the door to provide a sporty accent.

Abstract: A folding convertible top for a vehicle is held in its closed position on the adjoining windshield frame by locking arrangement and, after the release of the locking arrangement can be displaced into a rear-side deposited position. The locking arrangement comprises a locking element with a locking hook arranged on a forward folding top section as well as at least one centering device which acts between the folding top and the windshield frame, and has projecting centering elements arranged on the forward folding top section. A detent device is provided for fixing the folded-back folding top, and the locking element with the locking hook arranged on the forward folding top section and the centering elements also provided on the forward folding top section also form operating parts of the rear-side detent device.

Abstract: A vehicle folding top is configured so that, when open, it is deposited in an assigned folding top compartment provided with a hinged compartment lid. At least one device is provided on the folding top compartment lid which, when the hinged compartment lid is closed, supportingly interacts with the folding top structure of the folding top deposited underneath. Thus, on one hand, the overall height of the folding top compartment can be reduced and, on the other hand, clattering noises of the deposited folding top during the driving operation are avoided.

Abstract: A folding top for a passenger car comprises a folding top linkage having a main bow disposed at the body, lateral side members and a toggle joint system. Each side member is pivoted at the main bow via a roof frame control arm and an angle lever. So that the folding top, in the driving operation, in its folded-back open position, is securely held open, a releasable arresting device is provided for fixing the folding top.