Collapsed Top Cover Patents (Class 296/136.05)
  • Patent number: 8424952
    Abstract: A folding-top compartment lid is held on a mounting support which can be moved into an open and a closed position by opening levers. To lock the folding-top compartment lid, locking hooks are provided, and these can be activated along with the opening levers in accordance with the control of the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Hans-Jürgen Schmitt
  • Patent number: 8235449
    Abstract: A roof is split into plural parts, a front roof and a rear roof. A roof-storage space is formed between a passenger's seat and a rear bulkhead which forms a rear end of a vehicle compartment, in which the roof is stored when the roof is open. There is provided a support mechanism which substantially horizontally supports the roof which is stored in the roof-storage space so that an upper space of the roof-storage space between the passenger's seat and the bulkhead is covered with only one of the plural parts of the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Hashimoto, Shigeyuki Mori, Yukio Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8132843
    Abstract: A folding top compartment lid, in particular a folding top compartment lid with an integrated engine bay lid, is pivoted into an open position and into a closed position by a so-called four-bar hinge arrangement. An actuating device is articulatedly connected to a rear and a front setting-out lever of the four-bar hinge mechanism, which actuating device is coupled to a locking device which contains locking hooks. The actuating device with the setting-out levers can be activated by a hydraulic cylinder so as to pivot into the open and closed positions in such a way that the folding top compartment lid can be moved from the locked closed position into an unlocked open position and back from the open position into the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Hans-Jürgen Schmitt
  • Patent number: 8042857
    Abstract: A roof opening and closing apparatus for a vehicle includes a cover member opening and closing mechanism including a front side opening and closing mechanical unit, a rear side opening and closing mechanical unit, and an intermediate support unit connecting the front side opening and closing mechanical unit and the rear side opening and closing mechanical unit, a panel moving mechanism including a panel member and a panel movement mechanical unit, the panel member covering a portion of a vehicle body in a case where a roof is in a stored state, the portion of the vehicle body being positioned at a lower end of a rear corner portion of the roof when the roof is in a developed state, and the panel movement mechanical unit supporting the panel member to be moved to the storage compartment in a case where the roof is in the deployed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Noda, Katsura Inoue
  • Patent number: 7806458
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle with a roof or roof section which may be placed below a cover piece in the rear section of the vehicle, whereby the cover piece can be opened to provide a loading opening for luggage or a through opening for the roof. The cover piece is retained by at least one displacement mechanism in the vehicle, embodied such that the displacement mechanism, on at least one vehicle side, comprises a movement with only one degree of freedom for both opening directions of the cover piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Meinert
  • Patent number: 7753433
    Abstract: A retractable roof device for a vehicle, including a roof panel configured to be displaced by a guide to move from a closed position in the passenger area of the vehicle to a retracted position in a rear area of the vehicle. The device also includes a rear cover structure that includes closing shutters. The closing shutters can be automatically controlled between a position in which they are deployed and a position in which they are stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventor: Andreas Baumeier
  • Patent number: 7753432
    Abstract: A retractable roof device for a vehicle, including a roof panel configured to be displaced by a guide, moving from a closed position covering the passenger compartment of the vehicle to a retracted position in a rear area of the vehicle. The device also includes a cover structure. The controlled displacement of the roof between the closed position and the retracted position causes displacement of the rear cover structure and/or part of the passenger compartment such that the rear cover structure and/or passenger compartment part allows the roof panel and guide to be displaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Renault s.a.s.
    Inventors: Andreas Baumeier, Olaf Weissmuller
  • Patent number: 7735899
    Abstract: The invention relates to a convertible vehicle (1) comprising a roof (2) which can be stored below a cover part (6) arranged below in the back of a vehicle. The cover part can be selectively opened in order to release a charging hole for luggage or to release an opening for the roof (2). A first pivoting axis (7), for said above-mentioned opening (7), is arranged in the region of a rear sided closing edge of the cover part (6) and at least the lateral swinging arms (10) associated with at least the longitudinal sides of the vehicle are coupled to the cover part (6) by means of a joint connection. The convertible vehicle is configured in such a manner that tolerance compensation is provided in the cover part (6) and/or in the joint connection (12). Said compensation results in a deviation of the trajectory of one part of the cover part (6) and/or the joint connection (12) of the circular trajectory (20, 21), at least during the pivoting of the cover part (6) in order to release the opening for the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Baumeier
  • Patent number: 7686376
    Abstract: A motor vehicle with a roof that is at least partially moveable and can be stowed in the body beneath a cover section. The cover section can be moved upward in a pivoting motion, opening up toward the rear to reveal a stowage opening for the roof sections or for the entire roof. A drive element is provided that lies in a longitudinal vertical plane of the vehicle. When the drive element is in close proximity to its retracted position, it actuates a moveable power pull-down device for the cover which comprises at least one pivoting control arm disposed on the body by acting on the pivoting control arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH i.I
    Inventor: Heinrich Selle
  • Publication number: 20100019531
    Abstract: A roof opening and closing apparatus for a vehicle includes a cover member opening and closing mechanism including a front side opening and closing mechanical unit, a rear side opening and closing mechanical unit, and an intermediate support unit connecting the front side opening and closing mechanical unit and the rear side opening and closing mechanical unit, a panel moving mechanism including a panel member and a panel movement mechanical unit, the panel member covering a portion of a vehicle body in a case where a roof is in a stored state, the portion of the vehicle body being positioned at a lower end of a rear corner portion of the roof when the roof is in a developed state, and the panel movement mechanical unit supporting the panel member to be moved to the storage compartment in a case where the roof is in the deployed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroyuki NODA, Katsura INOUE
  • Patent number: 7604283
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle with a roof can be folded down under a cover part in a rear section of the vehicle. The cover part can be opened in a first direction to release an opening for luggage and in a second direction to release an opening for the roof. The vehicle includes a movement mechanism to hold the cover part and further includes at least one multi-link chain. The multi-link chain includes a plurality of hinges for the movement of the cover part. At least one of the plurality of hinges is held in an idle state when the cover part is opened in the first direction and the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Ulrich Brockhoff, Stefan Meinert
  • Patent number: 7497500
    Abstract: A cover assembly for the stowage compartment of a vehicle roof movable between a covered position in which the roof covers the vehicle interior and a stowage position in which the roof is lowered into the stowage compartment. A swivel arm connects middle and cover sections such that the cover section is movable upon movement of the swivel arm relative to the middle section between the covered position in which the cover section is disposed to a side of the middle section and the stowage position in which the cover section is disposed beneath the middle section. In the covered position the cover section is supportable on the body of the vehicle. A floating bearing supports the cover section on the end of the swivel arm connected to the cover section such that the cover section is adjustable along X, Y, and Z axes relative to the swivel arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Roeder, Michael Neuberger
  • Patent number: 7497497
    Abstract: A vehicle trunk cover assembly includes two coupled guide rod units which are connectable to the cover and the vehicle body such that the cover is movable between a closed position covering the trunk, a roof transport position in which the front cover end is lifted relative to the trunk, and a loading position in which the rear cover end is lifted relative to the trunk. A locking lever connectable to the vehicle body includes a lock which is movable from an engaged position to a disengaged position upon being actuated. One guide rod unit cooperates with the lock such that the guide rod unit engages the lock when the lock is in its engaged position so that the cover may move into its loading position and disengages from the lock when the lock is in its disengaged position so that the cover may move into its roof transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Dirk Vogt
  • Patent number: 7347482
    Abstract: A tonneau cover system uses a unique and novel way to control the movement of a side cover. The system utilizes a drum that is coupled to the side cover and a cable which is coupled to the drum. Movement of the cable causes the side cover to move between open and closed positions. The cable can be coupled to a retractable roof. Movement of the retractable roof between raised and stowed positions causes the side cover of the tonneau cover system to move between its open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Specialty Vehicle Acquisition Corp.
    Inventor: James C Powell
  • Publication number: 20080007084
    Abstract: A cover assembly for the stowage compartment of a vehicle roof movable between a covered position in which the roof covers the vehicle interior and a stowage position in which the roof is lowered into the stowage compartment. A swivel arm connects middle and cover sections such that the cover section is movable upon movement of the swivel arm relative to the middle section between the covered position in which the cover section is disposed to a side of the middle section and the stowage position in which the cover section is disposed beneath the middle section. In the covered position the cover section is supportable on the body of the vehicle. A floating bearing supports the cover section on the end of the swivel arm connected to the cover section such that the cover section is adjustable along X, Y, and Z axes relative to the swivel arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Applicant: MAGNA CAR TOP SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Holger Roeder, Michael Neuberger
  • Patent number: 7252323
    Abstract: A vehicle body includes a first door member and an opening/closing mechanism. The first door member can rotate between a first position in which it covers the part of a opening of a storage section and a second position in which it opens the part of the opening. The opening/closing mechanism that rotates the first door member includes a rotation shaft that supports the first door member. The rotation shaft is disposed at a position in which the first door member does not come out from a rotation area overlapping the first door member that is in the first position vertically when the first door member rotates. The opening/closing mechanism moves the first door member up to a third position in which the first door member does not interfere with a vehicle main body when the first door member rotates between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Johnson Controls Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian Cole, Mark Kaiser, Dean Trexel, Hitendra Gadhiya, Jagmail Singh Cheema
  • Patent number: 7032947
    Abstract: A vehicle back shelf (1) comprises a central plate (6) and two side plates (7) each of which is movable relative to the central plate (6). The back shelf includes mechanism (8) adapted to control and guide the sliding of each of the side plates (7) relative to the central plate (6) in the transverse direction (19) of the vehicle in both directions between a deployed position and a retracted position in which each side plate (7) is substantially retracted under the central plate (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Societe Furoneenne des Brevets Automobiles
    Inventors: Gerard Queveau, Jean-Marc Guillez, Paul Queveau
  • Patent number: 7017971
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator for a rear panel (4), on a motor vehicle, for a lid (3) on a boot (2) and a convertible roof, which moves from a position covering the cabin of the vehicle to a position in which it is stored in the boot (2), said roof comprising at least one rear roof part (5). The above comprises a panel support connected to the vehicle chassis (1) by pivots, such that said panel (4) moves from an open position to one of two closed positions, means displacing said panel (4) relative to the support body, elastic retainers for said panel (4) in the direction of the lid (3) and stops (13, 14) between-said panel (4) and said rear piece (5) of the roof when the above is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Societe Europeenne de Brevets Automobiles
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Guillez, Paul Queveau, Gérard Queveau
  • Patent number: 6843523
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a vehicle having a convertible top stowage area and a trunk. The cover assembly includes a stowage cover and an intermediate panel disposed between the trunk and the convertible top stowage area. The assembly also includes a connecting apparatus attached to the stowage cover and the intermediate panel. The connecting apparatus is configured to guide the stowage cover between a covering position, in which the stowage cover is covering the convertible top stowage area, and a stored position, in which the stowage cover is located in the trunk. In addition, a method for covering a convertible top of a vehicle that includes a convertible top stowage area and a trunk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Edscha Roof Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Adrian Nania
  • Patent number: 6832804
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a carbody having a rear area and a roof stowable in the rear area of the carbody. The roof has a rigid rear roof end member and a rear window. A passageway allows movement of the roof relative to the carbody. The passageway, when the roof is in a closed position, is located in front of the rear roof end member and below the rear window. A movable cover functioning as a rear deck closes the passageway at least partially. The movable cover is connected to the roof in an area of the rear roof end member and is movable together with the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Eichholz, Frank Neubrand
  • Patent number: 6824194
    Abstract: A convertible (1) with a roof (2), which can be stowed in the rear region (3) of the vehicle beneath a lid part (4), it being possible to open and close the lid part (4), on the one hand, for unblocking an opening (7) for the passage of the roof (2) adjacent to the front region (4a) of the lid part (4) and, on the other, for unblocking an opening (8) for luggage, adjacent to the rear end region (9), an auxiliary frame (11) being disposed beneath the lid part (4a) and connected in the, in the driving direction (F), pre-disposed area over a multiple joint (14) with the lid part (4) and mounted moveably with respect to the vehicle body in its rear region (12), wherein the multiple joint (14), while the opening (7) for the passage of the roof (2) is unblocked, is held in stood-up position which enlarges the distance between the lid part (4) and the auxiliary frame (11) relative to that of the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventors: Olaf Weissmueller, Udo Heselhaus
  • Patent number: 6824195
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of an automotive convertible roof system has a flat-fold boot cover. In another aspect of the present invention, the boot cover includes various pliable fabric materials that are laminated together to form an integrated material. A further aspect of the present invention provides that flexible stiffeners be placed between the flexible sheets during the manufacturing process. Still another aspect of the present invention employs flexible stiffeners having a non-uniform thickness, which cause the flexible stiffeners to bend asymmetrically when subjected to a bending load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: ASC Incorporated
    Inventors: Carol Grunow, Rhynhardt Weimer
  • Patent number: 6811206
    Abstract: In a support arrangement for a rear trunk lid of a convertable vehicle supported on a vehicle body so as to be selectively pivotable about a front pivot joint and a rear pivot joint, releasable trunk lid locking structures are provided at both ends of the trunk lid for selectively locking the front or rear end to the respective pivot joint and a control element is provided for operating the releasable locking structures in such a way that, upon locking of the front pivot joint, a rear actuator connected between the trunk lid and the vehicle body is moved into a non-functional position in which it is disengaged from the vehicle body and, upon unlocking of the front pivot joint, the rear actuator is moved to a functional position, in which it is engaged with the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: CTS Fahrzeug-Dachsysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Tobias Wagner
  • Publication number: 20040212214
    Abstract: In a convertible vehicle with a vehicle body, comprising a rear cover including a support frame supported on the vehicle body pivotally about a first pivot axis, a trunk lid supported on the support frame pivotally about a second pivot axis which is spaced from the first pivot axis, such that, upon opening the rear cover in a first phase of movement, the support frame is pivoted open and in a second phase of movement, the trunk lid is pivoted open on the support frame, all by a single actuating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Lars Spresny
  • Publication number: 20040201241
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of an automotive convertible roof system has a flat-fold boot cover. In another aspect of the present invention, the boot cover includes various pliable fabric materials that are laminated together to form an integrated material. A further aspect of the present invention provides that flexible stiffeners be placed between the flexible sheets during the manufacturing process. Still another aspect of the present invention employs flexible stiffeners having a non-uniform thickness, which cause the flexible stiffeners to bend asymmetrically when subjected to a bending load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Carol Grunow, Rhynhardt Weimer
  • Publication number: 20040178654
    Abstract: In a pivotable vehicle lid support arrangement including an operating linkage, an operating member for opening and closing the lid and a drive unit for actuating the operating member, the operating linkage and the operating member are mounted with an end to a console and with their other ends to the vehicle lid, to which also the drive unit is mounted so as to form, together with the lid, a preassembled installation module and the operating arms of the linkage and the operating member are so arranged that they are disposed adjacent to, and essentially in parallel alignment with, the lid when the lid is in a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Gerald Hahn
  • Publication number: 20040178658
    Abstract: A tonneau panel mechanism engages a stationary track in a closed position and disengages from the stationary track when in the open position. The tonneau panel exhibits a first stage of motion that includes both pivotal and non-pivotal motion and a second stage of motion that consists of substantially rotational motion about a pivot. The tonneau panel mechanism can include a linkage assembly with at least one link that engages with a stop on the tonneau panel to alter the motion of the tonneau panel between the first and second stages of motion. The tonneau panel can also use an at least four-bar linkage wherein at least two of the links move relative to one another during the first stage of motion and are locked together during a second stage of motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Willard
  • Patent number: 6715819
    Abstract: A convertible automobile has a roof which can be deposited in a rear area of the vehicle under a trunk lid. To uncover an opening for the roof, the trunk lid is mounted on a lock member permitting movement in a first opening direction about a body-fast axis of rotation at a rear end such that it forms an acute angle (&agr;) with a vector of travel when in the open position. In order to free a loading opening to the trunk space, the lock member permits movement of the trunk lid 4 in a second opening direction such that the trunk lid forms in the open position an obtuse angle (&bgr;) with the vector of travel. A part bearing an axis of rotation is configured such that the lock member associated with the trunk lid is situated, when the trunk lid is in the closed position, ahead of the axis of rotation in the direction of travel and, upon the movement of the trunk lid in the first opening direction, the lock member is carried on a circular path around the central axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Olaf Weissmueller
  • Patent number: 6672645
    Abstract: A convertible has a top storable in the rear of the convertible when the top is open. A top cover is provided and the top is stored underneath the top cover when open. The top cover is movable for releasing a passageway for the top via which the top is moved for storing the top and for returning the top from the open position into the closed position. An extension member is pivotably connected to the top cover. In the open position of the top, the extension member is positioned substantially in front of the top cover, when viewed in the travel direction of the convertible. The extension member is pivotable relative to the top cover such that the extension member, when the top is closed, is positioned in a stored position at substantially a right angle to the top cover underneath the top cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Reinhard Quindt