Abstract: A drive device for moving a covering element for covering an opening in a motor vehicle such as a roller blind, a baggage space cover or a sunroof cover, includes a drive, a guide device and a thrust element which is coupled to the drive. The thrust element is guided in the guide device and is connectable to the covering element in order to move the covering element. The drive for driving the thrust element is coupled to the thrust element via a transmission device being subjected to tensile stress, wherein the transmission device extends at least in certain sections in the guide device.

Abstract: The present invention is a foldable and stowable roof system which can be selectively detached from the vehicle and stored within a short amount of time. The foldable and stowable roof system of the present invention includes a first frame member connected to a roof member, a second frame member connected to a roof member, and a third frame member selectively connected to the first frame member and the second frame member. Also included is a fourth frame member selectively connected to the first frame member and the second frame member such that when the third frame member is connected to the first frame member and the second frame member, and the fourth frame member is connected to the first frame member and the second frame member, the first frame member, second frame member, third frame member, and fourth frame member, form a frame for supporting the roof member.

Abstract: A roof system for a vehicle that has a roof support structure to which a hardtop roof (34) or a retractable soft top roof (62) may be latched. The roof support structure includes a transverse reel that extends transversely relative to the vehicle direction and is connected to a panel that is also connected to the rear rail. The hardtop includes a rigid panel and a frame. The soft top is supported on attached bows with which the soft top is stored in a cassette after removal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle roof with a roof opening (12) and with a roof section (10) having a roof tip (16) pointing to the front of the vehicle (14) and a roof end (18) pointing to the rear of the vehicle (12). The roof section (10) can be moved along guide tracks (23), which run on both sides of the roof opening, out of a closed position, which closes the roof opening (2), into an open position, which at least partially opens up the roof opening. In order to optimize the vehicle roof to the effect that, in the partially open position and/or during the opening movement while under way, only very low travelling noises, if any at all, are produced and the highest requirements with regard to the sealing in the closed position are met, the opening movement from the closed position of the roof section begins with a movement of the roof end (18) into a lowered position below the roof opening (2).

Abstract: Providing a cover storage member 30, which constitutes the rear end of the roof of a vehicle, and a guiding means 40 for transferring the cover storage member 30 between the position at the rear end of the roof and the position inside the vehicle. The cover storage member 30 shall be equipped with a winding means for winding up the cover member. The guiding means 40 shall be equipped with rails 41 installed between the position at the rear end of the roof and the position inside the vehicle, and a transferring means for moving the cover storage member 30.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle may include a plurality of attachment devices to couple the vehicle to a harness. The vehicle may include a moveable roll cage which is moveable from a raised position to a lowered position.

Abstract: The present invention is a serviceable fabric assembly for a convertible roof of a motor vehicle having a retainer connected to a fabric cover and slidably engaged within a channel formed in a first bow member. The first bow member has an upper panel and a lower panel configured to form the channel substantially along the longitudinal length of the first bow member. The channel is configured to laterally receive a compressible portion of the retainer which prevents the retainer from exiting the channel in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the first bow member. A gap is formed near at least one end of the channel on the outboard side of the channel and is sized such that an operator can slide the retainer out of the channel through the gap for servicing and replacing the fabric cover without having to disassemble the first bow member.

Abstract: In a cover member storage structure that allows a user to manually move a folded cover member from a roof into a box in the vehicle interior, the cover member storage structure includes: a tray (30) on which a folded cover member (12) is placed; and a guide means (40) for guiding and supporting the tray (30) so that the tray (30) is moved from the first position (P1) at the rear side of the first rail (11b) to fold the cover member via a rotating position (P2) to the second position (P3) in the vehicle interior. The tray (30) is swung between the first (P1) and the second (P2) positions via a damper (37), and the guide means (40) includes: the second rails (41) along which the tray (30) is guided from the first position to the second position; and a biasing means (44) for biasing the tray (30) toward the roof position when the tray (30) is moved along the second rails (41).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a segmented roof for a motor vehicle comprising a plurality of segments which are connected to one another in a cohesively bonded and/or interlocking manner, are guided laterally in guide rails by means of pins and are movable between a closed position, in which the segments are closely contiguous to one another, and an open position, in which the segments are pushed together and folded in a roof region, characterized in that, apart from the last segment [10], each segment [8] has two opposite sides A and two opposite sides B, and the segments are connected to one another along the sides B, and each side A has two pins [4], [5], one subset of the pins [4] being differently dimensioned from the other subset of the pins [5], two pins located on one side A being differently dimensioned, and two opposite pins on the opposite sides A of a segment each being identically dimensioned.

Abstract: Disclosed is a soft top for a motor vehicle, comprising longitudinal struts that span a roof opening and a flexible roof skin which spans the width of the vehicle and is fastened to a windshield frame in the front and a bow spanning the width of the vehicle in the rear in the mounted state. One respective longitudinal strut that delimits the roof skin in the transversal direction of the vehicle is embodied as a lateral rail which can be connected at least to one lateral vehicle element. In order to put the soft top down, it can be folded in the transversal direction of the vehicle, the roof skin and the longitudinal struts being joined so as to form a pre-assembled unit.

Abstract: A storage structure for a cover member of a sliding roof type vehicle is equipped with a cover member (20) capable of open and close for covering the opening section formed in the roof of the vehicle, the first rails (13R, 13L) for guiding the opening or closing of the cover member (20) provided along the right and left sides of the opening section, a tray (30) for placing the cover member in folded state installed at the rear of the first rails, a holding means (50) for holding the tray (30) rotatably at a first position A, and a storage means (85) installed at the back of the last row of seat of the vehicle, wherein the storage means (85) is composed of a second rails (40) extending downward from the first position A and a storage box (80) provided on a vehicle deck connected to the second rails (40), and, with the folded cover member (20) placed on the tray (30), the tray (30) is rotated by the holding means (50), thereby the folded cover member (20) is stored by guiding the tray (30) to the second rails (

Abstract: The invention relates to a folding top for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one first and at least one second structural element (6, 7), which are covered by a flexible roof panel (8). Said structural elements (6, 7) are designed to be mounted and detached transversally to the direction of the vehicle by means of a roof opening (2) and once attached, are fixed at the front to the windscreen frame (3) and at the rear to a bow (4) that spans the width of the vehicle. The flat structural elements (6, 7) are interconnected by means of guide devices (14, 15) and can be displaced in relation to one another transversally to the direction of the vehicle by means of said devices (14, 15).

Abstract: A sliding roof structure of a vehicle includes rails 5a, 5b installed on the right and left roof side portions of the vehicle and a cover member 2 that can be slid and folded along the rails 5a, 5b, wherein the cover member 2 is comprised of a detachable inner cover member 30 and an outer cover member 40, which is slid along the rails 5a, 5b and to which the inner cover member 30 is mounted in detachable state, or the cover member 2 is comprised of a base cover member 7, which is made by attaching a bottom cover sheet 9 to the bottom frame member 10, and a top cover member 8, which is made by attaching a top cover sheet 8a to the top frame member 14, either the top frame member 14 or the bottom frame member 10 is equipped with an engaging portion 14a and the other with a groove 12 for supporting the engaging portion 14a, and the engaging portion 14a is inserted into the groove 12 and the top cover member 8 attached to the base cover member 7 in detachable state.

Abstract: A panoramic vehicle roof module assembly is provided with front and rear cross members. A pair of extruded side rails are each mounted to the cross members. Each side rail has a front integrated roof track, a rear integrated roof track and an integrated sun shade track, each track formed therein along its length. A roof panel is supported by one of the integrated roof tracks of the side rails to interface with the front cross members. An intermediate cross member is mounted to the side rails and is interfaced with the roof panel. A second panel is provided mounted to the side rails to interface with the rear cross member and the intermediate cross member. The side rails each include an integrated support flange to mount the assembly to a vehicle. A method of manufacturing a panoramic vehicle roof module assembly is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle roof (10) comprising at least one at least partially transparent roof part (14) that can be moved in order to at least partly open a roof opening (17), and a blind (20) which allows the movable roof part (14) to be covered from below at least in the closed position of the roof part (14). Said blind (20) is equipped with a blind web (22), an extensible hoop that is arranged at the front edge of the blind web (22), and a blind shaft (26) for winding up the blind web (22). The extensible hoop (24) is coupled to an electric driving motor via a dog so as to displace the extensible hoop along a guide. In order to make the vehicle roof more comfortable to operate, the extensible hoop (24) is removably coupled to a dog which is connected to the driving motor such that the blind (20) can be operated with the aid of the driving motor and can be displaced manually without being coupled to the driving motor.

Abstract: A sunshade assembly includes a pair of spaced-apart rails, a roller unit, a screen, and a position-retaining unit. Each rail has opposite front and rear ends, and is formed with a track therealong. The roller unit is spaced apart from the front end, and includes an inner tube member and an outer tube member. The screen has a fixed end secured to the outer tube member, a free end, and opposite peripheral edge portions extending into the tracks. The position-retaining unit includes an annular spool, a rope, and a spiral spring. The rope extends along one of the rails, loops around the rear end, and passes through the track in the rail. The spiral spring is disposed in the spool, and has an inner end connected to the outer tube member and an outer end connected to the spool.

Abstract: A roof hatch for a collapsible or fixed vehicle roof includes panels which are displaceable away from an opening in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The panels are disposed in guides along the front and rear edges of the opening. The arching of the panels is adapted to follow the contours of the vehicle roof, seen from the sides of the vehicle. Where a collapsible roof is employed, extra storage space may be made available in the luggage compartment when the vehicle roof is in its collapsed position. The extra space is created in that light luggage is stored in the opening of the roof hatch when the panels are located in their open positions.

Abstract: A method of closing a vehicular system having a moveable front bow and a moveable rear bow. The method includes moving the front bow forward, releasing tension from the rear bow, moving the front bow to a closed position, and moving the rear bow to a closed position. In another aspect, a method of minimizing buffeting in a vehicle interior compartment from a sunroof. The method includes moving a first end bow of the sunroof to an open position and moving a second end bow of the sunroof away from a seal.

Abstract: In a cover member storage structure that allows a user to manually move a folded cover member from a roof into a box in the vehicle interior, the cover member storage structure includes: a tray (30) on which a folded cover member (12) is placed; and a guide means (40) for guiding and supporting the tray (30) so that the tray (30) is moved from the first position (P1) at the rear side of the first rail (11b) to fold the cover member via a rotating position (P2) to the second position (P3) in the vehicle interior. The tray (30) is swung between the first (P1) and the second (P2) positions via a damper (37), and the guide means (40) includes: the second rails (41) along which the tray (30) is guided from the first position to the second position; and a biasing means (44) for biasing the tray (30) toward the roof position when the tray (30) is moved along the second rails (41).

Abstract: A clamping arrangement for removably securing an elongated header for a vehicle soft top to the windshield frame of a sport utility or other vehicle. The arrangement includes first and second clamp sections. The first section is fixedly attached to the header and the second section is pivotally mounted or otherwise movable relative to the first. The first clamp section includes a downwardly open hook portion that is positionable over a catch member of a footman loop mounted to the main body of the windshield frame. In operation of the preferred embodiment, the second clamp section engages the main body of the windshield wherein the first section and attached header are then rotated forwardly about the axis of the catch member. This forces or drives the header downwardly against the sealing cap on the top of the windshield frame where it is then secured in place.

Abstract: The invention relates to a driving device of a movable vehicle component, especially a soft top compartment cover of a convertible. Said driving device is coupled to a bearing mechanism of the movable component to perform a main function while being joined to an additional functional unit to perform an additional function, said additional functional unit being actuated by the driving device.

Abstract: A soft top roof system for an automotive vehicle roof system having a track with a lift ramp, a slider that is moveable along the track, and an arm connected to the slider at a pivot and moveable from a neutral position to a lift position. The system includes at least two cross bow connections located on the arm above the pivot point and a guide located on the arm opposite the at least two cross bow connections, the guide moves along the lift ramp.

Abstract: A method of closing a vehicular system having a moveable front bow and a moveable rear bow. The method includes moving the front bow forward, releasing tension from the rear bow, moving the front bow to a closed position, and moving the rear bow to a closed position. In another aspect, a method of minimizing buffeting in a vehicle interior compartment from a sunroof. The method includes moving a first end bow of the sunroof to an open position and moving a second end bow of the sunroof away from a seal.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a body panel assembly for a vehicle. The method includes providing first and second panels, applying an adhesive, positioning the first and second panels, hemming the first and second panels together to form a subassembly, applying a coating to at least a portion of the subassembly, and heating the subassembly to at least partially melt the adhesive.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle with a moving roof having a flexible cover, in which the cover is engaged underneath by at least one strap (9), following essentially the course of the roof when the roof is closed, which is secured on support structure arranged across the roof. The at least one end of the strap passes through a slit recess of the roof support structure and is secured against pulling out from the slit recess by an end thickening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a folding top for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one first and at least one second structural element (6, 7), which are covered by a flexible roof panel (8). Said structural elements (6, 7) are designed to be mounted and detached transversally to the direction of the vehicle by means of a roof opening (2) and once attached, are fixed at the front to the windscreen frame (3) and at the rear to a bow (4) that spans the width of the vehicle. The flat structural elements (6, 7) are interconnected by means of guide devices (14, 15) and can be displaced in relation to one another transversally to the direction of the vehicle by means of said devices (14, 15).

Abstract: A closure system for a vehicle includes a closure member movable relative to the vehicle between an open position and a closed position. The closure member includes a flexible panel and a plurality of support members supporting the flexible panel. A first support member is attached to and is movable with the closure member between the open position and the closed position. The first support member includes a recess receiving the flexible panel and the plurality of support members therein when the closure member is in the open position.

Abstract: ABSTRACT There is provided a sunroof device capable of restraining the production of an unusual sound at the time of changeover between a state in which the movement of a functional bracket is inhibited in a state in which the rise in the rear part of the functional bracket is unfinished and a state in which the movement of the functional bracket is allowed in a state in which the rise in the rear part of the functional bracket is finished. The sunroof device includes a functional bracket (24) that supports a movable panel, a regulation groove (43) provided in a guide rail (21), a front shoe (26) having an engagement pin (48a), and a front check block (27).

Abstract: The invention relates to an open roof construction for a vehicle, as well as to a vehicle fitted with such an open roof construction, in particular a folding roof. More in particular, the invention relates to special features which make it possible to swing down the folding roof (1) into the boot (5) of the vehicle together with a rear window structure (2) so as to provide a convertible-like vehicle.

Abstract: In accordance with the present teachings, an automotive vehicle open air system includes a pair of tracks connected to the vehicle, a flexible roof that is coupled to the tracks, one or more movement mechanisms that are integrated in the tracks and connected to the roof, an automatic actuator and a rear header that is connected to the roof and is movable with the roof. Other aspects of the teachings, the rear header may include a stop light that is mounted in the header or it may include a rear windshield wiper system.

Abstract: A closure system for a vehicle includes a closure member movable relative to the vehicle between an open position and a dosed position. The closure member includes a flexible panel and a plurality of support members supporting the flexible panel. A first support member is attached to and is movable with the closure member between the open position and the closed position. The first support member includes a recess receiving the flexible panel and the plurality of support members therein when the closure member is in the open position.

Abstract: A soft-top for a motor vehicle includes a cover and a support frame. The support frame has at least two parts supporting the cover. The at least two parts are movable relative to one another between a clamped position and a folded position such that the support frame is movable between the clamped position in which the support frame is extended with the cover thereon and the folded position in which the support frame is folded with the cover thereon upon. An adjustment device adjusts the at least two parts to move the support frame with the cover thereon between the clamped and the folded positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an open roof construction for a vehicle, as well as to a vehicle fitted with such an open roof construction, in particular a folding roof. More in particular, the invention relates to special features which make it possible to swing down the folding roof (1) into the boot (5) of the vehicle together with a rear window structure (2) so as to provide a convertible-like vehicle.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle system includes a movable member and a belt-driven drive wheel that is operable to engage and disengage with the movable member and cause the movable member to move between positions. A tensioning member is operable to bias a movable roof member into contact with a wheel which is operable to engage with and selectively drive the roof member between positions.

Abstract: In accordance with the present teachings, an automotive vehicle open air system includes a pair of tracks connected to the vehicle, a flexible roof that is coupled to the tracks, one or more movement mechanisms that are integrated in the tracks and connected to the roof, an automatic actuator and a rear header that is connected to the roof and is movable with the roof. Other aspects of the teachings, the rear header may include a stop light that is mounted in the header or it may include a rear windshield wiper system.

Abstract: A motor vehicle component with a guide rail structure (15) which is located at least partially on a sectional part (20) which forms the bearing structure of the vehicle component. To simplify the guide rail structure (15) and make it cheaper, it is provided that the sectional part (20) forms only one part (22) of the guide rail structure (15) and the other part (32) of the guide rail structure (15) is formed by a second sectional part (30) which can be connected to the first sectional part (20). The divided execution makes it possible to form, much more easily, the guideways (24, 25, 26; 33, 34) and cable channels (91) which must otherwise be produced in a complex manner as undercut sectional parts.

Abstract: A removable top system for a vehicle having a front removable roof section and a rear removable roof section. Different removable roof coverings may be interchangeably combined to provide a complete roof for a sport utility vehicle having a permanent hoop dividing the front and rear roof sections. Soft top and hard top roof coverings are selectively provided. Different retraction mechanisms are disclosed for retracting and storing the removable roof sections.

Abstract: A roof weather strip for use in a convertible car is composed of a plurality of weather strip pieces corresponding to the folding of a sliding roof thereof. When the sliding roof is unfolded to form a roof of the convertible car, longitudinal end parts of adjacent roof weather strip pieces contact each other to define a continuously extending roof weather strip for sealing a side edge of the sliding roof. Each of the weather strip pieces has a base portion, a tubular door glass-sealing portion, and a sliding roof-sealing portion. In each of the longitudinal end parts, the sliding roof-sealing portion is formed tubular, and the tubular sliding roof-sealing portion and the tubular door glass-sealing portion are closed with end faces, respectively, which are provided in each of the longitudinal end parts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle (1) provided with a roof (2) comprising at least one part (3) thereof which is fully movable for the opening thereof and extends from an area adjacent to a wind screen frame (4) to the rear particularly rigid part (5) of the roof transversely covering the entire width between the upper edges of the side windows (7) of said motor vehicle. The inventive motor vehicle is characterised in that the movable part (3) of the roof can be arranged in the fully opened position thereof above the rear rigid part (5) of the roof.

Abstract: In accordance with the present teachings, an automotive vehicle open air system includes a pair of tracks connected to the vehicle, a flexible roof that is coupled to the tracks, one or more movement mechanisms that are integrated in the tracks and connected to the roof, an automatic actuator and a rear header that is connected to the roof and is movable with the roof. Other aspects of the teachings, the rear header may include a stop light that is mounted in the header or it may include a rear windshield wiper system.

Abstract: A top assembly (24) selectively covers an open top motor vehicle. The open top motor vehicle has a front mounting edge (12) and a rear mounting edge (14). The top assembly (24) includes a fabric sheet (26) and retainers (32, 34) fixedly secured along front (28) and rear (30) edges of the fabric for sealingly engaging with the front and rear edges of the open top. A pair of side frame members (31, 33) pivotally engages opposite sides of the front and rear retainers (32, 34). The side frame members (31, 33) are movable between a locked condition and a folded condition. When the side frame members are locked, the front and rear retainers (32, 34) are spaced apart drawing out said fabric sheet (26) and sealingly engaging the front and rear edges (12, 14) of the vehicle top opening. When the side frame members (31, 33) are unlocked, the top assembly folds for removal from the vehicle and storage.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an open air system for a motor vehicle includes a forward flexible roof portion with a pair of tracks, a rear flexible roof portion with a pair of tracks, a seal between the forward and rear roof portions, at least one movement mechanism and at least one actuator. Other aspects of the present invention include forming a barrier with the rear roof section between a passenger area and a cargo area of a vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an open roof construction for a vehicle, as well as to a vehicle fitted with such an open roof construction, in particular a folding roof. More in particular, the invention relates to special features which make it possible to swing down the folding roof (1) into the boot (5) of the vehicle together with a rear window structure (2) so as to provide a convertible-like vehicle.

Abstract: A roof module of a motor vehicle, wherein the roof module is manufactured from a plastic and a roof box device is integrally formed with the roof module in one piece.

Abstract: A roller blind system for a vehicle roof includes a rotatable coiling body and a roller blind that is attached at one end to the coiling body and at the other end to a vehicle portion in a stationary manner. The coiling body is shiftable in a translational motion, allowing the roller blind to uncoil and coil up while minimizing frictional forces on the roller blind.

Abstract: A sunshade assembly for use in an open roof construction for a vehicle includes a flexible sunshade screen that, with its one end, can be wound on or off a spring-loaded winding cylinder and with its other end having a transversally extending pulling beam. The sunshade assembly further includes two spaced, longitudinally extending guides. Both guides are provided with at least partially flexible members having a main body with a substantially U-shaped cross-section. Attached to said main body is a flexible lip to engage the pulling beam and hold it in a desired position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an open roof construction for a vehicle having a roof opening in its fixed roof, comprising stationary guide rails (1, 5) on either side of the roof opening. Slides (2) are guided rails for movably supporting a closure element of the open roof construction. A cover plate (3) defines the rear side of the roof opening that can be closed by the closure element and provides a seal against the fixed roof. The slides (2) and the cover plate (3) of the open roof construction are interlocked to form one unit in an entirely open position thereof, after which they can be moved further as a unit. The cover plate (3) is mounted on cover plate slides (9) capable of sliding movement in said guide rails (1, 5), which each comprise a height adjusting mechanism (11, 13) to be actuated by an adjacent rear slide (2) of the closure element, which functions to move the cover plate (3) upwards before further movement of the aforesaid unit is possible.

Abstract: An open roof assembly for a vehicle, having a roof opening defined in the roof of the vehicle includes a foldable closure mechanism for closing and opening said roof opening. The closure mechanism includes an outer cloth and an inner cloth mutually spaced in the closed position of the closure mechanism, wherein the closure mechanism at its opposite longitudinal edges extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is provided with a number of spaced slides which, in a driven manner, are movable along guides extending along corresponding longitudinal edges of the roof opening. The slides carry elongated folding arms that, with ends remote from the slides, support the outer cloth and inner cloth and are biased towards a position for zig-zag like folding during opening of the roof opening.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for a motor vehicle roof with a movable roof part (14) which is connected to a carrier element (11, 111, 225) which can be displaced by a drive element (5, 19, 220) along a given path of motion (8, 219), the drive element (5, 19, 220) engaging a intermediate pivot lever (12, 112, 221) which applies the drive force applied by the drive element (5, 19, 220) via a driver (6, 244) to the carrier element (11, 111, 225) depending on the pivot position of the intermediate lever (12, 112, 221), and the drive arrangement is constructed such that the pivot position of the intermediate lever (12, 112, 221) is determined by the position of the carrier element (11, 111, 225) along the path of motion (8, 219).

Abstract: The object of the invention is an arrangement in hatch structure (1) to be installed in a vehicle body (2). The arrangement comprises a hatch, the edges of which are bent downwards, which hatch is mainly horizontal when in the closed position, an opening (6) in the vehicle body (2), which opening (6) is smaller than the said hatch, a packing (4) for sealing the hatch and the opening (6) in relation to each other when the hatch is closed, and a hatch operating mechanism that incorporates at least one body part (7), which has sliding faces (8, 18) for a slide (9) on which the slide (9) rests, a lever (11) that is connected to the slide (9) by means of a first joint (12) and is supported near the edge of the opening (6) in the vehicle body (2) by means of a second joint (13), and a compression spring (10) located in the slide bed, which compression spring constantly exerts force on the slide (9) so as to push it.