Abstract: A trim panel connecting link for one of the vehicle pillars, such as an A-pillar includes electrical conductors with a plug or socket at each opposite end thereof which connect with a mating socket or plug in the headliner and instrument panel for interconnecting the vehicle electrical system with the headliner electrical components. In a preferred embodiment an A-pillar display is mounted to the trim panel. In another embodiment the display is coupled to the conductors of the connecting link.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible top vehicle with its flexible top so disposed as to open or close both the forward portion and the rearward portion of a roof opening separately. The flexible top is disposed at the roof opening portion and it has a forward slider disposed at its forward end portion and a rearward slider disposed at its rearward end portion, thereby capable of opening the forward and/or rearward portion of the roof opening of the roof by folding or extending the flexible top from or to both end portions thereof. The forward slider is engaged with a forward stopper mounted on a member of the vehicle body, thereby closing the forward portion of the roof opening with the forward end portion of the flexible top, and vice versa. When the flexible top is extended to its maximum length and closes the entire length of the roof opening, the distance between the forward and rearward sliders is set to be smaller than the distance between the forward and rearward stoppers.

Abstract: An automobile is provided with canvas top elements. The automobile includes a rear opening defined by a central pillar, rear body side portions and a rear body portion. A rear canvas rib is provided including a rear arch-shaped portion and a front arch-shaped portion. The front arch-shaped portion has lower end portions which are link-coupled with lower end portions of the arch-shaped rear frame. The lower end portions of the rear frame are disposed slidably along a longitudinal direction of the car body along guide rails provided in the rear side portions of the car body. The canvas rib is folded downwardly as the lower end portions of the arch-shaped rear frame slide in a forward longitudinal direction and the frame is folded upwardly to outstretch the canvas.

Abstract: A roof construction for vehicles, especially limousines, delivery trucks, mini buses, caravans or the like, with a roof aperture elongated in the vehicle traveling direction, and a multipart lid includes lid parts articulated with each other to form one half of the lid, wherein both lid parts can be opened in such a way that transversely to the vehicle traveling direction the respectively one outer lid part and the one inner lid part are located adjacently to each other and raised upwardly at both outer roof edges.

Abstract: A foldable and removable top for a passenger vehicle. The top includes an overhead cover member and side curtains. The overhead cover member has a support arrangement including front and rear headers, transverse bow members, and side rails. The flexible and foldable fabric of the cover member is secured at its end portions to the front and rear headers and the bow members are secured across the middle section of the fabric between the side rails. One end of each side rail is pivotally mounted to the rear header and the other, free end is releasably securable to an end of the front header. When assembled, the side rails extend between the front and rear headers to hold them in a spaced-apart, extended position with the fabric of the cover member being drawn taut therebetween. The side curtains of the top are releasably securable to the overhead cover member and are also releasably securable to the vehicle itself by a unique hook and catch arrangement.

Abstract: A roof panel connected to a vehicle body through at least a pair of front pillars and a pair of rear pillars is provided with a large aperture on the roof with a front header and a pair of roof side rails. A rear window glass panel is fixed to the rear pillars and the rear header. A flexible top is contractible or expandable in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and disposed so as to uncover or cover the roof aperture. When the flexible top closes the roof aperture, it is abutted at its front end portion with the front header, at its side end portions with the roof side rails, and at its rear end portion with the rear header. When the top is in a folded state, it is located in a second posture nearby the trunk lid. The top can be transferred up to its third posture in a position nearby a lower end portion of the rear window glass panel. Vertical movement of the top at least between the second and third postures can automatically be performed by a control unit in condition where the vehicle halts.

Abstract: In a folding roof for an automobile, a front hood bar is moved by entraining elements driven by cables, which entraining elements can travel in curved transitions of lateral guide rails and simultaneously in curved control slits of control plates, slidable transversely on the front hood bar. The control slits run partly ascending towards the closure position, in order to create a downward displacement of the front hood bar as the roof is closed and an upward displacement of the hood bar as the roof is opened. The closing of the roof takes place with a continually decreasing speed of movement and continually increasing closure force, without any noticeable feedback effect upon the actuating force to be applied.

Abstract: In order to reduce the installed height of an elevatable sliding roof, guide rails supporting a rigid roof cover in a sliding roof cassette are given an arched shape corresponding to the contour of the vehicle roof. A gutter extending underneath a gap between the rear roof cover edge and the edge of the opening in the roof is shifted toward the rear when the roof cover is lowered into a sliding position. The roof cover consists of two half shells which are glued to each other and a roof cover seal is located along the periphery of the cover.

Abstract: A slidable roof control device for a motor vehicle wherein a roof panel opening of a motor vehicle is covered with a slidable roof which can be opened both in forward and rearward directions of the vehicle body. The control device includes a first forwardly located ON/OFF command mechanism operable from the driver seat for commanding a drive mechanism to open or close the flexible member, a second rearwardly located ON/OFF command mechanism operable from the rear seat for commanding the drive mechanism to open or close the flexible member, and a control mechanism. The control mechanism is responsive to outputs from the first and second ON/OFF command mechanisms for controlling the activation of the drive mechanism and for restricting the closing motion of the rear portion of the slidable roof as a result of commands from the first ON/OFF command mechanism.

Abstract: A flexible top vehicle or canvas top vehicle is provided with a flexible top or canvas top made of a flexible member so as to cover its roof opening. The flexible top is so disposed as to allow both of its front end and rear end to be transferred forwards or rearwards. The front end of the flexible top is associated with a first driving motor while the rear end thereof is associated with a second driving motor. The first and second driving motors are arranged to be operated by turning a forward-moving switch or a rearward-moving switch on, thereby transferring the flexible top placed in a middle position of the roof opening in a folded state in forward and rearward directions. The flexible top maintains its folded state prior to transfer even after it has been transferred.

Abstract: A slidable roof device for a motor vehicle is provided wherein a roof panel opening of a motor vehicle is openably covered by a flexible member. A front portion of the roof panel opening can be uncovered when a front portion of the flexible member is moved in the rearward direction of the vehicle body. A tilt mechanism is provided at a rear portion of the flexible member so as to tilt up the rear portion thereof and to form at least a clearance between the rear portion of the flexible member and the vehicle roof panel, thereby making sure that rear seat passengers can enjoy more a comfortable ride in the vehicle. Further, the tilt mechanism can be made to operate when the front portion of the flexible member is moved rearwardly so as to tilt up the rear portion of the flexible member to form at least a clearance between the rear portion thereof and the vehicle roof panel when the front portion of the flexible member is opened.

Abstract: A canvas top type sunroof structure is disclosed, which comprises a pair of guide members which extend along respective sides of a sunroof aperture; a canvas top adapted to cover the aperture; a carry member having a terminal part of the canvas top secured thereto, the carry member being slidably guided by the guide members; a latching device for latching the carry member to one end of the aperture when the carry member comes to a given terminal position relative to the aperture; and a brake mechanism for restraining the carry member to one of the guide members when the carry member assumes a position other than the given terminal position.

Abstract: A novel TARGA top assembly which is of a lightweight folding configuration adapted to be installed in the roof of a vehicle of the type having a rear roof portion and a forward roof portion. The TARGA top assembly of the present invention comprises a pair of fiberglass, contour-shaped panels having a ridge along the periphery thereof and being shaped to conform to the accessible region between the forward and rear roof portions of the vehicle. A fabric-type covering similar to those fabrics used for vinyl or convertible vehicle tops may be used on the exterior surface of the roof assembly of the present invention, primarily for aesthetic appearance purposes but also to prevent the spaced region between the two panels from admitting any rain or air during vehicle operation.

Abstract: A slidable roof device for a motor vehicle wherein a roof panel opening of the vehicle body is openably and closeably covered with a flexible member. For opening both front and rear portions of the roof panel opening of the vehicle body, the device includes a first drive mechanism which is operatively interconnected with the front portion of the flexible member for moving the front portion thereof to the rearward direction of the vehicle body, and a second drive mechanism which is operatively interconnected with the rear portion of the flexible member for moving the rear portion thereof to the forward direction of the vehicle body. The first and the second drive mechanisms are provided at the rear end of the roof panel opening of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A roof panel connected to the vehicle body through at least a pair of left-hand and right-hand front pillars and a pair of left-hand and right-hand rear pillars is provided with a wide open roof panel opening enclosed by a front header, a pair of left-hand and right-hand roof side rails and a rear header. To the pair of left-hand and right-hand rear pillars and the rear header is fixed a rear window glass panel. In order to close the roof panel opening, there is provided a flexible top foldable or windable.When the roof panel opening is in a closed state, a forward end portion of the flexible top is in abutment with said front header, its left-hand and right-hand side end portions are abutted with the left-hand and right-hand roof side rails, and its rearward end portion is in abutment with the rear header. The flexible top is displaceable along the roof side rails and the rear pillars.

Abstract: A motor vehicle with a fixed roof that has a roof opening defining a forward edge, a rear edge, a pair of side edges and a closure for the roof opening. A central hinge hingedly divides the closure panel into a forward panel having a forward edge and an aft edge, and a rear panel having a forward edge and an aft edge. The central hinge permits jackknife folding movement of the panels in relation to each other between an unfolded position closing the roof opening and a folded position. A central handle integral with the central hinge assists the movement of the panels to and from the unfolded position closing the roof opening. A separable hinge hingedly connects the aft edge of the rear panel to the rear edge of the roof opening permitting rotation of the jackknife folded forward and rear panels to a stored position cantilevered rearwardly of the roof opening and overlying the fixed roof. Separation of the separable hinge permits the removal of the panels from the fixed roof.

Abstract: In a roof panel connected to a vehicle body through at least a pair of left-hand and right-hand front pillars and a pair of left-hand and right-hand rear pillars, there is formed a roof opening (3) large in size in such a manner as leaving a front header, a pair of left-hand and right-hand roof side rails, and a rear header and being surrounded by said four members. A foldable or windable flexible top having a size as substantially large as the roof opening is provided. The flexible top is disposed to selectively take a first posture in which the roof opening is closed and a second posture in which it is contracted in a longitudinal direction of the body and placed in a contracted state, i.e., in a folded or wound state, at a position nearby said rear header.

Abstract: A convertible car body structure which includes a pair of side structures, a front windshield structure and a rear structure, the body structure having a top opening and a back window opening. A roof panel and a back window panel are provided for covering the top opening and the back window opening of the car body structure, respectively. The roof panel is connected at the rear end portion swingably with the front end portion of the back window panel so that the roof panel can be folded on the back window panel. The back window panel is connected at the rear end portion swingably with the rear body structure. The rear body structure is formed with a concave space for receiving the roof panel and the back window panel after the roof panel has been folded on the back window panel. A concealing cover panel is provided on the rear body structure for covering the concave space.

Abstract: In a roof panel connected to a vehicle body through at least a pair of left-hand and right-hand front pillars and a pair of left-hand and right-hand rear pillars, there is formed a roof opening large in size in such a manner as leaving a front header, a pair of left-hand and right-hand roof side rails, and a rear header and being surrounded by said four members. A foldable flexible top having a size as substantially large as the roof opening is provided. The flexible top is disposed to selectively take a first posture in which the roof opening is closed and a second posture in which it is contracted in a longitudinal direction of the body and placed in a contracted state, i.e., in a folded state, at a position nearby said rear header.

Abstract: A flexible fabric sunroof retracts by means of cable driven guide shoes driving a front header to the open position and thereby moving odd numbered position bows 3 and 5 along horizontal side tracks within the roof. Even numbered position bows 2, 4 and 6 are biased upwardly to lift the slack fabric above the roof plane during retraction. The fabric sunroof may be totally removed from the roof structure to provide for the largest possible roof opening by removal of a rear header attached to the rear roof frame and detachment of the front header from the guide shoes. A wind deflector is provided which is concealed within sunroof when in the closed position.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a canvas top type sunroof structure for a motor vehicle having an apertured roof.

Abstract: At T-type sports car includes a roll-up type covering which may be used at times in lieu of the standard glass panels. The covering includes a locking assembly on each end which has opposed rods spring biased into roof openings normally used to lock the glass panels in place. Magnets are also provided along the bottom side of the roof covering to provide a seal across the windshield and along the roof at the rear.

Abstract: A vehicle roof with a two-part cover that has a front and a rear cover part which, in a closed position, together close a roof opening made in a stationary roof skin. The rear cover part can be slid rearward along longitudinal guide mechanisms running on both sides of the roof opening into an open position that at least partially opens the roof opening. The front cover part can be pivoted relative to the rear cover part into a ventilation position. In the ventilation position, the front edge of the front cover part is lowered under the stationary roof skin, forming a ventilation gap lying in the area of the front edge of the roof opening, while the rear edge of the front cover part is kept at least approximately at the height of the front edge of the rear cover part.

Abstract: A top cover for a collapsible top of a motor vehicle is supported, in the region of a windscreen frame of the motor vehicle, by a rigid roof panel located under it. A cloth lug is fastened to the flexible top cover near the rear end of the roof panel and extends in a transverse direction of the vehicle. The lug can be secured to the underside of the roof panel and consequently keeps the flexible top cover resting against the roof panel.

Abstract: A roof panel connected to the vehicle body through at least a pair of left-hand and right-hand front pillars and a pair of left-hand and right-hand rear pillars is provided with a wide open roof aperture enclosed by a front header, a pair of left-hand and right-hand roof side rails and a rear header. To the pair of left-hand and right-hand rear pillars and the rear header is fixed a rear window glass panel. In order to close the roof aperture, there is provided a flexible top which is foldable in the longitudinal direction of the body. When the roof aperture is in a closed state, a forward end portion of the flexible top is in abutment with said front header, its left-hand and right-hand side end portions are abutted with the left-hand and right-hand roof side rails, and its rearward end portion is in abutment with the rear header.

Abstract: A roller shade for use in vehicles having a T-top roof with a pair of removable sections separated by a central T-bar may be factory installed on the vehicle or retrofitted by a consumer. The roller shade includes an elongated cylindrical housing which receives a spring loaded shade roller. A pair of guide track assemblies extend from opposite ends of the cylindrical housing and are provided with spring loaded detents for engagement with mounting apertures for the removable roof sections. A clamping assembly extends from a back portion of the cylindrical housing for engagement with a channel formed in the vehicle roof T-bar. The shade is preferably formed from a tinted plastic material and is provided with a pair of rollers received in the parallel guide tracks. A key lock mechanism allows the shade to be secured in a closed position.

Abstract: A vehicular openable roof hood for covering an opening portion on the upper surface of a roof of an automotive vehicle, the hood comprising a pair of arms adapted to turn about a pair of pivotal shafts on the roof, a hood securing plate fixed to the distal ends of the arms to immovably hold the distal end of the hood, a hood cloth extending round the upper surface and the front edge of the hood securing plate to be secured to the latter from the bottom side thereof and position fixing means for immovably holding the hood at a position where it is kept in an opened state, wherein the hood securing plate is immovably held at the position where the hood is opened by allowing a belt to be inserted and passed through an insert hole on the hood securing plate and the hood securing plate is formed with engagement holes through which engagement members are introduced, the engagement holes comprising a wide part and a narrow part, respectively, so that the engagement members are first inserted through the wide parts f

Abstract: A vehicle body sunroof assembly (30) for a roof opening (56) includes a sunroof (64) having a plurality of panels (66) that extend between upper edges of vehicle side doors (24) with a door-to-door construction. The sunfoor (64) also includes a flexible sheet-like cover (70) having connection (72) to the sunroof panels (66). The cover connections (72) to the panels (66) are spaced such that the cover is movable between a closed position where the panels are spaced from each other and an open position where the panels are positioned adjacent the rear edge of the roof opening in a partially overlapping relationship with the cover (70) stored therebetween in a folded condition.

Abstract: A sunshade assembly for use with a sun roof construction of a motor vehicle is disclosed, which comprises two chain units each including first and second groups of guided pieces and a plurality of links pivotally connected to the first and second groups of guided pieces in a zig-zag manner, two guide rails each having at its inboard side upper and lower guide grooves for slidably receiving therein the first and second groups of guided pieces respectively, a plurality of supporting rods each extending between one guided piece of the first group associated with one guide rail and another guided piece of the first group associated with the other guide rail, and a shading cloth having thereon a plurality of supported portions which are supported by the supporting rods respectively.

Abstract: An arrangement for forming a roof structure of a vehicle body comprises a set of front and rear roof panel members disposed to face each other with an opening between, and a pair of roof rail members disposed at both sides of the front and rear roof panel members to extend in a direction of the length of the vehicle body respectively and face each other with the opening between. The roof rail members include inner and outer panels connected together and a connecting flange which projects laterally toward the inside of the vehicle body. A frame member is disposed to engage partially with the front and rear roof panels and the roof rail members so as to form a loop surrounding the opening. The frame member is provided with outer portions thereof fixed on the outer panels of the roof rail members and inner portions, fixed and supported partially by the connecting flange, for securing a pair of guide rail members, each extending along the roof rail members.

Abstract: A sun-roof structure of a vehicle body including a retractable roof panel assembly which is comprised of a rigid front panel and a foldable hood. Guide grooves and link mechanism are provided so that the front panel is laid over the folded hood in the retracted position of the sun-roof so as to cover the folded hood.

Abstract: A cap is provided for disposition over the load bed of a pickup truck and includes opposite side wall structures having lower marginal portions for close juxtaposed position relative to upper marginal portions of the side walls of the load bed. Each side wall structure and the corresponding side wall include longitudinally spaced vertically separable mounting portions supporting the side wall structure from the side wall for angular displacement relative thereto about an axis extending along the lower marginal portion of that side wall structure. In addition, each pair of mounting portions includes support and guide means interconnecting therebetween operative to guide the corresponding side wall structure relative to the corresponding side wall for up and down movement relative thereto between a lowered position juxtaposed position the side wall and an upper limit position, the support and guide structure including spring means yieldingly biasing the side wall structure toward its upper limit position.

Abstract: A removable folding roof for a motor vehicle, especially for a passenger motor vehicle, which extends between a windshield frame and a roll bar and which includes laterally disposed longitudinally extending girders, several struts extending parallel to the girders and a roof covering. The folding roof is detachably retained at the windshield frame and at the roll bar by means of locking mechanisms. To achieve an effective support of the folding roof and a simple assembly operation for latching and tensioning the folding roof to the vehicle body, the longitudinally extending girders are placed on the upwardly extending tensioning levers of the locking mechanisms which are then pivoted downwardly along with the edges of the top to a latched position. An automatic tensioning of the folding roof in the vehicle transverse direction and simultaneous latching of the roof to the vehicle body is achieved by the pivoting of the tensioning lever to a lowered position.

Abstract: A removable lightweight cover assembly for covering a vehicle roof opening of the type defined by a vehicle roof enclosing three sides of the opening is provided by a generally U-shaped frame releasably latched to the opening and a pliable, lightweight cover releasably attachable to the frame. The frame has latching means for cooperating with fastening means of the vehicle for removably securing the frame to the vehicle roof in substantially leakproof relation, and further has cover attachment means for releasably attaching the cover thereto. The cover assembly is advantageously utilized by latching the frame into the roof opening and selectively attaching the cover to the frame by one or more attachment means whenever it is desired to cover the opening, and storing only the cover in folded or rolled condition in order to substantially uncover the roof opening.

Abstract: A truck is convertible between configurations as a panel truck and a pickup truck. It has a movable body section adapted to be positioned so as to shelter a rear portion of the truck cargo bay and so as to expose the rear portion to ambience. A fixed body section that shelters a forward portion of the cargo bay has a track mounted upon its top. The movable section has pivotable runners guided on the track.

Abstract: A folding roof for vehicles, especially passenger motor vehicles, is detachably secured at a windshield frame and at a roll bar bridging the passenger space and is essentially composed of laterally disposed longitudinally extending girders, of a plurality of struts arranged between the longitudinal girders extending generally parallel to the girders and a flexible roof covering, connected to and supported by the longitudinal girders and the struts.In order to create a folding roof which, with lowest possible weight, has a high form rigidity, i.e., strength, and which when folded-together requires as low as possible a structural height and which is also utilizable more individually, alternately form-rigid struts and elastic struts are arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in such a manner that nonreinforced sections of the covering between the struts are minimized.

Abstract: A cover for the top of an automobile, having a front window, side windows, and a rear window surrounding a passenger compartment of the automobile and where the top of the automobile provides removable, self supporting covers carried by a frame assembly in the top of the automobile and where the edge of the frame adjoining the rear window of the automobile has a lip along a portion of the juncture between the removable covers and the frame where the cover provided by the present is a flexible sheet of material sized to cover the top of the automobile and the openings and includes a front flap at one edge of the cover to extend downwardly over the windshield, opposed side flaps to encroach over the side windows, and a rear edge carrying a flexible, compressible, generally circular cross section seal member, and strap means connected to the rear edge of the cover and extending outwardly therefrom and further where suction cup devices are provided on the side flaps to be secured to the side windows of the automo

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding roof for a motor vehicle in which a plurality of louvre-like roof sections 1, 2a, 2b and 3 are provided for closing the roof opening. An actuating device is operative when first actuated to tilt the roof sections by raising their rear edges so as to provide a ventilation position. Upon further operation of the actuating device, the roof sections move backwards and stack in their tilted up position (FIGS. 1, 1a and 1b).In an alternative embodiment, the front roof section is hinged and remains in position to act as a draft reflector while the remaining roof sections slide and stack at the rear of the roof opening. (FIG.

Abstract: A roof structure for a vehicle includes a preformed cap attached to a rear portion of the stationary roof structure altering the roof lines thereof. A flexible decorative cover has a first portion attached to the cap and a second portion extending flexibly forward therefrom. Pairs of cross bows are perpendicularly disposed within a frame attached to the edges of an opening in the roof, with the first cross bow of each pair of cross bows being guided in guide tracks mounted along the sides of the frame. The cross bows of each pair of cross bows are attached at spaced intervals to the flexible second portion of the cover. Bias members are connected between the ends of the cross bows in each pair of cross bows to maintain the cross bows in each pair of cross bows a predetermined spaced distance apart.

Abstract: A removable roof panel for motor vehicles of the type having an access opening which is adapted to be covered by the removable panel. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the removable roof panel is fabricated from a pair of wire frame members pivotally joined to permit the roof panel to be folded and stored when not in use. The roof panel frame member is covered with a suitable weather-resistant material. In a second embodiment of the invention, the roof panel is fabricated from a plastic material which is of sufficient rigidity to facilitate the use of the roof panel to cover the access opening, but flexible enough to be folded for storage.

Abstract: A sunroof for a car includes a glass top hingedly interfitting with a frame. The frame includes a channel which is gasketed and overlain by the glass top. The glass top is controlled by a clip having a rocker arm lockable both open and closed. The rocker arm is spring biased for easy installation and removal of the glass top. The channel, having gaskets around both its walls, prevents moisture from seeping in when closed. The top interacts with the outer gasket to prevent rain seeping in and air rushing in while open. A drain in the channel draws off water which enters the channel normally. The configuration of the clips avoids dangerous protrusions.

Abstract: Tonneau cover apparatus for pickup trucks includes an elongated track secured to the sides of a pickup, with ribs or cross members extending across the bed of the pickup and secured to bearing guides movable on the track. An impervious tonneau cover is secured to the ribs and is movable therewith to cover the bed of the pickup.

Abstract: A vehicle opening roof comprises a frame which surrounds a longitudinal opening in the roof of a vehicle and a panel assembly which is guided between spaced parallel guide rails forming the side members of the frame. A transverse mounting member is slidably guided between the guide rails and incorporates a handle-operated locking mechanism for engagement with a front rail at the front end of the frame to lock the panel assembly in the closed position. The mounting member also incorporates a first bracket for connection to a rigid panel, a second bracket for connection to a rigid flap at the forward end of a flexible covering, and a transmission mechanism for connection to the flap and operable in synchronism with the handle-operated locking mechanism to draw the flap down into engagement with the roof at the front end of the opening.

Abstract: A sliding cover assembly for open body trucks consisting of a pair of elongated guides adapted to be mounted on either side of the truck body forming a slide guide for a sheet of corrugated material extending between the slide guides and extending over the open body with a spring operated return drum mounted at the front end of the truck upon which the corrugated cover is wound when access to the truck body is desired. At the rear end of the corrugated cover there is a latch which secures the cover in its covered position.

Abstract: A flexible sun roof for cars, comprising a frame movable fowardly and rearwardly in a rectangular roof opening in the car, a flexible cover connected at one end to the frame and at its other end to the rear edge of the opening. The cover is stretched in its closed position over the opening and folded rearwardly in the open position. A device for driving the frame forwardly or rearwardly for engaging it against the front edge of the said opening, and for blocking it at least in said forward position is provided. The device has a support on which the frame is mounted.