Patent ID: 6866324
Filing Date: 2005-03-15
Classification: B60J

Abstract:
1. A retractable hardtop system for a vehicle having a passenger compartment and a storage area behind the passenger compartment, the hardtop system having an extended position wherein the hardtop system defines a roof over the passenger compartment and a retracted position wherein the hardtop system does not cover the passenger compartment and at least a portion of the hardtop system is disposed in the storage area, the vehicle having a body, and a windshield defining the forward end of the passenger compartment, the windshield having a header, the hardtop system comprising: a support assembly for supporting the remainder of the hardtop system and interconnecting with the vehicle body; and a rear portion being disposed rearwardly of the front panel and defining the remainder of the roof over the passenger compartment when the system is in the extended position, the rear portion comprising: the system configured such that when the system is in the retracted position, at least a portion of the central window panel is articulated to a position wherein a distance between the portion of the central window and the inner surface of the front panel is less than a distance between the inside edges of the C-pillars and the inner surface of the front panel.