Patent ID: 7806460
Filing Date: 2010-10-05
Classification: B60J

Abstract:
1. A convertible top system for a convertible vehicle having a vehicle body, the system comprising: a plurality of pivotable external top elements, the top elements including foldable roof elements that extend over a passenger compartment of the vehicle when the foldable roof elements are in a closed position; a plurality of pivot joints providing pivotable connections between the plurality of external top elements and between at least one of the top elements and the vehicle body, at least one roof element being pivotably connected to the vehicle body with at least one of the pivot joints; and at least one drive including an electric motor operable to pivot one of the roof elements with respect to another of the roof elements, the electric motor introducing a drive torque directly into the pivot joint connecting the two roof elements; wherein at least some of the pivot joints are independently controllable.