Patent ID: 6695385
Filing Date: 2004-02-24
Classification: B60J

Abstract:
A convertible roof system for an automotive vehicle, the system comprising:(a) a roof cover; (b) a camming surface; and (c) a folding mechanism supporting at least a potion of said cover, said mechanism being moveable between a raised position and a stowed position, said mechanism comprising: (i) at least two roof rails coupled together and moving relative to one another when said mechanism moves between said raised and stowed positions; (ii) a plurality of roof bows, at least a tensioning one of said roof bows being operable between extended and retracted positions to vary tension of said roof cover even when the remainder of said folding mechanism is substantially stationary; and (iii) a cam follower moving along said camming surface during a portion of movement of said mechanism between said raised and stowed positions, said cam follower being operable to cause said tensioning roof bow to move between said extended and retracted positions as said cam follower moves along said camming surface.