Patent ID: 6796597
Filing Date: 2004-09-28
Classification: B60J

Abstract:
A retractable hard top for a convertible having a windshield, a body, a top storage compartment in the body closed by a tonneau, said hardtop being movable between an extended unfolded condition covering a passenger compartment and a folded, stored condition in the top storage compartment comprising:a first front section, which is adapted to be connected to an upper edge portion of the windshield, a second central section adjoining the first section when the hard top is unfolded, and a third rear section adjoining the second section, wherein each section has a front first edge portion and a rear second edge portion, wherein the first and the second sections substantially cover the passenger compartment when the top is unfolded, and the third section forms the convertible body C-pillar and closes the upper portion of the passenger compartment towards the back, and pivot means pivotally interconnecting the sections for folding into a compact folded condition for storage, and for unfolding into an unfolded condition covering the passenger compartment, wherein the pivot means interconnect the sections for movement backwardly downwardly when folding the top, so that in the folded position the three sections are nested within one another, with their respective first edge portions being positioned in the longitudinal vehicle direction behind the second edge portions, wherein the first, second and third sections are pivotally connected via a plurality of hinge brackets arranged symmetrically at the two outer portions of the hard top, and wherein the first, second and third sections are additionally pivotally connected by a plurality of hinge brackets arranged in longitudinal vehicle direction in the area of the roof center between the two outer portions of the hard top.