Patent Publication Number: US-11654756-B2

Title: Folding slanted back soft top assembly for SUV

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The instant application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/776,095, filed Jan. 29, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/861,194, filed Jan. 3, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,583,720, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/790,836, filed Oct. 23, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,603,994, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/595,396, filed May 15, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,414,253, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/336,062, filed May 13, 2016, and which also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/411,249, filed Oct. 21, 2016. The instant application additionally claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/441,810, filed Jan. 3, 2017. The disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a frameless SUV soft top for a vehicle. In particular, the present invention relates to a soft top assembly including a slanted rear window for a sport utility vehicle. The present invention also relates to a tensioning system for incorporation with the soft top. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Providing sunroof or convertible tops for sport utility (SUV) type vehicles is desired. In recent years, soft top technology has advanced. In recent years, the use of “frameless” designs (e.g., tops that are not attached to the frame of the SUV) have allowed fold-back sunroof top designs and even completely retractable tops. 
     Other advances in soft top design has been a sportier and very popular slanted back design. Unfortunately, in the past such slanted designs have required a framed type structure, e.g., a lot of conventional framed features and assembly support bows, such as that are fixed attachment to the frame of the SUV or fixed cross car arches or rear fixed cross car arch. Therefore, typically, customers had a tradeoff decision as to whether they wanted the sporty slanted back look on their vehicle or the open air features and amenities offered in a frameless design. 
     Known soft top designs do not allow multiple options for conversion of a slanted back top. Furthermore, conventional soft top designs have complicated, difficult and time consuming attachment arrangements for soft goods of the top assembly. Further, conventional soft tops have inadequate tensioning creating rippling effects, flapping or undesired movement or other undesired fit and function of the soft top, e.g., roof deck or window panels, in the installed position on the vehicle, e.g., 2 door or 4 door SUVs. 
     Therefore, there remains a need in the art for a soft top design with the open air features and amenities of a frameless top design but with the styling features of a slanted back design. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a sliding/folding, or otherwise articulating, slanted back soft top assembly for 4-door and 2-door SUVs, Jeep® type SUVs, the assembly having a slant back window area feature. A soft top cover is supported by a frame that is articulatable from at least a closed position, open air sunroof position and open stowed position(s). The frame includes at least one forward fabric support bow member and at least one rearward fabric support bow member. The rearward fabric support bow member being positioned when in the closed position in a manner which allows the cover to clear a sport bar or “roll bar” member of a vehicle in the closed position such that a rear portion of the top is angled from the vertical when viewing the vehicle from the side. The positioning of the rearward fabric support bow member also allows the cover to clear the sport bar when rotating to the open stowed position. In general, the soft top is mounted to the sport bars to provide lower profile, shape and support, or is mountable to a tub. 
     The present invention is also directed to a folding slanted back soft top assembly for 4-door and 2-door SUVs, Jeep® type SUVs, or any other suitable type of motor vehicle, the assembly having a slant back window area feature. A soft top cover is supported by a frame including a pivotal portion articulatable from at least a closed position to an open air sunroof position and a rearward fabric support bow member operable to set the height and tensioning of the rear of soft top assembly which is angled downward to adjacent a tailgate opening of the vehicle. The assembly includes quarter windows and a rear window that are slanted back and provide zipperless or substantially zipperless install. The quarter windows and rear window of the soft assembly are separately removable from the assembly/vehicle or articulatable to at least one open position for an open air top down position. The rearward fabric support bow member is position to allow the cover to be positioned over or above the sport bar of the vehicle when the assembly is in the closed or sunroof position while allowing the rear of the assembly to be angled from vertical at a predetermined angle. The rearward fabric support bow member also allows the cover to stay in position when the rear or quarter window(s) are removed. 
     On a 2-door SUV, the rearward fabric support bow member replaces a rear arch, by way of example, and adjusts the rear window position to avoid contact with the headrest on the rear seats while keeping the slanted back style and appearance. On a 2-door or 4-door SUV, the rearward fabric support bow member can also be quickly removed from the sport bar, e.g., such as by using quick release pivot knuckles for full top down experience. 
     At least one tensioning system is incorporated with the soft top assembly for adjusting the tension of the assembly to provide adjustment for the attachment position and fabric tension, which also reduces installation effort. 
     Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a side elevation view of a soft top cover assembly with no 4-bow and having a slanted back window feature and articulating linkage assembly, the assembly is shown in a closed position connected to a 4-door vehicle, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  2    is a side elevation view of a soft top cover assembly with an articulating 4-bow coupled to a 3-bow upright and having a slanted back window feature and articulating linkage assembly, the assembly is shown in a closed position connected to a 4-door vehicle, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  3    is a side elevation view of a soft top cover assembly with a fixed 4-bow coupled to a 3-bow upright and having a slanted back window feature, the assembly is shown in a closed position connected to a 4-door vehicle, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  4    is a side elevation view of a soft top cover assembly with a rear bow removed and having a slanted back window feature and articulating linkage assembly, the assembly is shown in a closed position connected to a 4-door vehicle, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of a guide roller captured in a track for a soft top cover assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  6    is a side elevation view of a soft top cover assembly with a dual bow system and having a slanted back window feature, the assembly is shown in a closed position connected to a 2-door vehicle, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  6 A  is a side elevation illustrating a front bow system of the dual bow system having no 3-bow, the assembly being in a closed position, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  6 B  is a side elevation of a front bow system with the addition of a 3-bow, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  7    is a side elevation view of a soft top cover assembly having no rear bow and having a slanted back window feature and articulating linkage assembly, the assembly is shown in a closed position connected to a 2-door vehicle, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  8    is a left side rear perspective view of a soft top cover assembly in a closed position, according to the present invention; 
         FIG.  9    is an enlarged perspective view including a rear transition area of the soft top cover assembly taken from  FIG.  8   ; 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view of  FIG.  9    with a bow and upright bow flipped up and forward, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  11    is an enlarged perspective taken from  FIG.  8   ; 
         FIG.  12    is a right side rear perspective view including lockdown arrangement features of the soft top cover assembly of  FIG.  8   , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  13    is a left side rear perspective view including a rear assembly arrangement of the soft top cover assembly of  FIG.  12   ; 
         FIG.  14    is an enlarged rear perspective view including the lockdown arrangement of  FIG.  12   ; 
         FIG.  15    is a side elevation view of a soft top cover assembly with a rear bow connected, shown in a closed position connected to a 2-door vehicle, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  16    is a side elevation view of the soft top cover assembly of  FIG.  15    with a sunroof portion rotating to an open position; 
         FIG.  17    is a side elevation view of the soft top cover assembly of  FIGS.  15 - 16    in an open sunroof position; 
         FIG.  18    is a side elevation view of the soft top cover assembly of  FIGS.  15 - 18    in an open/down position; 
         FIG.  19    is a side elevation view of a soft top cover assembly with a rear bow attached, shown in a closed position connected to a 4-door vehicle, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  20    is a side elevation view of the soft top cover assembly of  FIG.  19    with a sunroof portion rotating to an open position; 
         FIG.  21    is a side elevation view of the soft top cover assembly of  FIGS.  19 - 20    in an open sunroof position; 
         FIG.  22    is a side elevation view of the soft top cover assembly of  FIGS.  19 - 21    in an open/down position; 
         FIG.  23    is a side elevation view of a soft top cover assembly with a rear bow attached, shown in a closed position connected to a 4-door vehicle, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  24    is a perspective view of a soft top cover assembly on a 2-door vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  25    is an enlarged perspective view of a pivotal portion of the soft top cover assembly in a closed position, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  26    is an enlarged perspective view of a pivotal portion of the soft top cover assembly in rotation to an open sunroof position, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  27    is an enlarged side elevation view from the interior of a vehicle depicting the soft top cover assembly, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  28    is an enlarged side elevation view of the soft top cover assembly, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  29    is an enlarged top plan view of the soft top cover assembly, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  30    is an enlarged side elevation view of the pivotal portion of the soft top cover assembly in rotation to the open sunroof position, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  31    is an enlarged side elevation view of the pivotal portion of the soft top cover assembly in the open sunroof position, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  32    is a perspective view of the slanted back soft top assembly in a closed position, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  33    is a perspective view of a rearward fabric support bow assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  34    is a side elevation view from the interior of a vehicle depicting a soft top cover assembly on a 4-door vehicle, in accordance an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  35    is a perspective view of the soft top cover assembly, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  36    is a rear elevation view of the soft top cover assembly, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  37    is side elevation view of the soft top cover assembly, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  38    is a top plan view of the soft top cover assembly, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  39    is a perspective view of a rearward fabric support bow assembly in a forward/upward position, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  40    is a perspective view of the rearward fabric support bow assembly rotated to a rearward/downward position, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  41    is a perspective view of a locking mechanism for a pivotal portion of the soft top assembly, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  42    is a perspective view of a bow with a quick release member mounted to a bracket, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  43    is a perspective view of the soft top cover assembly in an open sunroof position, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  44    is a perspective view of the soft top cover assembly in an open position, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  45    is a perspective view of a quarter window stiffener for a planar slanted back of the soft top cover assembly, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  46    is a perspective view of a quarter window of the soft top cover assembly slidably connecting to a top deck of the soft top cover assembly, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  47    is a perspective view of a quarter window locating pin and grommet of a rearward fabric support bow assembly of the soft top cover assembly, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  48    is a perspective view of a quarter window connected to a tailgate mount coupled to the vehicle, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  49    is a perspective view of quarter window attachment members attaching to attachment features of the vehicle, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  50    is a perspective view of quarter window attachment members attaching to attachment features of the vehicle, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  51    is a perspective view of quarter window attachment members attaching to attachment features of the vehicle, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  52    is a perspective view of a rear window of the soft top cover assembly slidably connecting to a top deck of the soft top cover assembly, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  53    is a perspective view of quarter window attachment members attaching to attachment features of the rear window, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  54    is a perspective view of rear window tailgate bar attaching to attachment features of the rear window, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  55    is a perspective view of the rear window tailgate bar attaching to the tailgate mount connected to the vehicle in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  56    is a perspective view of rear window attachment members attaching to attachment features of the vehicle, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  57    is a side elevation view of a soft top assembly installed on a 2-door vehicle depicted in an open position, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  58    is a side elevation view of the soft top assembly unlatched from a windshield area of the vehicle, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  59    is a partially exploded view of a pivotal portion mountable to the vehicle, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  60    is an enlarged perspective view of the pivotal portion, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  61    is an enlarged perspective view of a door rail and bow strap of the soft top assembly, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  62    is a perspective view of a rearward fabric support bow assembly in a forward/upward position, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  63    is a perspective view of a locking mechanism for the pivotal portion, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  64    is a perspective view of the soft top assembly in an open sunroof position, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  65    is a perspective view of the soft top assembly in closed position with the rear window and quarter window removed, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  66    is a perspective view of a door rail with an integrated track, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  67    is an enlarged view of  FIG.  66   ; 
         FIG.  68    is a sectional schematic of a door rail with an integrated track, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  69    is a sectional schematic of a track mounted to a sport bar of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  70    is a perspective view of a tensioning system incorporated into the soft top assembly installed on a SUV, according to the present invention; 
         FIG.  71    is perspective view of a tensioning system with an inflation pump for incorporation with the soft top assembly, with the cover and windows removed for clarity, depicted in an environment of use on an SUV, according to the present invention; 
         FIG.  72    is perspective view of a tensioning system incorporating an adjustable threaded member, with the cover and windows removed for clarity, connected to the SUV, according to the present invention; and 
         FIG.  73    is top plan view of a tensioning system incorporating a cam, with the cover and windows removed for clarity, connected to the SUV, according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. 
     Referring to the  FIGS.  1 - 14    generally, the present invention provides an articulating/folding slanted back soft top assembly or “soft top cover assembly” or “assembly” (used interchangeably herein). A rear support structure provides for the slanted back. The slanted back provides a profile that is angled downward in the rear of the vehicle toward the tailgate. More particularly, a rear window panel is a predetermined angle from the upright position, off-vertical. Generally, at least 15 degrees from vertical, typically at least 20 degrees, preferably at least 25 degrees, most preferably, at least 35 degrees. 
     The soft top includes an articulating folding frame that folds into a convertible/stowed/down position. The soft top assembly mounts to a vehicle body structure, e.g., body tub or sport bar, most preferably, to the sport bar. Both independently removable and non-removable windows can be incorporated with the assembly (e.g., rear window, rear quarter windows, rear passenger compartment side windows and/or front side windows). The window can be attached to the top deck of the cover and/or stay pad of the cover or with a rear window extrusion mounted to the bow structure or soft goods, e.g., rear window and/or quarter rear windows that are attached by zippers, retainers, P-welt retainers within channels, J hooks, belt rails, door surrounds or any other suitable attachment and combinations thereof. The soft top assembly is incorporated with an articulating portion, including, a sunroof portion, e.g., flip back header, scissor, and/or sliding. The top deck of the cover is attached to a rear most bow provided for the particular slanted back profile/vehicle, e.g., to a main pivoting bow or 3-bow, a 4-bow, 5-bow, etc. 
     It is understood that the left side of the assemblies are substantially a mirror-image of the right side of the assemblies. Therefore, for example, the rear support includes a pair of upright bows connected to the cross car bow spanning therebetween. 
       FIG.  1    is a side elevation view of a soft top cover assembly shown generally at  10  with no 4-bow, the assembly  10  is shown in a closed position connected to a 4-door SUV vehicle (with portions removed for clarity, e.g., windshield frame, door rails, door surrounds, front sport bars, fasteners to the sport bars, etc) shown generally at  12 , in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. A cover  14  is connected to a header  16  or “1-bow”, which connects cross-car to a windshield frame in the closed position to close out the vehicle interior when desired. The cover  14  is connected to a plurality of bows and moves between at least a closed position, open sunroof position, and open/down position(s) such as folded back behind the rearmost seats for a completely open-air experience. The cover  14  is a soft top material, e.g., twill, sailcloth fabric, etc. A rear window is provided on a panel  18 , which is part of the cover  14  or operably connected thereto. The rear window panel  18  is additionally independently removable in one embodiment. 
     At least one bracket  20  is provided (and optionally incorporated with a lift assist device such as a lockable lift assist) that is connected to one of the bows, preferably an upright bow, most preferably, a 3-bow upright  22 . The bracket  20  is connected to the vehicle, preferably the rear sport bar  21 , and the 3-bow upright  22  is rotatably connected to the bracket  20  for rotation of the bow  22  between up/down positions. The 3-bow upright  22  is coupled to a bow, preferably, to a 3-bow shown generally at  24 , which is a cross vehicle bow and the rearmost cross car bow in this embodiment. The cover  14  top deck is connected to the 3-bow  24 . The assembly  10  also includes a 2-bow  26 , which is a cross vehicle bow, and a front rail  27  pivotally connected to a rear rail  29  by at least one joint for rotating the header  16  to the open sunroof position. At least one intermediate bow  31  is also provided, such as on a linkage assembly shown generally at  33 . 
     The rear panel  18  angles downward and connects toward the rear or rear corners of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the rear panel  18  is connected to angled upright corners of the rear quarter panels and/or to tailgate bars. 
     The 3-bow  24  and 3-bow upright  22  helps set the rear height of the top deck/cover transition to the rear window panel. 
     When the top is closed the material is taut. But when the header  16  is disconnected from the vehicle and rotated rearward to the open sunroof position, the 3-bow can be slid or otherwise moved generally rearward. When the 3-bow  24  is slid back in a rearward direction (as indicated by arrow, “A”) to a predetermined location this allows at least one window to be attached by making it easier to reach and manipulate attachment features. According to one embodiment, the articulatable frame is slid in a captive motion track. 
       FIG.  2    is a side elevation view of a soft top cover assembly with an articulating 4-bow  30  rotatably connected to the 3-bow upright  22  at pivot joint  28 , the assembly is shown in a closed position connected to a 4-door vehicle (with portions, e.g., front sport bar, removed for clarity), in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment preferably has like components as  FIG.  1   , however, a bow link  30 , preferably, a 4-bow link  30 , is provided on a forward portion  32  of the 3-bow upright  22 , which 4-bow link  30  is an articulating 4-bow. The 4-bow link  30  is suitably fastened to the 3-bow upright  22 , e.g., bolted and/or welded, etc. The 4-bow link  30  has a cross vehicle 4-bow  36  that is connected to the cover  14  top deck. The 4-bow is the rearmost upper bow in this embodiment. The 4-bow  36  sets the rear height of the top deck/cover transition to the rear window panel. A stop  39  is provided on the 3-bow upright  22  to locate the 4-bow link  30 /bow  36 . Alternatively, stay pad to the rear bow locates. 
       FIG.  3    is a side elevation view of a soft top cover assembly with a fixed 4-bow  34  connected to the 3-bow upright  22 , the assembly is shown in a closed position connected to a 4-door vehicle (with portions removed for clarity, e.g., windshield frame, front sport bar), in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment preferably has like components as  FIG.  1   , however, a bow  34 , preferably, a 4-bow  34 , is provided on a forward portion  32  of the 3-bow upright  22 , which 4-bow  34  is not an articulating 4-bow. The 4-bow  34  helps set the rear height of the top deck/cover transition to the rear window panel. The 4-bow  34  has a cross vehicle bow  38  that is connected to the cover  14  top deck. 
       FIG.  4    is a side elevation view of a soft top cover assembly shown generally at  50  having a sliding framework indicated generally at  52 , the assembly  50  is shown in a closed position connected to a 4-door vehicle, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the sliding framework  52  includes rollers guided within guide track(s) that are operably connected to at least the sport bar  53 . The guide tracks run fore-aft along the sport bar  53  and may also curve downward to generally follow the rear sport bar  21 . Most preferably, at least one bracket  66  is fixedly connected to a linkage  68  of the assembly  50  and is connected to at least one roller that slides in a channel of the track (guide tracks are omitted for clarity). A front rail  70  is pivotally connected to the linkage  68  at least one pivot joint  72  to rotate the front rail  70  to the open sunroof position. 
     A cover  54  is operably connected to a header  56  or “1-bow”, which connects to a windshield frame in the closed position to close out the vehicle interior. The cover  54  is operably connected to a plurality of bows and moves between at least a closed position, open sunroof position, and open/down position(s) (e.g., such as the articulating linkage assembly  418 , depicted in  FIGS.  21 - 22    but without the rear bow). A rear window is provided on a panel  58 , which is part of the cover  54  or operably connected thereto. The rear window panel  58  is independently removable in one embodiment (e.g., attached by zippers, retainers, P-welt retainers within channels, belt rail or any other suitable attachment and combinations thereof). 
     At least one bracket  60  is provided (and optionally incorporated with a lift assist device such as a lockable lift assist shown generally at  62 ), wherein the bracket  60  is operably connected to one of the bows, preferably an upright bow, most preferably, a 5-bow upright  64 . The bracket  60  is connected to the vehicle, preferably the rear sport bar  21 , and the 5-bow upright  64  is rotatably connected to the bracket  20  for rotation of the bow  64  between up/down positions. The 5-bow upright  64  is coupled to a bow shown generally at  65 , preferably, a 5-bow  65 , which is a cross vehicle bow. The assembly  10  also includes a 4-bow  74 , 3-bow  76  and 2-bow  78 , which are cross vehicle bows. There is no rear 6-bow, e.g., connected to the bracket  62  and extending generally upward in a rearward direction. 
     The 5-bow  65  and 5-bow upright  64  helps set the rear height of the top deck/cover transition to the rear window panel. 
       FIG.  5    depicts an exemplary roller guided in a track. At least one track  79  is connected to the vehicle, e.g., sport bar, and the articulating frame is coupled to the track. Preferably, at least one guide feature retained in the track is slid to move the top rearward to an open/down position. The at least one bracket  66  has a pin  75  connected to at least one roller  79  guided in the guide track  79 . The track  79  is connected to the vehicle, preferably, to the sport bar  53  and/or  21  with a plurality of brackets. The roller  77  guided, slid or rolled, in the track  79  moves the top 10 between the open sunroof position and at least one rearward open position. 
       FIG.  6    is a side elevation view of a soft top cover assembly shown generally at  80  having a dual bow system, the assembly  80  is shown in a closed position connected to a 2-door vehicle  13 , in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. There is provided a front bow system shown generally at  82  and a rear support structure that is a rear bow system shown generally at  84 . The front bow system  82  is moveable between at least a closed position and open sunroof position. A front rail  85  of the front bow system  82  is connected to a header  83 . The front rail  85  is also connected to a rear rail  89  by at least one pivot joint shown generally at  86  such that the front bow system  82  pivots about this joint  86  to the open sunroof position. A bracket  88  is connected to the vehicle, preferably, to a mid-way sport bar upright  87  to pivotally attach the rear rail  89  of the front bow system  82  to the vehicle. The rear rail  89  is also connected to a 2-bow  91 . The rear rail  89  rotates the front bow system  82  between the open sunroof position and a downward stowed position. 
     The rear bow system  84  is a rear bracket system with an upstanding bow to set the rear height of the top deck/cover transition to the rear window. At least one bracket  90  is connected to the vehicle, preferably, to a rear upright sport bar  93 . Alternatively, the bracket  90  is mounted to tub(s). A rear bow upright  92  is rotatably connected to the bracket  90 . A rear window is provided on a panel  94 , which is part of the cover  96  or operably connected thereto. The rear bow upright  92  helps set the rear height of the top deck/cover transition to the rear window panel. The rear bow upright  92  has a cross vehicle bow  99  that is connected to the cover  96  top deck. 
     The rear window panel  94  is additionally independently removable in one embodiment. 
     The rear panel  94  angles downward and connects toward the rear or rear corners of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the rear panel  94  is connected to angled upright corners of the rear quarter panels and/or to tailgate bars. 
     A system to fully open the cover  96  to an open/down position is within the scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, there is no 3-bow. In another, there is a 3-bow connected to the bracket  88 , e.g., pivotally connected to the bracket and operably coupled to the cover  96 . 
       FIG.  6 A  is an enlarged side elevation of  FIG.  6    having no 3-bow, according to one embodiment. 
       FIG.  6 B  is a side elevation illustrating some features of the soft top cover assembly of  FIG.  6    (with the vehicle omitted for clarity), the assembly being in a closed position and having a 3-bow  98 , according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG.  7    is a side elevation view of a soft top cover assembly shown generally at  100  with a guide track/slider system indicated generally at  102 , the assembly  100  is shown in a closed position connected to a 2-door vehicle  13 , in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the sliding framework, e.g., guide track with rollers guided therein carried by at least one bracket, is operably connected to at least the rear sport bars  104  upper.  FIG.  5    depicts an exemplary guide track and roller system. A cover  106  is connected to a header  108  or “1-bow”, which connects to a windshield frame in the closed position to close out the vehicle interior. The cover  106  is operably connected to a plurality of bows and moves between at least a closed position, open sunroof position, and open/down position(s) (e.g., such as the articulating linkage assembly  418 , depicted in  FIGS.  16 - 18    but without the rear bow of  FIG.  16   ). A rear window is provided on a panel  110 , which is part of the cover  106  or operably connected thereto, as set forth above. The rear window panel  110  is independently removable in one embodiment. 
     At least one bracket  112  is provided (and optionally incorporated with a lift assist device such as a lockable lift assist  114 ) that is connected to a rear support structure including one of the bows, preferably an upright bow, most preferably, a 5-bow upright  116 . The bracket  112  is mounted to the vehicle, preferably the rear sport bar  93 , and the 5-bow upright  116  is rotatably connected to the bracket  112  for rotation of the bow  116  between up/down positions. The 5-bow upright  116  is coupled to a bow shown generally at  118 , preferably, a 5-bow  118 , which is a cross vehicle bow. The assembly  100  can also include a 2-bow  120 , 3-bow  122  and 4-bow  124  which are cross vehicle bows. The assembly also includes a front rail  126  pivotally connected to a rear rail  128  by at least one joint for rotating the header  108  to the open sunroof position. There is no rear bow (e.g., such as an original equipment rear bow, extending generally upward in a rearward direction. 
     The rear panel  110  angles downward and connects toward the rear or rear corners of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the rear panel  110  is connected to angled upright corners of the rear quarter panels and/or to tailgate bars. 
     The 5-bow  118  and 5-bow upright  116  helps set the rear height of the top deck/cover transition to the rear window panel. 
     In any of the aforementioned embodiments, more or less bows are contemplated (including fabric management bows, bows to clear the cover for articulating down to the stowed position, etc) depending on the application without departure from the scope of the present invention. The additional bows can, by way of non-limiting example, be mounted off existing holes for a stay pad, mounted off uprights for additional articulations, etc. 
     Referring generally to  FIGS.  8 - 14   , a soft top cover assembly, shown generally at  200 , is provided that is a slanted back profile, according to an embodiment of the present invention (with the cover removed for clarity). The assembly  200  in  FIG.  8    is in a closed position on a vehicle  201 . A cover is operably connected to a header (shown in  FIG.  2   ), which connects to a windshield frame in the closed position to close out the vehicle interior. The cover is operably connected to a plurality of bows and moves between at least a closed position, open sunroof position, and open/down position. A rear window is provided on a panel, which is part of the cover or operably connected thereto. The rear window is independently removable in one embodiment. The rear panel angles downward and connects toward the rear or rear corners of the vehicle. Preferably, the front of the assembly is a flip back sunroof that moves between the closed and open sunroof position (e.g.,  FIG.  2   ). 
     At least one bracket  202  is provided (and optionally incorporated with a lift assist device such as a lockable lift assist) that is mounted to the vehicle, preferably the rear sport bar  203 , one of the bows, preferably an upright bow, most preferably, a 3-bow upright  204 , is rotatably connected to the bracket  202  to rotate the cover between the up position and the open/down position. The 3-bow upright  204  is connected to a 3-bow  208  via a bracket  206  that is connected to the 3-bow  208  and to the 3-bow upright  204 . The 3-bow is a cross car bow. Optionally, the bracket  206  is fastened to a strap pad  210 , e.g., woven strap, by a plurality of fasteners  211 . 
     A 4-bow link  212  is mounted to the 3-bow upright  204  via a pivot joint  214  (alternatively, the joint  214  is a fixed joint). The 4-bow link  212  is connected to a 4-bow  216 , which is a cross vehicle bow. This 4-bow  216  is the rearmost bow in this embodiment. The 4-bow  216  sets the rear height of the top deck/cover transition to the rear window panel. 
     The assembly also includes at least a 2-bow  218 . Additional bows, such as intermediate bows or fabric management bows, and additional linkages are within the scope of the present invention. 
     Another bracket  220  connects the 4-bow  216  to the 4-bow link  212  (as shown in  FIG.  10    where the 4-bow  216  is flipped up/forward revealing the bracket  220 ). 
     The assembly also includes a lockout system shown generally at  222 , including an upstanding brace  224  connected to the 3-bow upright  204  to selectively hold the 4-bow link  212  in a locked position. A mounting bracket  226  is provided on the bow  204  to pivotally connect the 4-bow link  212  at the joint  214 . The 4-bow link  212  is also connected to the bracket  220  connected to the 4-bow  216 . The forward end of the 3-bow upright  204  is connected to the other bracket  206  which is operably connected to a spring system shown generally at  228 . The 4-bow link  212  of the lockdown assembly  224  selectively fits into the brace  224  to hold the 4-bow  216  generally in a locked position. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  15 - 23    generally, there are provided additional embodiments with a rear bow added. These tops are preferably not slanted back or are minimally slanted. Thus, the rear window will be more vertical to the top deck of the cover. However, the soft tops are convertible to a slant back with modifications, including, removing the rear bow and using a suitable cover for a rear support structure of a slanted back arrangement, depending on the particular application. It is particularly preferable in an embodiment that the articulating frame largely stays the same, regardless of whether or not the soft top assembly is a slanted back, but the rear bow features are removed and any other suitable modifications are made or attachment features added to set the rear height of the top deck/cover transition to the rear window panel depending on the application when a slanted back is desired. This results in significant advantages by not having to change out the entire soft top assembly. Further, universal framework can be used. 
     Referring more particularly to  FIGS.  15 - 18   , there is provided a soft top cover assembly shown generally at  300  in a closed position (or “up position”) connected to a 2-door vehicle  13  (the cover and windows are omitted for clarity) with the addition of a rear bow, according to an embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is similar to  FIG.  7   , however, there is a rear bow link  318  with a lift assist and handle release provided on the rear bow, shown generally at  316 . The assembly  300  has a guide track/slider system indicated generally at  302 . Preferably, the sliding framework  302 , e.g., guide track with a plurality of rollers guided therein such as depicted in  FIG.  5   ) is operably connected to at least the rear sport bars  304 . A cover is operably connected to a header  308 , which connects to a windshield frame in the closed position to close out the vehicle interior. The cover is operably connected to a plurality of bows and moves between at least a closed position, open sunroof position (or “sun position”), and open/down position (or “down position”). A rear window is provided on a panel, which is part of the cover or operably connected thereto. The rear window is independently removable in one embodiment. A bracket  310  is provided on the rear sport bars  304  operably connected to one of the bows  312  for rotation to an open/down position. A lift assist assembly shown generally at  314  is operably connected to the bracket  310 . Preferably, the lift assist  314  is a locking lift assist. A lift assist release assembly (or “trigger assembly”) is provided on the rear bow  316  to release the lift assist  314  to allow rotation of the assembly  300  to the open/down position. The trigger assembly  316  is connected to the rear bow link  318 , which link  318  is pivotally connected to the bracket  310 , and can be a cord type release with a pull that releases at least one lift assist assemblies  314  at the same time to facilitate rotation of the assembly  300 . This embodiment can have two lift assists; the lift assist  314  in the rear cargo area and a lift assist arrangement on a linkage assembly coupled to a side rail  322  of the assembly  300 . 
       FIG.  16    is a side elevation view of the soft top cover assembly  300  of  FIG.  15    with a sunroof portion in the process of rotating to an open sunroof position, according to the present invention. There is illustrated the articulating linkage assembly shown generally at  320  with at least one lift assist mechanism, shown generally at  324 . By way of non-limiting example, the lift assist  324  can include two gas cylinders  326 , 326  in force opposition coupled to the rear rail  301  and to a linkage assembly shown generally at  328  to assist in opening and closing of the sunroof portion of the soft top. The linkage assembly  328  is connected to a 4-bow  338 , which may be a fabric assist bow. A second and third linkage assembly, shown generally at  330  and  322  are provided with a 3-bow and 2-bow, respectively,  324 , 326  which either or both may be fabric management bows. 
       FIG.  17    is a side elevation view of the soft top cover assembly  300  of  FIG.  15    in an open sunroof position, according to the present invention. 
       FIG.  18    is a side elevation view of the soft top cover assembly of  FIG.  15    in an open/down position, according to the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  19 - 22    generally there is provided a side elevation view of a soft top cover assembly shown generally at  400  in a closed position (or “up position”) connected to a 4-door vehicle (the cover and rear window panel is omitted for clarity), according to another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is similar to  FIG.  4   , however, there is a rear bow added, shown generally at  420 , with a handle release provided for a lift assist, shown generally at  422 . A rear bow link  424  pivotally connects the rear bow  420  to the lift assist  422  and bracket  406 . The assembly  400  has a sliding framework indicated generally at  402  (e.g., such as depicted in  FIG.  5   ). Preferably, the sliding framework  402 , e.g., guide track with rollers guided therein) is operably connected to at least the rear sport bars. A cover (omitted for clarity) is operably connected to a header  404 , which connects to a windshield frame in the closed position to close out the vehicle interior. The cover is operably connected to a plurality of bows and moves between at least a closed position, open sunroof position, and open/down position. A rear window is provided on a panel (omitted for clarity), which is part of the cover or operably connected thereto. The rear window is independently removable in one embodiment. A bracket  406  is operably connected to one of the bows, preferably 5-bow upright  408 , for rotation to an open/down position. 
     The lift assist assembly  422  is operably connected to the bracket  406 . Preferably, the lift assist  420  is a locking lift assist. A lift assist release assembly (or “trigger assembly”) on the rear bow  420  is provided to release the lift assist  422  to allow rotation of the assembly  400  to the open/down position. The trigger can be a cord type release (or any other suitable release) with a pull that releases at least one lift assist assemblies  422  at the same time to facilitate rotation of the assembly  400 . Another lift assist arrangement on a linkage assembly coupled to a side rail  416  of the assembly  400 , e.g., incorporating gas cylinders  440 , 400  in force opposition. 
     There is illustrated the articulating linkage assembly  418 . At least a 4-bow  430  is provided on a first linkage assembly, shown generally at  438 . At least a 3-bow  428  is provided on a second linkage assembly, shown generally at  436 . At least a 2-bow  426  is provided on a third linkage assembly, shown generally at  434 . The 5-bow  432  is also provided connected to the 5-bow upright  408 . The 5-bow upright  408  is rotatably connected to the lift assist  422  and bracket  406 . 
       FIG.  20    is a side elevation view of the soft top cover assembly  400  of  FIG.  19    with a sunroof portion in the process of rotating to an open sunroof position, according to the present invention. 
       FIG.  21    is a side elevation view of the soft top cover assembly  400  of  FIG.  20    in an open sunroof position, according to the present invention. 
       FIG.  22    is a side elevation view of the soft top cover assembly of  FIGS.  20 - 21    in an open/down position, according to the present invention; 
       FIG.  23    is a side elevation view of a soft top cover assembly shown generally at  500  in a closed position connected to a 4-door vehicle  12  (with portions removed for clarity), according to another embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, a rear bow link  502  is rotatably connected to the rear sport bars  504  by a bracket  506 . A 5-bow upright  508  is connected to a 4-bow shown generally at  510 . This embodiment is similar to  FIG.  1   , however, there is a rear bow  512  and rear bow link  502  added. 
     In another embodiment the soft top is removable from the vehicle when in the open/down position. 
     The soft top assembly according to any embodiment of the present invention is also preferably secured to front door surrounds, and additionally rear door surrounds for 4-door vehicles (such as  FIGS.  9  and  11    rear door surround). 
     Providing at least one seal, e.g., rubber, foam, etc, to further prevent water from entering the vehicle is contemplated without departing from the scope of the present invention. Preferably, rubber to prevent water permeation. According to one embodiment, the seal, e.g., bulb seal, is located on a door rail and seals off with the underside of the header. 
     Providing a unique header to door rail interface is contemplated without departing from the scope of the present invention. Adding at least one seal in this region is contemplated without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     Providing at least one hole in a trough/lip area of a door rail, e.g., between door edge and door weather-strip, for assisting with water drainage is contemplated without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     Providing at least one stop to set the predetermined height of the assembly in the open sunroof position is contemplated without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     Providing a header that is steel, cast aluminum, molded plastic, or any other material to meet predetermined requirements is contemplated without departing from the scope of the present invention, preferably, the header is cast aluminum. 
     The cover is operably coupled to the header. Visual attachment of fasteners for access is contemplated without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     Preferably, the soft top assembly is secured to a windshield frame with quick release latches. Locating features on each latch and a corresponding saddle on the windshield frame are contemplated without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     At least one locking mechanism, e.g., rear location to lock down position of top in down position, and/or at least one trigger release arrangement is provided according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     Incorporating removable soft upper half door(s), soft full door(s) and/or soft quarter panels with any of the above soft top cover assemblies is contemplated without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     The 2-door and 4-door descriptions described herein are not limiting. It is understood that any embodiment, and combinations thereof, described herein can be modified and is/are utilizable on any convertible, 2-door or 4-door vehicle. 
     It is understood that the left side of the assemblies are substantially a mirror-image of the right side of the assemblies. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  24  to  32   , there is provided a soft top cover assembly, shown generally at  600 , that is a slanted back soft top assembly for a 2-door SUV, or any other suitable type of motor vehicle, in accordance with the present invention. As best shown in  FIG.  32   , the assembly  600  provides an angled back, as indicated at  601 . This angle is a predetermined range amount off vertical. The assembly  600  is movable between at least a closed position closing off an opening generally above the front cockpit of the vehicle and at least one open sunroof position (see  FIG.  31   ) to rotate the cover rearward out of the way to provide an open air feel. 
     The assembly  600  includes an articulating frame indicated generally at  602  including a pivotal portion shown generally at  604  forming a front bow system. The pivotal portion  604  is moveable between at least a closed position and at least one open sunroof position. The pivotal portion  604  includes a front header  606  or “1 bow” operable connected to a cover  608  that is a soft top material. The pivotal portion  604  also includes a second bow  609  and a linkage assembly including a front rail  610  and a rear rail  612  operably connected by at least one intermediate link  614  at pivot joints shown generally at  616 , 618 . It is understood that additional links or rails are contemplated depending on the application without departure from the scope of the present invention. Alternatively, a single rail  610  or  612  is provided and operably pivotally connected to the vehicle or door rail depending on the application without departure from the scope of the present invention. 
     The rear rail  612  is affixed to the vehicle at a pivot point, shown generally at  620 , provided on a mounting bracket  622 . The mounting bracket  622  is located at a predetermined location on the vehicle depending on the application, preferably, mounted to a cross car structural member  624  adjacent to the front cockpit opening to provide an open air experience when the pivotal portion  604  is rotated to the open sunroof position. Alternatively, the mounting bracket  622  is mounted to a sport bar, e.g., such as the front sport bar  630 , or a door rail. 
     Another pivot point, shown generally at  626 , is provided on a front door rail  628 . The pivot point  626  is a bracket integrally formed with the door rail  628  or is a pivot bracket fastened to the door rail  628 . The door rail  628  is connected to the vehicle, preferably, connected to a front sport bar  630  of the vehicle with a plurality of fasteners  632 , such as threaded fasteners, extending through clamping surfaces  634  on the door rail  628 . The front door rail  628  is also in sealing engagement with the front door  636  of the vehicle. 
     Preferably, the front rail  610  is attached to the pivot joint  626  of the front door rail  628  with a quick release member  638 , e.g., such as a spring catch release knob that is pulled out of an aperture of the front rail  610  and tab  627  on the bracket  626  to quickly release the front rail  610  knuckle from the front door rail bracket. A slot  648  is formed on the knuckle or end of the front rail  610  to receive the bracket  628 . Preferably, the rear rail  612  is also attached to the mounting bracket  622  with a quick release member  640 , e.g., such as a spring catch release knob that is pulled from an aperture to quickly release the rear rail  612  from the mounting bracket  622 . A slot  650  is formed on the knuckle or end of the rear rail  612  to receive a tab of the bracket  622 . Alternatively to the spring catch release knob, either rail  610  and  612  is attached with at least one fastener that is a bolt  642  and nut, screw or any other suitable fastener for attachment to the respective bracket  622  or  628 . 
     The cover  608  extends over the second bow  609  and the bow  609  assists in managing the fabric to operably fold out of the way into the open sunroof position. It is understood that the cover  608  can be operable connected to the second bow  609  when desired depending on the application without departure from the scope of the present invention. By way of non-limiting example, an extrusion sewn to the cover  608  is received in a channel provided on the second bow  609  or vice versa. 
     The assembly  600  also includes at least one limiting stop  644 . The stop  644  sets the height of the pivotal portion or any predetermined rail or link thereof in the open or closed positions. The stop  644  is depicted on the intermediate link  614 , however, it is understood that at least one stop can be located anywhere on the pivotal portion  604  or front door rail  628  or on a rear door rail  646  or mounted to the vehicle. 
     The assembly  600  further includes a rearward fabric support bow assembly, shown generally at  652 , which is fixedly connected to the vehicle, most preferably, to the rear sport bar  654  of the vehicle. The rearward fabric support bow is orientated in a generally upward position. A mounting bracket  656  is operably connected to the sport bar  654  (or other suitable vehicle structure) with at least one fastener. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting bracket  656  at least partially wraps around the sport bar  654  and includes a tab  658  that is received in a slot  660  formed on the knuckle or end of a rear bow upright  662 . Preferably, the rear bow upright  662  is attached to the tab  658  with a quick release member (e.g., such as depicted in  FIG.  42   ), e.g., such as a spring catch release knob that is pulled out of an aperture of the rear bow upright  662  and tab  658  on the bracket  656  to quickly release the rear bow upright  662  knuckle from the bracket  656 . 
     The rear bow upright  662  is operably connected to a rear bow  664 , preferably, by a bracket  668  connecting the rear bow upright  662  to the rear bow  664 . The rearward fabric support bow assembly  652 , preferably the rear bracket  668 , also includes a tab with a grommet  680  for connecting windows of the assembly. Preferably, at least one bumper is provided on the upright bow  662  as a stand-off with the sport bar  654 . Since the upright bow  662  is in a generally upward vertical position, the bumper is between the bow  662  and sport bar  654 . The rear bow  664  includes an extension portion  672  to which stay straps for the cover  608  are operably connected, preferably by a plurality of fasteners. An aperture is provided on the extension portion  672  to receive a tensioning member, most preferably, a cable spring attached at one end to the extension portion  672  and that extends through pocket(s) formed on cover  608  edge and operably attaches at the other end to the pivotal portion  604 , e.g., second bow  609  or a corner bracket of the second bow, or to a door rail or to the header. 
     The rear mounting bracket  656  is preferably on the rear of the sport bar  654 . Alternatively, the mounting bracket  656  is mounted such that the tab  658  is located on an inner surface of the sport bar  654  to attach the rear bow upright  662  inward. 
     The cover  608  extends over the rear bow  664  and the rearward fabric support bow assembly  652  assists in cover  608  tensioning and setting the height of the slanted back of the assembly  600 . The rear bow  664  also allows the cover  608  to clear the vehicle structure, such as a rear cross car member and sport bar. 
     It is understood that the cover  608  can additionally be operable connected to the rear bow  664  in the cross car direction when desired depending on the application without departure from the scope of the present invention. By way of non-limiting example, the cover  608  is connected to the rear bow  664  with a plurality of fasteners, e.g., screws, or an extrusion sewn to the cover  608  is received in a channel provided on the rear bow  664  or vice versa. Most preferably, the cover  608  is secured to the bows of the assembly with flaps of material provided on the inner surface of the cover. By way of non-limiting example, flaps are sewn or otherwise suitably attached to the surface of the cover that will face the inside of the vehicle and provided with tongue and loop. The 2-bow  609  and/or rear bow  664  are secured to the cover  608  with respective flaps of the cover  608 . Alternatively, or additionally, straps are used. In a move preferred embodiment, the 2-bow  609  is a fabric management bow that assists in managing the cover to fold at least the open sunroof position. 
     At least one additional cross car member can be used which is/are inserted into slot(s) moved on the front rail  628 . 
     The rearward fabric support bow assembly  652  is a significant improvement over any soft top that does not have a rear bow  664  or just an extruded stiffener in the rear of the top deck. The rearward fabric support bow assembly  652  of the present invention also helps to keep the cover  608  from shifting side-to-side. 
     The assembly  600  selectively provides further plurality of open air options, including, removal of a rear window  674  or one or both of rearward quarter windows  676 . When the rear window  674  and both quarter windows  676  are removed, the cover  608  can remain attached providing a roof top with the top deck  678  alone or the pivotal portion  604  can be rotated to the open sunroof position such that the front cockpit is not covered but the rest of the top deck  678  covers the top of the vehicle. The assembly pivotal portion  604  and rearward fabric support bow assembly and cover  608  can also be removed from the vehicle to provide a fully open air experience. The quick release members assist in quicker removal of the assembly  600  from the vehicle when desired. The windows  674  and  676  are preferably connected to the top deck  678  and vehicle in a zipperless manner, which will be explained in greater detail below and as depicted in  FIGS.  45  to  56   , which are incorporated here. It is understood that the rearward fabric support bow assembly  652  is adaptable to be rotatably mounted to the sport bar  654  for rotating from a generally upward position to a generally downward position to stow the cover  608  in the tub to provide a yet further open air experience if desired depending on the application without departure from the scope of the present invention. 
     The back of the assembly  600  is slanted. Generally, the angle of the slanted back  601  is less than 90 degrees. Typically, from about 75 to about 30 degrees. Preferably, from 75 to about 40 degrees. Most preferably, from 70 to 45 degrees. 
     The present invention provides for the slanted back. The slanted back provides a profile that is angled downward in the rear of the vehicle toward the tailgate. More particularly, a rear window panel can be at a predetermined angle from the upright position, off-vertical. Generally, at least 15 degrees from vertical, typically at least 20 degrees, preferably at least 25 degrees, most preferably, at least 35 degrees, particularly preferred from about 15 to 45 degrees. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  24  to  33   , in particular to  FIG.  33   , there is provided a soft top cover assembly with an identical pivotal portion  604  as described previously, but the soft top assembly has an alternative rearward fabric support bow assembly, shown generally at  682 , incorporating a tensioning device that is spring loaded to the vehicle for providing adjustable fabric tensioning. A particularly preferred environment of use for the rearward fabric support bow assembly  682  is a 4-door SUV, however, the assembly  682  is adaptable for incorporating on a 2-door SUV or any other suitable type of motor vehicle, in accordance with the present invention. The soft top cover assembly also preferably includes front and/or rear door rails  628 ,  646  as described previously. 
     The rearward fabric support bow assembly  682  includes a mounting bracket  684  operably connected to the vehicle by at least one fastener, preferably, to a rear cross car member  686  of the vehicle, most preferably, to the rear sport bar  654 . The bracket  684  is operably connected to a tube  688  that is closed on the end. A fixed bushing  690  is received in the tube  688 . A cylinder  692  having a limiting slot  694  is received in the fixed bushing  690  that is located in the tube  688 . A pin  695  is sized to travel in the limiting slot  694 . A washer is located at the end of the cylinder  696 . The other end of the cylinder  696  is operably connected to a rear bow  697  of the rearward fabric support bow assembly  682 . A spring is located inside the tube  688  against the bushing  690  and about the outer diameter of the cylinder  692 . An extension portion  699  is operably connected to the rear bow  686 . An aperture  693  is provided on the extension portion  699  to receive a tensioning member, most preferably, a cable spring attached at one end to the extension portion  699  and with a cord that extends through pocket(s) formed toward the fore/aft edge of cover  208  and operably attaches at the other end with a spring to the pivotal portion  604 , e.g., second bow  609  or a corner bracket of the second bow, or to a door rail. The pin  695  is goes through an aperture of the tube  688  and into the limiting slot  694 . The pin  695  limits the travel in the slot  694  for tensioning the top cover  208 . The cylinder  692  pushes on the bushing  690  and the washer  696 , which in turn pushes on the spring  698  and bottoms out in the tube  688 . 
     Thus, the spring loaded fabric support bow assembly  682  assists in cover tensioning and setting the height of the slanted back  601  of the soft top cover assembly. The rear bow  697  also allows the cover to clear the vehicle structure, such as a rear cross car member and sport bar. 
     Preferably, the spring loaded fabric support bow assembly  682  forms a rear bow that replaces a typical fixed cross car arch with a semi-permanent spring loaded bow installed on the sport bar. The unique spring feature includes a compression spring to provide adjustment for the attachment position and fabric tension which further reduces installation effort. Typically, the fabric is attached to the rear bow by snaps allowing the customer to completely remove the fabric without tools when desired. Alternatively, attachment is contemplated, e.g., adhesive, sewn pocket(s), and/or fastener(s), depending on the application without departure from the scope of the present invention. 
     The pivotal portion moves between at least a closed position and at least one open sunroof position. The assembly also selectively provides further plurality of open air options, including, removal of a rear window or one or both of rearward quarter windows. When the rear window and both quarter windows are removed, the cover can remain attached providing a roof top with the top deck alone or the pivotal portion can be rotated to the open sunroof position such that the front cockpit is not covered but the rest of the top deck covers the top of the vehicle. The assembly pivotal portion  604  and rearward fabric support bow assembly  682  and cover can also be removed from the vehicle to provide a fully open air experience. The windows are preferably connected to the top deck and vehicle in a zipperless manner, which will be explained in greater detail below and as depicted in  FIGS.  45  to  56   , which are incorporated here. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  34  to  58   , there is provided a soft top cover assembly, shown generally at  700 , that is a slanted back soft to assembly for a 4-door SUV, or any other suitable type of motor vehicle, in accordance with the present invention. As best shown in  FIG.  56   , the assembly  700  provides a slanted back, as indicated at  701 . This angle is a predetermined range amount off vertical. The assembly  700  is movable between a closed position closing off an opening generally above at least the front cockpit of the vehicle, more preferably, generally above the front and rear cockpit, and at least one open sunroof position (see  FIG.  45   ) to rotate the cover rearward of the rear passenger compartment out of the way to provide an open air feel. 
     The assembly  700  includes an articulating frame indicated generally at  702  including a pivotal portion shown generally at  704 , forming a front bow system, and a rearward fabric support bow assembly. The pivotal portion  704  is moveable between at least a closed position and at least one open sunroof position. The pivotal portion  704  includes a front header  706  or “1 bow” operable connected to a cover  708  that is a soft top material. The pivotal portion  704  also includes a second bow  709  and a linkage assembly including a front rail  710  pivotally connected to a rear rail  712  at a pivot joint, generally shown at  713 . The pivot joint  713  is generally located adjacent to and behind the B-pillar  715  of the vehicle. However, any predetermined location is contemplated depending on the application without departure from the scope of the present invention. Alternatively, a single rail  710  or  712  is provided and operably pivotally connected to the door rail depending on the application without departure from the scope of the present invention. 
     The first rail  710  is operably connected to the second bow  709  by at least a first intermediate link  714   a  that is also pivotally connected to the first rail  710 . The rear rail  712  is operably connected to the second bow  709  by a second intermediate link  714   b  that is also pivotally connected to the rear rail  712  at pivot joint  718 . It is understood that additional links and rails are contemplated depending on the application without departure from the scope of the present invention. 
     The rear rail  712  is connected at a forward end to the first rail  710 , and the rearward end of the rear rail  712  is operably connected to an intermediate bow assembly, shown generally at  720  (e.g., 3-bow assembly), preferably, to a bracket  722  provided on the 3-bow assembly  720 . Most preferably, the rear rail  712  includes a slot at the knuckle or end of the rear rail  712  that receives a tab of the bracket  722  secured with at least one fastener thereby providing a pivotal connection for the rear rail  712 . 
     At least one locking mechanism is provided, shown generally at  724 , to engage a tab  726  provided to secure the pivotal portion in place when in the closed position and open sunroof position. A door rail, e.g., rear door rail  728 , is operably coupled to a rotatable latch  730  having spring catch  732  that rotates to lock to the tab  726 . In this position the pivotal portion  704  is kept from moving rearward when in the open sunroof position. Depressing the latch  730  (indicated by the arrow in  FIG.  41   ) causes the latch  730  to rotate to release the spring catch  732  from the tab  726 . Once released, the pivotal portion  704  can be removed from the rear door rail  728  and moved rearward toward the tailgate and down into the cargo area of the vehicle, as will be explained in further detail below. 
     The assembly  700  also includes at least one limiting stop  744 . The stop  744  sets the height of the pivotal portion or any predetermined rail or link thereof in the open or closed positions. The stop  744  is depicted coupled to the front or rear rail  710 ,  712 , however, it is understood that at least one stop can be located anywhere on the pivotal portion  704  or front door rail  728  or on a rear door rail  746  or mounted to the vehicle. The rear door rail  746  is operable coupled to the vehicle, e.g., sport bar  747  and D-pillar area  749 . 
     The assembly  700  also includes a front door rail  728  connected to the vehicle, preferably, connected to a front sport bar  730  of the vehicle with a plurality of fasteners, such as threaded fasteners, extending through clamping surfaces  733  on the front door rail  728 . The front door rail  728  is also in sealing engagement with the front door  735  of the vehicle. 
     The 3-bow assembly  720  includes a 3-bow  734 . The bracket  722  of the 3-bow assembly  720  also includes at least one aperture  736  to connect a tensioning member  738 , preferably, a spring  738  for a cable  740  running through pocket(s) of the cover  708  to tension the cover  708 . The cover  708  extends over the second and third bows  709  and  734 . It is understood that the cover  708  can be operable connected to the second bow  709  and/or third bows  734  when desired depending on the application without departure from the scope of the present invention. By way of non-limiting example, an extrusion sewn to the cover  708  is received in a channel provided on the second bow  709  or third bow  734 , or vice versa. The other end of the cable can include a second tensioning member  738 , most preferably, a cable spring, attached at the other end at a predetermined location, e.g., to the pivotal portion, e.g., second bow or a corner bracket of the second bow, three bow, or to a door rail or to the header, etc. 
     It is understood that the tensioning device  738 , cable  740  and bracket  722  are adaptable for use on any other aspect of the present invention, including any of the soft top cover assemblies set forth herein. 
     The 3-bow assembly  720  further includes a rear bow upright  748  which is pivotally connected to the vehicle, most preferably, to the rear sloped sport bar  754  of the vehicle. The upright rear bow  748  rotates from a generally upward/angled forward position (e.g.,  FIG.  34   ) to a generally downward/angled rearward position (e.g.,  FIG.  46   ). A mounting bracket  756  is operably connected to the sport bar  754  (or other suitable vehicle structure) with at least one fastener. As best shown in  FIG.  42   , preferably, the mounting bracket  756  attaches to the inward surface of the sport bar  754  and includes a tab  758  that is received in a slot  760  formed on the knuckle or end of a rear bow upright  748 . Preferably, the rear bow upright  748  is attached to the tab  758  with a quick release member  762 , e.g., such as a spring catch release knob that is pulled out of an aperture of the rear bow upright  748  and tab  758  on the bracket  756  to quickly release the rear bow upright  748  knuckle from the bracket  756 . 
     The rear mounting bracket  756  is preferably on the inner side of the sport bar  754 . Alternatively, the mounting bracket  756  is mounted such that the tab  758  is extends from a rear surface of the sport bar  754  to attach the rear bow upright  748 . 
     The assembly  700  further includes a rearward fabric support bow assembly, shown generally at  764 , that is pivotally connected to the 3-bow assembly  720  at a pivot joint shown generally at  766 . The 3-bow/rearward fabric support bow assembly includes a lockout system shown generally at  768 , including an upstanding brace  770  connected to the 3-bow upright  748  to selectively hold the rearward fabric support bow assembly  764  in a locked position. 
     A mounting bracket  772  is provided on the 3-bow upright  748  to pivotally connect a leg  774  or short bow of the rearward fabric support bow assembly  764  to the 3-bow upright  748  at the pivot joint  766 . Preferably, the bracket  772  is received in a slot  776  formed on the knuckle or end of the leg  774  and secured with a fastener to provide a pivot point. 
     The rearward fabric support bow assembly  764  assembly also includes a rear bow  778 . The rear bow  778  is preferably connected to the leg  774  with a bracket  780 . The rear bow  778  includes a tab with a grommet  782  for connecting windows of the assembly. Turned end portions  784  of the rear bow  778  provide an attachment location for stay straps  786  of the cover  708 , e.g., using a plurality of fasteners  788  such as screws. The leg  774  is rotated rearward and to fit into the upstanding brace  770  and is held by the upstanding brace  770  to set the height and top edge location of the slanted back and tension the top deck  790 . When desired (such as to gain access to attachment features of a rear window  795 , the leg  774  is disengaged from the upstanding brace  770  and rotated toward the front of the vehicle. 
     Most preferably, the cover  708  is secured to the bows of the assembly with flaps of material provided on the inner surface of the cover. By way of non-limiting example, flaps are sewn or otherwise suitably attached to the surface of the cover that will face the inside of the vehicle and provided with tongue and loop. The 2-bow  709 , 3-bow  734  and/or 4-bow  764  are secured to the cover  708  with respective flaps of the cover  708 . Alternatively, or additionally, straps are used. 
     At least one additional cross car member can be used which is/are inserted into slot(s) moved on the front rail  728 . 
       FIG.  43    depicts an assembly  700  wherein the pivotal portion  704  has been rotated to an open sunroof position. Quarter windows, shown generally at  794 , and the rear window  795  are depicted attached. An operator can also decide to rotate the pivotal portion  704  to the closed position and remove one or more of the windows. Further, when desired, one or more than one of the windows can be removed for a further open air experience while the pivotal portion  704  is in the open sunroof position. 
       FIG.  44    depicts the assembly  700  wherein the rear window  795  and quarter windows  794 , 794  have been removed and the assembly  700  has been rotated back and down into the tub or cargo area of the vehicle. To release the pivotal portion  704 , the latch  730  of the locking mechanism  724  was depressed to rotate the catch  732  to release from the tab  726 , thereby allowing the pivotal portion  704  to be released from the door rail for an operator to then rotate the entire frame to the cargo area. This provides another open position for a further open air experience. If desired, an operator can now additionally pull the quick release member  762  to release the rear bow upright  748  from the mounting bracket  756  to completely remove the assembly  700  from the vehicle. In addition, it is understood that, alternatively, the windows  795  or  794 , 794  are not removed prior to rotating the assembly  700  into the cargo area. 
     It is understood that the locking mechanism  724  and corresponding features are adaptable for use on any other aspect of the present invention, including any of the soft top cover assemblies set forth herein. 
     Referring more particularly to  FIGS.  45 - 58   , there is provided a zipperless installation of quarter windows, shown generally at  794 , 794  and the rear window  795 . However, it is understood that the zipperless features and installation are adaptable and applicable for any 2-door and 4-door soft top assemblies set forth previously and below. The quarter windows  794 , 794  each include at least one rear corner stiffener  791  (best shown in  FIG.  45   ) inserted into a corner pocket  792  of the quarter window panels  794 , 794 . By way of non-limiting example, the stiffener  791  is metal, steel, injection molded, thermoformed, etc. The stiffener  791  holds the rear corner of the assembly  700  and the quarter window  794  planar. 
     As best shown in  FIG.  46   , a channel  798 , e.g., plastic channel, of a carrier provided toward the top of the quarter window  794  is slid onto an elongated thin tube  799  of the provided under the top deck  790  of the cover  708 . It is understood that alternatively, the channel  789  can be provided on the underside of the top deck and the thin tube  799  provided on the quarter window  794 . 
     As best shown in  FIG.  47   , a pin  769 , e.g., metal pin, provided on an upper corner inner facing surface of the quarter window  796 , e.g., on the corner flap section that also contains the stiffener  791 , is inserted into the grommet  782  of the rear bow  778 . 
     As best shown in  FIG.  48   , a pair of rear window mounts  800  are operably connected to the vehicle in predetermined locations depending on the application. Preferably, the mounts  800  are snapped into place on a rear belt rail  804  adjacent to opposite sides of the tailgate opening of the vehicle. A strap  802  from the lower end of the quarter window  794  is snapped to the back side of the mount  800 . It is understood that other suitable attachments are contemplated depending on the application without departure from the scope of the present invention. 
     As best shown in  FIG.  49   , at least one front edge retainer  810  (e.g., angled plastic strip, J-hook, spaced tabs or other suitable retainer) of the quarter window  794  is inserted into a generally vertical channel (relative to the installed position) formed toward the front edge of the vertical section of the rear door rail  746 . 
     As best shown in  FIG.  50   , at least one bottom edge retainer  812  (e.g., angled plastic strip, J-hook, spaced tabs or other suitable retainer) of the quarter window  794  is inserted into a horizontal belt rail, indicated generally at  814 , of the vehicle. 
     As best shown in  FIG.  51   , at least one bottom corner edge retainer  816  (e.g., angled plastic strip, J-hook, spaced tabs or other suitable retainer) of the quarter window  794  is inserted into a horizontal rear belt rail of the vehicle adjacent the tailgate opening. 
     As best shown in  FIG.  52   , a channel  818 , e.g., plastic channel, of a carrier  820  provided toward the top of the rear window  795  is slid onto an elongated thin tube  822  of the provided under the top deck  790  of the cover  708 . It is understood that alternatively, the channel  818  can be provided on the underside of the top deck and the thin tube  822  provided on the rear window  795 . 
     As best shown in  FIG.  53   , a channel  824  is provided on the quarter panel  794 , preferably, a plastic channel along an inner facing generally vertical edge of the window  794  (relative to the installed position) adjacent to the rear window  795 . At least one retainer member  826 , preferably, a plastic tab sewn in to the fabric panel of the rear window  795 , is provided on the rear window  795 , preferably on the outer edge of the rear window  795 . The retainer  826  is inserted into the channel  824 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  54 - 56   , the rear window  795  includes at least one retainer  828 , e.g., a P-welt retainer sewn and/or adhered to the window  795 , located toward the bottom inner facing horizontal edge (relative to the installed position). The retainer  828  includes a protruding feature, preferably, a larger tube shaped elongated member  830 . The assembly  700  includes a tailgate bar member  832  having at least one channel  834 . The tailgate bar channel  834  is slid onto the tube  830  of the retainer  828 . It is understood that alternatively, the channel  834  can be provided on the rear window  795  and the retainer  828  provided on the rear window  795 . Once the tailgate bar  832  is slid onto the retainer  828 , the tailgate bar  832  is then connected to the mount  800 . Preferably, a rearward edge portion  836  of the tailgate bar  832  is snapped into a back channel  838  formed in the mount  800 . At least one retainer  840  (e.g., plastic tab, short angled plastic strip, J-hook, spaced tabs or other suitable retainer) provided toward the bottom inner facing edge of the rear window  795  is inserted into a horizontal rear belt rail of the vehicle adjacent the tailgate opening and mount  800 . 
     Additional bows, such as intermediate bows or fabric management bows, and additional linkages are within the scope of the present invention. 
     The back of the assembly  700  is slanted. Generally, the angle of the slanted back  701  is less than 90 degrees. Typically, from about 75 to about 30 degrees. Preferably, from 75 to about 40 degrees. Most preferably, from 70 to 45 degrees. 
     The present invention provides for the slanted back. The slanted back provides a profile that is angled downward in the rear of the vehicle toward the tailgate. More particularly, a rear window panel can be at a predetermined angle from the upright position, off-vertical. Generally, at least 15 degrees from vertical, typically at least 20 degrees, preferably at least 25 degrees, most preferably, at least 35 degrees, particularly preferred from about 15 to 45 degrees. 
     In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the soft top assembly  700  is adapted to incorporate a guide track  1002  located in a door rail  1004  (e.g., see  FIGS.  66 - 67   ). Alternatively, the guide track is fastened to the vehicle, e.g., bolted to the sport bar. Preferably, the door rail  1004  is a rear door rail extending generally above the rear door of the vehicle to adjacent the rear cross member  842  of the vehicle. Most preferably, the pivotal portion  704  incorporates the tab  726  for the locking mechanism  724 , which mechanism  724  is located in front of the door rail  1004  or incorporated into the door rail  1004 . Thus, the locking mechanism  724  secures the pivotal portion  704  in the open sunroof position, and, additionally, prevents the assembly  700  from sliding rearward in the guide track  1002  until desired. It is understood that an alternative locking mechanism can be used suitable for preventing the assembly  700  from sliding rearward when not desired. 
     As will be explained in greater detail below, when an operator desires to move the assembly  700  rearward and downward to the cargo area, at least one slidable feature of the top is slid generally rearward in a channel  1006  of the guide track  1004  until reaching a spring loaded mechanism, shown generally at  1008 . The operator can leave the top in this open position. Further, the operator can operably manipulate the spring loaded mechanism to release the slidable feature from the channel  1006  to remove the top from the track  1002 . This allows the top to be placed down further into the cargo area, or, further, to allow removal of the top from the vehicle once the quick release member  762  of the rear bow upright  748  is also released. 
     It is understood that guide track  1002  can, alternatively, be bolted to a front or rear door rail or to the vehicle, e.g., sport bar(s), depending on the application without departure from the scope of the present invention. 
     The guide track  1002  includes a channel  1006  operable for retaining a slidable feature operably mounted to any soft top assembly set forth previously. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  57  to  65    generally, there is provided a soft top cover assembly, shown generally at  900 , that is a slanted back soft to assembly for a 2-door SUV, or any other suitable type of motor vehicle, in accordance with the present invention. As best shown in  FIG.  65   , the assembly  900  provides an angled back, as indicated at  901 . This angle is a predetermined range amount off vertical. The assembly  900  is movable between a closed position closing off an opening generally above the front cockpit of the vehicle and at least one open sunroof position (see  FIG.  64   ) to rotate the cover rearward out of the way to provide an open air feel and further to an open position with the assembly  900  rotated into the cargo are of the vehicle. 
     The assembly  900  includes an articulating frame indicated generally at  902  including a pivotal portion shown generally at  904  forming a front bow system. The pivotal portion  904  is moveable between at least a closed position and at least one open sunroof position. The pivotal portion  904  includes a front header  906  or “1 bow” operable connected to a cover  908  that is a soft top material. The pivotal portion  904  also includes a second bow  909  and a linkage assembly including a front rail  910  pivotally connected to a rear rail  912  at a pivot joint shown generally at  913 . The second bow  909  is operably connected to the front or rear rail  910 , 912 , preferably, to the rear rail  912 . An intermediate link  914  is operably connected to the second bow  909  toward one end and pivotally connected to the rear rail  912  toward the other end with at least one fastener creating a pivot point indicated generally at  907 . It is understood that additional link, bows and rails are contemplated depending on the application without departure from the scope of the present invention. 
     The rear rail  912  is rotatably connected to the vehicle at a pivot point, shown generally at  920 , provided on a mounting bracket  922 . The mounting bracket  922  is located at a predetermined location on the vehicle depending on the application, preferably, mounted to a B-pillar or door side rail  928  connected to the B-pillar. The door side rail  928  includes a generally vertical portion and a generally horizontal portion in sealing engagement with a door  929  of the vehicle. 
     A locking mechanism is provided, shown generally at  924 , to secure the pivotal portion  904  in place when in the closed position and open sunroof position. A locking flange is aligned with a bushing positioned above a spring loaded locking lever assembly, shown generally at  930 , preferably, located in the top of the door rail  928 . A latch release lever  932  is pressed, preferably, located on the underside of the door rail  928 , and a flange  934  with an aperture  936  is brought into alignment with a spring loaded locking pin  938  and the lever released  932 . Once engaged with the pin  938 , the pivotal portion  904  remains secured to the door rail  928  when the pivotal portion is in the closed position or open sunroof position. To disengage the pivotal portion  904  from the door rail  928 , the lever  932  is pressed and the pivotal portion  904  is lifted from the locking mechanism  924 . 
     It is understood that the locking mechanism  924  and locking lever assembly  930  and corresponding features are adaptable for use on any other aspect of the present invention, including any of the soft top cover assemblies set forth herein. 
     The door rail  928  is connected to the vehicle, preferably, connected to a front sport bar  940  of the vehicle with a plurality of fasteners  942 , such as threaded fasteners, extending through a plurality of clamping surfaces  944  on the door rail  928 . 
     The pivotal portion  904  can include at least one limiting stop. 
     In a particularly preferred embodiment, the mounting bracket  920  at least partially wraps around the sport bar  940  and includes a tab  948  that is received in a slot formed on the knuckle or end of a rear rail  912 . Preferably, the rear rail  912  is attached to the tab  948  with a quick release member (e.g., such as depicted in  FIG.  42   ), e.g., such as a spring catch release knob that is pulled out of an aperture of the rear rail  912  and tab  948  on the bracket  922  to quickly release the rear rail  912  knuckle from the bracket  922 . The bracket  922  of the rear rail is located generally in the B-pillar area such that the rear rail  912  curves generally upward and over the cross car member of the vehicle adjacent the front cockpit when the assembly  900  is in the closed position or open sunroof position. The rear rail  912  can then rotate generally rearward and down to the cargo area of the vehicle for an additional open are position. 
     At least one top arch  951  is provided that is held in respective slots  953  formed in the door rail  928 . The top arch  951  extends cross car for further support of the cover  908  in at least the closed position. 
     The assembly  900  further includes a rearward fabric support bow assembly, shown generally at  952 , which is pivotally connected to the vehicle, most preferably, to the rear sport bar  954  of the vehicle. The rearward fabric support bow assembly  952  rotates from a generally upward position to a generally downward position. A mounting bracket  956  is operably connected to the sport bar  954  (or other suitable vehicle structure) with at least one fastener. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the mounting bracket  956  at least partially wraps around the sport bar  954  and includes a tab that is received in a slot  960  formed on the knuckle or end of a rear bow upright  962 . Preferably, the rear bow upright  962  is attached to the tab with a quick release member  966  (e.g., such as also depicted in  FIG.  42   ), e.g., such as a spring catch release knob that is pulled out of an aperture of the rear bow upright  962  and tab on the bracket  956  to quickly release the rear bow upright  962  knuckle from the bracket  956 . 
     The rear mounting bracket  956  is preferably on the rear of the sport bar  954 . Alternatively, the mounting bracket  956  is mounted such that the tab is located on an inner surface of the sport bar  954  to attach the rear bow upright  962  inward. 
     The rear bow upright  962  is operably connected to a rear bow  964 , preferably, by a bracket  968  connecting the rear bow upright  962  to the rear bow  964 . The rear bow  964  includes an extension portion  970  to which stay straps  972  for the cover  908  are operably connected, preferably by a plurality of fasteners to the end of the rear bow  964 . 
     The rearward fabric support bow assembly  952  also includes a tab with a grommet  980  for connecting windows of the assembly, as described previously in further detail. 
     Preferably, at least one bumper  981  is provided on the upright bow  962  as a stand-off with the sport bar  954 . When the upright bow  962  is in a generally upward vertical position, the bumper  981  is between the bow  962  and sport bar  954 . It is understood that at least one bumper can also be provided on the rear rail  912  to touch off with the sport part  930  when in the upright position. 
     The cover  908  extends over the second bow  909  and the rear bow  964  and also assists in managing the fabric to operably fold out of the way into the open sunroof position and open down position. It is understood that the cover  908  can be operable connected to the second bow  909  and/or rear bow  964  when desired depending on the application without departure from the scope of the present invention. By way of non-limiting example, an extrusion sewn to the cover  908  is received in a channel provided on the second bow  909  or vice versa. Preferably, the cover  608  is operable connected to the rear bow  964  and/or 2-bow  909 . Most preferably, the cover  908  is secured to the bows  909  and  964  of the assembly  900  with flaps of material provided on the inner surface of the cover  908 . By way of non-limiting example, flaps are sewn and/or adhered or otherwise suitably attached to the surface of the cover that will face the inside of the vehicle and provided with tongue and loop. The 2-bow  909  and/or rear bow  964  are secured to the cover  908  with respective flaps of the cover  908 . Alternatively, or additionally, straps are used. 
     The assembly  900  selectively provides further plurality of open air options, including, removal of a rear window or one or both of rearward quarter windows shown generally at  974 . When the rear window and both quarter windows  974  are removed, the cover  908  can remain attached providing a roof top with the top deck  990  alone or the pivotal portion  904  can be rotated to the open sunroof position such that the front cockpit is not covered but the rest of the top deck  990  covers the top of the vehicle. The assembly pivotal portion  904 , rearward fabric support bow assembly  952 , and cover  908  can also be removed from the vehicle to provide a fully open air experience. The quick release members assist in quicker removal of the assembly  900  from the vehicle when desired. The rear and quarter windows are preferably connected to the top deck  990  and vehicle in a zipperless manner, as was explained in greater detail above and depicted in  FIGS.  45  to  56   , which are incorporated here. 
     The back of the assembly  900  is slanted. Generally, the angle of the slanted back  901  is less than 90 degrees. Typically, from about 75 to about 30 degrees. Preferably, from 75 to about 40 degrees. Most preferably, from 70 to 45 degrees. 
     The present invention provides for the slanted back. The slanted back provides a profile that is angled downward in the rear of the vehicle toward the tailgate. More particularly, a rear window panel can be at a predetermined angle from the upright position, off-vertical. Generally, at least 15 degrees from vertical, typically at least 20 degrees, preferably at least 25 degrees, most preferably, at least 35 degrees, particularly preferred from about 15 to 45 degrees. 
     In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the soft top assembly  900  is adapted to incorporate a guide track  1002  located in a door rail  1004  (e.g., see  FIGS.  66 - 67   ). Alternatively, the guide track is fastened to the vehicle, e.g., bolted to the sport bar. Preferably, the door rail  1004  is a rear door rail extending generally behind the front seats of the vehicle and/to adjacent the rear cross member of the vehicle. Most preferably, the top assembly  900  incorporates the locking mechanism  924  which mechanism  924  is located in front of the door rail  1004  or incorporated into the door rail  1004 . Thus, the locking mechanism  924  secures the pivotal portion  904  in the open sunroof position, and, additionally, prevents the assembly  900  from sliding rearward in the guide track  1002  until desired. It is understood that an alternative locking mechanism can be used suitable for preventing the assembly  900  from sliding rearward when not desired. 
     As will be explained in greater detail below, when an operator desires to move the assembly  900  rearward and downward to the cargo area, at least one slidable feature of the top is slid generally rearward in a channel  1006  of the guide track  1004  until reaching a spring loaded mechanism, shown generally at  1008 . The operator can leave the top in this open position. Further, the operator can operably manipulate the spring loaded mechanism to release the slidable feature from the channel  1006  to remove the top from the track  1002 . This allows the top to be placed down further into the cargo area, or, further, to allow removal of the top entirely from the vehicle once the quick release member  966  of the rear bow upright  962  is also released. 
     It is understood that guide track  1002  can, alternatively, be bolted to a front or rear door rail or to the vehicle, e.g., sport bar(s), depending on the application without departure from the scope of the present invention. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  66 - 67    generally, there is depicted the guide track  1002  located in the door rail  1004 . The guide track  1002  includes the channel  1006  operable for retaining a slidable feature operably mounted to any soft top assembly set forth previously. A particularly preferred environment of use for the door rail  1004  incorporating the guide track  1002  is a 4-door SUV. However, it is understood that the door rail  1004  incorporating the guide track  1002  can be adapted to a 2-door SUV depending on the application without departure from the scope of the present invention. 
     At the rearmost end of the channel  1006  there is provided a securing mechanism  1008  which prevents the soft top assembly from sliding out of the channel  1006 . Preferably, the securing mechanism  1008  is a spring loaded mechanism. An operator can slide the top until the slidable feature in the track or any other suitable feature on the top, contacts the securing mechanism  1008 . The operator can leave the top in this open/down position. Further, the operator can selectively operably manipulate the spring loaded mechanism  1008  when desired to release the slidable feature from the channel  1006  to remove the top from the track  1002  entirely. This allows the top to be placed down further into the cargo area, or, further, to allow removal of the top entirely from the vehicle. 
     It is understood that the guide track  1002  and corresponding features are adaptable for use on any other aspect of the present invention, including any of the soft top cover assemblies set forth herein. 
       FIG.  68    depicts a door rail  1020  with an integrated guide track  1022  having a channel  1024  that is opened in the direction toward the center of the vehicle (in an inward direction). The door rail  1020  is operably connected adjacent to a sport bar  1032 , or other structure of the vehicle, and is preferably in sealing engagement with the door of the vehicle. The soft top assembly includes framework  1026 , e.g., side rails or bows, for articulating the top, as set forth previously, and additionally includes at least one standoff feature  1028  (e.g., bracket(s), pins, bolts, etc) operably connected to at least one roller bearing(s)  1030 . The roller bearing  1030  travels in the channel  1024 , as described previously. A particularly preferred environment of use for the door rail  1020  with an integrated guide track  1022  is a 4-door SUV. However, it is understood that the door rail  1020  with an integrated guide track  1022  can be adapted to a 2-door SUV or any other motor vehicle depending on the application without departure from the scope of the present invention. 
     It is understood that the door rail  1020  with an integrated guide track  1022  having a channel  1024  and corresponding features are adaptable for use on any other aspect of the present invention, including any of the soft top cover assemblies set forth herein. 
       FIG.  69    depicts a door rail  1040  where the track  1042  is not integrated with the door rail  1040 . The door rail  1040  is operably connected adjacent to a sport bar  1032 , or other structure of the vehicle, and is preferably in sealing engagement with the door of the vehicle. The track  1042  is connected to the vehicle by at least one fastener  1044 , e.g., operably bolted to the sport bar  1032 . The track  1042  has a channel  1046  that opens away from the center of the vehicle (in an outward direction). At least one bracket or brace  1048  connects the track  1042  to the sport bar  1032  each with at least one fastener  1044 . The soft top assembly includes framework  1050 , e.g., side rails or bows, for articulating the top, as set forth previously, and additionally includes at least one standoff feature  1052  (e.g., bracket(s), pins, bolts, tabs etc) operably connected to at least one roller bearing(s)  1054 . The roller bearing  1054  travels in the channel  1046 , as described previously. A particularly preferred environment of use for the door rail  1040  without an integrated guide track  1042  is a 2-door SUV. However, it is understood that the door rail  1040  without an integrated guide track  1042  can be adapted to a 4-door SUV or any other motor vehicle depending on the application without departure from the scope of the present invention. 
     It is understood that the track  1042  and corresponding features are adaptable for use on any other aspect of the present invention, including any of the soft top cover assemblies set forth herein. 
     Providing at least one seal, e.g., rubber, foam, etc, to further prevent water from entering the vehicle is contemplated without departing from the scope of the present invention. Preferably, rubber to prevent water permeation. According to one embodiment, the seal, e.g., bulb seal, is located on a door rail and seals off with the underside of the header. 
     Providing a unique header to door rail interface is contemplated without departing from the scope of the present invention. Adding at least one seal in this region is contemplated without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     Providing at least one hole in a trough/lip area of a door rail, e.g., between door edge and door weather-strip, for assisting with water drainage is contemplated without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     Providing at least one stop to set the predetermined height of the assembly in the open sunroof position is contemplated without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     Providing a header that is steel, cast aluminum, molded plastic, or any other material to meet predetermined requirements is contemplated without departing from the scope of the present invention, preferably, the header is cast aluminum. 
     The cover is operably coupled to the header. Visual attachment of fasteners for access is contemplated without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     Preferably, the soft top assembly is secured to a windshield frame with quick release latches. Locating features on each latch and a corresponding saddle on the windshield frame are contemplated without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     At least one locking mechanism, e.g., rear location to lock down position of top in down position, and/or at least one trigger release arrangement is provided according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     Incorporating removable soft upper half door(s), soft full door(s) and/or soft quarter panels with any of the above soft top cover assemblies is contemplated without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     The 2-door and 4-door descriptions described herein are not limiting. It is understood that any embodiment, and combinations thereof, described herein can be modified and is/are utilizable on any convertible, 2-door or 4-door vehicle. 
     It is understood that the left side of the assemblies are substantially a mirror-image of the right side of the assemblies. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  70 - 73    there is depicted adjustable tensioning devices or mechanisms to tension the top cover, as desired, e.g., to tension the top generally upward and rearward. It is understood that any of the adjustable tensioning mechanisms, and any of the soft top assemblies or parts described herein or shown in  FIGS.  1 - 73   , are adaptable for use on any aspect of the present invention, including integrating any aspects of the adjustable tensioning mechanism depicted in  FIGS.  70 - 73    into any of the rear bow assemblies or soft top cover assemblies described or shown herein, including, but not limited to, assembly  10 ,  50 ,  80 ,  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  900 , depending on the particular application without departure from the scope of the present invention. 
     Referring more particularly to  FIG.  70   , at least one rearward fabric support assembly shown generally at  1100  is provided for incorporating into any of the soft top assemblies (e.g.,  600 , etc), according to the present invention. The rearward fabric support assembly  1100  includes at least one tensioning device  1102  that is inflatable, e.g., inflatable air bladder, and shaped to tension the soft top assembly. Alternatively, the tensioning device  1102  is an expandable foam or any other suitable material to expand and tension the top. The tensioning device  1102  is operably attached, indicated at  1124 , to the cover  1104 , e.g., to the inner surface of the top deck fabric, to set the generally rear position of the rearward fabric support assembly  1100 . The tensioning device  1102  includes a cross car portion  1106  extending cross car generally at the rear of the top deck. When the vehicle has a rear cross car sport bar, the cross car portion  1106  rests generally over the cross car sport bar. The cover  1104  is attached by radio frequency welding. Alternatively, the attachment is by sewing, adhesive, fasteners, welding, sewn pocket in the fabric or any other suitable attachment. The tensioning device  1102  is a single piece or multiple pieces, e.g., three air bladders. 
     The tensioning device  1102  provides a mechanism to tension the top, e.g., tension the top generally upward and rearward. The tensioning device  1102  preferably includes the at least one cross car portion  1106 , at least one pair of leg extensions  1108  and, optionally, at least one pair of downward extension portions  1110 . The cross car portion  1106  extends cross car generally at the upper rear edge of the soft top assembly. The leg extensions  1108  are positioned generally on top of respective fore/aft sport bars. Each downward extension  1110  is positioned generally toward the top of a rear corner  1112  of the rear window panel, shown generally at  1114 . 
     Adjustment of the tensioning device  1102  or inflation is preferably performed, when desired, after the soft top assembly is installed on the SUV. By way of example, the edge of the top deck  1116  is flipped up at the quarter window panel  1118  to access at least one inflation pump  1120  of the inflation portion  1102  to give an operator a custom fit after the top/fabric is installed. The inflation pump  1120  is an integrated internal quick inflation hand pump. Alternatively, the pump  1120  is an electric pump, external hand pump operated or any other pump suitable for inflation as desired. One inflation pump  1120  is depicted on the extension leg  1108 , however, more inflation pumps  1120  are contemplated depending on the application without departure from the scope of the present invention. At least one inflation pump  1120  can be located in the cross car portion  1106  and/or either or both leg extensions  1108 , 1108  and/or downward extensions  1110 . 
     At least one air valve  1122  is provided on the tensioning device  1102 , such as a quick release air valve, to deflate tensioning of the top when desired. One air valve  1122  is depicted on the extension leg  1108 , however, more air valves  1122  are contemplated depending on the application without departure from the scope of the present invention. At least one air valve  1122  can be located in the cross car inflation portion  1102  and/or either or both leg extensions  1108 , 1108 . 
       FIG.  70    generally depicts the rearward fabric support assembly  1100  adapted to incorporate with the soft top cover assembly  600 , which is exemplary and none limiting. It is understood that the adjustable rearward fabric support assembly  1100  and any of the soft top cover assemblies or parts herein can be integrated for tensioning the soft top including, but not limited to, assembly  10 ,  50 ,  80 ,  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  900 , etc depending on the particular application without departure from the scope of the present invention. 
       FIG.  70    generally depicts a 2-door SUV with the rearward fabric support assembly  1100  attached to the cover  1104  of any of the soft top assemblies. It is understood that the rearward fabric support assembly  1100  is adaptable for use with e 4-door SUV. 
     It is contemplated that the rearward fabric support assembly  1100  can eliminate the need for a cross car rear bow, according to an aspect of the present invention. It is contemplated that the cross car portion  1106  of the tensioning device  1102  is coupled to a rear bow of the soft top assembly depending on the application without departure from the scope of the present invention. 
     Referring more particularly to  FIG.  71   , at least one rearward fabric support assembly shown generally at  1200  is provided for incorporating into any of the soft top assemblies (e.g.,  700 , etc), according to the present invention. The rearward fabric support assembly  1200  includes at least one tensioning device  1202  that is inflatable, e.g., inflatable air bladder, and shaped to tension the soft top assembly. Alternatively, the tensioning device  1202  is an expandable foam or any other suitable material to expand and tension the top. The tensioning device  1202  rests on top of at least one sport bar  1208  and/or is operably attached to the cover, omitted for clarity, e.g., RF welded to the inner surface of the top deck fabric at the rear. Alternatively, when attached to the cover, the attachment is by sewing, adhesive, fasteners, welding, sewn pocket in the fabric or any other suitable attachment. The tensioning device  1202  is a single piece or multiple pieces, e.g., three air bladders. 
     The tensioning device  1202  provides a mechanism to tension the top, e.g., tension the top generally upward and rearward. The tensioning device  1202  preferably includes a pair of leg extensions  1204  and, optionally, a pair of downward extension portions  1206 . The tensioning device  1202  sits generally on top of the cross car sport bar cross  1208 . The leg extensions  1206  are positioned generally on top of respective fore/aft sport bars  1208 , 1208 . Each downward extension  1206  is positioned generally toward the top of a rear corner of the rear window panel of downward angled portions  1210  of the sport bars  1208 . 
     Adjustment of the rearward fabric support assembly  1200  or inflation is preferably performed, when desired, after the soft top assembly is installed on the SUV. By way of example, the edge of the top deck is flipped up at the quarter window panel to access at least one inflation pump  1212  of the tensioning device  1202  to give an operator a custom fit after the top/fabric is installed. The inflation pump  1212  is an electric pump with an on/off  1214  button or switch. Alternatively, the inflation pump  1212  is an integrated internal quick inflation hand pump or any other pump suitable for inflation as desired. One inflation pump  1212  is depicted on the extension leg  1204 , however, more inflation pumps  1212  are contemplated depending on the application without departure from the scope of the present invention. At least one inflation pump  1212  can be located in the cross car inflation portion and/or either or both leg extensions  1204 , 1204  and/or extension  1206 , 1206 . 
     At least one air valve  1216  is provided on the tensioning device  1202 , such as a quick release air valve, to deflate tensioning of the top when desired. One air valve  1216  is depicted on the extension leg  1204 , however, more air valves  1216  are contemplated depending on the application without departure from the scope of the present invention. At least one air valve  1216  can be located in the cross car portion of the tensioning device  1202  and/or either or both leg extensions  1204 , 1204  and/or extensions  1206 , 1206 . 
     According to a particularly preferred aspect of the present invention, which aspect is exemplary and none limiting, the rearward fabric support assembly  1200  is incorporated with the soft top cover assembly  700 . It is understood that the adjustable rearward fabric support assembly  1200  and any of the soft top cover assemblies or parts herein can be integrated for tensioning the soft top including, but not limited to, assembly  10 ,  50 ,  80 ,  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  900 , etc depending on the particular application without departure from the scope of the present invention. 
     Referring more particularly to  FIG.  72   , a rearward fabric support assembly shown generally at  1300  is provided for incorporating into any of the soft top assemblies (e.g.,  600 ,  700 , etc), according to the present invention. By way of example, the rearward fabric support assembly is identical to  FIG.  33    except the adjustment for fabric tensioning is done with a tensioning device shown generally at  1310  that includes a threaded member  1312 , rather than a compression spring. A particularly preferred environment of use for the rearward fabric support assembly  1300  is a 4-door SUV, however, the assembly  1300  is adaptable for incorporating on a 2-door SUV or any other suitable type of motor vehicle and incorporation with any soft top assembly (e.g.,  600 ,  700 ,  900 , etc), in accordance with the present invention. 
     The tensioning device  1310  includes a mounting bracket  1304  operably connected to the vehicle by at least one fastener, preferably, to a bracket  1306  or rail operably connected to a sport bar  1308  adjacent a rear cross car member  1318  of the vehicle. The mounting bracket  1304  is operably connected to a tube  1302  that is a threaded tube. A threaded member  1312  is received in the threaded tube  1302  to move generally fore/aft. The other end of the threaded member  1312  is operably connected to a rear bow  1316 . A tensioning nut  1314 , e.g., of a jack screw nut, is received on the threaded member  1312  to move the threaded member  1312 , and thereby the rear bow  1316 , generally rearward to tension the top deck of the soft top assembly and generally forward to release the tension a desired amount, when desired. 
     Typically, the fabric is attached to the rear bow by snaps allowing the customer to completely remove the fabric without tools when desired. Alternatively, attachment is contemplated, e.g., adhesive, sewn pocket(s), and/or fastener(s) such as screws, etc, depending on the application without departure from the scope of the present invention. 
     It is understood that the rear bow  1316  can additionally be operably connected to a rear bow upright pivotally connected to the vehicle, e.g., sport bar, at a knuckle with a quick release member, as set forth previously, according to an aspect of the present invention. 
     According to a particularly preferred aspect of the present invention, which aspect is exemplary and none limiting, the rearward fabric support assembly  1300  is incorporated with the soft top cover assembly  600 . It is understood that the adjustable rearward fabric support assembly  1300  and any of the soft top cover assemblies or parts herein can be integrated for tensioning the soft top including, but not limited to, assembly  10 ,  50 ,  80 ,  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  900 , etc depending on the particular application without departure from the scope of the present invention. 
     Referring more particularly to  FIG.  73   , a rearward fabric support assembly shown generally at  1400  is provided for incorporating into any of the soft top assemblies (e.g.,  600 ,  700 ,  900 , etc), according to the present invention. The assembly  1400  incorporates a cam style bracket which allows an operator to change the front to back position of the rear bow to adjust for fabric tension and reduce installation effort. The assembly  1400  has a tensioning device shown generally at  1402  with a cam  1403 , preferably, an eccentric cam, to adjust the rear bow  1404  front to back by indexing the cam bracket  1412  between fixed positions. The cam  1403  includes a plurality of recesses  1406  formed in the cam  1403  that receive a pin  1408  connected to the bracket  1412  for adjustment. The cam  1403  is operably connected to the bracket  1412  such as by fastener  1410 . The bracket  1412  is operably connected to the rear bow  1404 , e.g., welded. Preferably, the rear bow  1404  is mounted to the sport bar with existing fasteners using the rotating eccentric cam  1403  to adjust the rear bow  1404  front/back by indexing the cam bracket between fixed positions generally defined by the recesses  1406 . The cover is operably connected to the rear bow  1404 , e.g., such as by a bracket connected to the bracket with the cover snapped or fastened with fasteners to the rear bow, as set forth previously. Preferably, both ends of the rear bow  1404  have a tensioning device  1402  with corresponding recesses  1406 . 
     Optionally, at least one mounting bracket  1414  connects the bracket  1412  to the sport bar  1416 , preferably, the rearward fore/aft sport bar  1416 . Preferably, the mounting bracket  1414  includes a slot to receive the fastener, e.g., bolt, to slide back and forth. Alternatively, no mounting bracket  1414  is provided and rather the bracket  1412  is only connected to the rear bow  1404 , e.g., welded, in a position adjacent to the sport bar  1416 . 
     A handle  1418  is provided for an operator to grasp to turn the cam  1402  about pivot point  1410 . As the cam  1403  rotates in either direction, as indicated by arrow “R′”, the recesses  1406  are brought into engagement with the pin  1408 , respectively, where the position is held until desired release. The rotation of the cam  1403  moves the assembly  1400  generally front/back, as indicated by arrow “L′”. 
     It is understood that the rear bow  1404  can additionally be operably connected to a rear bow upright pivotally connected to the vehicle, e.g., sport bar, at a knuckle with a quick release member, as set forth previously, according to an aspect of the present invention. 
     Typically, the fabric is attached to the rear bow by snaps allowing the customer to completely remove the fabric without tools when desired. Alternatively, attachment is contemplated, e.g., adhesive, sewn pocket(s), and/or fastener(s) such as screws, etc, depending on the application without departure from the scope of the present invention. 
     According to a particularly preferred aspect of the present invention, which aspect is exemplary and none limiting, the rearward fabric support assembly  1400  is incorporated with the soft top cover assembly  600 . It is understood that the adjustable rearward fabric support assembly  1400  and any of the soft top cover assemblies or parts herein can be integrated for tensioning the soft top including, but not limited to, assembly  10 ,  50 ,  80 ,  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  900 , etc depending on the particular application without departure from the scope of the present invention. 
     A particularly preferred environment of use for the rearward fabric support assembly  1400  is a 4-door SUV, however, the assembly  1400  is adaptable for incorporating on a 2-door SUV or any other suitable type of motor vehicle and incorporation with any soft top assembly (e.g.,  600 ,  700 ,  900 , etc), in accordance with the present invention. 
     The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.