Patent Publication Number: US-2007096500-A1

Title: Hard top convertible roof

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/731,305, filed on Oct. 28, 2005. The disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates to vehicles and, more particularly to vehicles having a hard top convertible roof.  
     BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      Vehicles having a convertible roof provide a pleasurable driving experience. A hard top retractable roof (convertible top) using rigid panels may provide a finished appearance that resembles a non-convertible top version of the same vehicle. Additionally, the use of hard top panels may provide a more refined or polished image relative to the use of a soft top convertible roof. Additionally, the hard top panels may have the same appearance or finish as the other body panels of the vehicle.  
      The stowage space in a vehicle for stowing the convertible roof in a retracted position, however, may be limited. This limited space may inhibit or prevent the use of rigid panels for the convertible roof. Thus, it would be advantageous to facilitate the packaging of the convertible roof in the vehicle such that rigid panels may be utilized. Additionally, it would be advantageous if the packaging space required for the rigid panels is reduced.  
      A convertible top according to the present invention can advantageously utilize a portion of the rear seating area of the vehicle to stow the panels when in the retracted position. When the convertible top is in the raised position, the rear passenger seating area is not impeded such that both the front and rear seating areas may be utilized. One of the panels can form a cover for the convertible top when in the retracted position. This ability allows the convertible top to advantageously be self-covering. The initial movement of the rearmost panel can be a dropping motion toward the rear passenger seating area. The initial movement can advantageously avoid the use of a moveable tonneau cover on the vehicle. The movement of a rearmost panel and a forward panel can occur simultaneously. The simultaneous movement can speed up the raising and retracting process. A fixed length link can be utilized to guide the movement of a forward panel during movement of the rearmost panel. The fixed length link can advantageously simply the actuation of the roof panels between the raised and retracted positions. The rearmost panel can be moved to a generally vertical position during the raising and retracting process. The generally vertical position can advantageously allow for a large operating window for the convertible top without encroaching undesirably into a front passenger seating area.  
      Further areas of applicability of the present teachings will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present teachings. 
    
    
     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 view of a vehicle having a hard top convertible roof according to the present teachings, the convertible roof being in the raised position;  
       FIG. 2  is a fragmented side view of the vehicle of  FIG. 1  in a stage of the retraction process wherein the tonneau cover is in an open position;  
       FIGS. 3 and 4  are fragmented side views of the vehicle of  FIG. 1  with the convertible roof in intermediate positions between the raised and stowed positions;  
       FIG. 5  is a fragmented side view of the vehicle of  FIG. 1  with the convertible roof in the stowed position;  
       FIG. 6  is a fragmented side view of a vehicle having another hard top convertible roof according to the present teachings, the convertible roof being in the raised position;  
       FIGS. 7 and 8  are fragmented side views of the vehicle of  FIG. 6  with the convertible roof in intermediate positions between the raised and stowed positions;  
       FIG. 9  is a fragmented side view of the vehicle of  FIG. 6  with the convertible roof in the stowed position;  
       FIG. 10  is a fragmented side view of an alternate linkage arrangement for a portion of the hard top convertible roof of  FIGS. 6-9  according to the present teachings;  
       FIG. 11  is a fragmented side view of a vehicle having yet another hard top convertible roof according to the present teachings, the convertible roof being in the raised position;  
       FIGS. 12 and 13  are fragmented side views of the vehicle of  FIG. 11  with the convertible roof in intermediate positions between the raised and stowed positions;  
       FIG. 14  is a fragmented side view of the vehicle of  FIG. 11  with the convertible roof in the stowed position;  
       FIG. 15  is a fragmented side view of an alternate linkage arrangement for a portion of the hard top convertible roof of  FIGS. 11-14  according to the present teachings;  
       FIG. 16  is a fragmented side view of a vehicle having still another hard top convertible roof according to the present teachings, the convertible roof being in the raised position;  
       FIGS. 17 and 18  are fragmented side views of the vehicle of  FIG. 16  with the convertible roof in intermediate positions between the raised and stowed positions; and  
       FIG. 19  is a fragmented side view of the vehicle of  FIG. 16  with the convertible roof in the stowed position. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.  
      In describing the present teaching, the terms “fore” and “aft”, “front” and “back”, “clockwise” and “counterclockwise”, and “forward” and “rearward” may be used to describe the relative movement and components of the present teachings, such usage refers to the orientation of the components when the convertible roof is in the fully raised position and the orientation shown in the views depicted. When describing the various components and linkages of the convertible roofs according to the present teachings, it should be appreciated that the components and linkages are generally symmetrical about a longitudinal, fore-and-aft centerline (not shown) of the vehicle. For brevity, only one side of the convertible roof and the associated linkages may be shown and/or discussed, however, it should be understood that opposite side components and linkages are also provided as part of the convertible roof and are mirror images of the side shown and discussed. Additionally, it should be understood that throughout the drawings and description, corresponding reference numerals (e.g.,  20 ,  120 ,  220  and  20 ′,  20 ″,  20 ′″) may be used and indicate like or corresponding parts and features.  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 1-5 , and in particular to  FIG. 1 , a convertible top (roof)  20  according to the present teachings is shown. Convertible top  20  can be employed on an automotive vehicle  22  having a body  21  and a pair of doors  23  which allow access to both front and rear passenger compartments  24 ,  25 . Vehicle  22  includes a front header  26  that extends along a top portion of the front windshield. Vehicle  22  can have a storage or trunk compartment  28  disposed behind rear passenger compartment  25 . A deck lid or trunk lid  29  can allow access to storage compartment  28  from a rear of vehicle  22  regardless of convertible top  20  being a raised or retracted position. Storage compartment  28 , if desired, may be separated from rear passenger compartment  25 . Convertible top  20  is of the type utilizing a linkage assembly and/or actuator(s) to move a front rigid panel  30  and a rear rigid panel  32  between a raised position, as shown in  FIG. 1 , through intermediate positions, such as those shown in  FIGS. 3-4 , to a stowed position, as shown in  FIG. 5 . A linkage assembly (not shown) can move a rigid tonneau cover  34  between a lowered position, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 5 , and a raised position, as shown in  FIGS. 2-4 . Rear panel  32  can include a rigid back light (not shown) which may be made of various materials, such as glass. A high mount stop light (not shown) may be integrated into tonneau cover  34 .  
      Tonneau cover  34  is independent of deck lid  29  and can be moved between lowered and raised positions to allow retraction and extension of convertible top  20  as described below. Similarly, deck lid  29  can be operated independently of tonneau cover  34  and can move between open and closed positions (not shown) to allow access to storage compartment  28 . Alternatively, vehicle  22  can be equipped with a dual acting deck lid (not shown) in place of the separate tonneau cover and deck lid as shown. For example, tonneau cover  34  and deck lid  29  can be replaced by a single two-way opening deck lid that opens in one direction to allow extension and retraction of convertible top  20  and can be opened in an opposite direction to allow access to storage compartment  28  from a rear of vehicle  22 . An example of such a two-way acting deck lid is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,606, entitled “Hard-Top Vehicle” issued to Schenk et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.  
      Still referring to  FIGS. 1-5 , seatbacks  38  of rear passenger seats  40  can fold forwardly toward bottom cushions  42  from an upright position, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , to a stowed position, as shown in  FIGS. 3-5 , to provide a stowage space within rear passenger compartment  25  for convertible top  20 . A biasing mechanism, such as a spring, can be utilized to facilitate folding of seatback  38 , if desired. A rear portion  46  of front panel  30  can be pivotally coupled to a front portion  48  of rear panel  32  at pivot  50 . Pivot  50  can be a hinge that directly couples front and rear panels  30 ,  32  together. This coupling of front panel  30  to rear panel  32  enables front and rear panels  30 ,  32  to retract in a clam-shell manner, as described below. One end of a front actuator  52  can be pivotally coupled to rear portion  46  of front panel  30  at pivot  54  while an opposite end of front actuator  52  can be pivotally coupled to rear panel  32  at pivot  56 . Front actuator  52  can extend and retract in response to an input to drive rotation of front panel  30  relative to rear panel  32  about pivot  50 . Front actuator  52  can be a fluidic actuator, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator.  
      A rear portion  58  of rear panel  32  can be pivotally coupled a fixed bracket  60  at pivot  62 . This coupling of rear panel  32  to bracket  60  enables rear panel  32  to rotate about pivot  62  and move between the raised and stowed positions, as described below. One end of a rear actuator  64  can be pivotally coupled to an extension  66  of rear panel  32  at pivot  68 . An opposite end of actuator  64  can be pivotally coupled to a fixed bracket  70  at pivot  72 . Brackets  60  and  70  can be fixed to a rear portion of vehicle  22 . Rear actuator  64  can extend and retract in response to an input to drive rotation of rear panel  32  relative to vehicle  22  about pivot  62 . Rear actuator  64  can be a fluidic actuator, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator.  
      The interconnection of front and rear panels  30 ,  32  and vehicle  22  by the various pivots enables the retraction and extension of convertible top  20  in a controlled manner through the use of a front and rear actuators  52 ,  64  on each side of convertible top  20  which is controlled by an electronic control unit  74 , such as a microprocessor, as described below.  
      Devices such as limit switches, sensors and/or potentiometers can be coupled to body  21 , rear passenger seats  40 , tonneau cover  34  and convertible top  20  to inform control unit  74  of the position of tonneau cover  34 , rear passenger seats  40 , retractable windows, and convertible top  20  (including the position of various linkages) to ensure that convertible top  20 , rear passenger seats  40 , retractable windows, and tonneau cover  34  do not interfere with one another and that convertible top  20  and actuators  52 ,  64  are properly controlled to move between stowed and raised positions. An example of a suitable control system for a convertible top  20 , tonneau cover  34 , retractable windows, and/or rear passenger seats  40  is that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,288,511 entitled “Automotive Convertible Top System” issued to Porter et al. and assigned to the assignee of the present invention, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.  
      In operation, convertible top  20  is moved from the raised position depicted in  FIG. 1  through intermediate positions, such as the ones depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , to the stowed position depicted in  FIG. 5  by first unlatching front panel  30  from front header  26 . An operator engages a switch (not shown) located in passenger compartment  24 . The switch is electrically connected to control unit  74  to control the operation of convertible top  20 .  
      When tonneau cover  34  is controlled by control unit  74 , control unit  74  sends a signal causing tonneau cover  34  to move to the appropriate position (in this case move rearwardly and upwardly), as shown in  FIG. 2 , to allow the desired movement of convertible top  20 . If a separate control system (not shown) is used to control operation of tonneau cover  34 , the switch can also be electrically connected to the separate control system to cause tonneau cover  34  to move to the appropriate position to allow the desired movement of convertible top  20 . When a manually operated tonneau cover  34  is utilized, control unit  74 , through the use of proximity switches and/or sensors, detects the position of tonneau cover  34  to ensure it is in the proper position for the desired movement of convertible top  20 .  
      When the folding of seatbacks  38  are controlled by control unit  74 , control unit  74  sends a signal causing seatbacks  38  to move to the appropriate position (in this case fold forwardly on top of bottom cushions  42 ), as shown in  FIG. 3-5 , to allow the desired movement of convertible top  20 . If a separate control system (not shown) is used to control operation of seatbacks  38 , the switch can also be electrically connected to the separate control system to cause seatbacks  38  to move to the appropriate position to allow the desired movement of convertible top  20 . When a manually operated seatback  38  is utilized, control unit  74 , through the use of proximity switches and/or sensors, detects the position of seatbacks  38  to ensure proper positioning for the desired movement of convertible top  20 .  
      When the retractable windows are controlled by control unit  74 , control unit  74  sends a signal causing the retractable windows to move to the appropriate position (in this case downwardly into doors  23  and/or body  21 ) to allow the desired movement of convertible top  20 . If a separate control system (not shown) is used to control operation of the retractable windows, the switch can also be electrically connected to the separate control system to cause the retractable windows to move to the appropriate position to allow the desired movement of convertible top  20 . When manually operated retractable windows are utilized, control unit  74 , through the use of proximity switches and/or sensors, detects the position of the retractable windows to ensure the retractable windows are in the proper position for the desired movement of convertible top  20 .  
      Regardless of the system(s) employed to control tonneau cover  34 , seatbacks  38  and the retractable windows, once tonneau cover  34 , seatbacks  38  and the retractable windows are in the appropriate positions to allow the desired movement of convertible top  20 , control unit  74  sends a signal to operate actuators  52 ,  64 . Control unit  74  causes actuator  64  to begin retracting which drives clockwise rotation of rear panel  32  about fixed pivot  62 . Control unit  74  also causes actuator  52  to begin extending which drives counter clockwise rotation of front panel  30  relative to rear panel  32  about pivot  50  in a clam shell type manner. Retraction of actuator  64  continues until rear panel  32  has moved to an appropriate position that allows actuator  52  to drive rotation of front panel  30  about pivot  50  without intruding into front passenger compartment  24 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , rear panel  32  can rotate about pivot  62  to a generally vertical position to allow adequate clearance between a front edge of front panel  30  and front passenger compartment  24 . Control unit  74  can cause actuator  64  to hold rear panel  32  in its uprightmost position until front panel  30  has rotated about pivot  50  to the appropriate stowage position relative to rear panel  32 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . Front panel  30  can move to a generally vertical position adjacent rear panel  32  while rear panel  32  is in its generally vertical position. The interior surface of front panel  30  faces the interior surface of rear panel  32  when in the stowed position.  
      Once front panel  30  has rotated about pivot  50  to its stowed position relative to rear panel  32 , control unit  74  can cause actuator  52  to hold front panel  30  in the stowed position and can cause actuator  64  to begin extending and drive counter clockwise rotation of rear panel  32  about pivot  62  such that convertible top  20  rotates forwardly into rear passenger compartment  25 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . Once convertible top  20  is in the fully stowed position, tonneau cover  34  can be moved to its lowered position (in this case moved forwardly and downwardly) and can align with deck lid  29  and a portion of an exterior surface  76  of rear panel  32 . To move convertible top  20  from the stowed position to the raised positions, the opposite procedure can be performed.  
      Thus, in convertible top  20 , rear panel  32  undergoes two different phases of motion (a clockwise and a counter clockwise rotation about pivot  62 ) to move from either the raised or stowed position to the other position. Exterior surface  76  of rear panel  32  can provide an aesthetically pleasing and sculpted appearance for vehicle  22  yielding a sporty aerodynamic look of a roadster. The back light in rear panel  32  can form a part of exterior surface  76 . Additionally, exterior surface  76  of rear panel  32  when in the retracted position acts as a cover for the stored convertible top  20 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the convertible vehicle  22  is thereby converted from a 4-passenger coupe to a 2-passenger roadster by moving convertible top  20  from the raised or operative position to the stowed or retracted position.  
      Panels  30 ,  32  can be made from a variety of materials. By way of non-limiting example, panels  30 ,  32  may be made from a metal, a polymer, a sheet-molded component, glass, and the like. Additionally, if desired, panels  30 ,  32  may be covered with a pliable fabric or include a sunroof. As such, panels  30 ,  32  can provide a show surface that matches the vehicle body panels. Additionally, the interior surfaces of the panels may be textured to match an interior of the vehicle.  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 6-9 , a convertible top  120  according to the present teachings is shown on a vehicle  122 . Convertible top  120  and vehicle  122  are similar to convertible top  20  and vehicle  22  discussed above and utilizes linkage assemblies and/or actuator(s) to move a front rigid panel  130  and a rear rigid panel  132  between a raised position, as shown in  FIG. 6 , through intermediate positions, such as those shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , to a stowed position, as shown in  FIG. 9 . Due to the similarities between convertible tops  20  and  120  and vehicles  22  and  122 , the description of convertible top  120  and vehicle  122  may be limited to the differences with convertible top  20  and vehicle  22  and all of the details of convertible top  120  and vehicle  122  may not be discussed.  
      A rear portion  146  of front panel  130  can be pivotally coupled to a front portion  148  of rear panel  132  at pivot  150 . This coupling of front panel  130  to rear panel  132  enables front and rear panels  130 ,  132  to retract in a clam-shell manner, as described below. One end of a front link  153  can be pivotally coupled to rear portion  146  of front panel  130  at pivot  155  while an opposite end of front link  153  can be pivotally coupled to a fixed bracket  157  at pivot  159 . Front link  153  is fixed in length and constrains movement of front panel  132 .  
      An intermediate portion  161  of rear panel  132  can be pivotally coupled to a fixed bracket  160  at pivot  162 . The coupling of rear panel  132  to bracket  160  limits movement of rear panel  132  relative to vehicle  122  to rotational movement about pivot  162  and enables rear panel  132  to move between the raised and stowed positions, as described below. One end of a rear actuator  164  can be pivotally coupled to an arm  163  extending from rear panel  132  at pivot  167  downward and rearward of pivot  162  when rear panel  132  is in the raised position, as shown in  FIG. 6 . An opposite end of actuator  164  can be pivotally coupled to a fixed bracket  169  at pivot  171 . Brackets  157 ,  160  and  169  can be fixed to a vehicle  122  adjacent rear passenger compartment  125 . Rear actuator  164  can extend and retract in response to an input to drive rotation of rear panel  132  relative to vehicle  122  about pivot  162 . Rear actuator  164  can be a fluidic actuator, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator.  
      The interconnection of front and rear panels  130 ,  132 , front link  153  and vehicle  122  forms a four-bar linkage assembly  173  defined by pivots  150 ,  155 ,  159  and  162 . Four-bar linkage assembly  173  controls motion of front panel  130  relative to rear panel  132  and vehicle  122  during movement of convertible top  120  between the raised and stowed positions. The movement of convertible top  120  is driven extension and retraction of actuators  164  on each side of convertible top  120  which are controlled by control unit  174 .  
      Convertible top  120  utilizes devices such as limit switches, sensors and/or potentiometers which can be coupled to body  121 , rear passenger seats  140 , retractable windows, and convertible top  120  to inform control unit  174  of the position of rear passenger seats  140 , retractable windows, and convertible top  120  (including the position of various linkages) to ensure that convertible top  120 , rear passenger seats  140 , and retractable windows do not interfere with one another and that convertible top  120  and actuators  164  are properly controlled to move between stowed and raised positions.  
      In operation, convertible top  120  is moved from the raised position depicted in  FIG. 6  through intermediate positions, such as the ones depicted in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , to the stowed position depicted in  FIG. 9  by first unlatching front panel  130  from front header  126 . An operator engages a switch (not shown) located in passenger compartment  124 . The switch is electrically connected to control unit  174  to control the operation of convertible top  120 . The positioning of seatbacks  138  and the retractable windows can be done in the same manner discussed above with reference to operation of convertible top  20 . As shown in  FIGS. 6-9 , rear panel  132  can include fixed quarter panel windows  133  that move with movement of rear panel  132  between the raised and stowed positions. The use of a fixed quarter panel window  133  can avoid the cost associated with providing a separate retraction mechanism for the rear quarter panel window. It should be appreciated, however, that rear panel  132  can be independent of the quarter panel windows  133 , in which case the rear quarter windows  133  can be retractable into body  121  of vehicle  122 .  
      Regardless of the system(s) employed to control seatbacks  138  and the retractable windows, once seatbacks  138  and the retractable windows are in the appropriate positions to allow the desired movement of convertible top  120 , control unit  174  sends a signal to operate actuator  164 . Control unit  174  causes actuator  164  to begin retracting which drives counterclockwise rotation of rear panel  132  about fixed pivot  162 . This rotation of rear panel  132  causes rear portion  158  of rear panel  132  to immediately begin falling below the beltline of vehicle  122  and into rear passenger compartment  125 . As a result of this movement, the need for a moveable tonneau cover can be avoided. The rotation of rear panel  132  about pivot  162  causes four-bar linkage assembly  173  to move front panel  130  rearwardly and drive counterclockwise rotation of front panel  130  relative to rear panel  132  about pivot  150 . Continued extension of actuator  164  causes further rotation of rear panel  132  about pivot  162  and drives front panel toward a generally horizontal orientation above rear passenger compartment  125 . Extension of actuator  164  continues until front and rear panels  130 ,  132  have moved to the stowed position in rear passenger compartment  125 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . Once convertible top  120  is in the fully stowed position, control unit  174  causes actuator to cease extending. To move convertible top  120  from the stowed position to the raised position, the opposite procedure can be performed.  
      During movement of rear panel  132  between the raised and stowed positions, rear panel  132  can rotate about pivot  162  greater than about 100 degrees. The amount of rotation can vary based on the vehicle architecture upon which convertible top  120  is employed. In the stowed position, the interior surface of rear panel  132  can face generally forwardly. In the stowed position, the exterior surface  178  of front panel  130  can provide an aesthetically pleasing and sculpted appearance for vehicle  22  yielding a sporty aerodynamic look of a roadster. Additionally, exterior surface  178  of front panel  130  when in the retracted position acts as a cover for the stored convertible top  120 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , vehicle  122  is thereby converted from a 4-passenger coupe to a 2-passenger roadster by moving convertible top  120  from the raised or operative position to the stowed or retracted position. The entire motion of convertible top  120  between the raised and stowed positions can be driven by a single pair of actuators  164  that cause rotation of rear panel  132  about pivot  162 .  
      Referring now to  FIG. 10 , a linkage assembly  179 ′ for driving rotation of rear panel  132 ′ of convertible top  120 ′ about pivot  162 ′ is shown. Linkage assembly  179 ′ works in conjunction with rear actuator  164 ′ and includes a first link  180 ′ having one end pivotally coupled to intermediate portion  161 ′ of rear panel  132 ′ at pivot  167 ′. An opposite end of first link  180 ′ is pivotally coupled one end of a second link  181 ′ at pivot  182 ′. An opposite end of second link  181 ′ is pivotally coupled to a fixed bracket  183 ′ at pivot  184 ′. One end of rear actuator  164 ′ is pivotally coupled to first and second links  180 ′,  181 ′ at pivot  182 ′ while and opposite end of rear actuator  164 ′ is pivotally coupled to a fixed bracket  169 ′ at pivot  171 ′. Extension and retraction of actuator  164 ′ can thereby drive rotation of rear panel  132 ′ about pivot  162 ′ and cause convertible top  120 ′ to move between the raised and stowed positions.  
      The use of linkage assembly  179 ′ can facilitate rotation of convertible top  120 ′. In particular, rotation of rear panel  132 ′ greater than about 130 to about 135 degrees through a direct drive linear actuator, such as shown in  FIGS. 6-9  and associated with convertible top  120 , can be difficult. The use of linkage assembly  179 ′, however, can provide additional rotation for rear panel  132 ′. Moreover, the use of linkage assembly  179 ′ can also improve packaging efficiency by providing for a smaller packaging space for the components that drive retraction and extension of convertible top  120 ′. The use of linkage assembly  179 ′ can also facilitate the holding of convertible top  120 ′ in the raised position by driving linkage assembly  179 ′ into an over-center position to provide a locking function, if desired. Specifically, a stop can be used to limit movement of convertible top  120 ′ into the fully raised position and linkage assembly  179 ′ can be configured to take an over-center position when convertible top  120 ′ is in the fully raised position and engaged with the stop. As a result, the dynamic system of linkage assembly  179 ′, rear panel  132 ′ and the stop is driven to ground and becomes a static structure that can take the loading off of actuator  164 ′.  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 11-14 , a convertible top  220  according to the present teachings is shown on a vehicle  222 . Convertible top  220  and vehicle  222  are similar to convertible top  20  and vehicle  22  discussed above and utilizes linkage assemblies and/or actuator(s) to move a front rigid panel  230  and a rear rigid panel  232  between a raised position, as shown in  FIG. 11 , through intermediate positions, such as those shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , to a stowed position, as shown in  FIG. 14 . Due to the similarities between convertible tops  20  and  220  and vehicles  22  and  222 , the description of convertible top  220  and vehicle  222  may be limited to the differences with convertible top  20  and vehicle  22  and all of the details of convertible top  220  and vehicle  222  may not be discussed.  
      In convertible top  220 , front panel  230  can be coupled to rear panel  232  with a front four-bar linkage assembly  285 . One end of a first link  286  can be pivotally coupled to an intermediate portion  287  of front panel  230  at pivot  288  while an opposite end can be pivotally coupled to a forwardly extending projection  289  of rear panel  232  at pivot  290 . One end of a second link  291  can be pivotally coupled to intermediate portion  287  of front panel  230  at pivot  292  while an opposite end portion of second link  291  can be pivotally coupled to projection  289  at pivot  293  rearward of pivot  290 . Front panel  230 , first link  286 , projection  289  and second link  291  thereby form four-bar linkage assembly  285  defined by pivots  288 ,  290 ,  293 , and  292 . Linkage assembly  285  controls motion of front panel  230  relative to rear panel  232  and vehicle  222  during movement of convertible top  220  between the raised and stowed positions. One end of a front actuator  252  can be pivotally coupled to an end of second link  291  at pivot  294  rearward of pivot  293 . An opposite end of actuator  252  can be pivotally coupled to rear panel  232  at pivot  256 . Front actuator  252  can extend and retract in response to an input to drive movement of front panel  230  relative to rear panel  232  as controlled by linkage assembly  285 . Front actuator  252  can be a fluidic actuator, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator.  
      A rear portion  258  of rear panel  232  can have a rearwardly extending arm  295  that can be pivotally coupled to fixed bracket  260  at pivot  262 . The coupling of rear panel  232  to bracket  260  limits movement of rear panel  232  relative to vehicle  222  to rotational motion about pivot  262  and enables rear panel  232  to move between the raised and stowed positions, as described below. A rear linkage assembly  296  can also couple rear panel  232  to vehicle  222 . Linkage assembly  296  can include a first link  297  having one end pivotally coupled to rear portion  258  of rear panel  232  at pivot  298  and an opposite end pivotally coupled to an end of a second link  299  at pivot  200 . The opposite end of second link  299  can be pivotally coupled to a fixed bracket  201  at pivot  202 . One end of a rear actuator  264  can be pivotally coupled to a forwardly extending projection  203  on second link  299  at pivot  204 . Pivot  204  can be adjacent pivot  200 . An opposite end of actuator  264  can be pivotally coupled to a fixed bracket  269  at pivot  271 . Rear actuator  264  can extend and retract in response to an input to cause movement of linkage assembly  296  and drive rotation of rear panel  232  relative to vehicle  222  about pivot  262 . Rear actuator  164  can be a fluidic actuator, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator.  
      The movement of convertible top  220  between the raised and stowed positions is driven by extension and retraction of actuators  252 ,  264  on each side of convertible top  220 . Actuators  252 ,  264  can be controlled by control unit  274 .  
      Convertible top  220  utilizes devices such as limit switches, sensors and/or potentiometers which can be coupled to body  221 , rear passenger seats  240 , retractable windows, and convertible top  220  to inform electronic unit  274  of the position of rear passenger seats  240 , retractable windows, and convertible top  220  (including the position of various linkages) to ensure that convertible top  220 , rear passenger seats  240 , and retractable windows do not interfere with one another and that convertible top  220  and actuators  252 ,  264  are properly controlled to move between stowed and raised positions.  
      In operation, convertible top  220  is moved from the raised position depicted in  FIG. 11  through intermediate positions, such as the ones depicted in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , to the stowed position depicted in  FIG. 14  by first unlatching front panel  230  from front header  226 . An operator engages a switch (not shown) located in passenger compartment  224 . The switch is electrically connected to control unit  274  to control the operation of convertible top  220 . The positioning of seatbacks  238  and the retractable windows can be done in the same manner discussed above with reference to operation of convertible top  20 .  
      Regardless of the system(s) employed to control seatbacks  238  and the retractable windows, once seatbacks  238  and the retractable windows are in the appropriate positions to allow the desired movement of convertible top  220 , control unit  274  sends a signal to operate actuators  252 ,  264 . Control unit  274  causes actuator  252  to begin extending which causes linkage assembly  285  to drive movement of front panel  230  relative to rear panel  232 . Front panel  230  moves upwardly and rearwardly relative to rear panel  232  as actuator  252  extends. As actuator  252  continues to extend, front panel continues to move rearwardly relative to rear panel  232  and eventually begins to move downwardly relative to rear panel  232  with the interior surface of front panel  230  facing the exterior surface  276  of rear panel  232 . Actuator  252  continues to extend until front panel  230  has moved to its stowed position relative to rear panel  232 , as shown in  FIG. 13 . Control unit  274  then causes actuator  252  to maintain front panel  230  stationary relative to rear panel  232 .  
      With front panel  230  in its relative stowed position, control unit  274  causes actuator  264  to begin retracting which drives linkage assembly  296  and pulls rear panel  232  (and relatively stationary front panel  230 ) downwardly into rear passenger compartment  225  as rear panel  232  rotates counterclockwise about pivot  262 . This rotation of rear panel  232  causes rear portion  258  of rear panel  232  to immediately begin falling below the beltline of vehicle  222  and into rear passenger compartment  225 . As a result of this movement, the need for a moveable tonneau cover can be avoided. Continued retraction of actuator  264  causes further rotation of rear panel  232  about pivot  262  and continues until rear panel  232  (and front panel  230 ) has moved to the stowed position in rear passenger compartment  225 , as shown in  FIG. 14 . Once convertible top  220  is in the fully stowed position, control unit  274  causes actuator  264  to cease retracting. To move convertible top  220  from the stowed position to the raised position, the opposite procedure can be performed.  
      The use of linkage assembly  296  can facilitate the holding of convertible top  220  in the raised position and provide a locking function. Specifically, a stop can be used to limit movement of convertible top  220  into the fully raised position and linkage assembly  296  can be configured to take an over-center position when convertible top  220  is in the fully raised position and engaged with the stop. As a result, the dynamic system of linkage assembly  296 , actuator  264 , rear panel  232  and the stop is driven to ground and becomes a static structure that can take the loading off of actuator  264 . The use of linkage assembly  296  can also facilitate with driving rotation of rear panel  232  about pivot  262 . Moreover, linkage assembly  296  may also provide improved packaging efficiency.  
      In the stowed position, the interior surface of front panel  230  faces the exterior surface  276  of rear panel  232 . In the stowed position, the exterior surface  278  of front panel  230  can provide an aesthetically pleasing and sculpted appearance for vehicle  222  yielding a sporty aerodynamic look of a roadster. Additionally, exterior surface  278  of front panel  230  when in the retracted position acts as a cover for the stored convertible top  220 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , the convertible vehicle  222  is thereby converted from a 4-passenger coupe to a 2-passenger roadster by moving convertible top  220  from the raised or operative position to the stowed or retracted position.  
      If desired, control unit  274  can causes actuators  252  and  264  to operate simultaneously for all or discrete portion(s) of the raising and lowering of convertible top  220 . In such a situation, control unit  274  operates actuators  252  and  264  in such a manner as to avoid convertible top  220  from encroaching into front passenger compartment  224 .  
      Referring now to  FIG. 15 , an alternate arrangement for front linkage assembly  285 ′ and actuator  252 ′ for driving movement of the front panel relative to rear panel  232 ′ of convertible top  220 ′ is shown. In linkage assembly  285 ′ the forward end of actuator  252 ′ is pivotally coupled to an end portion of second link  291 ′ in front of pivot  293 ′ which couples the end of second link  291 ′ to forwardly extending projection  289 ′ of rear panel  232 ′. In this arrangement, actuator  252 ′ retracts (instead of extending as with linkage assembly  285 ) to cause the front panel to move from the raised position to its stowed position above rear panel  232 ′. Actuator  252 ′ will then extend to drive motion of the front panel from its stowed position to the raised position.  
      The use of linkage assembly  285  or  285 ′ can be selected for the particular packaging space available. In particular, linkage assemblies  285 ,  285 ′ can require different packaging spaces or configurations. These linkage assemblies  285 ,  285 ′ can be chosen based upon the packaging space available for the particular vehicle upon which convertible top  220 ,  220 ′ is to be employed.  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 16-19 , a convertible top  320  according to the present teachings is shown on a vehicle  322 . Convertible top  320  and vehicle  322  are similar to convertible top  220  and vehicle  222  discussed above and utilizes linkage assemblies and/or actuator(s) to move a front rigid panel  330  and a rear rigid panel  332  between a raised position, as shown in  FIG. 16 , through intermediate positions, such as those shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , to a stowed position, as shown in  FIG. 19 . Due to the similarities between convertible tops  220  and  320  and vehicles  222  and  322 , the description of convertible top  320  and vehicle  322  may be limited to the differences with convertible top  220  and vehicle  222  and all of the details of convertible top  320  and vehicle  322  may not be discussed.  
      In convertible top  320 , front panel  330  can be coupled to rear panel  332  with a front four-bar linkage assembly  385  similar to that used in convertible top  220 . Front panel  330 , first link  386 , projection  389  and second link  391  form four-bar linkage assembly  385  which is defined by pivots  388 ,  390 ,  393 , and  392 . Linkage assembly  385  controls motion of front panel  330  relative to rear panel  332  and vehicle  322  during movement of convertible top  320  between the raised and stowed positions.  
      In convertible top  320 , a front actuator is not utilized to drive movement of linkage assembly  385 . Rather, a fixed length link  310  is utilized to control movement of linkage assembly  385  based on movement of rear panel  332  as driven by actuator  364 . One end of link  310  can be pivotally coupled to an end of second link  391  at pivot  394  rearward of pivot  393 . An opposite end of link  310  can be pivotally coupled to a fixed bracket  312  at pivot  314 .  
      In convertible top  320 , actuator  364  can cause movement of rear linkage assembly  396  which in turn drives movement of rear panel  332  about pivot  398  and moves convertible top  320  between the raised and stowed positions. Linkage assembly  396  includes first and second links  397 ,  399  which are pivotally coupled together at pivot  300 . First link  397  is also pivotally coupled to rear panel  332  at pivot  398  while second link  399  is also pivotally coupled to bracket  312  at pivot  302 . If desired, second link  399  can be pivotally coupled to a separate and discrete bracket. One end of actuator  364  is pivotally coupled to second link  399  at pivot  304  while the opposite end is pivotally coupled to fixed bracket  369  at pivot  371 . Actuator  364  can extend and retract in response to an input from control unit  374  to cause movement of linkage assembly  396  and drive rotation of rear panel  332  relative to vehicle  322  about pivot  362 . Rear actuator  364  can be a fluidic actuator, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator.  
      In operation, convertible top  320  is moved from the raised position depicted in  FIG. 16  through intermediate positions, such as the ones depicted in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , to the stowed position depicted in  FIG. 19  by first unlatching front panel  330  from front header  326 . An operator engages a switch (not shown) located in passenger compartment  324 . The switch is electrically connected to control unit  374  to control the operation of convertible top  320 . The positioning of seatbacks  338  and the retractable windows can be done in the same manner discussed above with reference to operation of convertible top  20 .  
      Regardless of the system(s) employed to control seatbacks  338  and the retractable windows, once seatbacks  338  and the retractable windows are in the appropriate positions to allow the desired movement of convertible top  320 , control unit  374  sends a signal to operate actuator  364 . Control unit  374  causes actuator  364  to begin retracting which drives linkage assembly  396  and pulls rear panel  332  downwardly into rear passenger compartment  325  as rear panel  332  rotates counterclockwise about pivot  362 . This rotation of rear panel  332  causes rear portion  358  of rear panel  332  to immediately begin falling below the beltline of vehicle  322  and into rear passenger compartment  325 . As a result of this movement, the need for a moveable tonneau cover can be avoided.  
      The counterclockwise rotation of rear panel  323  causes link  310  to rotate counterclockwise about pivot  314  and drive movement of linkage assembly  385 . The movement of link  310  causes linkage assembly  385  to drive movement of front panel  330  relative to rear panel  332 . Front panel  330  moves upwardly and rearwardly relative to rear panel  332  and eventually begins to move downwardly relative to rear panel  332  with the interior surface of front panel  330  facing the exterior surface  376  of rear panel  332 . This relative movement continues until front panel and rear panels  330 ,  332  have moved to the stowed position in rear passenger compartment  225 , as shown in  FIG. 19 . Once convertible top  320  is in the fully stowed position, control unit  374  causes actuator  364  to cease retracting. To move convertible top  320  from the stowed position to the raised position, the opposite procedure can be performed.  
      In convertible top  320 , link  310  enables convertible top  320  to be driven between the raised and stowed positions through the use of a single actuator  364  on each side of vehicle  322 . In convertible top  320 , movement of front panel  330  relative to rear panel  332  occurs simultaneously with the rotational movement of rear panel  332  about pivot  362 . Link  310  and its associated pivots  394 ,  314  are configured to avoid convertible top  320  from encroaching undesirably into front passenger compartment  324  during the raising and lower process.  
      The use of linkage assembly  396  can facilitate rotation of rear panel  332  about pivot  362 . Additionally, linkage assembly  396  may also provide for packaging efficiency and may reduce the packaging space required to drive movement of convertible top  320  between the raised and stowed positions. The use of linkage assembly  396  can also facilitate the holding of convertible top  320  in the raised position by driving linkage assembly  396  into an over-center position to provide a locking function, if desired. Specifically, a stop can be used to limit movement of convertible top  320  into the fully raised position and linkage assembly  396  can be configured to take an over-center position when convertible top  320  is in the fully raised position and engaged with the stop. As a result, the dynamic system of linkage assembly  396 , actuator  364 , rear panel  332  and the stop is driven to ground and becomes a static structure that can take the loading off of actuator  364 .  
      In the stowed position, the interior surface of front panel  330  faces the exterior surface  376  of rear panel  332 . In the stowed position, the exterior surface  378  of front panel  330  can provide an aesthetically pleasing and sculpted appearance for vehicle  322  yielding a sporty aerodynamic look of a roadster. Additionally, exterior surface  378  of front panel  330  when in the retracted position acts as a cover for the stored convertible top  320 . As shown in  FIG. 19 , the convertible vehicle  322  is thereby converted from a 4-passenger coupe to a 2-passenger roadster by moving convertible top  320  from the raised or operative position to the stowed or retracted position.  
      Thus, in a vehicle having a convertible top according to the present teachings, a dedicated storage space is unnecessary since the rear passenger compartment is utilized to store the convertible top. With the rear passenger compartment serving as the storage space, the rear storage compartment of the vehicle may remain intact with the same storage capacity regardless of the convertible top being in the raised or retracted position. Despite the loss of the rear passenger compartment during operation in the convertible mode, the present teachings still provide for front and rear passenger seating with the convertible top in a raised operative position.  
      It should be appreciated that the convertible tops of the present teachings also include numerous seals (not shown) to provide a weather-tight enclosure for the passenger compartments of the vehicle. For example, front and rear panels can form a weather-tight seal therebetween along with forming weather-tight seals against the front header, the retractable windows and along the tonneau cover or a fixed rear panel or decklid of the vehicle.  
      Convertible tops  120 ,  120 ′,  220 ,  220 ′, and  320  can advantageously avoid the use of a moveable tonneau cover or other moveable rain trough device. Specifically, in these convertible tops  120 ,  120 ′,  220 ,  220 ′, and  320  the initial movement of the rear panel is downward toward the associated rear passenger space. This initial downward movement allows a rain trough along the back edge of the associated rear panel to be stationary. The use of a stationary rain trough facilitates the attachment of a retractable roof to a vehicle and can result in a lower cost vehicle. In particular, a tulip panel or an extension on the front edge of a decklid can be utilized to provide a weather-tight seal against the rear portion of the rear panel and allow the rain to be routed to an appropriate location. This can advantageously allow the use of a same decklid when a vehicle is produced in both non-convertible and convertible versions. To facilitate the motion of the decklid, a simple four-bar mechanism that allows the front edge of the decklid to move out of the way of the rear panel can allow the decklid to be used to access a rear storage area with the convertible roof in the raised or stowed position.  
      The preceding description of the present teachings is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the teachings are intended to be within the scope of the teachings. While the rear passenger seats are described as being folded by moving the seatbacks forwardly toward the bottom cushions, it should be appreciated that other ways of folding rear passenger seats can be employed. For example, the bottom cushions can be rotated forwardly and the seatbacks then rotated forwardly. Additionally, while two rigid panels are shown, it should be appreciated that additional rigid panels may be employed, if desired, although all the advantages of the present invention may not be realized.  
      Moreover, while the convertible tops are shown and described as being automatically actuated, it should be appreciated that manually operated versions can be employed. Such manually operated convertible tops can use gas cylinder or other biasing devices to facilitate the movement of the roof panels between the raised and stowed positions. Furthermore, while the actuators to drive the movement of the convertible tops are shown as being linear actuators (high or low pressure), it should be appreciated that rotary actuators can be utilized to drive rotation of a link or panel about a pivot. Such rotary actuators can include a linear hydraulic cylinder that drives a rack along a pinion thereby converting the linear motion of the hydraulic cylinder (and rack) to a rotary motion of a link or panel about a pivot. Another suitable rotary actuator includes those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,274, entitled “Motorized Drive System for a Convertible Roof of an Automotive Vehicle” issued to Tokarz, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Additionally, other electric motors or other suitable automatically-powered transfer mechanisms may be employed to drive movement of the convertible top. The selection of these actuators can be based upon the packaging space available to package the drive systems for the convertible top in the particular vehicle architecture upon which the convertible top is to be employed.  
      It should also be appreciated that the various brackets shown and described can be combined into fewer brackets, if desired and depending on the architecture of the particular vehicle on which a convertible top according to the present teachings is to be utilized. Moreover, other materials and dimensions can be substituted for those disclosed. Additionally, while convertible top  120  is shown as having a quarter window  133  fixed to rear panel  132  while the other convertible tops do not, it should be appreciated that a fixed quarter window can be employed with these other convertible top teachings. In particular, a fixed quarter panel window can be attached to the rear panel to facilitate the convertible top. In particular, the use of a fixed quarter window avoids the cost of providing a separate retraction mechanism for the quarter window. Such capability can depend upon the architecture of the vehicle upon which the associated convertible top is to be employed. The convertible tops disclosed may also include additional members or linkages. One or more of the panels can be fabric covered, if desired. A soft-top roof may also be used with the present teachings although various advantages of the present teachings may not be achieved.  
      Thus, while it is apparent that the present teachings are well calculated to provide the advantageous and features above stated, it will be appreciated that the present teachings are susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the proper scope or fair meaning of the subsequent claims.