Patent ID: 7540535

Claim:
A modular unit for a convertible vehicle comprising: a transverse stiffening structure operable to separate an occupant space and a rear stowage space when the modular unit is installed into the convertible vehicle; a rollover protection system including: a first module mounted with respect to the vehicle and having guide devices; a second module engaged with the guide devices and movable between a lowered rest position and an elevated support position, the second module including at least one rollover element; a selectively releasable holding device operable to hold the second module in the direction of the rest position; a locking device operable to support the second module in a position that deviates from the rest position against a force acting in the direction of the rest position; a drive system operable to hold the second module pre-stressed in the rest position and selectively move the second module from the rest position to the support position; a plurality of seat elements, wherein the seat elements are at least one of seatback supports, seatback locking pins, headrest supports, seatbacks and seat lower parts; a restraining belt system at least partially integrated into the first module, wherein the restraining belt system provides a plurality of belt guides for at least one restraining belt; and wherein the modular unit is pre-assembled outside of the vehicle and sufficiently configured to be tested for functional capability outside of the vehicle.