Patents by Inventor Ruud Geurts
Ruud Geurts has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20240109482Abstract: A transparent roof panel assembly for an opening in a vehicle roof comprises a panel having a transparent area that allows visible light to pass through between an exterior and an interior of the vehicle. A light source is arranged to provide light in the panel. An in-coupling element couples light into the panel from the interior side of the panel, the in-coupling element being attached to the interior side of the panel and redirecting light from the light source into the panel. The in-coupling element may be partly covered towards the interior of the vehicle, with the exception of a selected area, such that light is able to pass from the in-coupling element towards the interior through the selected area. The in-coupling element is attached to the interior side of the panel by an adhering material accommodated in a chamber formed between the in-coupling element and the panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2023Publication date: April 4, 2024Inventors: Sander de Bie, Theodorus van Doleweerd, Ruud Geurts, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Christian Giese
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Patent number: 11331988Abstract: A roof system comprises a panel movable between closed and open positions. An operating mechanism comprises front and rear devices. A slide moves the panel both in vertical and horizontal directions via the front and rear devices. At least one of the front and rear devices comprises a lever connected to the slide or the stationary rail through a second pivot pin. A first guide cam is at least partly in engagement with either a stationary guide and/or a curve in the slide. The slide includes a first and second slide part are pivotally connected to each other. One of the slide parts, that is pivotally and slidably connected to said lever, includes a cam engaging a guide curve in the stationary guide rail to force said one slide part to pivot with respect to the other slide part during at least a part of the sliding movement of the slide.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2019Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: INALFA ROOF SYSTEMS GROUP B.VInventors: Eduardus Christianus Henricus van Boxtel, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Ruud Geurts
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Patent number: 11230172Abstract: A roof assembly for a vehicle having an opening comprises a frame having two parallel longitudinal beams connected to a transverse beam. A drive system for a panel supports and moves the panel and includes a motor attached to the transverse beam, two substantially parallel guide rails attached to the longitudinal beams, and a support mechanism movably guided in the guide rails and operatively connected to the motor. The frame and the drive system as a unit are adapted to each other such that the drive system is partly inserted into the frame between the longitudinal beams and rotated such that the motor is on the lower side of the transverse beam of the frame and the guide rails at least partly positioned on a portion of the upper side of the longitudinal beams of the frame. There is also disclosed a method of assembling the roof assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2020Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: INALFA ROOF SYSTEMS GROUP B.V.Inventors: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Ruud Geurts
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Publication number: 20210070155Abstract: A roof assembly for a vehicle having an opening comprises a frame having two parallel longitudinal beams connected to a transverse beam. A drive system for a panel supports and moves the panel and includes a motor attached to the transverse beam, two substantially parallel guide rails attached to the longitudinal beams, and a support mechanism movably guided in the guide rails and operatively connected to the motor. The frame and the drive system as a unit are adapted to each other such that the drive system is partly inserted into the frame between the longitudinal beams and rotated such that the motor is on the lower side of the transverse beam of the frame and the guide rails at least partly positioned on a portion of the upper side of the longitudinal beams of the frame. There is also disclosed a method of assembling the roof assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2020Publication date: March 11, 2021Inventors: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Ruud Geurts
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Patent number: 10807452Abstract: A roof system for a vehicle having a roof opening in a roof part thereof comprises a transparent panel in the roof opening, and a ventilation system for moving air into and/or out of the vehicle interior. The ventilation system includes an air guiding channel guiding air between the vehicle interior and the environment through at least one ventilation opening. The air guiding channel is fitted centrally below the transparent panel and extends in longitudinal direction of the vehicle, substantially completely along the panel and communicates with the interior at least along a substantial length of the panel through holes.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2019Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: INALFA ROOF SYSTEMS GROUP B.V.Inventors: Ruud Geurts, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen
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Publication number: 20190315208Abstract: A roof system comprises a panel movable between closed and open positions. An operating mechanism comprises front and rear devices. A slide moves the panel both in vertical and horizontal directions via the front and rear devices. At least one of the front and rear devices comprises a lever connected to the slide or the stationary rail through a second pivot pin. A first guide cam is at least partly in engagement with either a stationary guide and/or a curve in the slide. The slide includes a first and second slide part are pivotally connected to each other. One of the slide parts, that is pivotally and slidably connected to said lever, includes a cam engaging a guide curve in the stationary guide rail to force said one slide part to pivot with respect to the other slide part during at least a part of the sliding movement of the slide.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2019Publication date: October 17, 2019Inventors: Eduardus Christianus Henricus van Boxtel, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Ruud Geurts
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Publication number: 20190283557Abstract: A roof system for a vehicle having a roof opening in a roof part thereof comprises a transparent panel in the roof opening, and a ventilation system for moving air into and/or out of the vehicle interior. The ventilation system includes an air guiding channel guiding air between the vehicle interior and the environment through at least one ventilation opening. The air guiding channel is fitted centrally below the transparent panel and extends in longitudinal direction of the vehicle, substantially completely along the panel and communicates with the interior at least along a substantial length of the panel through holes.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2019Publication date: September 19, 2019Inventors: Ruud Geurts, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen
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Patent number: 10399422Abstract: A wind deflector assembly includes a wind deflector member which extends in a transverse direction of the vehicle and is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The wind deflector member is connected to a first end of at least one pivotable wind deflector arm of which an opposite second end is at least pivotally connected to a stationary part. A biasing device engages the wind deflector arm and urges the wind deflector arm towards the extended position. The biasing device is at least pivotally connected to the stationary part through a pivot.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2017Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: INALFA ROOF SYSTEMS GROUPS B.V.Inventors: Ruud Geurts, Peter Christiaan Leonardus Johannes Manders, Eduardus Christianus Henricus Van Boxtel, Suyanto Teri Wahiyu Ten-Jet-Foei, Robert Rikkert
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Publication number: 20180186223Abstract: A wind deflector assembly includes a wind deflector member which extends in a transverse direction of the vehicle and is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The wind deflector member is connected to a first end of at least one pivotable wind deflector arm of which an opposite second end is at least pivotally connected to a stationary part. A biasing device engages the wind deflector arm and urges the wind deflector arm towards the extended position. The biasing device is at least pivotally connected to the stationary part through a pivot.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2017Publication date: July 5, 2018Inventors: Ruud Geurts, Peter Christiaan Leonardus Johannes Manders, Eduardus Christianus Henricus Van Boxtel, Suyanto Teri Wahiyu Ten-Jet-Foei, Robert Rikkert
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Patent number: 9950596Abstract: A sunshade assembly includes a flexible sunscreen and two opposed longitudinal guides for guiding longitudinal edges of the sunscreen. A rotatable winding shaft winds and unwinds the sunscreen. An operating beam is connected to the opposite transversal edge of the sunscreen. Two drive cables are connected to opposite ends of the operating beam. Two positioning members move with the operating beam. Each positioning member extends into a corresponding one of the opposed longitudinal guides. Each of the opposed longitudinal edges of the sunscreen near the opposite transversal edge is provided with a wing folded inward in a direction away from the respective positioning member, so that the wing and the respective positioning member are on opposite sides of the sunscreen. The wing accessible to the respective positioning member from the opposite side of the flexible sunscreen in order to engage the respective positioning member.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2016Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: INALFA ROOF SYSTEMS GROUP B.V.Inventors: Petrus Martinus Josephus Clephas, Ruud Geurts, Paulus Johannes Wilhelmus Munsters, Gerardus Franciscus Jacobus Haumann
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Patent number: 9649920Abstract: A roof assembly for a vehicle comprises a stationary part for attaching the roof assembly to the vehicle's fixed roof. At least one closing element is movably supported by the stationary part and is capable of moving between a closed position within the roof opening and an open position in which the rear of the closing element is raised and the closing element is moved rearwardly. The closing element is provided with at least a retaining hook configured to hook behind a locking device on the stationary part in the closed position of the closing element to provide a mechanical lock for the closing element in upward direction. The locking device is movable between a locking position and an unlocking position. The closing element is configured to actuate the locking device to move from the unlocked to the locked position when the closing element is moved to the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2016Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: INALFA ROOF SYSTEMS GROUP B.V.Inventors: Ronny Marinus Jacobus Snellenberg, Etienne Philippe Marcel André Coiffard, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Ruud Geurts
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Patent number: 9649918Abstract: A sunshade assembly comprises a flexible sunscreen having opposed longitudinal edges and opposed transversal edges, a rotatable winding shaft and an operating beam and two opposed longitudinal guides each defining a guide channel for receiving therein and guiding inwardly through an entrance opening folded parts of corresponding ones of said longitudinal edges of the sunscreen. The operating beam at opposite ends includes positioning members around which inwardly folded wings of the longitudinal edges of the sunscreen are positioned. The positioning members extend into corresponding ones of said longitudinal guides longitudinally in a direction towards the winding shaft such that the positioning members only at a leading end thereof facing away from the winding shaft are connected to the operating beam and are movable with the operating beam. Each positioning member is positioned entirely within the respective guide channel without extending through the entrance opening.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2015Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: INALFA ROOF SYSTEMS GROUP B.V.Inventors: Eduardus Christianus Henricus Van Boxtel, Ruud Geurts, Robert Rikkert, Paulus Johannes Wilhelmus Munsters, Joonggl Shin, Dave Keller
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Publication number: 20160368353Abstract: A sunshade assembly comprises a flexible sunscreen and two opposed longitudinal guides for guiding longitudinal edges of the sunscreen. A rotatable winding shaft is configured for winding and unwinding the sunscreen. An operating beam is connected to the opposite transversal edge of the sunscreen. Two drive cables are connected to opposite ends of the operating beam. Two positioning members are movable with the operating beam, wherein each positioning member extends into a corresponding one of said opposed longitudinal guides. Each of the opposed longitudinal edges of the sunscreen near the opposite transversal edge is provided with a wing folded inwards in a direction away from the respective positioning member, so that the wing and the positioning members are on opposite sides of the sunscreen. Each wing is made accessible to the respective positioning member from the opposite side of the flexible sunscreen in order to engage it.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2016Publication date: December 22, 2016Inventors: Petrus Martinus Josephus CLEPHAS, Ruud Geurts, Paulus Johannes Wilhelmus Munsters, Gerardus Franciscus Jacobus Haumann
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Publication number: 20160236557Abstract: A roof assembly for a vehicle comprises a stationary part for attaching the roof assembly to the vehicle's fixed roof. At least one closing element is movably supported by the stationary part and is capable of moving between a closed position within the roof opening and an open position in which the rear of the closing element is raised and the closing element is moved rearwardly. The closing element is provided with at least a retaining hook configured to hook behind a locking device on the stationary part in the closed position of the closing element to provide a mechanical lock for the closing element in upward direction. The locking device is movable between a locking position and an unlocking position. The closing element is configured to actuate the locking device to move from the unlocked to the locked position when the closing element is moved to the closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2016Publication date: August 18, 2016Inventors: Ronny Marinus Jacobus Snellenberg, Etienne Philippe Marcel André Coiffard, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Ruud Geurts
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Publication number: 20160221424Abstract: A sunshade assembly comprises a flexible sunscreen having opposed longitudinal edges and opposed transversal edges, a rotatable winding shaft and an operating beam and two opposed longitudinal guides each defining a guide channel for receiving therein and guiding inwardly through an entrance opening folded parts of corresponding ones of said longitudinal edges of the sunscreen. The operating beam at opposite ends includes positioning members around which inwardly folded wings of the longitudinal edges of the sunscreen are positioned. The positioning members extend into corresponding ones of said longitudinal guides longitudinally in a direction towards the winding shaft such that the positioning members only at a leading end thereof facing away from the winding shaft are connected to the operating beam and are movable with the operating beam. Each positioning member is positioned entirely within the respective guide channel without extending through the entrance opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2015Publication date: August 4, 2016Inventors: Eduardus Christianus Henricus Van Boxtel, Ruud Geurts, Robert Rikkert, Paulus Johannes Wilhelmus Munsters, Joonggl Shin, Dave Keller
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Patent number: 9321335Abstract: A roof assembly for a vehicle comprises a stationary part for attaching the roof assembly to the vehicle's fixed roof. At least one closing element is movably supported by the stationary part and is capable of moving between a closed position within the roof opening and an open position in which the rear of the closing element is raised and the closing element is moved rearwardly. The closing element is provided with at least a retaining hook configured to hook behind a locking device on the stationary part in the closed position of the closing element to provide a mechanical lock for the closing element in upward direction. The locking device is movable between a locking position and an unlocking position. The closing element is configured to actuate the locking device to move from the unlocked to the locked position when the closing element is moved to the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2014Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.Inventors: Ronny Marinus Jacobus Snellenberg, Etienne Philippe Marcel André Coiffard, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Ruud Geurts
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Patent number: 9227493Abstract: A roof system includes a closure that opens a roof opening in a vehicle. An operating mechanism for the closure includes a first device including a lever configured to move the rear edge of the closure towards a raised position above the roof. A second device includes a lever configured to move the front edge of the closure in a vertical direction. At least one of the levers has a first pivotal connection at a first end of the closure, and spaced second and third connections connecting the respective lever at least to a guiding slide. At least one of the levers is pivotally connected to a sliding member at one of said second and third connections. The sliding member is separate from the guiding slide, slides in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail and is supported by the guide rail in directions perpendicularly to the longitudinal sliding direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2014Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.Inventors: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Ruud Geurts
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Patent number: 8991912Abstract: A drive mechanism comprising a guide channel and a cooperating slide shoe the which guide channel comprises a first part extending in a substantially horizontal direction configured to move the shoe on a first level and a second part extending downwardly relative to said substantially horizontal direction configured to move the shoe to a lower second level an elongate drive member is attached to the shoe and extends along the channel, substantially in parallel to the first part of the channel. At least one portion of the shoe moves relative to the remainder of the shoe so as not to interfere with the drive member when the shoe is positioned at the lower second level. The drive member is located within the vertical projection at a level above the level assumed by the lowermost part of the slide shoe when the slide shoe is positioned at the lower second level.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.Inventors: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Ruud Geurts
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Patent number: 8960782Abstract: A drive mechanism includes a guide channel and a slide shoe. The guide channel comprises a first part extending in a substantially horizontal direction for moving the shoe on a first level, and a second part extending downwardly relative to the horizontal direction for moving the shoe to a lower second level. A drive member attaches to the shoe and extends along the channel, substantially parallel to the first part. The guide channel defines two spaced guide channel parts cooperating with two corresponding slide shoe parts. The slide shoe between its spaced slide shoe parts includes a recess allowing the slide shoe to move from the first to the second level without engaging the drive member. The drive member is located within the vertical projection at a level above the level assumed by at least one of the slide shoe parts when the slide shoe is at its second level.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2013Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.Inventors: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Ruud Geurts
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Publication number: 20150028631Abstract: A roof assembly for a vehicle comprises a stationary part for attaching the roof assembly to the vehicle's fixed roof. At least one closing element is movably supported by the stationary part and is capable of moving between a closed position within the roof opening and an open position in which the rear of the closing element is raised and the closing element is moved rearwardly. The closing element is provided with at least a retaining hook configured to hook behind a locking device on the stationary part in the closed position of the closing element to provide a mechanical lock for the closing element in upward direction. The locking device is movable between a locking position and an unlocking position. The closing element is configured to actuate the locking device to move from the unlocked to the locked position when the closing element is moved to the closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventors: Ronny Marinus Jacobus Snellenberg, Etienne Philippe Marcel André Coiffard, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Ruud Geurts