Having Water Drainage Or Guide Means Patents (Class 296/213)
  • Patent number: 6142557
    Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle having an opening in its fixed roof comprises a stationary part to be secured to the roof, which is provided with guide rails on either side of the roof opening. An adjustable closing element supported by said stationary part can be adjusted by means of mechanisms guided in said guide rails between a closed position, in which it closes the roof opening, and an open position, in which it releases the roof opening, at least partially so. Water drain means comprise stationary water gutters, which extend parallel to the guide rails, and a movable water gutter, which is disposed under the rear edge of said closing element, at least in the closed position thereof. The ends of the movable water gutter, which are mounted on slides, debouch above the stationary water gutters. The slides are fitted with mounting covers, which each engage over the associated end of the movable water gutter, thus holding it in position on said slides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Inalfa Industries B.V.
    Inventor: Alphonsus Theodorus Bernardus Rooijakkers
  • Patent number: 6073994
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding and lifting roof for motor vehicles with a cover (1) which selectively closes or at least partially exposes a roof opening (11) formed in a fixed part (8) of the vehicle roof, and with a movable gutter (4) which in the closed position of the cover engages under the rear edges of the cover (1) and a part of the fixed roof to the rear of the roof opening (11). The gutter (4) is joined by at least one elastic connection arm (5) to parts of the cover or a cover reinforcing part (3) at a distance from the rear edge (2) of the cover. In the closed position of the cover, the gutter is pressed against the underside of the cover (1) and the fixed roof part (8) by a prestressing of the connection arms (5). To ensure simple installation and provide reliable operation of the gutter (4), the connection arms (5) are made of an elastically flexible construction and are held by form-fit on the cover parts or cover reinforcing part (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Webasto Systemkomponenten GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Jardin, Oskar Braunsberger
  • Patent number: 6065801
    Abstract: In a frameless type automotive sunroof system, a pair of depending pieces extend from either side end portion of a rear drain channel member, and these depending pieces are each fitted into an opening formed in a rear end portion of a side frame member via a connecting member to attach the rear drain channel member across the side frame members. The connecting member adapted to be fitted in an opening formed in one of the side frame members, and having an upper slot adapted to receive the depending piece, and the connecting member is provided with a first snap fit arrangement for engagement with the side frame member opening, and a second snap fit arrangement for engagement with the depending piece. Thus, the attachment of the rear drain channel member to the side frame members can be accomplished simply by pushing the depending pieces into the openings in the corresponding side frame members with the connecting members interposed between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Yachiyo Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiichi Kawamura, Hiroyuki Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 6062636
    Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle having a fixed roof, in which an opening is provided, comprises guide rails to be mounted near the lateral edges of the roof opening. Slides which comprise displacement mechanisms for movably supporting a closing element for selectively closing or releasing the roof opening are guided in the guide rails. A water catching device includes a transversely extending, movable water drain are supported at the ends thereof by the slides and they are attached to the slides by a snap connection. The snap connection springs in a direction transversely to the guide rails, preferably in that the water drain and the slide abut against each other with a spring element, seen in the longitudinal direction of the guide rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Inalfa Industries B.V.
    Inventor: Edwin Johannes Richardus Wilhelmus Thyssen
  • Patent number: 6053568
    Abstract: A lamella-type sliding roof of a motor vehicle, has lamellae which, when the roof is, open, are tilted upward in a spaced manner with respect to one another and, particularly with respect to their closed position, are pushed on one another in a distance-reducing manner. A vehicle ceiling which is deformable and exercises a sealing function in a particularly simple and effective manner irrespective of the momentary position of the lamellae in their displacement direction extends in each case exclusively in an area situated below them. For this purpose, the deformable vehicle ceiling is constructed as a foil leading transversely to the displacement direction of the lamellae continuously into a dirt and water removal groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: DaimlerChrylser AG
    Inventor: Arno Jambor
  • Patent number: 6042177
    Abstract: In a roof structure for a vehicle, a side outer member and a roof member are combined at their side portions to provide a groove extending over at least midway of a boundary between the side outer and roof members. Each of the side outer and roof members comprises has exposed and unexposed surface portions: each of the unexposed surface portions has an inward bend and a lower margin. The side outer and roof members are overlapped at their exposed surface portions to provide an overlap such that a corner defined by the exposed and unexposed surface portions of the roof member is substantially aligned with a corner defined by the exposed and unexposed surface portions of the side outer member. The unexposed surface portions of the side outer and roof members are diagonal toward a center of a roof in a widthwise direction of the roof as they are away from the corners. At least one of the inward bends and lower margins of the side outer and roof members has a lug for overlap to provide a partial overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Hino Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yousuke Matushita, Manabu Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 6027160
    Abstract: A roof construction for a vehicle is provided with roof panelling, side wall panellings, a roof drain between the roof panelling and the side wall panellings, and forward and rearward roof frames. Between the roof panelling and the side wall panellings, a frame-shaped interior roof part is connected with the roof panelling and the side wall panellings. The roof panelling is provided with lateral lengthening strips which cover the roof drain at least largely on the top side. In the forward and in the rearward area, the interior roof part forms portions of the forward and of the rearward roof frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Daimlerchrysler AG
    Inventors: Martin Brodt, Klaus Kleinhans, Otto Rothfuss
  • Patent number: 6012766
    Abstract: A passenger vehicle is provided with a vehicle body including a roof panel and a body side panel. The roof panel and the body side panel are attached to one another along an attachment seam. The roof panel and body side panel combine to form a recessed channel along opposite sides of the attachment seam. An elongated trim member is received within said channel, overlying a portion of the attachment seam between the roof panel and the body side panel. The body side panels extend from a windshield of the vehicle to a rear of the vehicle body including a door surround portion integrally formed as a unitary member with a rear quarter portion of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis Myles
  • Patent number: 6003936
    Abstract: A replacement two-piece rigid top for a sport utility vehicle. Two-piece top (110) is provided with a rigid shell member (15) that covers and at least partially encloses the passenger area and rear cargo area of the sport utility vehicle, a removable rigid roof panel (20) that covers the forward passenger/driver area, and door panel members (25) that are removably engaged with and secured to the factory-installed half-doors on certain sport utility vehicles. Rigid shell member (15) is provided with a forward edge (35) that is specially configured so as to form a forward recessed region (40) that channels moisture away from the cabin of the sport utility vehicle. The roof panel (20) is removably secured to rigid shell member (15), and, preferably, forms a weather-tight junction proximate rearward edge (30) with rigid shell member (15). This allows the shell member (15) to remain on the vehicle while allowing the roof panel (20) to be selectively removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Fleet Air Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: W. Dale Gordon
  • Patent number: 5964979
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method for sealing a discontinuity in the surface of a substrate comprises the steps of: (a) placing over the discontinuity an article comprising (i) a melt-flowable composition characterized by a first width, and (ii) a shaped, polymeric cap having a pre-selected, cross-sectional profile characterized by a second width and a shape in which the thickness of the cup across its width, the width of the cap, or both the width and thickness of the cap vary; (b) heating the article to cause the melt-flowable composition to flow and seal the discontinuity, where the cap controls the melt-flow behavior of the melt-flowable composition to substantially confine the melt-flowable composition to the area underneath the cap; and (c) allowing the article to cool while substantially retaining the pre-selected cross-sectional profile of the cap. The present invention also includes various articles for use in the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Clayton A. George, Michael A. Johnson, Peggy S. Willett
  • Patent number: 5961177
    Abstract: A sunroof assembly (20) of an automotive vehicle employs dual sunroof panes, a pair of movable sunshades and a control system for operating the function thereof. In one aspect of the present invention, a sunroof assembly provides a substantially transparent front pane (22) which is slidable from a covering position to a retracted position and a substantially transparent rear pane (24) movable from a covering position to an open position. In another aspect of the present invention, a sunroof assembly (20) provides a pair of substantially transparent panes in combination with a front sunshade (26) and a rear sunshade (28). The sunshades are movable from a functional position to a stowed position. In a further aspect of the present invention, a control system (32) provides an electric switch assembly (30), electrical circuit and software for operating the panes and sunshades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: ASC Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark A. Caye, David A. Smith
  • Patent number: 5950366
    Abstract: A seal structure is provided for a vehicle having a removable roof member. Advantageously, the single integral seal structure seals between a front end of the roof member, an upper edge of a windshield, and a header rail. The seal structure includes a base retainer portion secured to the header rail and a windshield lip portion covering and sealing against the upper edge of the windshield. The windshield lip portion is integrally coupled to the base retainer portion. The seal structure also includes a weatherstrip portion integrally coupled with the windshield lip portion and the base retainer portion for sealably engaging the front end of the roof member. Preferably, the weatherstrip portion includes at least one hollow weatherstrip bulb for sealably engaging the forward end of the roof member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Robert Uhlmeyer
  • Patent number: 5941598
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for an automotive vehicle sunroof assembly employs a moving cam and a stationary cam, both of which are engaged by a sunroof pane supporting carriage with cam followers. The specific camming surfaces cause the carriage and pane to move between closed, vent and open position. A method of operating a sunroof assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: ASC Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark A. Cave, Robert J. Boutin
  • Patent number: 5902008
    Abstract: A drainage structure for use in a sunroof apparatus is provided including a pair of drain drips (7) respectively attached to one ends of a pair of longitudinally extending opposite guide rails (3) of the sunroof apparatus mounted on a vehicle roof (2), the pair of drain drips (7) each having a drain path portion (9) and a communication path portion (11), the respective communication path portions (11) of the pair of drain drips (7) being interconnected through a communication tube (10) and oriented toward a transversely central side of the vehicle roof (2). With this drainage structure, even when water flows from an upper one of the drain drips (7) to a lower one of the drain drips (7) due to tilting of the vehicle to the right and left, the water is less likely to flow into a lower one of the guide rails (3) and hence is prevented from leaking into the inside of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Daikyo-Webasto Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsukasa Butsuen, Shinichi Nakamori, Keisuke Takayama
  • Patent number: 5899523
    Abstract: A downwardly sloped rain-deflecting trim molding with an attachment system that consists of two insert prongs that engage into existing camping type recreational vehicle molding rails. A concave cross-section opening from the insert prong side going inward toward the downwardly sloped rain-deflection portion, allowing clearance for the existing recreational vehicle molding attachment screws. A caulking channel between the top edge of the downwardly sloped rain-deflecting slope and the existing recreational vehicle molding. It is made by extruding poly vinyl chloride through a die cut in the shape of the rain-deflecting trim molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventors: Larry L. Richards, Joseph A. Keppler
  • Patent number: 5829825
    Abstract: A roof drip construction for an automobile which includes a roof panel and a side outer panel welded to each other forming a rain passage whose lower width is larger than its upper width. A mould having a plurality of wings is fitted in the rain passage while the wings are in close contact with the inside walls of the roof panel and the side outer panel defining the rain passage. Stud pins mounted on the roof panel are fitted in the mould so as to prevent the mould from being removed out of the rain passage. A rain gutter is formed at the side outer paenl to prevent raindrops in the rain passage from flowing downward along the side door of the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Kyung Sin Kim
  • Patent number: 5810429
    Abstract: A vehicle roof (1) having a cover (3) which, selectively, can close or at least partially expose a roof opening (2). A liner (6) which is made of a waterproof transparent material is slidably arranged below the cover (3). Contrary to a known design, in which the transparent liner, in combination with an opaque cover, does offer a variety of options regarding light transmission of the entire vehicle roof, the vehicle roof of the present invention provides an additional ventilation possibility, in that the liner (6) has ventilation openings (21) which are designed to prevent water penetration. The ventilation openings, preferably, have rearward facing slots (23) and can selectively be exposed or closed by way of movable parts (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Webasto Systemkomponenten GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Jardin, Werner Paetz
  • Patent number: 5803011
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle with hull having a hull serving as a roof when mounted on a car detachably fixed on the upper part of a car body, and by detachably mounting and fixing the hull with the ship's bottom directed upward on the upper part of the car body of the vehicle from which the roof is removed, particular carriage is not needed when transporting the hull, and the Overall length is not extended when transporting the hull, and moreover the hull can be used as the roof when mounted on the car, and when dismounted,it can be used as the hull itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Akira Tatsumi
  • Patent number: 5727839
    Abstract: An elastic seal is provided in the region of the abutment edges of adjacent roof parts. The elastic seal is arranged on a water-discharge channel of a rear roof part and exhibits an integral, elastically compliant sealing section which, by means of an abutment edge of the movable roof part, depending on an opening or a closing movement of said roof part, can be moved between a relieved rest position, in which it forms a splash guard and is opened out upwards, and a loaded position, in which it covers over the water discharge means in a sealing manner. The roof parts are part of a lamella roof of a passenger car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventors: Erich Ruhringer, Wolfgang Adam, Volker Richters
  • Patent number: 5718472
    Abstract: In an automotive slide roof system comprising a slide roof panel which is capable of both tilting and sliding to provide two modes of opening a part of a fixed roof of a motor vehicle, each of the stays for the slide panel is provided with a cam slot including an inclined section which is adapted to tilt up a rear end portion of the slide panel as elevator links guided by guide rails are pushed forward from a fully closed state by push-pull cables, and lateral pins attached to the elevator links move forward inside the cam slots, and the elevator links are adapted to tilt forward as the elevator links are pulled rearward from the fully closed state of the slide panel by the push-pull cables, thereby lowering a rear end of the slide panel so as to allow the slide panel to be slid open without being interfered by a part of the fixed roof located behind the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Yachiyo Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Joji Otake, Yoshitaka Higuchi
  • Patent number: 5687669
    Abstract: An amphibious vehicle having a pontoon assembly including a pair of pontoons and a set of wheels operably attached to the pontoons which are pivotally coupled to a vehicle frame structure such that the pontoons are positionable between a raised position whereby the wheels are deployed for providing land travel and a lowered position whereby the pontoons are deployed for providing marine travel. A pivot assembly interconnects the pontoon assembly to the frame structure. The amphibious vehicle further includes an engine, a jet propulsion unit and a drive train for selectively transmitting torque generated by the engine to the wheels for propelling the amphibious vehicle during land use and to the jet drive for propelling the amphibious vehicle during marine use. A mechanical steering interlock positively connects and disconnects the steering of the set of wheel when the pontoon assembly is positioned in the raised and lowered positions respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventor: Manfred W. Engler
  • Patent number: 5664827
    Abstract: A sun-roof device for use in a vehicle having a roof includes an open portion formed in the roof and having a pair of parallel spaced side peripheries each of which extends in a lengthwise direction of the vehicle. A frame is fixed to the roof so as to be located below the roof and has a pair of guide rails each of which extends along a side periphery of the opening portion. A movable panel is provided for opening and closing the opening portion and a pair of sliding members are connected to the movable panel for moving the movable panel. The sliding members are each guided in one of the guide rails so as to be slidable in the lengthwise direction of the vehicle, and a draining groove member for draining water on the frame is provided below the frame and separate from the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keiji Mori, Kenji Hori, Katsuaki Kadoike, Hiroyuki Yano
  • Patent number: 5575527
    Abstract: A fastening device for a decorative or cover strip for gaps in motor vehicle bodies, has a holding body which can be inserted and wedged into the gap and which holds the decorative or covering strip. The holding body made of several parts includes lateral bracing elements, which can be braced against lateral walls of the gap via a spreading element. The spreading element is provided between the bracing elements and is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the gap. The decorative or cover strip can be fixed on the spreading element. In this manner, the decorative or cover strip can always be fastened centered, regardless of tolerance-related fluctuations of the gap width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventor: Klaus Pfister
  • Patent number: 5527086
    Abstract: A sun-roof device for use in a vehicle having a roof includes an opening portion formed in the roof and having a pair of parallel spaced side peripheries each of which extends in a lengthwise direction of the vehicle and a front periphery extending in a width direction of the vehicle, a pair of parallel spaced guide rails extending along the pair of side peripheries of the opening portion, respectively, a front frame extending along the front periphery of the opening portion, a movable panel for opening and closing the opening portion, a pair of sliding members for moving the movable panel which are located in the pair of guide rails, respectively, a guide plate fixed to a lower face of the front frame and forming a pair of passages connected to front ends of the pair of guide rails together with the lower face of the front frame, a pair of cables in the pair of passages, respectively and connected to the pair of sliding members, respectively, and a driving member for driving the cables in opposite directions
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keiji Mori, Hironori Ochiai, Akitoshi Sometani
  • Patent number: 5466038
    Abstract: A sliding roof device for vehicles includes a pair of guide rails each being oppositely provided in vehicle longitudinal direction, an opening provided in a vehicle roof, a roof panel slidable in the vehicle longitudinal direction along the pair of guide rails for opening and closing the opening of the roof, a U-shaped extension formed integrally with the pair of guide rails and a rain gutter having a U-shaped channel and motor drive bracket which is provided on the U-shaped extension of the guide rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naofumi Fujie, Kenichi Fukura, Koichi Ito, Tetsuya Hirata, Naoto Nishio
  • Patent number: 5413398
    Abstract: Roof molding assembly structure for an automobile comprising a clip having several elastic pieces and two engaging protrusions, one of the elastic pieces supporting the under surface of the roof molding, the second elastic piece being contacted on the bottom surface of the fitting groove, and the third elastic piece being contacted on the side wall of the fitting groove; and a roof molding having two wings downwardly protruded from the both longitudinal ends thereof respectively. The inner end portion of a roof side panel is vertically raised and horizontally curved for securing the third elastic piece of the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Choong Y. Kim
  • Patent number: 5375904
    Abstract: A spoiler roof for a vehicle having a roof opening in its fixed roof comprises a frame including on either side of the roof opening longitudinal guide sections. A water gutter normally positioned under the rear edge of the roof opening extends in transverse direction of the vehicle and over the guide sections. A closure element is displaceable from a closed position in the roof opening upwardly and backwardly to an open position above the fixed roof. An adjusting member on either side of the closure element supports the closure element movably and is displaceably guided in the respective guide section. According to the invention, the water gutter is supported by the frame in a manner backwardly movable such that, when the closure element is moved backwardly, the water gutter automatically moves backwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Vermeulen-Hollandia Octrooien II B.V.
    Inventor: Johannes N. Huyer
  • Patent number: 5342107
    Abstract: A vehicular roof drip moulding comprising a substantially U-shaped clamp portion adapted to be fitted onto a flange portion on the side body of an automotive vehicle in a clamped state, and a pressure contact portion extending from one side part of said clamp portion and coming in pressure contact with the side body under the effect of resilient force of the clamp portion. The other one of the pair of oppositely located pieces has a sectional height which is varied in correspondence to variation of height of the side body from location to location in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignees: Suzuki Motor Corporation, Nishikawa Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohide Saji, Yoshihisa Inoue, Asajiro Kii
  • Patent number: 5335961
    Abstract: A vehicle roof for closing an aperture in a fixed roof surface comprising a series of strip-like plates. In closing the roof, the plates lie edge to edge to form a flat sheet. The plates are mounted on guide tracks in a roof frame fixed beneath the roof surface around the aperture. Each plate is carried on the guide tracks at two locations, and the plates can be moved rearwards and tilted. In the roof open position, the plates are pivoted upward and lie substantially parallel to one another. The pivoting takes place towards the rear of the aperture as each plate is completing its rearward movement. The plates remain engaged with both guide track locations at all times and this ensures the stability of the assembly. In each case, a drip molding is hinged at least on a part of the plates. The drip moldings are guided to slide along lengthwise guideways, and they take part only in the sliding movements of the respective plates, not their pivoting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Webasto Karosseriessysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Burkhard Reinsch, Peter Reihl
  • Patent number: 5332282
    Abstract: A sun-roof housing comprises a main body formed into a U-shaped configuration with two corners and having a first gutter portion therealong and pair of laterally spaced rail portions for guiding a roof member, a cut-out portion formed at each of the corner by which the first gutter portion is divided into discontinuous segments, and a cover having a second gutter portion defined by an inner side wall and an outer side wall and set to be fixed to each corner of the main body in such a manner that the second gutter portion is located in the cut-out portion so as to be in fluid communication with the separated segments and the inner side wall is in fluid tight engagement with each corner of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Maeda, Kenichiro Hayashi, Mitsuyoshi Masuda, Hirofumi Nishikawa, Kasuhiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5294016
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved cover for a waste container composed of multiple formed cover sections, the cover sections interlock to fluid proof seal. The cover sections have a cross section which induces fluids to flow outwardly off of the cover sections, thereby preventing fluids from leaking into the material within the container. The cover sections are secured on the container by their own weight and are stackable, providing for compact storage when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: The Modern Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Will B. Crenshaw
  • Patent number: 5209546
    Abstract: A water-tight structure for draining liquid and method for forming the structure applicable to a hatch-roof (T-bar roof) type vehicle are disclosed in which a V-shaped groove of a first weatherstrip disposed aside a center pillar of a vehicle body, opening of a roof onto which a detachable hatch roof is attached, and a front pillar receives a wedge-shaped end of a second weatherstrip disposed along a side edge of the hatch roof in a tongue and groove joint form at a position of the center pillar bridged to the roof, a draining passage in a closed cross section is formed between a vehicle body panel and finisher both constituting the center pillar, a flange portion is integrally extended from that part of the first weatherstrip in the rearward direction, the flange portion being elastically contacted with the hatch roof and finisher and introducing water such as rain drops from the rain water passage into another drain water passage, and a terminal portion of the first weatherstrip is formed by means of a mold
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Kinugawa Rubber Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minekazu Hasegawa, Keiichi Ikeda, Junichi Fujihira
  • Patent number: 5184869
    Abstract: In order to reduce the installed height of an elevatable sliding roof, guide rails supporting a rigid roof cover in a sliding roof cassette are given an arched shape corresponding to the contour of the vehicle roof. A gutter extending underneath a gap between the rear roof cover edge and the edge of the opening in the roof is shifted toward the rear when the roof cover is lowered into a sliding position. The roof cover consists of two half shells which are glued to each other and a roof cover seal is located along the periphery of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Assignee: Karosseriewerke Weinsberg GmbH
    Inventor: Kurt Bauer
  • Patent number: 5149170
    Abstract: Vehicle roof with a cover for, alternatively closing and at least partially opening a roof opening, with a sliding inside roof headliner for, alternatively, closing and at least partially opening a framed opening lying under the roof opening, with a respective drip molding running in the longitudinal vehicle direction under each side of the roof opening, with longitudinal guide mechanisms, along which the cover is displaced by a drive device in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, extending along the drip moldings; and wherein, according to preferred embodiments of the invention, a water catching device that is located under the rear edge of the roof opening, at least when the cover is in its forwardmost position, and that catches water coming in there and diverts it into the lateral drip moldings, is formed by the sliding inside roof headliner, itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Webasto AG Fahrzeugtechnik
    Inventors: Hirco Matsubara, Kurt Meier, Georg Kohlpaintner, Horst Bienert
  • Patent number: 5106149
    Abstract: A door glass weatherstripping for a motor vehicle comprises a main body; a gap-filling seal for filling the space between the edge of the surrounding surfaces and the edges of the window; a window positioning portion having a hardness greater than at least the gap-filling seal portion for guiding the window in its uppermost position thereby assuring lateral location of the window; and a gutter forming lip positioned so that substantially all the water dripping off the portion of the roof or surrounding surfaces where the weatherstrip is attached is prevented from entering the interior of the vehicle. The weatherstrip section on hardtop-type window systems may be positioned such that it extends around the whole door opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Donald L. Glossop, Jr., Charles J. Haddad
  • Patent number: 5104178
    Abstract: A frame for a vehicle roof of the type having a roof opening in a fixed vehicle roof surface and a cover for closing the roof opening and a device for displacing the cover to a position at least partially opening the roof opening by at least one of sliding and lifting motions, has two lateral side parts which are made of metal and extend in transversely spaced apart relationship to each other, parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, an injection molded synthetic plastic front part to which corner parts, serving as transition areas to the lateral side parts are directly molded, and at least one cross member interconnecting said lateral side parts. The lateral side parts have guides for cover guide members which support the cover for displacement therealong and which cooperate with a drive unit at the front part via pressure-resistant drive cables. Guide tubes for the pressure-resistant drive cables are at least partially embedded into the molded material of the front part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Webasto AG Fahrzeugtechnik
    Inventor: Horst Bienert
  • Patent number: 5100197
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle sunroof structure including a roof panel formed witha roof opening. The roof panel is reinforced by reinforcement members each of which is located near the roof opening. Each reinforcement member is disposed to connect the roof panel and a guide rail for a sunroof lid fittable within the roof opening. The reinforcement member is formed with a plurality of brackets each of which is formed by bending the tip end section of the reinforcement member. Each bracket extends inward of the vehicle and under the roof opening. The bracket is fixedly secured to the guide rail, so that the dimension of the roof opening in the direction of the vehicle width is enlarged thereby offseting the guide rail from the upward side of the passenger's head to the lateral side of the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisao Ichinose, Haruo Mochida
  • Patent number: 5074610
    Abstract: A novel method of producing molding members for automobiles, formed at least partly of a synthetic resin material is disclosed. According to the method of the invention, synthetic resin material is extrusion molded into a continuous body with a substantially constant cross-section throughout the entire length thereof. A controlled amount of the material is removed from a predetermined location of the continuous body, corresponding to a water flow blocking projection, synchronously with the extrusion molding of the material, such that the cross-section of the continuous body varies in the longitudinal direction of the body. The continuous body subjected to the controlled removal of the material is then cut into the predetermined length of the molding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Assignee: Hashimoto Forming Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Tamura, Nobuo Igarashi, Sadao Konno, Hiroyuki Nakajima
  • Patent number: 5066068
    Abstract: A panel moving mechanism for a sunshine roof of the type in which the rear end of a panel for closing an opening of the roof of a vehicle is raised and lowered. The mechanism includes a shoe and an arm which are pivotally connected. A pair of pins protrude from the arm and are inserted into respective guide grooves provided in a guide block and a bracket connected to the panel. The longitudinal axes of these guide grooves are bent at the middle sections thereof and are arranged in such a manner that they are not parallel. When the shoe moves toward the front end of the vehicle, the arm is gradually brought to a raised position, thereby raising the rear end of the panel. When the shoe moves toward the rear end of the vehicle, the arm is gradually brought to a horizontal position, thereby lowering the rear end of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuhiro Suzuki, Akira Nishimura, Takatsugu Yamauchi, Kazuhisa Nagata, Hironori Ochiai
  • Patent number: 5052744
    Abstract: In a slide roof system, guide rail stays are provided with engagement portions for securing a trough member, onto an inner frame, for receiving rain water which may drip from the slide roof panel. Since the guide rail stays are provided externally of the trough member which extends along the periphery of the opening of the inner frame, there are no sealing necessities for the trough member which may be made of an integral member made of synthetic resin. According to a preferred embodiment, a base member of a spring-loaded, retractable air deflector unit is provided with a longitudinal projection at its front end so as to be received by an engagement hole provided in a lateral piece extending from a part of the guide rail stays into the groove defined by a trough member, and an extension at its rear end which extends rearwardly over a rear end of the expanded portion of the trough member and fixedly secured to the inner frame by means of an engagement between a longitudinal slot and a threaded bolt and nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Honda Giken Hogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Norihide Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 5048889
    Abstract: A mounting unit for providing a complete sliding roof assembly to a motor vehicle roof having an opening therein. The mounting unit includes an assembly frame adapted to be seated on an external peripheral edge of the vehicle roof surrounding the opening and providing a guide rail at each side of the opening, at least one sliding element in each of the guide rails, a cover for closing the roof opening, pivot means mounting a leading edge of the cover for pivoting movement, and a pivotally mounted opening lever in each guide rail and connected to the cover for supporting the cover when it is raised. Swivel bearings are provided for connecting one side of the frame assembly to the vehicle roof, and a locking mechanism is also provided. The frame assembly, guide rails, cover and opening levers are mountable to the vehicle roof from above as a unit, and the assembly frame may be pivoted about the swivel bearings to pivot the mounting unit away from the roof opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Rockwell-Golde G.m.b.H.
    Inventors: Rainer Hattass, Dieter Federmann
  • Patent number: 5046779
    Abstract: A sunroof structure for an automotive vehicle comprising a sunroof lid. The sunroof lid includes a center panel made of glass. A surrounding panel formed of sheet metal is securely fixed around the center panel. The surrounding panel is formed thereunder with a link receiving space in which a link bracket of a driving link mechanism is received. The link bracket is drivingly connected to the surrounding panel so that the driving link mechanism drives the sunroof lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisao Ichinose, Yoshimitsu Takeda
  • Patent number: 5040845
    Abstract: A sliding roof for a vehicle of which the fixed roof (1) is provided with a roof opening (2), comprises a longitudinal guide (4) near both longitudinal edges of the roof opening (2). A panel (3) is slidably guided in the longitudinal guides (4) such that the panel (3) is adapted to be slid from a closed position in which it closes the roof opening (2) both rearwardly and forwardly under the fixed roof (1) to open the roof opening (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: Vermeulen-Hollandia Octrooien II B.V.
    Inventor: Johannes N. Huyer
  • Patent number: 5029931
    Abstract: A strip of molding which is installed on the side edge of windshield glass, being insertingly mounted on one end of a strip of channel having a U-shaped cross section, and being able to be installed together with a strip of drip seal, permitting to reduce installation time and create a neat appearance. A connective portion which comes in contact with the drip seal can be provided in the cross section of the windshield molding so that any abnormal sounds will be eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignees: Aichi Kikai Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Kinugawa Gomu Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Asaba, Shoji Inoue, Yuji Nagahashi
  • Patent number: 5022705
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a lid guide structure for a sun roof device. The lid guide structure comprises a first elongate member, and second and third elongate members extending in parallel from longitudinal ends of the first elongate member. Each of the second and third elongate members includes a longitudinally extending gutter portion which is defined between outboard and inboard walls. Mutually facing surfaces of the outboard and inboard walls are each formed at a major flat part thereof with a longitudinally extending channel leaving a longitudinally extending ridge at the upper end of each wall. Each of the longitudinally extending channels is defined by two inclined surfaces, one surface close to the longitudinally extending ridge and one remote from the ridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: Ohi Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Takahashi
  • Patent number: 5013083
    Abstract: A roof molding including a base member having clip engaging surfaces at both ends thereof, and clips secured to the clip engaging surfaces of the base member. The clip includes a main body fixedly engageable with the clip engaging surfaces of the base member and an engaging strip engageable with an existing member positioned in a groove formed on an automobile roof. When the molding is installed into the groove, the engaging strip of the clip is engaged with the existing member positioned in the groove to secure the molding therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: Tokai Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukihiko Yada, Toshio Hirose
  • Patent number: 5009464
    Abstract: A water-tight structure for draining liquid and method for forming the structure applicable to a hatch-roof (T-bar roof) type vehicle are disclosed in which a V-shaped groove of a first weatherstrip disposed aside a center pillar of a vehicle body, the opening of a roof onto which a detachable hatch roof is attached, and a front pillar, receives a wedge-shaped end of a second weatherstrip disposed along a side edge of the hatch roof in a tongue and groove joint at a position of the center pillar bridged to the roof, a draining passage in a closed cross section is formed between a vehicle body panel and finisher both constituting the center pillar, a flange portion is integrally extended from that part of the first weatherstrip in the rearward direction, the flange portion being elastically contacted with the hatch roof and finisher and introducing water such as rain drops from the rain water passage into another drain water passage, and a terminal portion of the first weatherstrip is formed by means of a mold
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: Kinugawa Rubber Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minekazu Hasegawa, Keiichi Ikeda, Junichi Fujihira
  • Patent number: 5002216
    Abstract: A roof rack mounting system for vehicle having concealed drip moldings in mounting plates are riveted to the roof return of a vehicle, on opposite sides of the vehicle underneath a vehicle upper door lip. Each mounting plate has two pins which fit into cups or slots formed on a foot plate. A leg section connects each foot plate to a hollow transverse beam. One leg section is movable and has a screw extending through the leg section and engaging a nut secured to the inside of the tranverse beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Assignee: Gerber Group Ltd.
    Inventor: Gary A. Gerber
  • Patent number: 4995665
    Abstract: A sliding/tilting sunroof structure whose overall height is kept relatively small by using an actuating linkage with sliding front and rear guides with a pivoting link extending from each guide to the sunroof panel. A rear portion of the front link is additionally guided by a front portion of the rear guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Company, Ltd., Johnan Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisao Ichinose, Yoshimitsu Takeda, Tsuyoshi Sato, Hiroshi Imai
  • Patent number: 4987522
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a roof member and illumination device mountable to a ceiling portion of a head guard in a forklift without interfering with each other. The illumination device has a `C` shaped light mounting bracket, and the roof member has an upward facing depression formed in one portion of the peripheral drip edge groove so that the roof member can be inserted in between the upper and lower portion of the light mounting bracket. Also, the roof member has a window portion provided for upper observation, this window portion bulging upwards to improve water drainage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Takayuki Miyano, Shinsuke Nii