Abstract: A releasable hinge device for panels which are removably mounted to fixed frame structures, the device being designed more particularly for association with removable-type glass panels employed with vehicle sunroofs. A pair of such hinge devices is attached adjacent the leading edge of a panel, each device including a flexible hinge member having an extended pivotal tongue member arranged to be removably received in a retainer member that is secured within the fixed frame structure of the sunroof. Slidably mounted to the hinge member is a latch cover which, when placed in a latching mode, locks the tongue member to the retainer member. In order to remove the panel from the frame structure, the latch cover of each hinge device is slidably disengaged from the respective retainer members, whereby the panel is readily removed, thus allowing the opening defined by the frame structure to be relatively free from protruding obstructions.

Abstract: A frame structure for vehicle-type sunroofs and like window panels, in combination with a fastening device, wherein the frame structure includes an inner disposed peripheral seal to be engaged by a typical hinged panel. The frame structure defines a peripheral jamb secured in an opening formed in the roof panel of a vehicle, the jamb having a compression-cantilevered clamping bar, the clamping bar being arranged and secured to the frame structure in such a manner as to be positioned between the vehicle roof panel and the interior headliner, whereby neither the frame nor the clamping bar is exposed within the vehicle.

Abstract: A detachable latching device adapted for use with movable panels, and more particularly for use in combination with removable panels and the related fixed frame structure such as employed in sun-roofs for vehicles, wherein the device comprises a toggle-jointed latch having a pair of toggle bars wherein one defines a latch-handle-link member and the other a toggle arm, each being pivotally connected to the other at one end. The opposite end of the handle-link member is pivotally connected to a mounting bracket attached to the panel; and the toggle bar is pivotally connected to a demountable anchor bracket removably secured to the fixed frame structure wherein the anchor bracket includes a pair of oppositely disposed cleat members that are removably lockable to the fixed frame structure.

Abstract: A disengageable hinge device adapted for use with a pivotal-type roof panel, generally referred to as a sun roof, whereby the panel can be removed from the associated frame structure which is affixed to the roof of the vehicle, therein defining an opening, the hinge device comprising the combination of the frame structure having an annular channel adapted to have mounted thereto one or more hinge-retainer body members, wherein the retainer body is positioned to removably accept and engage a hinge-tongue member that is fixedly secured along one edge of the panel member, whereby the panel is pivotally connected to the annular frame structure so as to be positioned in an open or closed mode, and yet provide for the complete separation of the panel from its frame.

Abstract: A method of bending various sizes and shapes of flat glass sheets or plates, wherein there is created a curved glass window assembly providing a radius of curvature along a single longitudinal plane. The method includes providing a sheet of substantially flat glass of any specified thickness and mounting the glass in a frame structure disposed along the peripheral edge of the glass, the frame structure being formed from a rigid, bendable frame member and a pliable plastic or like molding positioned between the frame member, and then applying force to the rigid frame so as to cause the frame to adapt to a curvature relative to the applied force, whereby the glass therein will assume the radius curvature formed in the attached rigid frame structure. By this method, straight or flat glass may be curved, and curved glass may be given a different radius of curvature from the free state.