Abstract: Wind deflector assemblies for an opening of a vehicle roof having a plurality of pretensioned movable arms. In one approach, a wind deflector assembly for a vehicle having a roof opening, is provided having a wind deflector guide attached to a vehicle along a front edge of the roof opening in a generally transverse axis of the vehicle on its lower edge; the wind deflector guide extendible above the roof opening by attachment on its upper edge to a plurality of movable deflector arms mounted to and extending rearward along a generally longitudinal axis of the vehicle; the plurality of movable deflector arms having an pretensioning element to extend the wind deflector guide from a retracted position to a deployed position. The plurality of movable deflector arms can be two reciprocal assemblies of three deflector arms, each assembly movable on four pivot mounts.

Abstract: A pinch detector for a movable panel is provided having a deformable and resilient channel; a sonic wave transmitter at one end of the channel having a predetermined output; a sonic wave receiver at a second end of the channel; and a controller connected to the transmitter and receiver; wherein the controller selectively activates the transmitter and generates a command in response to a predetermined attenuation of sonic wave input from the sonic wave receiver. The predetermined output of the sonic wave transmitter is in the range of about 30 to 50 kHz at a range of about 3 to 24 volts, but is preferably about 40 kHz at about 5 volts. The deformable and resilient channel can be disposed within a sealing element of a movable panel. Optionally, the sonic wave can be modulated. Compositions for the sonic tube can include latex, rubber, EPDM, foam, combinations thereof, and the like.

Abstract: A panel mounting structure for a vehicle is provided having a substrate; a panel; and a separable sound reduction member disposed between the panel and the substrate and being configured to separate into at least two pieces that each remain in substantially fixed relation to a different one of the panel and the substrate, and having a material selected so that the impact of the pieces with each other causes relatively little sound. The material can be configured to separate to form the at least two pieces due to relative motion between the substrate and panel. In specific embodiments, the sound reduction member can be comprised of a sound reduction member, such as felt, or a sound reduction member layer and an adherent backing layer.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a vehicle movable panel is provided having a drive cable coupled to a slide mechanism disposed within a guide track by a coupling interface. The coupling interface can include a rigid support structure connected to the drive cable, a composite over-mold, and at least one load bearing zone to spread the load from a high force event from the slide mechanism. A first load bearing zone can have a foot on the rigid support structure extended into a slot on the drive mechanism, but preferably can include a second load bearing zone having a pair of fore and aft tabs extending from the rigid support structure configured to generally abut internal edges a pair of fore and after sliding pads on the sliding mechanism, the fore and after tabs connected by an over-molded continuous load bearing member.

Abstract: A sunshade assembly.

Abstract: An arrangement and process for conversion of a single panel sunroof into a two panel sunroof uses corner adaptor pieces with planar sides that form an outside corner and a concave inner contour extending between ends of the planar sides, the contour being matched to a rounded corner curvature of a cover panel of a single panel sunroof, such that two such cover panels having corner adaptor pieces thereon can seal relative to the roof opening and relative to each other within the roof opening. A roller blind assembly enables a roller blind to be added by the provision of track inserts for guiding of the roller blind during opening and closing thereof, each of the track inserts being attachable at an inner side of a respective guide track on the sunroof frame.

Abstract: An arrangement and process for conversion of a single panel sunroof into a two panel sunroof uses corner adaptor pieces with planar sides that form an outside corner and a concave inner contour extending between ends of the planar sides, the contour being matched to a rounded corner curvature of a cover panel of a single panel sunroof, such that two such cover panels having corner adaptor pieces thereon can seal relative to the roof opening and relative to each other within the roof opening. A roller blind assembly enables a roller blind to be added by the provision of track inserts for guiding of the roller blind during opening and closing thereof, each of the track inserts being attachable at an inner side of a respective guide track on the sunroof frame.

Abstract: A double pivot notch-brake hinge for securing a door to a motor vehicle body, including a first leaf or connector securable to a door pillar of the vehicle body, a second leaf or connector securable to the door, and a U-shaped link pivotally connecting the first and the second leaves. The U-shaped link has two opposite legs at its respective ends, and gudgeons for receiving hinge pins and defining, respectively, pillar-side and door-side pivot connections of the U-shaped link with the first and the second connectors. The pillar and door side pivots are checked with a resistance pivot using a notch-brake mechanism, which allows controlled movement of the pivot.

Abstract: A convertible top for a vehicle having a vehicle body has a backlite having a first position corresponding to a retracted position of the convertible top and a second position corresponding to a deployed position of the convertible top. A floating bow is connected to the backlite, the floating bow having a raised position when the backlite is in the second position and a lowered position when the backlite is in the first position. An attachment device connects the floating bow to the vehicle body, the attachment device including a base section attachable to the vehicle body and an adjustment section connected to the floating bow and moveable with respect to the base section for adjusting the raised position of the floating bow.

Abstract: A backlite retention system for a motor vehicle convertible roof includes a roof canopy defining an opening therein, an outer ring disposed along an edge of the opening and adjacent an outer side of the canopy, and a transparent backlite adhesively bonded to an outer surface of the outer ring. In addition, a method for attaching a backlite to a roof canopy of a convertible motor vehicle includes fastening an outer ring to the roof canopy adjacent an outer side of the canopy along an opening in the canopy, and adhesively bonding a backlite to an outer surface of the outer member.

Abstract: A double pivot notch-brake hinge for securing a door to a motor vehicle body, including a first leaf or connector securable to a door pillar of the vehicle body, a second leaf or connector securable to the door, and a U-shaped link pivotally connecting the first and the second leaves. The U-shaped link has two opposite legs at its respective ends, and gudgeons for receiving hinge pins and defining, respectively, pillar-side and door-side pivot connections of the U-shaped link with the first and the second connectors. The pillar and door side pivots are checked with a resistance pivot using a notch-brake mechanism, which allows controlled movement of the pivot.

Abstract: A cover assembly for a vehicle having a convertible top stowage area and a trunk. The cover assembly includes a stowage cover and an intermediate panel disposed between the trunk and the convertible top stowage area. The assembly also includes a connecting apparatus attached to the stowage cover and the intermediate panel. The connecting apparatus is configured to guide the stowage cover between a covering position, in which the stowage cover is covering the convertible top stowage area, and a stored position, in which the stowage cover is located in the trunk. In addition, a method for covering a convertible top of a vehicle that includes a convertible top stowage area and a trunk.

Abstract: A backlite retention system for a motor vehicle convertible roof includes a roof canopy defining an opening therein, an outer ring disposed along an edge of the opening and adjacent an outer side of the canopy, and a transparent backlite adhesively bonded to an outer surface of the outer ring. In addition, a method for attaching a backlite to a roof canopy of a convertible motor vehicle includes fastening an outer ring to the roof canopy adjacent an outer side of the canopy along an opening in the canopy, and adhesively bonding a backlite to an outer surface of the outer member.

Abstract: A double pivot door hinge for a door of a motor vehicle that includes a first hinge assembly, a second hinge assembly, and a connecting member rigidly joining the first and second hinge assemblies. The first hinge assembly includes a first door connector for connecting to the door of the motor vehicle, a first pillar connector for connecting to a door pillar or body of the motor vehicle, and a first link rotatably connected to the first door connector at a first door-side pivot and rotatably connected to the first pillar connector at a first pillar-side pivot. The second hinge assembly includes a second door connector for connecting to the door, a second pillar connector for connecting to the door pillar or the body, and a second link rotatably connected to the second door connector at a second door-side pivot and rotatably connected to the second pillar connector at a second pillar-side pivot.

Abstract: A convertible top for a vehicle having a vehicle body has a backlite having a first position corresponding to a retracted position of the convertible top and a second position corresponding to an deployed position of the convertible top. A floating bow is connected to the backlite, the floating bow having a raised position when the backlite is in the first position and a lowered position when the backlite is in the second position. An attachment device connects the floating bow to the vehicle body, the attachment device including a base section attachable to the vehicle body and an adjustment section connected to the floating bow and moveable with respect to the base section for adjusting the raised position of the floating bow.

Abstract: A cover assembly for a vehicle having a convertible top stowage area and a trunk. The cover assembly includes a stowage cover and an intermediate panel disposed between the trunk and the convertible top stowage area. The assembly also includes a connecting apparatus attached to the stowage cover and the intermediate panel. The connecting apparatus is configured to guide the stowage cover between a covering position, in which the stowage cover is covering the convertible top stowage area, and a stored position, in which the stowage cover is located in the trunk. In addition, a method for covering a convertible top of a vehicle that includes a convertible top stowage area and a trunk.

Abstract: A vehicle convertible system includes a roof section having a plurality of retractable panel and a movable rear section separate from the roof section defining part of a storage area for the retractable panels. The rear section includes a first rear panel and a second rear panel, with the second rear panel may include a window. A convertible system for SUVs (sports utility vehicles) and minivans is thus possible.

Abstract: A double pivot door hinge for a door of a motor vehicle including a door connector for connecting to a door of the motor vehicle, a pillar connector for connecting to a door pillar or body of the motor vehicle, a link, a door-side pivot rotatably connecting the link and the door connector, a pillar-side pivot rotatably connecting the link and the pillar connector. A braking resistance of the pillar-side pivot is less than a braking resistance of the door-side pivot during opening.

Abstract: A covering of a convertible top compartment of a convertible which has a convertible top which can be deposited in a convertible top compartment, the covering having at least one first cover part and one second cover part which are supported to be able to pivot relative to one another.

Abstract: A roof structural system for use in all building types (i.e. single family homes, apartment buildings, condominiums, churches, etc.) consisting of precast, prestressed and/or post-tensioned concrete elements assembled in the field and complemented with poured in place concrete. These elements may consist of slabs, beams, soffits and/or any other structural component susceptible of being pre-programmed and precast in other than the job site.