Abstract: Veneer sheet lay-up apparatus with rearward and forward tablets, about which rearward and forward conveyors are respectively entrained. A controller longitudinally reciprocates the tablets toward and away from one another, between open and closed configurations. A veneer sheet delivered to the rearward tablet is forwardly conveyed to the forward tablet, which forwardly conveys the sheet's forward portion. The controller detects the sheet's arrival at the desired lay-up position and thereupon simultaneously rearwardly retracts the rearward tablet and forwardly advances the forward tablet from beneath the sheet, creating a lay-up space into which the veneer sheet is gravity-displaced.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sun-shade apparatus for use in combination with a vehicle sunroof of the type that includes a hinged panel having recessed hinge devices and a recessed latch handle that do not project below the frame structure of the sunroof. The sun shade includes a frame structure having a substantially U-shaped configuration defining a channel in which a sun shade is slidably mounted for selective positioning between a closed mode to an fully opened mode.

Abstract: A multi-positioning latch assembly adapted for use with hinged panels, and more particularly for use in combination with a hinged glass panel and the related fixed frame structure, such as employed in sunroof-window structures for vehicles, wherein the assembly comprises a first link member defining a latch handle and a second link member defining a toggle-latch arm, the adjacent ends of the first and second link members being provided with cooperating position-engaging members. The toggle-latch arm is pivotally attached at one end to the fixed frame structure and at the other end to the latch handle, the opposite end of the latch handle being pivotally attached to the hinged panel, whereby the panel can be locked into any one of several open positions or a closed position.

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: An on-site reglazable window assembly suitable for mounting in an aperture in a wall of a recreational vehicle and comprising a stationary glass panel, a slidable glass panel, a slidable screen panel, and slidable storm panels. All of the panels are removably positioned within a generally rectangular frame formed of a unitary metal extrusion having a plurality of flanges which provide glazing channels for the panels and means for mounting the frame to the vehicle wall. One of the exterior flanges includes a key-shaped slot which receives a correspondingly keyed flexible gasket along the entire perimeter of the frame. The gasket has a plurality of splines attached to a compressible tube so that the splines and tube are compressed between the inner surface of the exterior flange and the outer surface of the vehicle wall. The slidable screen and storm panels slide within respective channels of a removable multiple channel track.

Abstract: A panel in the form of a movable window frame hinged along its upper edge is swung from a closed position to an open position by a mechanism which includes a torque rod and crank-operated self-locking gearing to actuate the torque rod. A vibration damper in the form of a friction pad or brake shoe that engages the torque rod at a distance from the gearing, prevents chattering of the window when it is being swung towards its closed position and also resists any tendency for wind or vibration to oscillate the window.