Abstract: A frame surround for an aperture in a panel e.g. for a vehicle sunroof, capable of easy and rapid assembly, has a first (outer) component 1 surrounding the outer margin of, and entering the aperture to present a peripheral outwardly open groove for accommodating a second (inner) component 2. The second component is surrounded by a cable 3 tightenable by mechanism 4, and is formed as a number of polymer parts 5a, 5b, 5c to give a structure distortable inwardly as the cable is tightened to enter the outer component groove and clamp the margin of the panel around the aperture between the two components. The groove-entering clamping portions of component 2 are toothed to minimize friction. The cable 3 runs in a restraining groove in the outer face of component 2. The restraining groove does not lie in one plane, whereby tightening the cable tends to minimize cable length and thus distorts the structure by a predetermined amount, to correspond to panel curvature.

Abstract: An opening handle for a front-pivoted sunroof panel, comprises a shell 11 with transverse forward pivot axis 14 for attachment to the panel and transverse rearward axis 19 carrying a ratchet drum 29 with parallel arms 27 themselves defining a pivot axis 28 at their outer ends for attachment to the vehicle roof. A flexible panel plate 12 lies inside the shell 11 with a rear edge 25 lying as a detent in the ratchet. Well 24 defines a protrusion extending through the shell at 16. When the shell is pulled pivots 28,19 and 14 are all operative to open the panel; the ratchet 29 permits maintained stepwise opening. When the protrusion (well 24) is pressed the detent edge 25 is moved away from the ratchet, allowing rapid closure of the panel.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for a sunroof panel having its effective transverse pivot axis slightly rearward of the vertical plane containing the front edge of the panel to minimize compressive wear on the elastomer panel seal when the panel is closed. A U-shaped channel secured to the panel having a rounded forward edge fitting into a groove and held therein by the elasticity of the elastomeric seal and the channel. A protective cowl surrounding the channel and capable of being pivoted about a pivot axis by a finger pull to affect the contact of the channel with the panel so that the channel falls downwardly to allow the hinge assembly to open to raise the panel.