Abstract: A removable latch assembly to be used in conjunction with releasably hinged closure panels, and more particularly for use in combination with a removable glass panel and an associated fixed frame structure such as employed with sunroofs for vehicles, wherein the assembly includes a toggle-jointed latch defined by a latch handle and a demountable anchor bracket interconnected by toggle-arm members. The opposite end of the latch handle is pivotally connected to a mounting bracket attached to the panel; and the toggle-arm members are pivotally connected to a demountable anchor bracket that is removably secured to the fixed frame structure by means of a keeper linked to the anchor bracket. The latch assembly is so arranged as to establish a low-profile position with in the opening of the frame structure when in both a closed and an open 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 dual-opening. sun-roof unit for automobiles and like vehicles which includes a pair of juxtaposed openings having transparent, movable panels supported on individual, resilient moldings, each opening defined by a peripheral frame structure mounted within an aperture cut in the vehicle roof, the frame including a central, dividing strut member, wherein one transparent panel is located over the driver's side of the vehicle and the other panel is located over the passenger side. The central dividing strut member is formed having a recess compartment whereby various accessories can be supported or arranged therein, including a removable cover plate. Each transparent panel includes a separate latch mechanism arranged at the rear edge of the panel, with hinge members mounted along the forward edge of the window and frame opening -- thus, each panel is permitted to pivot to an elevated position separately from the other, as well as being individually removed from the associated opening.