Patents by Inventor Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen

Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20210086596
    Abstract: A support mechanism for an open-roof assembly, comprising a moveable panel, comprises at least one of a front flexible portion and a rear flexible portion. A guide assembly of the open-roof assembly comprises an elongated guide rail extending in a longitudinal direction, a front mechanism slideably arranged in the guide rail and a rear mechanism arranged in the guide rail. The front mechanism and the rear mechanism are provided with means for providing a relatively high mechanism stiffness, while the at least one of the front and rear flexible portions is provided with a relatively low bending stiffness in the width direction and with a relatively low rotational stiffness in respective main directions such that orientation deviations between the panel support assembly and the guide assembly result in larger rotational deformation in the at least one of the respective flexible portions than in the respective mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Inventors: Rainer Gerhard Jüngling, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen
  • Publication number: 20210070155
    Abstract: A roof assembly for a vehicle having an opening comprises a frame having two parallel longitudinal beams connected to a transverse beam. A drive system for a panel supports and moves the panel and includes a motor attached to the transverse beam, two substantially parallel guide rails attached to the longitudinal beams, and a support mechanism movably guided in the guide rails and operatively connected to the motor. The frame and the drive system as a unit are adapted to each other such that the drive system is partly inserted into the frame between the longitudinal beams and rotated such that the motor is on the lower side of the transverse beam of the frame and the guide rails at least partly positioned on a portion of the upper side of the longitudinal beams of the frame. There is also disclosed a method of assembling the roof assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Inventors: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Ruud Geurts
  • Publication number: 20210016643
    Abstract: A roof system includes a closure panel that opens a roof opening in which it is positioned partially above a portion of a roof. An operating mechanism includes a front device having a lever for moving the front edge of the panel in a vertical direction. The lever is pivotally connected to a driving slide that has a cam partly in engagement with a stationary guide curve and is in engagement with the panel through a pin-curve assembly. A curve of the pin-curve assembly has a guiding curve extending allowing a corresponding pin to slide along it to move the front of the panel at least in vertical direction when the lever is driven by the driving slide. A locking curve extends mainly vertically when a pin is positioned in the locking curve in order to allow the driving slide to slide the panel in longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Inventors: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Rainer Gerhard Jüngling
  • Patent number: 10875388
    Abstract: A locking mechanism is provided with a locking lever for driving a movable member in a first direction and for locking it in a predetermined position and an operating part for controlling the movement of the locking lever, with cooperating cams and guides for controlling the movement of the locking lever also in a second direction and retaining means for retaining the locking lever in a specific position after a movement in said second direction. The retaining means comprise a retaining member which is movable between a retaining position and a release position. The movement of the retaining member between the retaining and release positions and vice versa is a result of a movement of the operating part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: INALFA ROOF SYSTEMS GROUP B.V.
    Inventors: Rainer Gerhard Jungling, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen
  • Publication number: 20200377013
    Abstract: A glass panel assembly for use in a roof of a vehicle, comprises a glass panel, a frame and an elongate lighting device. The glass panel comprises an interior main surface and the interior main surface of the glass panel is configured to be directed to a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The frame is adhered to the interior main surface and comprises a shaped element. The shaped element is one of a recess and a protrusion. The elongate lighting device is coupled to the frame by a mating shape engaging the shaped element. The lighting device is configured to directly illuminate at least a part of said passenger compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Jiangtao Li, Jur Johannes Maria Custers, Eduardus Christianus Henricus Van Boxtel, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Robert Rikkert, Robbert Arij Jeroen De Jong, Sander De Bie
  • Patent number: 10807452
    Abstract: A roof system for a vehicle having a roof opening in a roof part thereof comprises a transparent panel in the roof opening, and a ventilation system for moving air into and/or out of the vehicle interior. The ventilation system includes an air guiding channel guiding air between the vehicle interior and the environment through at least one ventilation opening. The air guiding channel is fitted centrally below the transparent panel and extends in longitudinal direction of the vehicle, substantially completely along the panel and communicates with the interior at least along a substantial length of the panel through holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: INALFA ROOF SYSTEMS GROUP B.V.
    Inventors: Ruud Geurts, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen
  • Patent number: 10807451
    Abstract: A roof system includes a closure panel that opens a roof opening in which it is positioned partially above a portion of a roof. An operating mechanism includes a front device having a lever for moving the front edge of the panel in a vertical direction. The lever is pivotally connected to a driving slide that has a cam partly in engagement with a stationary guide curve and is in engagement with the panel through a pin-curve assembly. A curve of the pin-curve assembly has a guiding curve extending allowing a corresponding pin to slide along it to move the front of the panel at least in vertical direction when the lever is driven by the driving slide. A locking curve extends mainly vertically when a pin is positioned in the locking curve in order to allow the driving slide to slide the panel in longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: INALFA ROOF SYSTEMS GROUP B.V.
    Inventors: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Rainer Gerhard Jüngling
  • Publication number: 20200139796
    Abstract: A roof system for a vehicle having an opening in a roof includes a panel and a guide rail at each longitudinal side of said opening. An operating mechanism operates the closure panel in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The operating mechanism includes a front device including a lever for moving the front edge of the panel in a vertical direction. A driving slide is slidably accommodated in each guide rail and is drivable by a drive member. The lever is connected to the driving slide through a pin-curve assembly and is provided with a slide-shoe. A curve of the pin-curve assembly has a first curve section extending horizontally allowing a pin to slide along to move the rear of the panel vertically. A locking curve section extends mainly in vertical direction to allow the driving slide to rotate the lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Inventors: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Rainer Gerhard Jungling
  • Patent number: 10625585
    Abstract: A vehicle roof construction comprises a roof opening, a panel and an operating mechanism. The operating mechanism comprises a rear assembly having a lever. The lever rotates around a first transverse axis at its first end. The first transverse axis position changes along a first guide. The second end of the lever at a second transverse axis is pivotally attached to a sliding member that engages a panel track. The rear assembly comprises an auxiliary lever that rotates around a third transverse axis at its first end. The position of the third transverse axis changes along a second guide. The second end of the auxiliary lever at a fourth transverse axis is pivotally attached to the sliding member. The auxiliary lever comprises a support which in the open position of the panel engages a counter support for transmitting vertical forces from the panel towards the counter support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Rainer Gerhard Jungling
  • Publication number: 20200094659
    Abstract: A rollo assembly for use in a vehicle with an opening, includes a shaft, a screen wound on/off said shaft where a forward end is provided with a beam and opposite channels guide edges of the screen and ends of the beam. Drive cables are provided with connecting members for drivingly engaging respective counter connecting members provided at ends of the beam. The shaft, beam and screen are combined into a detachable unit which, when the screen is substantially fully wound onto the shaft and the cables assume a position in which the connecting members at least partially protrude from a longitudinal end of the channels, can be moved relative to said channels for connecting or disconnecting the counter connecting members to or from the connecting members. A support maintains the connecting members of the cables, when maximally protruding from said longitudinal end of the channels, in a well-defined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Publication date: March 26, 2020
    Inventors: Eduardus Christianus Henricus Van Boxtel, Jur Johannes Maria Custers, Peter Christiaan Leonardus Johannes Manders, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen
  • Patent number: 10589607
    Abstract: An open roof construction includes a roof opening in a stationary roof part and a panel that is movable between an open and closed positions. A moving mechanism moves a rear end of the panel and comprises a support lever having a first end which is slidable and rotatable with respect to the stationary roof part and an opposite second end slidably and rotatably engaging the movable panel. A drive slides the first end along the stationary roof part, and a tilting lever has a first tilting lever end slidably and rotatably engaging a first guide curve of the stationary roof part and an opposite second tilting lever end configured to rotatably engage the support lever at an engagement location. In all positions of the movable panel the engagement location, as viewed in the longitudinal forward direction of the vehicle, is located in front of the second support lever end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Dennis Marie Petra Beelen, Rainer Gerhart Jüngling, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen
  • Patent number: 10576810
    Abstract: Open roof construction for a vehicle comprises a roof opening in a stationary roof part, a panel which by an operating mechanism is movable between a closed position in which it closes the roof opening and an open position in which the panel is moved rearwards to a position at least partially above a part of the stationary roof part behind the roof opening. The operating mechanism comprises a rear moving assembly for guiding and supporting the panel. The open roof construction further comprises seals that are positioned in the roof opening in the region of roof opening edges and which are intended for cooperation with the panel, wherein the rear moving assembly is constructed such that, in the open position of the panel, part of it has come into engagement with the seal that is positioned in the roof opening in the region of the rearward roof opening edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Rainer Gerhard Jungling
  • Publication number: 20200047596
    Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle having a roof opening in its fixed roof includes a panel for opening and closing the roof opening. An operating mechanism on each side of the passage opening supports and moves the panel. A bracket on the panel and a support on the operating mechanism each have a plurality of holes and a screw for each pair of holes to attach the bracket to the panel support. At least one pair of holes is provided with a funnel which guides a screwdriver to the respective screw. At least one pair of holes is before or behind the passage opening when the panel is closed. The frame has a mounting opening for the screwdriver is in the same transverse plane as said at least one pair of holes to fasten the screw of said at least one pair of holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Publication date: February 13, 2020
    Inventors: Rainer Gerhard Jungling, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen
  • Publication number: 20190337368
    Abstract: A locking mechanism is provided with a locking lever for driving a movable member in a first direction and for locking it in a predetermined position and an operating part for controlling the movement of the locking lever, with cooperating cams and guides for controlling the movement of the locking lever also in a second direction and retaining means for retaining the locking lever in a specific position after a movement in said second direction. The retaining means comprise a retaining member which is movable between a retaining position and a release position. The movement of the retaining member between the retaining and release positions and vice versa is a result of a movement of the operating part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Inventors: Rainer Gerard Jungling, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen
  • Publication number: 20190315208
    Abstract: A roof system comprises a panel movable between closed and open positions. An operating mechanism comprises front and rear devices. A slide moves the panel both in vertical and horizontal directions via the front and rear devices. At least one of the front and rear devices comprises a lever connected to the slide or the stationary rail through a second pivot pin. A first guide cam is at least partly in engagement with either a stationary guide and/or a curve in the slide. The slide includes a first and second slide part are pivotally connected to each other. One of the slide parts, that is pivotally and slidably connected to said lever, includes a cam engaging a guide curve in the stationary guide rail to force said one slide part to pivot with respect to the other slide part during at least a part of the sliding movement of the slide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Inventors: Eduardus Christianus Henricus van Boxtel, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Ruud Geurts
  • Publication number: 20190283557
    Abstract: A roof system for a vehicle having a roof opening in a roof part thereof comprises a transparent panel in the roof opening, and a ventilation system for moving air into and/or out of the vehicle interior. The ventilation system includes an air guiding channel guiding air between the vehicle interior and the environment through at least one ventilation opening. The air guiding channel is fitted centrally below the transparent panel and extends in longitudinal direction of the vehicle, substantially completely along the panel and communicates with the interior at least along a substantial length of the panel through holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventors: Ruud Geurts, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen
  • Patent number: 10343502
    Abstract: An open roof construction comprises at least one guide rail and front and rear closure panels. An operating mechanism supports the front panel and is adjustable between a closed position and an open position. The operating mechanism comprises rear supports connected to the front panel and two parallel guide tracks. A rear guide track portion extends rearwardly beyond the roof opening. The rear panel and the sidewardly adjacent fixed roof include a passage opening to allow the supports to support the front panel when the support is positioned in the rear guide track portion. The rear panel and the adjacent fixed roof are each provided with a seal to close the passage opening and to allow the support member to move between the seals, which, when viewed from above, extend in a non-parallel fashion with respect to each other and to the guide track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: INALFA ROOF SYSTEMS GROUP B.V.
    Inventor: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen
  • Patent number: 10322623
    Abstract: A roof closure assembly for a vehicle includes a frame configured to be fixed to the vehicle roof and having an upper and lower side. A movable closure for a roof opening is movably supported by a movable support mechanism on the frame. An operating device includes at least one drive motor, at least a guide rail including the movable support mechanism for the closure and an elongate connecting member attached to the movable support mechanism and in engagement with the drive motor to enable the drive motor to drive the closure to move between a closed position closing the roof opening and an open position opening the roof opening at least partly. The frame comprises a through-hole providing communication between the upper and lower side of the frame. The drive motor is mounted to a lower side of a motor support such that the drive motor is accessible through the through-hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: INALFA ROOF SYSTEMS GROUP B.V.
    Inventors: Frijke Irene Land, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen
  • Publication number: 20190126732
    Abstract: A roof system includes a closure panel that opens a roof opening in which it is positioned partially above a portion of a roof. An operating mechanism includes a front device having a lever for moving the front edge of the panel in a vertical direction. The lever is pivotally connected to a driving slide that has a cam partly in engagement with a stationary guide curve and is in engagement with the panel through a pin-curve assembly. A curve of the pin-curve assembly has a guiding curve extending allowing a corresponding pin to slide along it to move the front of the panel at least in vertical direction when the lever is driven by the driving slide. A locking curve extends mainly vertically when a pin is positioned in the locking curve in order to allow the driving slide to slide the panel in longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Publication date: May 2, 2019
    Inventors: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Rainer Gerhard Jüngling
  • Publication number: 20190126733
    Abstract: An open roof construction includes a roof opening in a stationary roof part and a panel that is movable between an open and closed positions. A moving mechanism moves a rear end of the panel and comprises a support lever having a first end which is slidable and rotatable with respect to the stationary roof part and an opposite second end slidably and rotatably engaging the movable panel. A drive slides the first end along the stationary roof part, and a tilting lever has a first tilting lever end slidably and rotatably engaging a first guide curve of the stationary roof part and an opposite second tilting lever end configured to rotatably engage the support lever at an engagement location. In all positions of the movable panel the engagement location, as viewed in the longitudinal forward direction of the vehicle, is located in front of the second support lever end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Publication date: May 2, 2019
    Inventors: Dennis Marie Petra Beelen, Rainer Gerhart Jüngling, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen