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).

  • Patent number: 8444217
    Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle comprises a stationary roof part, a roof opening provided therein, and a roof assembly mounted to the stationary roof part, having a panel which is movable between closed and open positions for closing and opening, respectively, said roof opening. A moving mechanism is provided for connecting the movable panel to the stationary roof and moving it with respect thereto, wherein the moving mechanism at least comprises two longitudinal curved parts attached to the movable panel, two stationary guides extending along opposite longitudinal edges of the roof opening and two linking mechanisms for movably linking the stationary guides with the respective curved parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Peter Christiaan Leonardus Johannes Manders, Joseph Petrus Johannus Sanders, Robert Rikkert, Ronny Doornink
  • Publication number: 20130106143
    Abstract: A shading assembly for shading an opening with at least two opposite opening sides in a structure comprises a flexible shading member which is movable between a position completely covering said opening and a position at least partially freeing said opening. Said flexible shading member is defined by two shading member parts which each have a first edge connected to one of said opposite opening sides and an opposite second edge, wherein said second edges of both shading member parts together define an elongate releasable connection device of the type further comprising a movable operating member which upon movement along said second edges connects or disconnects said second edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Peter Christiaan Leonardus Johannes Manders, Stephan Christiaan Vervoort
  • Publication number: 20120212011
    Abstract: A sunshade assembly includes opposed longitudinal edges and opposed transversal edges. The longitudinal edges are adapted to be guided in non parallel guide rails. The sunshade assembly comprises a flexible screen, said screen having a transversal edge connected to a beam of the sunshade assembly and having opposed lateral screen parts biased in lateral direction. At least one of the lateral screen parts is configured to adjustably fold around a folding member through an angle of substantially 180° along at least a part of the length of the corresponding longitudinal edge of the sunshade assembly. The invention is useful for several types of sunshade assembly, such as roller screens and sunshade panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventor: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen
  • Patent number: 8182029
    Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle is disclosed. The open roof construction includes a panel movable between a closed position and a raised or tilted position via operation of a tilting lever and an auxiliary lever. In illustrated embodiments, the tilting lever includes a follower movable along a guide curve to lift a rear end of the panel from the closed position to a raised position. The auxiliary lever provides auxiliary lift to the tilting lever when the follower reaches an opened end of the guide curve. As disclosed, the auxiliary lift lever rotates from a lowered position to an upright position which in illustrated embodiments is generally perpendicular to a stationary roof part to provide additional lift to the tilting lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Eduardus Christianus Henricus Van Boxtel, Peter Christiaan Leonarus Johannes Manders, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Sander De Bie
  • Publication number: 20120112497
    Abstract: A roof assembly for a vehicle having a roof opening in its fixed roof, comprises a frame, a movable closure for opening and closing the roof opening, and guide rails in or on the frame extending laterally of the roof opening. A closure moving mechanism is guided in the guide rails. A wind deflector is positioned at a front edge of said roof opening and is movable between an inoperative lower position in which it is positioned substantially below the level of the vehicle roof and at least one operative upper position in which it at least partially extends above said level. The wind deflector is supported by arms, each extending substantially rearwards. The arms are adapted to move the wind deflector between the inoperative and operative positions. The wind deflector arms are positioned in plan view at least partly within the lateral boundaries of the respective guide rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Eduardus Christianus Henricus Van Boxtel
  • Patent number: 8167365
    Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle having an opening in the fixed roof, comprises stationary longitudinal guide rails on either side of the roof opening and slidable slides with operating mechanisms. A panel supported by the operating mechanisms is adjustable between a closed position, in which it closes the roof opening, and an open position, in which it releases the roof opening at least partially. Each operating mechanism comprises a curve plate attached to the panel and has a first guide track with which a first guide member connected to the slide is in engagement, at least along part of the path of movement of the panel. The slide includes a height-adjustable part which is equipped with the first guide member, and is also equipped with a second guide member which is in engagement with a second guide track having a vertical component. The second guide track is provided at a curve part which is connected to the guide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Ruud Geurts, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen
  • Patent number: 8136872
    Abstract: Open roof construction for a vehicle comprising a roof opening defined in a stationary roof part and a movable panel. A slide is movable along a stationary slide guide and is provided with panel engagement elements cooperating with slide engagement elements of the movable panel. A movement of the slide is capable of generating a tilting and/or sliding movement of the panel. The panel engagement elements of the slide comprise two curves and the slide engagement elements of the panel comprise two cams, each for cooperation with a respective one of the curves. Moving the slide in a first direction a cooperation between a first curve and corresponding first cam will lead to lowering a first transversal edge of the panel followed by translating the panel along with the slide. Moving the slide in an opposite second direction a cooperation between the second curve and corresponding second cam will lead to lifting said first transversal edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventor: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen
  • Publication number: 20120049584
    Abstract: A roof assembly for a vehicle having a roof opening in its fixed roof comprising a movable closure element for closing and opening the roof opening. A stationary part comprises guide rails extending transversely of the roof opening in vehicle longitudinal direction. A closure moving mechanism comprises an electric motor fixed to the stationary part, flexible drive cables guided in a guide through a defined path at least partly within said guide rails and being engaged by the electric motor in order to be moved through the guide and along the guide rails. The guide is constructed such that, when an excessive force is exerted on the cable by the closure element in the event of a crash, it allows the respective guide cable to deviate from the defined path dictated by the guide during normal use, to allow limited longitudinal movement of the closure element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Peter Christiaan Leonardus Johannes Manders, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Eduardus Christianus Henricus Van Boxtel, Frank Henricus Gerardus Van Der Logt, Robert Rikkert
  • Publication number: 20110254323
    Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle comprises a stationary roof part, a roof opening provided therein, and a roof assembly mounted to the stationary roof part, having a panel which is movable between closed and open positions for closing and opening, respectively, said roof opening. A moving mechanism is provided for connecting the movable panel to the stationary roof and moving it with respect thereto, wherein the moving mechanism at least comprises two longitudinal curved parts attached to the movable panel, two stationary guides extending along opposite longitudinal edges of the roof opening and two linking mechanisms for movably linking the stationary guides with the respective curved parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Peter Christiaan Leonardus Johannes Manders, Joseph Petrus Johannus Sanders, Robert Rikkert, Ronny Doornink
  • Publication number: 20110233971
    Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle is provided, comprising a stationary roof, a roof opening provided therein, a movable panel for opening and closing said roof opening and two stationary guides positioned along opposite longitudinal edges of the roof opening for guiding two guide shoes provided close to the forward edge of the movable panel. The guides each comprise at least a vertically extending guide part for a guiding cooperation with a corresponding vertically extending guide shoe part. The guide shoes are attached to the movable panel in a substantially vertically and horizontally adjustable manner by means of substantially transversally extending adjustment screws. In a position of the movable panel fully closing the roof opening the adjustment screws are covered by the stationary guides as seen in a transverse direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Eduardus Christianus Henricus Van Boxtel
  • Publication number: 20110227371
    Abstract: A sunshade assembly includes a sunscreen of which the longitudinal edges are provided with guide strips which are substantially rigid in transverse direction. Opposed elongated longitudinal guide rails each include a guide channel section defining a guide channel in which the respective guide strip is accommodated when the sunscreen is moved between open and closed positions. The guide channel of each guide rail being bounded on the side facing the opposed guide rail by a guide flange (14) supporting the guide strip in a direction towards the opposed guide rail. A part of the guide channel section of at least one guide rail is resilient such that at least the portion of the guide flange supporting the guide strip is resiliently yieldable in a direction towards the opposed guide rail under the influence of forces exerted by the sunscreen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Stephan Christiaan Vervoort
  • Publication number: 20110146921
    Abstract: A sunshade assembly includes a sunscreen having opposed longitudinal edges which are provided with guide strips which are substantially rigid in transverse direction. Opposed longitudinal guiderails each include a guide channel section defining a guide channel in which the respective guide strip is accommodated when the sunscreen is moved between open and closed positions. The guide channel of each guide rail is bound on the side facing the opposite guiderail by a guide flange supporting the lower side of the sunscreen. A part of the guide channel supports the guide strip on its side remote from the sunscreen. A biasing member acts between at least one of the guide strips and the corresponding guide channel section to bias the guide strip at least on its edge adjacent the sunscreen in a direction away from the guide flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Stephan Christiaan Vervoort, Ruud Geurts, Peter Christiaan Leonardus Manders
  • Publication number: 20110080023
    Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle having an opening in the fixed roof, comprises stationary longitudinal guide rails on either side of the roof opening and slidable slides with operating mechanisms. A panel supported by the operating mechanisms is adjustable between a closed position, in which it closes the roof opening, and an open position, in which it releases the roof opening at least partially. Each operating mechanism comprises a curve plate attached to the panel and has a first guide track with which a first guide member connected to the slide is in engagement, at least along part of the path of movement of the panel. The slide includes a height-adjustable part which is equipped with the first guide member, and is also equipped with a second guide member which is in engagement with a second guide track having a vertical component. The second guide track is provided at a curve part which is connected to the guide rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Ruud Geurts, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen
  • Publication number: 20110037295
    Abstract: Open roof construction for a vehicle comprising a roof opening defined in a stationary roof part and a movable panel. A slide is movable along a stationary slide guide and is provided with panel engagement elements cooperating with slide engagement elements of the movable panel. A movement of the slide is capable of generating a tilting and/or sliding movement of the panel. The panel engagement elements of the slide comprise two curves and the slide engagement elements of the panel comprise two cams, each for cooperation with a respective one of the curves. Moving the slide in a first direction a cooperation between a first curve and corresponding first cam will lead to lowering a first transversal edge of the panel followed by translating the panel along with the slide. Moving the slide in an opposite second direction a co-operation between the second curve and corresponding second cam will lead to lifting said first transversal edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventor: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen
  • Publication number: 20100314913
    Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle is provided, comprises a roof opening defined in a stationary roof part of the vehicle. A roof assembly having a movable panel for opening and closing said roof opening, of which panel the rear end, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the car, can be moved upward and downward by a moving mechanism comprising at least a tilting lever having a first end slideably and rotatably engaging the stationary roof part and an opposite second end rotatably engaging the panel, wherein the first end of the tilting lever is drivable by drive means for its sliding motion relative to the stationary roof part and wherein the tilting lever for realising its rotational movement comprises a follower positioned between its first and second ends cooperating with a guide curve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Eduardus Christianus Henricus Van Boxtel, Peter Christiaan Leonarus Johannes Manders, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Sander De Bie
  • Patent number: 7828376
    Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle having a roof opening defined in a roof part of the vehicle includes a roof assembly having at least one panel that is movable between a closed position in which it closes the roof opening and an open position in which it opens the roof opening and is positioned at least partially above an adjoining roof part. A first device moves the rear edge of the panel towards a raised position relative to the closed position and above the adjoining roof part. A second device includes a lever for moving the front edge of the panel in a vertical direction. The lever has a lower pivoting axis, an upper pivotal connection to the panel and an intermediate guide connection, connecting the lever to a guiding slide. A guide mechanism is provided for guiding the panel towards the open position when the rear edge thereof is in the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventor: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen
  • Patent number: 7753438
    Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle having a roof opening defined in a stationary roof part includes a roof assembly having a movable panel for opening and closing said roof opening, with a slide which is movable along a stationary slide guide and which is provided with panel engagement device cooperating with a panel curve of the movable panel, wherein a movement of the slide is capable of generating a tilting and/or sliding movement of the panel. The roof assembly further includes a locking lever which by means of a hinge point is connected to the panel and which is provided with slide engagement device cooperating with a slide curve of the slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Peter Christiaan Leonardus Johannes Manders, Eduardus Christianus Henricus van Boxtel, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Robertus Wilhelmus Henricus Luijpers
  • Patent number: 7631929
    Abstract: An open roof construction and roof assembly for a vehicle comprises a stationary roof part, a roof opening provided therein and a panel which is slideable for opening and closing said roof opening. The panel and stationary roof part are provided with a pin and curve part assembly for guiding and locking the panel in its closing position. The curve part is provided with an extension part projecting from the curve part for engaging the arriving pin and leading it into curve formed in the curve part, said extension part being movable between an extended position when the panel is in its opening position and a collapsed position when the panel is in its closing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventor: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen
  • Publication number: 20090179462
    Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle having a roof opening defined in a roof part of the vehicle includes a roof assembly having at least one panel that is movable between a closed position in which it closes the roof opening and an open position in which it opens the roof opening and is positioned at least partially above an adjoining roof part. A first device moves the rear edge of the panel towards a raised position relative to the closed position and above the adjoining roof part. A second device includes a lever for moving the front edge of the panel in a vertical direction. The lever has a lower pivoting axis, an upper pivotal connection to the panel and an intermediate guide connection, connecting the lever to a guiding slide. A guide mechanism is provided for guiding the panel towards the open position when the rear edge thereof is in the raised position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventor: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen
  • Publication number: 20090039683
    Abstract: An open roof construction and roof assembly for a vehicle comprises a stationary roof part, a roof opening provided therein and a panel which is slideable for opening and closing said roof opening. The panel and stationary roof part are provided with a pin and curve part assembly for guiding and locking the panel in its closing position. The curve part is provided with an extension part projecting from the curve part for engaging the arriving pin and leading it into curve formed in the curve part, said-extension part being movable between an extended position when the panel is in its opening position and a collapsed position when the panel is in its closing position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventor: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen