Abstract: A retractable backlight apparatus for vehicles includes first and second pairs of links, each being pivotally connected at one end to the interior vehicle body structure. The opposite ends of each of the first and second pairs of links are pivotally connected to upper and lower portions, respectively, of frame members attached to the side edges of the backlight panel. A tab is mounted centrally on the bottom portion of the backlight panel to enable the backlight panel to be urged downward from a raised position to a storage position recessed within the interior of the vehicle structure during which movement the first and second pairs of links guide the backlight panel downward into a substantially vertical orientation within the interior of the vehicle. Alternately, a drive motor rotates a pair of transversely extending output shafts, each having a drive gear mounted thereon. The drive gears drive sector gears rigidly attached to the second pair of links to automatically raise and lower the backlight panel.

Abstract: A method for installing a modular sliding roof panel assembly in a vehicle having an opening in the roof. The sliding roof panel assembly includes a roof panel movably mounted on a housing. A reinforcement ring having a central aperture with a shape complementary to the shape of the roof opening is connected to the housing prior to attachment of the reinforcement ring to the edges of the stationary roof structure bounding the roof opening.

Abstract: A retractable backlight apparatus for vehicles includes arcuate-shaped guide tracks mounted within the vehicle on opposite sides of the backlight panel. Rollers operably driven by a drive motor and connected to the backlight panel ride within the guide tracks to move the backlight panel between a raised, angled position closing the rear opening in the vehicle roof structure to a retracted, substantially vertical, stowed position within the interior of the vehicle. In one embodiment, a link is connected between a roller and the backlight panel and provides a final pivoting movement of the bottom edge of the backlight panel to bring the backlight panel into secure, sealing engagement in the vehicle roof structure when in the raised condition. A closure panel is pivotally mounted within the vehicle forward of the backlight panel and operably connected to the backlight panel to control the tilting movement of the backlight panel as the backlight panel moves between the raised and retracted positions.

Abstract: A vehicle having a convertible top includes internal body reinforcement members including a belt line reinforcement assembly attached to the upper back panel and the upper portion of the body quarter panels. The belt line reinforcement assembly is connected to quarter panel reinforcements to form a box-like structure having an aperture therethrough which disposes the trunk and passenger compartments of the vehicle in communication. The quarter panel reinforcement members are attached to the body quarter panels and the wheelhouse panels of the vehicle. A cross-support member attached to the rear seat riser portion of the compartment floor pan and rocker panel reinforcement are also provided. A header is mounted to the upper edge of the vehicle windshield and is provided with a recessed rear portion for receiving the front cross-bow of the convertible top in a flush alignment with the upper surface of the header.

Abstract: A vehicle having a convertible top includes internal body reinforcement members including a belt line reinforcement assembly attached to the upper back panel and the upper portion of the body quarter panels. The belt line reinforcement assembly is connected to quarter panel reinforcements to form a box-like structure having an aperture therethrough which disposes the trunk and passenger compartments of the vehicle in communication. The quarter panel reinforcement members are attached to the body quarter panels and the wheelhouse panels of the vehicle. A cross-support member attached to the rear seat riser portion of the compartment floor pan and rocker panel reinforcement are also provided. A header is mounted to the upper edge of the vehicle windshield and is provided with a recessed rear portion for receiving the front cross-bow of the convertible top in a flush alignment with the upper surface of the header.

Abstract: A boot cover 10 for enclosing the stowage compartment 18 of convertible-type vehicle 20 when the top is retracted includes a pair of spaced apart rigid section 12, 14 and as intermediate, flexible section 16. Means 26 for removably mounting the boot cover 10 to the vehicle 18, generally, includes a spring-like member 128 or 210 which is retained by a keeper 130 or merely within the well 18. A mechanical actuator 132 may be employed to release the spring from the keeper.

Abstract: A lifter apparatus for moving a roof panel between closed, open and vent positions in an opening of a roof of a vehicle. The lifter apparatus includes a link pivotally connected at a first end to a slidable guide shoe mounted in a longitudinally extending guide rail attached to the vehicle. The second end of the link is slidingly disposed in an aperture formed in an attachment member secured to the roof panel. A cam block mounted on the guide shoe engages the attachment member to urge the attachment member upward such that the roof panel is urged into registry with the roof opening to close the roof opening. Further movement of the guide shoe causes the link to pivot about the first end to a substantially vertical orientation such that the second end of the link slides along the aperture in the attachment member and urges the attachment member and roof panel upward to the vent position.

Abstract: A modular sliding roof panel assembly for a vehicle having an opening in the roof. The sliding roof panel assembly includes a movable roof panel having front and rear guide shoes engaging guide tracks mounted to an integrally formed plastic housing affixed to the interior side of the vehicle roof. Guide blocks secured to the longitudinal edges of the movable roof panel have cam tracks formed therein which are engaged by a cam follower mounted on the rear guide shoes to lower the rear edge of the movable roof panel below the stationary roof of the vehicle as the roof panel slides to the open position and to raise the rear edge of the roof panel above the stationary roof structure when the movable roof panel is pivoted about the front end. A water trough extending transversely across the rear edge of the housing is connected to the front guide shoes for sliding movement therewith.

Abstract: A pivotal-sliding roof panel apparatus for a vehicle having an opening in the roof. The apparatus includes a housing securable to the roof structure of the vehicle. A movable roof panel is slidably mounted within the housing and is selectively movable between closed, fully-opened and partially opened, venting positions. A drive motor and a pair of drive belts are connected to the movable roof panel for selectively moving the movable roof panel between various positions. Guide rails are mounted on the housing for directing the sliding movement of the movable roof panel. First and second lifters are mounted on opposed sides of the roof panel and are operative for raising and lowering the roof panel.

Abstract: A modular sliding roof panel assembly for a vehicle having an opening in the roof. The sliding roof panel assembly includes a movable roof panel having front and rear guide shoes engaging guide tracks mounted to an integrally formed plastic housing affixed to the interior side of the vehicle roof. Guide blocks secured to the longitudinal edges of the movable roof panel have cam tracks formed therein which are engaged by a cam follower mounted on the rear guide shoes to lower the rear edge of the movable roof panel below the stationary roof of the vehicle as the roof panel slides to the open position and to raise the rear edge of the roof panel above the stationary roof structure when the movable roof panel is pivoted about the front end. A water trough extending transversely across the rear edge of the housing is connected to the front guide shoes for sliding movement therewith.

Abstract: A pivotable air deflector for a vehicle roof structure is adapted to removably receive a roof vent panel. The air deflector and roof vent panel pivot together as a unit between a closed position wherein the air deflector and roof vent panel are in substantial registry with the surface of the roof and an open, venting, forward-inclining position. The air deflector is held in the upward, forward-inclining position when the roof vent panel is completely removed from the vehicle to direct air currents away from the roof opening during movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: A translucent glass panel particularly adapted for deployment with a land vehicle is defined by a laminar structure of a photometric glass sheet, a vinyl fabric, a reflective coating and a heat absorbing glass sheet. The translucent glass panels hereof are optimally employed as roof panels for land vehicles.

Abstract: An electrically operated "hatch" roof assembly for mounting in automobiles includes a pair of opposed "hatch" glass panels. The panels move between a closed position, which is flush with the roof of the vehicle and an open or retracted position, wherein the panels nest beneath one another centrally of the roof. A roof support section has a pair of opposed tracks in which are slidably mounted the panels. The panels, when inboard, nest beneath the support section. Electrically powered lifter mechanisms transport the hatch roof panels between the inboard and outboard positions.

Abstract: A sliding roof construction for an automotive vehicle including a sliding glass roof assembly and a sliding screen assembly with the screen assembly including a screen having a temperature stable construction and with the glass roof assembly having an improved guide and track construction and improved rear support construction whereby higher vehicle impact loads can be encountered without failure and having an improved glass retaining structure.