Abstract: A sun-roof housing comprises a main body formed into a U-shaped configuration with two corners and having a first gutter portion therealong and pair of laterally spaced rail portions for guiding a roof member, a cut-out portion formed at each of the corner by which the first gutter portion is divided into discontinuous segments, and a cover having a second gutter portion defined by an inner side wall and an outer side wall and set to be fixed to each corner of the main body in such a manner that the second gutter portion is located in the cut-out portion so as to be in fluid communication with the separated segments and the inner side wall is in fluid tight engagement with each corner of the main body.

Abstract: A guide rail device of a sun-roof comprises a guide rail portion formed into a U-shaped configuration and including a first lengthwise portion, a second lengthwise portion which is in parallel therewith, a connecting portion provided between each of ends of the first and second lengthwise portions so as to be perpendicular thereto, a first corner for the connection of both the first lengthwise portion and the connecting portion, and a second corner for the connection of both the second lengthwise portion and the connecting portion, a pair of continuous guide groove device formed in the guide rail portions for guiding shoe device on which a roof panel is mounted, and an upstanding wall provided at each corner in such a manner that the wall is outside of the sliding range of each of shoes which are moved by the cables.

Abstract: An elongated bar to serve as a guide rail of a sliding roof in an automobile is formed by extrusion molding in such a manner that a support projection is provided on a lower side of the bar at a central portion thereof in the longitudinal direction. The bar is cut to a predetermined lenth and bent into a substantially u-shaped configuration, so that the guide rail has two parallel portions. A center frame, which extends between the parallel portions to support the guide rail, is secured at its ends to brackets fixed to a side frame of the automobile.

Abstract: A sun-roof structure of a vehicle body including a retractable roof panel assembly which is comprised of a rigid front panel and a foldable hood. Guide grooves and link mechanism are provided so that the front panel is laid over the folded hood in the retracted position of the sun-roof so as to cover the folded hood.

Abstract: A locking device in an apparatus for opening and closing the roof of a vehicle includes a bracket secured to the vehicle body and having a pair of hooks, a handle pivotally mounted on a door receivable within an opening formed in the roof, links pivotally mounted on the handle, and a shaft unit secured to one ends of the links and having a pair of plungers engageable with the hooks to couple the handle to the bracket. The plungers can be pushed inwardly on the shaft unit against the force of a compression spring to permit the plungers to be disengaged from the hooks, thereby uncoupling the handle from the bracket. This enables the door to be swung open.

Abstract: A tilt-slide type sunroof of a motor vehicle having a sliding panel for opening or closing a roof opening formed in a roof panel. A housing is provided below the roof panel and separated therefrom, having a housing opening corresponding to the roof opening, and forming a space disposed rearwardly of the roof opening, capable of receiving the sliding panel in cooperation with the roof panel. A shade is provided on the sliding panel for covering the housing opening from above when the roof opening is closed by the sliding panel. The shade is constructed such that an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the shade is made displaceable upward from the housing opening higher than a rear end portion of said shade, the length of the shade is such that when the intermediate portion of the shade is displaced upward, the rear end of the shade is positioned in the space.

Abstract: A device for automatically stopping the powered closure of the slidable panel of a vehicle sun roof as the panel approaches its fully closed position under the operation of a driving apparatus. A limit switch attached to the housing interrupts the flow of energy to the driving apparatus when engaged by cooperating structure formed on a cam rotated by an off-set bearing and first and second reduction gears of the driving apparatus. The cam plate is farther driven by a pin engaging a channel within the cam plate. The cooperating structure, which may be a groove or a projection, is so located on the cam as to engage the limit switch only when the slidable panel is close to its fully closed position.

Abstract: A sliding roof for closing an opening in the roof of a vehicle, the sliding roof including a panel for insertion into the opening, a bracket attached to each side of the panel, a front shoe pivotably attached to the front end of each bracket, a guide slot affixed to each bracket, the guide slots each including a horizontal portion and an inclined portion rising rearwardly therefrom, a pair of guide links each pivotably movable at its rearward end on a rear shoe and having at its upper forward end a guide pin engaging one of said guide slots and at its lower forward end a roller pin, a pair of engaging pins, each affixed to an individual bracket, a pair of guide rails, one on each side of said sliding roof for guiding the related front shoe, rear shoe and engaging pin, a stationary block disposed within each guide rail, each block including a pair of horizontally displaced inclined grooves, one in the path of movement of the corresponding engaging pin and the other in the path of movement of the corresponding

Abstract: A movable roof apparatus for vehicles includes a movable roof disposed on a roof of the vehicle so as to open and close an aperture formed in the roof. Seal member is provided on a rim portion of one of the movable roof, thereby the movable roof being positioned in the aperture in the airtight state. A driving mechanism is provided on the roof and operatively connected with the movable roof through a cam mechanism for moving the movable roof.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a vehicle sunroof having a roof panel, the drive mechanism providing for accurate and reliable shut-off of the sunroof drive motor when the roof panel reaches either its fully closed or fully open position. The drive mechanism includes a rotatable cam plate which is mounted directly on the housing of the drive mechanism, the drive mechanism being installable as a unit in the sunroof assembly and the cam plate actuating limit switches for controlling the motor.