Patents by Inventor Niko Graeter

Niko Graeter 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: 7044539
    Abstract: A motor vehicle roof is provided which includes a cover which can be moved into a raised position at its rear edge by a carriage which can be moved along guide rails in interaction with a cover carrier connected to the cover via a crank arrangement. The crank arrangement has at least one crank path and at least one sliding element which fits into the crank arrangement. For simple and reliable support of the cover in all phases, the crank arrangement preferably includes at least two crank paths and two sliding elements, wherein the crank paths are shaped and arranged such that when the carriage moves, a first sliding element assumes support of the cover in the direction of the height of the vehicle roof (Z-direction), while a second sliding element applies support in the lengthwise direction of the vehicle (X-direction). As the carriage continues to be displaced, a reversal of the supporting action of the two sliding elements occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Open Air Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ettl, Peter Reihl, Adam Wagner, Niko Graeter