Abstract: A vehicle sunroof for installation into a roof of a vehicle includes a sunroof panel and a sunroof frame. The sunroof frame is attached to the vehicle roof through the use of rotating cam members which are disposed within the sunroof frame and which are rotatable such that cam lobes pressingly engage an inner surface of the vehicle roof or a pre-trim ring to clamp the vehicle roof between a lip of the sunroof frame and the rotating cam members. A method for attaching the sunroof frame to a vehicle includes the steps of forming an opening in the roof of a vehicle, then attaching the pre-trim ring to a lower surface of the edge of the opening. The sunroof frame is then inserted into the opening, with the sunroof frame having at least one rotatable cam members thereupon. The rotatable cam member is then rotated, to engage the pre-trim ring or the vehicle roof with an engagement surface of the cam, thereby clamping the roof between the lip of the sunroof frame and the cam or the pre-trim ring.

Abstract: A combination lock and latch mechanism for an access panel. The latch mechanism includes a biased latch part which is located behind the panel and accessible through the panel.

Abstract: A multi-positioning latch assembly adapted for use with hinged panels, and more particularly for use in combination with a hinged glass panel and the related fixed frame structure, such as employed in sunroof-window structures for vehicles, wherein the assembly comprises a first link member defining a latch handle and a second link member defining a toggle-latch arm, the adjacent ends of the first and second link members being provided with cooperating position-engaging members. The toggle-latch arm is pivotally attached at one end to the fixed frame structure and at the other end to the latch handle, the opposite end of the latch handle being pivotally attached to the hinged panel, whereby the panel can be locked into any one of several open positions or a closed position.

Abstract: A releasable hinge device for panels which are removably mounted to fixed frame structures, the device being designed more particularly for association with removable-type glass panels employed with vehicle sunroofs. A pair of such hinge devices is attached adjacent the leading edge of a panel, each device including a flexible hinge member having an extended pivotal tongue member arranged to be removably received in a retainer member that is secured within the fixed frame structure of the sunroof. Slidably mounted to the hinge member is a latch cover which, when placed in a latching mode, locks the tongue member to the retainer member. In order to remove the panel from the frame structure, the latch cover of each hinge device is slidably disengaged from the respective retainer members, whereby the panel is readily removed, thus allowing the opening defined by the frame structure to be relatively free from protruding obstructions.

Abstract: A frame structure for vehicle-type sunroofs and like window panels, in combination with a fastening device, wherein the frame structure includes an inner disposed peripheral seal to be engaged by a typical hinged panel. The frame structure defines a peripheral jamb secured in an opening formed in the roof panel of a vehicle, the jamb having a compression-cantilevered clamping bar, the clamping bar being arranged and secured to the frame structure in such a manner as to be positioned between the vehicle roof panel and the interior headliner, whereby neither the frame nor the clamping bar is exposed within the vehicle.