Abstract: An apparatus for and method of providing a seal (300) for a movable rod (111) is described. The seal includes a flexible material (303) and a rigid seat (305) that may be utilized as a spring seat. The flexible material (303) has an opening with annular grooves and/or bumps (301) that provide a seal with the rod (111) when it moves axially and/or non-axially, for example, within a cylinder (109) in which the rod (111) and seal (300) are disposed.

Abstract: A housing assembly and method for use on sanitary mixers and similar equipment that includes a cover sealed by sealing elements and supported by supporting elements. The cover covers at least a part of a drive component of the mixer such as a speed reducer.

Abstract: An insertable tool connector includes a drive body, a bushing, a locking plate, a restoring spring, a positioning ring, and a push ring. Thus, the insertable tool connector that can be used to connect the tools of different types, such as the saw blade, the screwdriver head or the like, thereby enhancing the versatility of the insertable tool connector. In addition, the tool can be mounted on and detached from the drive body of the insertable tool connector rapidly, thereby facilitating the user operating the insertable tool connector.

Abstract: Removable large wheels for a luggage case, having two permanent sleeves inserted in holes drilled in pre-existing mounting blocks which contain pre-existing small wheels. Two axles, one in each of the sleeves, with a permanent stop at the inner end of each axle and a fastener at the outer end of each axle. The large wheels have an extended tubular part at the hub of the inner side of each wheel which prevents the wheel from touching the outer edge of the luggage. The axle can be extended outward to accept the large wheel, which is kept in place by a fastener at the outer end of each axle; or, when not in use, the axle can be retracted back into the sleeve and the wheels stored in pockets on the exterior of the luggage case. The axles are prevented from sliding part way back out of the sleeves by a fastener at a point just outside the inner end of the sleeve, and kept from slipping all the way out by a stop which is permanently affixed to the inner end of the axle and is of the same diameter as the sleeve.

Abstract: A manually operated wheeled reel support and dispensing cart for supporting multiple reels of material and for dispensing the material from the reels. The cart includes a cart frame having spaced side members, handles for manual cart handling and a top cross brace, with the frame being connected to a support plate and wheel assembly. A plurality of spindle hinge elements, each having a pivot opening, are fixed in spaced relation on one of the frame side members and receive L-shaped removable spindle elements for pivotal opening and closing movement. When open, the spindle elements are supported so that reels can be added or removed. When the spindle elements are closed they secure reels of material to the cart. The cart mechanism has a stop plate and a lock plate fixed to respective frame side members to ensure against inadvertent separation of the spindle elements from the cart and to ensure locking of the spindle elements at their closed positions.

Abstract: A rear suspension connecting structure located under the floor of a vehicle wherein one horizontal reinforcement member is employed at an inner side of the rear floor side member. A weld pipe, for receiving an entire shank of a bolt, is coupled to an upper side of the reinforcement, and the weld pipe is coupled to a vertical bulkhead coupled along the width of the reinforcement.

Abstract: A shift control apparatus for a bicycle transmission comprises a signal detector that detects signals corresponding to motion of the bicycle, a threshold setting unit that sets a shift threshold value, and a time interval calculating unit that calculates time intervals after signals are detected. A control unit provides a signal to change a gear in the bicycle transmission only after a time interval between successive first and second signals passes the shift threshold value and the second signal is detected by the signal detector.

Abstract: A folding bicycle, wherein a head pipe is pivotally supported on the front end of a main frame so as to freely rotate, a handle shaft for rotatably supporting a front wheel is supported while being inserted into the head pipe, a rear wheel is rotatably supported on the rear end of the main frame, a saddle post having a saddle on the top end is pivotally supported on the rear side of a pivotal-support portion of the head pipe, a stay having the top end detachably fixed on the saddle post is pivotally supported on the front side of the rear wheel of the main frame, a crank gear is rotatably supported between a pivotal-support portion of the saddle post and a pivotal-support portion of the stay, a chain is looped over the crank gear and a small gear provided on the rear wheel, and the stay, the saddle post and the handle shaft can be folded so as to be overlaid one another along the main frame.

Abstract: A fifth wheel trailer pin assembly characterized by having a horizontally pivoting joint to reduce the transmission of lateral flex and stress between the units coupled by the hitching assembly. The trailer pin assembly is designed to be used with conventional fifth wheel locking assemblies, which are designed to allow for horizontal rotation of the trailer pin within the locking assembly and far longitudinal pivoting between the units coupled by the hitching assembly, to provide a fifth wheel hitching system which minimizes the transmission of unwanted forces and stresses between the units that are coupled together.

Abstract: A hitch extension apparatus for attaching an implement with a pto driven drive shaft having front and rear universal joints to a tractor drawbar. The apparatus comprises a first member adapted for attachment to the tractor drawbar by insertion of a drawbar pin through the drawbar such that the first member is fixed with respect to the drawbar. An extension member is pivotally attached to the first member about a horizontal pitch axis oriented perpendicular to the travel direction, and about a horizontal roll axis oriented parallel to the operating travel direction. The extension member defines a pivotal attachment location rearward of the draw pin hole adapted for pivotal attachment of the implement about a vertical yaw axis located equidistant from the front and rear universal joints when the drive shaft is connected to the tractor power take off. The pitch axis can be located forward of the yaw axis, and forward of the draw pin hole in order to reduce bending forces on the drawbar.

Abstract: A step-in binding for receiving a ski boot and preferably for telemark skiing. The binding includes a base constructed and arranged to be secured to the ski and a pair of boot support members pivotally supported from a front side of the base, and disposed laterally on either side of the base. The lateral side members may be tapered inwardly toward the front so as to receive and guide the ski boot as it is to be engaged. The pair of boot support members are biased to a boot receiving position and further having a locked position that is assumed once the boot is received, engages the pair of boot support members, and is cantilevered downwardly into the locked position.

Abstract: A foldable stroller includes two locking devices for locking a frame body in an extended position, and a twist actuator mounted on and rotatable relative to a grip and having two cam paths disposed on an inner shell surface thereof. Two cam followers are interposed between the grip and the twist actuator, and have cam surfaces to confront and slidably engage the cam paths so as to move the cam followers along an axis when the twist actuator is rotated. Two keys are secured by the cam followers and extend radially and inwardly to be inserted into and slidable along two keyways formed in the grip. Two pulling cords respectively connect the keys with the locking devices to pull the locking devices so as to unlock the frame body when the cam followers are moved. A retaining member is disposed to prevent movement of the cam followers, and is manually operable to move radially.

Abstract: The seat unit of a stroller includes a seat frame mounted on a stroller frame, a backrest frame unit, and a pad assembly. The backrest frame unit includes a backrest support mounted on the seat frame, a movable frame member connected pivotally to the backrest support and pivotable between folded and unfolded positions, and a foldable link member having opposite ends connected pivotally and respectively to the backrest support and the movable frame member. The pad assembly includes a seat pad, a back pad and a backrest pad mounted on the seat frame, the backrest support and the movable frame member, respectively.

Abstract: A stroller comprises a handle having a shape resembling the inverted letter U, armrests pivotally joined to the handle, front legs pivotally joined to the armrests, respectively, rear legs pivotally joined to the armrests, respectively, front wheels held on lower end parts of the front legs, respectively, and rear wheels held on lower end parts of the rear legs, respectively. The front legs are set so as to extend obliquely away from each other toward the front wheels. The rear legs are set so as to extend obliquely away from each other toward the rear wheels.

Abstract: An infant stroller includes a lower frame with wheels coupled thereto and an upper frame extending upwardly from the lower frame. A carriage body is supported atop the upper frame and includes a bottom for supporting an infant with side, front, and rear walls extending upwardly therefrom. A canopy shaped like a helmet includes side walls pivotally coupled to the carriage body side walls adjacent the rear wall thereof. The canopy is pivotally movable between a first configuration situated substantially over a rear portion of the carriage body for shielding the infant and a second configuration substantially beneath the carriage for partially exposing the infant. A face shield bar is pivotally coupled to the canopy on which toys to amuse the infant may be suspended. The bar may be pivotally moved to a non-use configuration. Organizational indicia may be positioned or imprinted on each canopy side wall.

Abstract: A hand truck comprising a platform fitted at opposed side walls thereof with a handle-engaging assembly, and a handle assembly comprising two parallel spaced arms, each fitted at its lower end with a platform engaging assembly. The handle is displaceable between three respective positions, namely a first position in which the handle is substantially up-right and which position is a pull/push position, a second position in which the handle is inclined and useful as a push position, and a third position in which the handle is and slidably received within the platform.

Abstract: An airbag cushion for protecting an occupant of a vehicle from an impact is presented. The airbag cushion has an inflatable region which inflates upon the reception of an inflation gas from an inflator. The airbag cushion is secured to a housing by a retaining member. The retaining member is configured to secure an attachment region of the airbag cushion to the housing by the use of fasteners which create a clamping force. The clamping force is highest adjacent the fasteners and is lowest at positions between the fasteners. Thus, a high clamp region is created adjacent the fasteners and a low clamp region is created at positions distant from the fasteners. As the airbag cushion is inflated, a load force puts tension on the attachment region of the airbag cushion potentially ripping the airbag cushion out from the low clamp regions. A load controlling cutout is positioned within the attachment region and between the fasteners.

Abstract: A support for an interior lining part of a vehicle has a first attachment element connectable to the interior lining part and a second attachment element connectable to the body of the vehicle. An elastically and/or plastically deformable deformation element, which lies between the attachment elements and is connected to the attachment elements, has a tensile load absorption feature which relieves the deformation element in the tension direction. To achieve reproducible deformation results on the support, the tensile load absorption feature includes a hook on at least one of its ends, which is hooked onto one of the attachment elements or onto an end of the deformation element on the attachment element side. The hook is open toward the tension direction.

Abstract: An airbag module having a gas generator (14), an airbag (13), a housing (10), and a retaining part (20) for fixing the airbag fabric against the housing (10), whereby the gas generator (14), which is positionally fixed to the housing (10), and the retaining part (20) are arranged inside the airbag (13). The retaining part (20) is arranged without a force-absorbing fixation between the gas generator (14) and the housing (10) and, during deployment of the airbag (13), is pressed against the gas generator (14) by the airbag fabric extending between the retaining part (20) and the housing (10).

Abstract: A cushion for protecting a vehicle occupant's head. The cushion inflates and deploys smoothly and is configured so that gas leakage out of the cushion is reduced in order to maintain the inner pressure high for an extended period of time. The cushion includes a protective cushion element and outer shell fabrics superposed on both outer surfaces of the protective cushion element. The cushion element includes a cabin-side base fabric and a window-side base fabric that are sewn together by sewing yarns after bonded to each other by adhesive. The outer shell fabrics are bonded to the protective cushion element by adhesive. The adhesive is applied to the outer surfaces of the protective cushion element the joint wherein the base fabrics are sewn together.

Abstract: A curtain air bag includes a diffuser having an opening that emits operation gas, placed at a predetermined area along an inner side of a roof rail, a first cushion divided into first and second areas that limits a front seat and a rear seat, a third area that forms a front area of the first area, and a fourth area placed between the first area and the second area. The curtain airbag further includes a plurality of cushion holders that fix the first cushion into the roof rail by coupling to the top of the first cushion, a first downwardly extended portion of the first cushion connected to a lower surface of the first area and providing a predetermined area to protect ribs of a passenger sitting in the front seat, a second downwardly extended portion of the first cushion connected to a lower part of the second area and providing a predetermined area to protect ribs of a passenger sitting in the rear seat.

Abstract: A method of preparing an air bag module for final process positioning includes the step of providing an air bag module, the air bag module having unformed locating features for guiding the air bag module into a mountable position on a vehicle component. The method next includes the step of shaping the locating features to a predetermined size. The method may also include the step of providing a vehicle support, such as a steering wheel, with unformed locating features for guiding the air bag module into a mountable position on the vehicle support. The method may further include shaping the unformed locating features of the vehicle support to a predetermined size. The method ensures that the air bag module will consistently fit with the vehicle support and reduce an accumulation of dimensional tolerances in the components of the air bag module and vehicle support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas guide for distributing inflation gas into a cushion for an airbag module such as an inflatable curtain module. The gas guide has a first end connected to an inflator, a second end disposed within the cushion, and an intermediate portion between the first and second ends. The second end has a second opening and the intermediate portion has an intermediate opening. The intermediate portion has a small radius bend proximate the intermediate opening such that first and second portions of the inflation gas leave the second opening and the intermediate opening, respectively, to inflate different portions of the cushion. The second end may be constricted such that back pressure in the intermediate portion urges the second portion through the intermediate opening. In addition or in the alternative, a deflector may be used to channel the second portion through the intermediate opening.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect a vehicle occupant (36) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (44) having a stored, deflated condition and an inflated condition for helping to protect the occupant. An inflator (46) provides inflation fluid to inflate the protection device (44). The apparatus (10) also includes a flap (80) made of fabric material. The flap (80) is stored with the protection device (44). The flap (80) is deployed by inflation of the protection device (44) into a position engaging and covering a head (38) of the vehicle occupant for guiding deployment of the protection device (44) over the head of the occupant.

Abstract: Automatic and simultaneous retraction of a pair of stabilizer legs for a backhoe loader machine is beneficial for the operator (not shown). Instead of retracting the stabilizer legs by manually holding a pair of control levers continuously in a retract position, the operator (not shown) may simply move the control levers to an auto-retract position. The movement of the control levers in such a manner activates a control switch in connection with each of the control levers. The control switches, in turn, activate a timer relay that activates a solenoid detent operative with each control lever. Once the solenoid detents are in an activated state, the operator (not shown) may relinquish contact with the control levers. The solenoid detents will retain the control levers in the auto-retract position via electro-magnetic forces.

Abstract: A tubular honeycomb article for use in absorbing energy. The article is made by taking a planar honeycomb and forming it into a tube shaped honeycomb body. The tube shape of the honeycomb body is retained by providing a shell around the perimeter of the honeycomb body. The resulting tubular honeycomb article may be used as an insert or collar in automotive steering columns to provide absorption of energy during occupant loading in an frontal crash.

Abstract: An energy absorbing assembly (20) providing variable energy absorption from an energy transmitting component (10) is mounted upon a mounting bracket (16) for mounting the energy absorbing assembly (20) to the energy transmitting component (10). An elongated strap (22) immovably secured at a first end (24) absorbs energy received from the energy transmitting component (10) during a collision. Cooperating anvils (30A,B) are slidably received by the mounting bracket (16) and the elongated strap (22) is interwoven between the anvils (30). The anvils (30A,B) include generally parallel axes (a) along which each anvil (30A, 30B) defines stepped diameters (A,B,C,D), and are slidable along the axes (a) in response to a predetermined force to provide variable energy absorption relative to the stepped diameters (A,B,C,D).

Abstract: A pretensioner device in which, at a time of rapid deceleration of a vehicle such as a collision, a gas generator generates gas and the pretensioner device moves a piston in a direction of tensing a webbing. When, due to delayed detection by an acceleration sensor, the gas generator operates after a stretch-out load has been applied to a wire, high-pressure and high-temperature gas within a gas chamber contacts a guard pipe, which is formed of a material having a high thermal conductivity and is disposed within the gas chamber, and is cooled, and passes through a clearance and a pin hole communicating regions to a front and rear of the piston, and is discharged into a cylinder.

Abstract: An insertion sleeve for a pipe coupling. The coupling includes a rigid stiffener tube in a fixed position within a shell, the stiffener tube having an external diameter less than the internal diameter of a pipe to be secured by the coupling. The insertion sleeve includes a cylindrical portion having an external diameter less than the internal diameter of the pipe, a first end of the sleeve which may be axially inserted over the stiffener tube, and a second end of the sleeve having a shoulder to abut the pipe after axial insertion of the pipe over the first end and the cylindrical portion and having a tapered opening in angular relation to the axis of the cylindrical portion.

Abstract: Linearly actuated quick connect pipe couplings which include a male element and a female element adapted to fit into each other along a principal axis. One of the elements includes at least one ramp for receiving a radial projection mounted to the other element which locks the elements together by axial movement of the elements relative to one another. One of the ramp or the projection is formed with a ring mounted to rotate but is fixed in translation along the principal axis of one of the male or female elements. The ramp forms a first seat for locking the projection when the coupling is in a configuration to permit fluid passage and a second seat, offset axially with respect to the first seat, for locking the projection when the coupling is in a configuration to permit decompression of fluid within the coupling.

Abstract: A conduit connection joint is formed to connect a tube and a fitting body in fluid tight relation. The joint is made by axially compressing the tube in a bore in the fitting body so as to cause formation of an outwardly extending tube bead and at least one inwardly extending tube bead. The engagement of the fitting body and the tube may be further strengthened by a retaining ridge. The retaining ridge may be formed in the fitting body to engage the outwardly extending tube bead to further hold the fitting body and tube in engaged relation.

Abstract: A band clamp used to connect tubular bodies such as vehicle exhaust system components. The band clamp has a band extending from a first end to a second end and includes a pair of spaced ribs extending at least part way between the first and second ends. A tightening mechanism is connected to the band and includes two clamp members movable toward and away from each other for tightening and loosening of the band. The band clamp further includes a gasket located on an inner surface of the band between the ribs and extending between the first and second ends. The use of the ribs with the interposed gasket provides a mechanical interlock of the band clamp with the tubular bodies while providing a hermetic seal at the junction between the two bodies.

Abstract: A fitting for an end of a length of corrugated tubing has a split retainer that grips the tubing corrugations, and is engaged between a fitting body and a nut. Upon tightening the nut on the fitting body, the endmost corrugation is compressed between the retainer and a sealing seat on the fitting body arranged to provide a narrow metal-metal sealing junction and also a gasket seal. The fitting body has an inwardly tapered conical surface with a circular outer radius surrounded by an annular groove, thus forming a sealing edge, and the annular groove carries a gasket. The conical surface is dimensioned so that the sealing edge falls between the maximum and minimum diameters of the endmost corrugation. As the fitting is tightened, the endmost corrugation is collapsed between the sealing edge and the retainer, providing a metal/metal clamped sealing junction. The outer diameter part of the endmost corrugation is wrapped into a bead or torus that compresses the gasket, forming a metal/gasket additional seal.

Abstract: An adjustable sliding bolt (16) for a lock, comprising a first part (17) guided for reciprocating sliding movement along a first plane relative to a housing (11) of the lock, and a second part (23) operatively connected to the first part and having a first and a second end. The second end has an abutment surface (24) located in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane. The second part (23) is integral with the first part (17) and hingedly connected thereto at its first end by a reduced material thickness portion (26). An adjustment screw (32) is provided between the first part and the second part at a distance from its first end. The screw is operative to positively move the second end and the abutment surface (24) two opposite directions perpendicular to the first and second planes.

Abstract: A door latch comprises a follower mounted for rotational movement in a latch housing, a guide pin provided on an actuating arm of the follower which is operatively linked to a multiplier, a bolt biased outwards of the housing, and an inelastic flexible element connected between the multiplier and bolt. In operation rotational movement of the follower is amplified by the guide pin acting on the multiplier. The increased rotational movement of the multiplier is converted to rectilinear movement of the bolt into the housing by the inelastic flexible element, which wraps around an outside edge of the multiplier.

Abstract: A dual function lock for use on a hung window is provided that includes a base, a handle and a tilt latch actuating mechanism. A tilt latch for use on a hung window is also provided. Furthermore, a tilt latch assembly including a lock, left and right latches and an extensible member is provided. Furthermore, a hung window and tilt latch assembly is provided.

Abstract: A bumper includes a beam and an energy absorber supported on its face. The beam includes front and rear beam walls, with a pair of apertures in the front beam wall, and further the energy absorber includes a pair of tubular structural columns extending from its front wall through the aperture in the front beam wall to the rear beam wall. By this arrangement, the front wall of the energy absorber receives support from the rear beam wall via the structural columns during a vehicle crash.

Abstract: A thermally energy efficient vehicle includes a vehicle structure having generally interconnected structural members that form a frame for the vehicle and generally planar interconnected panels that define a shape of the vehicle. The thermally energy efficient vehicle also includes a low transmittance glass window positioned within the vehicle structure which increases a thermal resistance of the vehicle and an energy efficient thermal management system that provides exterior thermal management and interior thermal management for the vehicle, such that the energy efficient thermal management system consumes less thermal energy as a result of the increased thermal resistance of the vehicle.

Abstract: A strength member, for vehicle use, extending in the vehicle width direction inside an instrument panel of a vehicle has a reinforcing bar in which a closed space is formed, and the reinforcing bar has a driver's seat side region, a central region and an assistant driver's seat side region, the reinforcing bar being composed of a metallic member arranged in the driver's seat side region and a resin member or a resin and metallic member arranged in the central region and the assistant driver's seat side region.

Abstract: A pair of rear mounting brackets are constructed to duplicate the front mounting on a motorcycle that holds a detachable windshield. The rear mounting brackets are attached to the motorcycle and are oriented to hold the windshield in a horizontal position behind the rider when the windshield is not in use.

Abstract: The invention concerns roof elements (1, 2) mobile between a first position wherein they cover the vehicle passenger compartment, a second position wherein the front roof element (1) is located above the rear roof element (2), a third position wherein the two roof elements (1, 2) are stowed in the vehicle rear deck. The mechanism (3) for lifting the front roof element (1) comprises two intersecting levers (8, 9) articulated at their intersection (10) one of the ends of said levers (8, 9) being articulated to a front telescopic element (5), the other end of said levers (8, 9) being linked to means for displacing each of said ends in opposite directions oriented in a direction parallel to the front telescopic element (5).

Abstract: A device for automatically actuating a vehicle door (1), in particular a side door or a tailgate of the motor vehicle, including: A control device (12) and a drive (4;4?) having a motor (5) with a gearing (6) connected downstream and at least one transmission element (8;20) located between the gearing 6 (6) and thevehicle door (1). The invention facilitates the manual actuation of an automatically actuated vehicle door (1) that is in an open position. To achieve this, a load sensor (10) is mounted on the drive (4). When a predetermined load on the open vehicle door (1) has been reached, the sensor generates a control signal, which is fed to the control device (12) for activating the motor (5), or for decoupling a coupling (18) that is located between the gearing (6) and the transmission element (8;20), the load on the open vehicle door (1) being produced e.g. by a corresponding manual pressure on the vehicle door (1).

Abstract: An assembly for attaching a side-visor to a frame of a vehicle comprises a retainer that includes a mounting portion and a clip portion connected to the mounting portion by flexible straps that can be bent for alignment of the clip portion with a hole in the visor, through which a flanged pin is inserted into and coupled with the clip portion. Adjustability of the retainer, by virtue of the flexible straps, permits the same retainer to accommodate different visor inclinations and different visor hole positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the drag of a motor vehicle includes a mechanism for diverting air attached to a front portion of the vehicle and a vacuum plate having openings therein for attachment to a back of the vehicle. Mechanisms for diverting air include a cover piece encasing a front portion of the vehicle, one or more separation panels attached to the front of the vehicle, and one or more tubular members attached to the front of the vehicle. Both the cover piece and vacuum plate are attached to the vehicle so that a space is maintained between the vehicle and the cover piece and vacuum plate, respectively.

Abstract: This invention broadly provides a trailer having a side which opens and closes to prevent the loss of material during transport. In the preferred embodiment, the trailer includes three solid or rigid sides with a fourth side that opens and closes with a drape, though in alternative configurations, two or more sides may also open and close, preferably utilizing the methods and apparatus disclosed herein. In a simple configuration, the invention utilizes a cable suspended between opposing upper points, with a curtain having upper eyelets journaled thereon, enabling the curtain to open and close so as to permit access to the trailer interior. Although this may be carried out according to the invention with an upper cable that remains affixed, in the preferred embodiments, a winch and pulley system is used to tighten the cable, and to loosen the cable for detachment purposes.

Abstract: A mechanical, active crash pulse management structure for providing modification of crash pulse, wherein the structure has a dormant (initial) state volume, but then in the event of a crash, timely expands into a much larger deployed volume for providing management of an expectant crash energy. The preferred crash energy management structure is a before expansion honeycomb celled material brick, wherein expansion of the honeycomb brick is in a plane transverse to the cellular axis of the cells thereof, and crash crush is intended to be parallel to the cellular axis. In the event of a crash, either an active or passive activation mechanism is provided for causing expansion of honeycomb celled material.

Abstract: A vehicle upper body structure, in which a front door and a rear door cover a continuous door opening with no partition in a side part of a vehicle body so that the door opening can be opened and closed, the front door is pivotally attached at its front part to the vehicle body so that the front door can be opened and closed, and the rear door is pivotally attached at its rear part thereof to the vehicle body so that the rear door can be opened and closed, includes: a roof opening which is formed in a roof portion of the vehicle body and through which a vehicle cabin leads to the outside of a vehicle; an opening and closing member which covers the roof opening so that the roof opening can be opened and closed; a roof opening frame which supports the opening and closing member; and a load transmitting member which transmits a load given in the vehicle-width directions, the load transmitting member being disposed at a side part of the roof opening frame such that the load transmitting member is located between

Abstract: A panel assembly is securable to a front end of a motor vehicle for positioning and securing a plurality of elements thereto. The panel assembly has a core connectable to the front end of a motor vehicle. A skin covers the core. A component mounting structure is molded to the skin. The component mounting structure is adapted to have the plurality of elements attached thereto in spaced relation. The panel assembly may be assembled to the motor vehicle with the plurality of elements secured thereto.

Abstract: A mounting groove (G) defined in a joint area between a roof panel (R) and a side structure (S) includes a first rising wall (11) extending downwards from a side edge of a roof panel body (10) with no undercut provided therein, and a second rising wall (13) extending downwards from a side edge of the side structure (S) and inclined so as to be spaced apart from the first rising wall (11) on the side of a lower end of the second rising wall. A roof molding (M) includes a lid (17), a base portion (18) having a notch (22) defined in a side opposed to the first rising wall (11), and a pair of lips (19, 20) extending laterally from a lower end of the base portion (18) and resiliently abutting against the first and second rising walls (11, 13). The side structure (S) has a step (21) against which the lid (17) of the roof molding (M) is capable of abutment.

Abstract: An openable motor vehicle roof, which is provided with at least one cover (10, 110) which, in the closed position, closes at least part of a roof opening (46), with a carriage (36, 136) which can be moved in the lengthwise direction of the roof in a first roof-mounted guide (38) by a drive, and with a cover-mounted cover carrier (12, 112) which is movably guided in the lengthwise direction of the roof by a first sliding element (16, 116) in a second roof-mounted guide (20) and by a second sliding element (18, 118) which is offset to the rear relative to the first sliding element in the third roof-mounted guide (22). The cover can be raised at its rear edge by displacement of the carriage to the rear and can be pushed to the rear with the rear edge of the cover raised to clear the roof opening.