Abstract: A roof module of a motor vehicle with at least one securing device for a roof carrier system, the securing device being formed in one piece with the roof module.

Abstract: A roof module of a motor vehicle, wherein the roof module is manufactured from a plastic and a roof box device is integrally formed with the roof module in one piece.

Abstract: A molding for closing a recess between a pair of body panels includes a head portion, a stem portion, and at least one leg member. The head portion has a width sufficient to close the opening when the molding is installed in the recess. The stem portion can be formed of a harder plastic material than the leg member and has a width enabling the stem portion to pass through an opening in the recess. The leg member is formed of a softer material and extends from the stem portion for frictional engagement with the side wall of the recess. A living hinge can be formed in the leg member to facilitate deflection of the leg member during insertion.

Abstract: A roof ditch molding structure is provided with a body member having a drainage groove that receives a roof ditch molding which is preferably coupled thereto by a double sided tape formed of thermally cured urethane. The roof ditch molding has a rigid carrier member and a resilient cover member that substantially covers an outer surface of the carrier member. The rigid carrier member has a first transverse free end disposed between first and second vertical portions of the body member, and a second transverse free end disposed between the first transverse free end and the second vertical portion of the body member. The first transverse free end has a step portion extending substantially toward the second vertical portion of the body member. The cover member has first and second lip portions extending from the first and second transverse free ends of the carrier member, respectively, to form seals between the roof ditch molding and the drainage groove.

Abstract: A substantially flush mounted vehicular window frame assembly and method for producing same are provided, where a slider panel can be moved in either direction across a fixed panel having a window aperture defined therein. Stationary rails, near horizontal edges of the aperture, run in parallel and extend the width of the assembly. The slider panel with locator rails attached to two edges, mates with and moves between the stationary rails. Pillar seals attached to the fixed panel near vertical aperture edges, make sealable contact with the slider panel when it covers the aperture. Slider seals attached to fixed panel edges that form the horizontal edges of the aperture, make sealable contact with the slider panel when it covers the aperture. Flush mounting of the assembly is achieved by placing the window frame assembly and associated panels in substantially an exterior vehicle body frame plane.

Abstract: This roof module is designed for installation on a vehicle body in which an opening of approximately the same dimensions as the roof has been made and it is composed of the original roof panel (1), with its end finish, a complete conventional interior trim (2), usually of larger dimensions than the afore-mentioned panel, as well as pre-installed interior accessories (3) and (3?). At its front and rear edges the roof panel (1) is provided with dished recesses (10) which engage underneath the front (4) and rear (5) body cross members, covering it at least, the cross members (4) and (5) being closed at the top with a panel (7) that covers them and provides the form and finish matching the exterior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A structure such as a demountable building (10) including a base (11), a plurality of modular units (12–17) which are arranged for connection to the base (11). Each unit is fitted out with functional elements to enable that unit to perform a predetermined function in the operation of the building (10). Each unit (12–17) and its associated functional elements being operative to be connected to, or removed from, the base (11) as a single unit.

Abstract: A roof module for a motor vehicle with an outside roof skin and layers of composite materials located on the vehicle interior side of at least planar portions of the roof skin and a process for producing such a module. The layers on the vehicle-interior side are arranged in the order, beginning from the outside roof skin, of a first fiber-containing layer produced using the long-fiber injection process, and a carrier layer of stiffening material.

Abstract: A roof ditch molding fastener is provided that comprises a molding retaining portion and a base portion. The molding retaining portion is configured and arranged to releasably retain a roof ditch molding to a vehicle body. The base portion includes a first longitudinal contacting surface and a second longitudinal contacting surface. The second longitudinal contacting surface extends substantially parallel to the first longitudinal contacting surface, and is laterally spaced from the first longitudinal contacting surface to form an uninterrupted air space between the first and second longitudinal contacting surfaces. Thus, the roof ditch molding fastener is easily positioned in place with respect to the vehicle body by using the first and second longitudinal contacting surfaces. Moreover, since the uninterrupted space is formed between the first and second longitudinal surfaces, a corrosion of a portion between the roof ditch molding fastener and the vehicle body can be prevented.

Abstract: A molding apparatus and method for use are provided for covering a seam extending between roof and side panels of a vehicle, the panels including opposing shoulders adjacent the seam defining a ditch. The apparatus includes a section of molding including first and second ends, an upper surface including a painted finish, and a lower surface. Mounts extend from the lower surface that are spaced apart from one another. Flexible trim extends along side edges of the molding between the first and second ends. In addition, a roof rack member extends from the upper surface of the molding. During use, the molding is mounted to the vehicle at a plurality of discrete locations, e.g., by the mounts, such that the molding extends along the ditch without touching the shoulders. The trim extends from the side edges to contact the shoulders of the ditch.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved attachment system and a method of forming the same. The attachment system typically includes a first member having a first attachment surface and a second member having a second attachment surface. A structural adhesive material is adhered to the first attachment surface and the second attachment surface. Moreover, a sealing material typically seals a gap between the first member and the second member.

Abstract: A roof component, in particular an inner liner for a vehicle roof, comprises a carrier layer which consists of a cured material, and a mounting structure. The mounting structure is formed by at least one undercut.

Abstract: A roof bow for a vehicle, comprising a vertical face, a curved top flange extending in a first direction, and a straight bottom flange extending in the first direction. Preferably, the roof bow is monolithic with a plurality of apertures in the vertical face that provide clearance for ductwork, wiring, etc. Additionally, the roof bow may comprise horizontally and vertically-extending indented embossments, and rolled embossments about the apertures. Side flanges may additionally extend in the first direction and attach to side walls of the vehicle via an angled connector.

Abstract: In this vehicle roof molding, a molding body has shelf sections formed relative to the widthwise direction so as to oppose a bottom surface of an upper wall separated by an interval, and a slide plate is movably installed so as to be able to slide along the longitudinal direction of the molding body at a location opposing an opening of the shelf sections, and slide plate has elastic sections that protrude towards the shelf sections and force the slide plate towards the upper wall by receiving a reactive force from the shelf sections. Opening can be opened and closed by sliding slide plate.

Abstract: A roof frame arrangement of a motor vehicle has a front, a rear and two lateral roof frames, and a supporting device for a motor vehicle tailgate. The supporting device includes a tailgate hinge and at least one gas-filled compression spring. At least the lateral roof frame contains an inner shell and an outer shell connected to the latter. A hollow space is formed between the inner shell and outer shell. In order to provide a roof frame arrangement having increased stiffness, which can be produced in a simple and space-saving manner and with as few manufacturing tolerances as possible and in which a relatively great outlay on leakproofness is not required, it is proposed to form a rear end region of the lateral roof frame as a single-piece, circumferentially closed hollow profile which encloses the hollow space there and forms a receiving housing in which at least one of the hinge and the gas-filled compression spring is fitted.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure of the present invention comprises a front pillar including a front pillar inner and a front pillar outer and provided in an up and down direction of a vehicle body, a front roof rail provided in an upper portion of the front pillar and extended in a lateral direction of the vehicle body, and a joint member provided between the front roof rail and the front pillar inner and jointing the front roof rail and the front pillar inner. In the vehicle body structure, a joint portion other than a joint portion of the joint member and a side edge portion at a body center side of the front pillar inner is configured to provide weaker joint, with respect to a load applied to the vehicle body obliquely from above, than joint provided by a joint portion of the joint member and the front roof rail. Thereby, the concentration of stress corresponding to the load can be avoided.

Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly comprises a hydroformed vertical member (e.g., b-pillar), a hydroformed longitudinal member (e.g., roof rail), and a cross member with a transition flange wrapping above or below the longitudinal member. The transition flange provides rounded corners to enhance the door seal feature. In the preferred embodiment, the transition flange may be integrally formed as part of a stamped cross member or may be a separately formed transition bracket member attached to the cross member.

Abstract: The invention concerns a folding roof for vehicle, comprising a rigid front roof element (1), a rigid intermediate roof element (2) and a rigid rear roof element (3). The displacement of the rear element towards the rear deck (5) is guided by fingers (6) borne by the rear part of the rear element (3) and slidably engaged in the slide rails (7), (10) extending inside the deck (5). The displacement of the intermediate element (2) and the front element (1) is guided by the slide rails borne by two adjacent roof elements and by fingers engaged in said slide rails and borne by two other adjacent roof elements, enabling the front element (1) and the intermediate element (2) to slide towards each other and to slide towards the rear element (3) so that the three elements can be superimposed.

Abstract: A sealer tape and clip assembly in accordance with the present invention is adapted to be disposed in a recess, defined by at least one interior surface. The assembly includes a sealer tape member having an upper surface, a lower surface, and opposed side surfaces. An aperture extends through the upper surface and the lower surface, and is disposed between but does not extend through the opposed side surfaces. A clip body includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween. The intermediate portion of the clip body is disposed in the aperture, the upper portion of the clip body engages the upper surface of the sealer tape member, and the lower portion of the clip body engages the lower surface of the sealer tape member. The sealer tape member sealingly bonds with the interior surface of the recess to secure the assembly in the recess.

Abstract: A car body part for a motor vehicle has an outer skin formed of an at least partially deformable material. An inner layer is formed of a foamed plastic. A mounting part which is placed in a recess of the outer skin and is anchored via an interlocking fit between the outer skin and a deformed portion of the mounting part. The interlocking fit may be created when the foamed plastic is expanded in a mold, which increases interior pressure within the mold and deforms the outer skin against the mounting part.

Abstract: A vehicle child seat attachment structure basically comprises a vehicle body panel and a sheet metal structural member. The sheet metal structural member is fixedly coupled to the vehicle body panel to create a space between the vehicle body panel and a cabin facing portion of the sheet metal structural member. The cabin facing portion of the sheet metal structural member is configured and arranged to form at least a first bar portion of an integrated child seat tether anchor that is arranged and dimensioned to receive a child seat tether clip. The sheet metal structural member is reinforced by a reinforcement plate configured and arranged to form at least a second bar portion of the integrated child seat tether anchor that is arranged and dimensioned to overlie the first bar portion such that the child seat tether clip is fastened around the first and second bar portions.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle cover rests on the roof of a recreational vehicle. The cover is lightweight, portable and is easily installed or removed by two people. The cover requires no modification to the recreational vehicle. The recreational vehicle cover is capable of protecting the vehicle from harsh weather and heavy snow. The height of the cover above the recreational vehicle roof can be adjusted to adapt to rooftop obstructions such as air conditioner, skylights and vents and also to accommodate uneven rooflines.

Abstract: A rear roof frame of a motor vehicle has a tailgate which is fastened to the roof frame and includes an upper shell and a lower shell which is fitted to the latter. For the design of a rear roof frame, which, in spite of the shell-type construction, provides, in a simple manner and lightweight construction, sufficient torsional and flexural stiffness in order to withstand high mechanical stresses, it is proposed to arrange within the shell structure a hollow profile which leads in each case from the transition region to the lateral roof frame and parallel to the longitudinal extent of the structure, and emerges, at least at the end facing away from the lateral roof frame, in a knee which kinks in the front-end direction of the vehicle. The end of the rear roof frame forms a tubular hollow profile of the lateral roof frame, which is connected to the hollow profile of the rear roof frame.

Abstract: A glass roof (1) for closing an opening in a motor vehicle roof, the opening being bordered by a stop which is made as a support surface, and the roof (1) having a glass pane (2) with an inner peripheral surface (3) which is suited for cementing to the indicated support surface. At least part of the inner peripheral surface (3) of the glass pane (2) is coated with a material (4a, 4b) with an outside surface (5a, 5b) which is to be opposite the support surface running essentially parallel to the corresponding section of the indicated support surface.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for designing an energy-absorbing impact zone for a vehicle interior, including acquiring test data representative of an occupant, determining a force versus deflection curve for the vehicle impact zone, analyzing the force versus deflection curve, and utilizing the analysis to adjust the stiffness of the energy-absorbing impact zone and to shape the force versus deflection curve so that a constant area under the force versus deflection curve has the minimum deflection possible without exceeding a certain force limit and a certain head impact criterion.

Abstract: A fixing 4 for a vehicle roof comprises a foot portion 2 having a projecting boss 18, which boss 18 is adapted to project through an opening in a vehicle roof, the fixing 4 also comprising engagement means adapted to be received in an opening 28 in the boss 18, and fastening means 6 also adapted to be received in the opening 28 in the boss 18 to thereby secure the engagement means 7 in position and thereby prevent removal of the boss 18 from said opening in the vehicle roof.

Abstract: The invention relates to reinforced composite inner roof panels of the sandwich-type having a cellular core. In a method for making a inner roof panel of the invention, a stack is formed that is made up of: an upper skin made of a reinforced thermoplastic material; a cellular core made of a thermoplastic material; and a bottom skin made of a reinforced thermoplastic material. The upper and lower skins and the cellular core are formed together and have regions of reduced thickness and regions of increased thickness that may provide head impact absorbing characteristics or form structural components of the passenger compartment. Examples of structural components that may be formed include HVAC ducts, wiring conduits, video display panel mounts or air bag receptacles.

Abstract: A top for a small vehicle, such as a golf car, has a roof member and a set of struts that are pivotally attached to the roof member. The struts can be folded for shipping and storage. The top also has features that accommodate stacking of tops for shipping and storage. In addition, a handle is located inboard of an outer periphery of the roof member so that a hand grasping the handle is not exposed outside of the periphery. Furthermore, in one arrangement, the handle is mounted at a location that keeps an occupant's arm within the periphery if the handle is properly grasped. An improved drainage system also is provided to minimize splashing toward occupants.

Abstract: A fastening device for a belt roller in a motor vehicle is inserted in a cutout of a vehicle body part and is connected on an edge side with the vehicle body part. In order to create a fastening device for a belt roller which permits improved fastening, the cutout can be constructed in the vehicle body part such that the cutout is closed in a surrounding manner.

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: 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 vehicle roof having a roof frame and a roof module permanently and fixedly attached to the roof frame has a rigid safety element on the lower side of the roof module. The safety element engages the roof frame and holds the roof module on the roof frame in the event of a plastic deformation of the roof frame.

Abstract: A mountable vehicle body part has a visible outer surface and includes a outer plastic sheet, an inner fiber-reinforced layer made of plastic, and a protective layer disposed between the plastic sheet and the fiber-reinforced layer. The protective layer is made of plastic and prevents direct contact between the fibers fiber-reinforced layer and the plastic sheet. The protective layer prevents the fibers from marring the outer surface of the plastic sheet.

Abstract: A method of assembling a roof assembly into a vehicle includes assembling the roof assembly and at least one module subassembly. The roof assembly includes a roof outer panel configured to cover a roof opening in the vehicle. The roof assembly and the module subassemblies are installed by operators working entirely outside the vehicle, resulting in increased efficiency and production cost savings.

Abstract: A lateral track movement system for a display screen attached to the ceiling of a motor vehicle utilizing a dockable connector. This system allows the display screen to slide across tracks to any desired position along the track for more comfortable viewing of the display screen by the passengers in the motor vehicle. This system allows for the display screen to utilize a dockable connection so that the electrical connection is made at the point of connection, which is outside of the interior of the ceiling or side panels. This lateral track movement system comprises an upper reinforcement assembly, a carrier assembly, a lower reinforcement assembly, at least one wire, and a spool.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a road-bound, horizontally fitted vehicle body with a roof unit having an outer skin and an inward facing ceiling, or an outer skin and an inward facing ceiling with a ceiling frame, whereby the roof unit is a unit ready for installation, and a basic structure having longitudinal frames, the ceiling and the outer skin along with the basic structure having joining configurations that mate with each other at mutual places for joining. The process includes the steps of introducing the roof unit containing the outer skin with joining configurations, the ceiling or the ceiling and the ceiling frame, in each case with fittings already mounted in place, through an opening between the longitudinal frames, bringing the roof unit into contact with corresponding, matching configuration points of the longitudinal frames by an upward movement and permanently jointing the roof unit there.

Abstract: A vehicle roof module is interlocked releasably yet securely directly with the body frame (3), which encompasses an upper body opening, or indirectly with a frame covering (13) which is fastened to the frame. The interlocking elements (8) are only accessible from the vehicle interior in order to release the interlock and also only after previously elastically bending over a portion of the inner shell (1) of the roof module, which covers the locking elements (8). The roof module can be easily assembled, dissassembled and also replaced and thus has properties of a hardtop.

Abstract: A roof rack assembly includes a plurality of longitudinal and transverse elements mountable within the roof. The roof rack is pivotal between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the stowed position, the roof rack is received within recesses defined within a surface of the vehicle roof. In the deployed position, the roof rack is raised to support cargo above the surface of the modular roof. The longitudinal and transverse elements of the roof rack form a portion of the vehicle roof surface when in the stowed position. The shape of the longitudinal and transverse elements conform to the surface of the roof to provide a substantially continuous surface when in the stowed position.

Abstract: A reinforcing support frame structure, for use in a roof portion of a vehicle body, includes a panel enclosure with an opening for supporting a roof panel therein. The panel enclosure includes an intermediate portion, which may have two parts situated at different levels, with a curved border therebetween. The reinforcing frame also includes a brace operatively attached to the panel enclosure. The brace may include a triangular portion, having a narrow end facing toward the opening of the panel enclosure. The reinforcing frame structure may also include a plurality of interconnected crossmembers, which are operatively connected to the panel enclosure. Where used, the crossmembers give additional strength to the structure. The reinforcing frame structure may be substantially symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal axis thereof.

Abstract: A device (6) for producing a folding top (2) of a convertible, which comprises a frame region (4) for gripping a windowpane (3), especially a rear window, at least partially, a part (5) of the folding top (2), including the frame region (4) being holdable and connectable with the windowpane (3), wherein the device (6) comprises a fixing device (8) for holding the windowpane (3) in an accurately fitting manner with respect to the frame region (4).

Abstract: An impact absorbing member having a contact wall and base wall that are separated by first and second spacing walls. The spacing walls are oriented to be not aligned with the anticipated direction of an impact force. The spacing walls may be flat, curved, or formed in the shape of a bellows. The base wall may be provided with an adhesive or may include additional fastening features such as holes through which glue or fasteners may pass or may be formed as fastening rosettes.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo rack is provided with a carrier member and a carrier positioning device for positioning the carrier member. The carrier member is positionable in at least a deployed position and a stored position.

Abstract: A roof bow for a vehicle, comprising a vertical face, a curved top flange extending in a first direction, and a straight bottom flange extending in the first direction. Preferably, the roof bow is monolithic with a plurality of apertures in the vertical face that provide clearance for ductwork, wiring, etc. Additionally, the roof bow may comprise horizontally and vertically-extending indented embossments, and rolled embossments about the apertures. Side flanges may additionally extend in the first direction and attach to side walls of the vehicle via an angled connector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rear roof frame of a motor vehicle, having a tailgate which is fastened to the roof frame, the rear roof frame comprising an upper shell and a lower shell which is fitted to the latter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roof frame arrangement of motor vehicles, having a front, a rear and two lateral roof frames and having a supporting device for a motor vehicle tailgate, said supporting device comprising a tailgate hinge and at least one gas-filled compression spring, wherein at least the lateral roof frame contains an inner shell and an outer shell connected to the latter, and wherein a hollow space is formed between the inner shell and outer shell. In order to provide a roof frame arrangement having increased stiffness, which can be produced in a simple and space-saving manner and with as few manufacturing tolerances as possible and in which a relatively great outlay on leakproofness is not required, it is proposed to form a rear end region of the lateral roof frame as a single-piece, circumferentially closed hollow profile which encloses the hollow space there and forms a receiving housing in which the hinge and/or the gas-filled compression spring is/are fitted.

Abstract: A vehicle roof having a roof frame and a roof module permanently and fixedly attached to the roof frame has a rigid safety element on the lower side of the roof module. The safety element engages the roof frame and holds the roof module on the roof frame in the event of a plastic deformation of the roof frame.

Abstract: A headliner assembly, for use with a vehicle having a roof, includes a headliner body that is positionable proximate the roof, and a support frame attached to the headliner body. The support frame cooperates with the headliner body to provide a sufficient structural characteristic such that the headliner assembly is self-supporting.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a road-bound, horizontally fitted vehicle body with a roof unit having an outer skin and an inward facing ceiling with a ceiling frame, and a basic structure having longitudinal frames and front and rear cross members. The ceiling and the outer skin along with the basic structure have corresponding joining configurations that mate the ceiling and outer skin to the basic structure.

Abstract: A glass roof (1) for closing an opening in a motor vehicle roof, the opening being bordered by a stop which is made as a support surface, and the roof (1) having a glass pane (2) with an inner peripheral surface (3) which is suited for cementing to the indicated support surface. At least part of the inner peripheral surface (3) of the glass pane (2) is coated with a material (4a, 4b) with an outside surface (5a, 5b) which is to be opposite the support surface running essentially parallel to the corresponding section of the indicated support surface.

Abstract: A car body part for a motor vehicle has an outer skin formed of an at least partially deformable material. An inner layer is formed of a foamed plastic. A mounting part which is placed in a recess of the outer skin and is anchored via an interlocking fit between the outer skin and a deformed portion of the mounting part. The interlocking fit may be created when the foamed plastic is expanded in a mold, which increases interior pressure within the mold and deforms the outer skin against the mounting part.