Abstract: A sound and heat insulator installable on a soft top vehicle includes: a body shaped to fit between a windshield frame and a roll bar of the soft top vehicle, the body having a rigid core, a foam layer located on each of an upper surface and lower surface of the rigid core, and an edging material located over the rigid core and the foam layer and around an edge of the body; one or more first mounting tabs located towards a front of the body; and one or more second mounting tabs located towards a rear of the body. At least one of the one or more first mounting tabs and the one or more second mounting tabs is shaped to engage a hard top mounting point of the soft top vehicle.

Abstract: A processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium store instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations including receiving a location; in response to determining that the location is known, setting a first tinting level of a surface; and in response to determining that the location is unknown, setting a second tinting level of the surface that differs from the first tinting level.

Abstract: A golf car canopy extension panel that is connectable to a canopy main panel, wherein the extension panel comprises a first extension longitudinal water channel that is fluidly connectable to a first main longitudinal water channel main panel, and a second extension longitudinal water channel that is fluidly connectable to a second main longitudinal water channel of the main panel, wherein the first and second extension longitudinal water channels each comprise a termination end structured and operable to direct water to exit the respective extension longitudinal water channel at an end of a sidewall of the respective extension longitudinal water channel.

Abstract: A vehicle apparatus configured to selectively position and enclose an opening formed in at least one panel of a vehicle includes a sliding panel and a positioning mechanism. The sliding panel includes an electrical device in communication with a control circuit of the vehicle and the positioning mechanism is configured to slidably position the sliding panel along a positioning track between an open position and a closed position. A control connection is configured to transmit control signals between the control circuit of the vehicle and the electrical device. The control connection extends from a portion of the vehicle to a connection interface of the electrical device, and the connection apparatus is configured to communicate a control signal to adjust an operating state of the electrical device in both the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: A split roof lining and datum scheme includes first, second and third roof lining assemblies. The first and second roof lining assemblies are aligned and directly connected to a roof installation of a vehicle using alignment features mated with datums in the roof installation. The third roof lining assembly is aligned and directly connected with the first and second roof lining assemblies using alignment features mated with datums in the first and second roof lining assemblies. The third roof lining assembly is not directly connected to the roof installation. Cover assemblies, optionally including light sources, cover interfaces between the first and third roof lining assemblies and between the second and third roof lining assemblies.

Abstract: A canopy for a lightweight vehicle comprising a canopy main panel mountable to a hollow front canopy downspout-strut. The main panel including a first water channel extending, a second water channel extending, a forward water channel integrally and fluidly connected to the first water channel and the second water channel. The main panel additionally including at least one water egress orifice formed in a bottom of an intermediate portion of the forward water channel, and a spout extending from a perimeter of each egress orifice, the spout integrally formed with and extending from an underside of the main panel, wherein each spout is structured and operable to extend into a water ingress opening in the front canopy downspout-strut of the vehicle when the canopy main panel is mounted to the front canopy downspout-strut.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) panel mounting system for a vehicle includes: a PV panel movably mounted on a vehicle panel; a first electrode electrically connected to the PV panel; a second electrode attached to the vehicle panel and electrically connected to the first electrode; and a damping mechanism elastically supporting the PV panel with respect to the vehicle panel. The damping mechanism allows the PV panel to move between a first position and a second position. The first position refers to a position in which an outer surface of the PV panel is flush with an outer surface of the vehicle panel and the second position refers to a position in which the outer surface of the PV panel is recessed from the outer surface of the vehicle panel.

Abstract: A solar collector includes a roller rotatably attached to a vehicle. A carrier fabric panel is attached on one end to the roller. Side guides are attached the sides of the carrier fabric panel. Solar cells are connected in series and are attached to the carrier fabric panel. The solar cells are connected to an electrical power storage system. Electrical leads are attached to the carrier fabric and electrically coupled to the solar cells. Electrical conductors are attached to the carrier fabric between the solar cells and the right and left guides or are provided with retainer strips. A slip ring connector is disposed on the roller for electrically coupling the electrical conductors to an electrical power storage system. The solar energy collected may be used to power actuatable accessories or passive systems that may draw power when the vehicle is not being operated.

Abstract: A solar cell module for a vehicle panel includes a solar cell that generates electric power using sunlight. The solar cell module further includes a connector that is electrically connected to the solar cell and that electrically connects a panel-side electrode formed on an inner surface of the vehicle panel and the solar cell. The connector extends from the solar cell in a coupling direction in which the solar cell is combined with the vehicle panel. The connector is connected to the panel-side electrode to electrically connect the panel-side electrode and the solar cell when the solar cell is mounted in a predetermined position of the vehicle panel.

Abstract: A frame for a vehicle is provided such that a glass plate including a variable transparency region is installed. The frame includes a glass plate mount that is stepped to allow the glass plate to be inserted and mounted. A cable passage is defined in one side surface of the glass plate mount to allow a cable connected to a connection portion of the glass plate to pass through the cable passage.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods to adjust dimming associated with dual panel sunroof are disclosed. A disclosed sunroof dimming system for a vehicle includes a first dimmable panel of a sunroof and a second dimmable panel of the sunroof. The first dimmable panel is moveable relative to the second dimmable panel to open or close the sunroof. The sunroof dimming system also includes a controller operatively coupled to the first and second dimmable panels. The controller is configured to adjust dimming associated with the first and second dimmable panels to maintain a brightness of an external light associated with a vehicle cabin that is experienced by a vehicle occupant when the sunroof changes between a closed state and an open state.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes: a sealing layer in which power generating elements are sealed; a front surface layer formed from resin and joined to a light-receiving surface side of the power generating elements in the sealing layer; and a rear surface layer joined to an opposite side from the light-receiving surface side of the power generating elements in the sealing layer, wherein the front surface layer has a solar cell installation area that forms a portion of a solar cell, and an antenna installation area that extends at a vehicle front side or a vehicle rear side of the solar cell installation area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a roof rack assembly and a hood light-blocking fabric assembly, the roof rack assembly comprising: a pair of roof racks coupled to the roof of a vehicle; a photovoltaic generation light-blocking module coupled to be able to move forward/backward along the pair of roof racks and configured to expose/cover the roof and to block sunlight; a light-blocking plate transfer portion for applying a driving force such that the photovoltaic generation light-blocking module moves forward/backward along the pair of roof racks and is unfolded over the roof of the vehicle or is folded; a converter for converting electric energy generated by the photovoltaic generation light-blocking module into power that can be used by the light-blocking plate transfer plate and the vehicle; an accumulator for storing power converted by the converter; and a controller for controlling supply of power by the converter and the accumulator.

Abstract: A cover of a vehicle roof, which has a glass panel, a cover frame arranged on the inside of the cover or glass panel and components arranged on the inside of the cover, in particular functional components and/or lighting components of a cover lighting device, wherein, according to one approach, the cover frame or blind forms an assembly unit that bears the components and that is fastened to the inside of the cover by a plastic foaming, by an adhesive or by mechanical connections and with correct positioning of the components on the cover.

Abstract: A vehicle ventilation system is provided to exhaust hot air from the interior of a motor vehicle to the ambient environment. The vehicle ventilation system includes a roof vent having an elongated housing pivotally disposed on a roof of a motor vehicle, wherein the roof vent is movable between an open and a closed configuration. A fan assembly is disposed within the opening and serves to exhaust hot air from the interior of the vehicle. Further, one or more front seat vents are provided that allow cool air to flow into the vehicle as hot air escapes through the roof vent. The vehicle ventilation system further includes a control circuit having a temperature sensor configured to actuate the roof panel and front seat vents when a predetermined temperature is reached.

Abstract: An on-board solar battery module includes: an encapsulant layer of power generating elements; a top surface layer joined to the encapsulant layer on the side corresponding to a light receiving surface side of the power generating elements; and a back surface layer joined to the encapsulant layer on the side opposite the side corresponding to the light receiving surface side of the power generating elements. Furthermore, an end portion of the back surface layer is positioned on the inner side of an end portion of the top surface layer in an extension direction of the top surface layer, and the top surface layer has a general portion that covers the power generating elements, and a peripheral edge portion that is formed at an end portion side thereof on the outer side of the general portion, and that has a thicker panel thickness than that of the general portion.

Abstract: A power feed structure for movable body includes a flat electric wire having one end connected to a vehicle body and the other end connected to a sunroof, and an excess length absorbing mechanism for winding an excess portion of the flat electric wire. The excess length absorbing mechanism is arranged so as to be movable along a rail member. The excess length absorbing mechanism includes a rotating body having a wire winding part to wind the flat electric wire on the sunroof and the flat electric wire on the vehicle body, and a spiral spring for urging the rotating body to a winding direction to wind the flat electric wire on the sunroof and the flat electric wire on the vehicle body.

Abstract: A cover for a motor vehicle roof has a first sheet of planar extent with a main area, a second sheet of planar extent, which is arranged on the main area of the first sheet and has a main area facing away from the first sheet, the main area of the second sheet being smaller than the main area of the first sheet, so that the first sheet has a region projecting beyond the second sheet, a coupling element, which is coupled to the first sheet at the projecting region and is coupled to the main area of the second sheet, in order to fix the second sheet to the first sheet.

Abstract: A vehicle including a system for intuitive control of a vehicle component is disclosed. The vehicle may include the vehicle component, a sensor unit associated with the vehicle component that is configured to detect a touch command applied to the sensor unit by a user, a controller, and a drive. The controller may be operatively coupled to the sensor unit and the drive may be coupled to the vehicle component. The controller may generate a control signal based on the touch command applied to the sensor unit and may cause the drive to alter a condition of the vehicle component in response to the control signal.

Abstract: An electric power transmission apparatus of a sunroof for a vehicle may include a moving glass mounted with an electric generator, and configured to slide between an opened position and a closed position, an upper electric conduction device coupled at a lower side of the moving glass, and including a moving spring that is electrically connected with the electric generator and coupled to protrude downward, a front electric conduction device including a front support portion that is a nonconductor, and a close spring that comes into contact with the moving spring when the moving glass moves to the closed position, and a rear electric conduction device including a rear support portion that is a nonconductor, and an open spring that comes into contact with the moving spring when the moving glass moves to the opened position.

Abstract: A power transmission apparatus of a vehicle sunroof which uses a solar cell includes a sunroof glass that is slidably disposed on the roof of a vehicle, opens and closes an opening, and has a solar cell; upper transmission assemblies coupled to a support panel disposed around the sunroof glass and connected with the solar cell with a wire; first lower transmission assemblies that are coupled to the front portions of sunroof rails, disposed at both sides of the opening and come in contact with the upper transmission assemblies when the sunroof glass closes; and second lower transmission assemblies that are coupled to the rear portions of the sunroof rails and come in contact with the upper transmission assemblies when the sunroof glass opens. Accordingly, the apparatus can transmit power when the sunroof glass is both open and closed.

Abstract: A bend initiating structure or contact member is provided on or as part of frame. A tie rod associated with a wheel is engaged and bending initiated during a front or offset vehicle crash event where the subframe has detached from the frame. This engagement turns the wheel, so that there is more stroke space with which to absorb energy in a crash event. Detachment of the subframe from the frame during the crash event reduces the energy absorption capacity of the vehicle system because the subframe is no longer carrying load, however, the energy absorption stroke of the frame is increased by turning the wheel to a toe out position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle roof (1) with a roof opening (3) which is closable by a roof element (4), and a side outer panel (7) which, in an erected open position of the roof element (4), covers a lateral gap between the roof element (4) and a side wall frame (5). According to the invention, the side outer panel (7) is mounted pivotably in the longitudinal direction (x) of the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a vehicle roof closure that can prevent pinching of obstructions within a roof opening. Example vehicles include a roof having an opening, a panel disposed adjacent to the opening and moveable by a first motor, a shade disposed below the panel and moveable by a second motor having a lower output than the first motor, and a controller configured to close the shade before closing the panel during a close panel operation, and stop the shade if an obstruction is detected within the opening. Example methods include upon receiving a command to close a panel over an opening, causing a shade motor to start closing a shade disposed below the panel by unrolling the shade; stopping the shade motor upon detection of an obstruction within the opening; and causing a panel motor to start closing the panel upon receiving a shade closed signal.

Abstract: The present invention involves a roofing assembly of a plurality of structural components arranged unattached as a frame in a mold. The frame is sprayed with foam and the structural components are encapsulated within the foam.

Abstract: A roof shell structure for a motor vehicle has a roof shell with an outer shell and an inner roof lining. A sound absorption element is integrated into the roof shell or into the roof shell structure. The sound absorption element is arranged between the outer shell and the inner roof lining in an opening in an inner shell.

Abstract: A window module for a vehicle includes a first glass pane and a second glass pane in a substantially parallel arrangement and separated by a spacer. The first glass pane, second glass pane, and spacer define a closed interior volume. An electropolymeric shutter is disposed within the interior volume and configured to selectively obscure the passage of light through the first and second glass pane. The electropolymeric shutter includes a deployable tinting material configured to selectively extend across the first glass pane in response to a voltage difference applied between the deployable tinting material and the first glass pane, a photovoltaic cell coupled with the second glass pane and configured to generate electrical energy when exposed to light, and a controller configured to receive the generated electrical energy from the photovoltaic cell and to selectively apply the voltage difference between the deployable tinting material and the first glass pane.

Abstract: A high stiffness waterproof roof panel pad for a vehicle, which is configured by stacking and laminating a waterproof reinforcing layer coated with PE layers on both surfaces of a urethane foam pad, thereby reinforcing the stiffness of a vehicle body panel, preventing the pad from becoming wet due to dew condensation and thus increasing noise and vibration reduction effects and having a waterproof function. Additionally, a method of manufacturing the waterproof roof panel pad includes preparing a hard urethane foam pad, preparing a waterproof reinforcing layer of which both surfaces are coated with PE layers, stacking the waterproof reinforcing layer on both surfaces of the urethane foam pad, laminating the PE layer in contact with the urethane foam pad and integrally forming the urethane foam pad and the waterproof reinforcing layer, and performing a cutting operation according to a shape and a size of a roof panel.

Abstract: Provided is a sunshade apparatus disposed under a sunroof panel installed in a fixed roof of a vehicle, comprising a frame having a plurality of frame openings arranged in a width direction of the vehicle, and a plurality of polarizing panel sets each of which is disposed correspondingly to one of the frame openings. The frame is formed to be higher in the middle portion thereof than both end portions thereof in the width direction so as to follow the shape of the fixed roof, and each polarizing panel set inclines to be higher as approaching the middle portion of the vehicle in the width direction.

Abstract: A vehicular ceiling assembly includes a ceiling board, a functional component, a bracket including a mount and a shock absorber. The bracket is mounted to an upper surface of the ceiling board to fix the functional component to the ceiling board. The bracket is arranged such that the mount is positioned above the functional component in a vehicle height direction and the shock absorber is in contact with a lower surface of a roof of the vehicle.

Abstract: Provided is a mounting structure for mounting a film-shaped electric device to a glass panel, comprising: a resin panel attached to a surface of the film-shaped electric device to form a panel-shaped electric device having first and second edges; and first and second retaining members attached to one surface of the glass panel in correspondence with the first and second edges of the panel-shaped electric device, respectively, each first and second retaining member defining a groove such that the groove opens toward a region of the glass panel to be covered by the panel-shaped electric device, wherein the panel-shaped electric device is retained by the first and second retaining members with the first and second edges of the panel-shaped electric device being received in the corresponding grooves such that the surface of the film-shaped electric device having the resin panel attached thereto faces away from the glass panel.

Abstract: Provided is an acoustic insulation device for a mobile vehicle in which sound transmitted to the exterior of the vehicle body is blocked by being reflected or diffracted by acoustic insulation bodies provided upright to the vehicle body; and the amount of noise that an observer or local residents are subjected to is further reduced. Movement of a mobile vehicle generates noise in, and in the vicinity of, a power collector or a similar device provided upright on the roof (3) of the vehicle. Acoustic insulation bodies (1L), (2L), (1R), (2R) are provided upright on the roof (3), and block noise travelling directly ahead. The noise is diffracted or reflected by the acoustic insulation bodies (1L), (2L), (1R), (2R), and moves so as to be transmitted to the vehicle exterior.

Abstract: An electrically-adjustable light transmitter changes its light transmissivity responsive to an electric signal. By applying the electrically-adjustable light transmitter to a window and thereafter changing the electric signal to it, a window can be tinted and un-tinted. Jurisdictions that prohibit tinted vehicle windows are listed in a data base. A current location determined by a GPS is compared to data base entries. If the location is within an area where tinted windows are prohibited, a controller automatically un-tints the windows, or reduces the window tint to comply with applicable local laws.

Abstract: In order to mitigate transmission to the passenger compartment of noise generated in the engine compartment, a dash silencer is installed on the passenger-compartment-side surface of the dash panel of an automobile, wherein the mounting operation is facilitated by improving the mounting structure for the dash silencer. A stud pin is provided to the passenger-compartment-side surface of the dash panel, a chevron-shaped slit is formed in the mat-shaped dash silencer, and the stud pin is inserted through the slit, whereby the dash silencer is mounted on the passenger-compartment-side surface of the dash panel, wherein, when the chevron-shaped slit is formed in the dash silencer, a lower portion separated by the slit is caused to project farther than the upper portion toward the passenger compartment, and the lower portion is caused to inflect into the passenger compartment so as to form a stepped shape.

Abstract: A roof apparatus for a vehicle includes a movable panel configured to open and close an opening portion, a sunshade configured to be opened in association with an opening operation of the movable panel, a guide rail, a sliding member causing the movable panel in a fully-closed state to move to a tilt state and to perform the opening operation, an engaging member mounted on a front portion of the movable panel and including an engaging portion and a mounting portion at which the engaging member is mounted on the movable panel, the engaging portion is arranged at a vehicle front side relative to the mounting portion, and an engaged member provided at the sunshade, the engaged member is pressed by the engaging portion when the movable panel performs the opening operation.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with transparent roof area having at least one roof window tailored to fit into the roof structure. An adjustable darkening against exposure to incident light is provided toward the passenger compartment. The roof area has a first optically structured, immovably fixed surface and a second optically structured, movable surface. The first and second surfaces are arranged one over the other. The second surface here abuts the first surface so that it can slide over it. While the first surface takes up the entire roof window, the second surface is arranged at least in partial areas of the roof window. The second surface is arranged so that it can move relative to the first surface in such a way that the optical structures lying one over the other alter the incident light as a function of position.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to sunroof for a vehicle having an opening in its fixed roof. The sunroof comprises a stationary part to be attached to the vehicle, and at least a front closure member and a rear closure member, movably supported by the stationary part. The closure members are movable between a closed position within the roof opening and an open position in which they are moved at least partly away from the roof opening. An intermediate member is supported by the stationary part in the area of the rear end of the front closure member and the front end of the rear closure member when they are in their closed position. An electrical part on each of the closure members requires electrical connections between each closure member and the stationary part.

Abstract: There is provided a feeder apparatus for a slide panel so as to reduce the thickness of a panel of a car body the slide panel is attached to. The feeder apparatus 1 includes a wire harness 14 routed between a roof portion 2 and a sunroof 3, and a protector 15. The protector 15 includes a first protector 18 that is attached to rails 5a provided in the roof portion 2 and formed in the long-length shape parallel to the sliding direction of the sunroof 3 and accommodates one end portion 17a of the wire harness 14, and a second protector 2 that includes a protector body 26 slidably provided in the first protector 18 along the sliding direction of the sunroof 3 and a hook portion 27 the other end portion 17b of the wire harness 14 is attached to being attached to the sunroof 3.

Abstract: A vehicle panel (10) includes a core layer (12) and a layer of metalized film (14) bonded to the core layer (12). In one embodiment, the core layer (12) is made of a material with heat absorption or insulation properties. The layer of metalized film (14) is made of a material having heat reflective properties that can be bonded to the core layer (12). Alternatively, a compatible bonding agent can be applied to the core layer, the metalized film, or both. To form the vehicle panel (10), the layer metalized film (14) is positioned on one half of a mold tool and the core layer (12) is positioned on the other half of the mold tool. Heat is applied to the core layer (12) and the mold tool is closed such that the heat from the core layer (12) causes the metalized film (14) to be in a formable state and bonds to the core layer (12).

Abstract: A sound absorbing structure is constituted of a vibration plate and a rear air layer and is installed in a luggage compartment or trunk which is separated from a cabin in a vehicle. Sound waves entering into the luggage compartment drive the vibration plate to vibrate so that acoustic energy is converted into mechanical energy and is consumed by way of vibration of the vibration plate. By appropriately setting parameters and dimensions, the sound absorbing structure efficiently absorbs low-frequency sound such as road noise occurring due to friction of wheels of the vehicle traveling on a road.

Abstract: A vehicle including a window fastened to a body wall and a method of assembling the vehicle. The window is lined with a safety film adhering to an inner face of the window. A border at the periphery of the window is free of film such that a peripheral limit of the film is situated at a distance from the edge of the window, the distance separating the edge of the window and the limit of the film being alternately variable such that first peripheral portions of the film are in contact with a strip of adhesive, which fastens the window to a vehicle body wall, and second peripheral portions of the film are free with respect to the strip of adhesive.

Abstract: A waterproof and airtight laminated fabric is disclosed. The fabric is suitable for the manufacture of dry suits, or for the manufacture of a convertible car soft top hood. A dry suit and a car hood made from the fabric, and methods of manufacturing the fabric, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an acoustic panel assembly. There is a need for a simple and inexpensive acoustic panel assembly. An acoustic panel assembly includes a rigid panel with an opening. The panel has an edge rib surrounding the opening, and a wall spaced apart from and surrounding the edge rib. The panel assembly also includes a frame member and a sound control sheet. The frame member has an outer border and a plurality of cross-pieces extending between different parts of the border. A compression rib projects forwardly from an inner edge of the border. The sound control sheet is mounted in and fills the opening. The sheet has an outer edge portion held between the rib of the rigid panel, the wall of the rigid panel, the border of the frame and the compression rib of the frame. The compression rib projects into a rear side of the sheet. The sheet forms a shoulder. The shoulder and the edge rib form a coach joint. The frame cross-pieces engaging a rear surface of the sheet.

Abstract: An arrangement for closing an opening of a vehicle and a corresponding manufacturing method, in which a shattering protection element (30, 30A, 30B) is fixed to a pane or to a functional element (60) fixed at the pane. The pane and the shattering protection element are connected via a permanently elastic adhesive connection (12) to the vehicle body or to a holding element (18) connected to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A vehicle cab noise suppressing system includes a cab interior panel having an opening exposed to acoustic noise in the cab, an acoustic resonator chamber, and a conduit communicating the resonator chamber to the opening. The resonator chamber is formed by a plurality of walls which are spaced apart from the interior panel and which are formed by a second panel. A third panel cooperates with the walls to enclose the resonator chamber. The chamber volume and the diameter and length of the conduit are chosen so as to acoustically tune the chamber to a noise frequency in the cab and thereby reduce noise in the cab.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle, in which at least one microphone (8) is mounted in the headlining 94) of a passenger cell of the vehicle. The microphone is mounted in a location, which is concealed by a sun visor (6) that is pivotally mounted on the headlining (4) when said visor has been pivoted to lie against the headlining (4). At least the area (7) of the sun visor (6) that conceals the microphone is configured to conduct sound.

Abstract: The invention relates to an acoustic panel assembly. There is a need for a simple and inexpensive acoustic panel assembly. An acoustic panel assembly includes a parent panel and an insert panel. The parent panel has a higher density body and a sound reflecting skin. The insert panel is mounted to the parent panel, and includes a sound absorbing body, a lower density rim and a sound transmitting skin. The parent panel includes a border portion which surrounds an opening which engages an outer edge of the insert panel. The border portion and the edge engage each other and form an interlocking joint. The border portion defines an annular groove which receives the outer edge of the insert panel. The body of the parent panel comprises a higher density expanded polypropylene material, and rim body of the insert panel comprises a lower density expanded polypropylene material.

Abstract: A vehicle sunroof including a sunroof frame mounted to a vehicle roof opening and having opposing lateral sides. The sunroof frame has an outer edge adjacent to the outer surface of the vehicle roof and an inner edge located within the vehicle cabin. The vehicle sunroof also includes a number of solar panels. Each solar panel includes a solar collection surface for collecting sunlight for producing solar energy. The solar panels extend between and are connected to the opposing lateral sides of the sunroof frame.

Abstract: Uncontrolled take-up of a shade and often unexpected noise development are perceived as disturbing by the operator. Therefore, it is provided that a shade arrangement with a length of shade material (10) and a take-up roll (12) to which the length of shade material is attached and which is pretensioned by spring force in the take-up direction of the length of shade, has a pressure volume (46) coupled to the free end (16) of the length of shade material (10) such that, when the length of shade material is unrolled from the take-up shaft (12), a pressure is built up in the pressure volume which, when the length of shade material is released from a position in which it is at least partially unrolled from the take-up roll, the take-up motion of the length of shade is braked.

Abstract: A composite material for a folding vehicle roof of a convertible vehicle is provided in which a lower layer that faces the interior of a vehicle when the vehicle roof is closed is constructed at least in part as a woven textile layer, which is bonded on its side that faces away from the interior of the vehicle when the vehicle roof is closed to a leather layer via an intermediate layer and characterized in that on the side of the leather layer that faces an intermediate layer, which serves to improve the water impermeability of the composite material, an intermediate layer that impregnates the leather layer and also serves to improve the water impermeability of the composite material, along with strengthening a bond between the leather layer and the intermediate layer, is applied.