Abstract: Previously used packing and shipping material, including foam based packaging and support products, may be recycled in a manner so as to reduce the manufacturing costs associated with insulating the structural enclosures of recreational vehicles. By finely shredding pieces of recycled packing material, an adaptive insulation material may be produced such that, when introduced into spatial cavities within structural enclosures of recreational vehicles using, for example, forced air, the adaptive insulation material substantially conforms to regular and irregular contoured structures. Utilizing recycled packing materials as insulation provides many advantages which result in an effective and valuable means for reducing production costs, reducing adverse environmental impact, and maintaining insulation efficiency of recreational vehicles.

Abstract: Described is a wall structure used, for example, in the form of an instrument panel in a motor vehicle interior. The wall structure is embodied in the form of a laminated material consisting of a top layer, a hollow layer and a lower layer. The top layer is oriented towards the interior of the motor vehicle, and the hollow layer is arranged near a ventilation system of the motor vehicle so that a heat energy is removed from the top layer or is supplied thereto using an airflow. Described is also a method for producing the wall structure which allows to air-conditioning the interior of the motor vehicle or control the temperature of the surface layers inside thereof with low energy consumption and in a quick manner.

Abstract: The vented heat shield is a device with a plurality of shapes, materials or colors which prevents sunlight from heating the roof or exposed surface of a vehicle by blocking the sunlight from the roof or exposed surface of the vehicle and creating an air gap allowing the movement of air in the gap to dissipate heat from both the protected surface and the heat shield. The action of blocking the heat from the sun reduces the rate of heat build up inside the vehicle and the air gap provides a means for ambient air flow to dissipating the heat from the protected surfaces of the vehicle and the heat shield. The shield can be permanent or removable. It is intended that the device be functional whether the vehicle is moving or stationary.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fastening an in-fill panel element to a plane panel element of a covering for an aircraft, the in-fill panel element and the panel element being releasably interconnected at longitudinal sides facing each other, a transverse pin being arranged at least in the end portion of a longitudinal side so that a hook element arranged in the corresponding end portion of the other longitudinal side is able to clampingly engage with a hook opening, in such a manner that a covering surface of the in-fill panel element is arranged so as to be even with a covering surface of the panel element.

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 vehicle body structure has a heat radiation insulating arrangement that improves the thermal environment inside a vehicle cabin when the vehicle is positioned at a sunny location during hot weather by increasing the insulation effects of the automobile body along with blocking radiant heat. The heat radiation insulating arrangement of vehicle body structure forms a first space by arranging a light shielding shade on the inside of a windowpane, a second space formed between the exterior roof panel and ceiling material, and an air passageway that links the first space and the second space to allow the air to flow from the first space to the second space. A reflective material is provided on the surface of the second space of the ceiling material.

Abstract: There is provided an automotive sun visor device in which an opening 2b of a sunroof 4 is formed in a front portion of a roof panel 2 constituting the upper part of a vehicle body 1, a slide member 17c slidable in the longitudinal direction is provided on the cabin inside of the sunroof 4 in which the opening 2b is covered by an extending portion 5a of a windshield glass 5, and a sun visor body 16 for blocking bright sunlight coming from the front is installed to the slide member 17c so as to be turnable in the up-and-down direction. When the sun visor body 16 is not in use, the sun visor body 16 is moved to the rear of the sunroof 4, by which the sunroof 4 is not closed by the sun visor body 16. Therefore, a large open space can be obtained in front of the head of passenger, especially, on the front seat, and thereby the comfort in the cabin is enhanced significantly.

Abstract: A glass cover (10) for a vehicle roof, having an at least partially transparent pane (14) of safety glass and optionally a support arrangement (18), which is mounted on the lower side of the pane in the pane edge area by means of a foam block (16) provided there. The lower side of the pane (14) is provided with a transparent composite film (26) having an adhesive film (28) and a tear- and scratch-resistant shatterproof film (30) as well as optionally embedded solar cell (62). The shatterproof film (30) is affixed on the center area of the lower side of the pane by means of the adhesive film (28), the film being incorporated into the foam block (16).

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: An assembly having one or more members (e.g., panels), a first expandable material and a second expandable material is disclosed. One of the materials is typically more expandable than the other. Although, the assembly may be used for various articles, it has been found particularly suitable for roofs of automotive vehicles.

Abstract: A glass cover (10) for closing the opening of a motor vehicle roof, with a pane (14) of safety glass which is at least partially transparent has an at least partially transparent shatterproofing film (30) attached to the bottom of the pane or to the bottom of a solar cell composite (60, 62) which is located on the bottom of the pane, and the shatterproofing film having a defined surface structure which is not flat.

Abstract: A vehicle headliner including a shell having a first layer made of a polymeric resin sheet with glass fibers interspersed within the resin sheet, and a second layer of fibrous material having sound attenuating properties. In a preferred method of manufacturing the shell of a headliner the first and second layers are heated such that the temperature of the first layer is different than the temperature of the second layer. The first and second layers are then inserted into a mold having a desired contoured shape. The first and second layers are then compressed together to bond the layers, thereby forming the shell.

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 shape memory foam member is disclosed. A coefficient of water absorption of the shape memory foam member is in the range between 0.01 g/cm3 and 0.2 g/cm3 in a non-compressed state. The shape memory foam member is compressed with heating; cooled with keeping the shape memory foam member in the compressed state; and released from the compressive pressure on the shape memory foam member after cooling. The original shape of the shape memory foam member is substantially recovered by heating.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure has a heat radiation insulating arrangement that improves the thermal environment inside a vehicle cabin when the vehicle is positioned at a sunny location during hot weather by increasing the insulation effects of the automobile body along with blocking radiant heat. The heat radiation insulating arrangement of vehicle body structure forms a first space by arranging a light shielding shade on the inside of a windowpane, a second space formed between the exterior roof panel and ceiling material, and an air passageway that links the first space and the second space to allow the air to flow from the first space to the second space. A reflective material is provided on the surface of the second space of the ceiling material.

Abstract: A transparent roof structure in a vehicle which includes a roof glass (100) which includes a reinforced net layer and a net glass layer (110) which is formed of a first glass layer (114) and a second glass layer (116) formed in an upper and lower surface of the reinforced net layer (112), respectively, a pillar glass (200) which is formed of the net glass layer (110) and is extended from a front end corner of the roof glass (100) in a slanted downward direction, a wind shield (300) which is formed of a transparent glass and is extended from a front end of the roof glass (100) and an inner end of the pillar glass (200), a supporter (500) which includes a holder portion (510) having a glass engaging groove (512) to which a lower portion of the windshield (300) is engaged and an engaging portion (520) which is extended from the holder portion (510).

Abstract: A glass cover (10) for closing the opening of a motor vehicle roof, with a pane (14) of safety glass which is at least partially transparent has an at least partially transparent shatterproofing film (30) attached to the bottom of the pane or to the bottom of a solar cell composite (60, 62) which is located on the bottom of the pane, and the shatterproofing film having a defined surface structure which is not flat.

Abstract: A PV roof assembly (6) includes a roof (12) mountable to an electric vehicle (4), and a PV assembly (10) at the upper part of the roof. The PV assembly may be mounted to a separate roof surface (34) or the PV assembly may itself constitute all or part of the roof. The vehicle may include a secondary PV assembly (96) coupled to a display unit (92) to provide an independent indication of the intensity of solar irradiation. The roof may have mounting element recesses (68) to accommodate mounting elements (70) of the PV assembly, the mounting elements configured so as not to shade the PV panel (14). The roof may also be configured to accommodate a global positioning device (80). The roof preferably includes a peripheral gutter (88). The roof body preferably includes hand-hold recesses (90) housing hand-hold elements (42) at positions to provide a horizontal setback (92) from the lateral sides (93) of the roof body.

Abstract: A roof system for a motor vehicle with at least two covers (2, 3) which are located in a fixed motor vehicle roof (1) with an intermediate section (1B) of the fixed motor vehicle roof (1) located between the covers (2, 3). To produce an economical roof system which can be matched to any vehicle roof size and shape, and which is suitable for retrofit installation, a covering is provided on the intermediate section (1B) between the covers (2, 3) which is formed preferably as a film and which has an outer surface with a visual appearance that is matched in that of the covers (2, 3).

Abstract: A sun blind assembly including an incident surface and a lens element, the incident surface having a reflective region which reflects incident light and a non-reflective region which transmits incident light, the lens element and incident surface being arranged such that the transmitted light incident on the lens element is substantially refracted so as to appear of substantially uniform intensity

Abstract: A transparent roof module for a motor vehicle roof where the transparent roof module includes a transparent pane for covering a roof opening, the cover including a nonviewing area and a viewing area through which objects are viewable through the cover, a transmission reducing layer provided on the viewing area of the transparent pane for reducing transmission of at least one of infrared and visible spectral range through the viewing area and solar cells provided at the nonviewing area of the transparent pane.

Abstract: A PV roof assembly (6) includes a roof (12) mountable to an electric vehicle (4), and a PV assembly (10) at the upper part of the roof. The PV assembly may be mounted to a separate roof surface (34) or the PV assembly may itself constitute all or part of the roof. The vehicle may include a secondary PV assembly (96) coupled to a display unit (92) to provide an independent indication of the intensity of solar irradiation. The roof may have mounting element recesses (68) to accommodate mounting elements (70) of the PV assembly, the mounting elements configured so as not to shade the PV panel (14). The roof may also be configured to accommodate a global positioning device (80). The roof preferably includes a peripheral gutter (88). The roof body preferably includes hand-hold recesses (90) housing hand-hold elements (42) at positions to provide a horizontal setback (92) from the lateral sides (93) of the roof body.

Abstract: A cover, constructed as a solar generator, for closing an opening in the bodywork of a vehicle which consists of a transparent panel, an assembly attached to the underside of the panel, which assembly consists of a solar cell field and a plastics material in which the latter is embedded, a frame foamed onto the peripheral edge area of the panel, optionally reinforced by embedded profiled bars, and a foam-molded backing layer connected in one piece with the frame. The simply constructed solar cover producible in this way without seal and foam-restricting arrangements exerting contact pressure forces on the assembly allows the application of elevated foaming pressures without the risk of damage to the sensitive solar cells. The backing layer protects the assembly from below and allows the foaming on of projections, ribs and the like. A preferred method of producing the solar cover is also proposed, in which the foaming pressure is >1 bar.

Abstract: A sliding roof for a roof opening in a vehicle has a light-transparent cover and solar modules arranged on the cover for energy generation, wherein the solar modules are light-transmissive. At least one auxiliary energy generator is provided on the sliding roof and operates independently of a motor of the vehicle. At least one additional energy storage device is arranged in direct vicinity of the solar modules.

Abstract: A sliding cover for a roof opening of a motor vehicle, closeable by a closing element, is movable in at least one direction parallel to the plane of the roof. The sliding cover has solar modules and a size surpassing at least in the direction of width of the sliding cover the size of the roof opening so that as many of the solar modules as possible can be attached to at least one side of the sliding cover. The sliding cover has at least one auxiliary electrical generator operating independently of an engine of the motor vehicle. Energy storing devices are provided to store the energy generated by the solar modules and the auxiliary electrical generators.

Abstract: A PV roof assembly (6) includes a roof (12) mountable to an electric vehicle (4), and a PV assembly (10) at the upper part of the roof. The PV assembly may be mounted to a separate roof surface (34) or the PV assembly may itself constitute all or part of the roof. The vehicle may include a secondary PV assembly (96) coupled to a display unit (92) to provide an independent indication of the intensity of solar irradiation. The roof may have mounting element recesses (68) to accommodate mounting elements (70) of the PV assembly, the mounting elements configured so as not to shade the PV panel (14). The roof may also be configured to accommodate a global positioning device (80). The roof preferably includes a peripheral gutter (88). The roof body preferably includes hand-hold recesses (90) housing hand-hold elements (42) at positions to provide a horizontal setback (92) from the lateral sides (93) of the roof body.

Abstract: A roof system for a motor vehicle with at least two covers (2, 3) which are located in a fixed motor vehicle roof (1) with an intermediate section (1B) of the fixed motor vehicle roof (1) located between the covers (2, 3). To produce an economical roof system which can be matched to any vehicle roof size and shape, and which is suitable for retrofit installation, a covering is provided on the intermediate section (1B) between the covers (2, 3) which is formed preferably as a film and which has an outer surface with a visual appearance that is matched in that of the covers (2, 3).

Abstract: A modular vehicle window assembly is provided which has attached thereto interior vehicle accessories. In a preferred embodiment, the window panel assembly includes a window panel disposed within or covering a window opening formed in the vehicle. The window panel may optionally contain a conventional gasket or sealing structure to provide a weather-tight seal in the window opening. Supported on and interconnecting to the interior surface of the window panel are any one of a number of different accessory configurations, including centerline, island, and peninsular overhead consoles providing storage space, overhead lighting, and air conditioning vents for use by the occupants. Other accessories which may be used include an instrument display assembly, a control assembly, a window shade assembly, and a hand-hold assembly.

Abstract: In a solar cover (14) for a motor vehicle roof (10) with an outside pane (20), an inside cover (18) and a plurality of solar cells (16) which are located between the outside pane and the inside cover, both the outside pane and also the inside cover being made of plastic, the outside pane (20) or the inside cover (18) is formed of an injection molded part (34) which has reinforcement and/or attachment elements (24, 29, 32) which are made in one piece with the outside pane (20) or the inside cover (18).

Abstract: A solar cover for a motor vehicle roof, which is provided with an outside transparent cover plate (12) and an inside cover (14) between which at least one solar cell (18) is embedded, an electrical contact (28) from which the solar current from the at least one solar cell is directed to the motor vehicle, and an electrical connector element which produces electrical contact between the at least one solar cell and the contact is embedded between the cover plate and the cover. The contact (28) is located in the horizontal direction outside of the area of the cover plate (12) which is covered by the cover (14) and the electrical connector (26) extends in the horizontal direction beyond the area covered by the cover to the contact.

Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle having a roof opening that can be closed by a movable closure element. A sliding sunscreen is positioned under the closure element, wherein the sunscreen at least partially is a material that exhibits variable light transmission. The light transmission can be varied automatically or manually.

Abstract: A motor vehicle roof with a roof opening which can be closed or at least partially exposed by a displaceable closure element (10) which has an electrical element (12), an displaceable headliner part (20) for concealing the closure element and at least one coupling element (18) which acts as a driver to entrain the headliner part in the displacement motion of the closure element. The coupling element furthermore provides for electrical contact between the electrical element of the closure element and a contact element (32) which is provided on the headliner part to establish electrical contact between the electrical element of the closure element and a vehicle-mounted electrical element.

Abstract: In a solar cover for a motor vehicle roof (2) with a carrier plate (10), a plurality of solar cells (18) located on the carrier plate, and a cover layer (36) which covers the side of the solar cells facing away from the carrier plate, there is a plastic injection molded part that service as the carrier plate (10) and in which contours (12, 16) are molded for positioning of the solar cells (18). The contours prevent the solar cells from becoming off-center during installation of the solar cover.

Abstract: Lightweight, thermoplastic, vehicle headliners each having at least one integrally-formed, energy-absorbing, head-impact mechanism and injection molding methods for making same are provided. Each headliner includes a stiff, self-supporting, thermoplastic sheet adapted to be mounted adjacent a roof of the vehicle so as to underlie the roof and shield the roof from view. The sheet has an upper surface and a lower surface. Each energy-absorbing, head-impact mechanism absorbs energy of an impact with its associated headliner by a passenger of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the at least one head-impact mechanism includes a plurality of spaced-apart, energy-absorbing, thermoplastic structures, such as ribs, which are connected to and extend upwardly from the upper surface of its thermoplastic sheet.

Abstract: A variable shade sun screen having first and second relatively movable sheets with alignable or offsetable matrices of translucent and opaque portions to selectively vary the opacity of the sun screen. The invention can be used in a sun visor, a sunroof, or adjacent any vehicle surface.

Abstract: A motor vehicle roof including a front roof opening and a rear roof opening, a movable front cover for covering the front roof opening, the movable front cover being movably guided on a frame member and substantially transparent with a nonviewing area and a viewing area to allow viewing of objects through the front cover, a stationary rear cover for covering the rear roof opening, the stationary rear roof cover being supported on the frame and substantially transparent with a nonviewing area and a viewing area to allow viewing of objects through the stationary rear cover, and solar cells provided proximate to at least one of the nonviewing area of the movable front cover and the nonviewing area of the stationary rear cover.

Abstract: An energy saving method made in the form of a wing, an arc panel or a sail mounted over the roof of transportation means to protect the skin of the transportation means to, lower the power consumption of the air conditioner as a sunshade and to reduce the normal pressure and resistance of friction of the transportation means by creating an uprising force.

Abstract: A sliding cover for a roof opening of a motor vehicle, closeable by a closing element, is movable in at least one direction parallel to the plane of the roof. The sliding cover has solar modules and a size surpassing at least in the direction of width of the sliding cover the size of the roof opening so that as many of the solar modules as possible can be attached to at least one side of the sliding cover. The sliding cover has at least one auxiliary electrical generator operating independently of an engine of the motor vehicle. Energy storing devices are provided to store the energy generated by the solar modules and the auxiliary electrical generators.

Abstract: A sliding roof for a roof opening in a vehicle has a light-transparent cover and solar modules arranged on the cover for energy generation, wherein the solar modules are light-transmissive. At least one auxiliary energy generator is provided on the sliding roof and operates independently of a motor of the vehicle. At least one additional energy storage device is arranged in direct vicinity of the solar modules.

Abstract: A motor vehicle roof with a solar generator which is securely attached on the outside on the solid roof skin for producing solar current for the vehicle. The solar generator can be adjusted between a first spatially compact configuration and a second, less spatially compact configuration in which its active solar surface projected onto the plane of the roof is larger than in the first configuration. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle roof with an attachment element which runs in the lengthwise direction of the roof and which is mounted externally on the solid roof skin and which is made such that a mobile flat solar generator can be pushed into the attachment element and is held in the working configuration by it to produce solar current.

Abstract: A motor vehicle roof including a front roof opening and a rear roof opening, a movable front cover for covering the front roof opening, the movable front cover being movably guided on a frame member and substantially transparent with a nonviewing area and a viewing area to allow viewing of objects through the front cover, a stationary rear cover for covering the rear roof opening, the stationary rear roof cover being supported on the frame and substantially transparent with a nonviewing area and a viewing area to allow viewing of objects through the stationary rear cover, and solar cells provided proximate to at least one of the nonviewing area of the movable front cover and the nonviewing area of the stationary rear cover.

Abstract: A vehicle roof module is proposed, consisting of a transparent roof skin, constituting the outer shell of a sandwich structure, and of an inner shell of the sandwich structure, the special feature thereof being that the inner shell is molded in the manner of a frame and is provided only in the edge area of the outer shell, thereby forming a panoramic transparent surface, a sun-blind being arranged beneath the transparent surface, which is held on the inner shell by means of elements foamed into the frame-type inner shell.

Abstract: In a solar cover (14) for a motor vehicle roof (10) with an outside pane (20), an inside cover (18) and a plurality of solar cells (16) which are located between the outside pane and the inside cover, both the outside pane and also the inside cover being made of plastic, the outside pane (20) or the inside cover (18) is formed of an injection molded part (34) which has reinforcement and/or attachment elements (24, 29, 32) which are made in one piece with the outside pane (20) or the inside cover (18).

Abstract: A transparent roof module for a motor vehicle roof where the transparent roof module includes a transparent pane for covering a roof opening, the cover including a nonviewing area and a viewing area through which objects are viewable through the cover, a transmission reducing layer provided on the viewing area of the transparent pane for reducing transmission of at least one of infrared and visible spectral range through the viewing area and solar cells provided at the nonviewing area of the transparent pane.

Abstract: In a solar cover for a motor vehicle roof (2) with a carrier plate (10), a plurality of solar cells (18) located on the carrier plate, and a cover layer (36) which covers the side of the solar cells facing away from the carrier plate, there is a plastic injection molded part that service as the carrier plate (10) and in which contours (12, 16) are molded for positioning of the solar cells (18). The contours prevent the solar cells from becoming off-center during installation of the solar cover.

Abstract: A motor vehicle roof with a closure element (14) for a roof opening (12) which can be displaced between a closed position and an open position and which is provided with a primary solar generator (24). The closure element (14) is made such that an additional element (32) which has an additional solar generator (34) can be coupled to the closure element in the open position of the closure element, such that the additional element assumes a working position on the outside of the vehicle to generate solar current.

Abstract: A solar cover for a roof opening in a motor vehicle roof, having a transparent cover panel (12) with a solar cell combination (14) which is located on its underside and which is formed of solar cells (20) which are embedded in an elastic film composite (16, 18, 22), and a carrier element (26) which is attached to the underside of the cover panel by means of a peripheral foaming (28) on the outside edge of the cover panel and the carrier element. The peripheral foam (28) is also sealed toward the inside by an emergence area (24) which is formed of the elastic film composite extending outwardly from the solar cells (20) by being clamped to form a seal between the carrier element (26) and the cover pane (12). A process for producing such a solar cover involves selecting a vertical distance between the cover panel and the carrier element such that the emergence area is clamped to form a seal between the carrier element and the cover panel inwardly of the peripheral foaming.

Abstract: A one piece rotational molded roof for a vehicle cab is provided in which separate inlet and outlet air ducts are molded in the roof. The ducts are formed by molding upper and lower panels that are widely spaced to form the ducts and which are closely spaced about the periphery of the ducts. After a solid surface layer is molded, a second resin charge containing a foaming agent is dropped in the mold. This resin coats interior of the solid surface layer and later foams. The foam expands and extends completely between the closely spaced upper and lower panels of the solid surface layer to seal between the inlet and outlet air ducts. The foam is rigid to strengthen the roof.

Abstract: A solar cover of an openable motor vehicle roof with a transparent cover panel (1) which is surrounded in the edge area at least in part by a plastic frame (2), with a solar cell network (9) which is provided on the inside of the cover panel (1) and which extends into the vicinity of the cover panel edge area, and with an inside cover sheet (3) which is located in the cover panel edge area and which overlaps the solar cell network (9) with its inside edge. To prevent load application by the inner cover sheet (3) to the solar cell network (9) which leads to delamination the inside edge (7) of the inner cover sheet (3) is located in a noncontacting, overly relationship with respect to the solar cell network (9). Furthermore, the cover sheet (3) is connected by means of adhesive securely to the combination of the cover panel (1) and the plastic frame (2).

Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle having a roof opening that can be closed by a movable closure element. A sliding sunscreen is positioned under the closure element, wherein the sunscreen at least partially is a material that exhibits variable light transmission. The light transmission can be varied automatically or manually.