Abstract: The invention improves a connection portion between a guide rail and a front rail in a sliding roof apparatus and make a mounting operation easy. In the sliding roof apparatus, a gutter is supported to a protruding portion of the guide rail, a side end portion of the front rail is overlapped with a front portion of the gutter from the above, an opening thereof is opposed to a bottom wall of the gutter, and a bracket of the side end portion is fixed to the protruding portion of the guide rail.

Abstract: A process for operating an electric-motor drive is proposed for adjusting a sliding-lifting roof (16) in a motor vehicle by means of a signal processing arrangement (20), with a microprocessor (21) to which is fed an adjusting command (23) of an operating control (22) for a reference position of the sliding-lifting roof (16) as an actual state signal and at least one additional actual state signal of at least one arrangement (26, 32, 34, 52, 54) for detecting the actual position of the drive (10) and/or of the sliding-lifting roof (16), and which microprocessor (21) controls or regulates the drive (10) for moving the sliding-lifting rood (16) to its reference position, wherein the actual state signals are detected cyclically by the microprocessor (21) and a response is read out of a storage depending on the signal combination, wherein the response determines whether or not, and in what manner, the possible adjustments of the operating control (22) lead to a change in the present drive behavior via the signal

Abstract: A trim panel for an automotive vehicle having a sunroof is provided. The trim panel has a plastic injection molded body. Integrally co-molded in the plastic injection body is a drainage conduit. An inlet is provided on the conduit for receiving water drainage from the sunroof of the vehicle. The inlet has an extension configured for placement of a connector hose thereto. An outlet is also provided to the conduit for draining water from around the sunroof to the ambient. The outlet has an extension configured for placement of a connector hose thereto. The trim panel is typically connected to the C pillar of the vehicle. A connector hose from the sunroof is connected to the trim panel inlet. A connector hose is connected to the trim panel outlet and is connected with the ambient.

Abstract: A motorized golf car includes a sing-sheet thermoplastic sunroof having a plurality of hollow stiffener channels formed therein to stiffen the canopy. A first, hollow stiffener channel is formed at the perimeter of the canopy edges, along the front and side perimeters. A plurality of second stiffener channels are formed in the sheet in-board of the first stiffener channel. A first drain gutter, sloped back-to-front, is provided in the canopy, and a second drain gutter, sloped front-to-back, is provided in the canopy to drain water from the top surface of the canopy.

Abstract: An improved, raised roof for mounting to a vehicle and includes two integrated rain gutters for diverting water away from the sides of the vehicle. The-improved, raised roof further includes an integrated door frame with a side recess for receiving extended upper door portions of the vehicle.

Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle having an opening in its fixed roof comprises a stationary part to be secured to the roof, which is provided with guide rails on either side of the roof opening. An adjustable closing element supported by said stationary part can be adjusted by means of mechanisms guided in said guide rails between a closed position, in which it closes the roof opening, and an open position, in which it releases the roof opening, at least partially so. Water drain means comprise stationary water gutters, which extend parallel to the guide rails, and a movable water gutter, which is disposed under the rear edge of said closing element, at least in the closed position thereof. The ends of the movable water gutter, which are mounted on slides, debouch above the stationary water gutters. The slides are fitted with mounting covers, which each engage over the associated end of the movable water gutter, thus holding it in position on said slides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding and lifting roof for motor vehicles with a cover (1) which selectively closes or at least partially exposes a roof opening (11) formed in a fixed part (8) of the vehicle roof, and with a movable gutter (4) which in the closed position of the cover engages under the rear edges of the cover (1) and a part of the fixed roof to the rear of the roof opening (11). The gutter (4) is joined by at least one elastic connection arm (5) to parts of the cover or a cover reinforcing part (3) at a distance from the rear edge (2) of the cover. In the closed position of the cover, the gutter is pressed against the underside of the cover (1) and the fixed roof part (8) by a prestressing of the connection arms (5). To ensure simple installation and provide reliable operation of the gutter (4), the connection arms (5) are made of an elastically flexible construction and are held by form-fit on the cover parts or cover reinforcing part (3).

Abstract: In a frameless type automotive sunroof system, a pair of depending pieces extend from either side end portion of a rear drain channel member, and these depending pieces are each fitted into an opening formed in a rear end portion of a side frame member via a connecting member to attach the rear drain channel member across the side frame members. The connecting member adapted to be fitted in an opening formed in one of the side frame members, and having an upper slot adapted to receive the depending piece, and the connecting member is provided with a first snap fit arrangement for engagement with the side frame member opening, and a second snap fit arrangement for engagement with the depending piece. Thus, the attachment of the rear drain channel member to the side frame members can be accomplished simply by pushing the depending pieces into the openings in the corresponding side frame members with the connecting members interposed between them.

Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle having a fixed roof, in which an opening is provided, comprises guide rails to be mounted near the lateral edges of the roof opening. Slides which comprise displacement mechanisms for movably supporting a closing element for selectively closing or releasing the roof opening are guided in the guide rails. A water catching device includes a transversely extending, movable water drain are supported at the ends thereof by the slides and they are attached to the slides by a snap connection. The snap connection springs in a direction transversely to the guide rails, preferably in that the water drain and the slide abut against each other with a spring element, seen in the longitudinal direction of the guide rails.

Abstract: A lamella-type sliding roof of a motor vehicle, has lamellae which, when the roof is, open, are tilted upward in a spaced manner with respect to one another and, particularly with respect to their closed position, are pushed on one another in a distance-reducing manner. A vehicle ceiling which is deformable and exercises a sealing function in a particularly simple and effective manner irrespective of the momentary position of the lamellae in their displacement direction extends in each case exclusively in an area situated below them. For this purpose, the deformable vehicle ceiling is constructed as a foil leading transversely to the displacement direction of the lamellae continuously into a dirt and water removal groove.

Abstract: In a roof structure for a vehicle, a side outer member and a roof member are combined at their side portions to provide a groove extending over at least midway of a boundary between the side outer and roof members. Each of the side outer and roof members comprises has exposed and unexposed surface portions: each of the unexposed surface portions has an inward bend and a lower margin. The side outer and roof members are overlapped at their exposed surface portions to provide an overlap such that a corner defined by the exposed and unexposed surface portions of the roof member is substantially aligned with a corner defined by the exposed and unexposed surface portions of the side outer member. The unexposed surface portions of the side outer and roof members are diagonal toward a center of a roof in a widthwise direction of the roof as they are away from the corners. At least one of the inward bends and lower margins of the side outer and roof members has a lug for overlap to provide a partial overlap.

Abstract: A roof construction for a vehicle is provided with roof panelling, side wall panellings, a roof drain between the roof panelling and the side wall panellings, and forward and rearward roof frames. Between the roof panelling and the side wall panellings, a frame-shaped interior roof part is connected with the roof panelling and the side wall panellings. The roof panelling is provided with lateral lengthening strips which cover the roof drain at least largely on the top side. In the forward and in the rearward area, the interior roof part forms portions of the forward and of the rearward roof frame.

Abstract: A passenger vehicle is provided with a vehicle body including a roof panel and a body side panel. The roof panel and the body side panel are attached to one another along an attachment seam. The roof panel and body side panel combine to form a recessed channel along opposite sides of the attachment seam. An elongated trim member is received within said channel, overlying a portion of the attachment seam between the roof panel and the body side panel. The body side panels extend from a windshield of the vehicle to a rear of the vehicle body including a door surround portion integrally formed as a unitary member with a rear quarter portion of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A replacement two-piece rigid top for a sport utility vehicle. Two-piece top (110) is provided with a rigid shell member (15) that covers and at least partially encloses the passenger area and rear cargo area of the sport utility vehicle, a removable rigid roof panel (20) that covers the forward passenger/driver area, and door panel members (25) that are removably engaged with and secured to the factory-installed half-doors on certain sport utility vehicles. Rigid shell member (15) is provided with a forward edge (35) that is specially configured so as to form a forward recessed region (40) that channels moisture away from the cabin of the sport utility vehicle. The roof panel (20) is removably secured to rigid shell member (15), and, preferably, forms a weather-tight junction proximate rearward edge (30) with rigid shell member (15). This allows the shell member (15) to remain on the vehicle while allowing the roof panel (20) to be selectively removed.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for sealing a discontinuity in the surface of a substrate comprises the steps of: (a) placing over the discontinuity an article comprising (i) a melt-flowable composition characterized by a first width, and (ii) a shaped, polymeric cap having a pre-selected, cross-sectional profile characterized by a second width and a shape in which the thickness of the cup across its width, the width of the cap, or both the width and thickness of the cap vary; (b) heating the article to cause the melt-flowable composition to flow and seal the discontinuity, where the cap controls the melt-flow behavior of the melt-flowable composition to substantially confine the melt-flowable composition to the area underneath the cap; and (c) allowing the article to cool while substantially retaining the pre-selected cross-sectional profile of the cap. The present invention also includes various articles for use in the method.

Abstract: A sunroof assembly (20) of an automotive vehicle employs dual sunroof panes, a pair of movable sunshades and a control system for operating the function thereof. In one aspect of the present invention, a sunroof assembly provides a substantially transparent front pane (22) which is slidable from a covering position to a retracted position and a substantially transparent rear pane (24) movable from a covering position to an open position. In another aspect of the present invention, a sunroof assembly (20) provides a pair of substantially transparent panes in combination with a front sunshade (26) and a rear sunshade (28). The sunshades are movable from a functional position to a stowed position. In a further aspect of the present invention, a control system (32) provides an electric switch assembly (30), electrical circuit and software for operating the panes and sunshades.

Abstract: A seal structure is provided for a vehicle having a removable roof member. Advantageously, the single integral seal structure seals between a front end of the roof member, an upper edge of a windshield, and a header rail. The seal structure includes a base retainer portion secured to the header rail and a windshield lip portion covering and sealing against the upper edge of the windshield. The windshield lip portion is integrally coupled to the base retainer portion. The seal structure also includes a weatherstrip portion integrally coupled with the windshield lip portion and the base retainer portion for sealably engaging the front end of the roof member. Preferably, the weatherstrip portion includes at least one hollow weatherstrip bulb for sealably engaging the forward end of the roof member.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for an automotive vehicle sunroof assembly employs a moving cam and a stationary cam, both of which are engaged by a sunroof pane supporting carriage with cam followers. The specific camming surfaces cause the carriage and pane to move between closed, vent and open position. A method of operating a sunroof assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A drainage structure for use in a sunroof apparatus is provided including a pair of drain drips (7) respectively attached to one ends of a pair of longitudinally extending opposite guide rails (3) of the sunroof apparatus mounted on a vehicle roof (2), the pair of drain drips (7) each having a drain path portion (9) and a communication path portion (11), the respective communication path portions (11) of the pair of drain drips (7) being interconnected through a communication tube (10) and oriented toward a transversely central side of the vehicle roof (2). With this drainage structure, even when water flows from an upper one of the drain drips (7) to a lower one of the drain drips (7) due to tilting of the vehicle to the right and left, the water is less likely to flow into a lower one of the guide rails (3) and hence is prevented from leaking into the inside of the vehicle.

Abstract: A downwardly sloped rain-deflecting trim molding with an attachment system that consists of two insert prongs that engage into existing camping type recreational vehicle molding rails. A concave cross-section opening from the insert prong side going inward toward the downwardly sloped rain-deflection portion, allowing clearance for the existing recreational vehicle molding attachment screws. A caulking channel between the top edge of the downwardly sloped rain-deflecting slope and the existing recreational vehicle molding. It is made by extruding poly vinyl chloride through a die cut in the shape of the rain-deflecting trim molding.

Abstract: A roof drip construction for an automobile which includes a roof panel and a side outer panel welded to each other forming a rain passage whose lower width is larger than its upper width. A mould having a plurality of wings is fitted in the rain passage while the wings are in close contact with the inside walls of the roof panel and the side outer panel defining the rain passage. Stud pins mounted on the roof panel are fitted in the mould so as to prevent the mould from being removed out of the rain passage. A rain gutter is formed at the side outer paenl to prevent raindrops in the rain passage from flowing downward along the side door of the automobile.

Abstract: A vehicle roof (1) having a cover (3) which, selectively, can close or at least partially expose a roof opening (2). A liner (6) which is made of a waterproof transparent material is slidably arranged below the cover (3). Contrary to a known design, in which the transparent liner, in combination with an opaque cover, does offer a variety of options regarding light transmission of the entire vehicle roof, the vehicle roof of the present invention provides an additional ventilation possibility, in that the liner (6) has ventilation openings (21) which are designed to prevent water penetration. The ventilation openings, preferably, have rearward facing slots (23) and can selectively be exposed or closed by way of movable parts (24).

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle with hull having a hull serving as a roof when mounted on a car detachably fixed on the upper part of a car body, and by detachably mounting and fixing the hull with the ship's bottom directed upward on the upper part of the car body of the vehicle from which the roof is removed, particular carriage is not needed when transporting the hull, and the Overall length is not extended when transporting the hull, and moreover the hull can be used as the roof when mounted on the car, and when dismounted,it can be used as the hull itself.

Abstract: An elastic seal is provided in the region of the abutment edges of adjacent roof parts. The elastic seal is arranged on a water-discharge channel of a rear roof part and exhibits an integral, elastically compliant sealing section which, by means of an abutment edge of the movable roof part, depending on an opening or a closing movement of said roof part, can be moved between a relieved rest position, in which it forms a splash guard and is opened out upwards, and a loaded position, in which it covers over the water discharge means in a sealing manner. The roof parts are part of a lamella roof of a passenger car.

Abstract: In an automotive slide roof system comprising a slide roof panel which is capable of both tilting and sliding to provide two modes of opening a part of a fixed roof of a motor vehicle, each of the stays for the slide panel is provided with a cam slot including an inclined section which is adapted to tilt up a rear end portion of the slide panel as elevator links guided by guide rails are pushed forward from a fully closed state by push-pull cables, and lateral pins attached to the elevator links move forward inside the cam slots, and the elevator links are adapted to tilt forward as the elevator links are pulled rearward from the fully closed state of the slide panel by the push-pull cables, thereby lowering a rear end of the slide panel so as to allow the slide panel to be slid open without being interfered by a part of the fixed roof located behind the opening.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle having a pontoon assembly including a pair of pontoons and a set of wheels operably attached to the pontoons which are pivotally coupled to a vehicle frame structure such that the pontoons are positionable between a raised position whereby the wheels are deployed for providing land travel and a lowered position whereby the pontoons are deployed for providing marine travel. A pivot assembly interconnects the pontoon assembly to the frame structure. The amphibious vehicle further includes an engine, a jet propulsion unit and a drive train for selectively transmitting torque generated by the engine to the wheels for propelling the amphibious vehicle during land use and to the jet drive for propelling the amphibious vehicle during marine use. A mechanical steering interlock positively connects and disconnects the steering of the set of wheel when the pontoon assembly is positioned in the raised and lowered positions respectively.

Abstract: A sun-roof device for use in a vehicle having a roof includes an open portion formed in the roof and having a pair of parallel spaced side peripheries each of which extends in a lengthwise direction of the vehicle. A frame is fixed to the roof so as to be located below the roof and has a pair of guide rails each of which extends along a side periphery of the opening portion. A movable panel is provided for opening and closing the opening portion and a pair of sliding members are connected to the movable panel for moving the movable panel. The sliding members are each guided in one of the guide rails so as to be slidable in the lengthwise direction of the vehicle, and a draining groove member for draining water on the frame is provided below the frame and separate from the frame.

Abstract: A fastening device for a decorative or cover strip for gaps in motor vehicle bodies, has a holding body which can be inserted and wedged into the gap and which holds the decorative or covering strip. The holding body made of several parts includes lateral bracing elements, which can be braced against lateral walls of the gap via a spreading element. The spreading element is provided between the bracing elements and is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the gap. The decorative or cover strip can be fixed on the spreading element. In this manner, the decorative or cover strip can always be fastened centered, regardless of tolerance-related fluctuations of the gap width.

Abstract: A sun-roof device for use in a vehicle having a roof includes an opening portion formed in the roof and having a pair of parallel spaced side peripheries each of which extends in a lengthwise direction of the vehicle and a front periphery extending in a width direction of the vehicle, a pair of parallel spaced guide rails extending along the pair of side peripheries of the opening portion, respectively, a front frame extending along the front periphery of the opening portion, a movable panel for opening and closing the opening portion, a pair of sliding members for moving the movable panel which are located in the pair of guide rails, respectively, a guide plate fixed to a lower face of the front frame and forming a pair of passages connected to front ends of the pair of guide rails together with the lower face of the front frame, a pair of cables in the pair of passages, respectively and connected to the pair of sliding members, respectively, and a driving member for driving the cables in opposite directions

Abstract: A sliding roof device for vehicles includes a pair of guide rails each being oppositely provided in vehicle longitudinal direction, an opening provided in a vehicle roof, a roof panel slidable in the vehicle longitudinal direction along the pair of guide rails for opening and closing the opening of the roof, a U-shaped extension formed integrally with the pair of guide rails and a rain gutter having a U-shaped channel and motor drive bracket which is provided on the U-shaped extension of the guide rails.

Abstract: Roof molding assembly structure for an automobile comprising a clip having several elastic pieces and two engaging protrusions, one of the elastic pieces supporting the under surface of the roof molding, the second elastic piece being contacted on the bottom surface of the fitting groove, and the third elastic piece being contacted on the side wall of the fitting groove; and a roof molding having two wings downwardly protruded from the both longitudinal ends thereof respectively. The inner end portion of a roof side panel is vertically raised and horizontally curved for securing the third elastic piece of the clip.

Abstract: A spoiler roof for a vehicle having a roof opening in its fixed roof comprises a frame including on either side of the roof opening longitudinal guide sections. A water gutter normally positioned under the rear edge of the roof opening extends in transverse direction of the vehicle and over the guide sections. A closure element is displaceable from a closed position in the roof opening upwardly and backwardly to an open position above the fixed roof. An adjusting member on either side of the closure element supports the closure element movably and is displaceably guided in the respective guide section. According to the invention, the water gutter is supported by the frame in a manner backwardly movable such that, when the closure element is moved backwardly, the water gutter automatically moves backwardly.

Abstract: A vehicular roof drip moulding comprising a substantially U-shaped clamp portion adapted to be fitted onto a flange portion on the side body of an automotive vehicle in a clamped state, and a pressure contact portion extending from one side part of said clamp portion and coming in pressure contact with the side body under the effect of resilient force of the clamp portion. The other one of the pair of oppositely located pieces has a sectional height which is varied in correspondence to variation of height of the side body from location to location in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A vehicle roof for closing an aperture in a fixed roof surface comprising a series of strip-like plates. In closing the roof, the plates lie edge to edge to form a flat sheet. The plates are mounted on guide tracks in a roof frame fixed beneath the roof surface around the aperture. Each plate is carried on the guide tracks at two locations, and the plates can be moved rearwards and tilted. In the roof open position, the plates are pivoted upward and lie substantially parallel to one another. The pivoting takes place towards the rear of the aperture as each plate is completing its rearward movement. The plates remain engaged with both guide track locations at all times and this ensures the stability of the assembly. In each case, a drip molding is hinged at least on a part of the plates. The drip moldings are guided to slide along lengthwise guideways, and they take part only in the sliding movements of the respective plates, not their pivoting.

Abstract: A sun-roof housing comprises a main body formed into a U-shaped configuration with two corners and having a first gutter portion therealong and pair of laterally spaced rail portions for guiding a roof member, a cut-out portion formed at each of the corner by which the first gutter portion is divided into discontinuous segments, and a cover having a second gutter portion defined by an inner side wall and an outer side wall and set to be fixed to each corner of the main body in such a manner that the second gutter portion is located in the cut-out portion so as to be in fluid communication with the separated segments and the inner side wall is in fluid tight engagement with each corner of the main body.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved cover for a waste container composed of multiple formed cover sections, the cover sections interlock to fluid proof seal. The cover sections have a cross section which induces fluids to flow outwardly off of the cover sections, thereby preventing fluids from leaking into the material within the container. The cover sections are secured on the container by their own weight and are stackable, providing for compact storage when not in use.

Abstract: A water-tight structure for draining liquid and method for forming the structure applicable to a hatch-roof (T-bar roof) type vehicle are disclosed in which a V-shaped groove of a first weatherstrip disposed aside a center pillar of a vehicle body, opening of a roof onto which a detachable hatch roof is attached, and a front pillar receives a wedge-shaped end of a second weatherstrip disposed along a side edge of the hatch roof in a tongue and groove joint form at a position of the center pillar bridged to the roof, a draining passage in a closed cross section is formed between a vehicle body panel and finisher both constituting the center pillar, a flange portion is integrally extended from that part of the first weatherstrip in the rearward direction, the flange portion being elastically contacted with the hatch roof and finisher and introducing water such as rain drops from the rain water passage into another drain water passage, and a terminal portion of the first weatherstrip is formed by means of a mold

Abstract: In order to reduce the installed height of an elevatable sliding roof, guide rails supporting a rigid roof cover in a sliding roof cassette are given an arched shape corresponding to the contour of the vehicle roof. A gutter extending underneath a gap between the rear roof cover edge and the edge of the opening in the roof is shifted toward the rear when the roof cover is lowered into a sliding position. The roof cover consists of two half shells which are glued to each other and a roof cover seal is located along the periphery of the cover.

Abstract: Vehicle roof with a cover for, alternatively closing and at least partially opening a roof opening, with a sliding inside roof headliner for, alternatively, closing and at least partially opening a framed opening lying under the roof opening, with a respective drip molding running in the longitudinal vehicle direction under each side of the roof opening, with longitudinal guide mechanisms, along which the cover is displaced by a drive device in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, extending along the drip moldings; and wherein, according to preferred embodiments of the invention, a water catching device that is located under the rear edge of the roof opening, at least when the cover is in its forwardmost position, and that catches water coming in there and diverts it into the lateral drip moldings, is formed by the sliding inside roof headliner, itself.

Abstract: A door glass weatherstripping for a motor vehicle comprises a main body; a gap-filling seal for filling the space between the edge of the surrounding surfaces and the edges of the window; a window positioning portion having a hardness greater than at least the gap-filling seal portion for guiding the window in its uppermost position thereby assuring lateral location of the window; and a gutter forming lip positioned so that substantially all the water dripping off the portion of the roof or surrounding surfaces where the weatherstrip is attached is prevented from entering the interior of the vehicle. The weatherstrip section on hardtop-type window systems may be positioned such that it extends around the whole door opening.

Abstract: A frame for a vehicle roof of the type having a roof opening in a fixed vehicle roof surface and a cover for closing the roof opening and a device for displacing the cover to a position at least partially opening the roof opening by at least one of sliding and lifting motions, has two lateral side parts which are made of metal and extend in transversely spaced apart relationship to each other, parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, an injection molded synthetic plastic front part to which corner parts, serving as transition areas to the lateral side parts are directly molded, and at least one cross member interconnecting said lateral side parts. The lateral side parts have guides for cover guide members which support the cover for displacement therealong and which cooperate with a drive unit at the front part via pressure-resistant drive cables. Guide tubes for the pressure-resistant drive cables are at least partially embedded into the molded material of the front part.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle sunroof structure including a roof panel formed witha roof opening. The roof panel is reinforced by reinforcement members each of which is located near the roof opening. Each reinforcement member is disposed to connect the roof panel and a guide rail for a sunroof lid fittable within the roof opening. The reinforcement member is formed with a plurality of brackets each of which is formed by bending the tip end section of the reinforcement member. Each bracket extends inward of the vehicle and under the roof opening. The bracket is fixedly secured to the guide rail, so that the dimension of the roof opening in the direction of the vehicle width is enlarged thereby offseting the guide rail from the upward side of the passenger's head to the lateral side of the roof.

Abstract: A novel method of producing molding members for automobiles, formed at least partly of a synthetic resin material is disclosed. According to the method of the invention, synthetic resin material is extrusion molded into a continuous body with a substantially constant cross-section throughout the entire length thereof. A controlled amount of the material is removed from a predetermined location of the continuous body, corresponding to a water flow blocking projection, synchronously with the extrusion molding of the material, such that the cross-section of the continuous body varies in the longitudinal direction of the body. The continuous body subjected to the controlled removal of the material is then cut into the predetermined length of the molding member.

Abstract: A panel moving mechanism for a sunshine roof of the type in which the rear end of a panel for closing an opening of the roof of a vehicle is raised and lowered. The mechanism includes a shoe and an arm which are pivotally connected. A pair of pins protrude from the arm and are inserted into respective guide grooves provided in a guide block and a bracket connected to the panel. The longitudinal axes of these guide grooves are bent at the middle sections thereof and are arranged in such a manner that they are not parallel. When the shoe moves toward the front end of the vehicle, the arm is gradually brought to a raised position, thereby raising the rear end of the panel. When the shoe moves toward the rear end of the vehicle, the arm is gradually brought to a horizontal position, thereby lowering the rear end of the panel.

Abstract: In a slide roof system, guide rail stays are provided with engagement portions for securing a trough member, onto an inner frame, for receiving rain water which may drip from the slide roof panel. Since the guide rail stays are provided externally of the trough member which extends along the periphery of the opening of the inner frame, there are no sealing necessities for the trough member which may be made of an integral member made of synthetic resin. According to a preferred embodiment, a base member of a spring-loaded, retractable air deflector unit is provided with a longitudinal projection at its front end so as to be received by an engagement hole provided in a lateral piece extending from a part of the guide rail stays into the groove defined by a trough member, and an extension at its rear end which extends rearwardly over a rear end of the expanded portion of the trough member and fixedly secured to the inner frame by means of an engagement between a longitudinal slot and a threaded bolt and nut.

Abstract: A mounting unit for providing a complete sliding roof assembly to a motor vehicle roof having an opening therein. The mounting unit includes an assembly frame adapted to be seated on an external peripheral edge of the vehicle roof surrounding the opening and providing a guide rail at each side of the opening, at least one sliding element in each of the guide rails, a cover for closing the roof opening, pivot means mounting a leading edge of the cover for pivoting movement, and a pivotally mounted opening lever in each guide rail and connected to the cover for supporting the cover when it is raised. Swivel bearings are provided for connecting one side of the frame assembly to the vehicle roof, and a locking mechanism is also provided. The frame assembly, guide rails, cover and opening levers are mountable to the vehicle roof from above as a unit, and the assembly frame may be pivoted about the swivel bearings to pivot the mounting unit away from the roof opening.

Abstract: A sunroof structure for an automotive vehicle comprising a sunroof lid. The sunroof lid includes a center panel made of glass. A surrounding panel formed of sheet metal is securely fixed around the center panel. The surrounding panel is formed thereunder with a link receiving space in which a link bracket of a driving link mechanism is received. The link bracket is drivingly connected to the surrounding panel so that the driving link mechanism drives the sunroof lid.

Abstract: A sliding roof for a vehicle of which the fixed roof (1) is provided with a roof opening (2), comprises a longitudinal guide (4) near both longitudinal edges of the roof opening (2). A panel (3) is slidably guided in the longitudinal guides (4) such that the panel (3) is adapted to be slid from a closed position in which it closes the roof opening (2) both rearwardly and forwardly under the fixed roof (1) to open the roof opening (2).

Abstract: A strip of molding which is installed on the side edge of windshield glass, being insertingly mounted on one end of a strip of channel having a U-shaped cross section, and being able to be installed together with a strip of drip seal, permitting to reduce installation time and create a neat appearance. A connective portion which comes in contact with the drip seal can be provided in the cross section of the windshield molding so that any abnormal sounds will be eliminated.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a lid guide structure for a sun roof device. The lid guide structure comprises a first elongate member, and second and third elongate members extending in parallel from longitudinal ends of the first elongate member. Each of the second and third elongate members includes a longitudinally extending gutter portion which is defined between outboard and inboard walls. Mutually facing surfaces of the outboard and inboard walls are each formed at a major flat part thereof with a longitudinally extending channel leaving a longitudinally extending ridge at the upper end of each wall. Each of the longitudinally extending channels is defined by two inclined surfaces, one surface close to the longitudinally extending ridge and one remote from the ridge.