Having Headliner Or Liner Support Patents (Class 296/214)
  • Patent number: 8814257
    Abstract: In a vehicle roof device equipped with a sunroof member and a sunshade member driven by respective electric motors, an operation switch includes an operation member to be operated by a vehicle occupant, the operation member being movable between a neutral position, an opening operation position and a closing operation position, where the opening and closing operation positions are displaced from the neutral position in different directions. The vehicle roof device further includes a control unit configured which, when the operation member is moved to one of the opening and closing operation positions, controls the electric motors so as to drive the sunroof member and the sunshade member in an operation mode determined based on a relationship of a duration of the operation member held at the one of the opening operation position and the closing operation position with two different threshold time periods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Yachiyo Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazutaka Sugimoto, Ryosuke Noro
  • Patent number: 8814256
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Yachiyo Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuaki Uehara, Shigehito Horiuchi, Junya Yoshioka, Tsutomu Iwaya
  • Publication number: 20140226289
    Abstract: An interior panel, for use in a vehicle that includes a plurality of electrical devices and a vehicle component frame, includes printed electrical connection means for connecting the electrical devices in the vehicle and a substrate layer that has an inner surface directed towards the vehicle component frame. The electrical connection means are printed on the inner surface of the substrate layer using an electrically conductive ink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Dennis J. VanHouten, Christopher S. Kring, Ben Sapak, Jack L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8789878
    Abstract: A moonroof assembly including a transparent panel and a sunshade that are moveable between closed positions and fully open positions. A mechanism is coupled between the panel and the sunshade so as to effectuate automatic movement of the sunshade into the partially open position in response to movement of the panel into its fully open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Josh D. Fraley
  • Patent number: 8777302
    Abstract: There is provided a sunshade apparatus comprising a pair of guide rails, a screen to move along each guide rail, and a roll-up device to send off or roll up the screen. The roll-up device comprises a roll-up shaft having bending flexibility, a pair of end members disposed at both ends of the roll-up shaft, a pair of support members to support each end member, and an abutment member including a push-up portion to bend the roll-up shaft so as to protrude upward and a positioning portion to be disposed on the side of the opening relatively to the roll-up shaft to position the roll-up shaft. Each end member is formed so as to be movable relatively to each support member in an open-close direction when the opening is opened or closed by use of the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Yachiyo Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Kanai, Tatsuaki Uehara
  • Publication number: 20140191540
    Abstract: A headliner for a vehicle roof includes a substrate and a reinforcement trim member attached to the substrate. The substrate has a planar edge characterized by lack of folding. The reinforcement trim member has a body and an attachment feature extending from the body. The attachment feature mates the headliner to the vehicle roof The reinforcement trim member has a tip, which extends from the body, and a slot receptacle defined by the body. The slot receptacle of the reinforcement trim member receives the planar edge of the substrate to facilitate mating of the substrate to the reinforcement trim member. The headliner also includes a cover stock member, which covers the substrate and continuously wraps from the substrate around at least the tip the of reinforcement trim member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: David L. Brown
  • Patent number: 8770644
    Abstract: A vehicle having a roof lining which is bounded at the front by a front windscreen and has an overhead console which is extended toward the front by a front windscreen unit in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the covering element of the windscreen unit being attached to a front windscreen-end support at at least a first attachment point and to the overhead console at at least a second attachment point. The covering element being mounted so as to float with play in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and/or in the lateral direction of the vehicle at the first attachment point, and is mounted without play at the second attachment point for accurate alignment with the overhead console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Richard Harders, Horst-Reiner Karg
  • Patent number: 8764100
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle roof structure capable of preventing turn of a roof side absorber about its axis in the vehicle front-rear direction. A roof side absorber 10 is arranged between a roof side panel 20 and a side portion 30S of a roof lining 30. An opening trim 40 is fitted to an end portion of the roof side panel 20 on the upper side of a door opening. An upper contact portion 27 provided at an upper end portion of the roof side absorber 10 is in contact with the roof side panel 20. A lower contact portion 19 provided at a lower end portion of the roof side absorber 10 is in contact with the opening trim 40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Yougo Mitsui
  • Patent number: 8757710
    Abstract: A roof assembly for a vehicle roof opening comprises a pair of guide rails extending in a non-parallel way and at a distance from each other. At least one closure element is adjustable in order to at least cover and at least partly open the opening. At least one pair of sliding elements opposite of each other on each of opposite sides of the closure element is provided for slidably engaging in the respective guide rail. The sliding elements are slidably connected to the closure element in a substantially lateral direction. A biasing device is used for biasing the sliding elements relative to the closure element in a substantially lateral direction by being attached to the closure element on one end and being operatively connected to each pair of opposite sliding elements on the other end with interposition of a synchronizing device equalizing the movements of the sliding elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventor: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen
  • Patent number: 8740294
    Abstract: The invention proposes a roller blind arrangement for a motor vehicle, comprising a roller blind web by means of which a transparent portion of the motor vehicle can be at least partially shaded, and comprising at least one winding device for winding up the roller blind web. The roller blind web is formed from a knitted spacer fabric which comprises a support layer formed from a knitted fabric and a decorative layer formed from a knitted fabric and connected to the support layer via connecting threads which maintain a spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Webasto SE
    Inventor: Andreas Rockelmann
  • Patent number: 8733828
    Abstract: This invention relates to a roof structure in a vehicle, wherein the roof structure (100) is provided with printed electrical connection means (110) for connecting electrical devices in the vehicle. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a roof structure and to a system comprising an electrical device, a roof structure (100) with printed electrical connection means (110), a printed conductive pad (112, 212, 312, 412) and an electrical connector, wherein the electrical connector (530, 730) is pierced through the roof structure (100) to connect the electrical device with the conductive pad (112, 212, 312, 412).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Dennis J. VanHouten, Christopher S. Kring, Ben Sapak, Jack L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8727431
    Abstract: A sunshade stopper is provided at a housing connecting a pair of guide rails that slidably supports a sunshade on a ceiling of a vehicle interior. The sunshade stopper includes a corresponding portion arranged at a position corresponding to an end portion of the sunshade during the sunshade is at the closed position, at least one contact portion provided on the corresponding portion that makes contact with at least a portion of the end portion of the sunshade during the sunshade is at the closed position, the contact portion formed with a form fitting the end portion of the sunshade that makes contact with the contact portion, and an attaching portion configured to be fixed to a vehicle, provided at a position in a direction opposite to where the ceiling is provided relative to the corresponding portion and extending in a direction in which the sunshade opens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Youji Nagashima, Masaji Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8720986
    Abstract: An opening-and-closing member control apparatus includes a panel drive device moving a movable panel in opening and closing directions, a panel monitoring device monitoring a position of the movable panel between fully closed and opened positions, a sunshade drive device moving a sunshade in opening and closing directions, a sunshade monitoring device monitoring a position of the sunshade between fully closed and opened positions, and a control device controlling driving of the panel drive device and the sunshade drive device on the basis of the position of the movable panel monitored by the panel monitoring device and the position of the sunshade monitored by the sunshade monitoring device, so that the position of the movable panel precedes the position of the sunshade toward the fully closed position when the movable panel and the sunshade move in the closing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Nagase, Nobuyasu Bessho
  • Publication number: 20140110974
    Abstract: A vehicle ceiling structure includes a ceiling interior material that covers a curtain shield air bag with a terminal side; an assist grip attached to a body panel through an attachment hole formed in the ceiling interior material; and an attachment portion provided on the assist grip, the attachment portion being in contact with or facing to outer circumference of the attachment hole in a surface of the ceiling interior material in a vehicle cabin side, wherein the vehicle ceiling structure on a surface thereof in a vehicle cabin outer side has an annular groove on outer circumference of the attachment portion in such a manner that the annular groove surround the attachment portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yasunori UCHIDA
  • Patent number: 8690234
    Abstract: A vehicle roller blind arrangement, with a roller blind web that can be wound or unwound in an extension direction, a band-shaped guide element that extends along the extension direction and is guidable in a guide rail, which can be coupled fixedly to a vehicle, in such a manner that said guide element extends parallel to the roller blind web, and a band element that extends along the extension direction and is arranged between the roller blind web and the guide element and, on a first longitudinal side, is coupled fixedly to the roller blind web and, on a second longitudinal side, is coupled fixedly to the guide element. The band element has a T-shaped or Y-shaped cross section, is formed of a different material from the roller blind web, and has a smaller material thickness than the roller blind web. In addition, the invention relates to correspondingly configured subassemblies and roof arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Webasto SE
    Inventors: Andreas Rockelmann, Martin Pollak, Dominik Hoelzel, Erwin Steiner, Tobias Nowack, Ulrike Bruggaier, Susanne Schandel, Manfred Faerber
  • Patent number: 8690235
    Abstract: An operating device for a sunroof of a vehicle may include a motor housing disposed at a rear side of a roof panel and a mounting space, an operating motor disposed at one side of the motor housing and a worm inserted into the mounting space, a gear unit rotatably disposed in the mounting space engaged with the worm and is rotated by the operating motor, a glass cable connected to the gear unit and to a moving glass disposed outside of the roof panel to move the moving glass, a sun shade cable connected to the gear unit at an upper side of the glass cable and is connected to the sun shade inside the roof panel to move the sun shade, and a locking unit disposed on the motor housing corresponding to the gear unit and selectively locks the gear unit such that the cable is separately operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Inalfa Roof Systems Korea Ltd.
    Inventors: Hoyul Lee, Chang-Jin Yoon
  • Patent number: 8678488
    Abstract: A roll blind system for a panorama sun roof of a vehicle opens front and rear roll blinds independently by dividing the panorama sun roof into two parts. The roll blind system includes: front and rear roll blinds disposed between right and left guide rails, disposed in front of and behind of the panorama sun roof and includes front and rear blind bars disposed on opposite ends of the and rear roll blinds; one cable engaged with a motor gear; a front shoe attached to a left end of the front blind bar and movable via the cable and a second cable end; a rear shoe attached to a right end of the rear blind bar and being movable via the cable and third and fourth cable ends; and a return spring connected to a front blind shaft extendable when the front blind bar is moved in the forward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Do Won Kim
  • Patent number: 8661622
    Abstract: An assist grip includes hinges, spring cases, and coil springs. The hinges are provided with a rotary axis that a shaft-shaped protrusion and a pin make. The shaft-shaped protrusion is formed integrally with the hinges. The pin is formed independently of the hinges. The spring cases are held in a depression with which the hinges are provided, respectively. The coil springs urge the hinges by way of the spring cases in a direction for accommodating the hinges into hinge-holding depressions with which the assist grip is provided. The setup enables the resulting assist grip to offer better assemblage workability for assembly workers or robots, to show a better appearance, and to exhibit higher strength in service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignees: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hajime Takai, Chiharu Totani, Kazuhiro Kawamura, Shoji Kawakami
  • Patent number: 8641136
    Abstract: A vehicle panel with a folded-over or wrapped edge is disclosed. The vehicle panel comprises a main body portion. The main body portion includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is formed of a substantially rigid material and has a first surface, a second surface and an edge. The second layer is coupled to the second surface of the first layer and formed of a substantially flexible material. The vehicle panel also comprises a flap integrally formed with the main body portion at the edge and comprises at least the second layer. The vehicle panel further comprises a hinge separating the flap from the main body portion, the hinge is defined by at least a portion of the first layer having a reduced thickness. The flap is folded back about the hinge towards the first surface of the first layer to substantially conceal the edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Compay
    Inventors: Christopher Scott Kring, Todd D. Nellis, Dennis J. Vanhouten, Bobby Bagby, Julie M. DeVries, Ben Edward Sapak, Kevin A. Tomasek, Peter Oosting, Brent Donald Rockafellow, Albert Charles Haak, Jason M. Scholten, Rade Milanovic, William J. Homik, Jack Lawrence Johnson
  • Patent number: 8641137
    Abstract: A vehicle headliner assembly includes a roof bow, a headliner, an alignment member and a fastener. The roof bow includes an attachment portion defining a first slot. The headliner includes a mounting portion defining a first aperture aligned with the first slot. The alignment member is non-movably attached to the roof bow at the first slot and defines an alignment hole that coincides with the first slot. The fastener includes an attachment projection that extends through the first aperture, through the alignment hole of the alignment member and through the first slot. The attachment projection has a retaining surface that contacts a surface of the roof bow adjacent to the first slot and faces away from the headliner such that the fastener retains the headliner to the roof bow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel G. Lizak
  • Patent number: 8636315
    Abstract: A roller blind arrangement, in particular for a vehicle, with a roller blind web. The roller blind web can be wound up at least at one end by a winding device to form a roller blind winding having a geometrical center axis. The roller blind web can be unwound in an unwinding direction. The winding device has a guide element arranged with respect to the geometrical center axis of the roller blind winding in a direction essentially opposite to the unwinding direction and is designed to limit a movement of the roller blind winding in the direction opposite to the unwinding direction. The invention also relates to a roof arrangement with a roof opening, a roof opening frame that bounds the roof opening, and a roller blind arrangement. The roller blind arrangement is arranged in the roof opening and is mechanically coupled to the roof opening frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Webasto AG
    Inventors: Andreas Rockelmann, Marco Thalhammer, Martin Walser, Erwin Steiner
  • Publication number: 20130341972
    Abstract: A roller blind apparatus for panoramic sunroofs, in which front and rear roller blinds can be opened or closed by respective motors, thereby providing more convenience to a user. The apparatus includes front and rear roller blinds; a first drive means generating drive power for opening or closing the front roller blind; a second drive means generating drive power for opening or closing the rear roller blind such that the rear roller blind can be operated separately from the front roller blind; a power transmission unit that transmits the drive power of the first drive means so as to allow a moving glass to be operated in conjunction with the opening/closing motion of the front roller blind; and a control unit that controls a supply of electric power to the first and second drive means so as to control the motions of the front and rear roller blinds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: WEBASTO DONGHEE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Su-Yun Choi, Jong-Rak Kim, Seong-Min Gwak, Chang-Min Park
  • Publication number: 20130334843
    Abstract: The invention relates to an interior lining for a motor vehicle, with a sliding or panoramic roof, which comprises a roof liner and a stiffening frame which is attached to the roof liner, and an opening in the roof liner, which delimits, frames and stabilizes the sliding or panoramic window. The roof liner is constructed in several layers, which comprise at least one core layer and one cover layer. The stiffening frame is produced from a fiber-reinforced composite material, which contains organic synthetic polymer fibers, carbon fibers or natural fibers, or mixtures of these fibers, and a binder made from a duroplastic or thermoplastic material. The surface weight and the bending stiffness of the stiffening frame are greater than those of the roof liner structure, preferably by at least 50%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Fritz Schweindl, Michael BEHNKE
  • Patent number: 8584325
    Abstract: A structure for fastening to a trim board a clip that has projection for fastening to a clip fitting seat of the trim board and a second projection for fastening to a vehicle body-side member. The first projection has an engagement portion and the clip fitting seat has multiple latch lugs used to position the clip. A distance between the latch lugs is enlargeable as the engagement portion is engaged therewith. The first projection has at least two types of engagement portions that differ in diameter at locations that are separated in a fastening direction. Thus, the clip is fastened to the clip fitting seat in at least two stages, including one state in which the clip is fastened to the clip fitting seat at low fastening load, and a fastened state that is achieved by fastening the clip to the clip fitting seat at high fastening load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Toyoda Iron Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Onuma
  • Patent number: 8579352
    Abstract: A shading device for a carriage windshield of a rail vehicle has a frame structure which is provided for attaching to the underside of the carriage roof. The frame structure supports a generally plate-shaped sunscreen, and the sun screen can be attached to the frame structure in a movable manner by a guide device. The guide device has a middle guideway and two outer radial guideways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Bartha, Elisabeta-Mihaela Comsa
  • Patent number: 8579366
    Abstract: A sunshade assembly includes opposed longitudinal edges and opposed transversal edges. The longitudinal edges are adapted to be guided in non parallel guide rails. The sunshade assembly comprises a flexible screen, said screen having a transversal edge connected to a beam of the sunshade assembly and having opposed lateral screen parts biased in lateral direction. At least one of the lateral screen parts is configured to adjustably fold around a folding member through an angle of substantially 180° along at least a part of the length of the corresponding longitudinal edge of the sunshade assembly. The invention is useful for several types of sunshade assembly, such as roller screens and sunshade panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventor: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen
  • Patent number: 8573684
    Abstract: A sliding roof sunshade assembly for a vehicle has a sunshade element which can be moved in opening direction and a closing direction. The sunshade element has a bow at a free front end. At least one force-transmitting drive element is connected to the bow and to a drive in order to move the sunshade element into a closed setting, with the front end of the sunshade element assuming a predetermined closed position in the closed setting. At least one elastic intermediate element is arranged in a force flow between the drive and the front end of the sunshade element. Once the front end of the sunshade element has reached the closed position, the drive moves the drive element onward into a predetermined end setting in which the intermediate element is elastically deformed. The predetermined end setting corresponds to a position in which the elastic intermediate element is compressed by an amount within a predetermined tolerance path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Roof Systems Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Grimm, Horst Boehm
  • Publication number: 20130285419
    Abstract: A vehicle headliner assembly includes a roof bow, a headliner, an alignment member and a fastener. The roof bow includes an attachment portion defining a first slot. The headliner includes a mounting portion defining a first aperture aligned with the first slot. The alignment member is non-movably attached to the roof bow at the first slot and defines an alignment hole that coincides with the first slot. The fastener includes an attachment projection that extends through the first aperture, through the alignment hole of the alignment member and through the first slot. The attachment projection has a retaining surface that contacts a surface of the roof bow adjacent to the first slot and faces away from the headliner such that the fastener retains the headliner to the roof bow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel G. Lizak
  • Patent number: 8567858
    Abstract: A sunshade for a vehicle includes a plastic panel configuring a part of a roof of the vehicle and including a translucent portion, a shading sheet for unshading and shading the translucent portion, a pair of guide rails, which are fixed to the panel to face each other and extend in an opening-and-closing direction of the sheet to hold the sheet in a manner permitting the sheet to be opened and closed, a roll-up member for rolling up the sheet, a frame, which extends in a facing direction of the rails, that links the rails and holds the roll-up member, an elongated hole, which is formed in end portions of the frame and extends in the facing direction, and an engaging member inserted into the hole. The engaging member engages with the rails and the frame to permit relative movement of the rails and the frame in the facing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Kitani, Kazuhiko Yoshizawa
  • Patent number: 8556334
    Abstract: A hatch protection system provides protection to personnel against contact with a hatch. In one embodiment, the system includes a hatch protection system for a hatch on a vehicle. The hatch protection system includes a hatch pad. The hatch pad is attached to the hatch. The hatch pad includes a protective padding. The hatch protection system also includes a plurality of brackets. The plurality of brackets is secured to the vehicle and to the hatch pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Black Mountain Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle L. Greenwood, James Buckner, Joshua Price, Matthew Howell, Devin Gerland
  • Publication number: 20130257108
    Abstract: In a vehicle roof device equipped with a sunroof member and a sunshade member driven by respective electric motors, an operation switch includes an operation member to be operated by a vehicle occupant, the operation member being movable between a neutral position, an opening operation position and a closing operation position, where the opening and closing operation positions are displaced from the neutral position in different directions. The vehicle roof device further includes a control unit configured which, when the operation member is moved to one of the opening and closing operation positions, controls the electric motors so as to drive the sunroof member and the sunshade member in an operation mode determined based on a relationship of a duration of the operation member held at the one of the opening operation position and the closing operation position with two different threshold time periods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: YACHIYO INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazutaka SUGIMOTO, Ryosuke NORO
  • Publication number: 20130257109
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideaki HAMADA, Haruo HORIKAWA
  • Publication number: 20130249253
    Abstract: There is provided a sunshade apparatus comprising a pair of guide rails, a screen to move along each guide rail, and a roll-up device to send off or roll up the screen. The roll-up device comprises a roll-up shaft having bending flexibility, a pair of end members disposed at both ends of the roll-up shaft, a pair of support members to support each end member, and an abutment member including a push-up portion to bend the roll-up shaft so as to protrude upward and a positioning portion to be disposed on the side of the opening relatively to the roll-up shaft to position the roll-up shaft. Each end member is formed so as to be movable relatively to each support member in an open-close direction when the opening is opened or closed by use of the screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: YACHIYO INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Kanai, Tatsuaki Uehara
  • Patent number: 8523267
    Abstract: A collapsible roof for a vehicle includes a roof cap and an impact energy absorbing protective device connected to the roof cap. The roof cap has ribs. The ribs are spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction and each rib extends along a transverse direction. The ribs extend into the protective device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Konrad Herz
  • Publication number: 20130181488
    Abstract: A sunshade for a vehicle includes a plastic panel configuring a part of a roof of the vehicle and including a translucent portion, a shading sheet for unshading and shading the translucent portion, a pair of guide rails, which are fixed to the panel to face each other and extend in an opening-and-closing direction of the sheet to hold the sheet in a manner permitting the sheet to be opened and closed, a roll-up member for rolling up the sheet, a frame, which extends in a facing direction of the rails, that links the rails and holds the roll-up member, an elongated hole, which is formed in end portions of the frame and extends in the facing direction, and an engaging member inserted into the hole. The engaging member engages with the rails and the frame to permit relative movement of the rails and the frame in the facing direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventors: Takashi Kitani, Kazuhiko Yoshizawa
  • Patent number: 8474904
    Abstract: To inhibit the attractiveness of a ceiling material from deteriorating. According to a passenger compartment material structure (10), on a ceiling material (12), there is disposed a water guide portion (34) that guides water (W) flowing on a surface (32A) of an air barrier film (32) on a passenger compartment outer side toward a pillar garnish (14) to the pillar garnish (14). Consequently, even in a case where the water (W) has flowed on the surface 32A of the air barrier film 32 on the passenger compartment outer side toward the pillar garnish 14, this water guide portion (34) guides the water (W) to the pillar garnish 14, so the water (W) can be inhibited from reaching an end (28A) of an upholstery material (28) on the pillar garnish (14) side. Because of this, the water (W) can be inhibited from seeping out to a passenger compartment inner side of the upholstery material (28), so the attractiveness of the ceiling material (12) can be inhibited from deteriorating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hitoshi Suga
  • Patent number: 8474110
    Abstract: A clip apparatus including a housing with a base and a frame. A first retention arm and a second retention arm are rotatably coupled to the base and include a pivoting leg and a retention leg. Upon insertion of the frame into an opening of an outside surface, the opening directs the pivoting leg to rotate the respective retention arm, which, in turn, directs the retention legs into a position wherein the outside surface is sandwiched between the respective retention legs of the retention arms and an inner surface of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: Anthony M. Sherriff
  • Patent number: 8469444
    Abstract: A dressed headliner for vehicles with a finished perimeter, where the headliner's finished perimeter is formed without the addition of any adhesive and where the finished perimeter is a high quality finished perimeter with sharp contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Grupo Antolin Ingenieria, S.A.
    Inventors: Thomas Eickhoff, Miguel Angel Grande Collado
  • Patent number: 8465087
    Abstract: An energy absorber includes a base sheet and a plurality of crush lobes extending from the base sheet. Each crush lobe includes a side wall oriented to crush and collapse to absorb energy when impacted in a first direction and includes an end wall. At least one of the base sheet and the end wall of at least one crush lobe includes an integrally-formed protruding countermeasure of lower standing strength than the crush lobes so that the protruding countermeasure acts to dampen movement causing buzzes, squeaks and/or rattles between the end wall and an adjacent structure. The countermeasure can be integrally formed or an insert, such as a magnet or other insert. Methods related to the above are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Oakwood Energy Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew M. Gerwolls, Michael A. Rossi, Dane Winbigler, Donald S. Smith, Joel M. Cormier, Richard F. Audi
  • Patent number: 8449010
    Abstract: According to one or more embodiments, an insulated liner structure for a vehicle includes a number of lightweight, potentially reusable insulated panels that may be attached to form an insulated enclosure, chamber, shell or other similar interior space. In some embodiments, the panels may be constructed with a lightweight single-layer or multi-layer core covered or surrounded by a flexible fabric skin. The panels may be shaped to substantially conform to the interior cargo area of a vehicle, and may include a floor panel, a roof panel, right and left wall panels, and a rear door panel, each of which may include multiple panels or structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: FG Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Chad Nelson
  • Patent number: 8439433
    Abstract: A single motor structure for operation of a panorama sunroof glass and a roll blind may include a motor supplying a motive power to the panorama sunroof glass and the roll blind, a rotating shaft rotatably connected to a side of the motor, a first actuating gear and a second actuating gear, which may be spaced symmetrically from the rotating shaft with a predetermined distance, a first actuating member combined with the first actuating gear so as to rotate with the first actuating gear to control open-shut of the panorama sunroof glass, a second actuating member combined with the second actuating gear so as to rotate with the second actuating gear so as to control open-shut of the roll blind, and a first actuating relay member and a second actuating relay member, which may be combined with each of the first actuating member and the second actuating member respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Chong-Heon Kim, Kyung-Soon Jang, Gi-Won Kim, Ho-Seok Kang
  • Publication number: 20130106143
    Abstract: A shading assembly for shading an opening with at least two opposite opening sides in a structure comprises a flexible shading member which is movable between a position completely covering said opening and a position at least partially freeing said opening. Said flexible shading member is defined by two shading member parts which each have a first edge connected to one of said opposite opening sides and an opposite second edge, wherein said second edges of both shading member parts together define an elongate releasable connection device of the type further comprising a movable operating member which upon movement along said second edges connects or disconnects said second edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Peter Christiaan Leonardus Johannes Manders, Stephan Christiaan Vervoort
  • Patent number: 8419119
    Abstract: A sunshade device includes a pair of shade guide rails across an indoor opening; a shade of which opposite side edges are guided by the shade guide rails; and a winding shaft rolling up the shade, wherein the opposite side edges of the shade are guided by the shade guide rails with the side edges being folded after a folding stroke whose folded width is gradually increased toward a front end of the shade when the shade is drawn out from the winding shaft, each of the opposite side edges of the shade is provided with a folded introduction part formed by folding a side edge portion of the shade and connecting the folded side edge portion to a main body portion of the shade, and the folded introduction part is formed in a predetermined length from the front end of the shade in an open/close direction of the shade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Yachiyo Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruyuki Nakamura, Tsutomu Iwaya
  • Patent number: 8403356
    Abstract: Provided is a clip structure which can prevent components from falling off an attaching body or an attached body with a simple structure. Further provided is a holding structure for an internal member of a vehicle which can prevent the components from falling off an exterior member or an interior member with a simple structure. A clip assembly (11) includes a first clip having a clip (34) attached to a bracket (25), and a joint (36) as a removable portion connected to the clip 34; and a pin (38) as a second clip connected to the joint (36) and sandwiching a roof head lining (14) between the pin (38) and the joint (36). A holding load (F5) for releasing connection between the clip (34) and the joint (36) is sufficiently small compared to a holding load (F6) for releasing connection between the joint (36) and the pin (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Tago, Michinori Kakumu, Sinji Tanaka, Motonori Kitayama
  • Patent number: 8398161
    Abstract: A vehicle headliner attachment system for displaceable attachment of a headliner to a sunroof assembly frame. The attachment system includes at least one snap-in male connector including a distal insertion head adapted to be press fit into a corresponding elongated female acceptance slot disposed at a position adjacent to the perimeter of a sunroof opening. The male connector is releasably held at a support element secured to the headliner. The support element is oriented on the headliner such that the male connector is slideable along the elongated female acceptance slot without disengaging from the support element when the headliner is moved rearward relative to the assembly frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: James T. Kirchen, David W. Edland, Brock T. Cooley, Adam C. Peterson
  • Patent number: 8382200
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gerhard Mathes, Gunther Heim, Dino Demma
  • Patent number: 8366187
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sunroof apparatus including: a roof panel; a driving motor; and a shade. The roof panel is disposed in a fixed roof of a vehicle, for being moved in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle via sliders to be opened and closed. The sliders are coupled to driving wires. The driving motor is for driving the driving wires. The shade is wound around a winding shaft, to be drawn from the winding shaft, passed through an inclination displacement space, and then guided in shade guide rails, for being moved in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and thereby opening and closing an indoor opening. The inclination displacement space is inclined relative to a horizontal plane and formed between the winding shaft and the shade guide rails. The driving motor is disposed within the inclination displacement space in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Yachiyo Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ayumi Mihashi
  • Patent number: 8366186
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a vehicle headliner having localized compressed stiffeners to increase rigidity and decrease brittleness. The headliner compression stiffener adds rigidity to the headliner substrate without adding additional cost or additional weight. At least one compression stiffener is added to a vehicle headliner to an area of the vehicle headliner requiring increased rigidity qualities. The stiffener is an elongated indentation formed by firmly compressing an object into the substrate of a headliner. The substrate of the vehicle headliner includes a first predetermined density in areas where the stiffener is not located. A second density is localized in the headliner substrate in the area directly below the indentation of the stiffener. The predetermined first density is lower in measurement than the second density of the substrate directly below the indentation of the stiffener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua Lewis Moberg
  • Patent number: 8348336
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventor: Sander De Bie
  • Patent number: 8322782
    Abstract: Generally provided is a roof-liner assembly for attaching a wire harness to a roof liner, the assembly having a wire harness that is attached to a roof liner by a harness clip and a harness-clip base, wherein the harness clip has a substantially closed-loop element that substantially surrounds the exterior surface of a wire-harness longitudinal section, and wherein the harness-clip base is secured to the roof liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Shallcross, Todd Hemmert, Saeed Namakydoost