Abstract: A vehicle roof bow assembly includes a roof bow member and a pair of telescoping mounting brackets. The roof bow member is configured to extend in a lateral side-to-side direction along an underside of a vehicle roof panel. The telescoping mounting brackets each have a first end and a second end with the first end having a side rail attachment flange configured for rigid attachment to a first vehicle roof side rail and a roof panel attachment flange configured for rigid attachment to the vehicle roof panel and the second end being attached to the roof bow member. The telescoping mounting brackets are disposed at opposite ends of the roof bow member.

Abstract: A sunshade panel apparatus includes, a plurality of sunshade panels including slide members, a guide rail having a guide groove extending to slide and guide the sunshade panels, a panel compartment, an engaging member including an engaged portion and an engaging portion, a connecting component having the engaging member and connecting the sunshade panels, wherein the engaged portion and the engaging portion are in the guide groove and are engaged with each other in a condition where the engaging portion is sandwiched between an inner surface of the guide groove and the engaged portion when the sunshade panels are in the closed state.

Abstract: A retainer assembly for connecting a headliner panel to a support structure. A retainer clip is configured to connect the support structure to the headliner panel. A slot is defined in the support structure and configured to receive s stem portion of the retainer clip. The slot and the stem portion cooperate to define a float length and a float width, which define a range of motion over which the headliner panel is longitudinally and transversely moveable with respect to the support structure.

Abstract: A connection between an upper center pillar reinforcement and a roof cross-member allows providing a body with a high degree of mechanical resistance, in particular with respect to lateral impacts to a vehicle. The connection makes use primarily of a window post liner situated behind the upper center pillar reinforcement. The liner includes a tab intended to overlap the reinforcement in a connecting area and where it is covered by the end of the roof cross-member. A first series of weld points between the roof cross-member and the window post liner provides the connection between these two parts, while a second series of weld points provides the connection between the upper center pillar reinforcement and the window post liner, which is made of a different material from that forming the two other parts, to produce high-efficiency weld points.

Abstract: The procedure comprises the following steps: a) joining a foam layer (1) and a plastic fibre mat (2); b) joining a plurality of additional layers (3, 4, 5, 6) to the central core (1, 2), joining at least one of said additional layers (3, 4, 5, 6) to the central core by a second thermostable adhesive (8, 9); c) applying pressure and heat to the product to give it a predetermined configuration and to polymerise the adhesive. The invention also relates to a roof liner.

Abstract: A headliner assembly covers an inner surface of a motor vehicle roof having a sunroof opening. The headliner assembly includes a dimensionally stable substrate having a first edge extending along the sunroof opening. The substrate has an upper surface facing the inner surface of the motor vehicle roof. The substrate further has a bottom surface opposite the upper surface. A molded reinforcement is fixedly secured to the upper surface of the substrate. The reinforcement has a second edge extending along the sunroof opening. The second edge of the reinforcement has a contoured portion that extends further inwardly toward a center of the sunroof opening relative to the first edge of the substrate. A trim cover has a third edge extending along the sunroof opening.

Abstract: Vehicle headliners and methods of installation include headliners with a substrate layer having at least one handling component formed within the substrate layer, the handling component having a perforation between the handling component and the surrounding substrate layer, wherein the handling component aids in the handling of the headliner during installation.

Abstract: A headliner assembly covers an inner surface of a motor vehicle roof having a sunroof opening. The headliner assembly includes a dimensionally stable substrate having an upper surface facing the inner surface of the motor vehicle roof and an opposite bottom surface. The headliner assembly also includes a molded reinforcement disposed along the upper surface of the substrate. The molded reinforcement has a main wall and a box-shaped attachment structure supporting a fastener for attaching the headliner assembly to the inner surface of the motor vehicle roof. The attachment structure has spaced apart pair of side walls extending between the main wall and the inner surface of the motor vehicle roof. The attachment structure has a top wall extending between tie side walls of the attachment structure. The attachment structure also includes a reinforcing wall extending between the top wall and the side walls.

Abstract: A headliner reinforcement for ensuring the proper placement of a wire harness at a location above a headliner in a motor vehicle is provided. The headliner reinforcement includes a member having a top side and a bottom side, the bottom side being adjacent to the headliner and the top side being adjacent to a roof of the motor vehicle. The top side includes at least one clip attachment operable to accept at least one clip. In some instances, the top side can include at least two spaced apart clip attachments separated by a predetermined distance and operable to accept at least two spaced apart clips separated by the same predetermined distance on the wire harness. The predetermined distance between the spaced apart clip attachments and the spaced apart clips can be unique among other clip attachments on the motor vehicle and thereby prevent the installment of an undesirable wire harness above the headliner of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: This arrangement relates to an operating and control means for a shade arrangement, especially for a vehicle roof with a transparent roof surface, the shade arrangement comprising at least one shade with a shade roller and a shade fabric which can be unrolled therefrom by means of an electric actuator against the forms of a return spring assigned to the shade roller, and the shade roller with entrainment of the shade fabric being movable in side guide rails in order to move the shade surface formed by the unrolled shade fabric. As claimed in the invention, the operating means for this shade arrangement comprises a first switch arrangement (56) for setting the size of the shading surface formed by the shade fabric by taking up and unrolling the shade fabric, and a second switch arrangement (58) for moving the shading surface as a whole without changing its size.

Abstract: A roller blind system for a sliding roof includes a guide rail and a spring steel band that is guided in the guide rail in sections. The spring steel band has an end that is situated outside the guide rail, and which contracts to a coil. A roller blind is attached to the spring steel band, and a compensation spring is provided.

Abstract: A vehicle roof is proposed, particularly a passenger automobile roof, comprising a roof outer skin and an internal lining element which serves as a support for functional elements. According to the invention, the internal lining element is frictionally (by means other than form-interlocking means) connected to the roof outer skin, at least locally, and at least in its edge border regions it is fabricated from a flexible material in such a way that its lateral dimensions are adjustable.

Abstract: Disclosed is a headliner for preventing an assist grip located proximate a curtain side airbag (CSA) from detaching from a motor vehicle frame during deployment of the CSA. The headliner can include a substrate layer with an assist grip aperture dimensioned such that an assist grip attachment end can extend through the substrate layer and attach to sheet metal located adjacent to a back side of the headliner. Proximate to the assist grip aperture is a weakened region within the substrate layer that affords for headliner to bend and/or tear around the assist grip during deployment of the CSA. In addition, a fabric layer attached to and extending across the substrate layer is provided wherein the fabric layer covers the weakened region within the substrate layer. In some instances, the weakened region is a plurality of slits within the substrate layer, each of the slits extending in a generally outward direction from the assist grip aperture.

Abstract: An energy absorbent and stiffening assembly for an automotive headliner. The assembly includes at least one energy absorbent cone and at least one stiffening rib joined with and extending outwardly from the energy absorbent cone which stiffens the headliner.

Abstract: The invention relates, amongst other things, to a roof construction (10) for motor vehicles (11), comprising at least one roof element (14b), connected to the chassis of the motor vehicle and having a headlining (20) which may be displaced from an idle position into a use position (FIG. 1) by means of a connector rod with at least one support element (16b) being provided which supports a material section (30) of the headlining (20) which may be displaced between an idle position (FIG. 2) and a working position (FIG. 4). When in the idle position the material section covers a vehicle section (22), in particular the connector rod and when in the working position (FIG. 4) the material section (30) releases the vehicle section. The invention is characterised, amongst other things, in that the support element (16b) may be pivoted for displacement of the material section and the pivot axis (21) is arranged such as to be fixed relative to the roof element (14b).

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

Abstract: A headliner assembly (10) includes a layer of core material (16), a binding agent (26) adjacent to the core material (16), a first layer of chopped fiberglass (14) adjacent to the binding agent (26), a scrim (20) adjacent to the first layer of chopped fiberglass (14), a catalyst (38) adjacent to the scrim (20), a cover stock (22) adjacent to the catalyst (38). The catalyst (38) and the binding agent (26) are mixed together and impregnate the core material when pressure is applied to the headliner assembly (10), thereby resulting in a rigid headliner assembly. A method of forming the headliner assembly (10) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A base material for a vehicle headliner is disclosed, which includes a core sheet made of a crosslinked polyolefin foam sheet, and reinforcing layers disposed on upper and lower portion of the core sheet and made of natural fiber and synthetic fiber.

Abstract: A sunshade assembly.

Abstract: A molded plastic article has an injected or foamed molded section (12) with at least one insert part (24) with a part (16A-16D) which emerges from the molded section (12). The insert part (24) penetrates a deformable molded body (34) which forms a sealing element for the mold cavity when the injected or foamed molded section (12) is produced in the mold cavity of a molding tool. A process for producing the molded plastic article involves locating the molded body (34, 46) together with the insert part in the region of an edge of the mold cavity, closing the tool unit so that the molded body undergoes deformation and the mold cavity in the region of the emergence of the insert part from the mold cavity is sealed by the molded body.

Abstract: An open roof construction or assembly for a vehicle includes a closure assembly for the roof opening comprising a number of separate closure panels. A sunshade assembly also comprises a number of separate sunshade panels. In an opened position of the open roof construction, the closure panels and sunshade panels, respectively, define separate stacks one behind the other, in any order, in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A motor vehicle roof with an at least partially transparent roof section (10) and a shade arrangement (12) located underneath the transparent roof section. In one of three embodiments, with two take-up shafts (16, 18) located in succession in the lengthwise direction of the roof and a length of shade (14) which extends in between, and the front end of the length of shade can be taken up onto the front take-up shaft and the back end onto the rear take-up shaft, the two take-up shafts each being pre-tensioned in the take-up direction, the two take-up shafts being movable along one laterally arranged guide in the lengthwise direction of the roof, and there being a common drive (70, 72, 74, 76) in order to move the take-up shafts (16, 18) in opposite directions toward one another in the lengthwise direction of the roof.

Abstract: The multi-segmented headliner for a vehicle includes an elongated intermediate segment, an elongated first side segment, and an elongated second side segment. In one configuration the segments are separate and form the complete headliner on assembly inside the roof of the vehicle. In another configuration the segments are joined together in a single piece, with the side segments being movable relative to the intermediate segment. Both configurations permit the replacement of the headliner of a van or sport utility by moving the headliner either in separate segments, or folded if a single piece, through the opening defined by the rear door or liftgate of the vehicle.

Abstract: Internal sunshade for transparent roofs of automobiles consisting of a cover (1) sized to cover internally the transparent segment of the roof, mounted and displaceable between two longitudinal rails (2) that run along the sides of the vehicle's roof. The cover comprises at least one panel (3) that is attached to crossbars (5, 6, 7) provided on their ends with sliders that can be coupled in the rails (2). The anterior crossbar (5) carries folding visors and a central mechanism (10) for controlling the displacement of the cover (1).

Abstract: A headliner having a substrate, a foam channel, and a module. The foam channel has a standoff portion that extends away from the substrate and an adjacent portion of the foam channel. The module is disposed proximate the substrate and has an input device. The standoff portion inhibits movement of the module when the input device is actuated.

Abstract: An arrangement and process for conversion of a single panel sunroof into a two panel sunroof uses corner adaptor pieces with planar sides that form an outside corner and a concave inner contour extending between ends of the planar sides, the contour being matched to a rounded corner curvature of a cover panel of a single panel sunroof, such that two such cover panels having corner adaptor pieces thereon can seal relative to the roof opening and relative to each other within the roof opening. A roller blind assembly enables a roller blind to be added by the provision of track inserts for guiding of the roller blind during opening and closing thereof, each of the track inserts being attachable at an inner side of a respective guide track on the sunroof frame.

Abstract: A visor support assembly mountable to a vehicle having a headliner and adapted to secure a portion of a sun-visor includes a support adapted to securedly receive the portion of the sun-visor. The support includes a surface which engages the headliner and an insert which projects through a hole in the headliner. A retainer includes a generally flat body and an aperture sized to fit around the insert. The retainer may further include a plurality of tabs extending inwardly from the body. The tabs engage the insert holding the headliner securely between said surface and said retainer body.

Abstract: In a guide tube-fixing structure for sunroof device 1 that includes cables C1, C2 for opening and closing a roof panel 4 by push-pull operation; guide rails 5, 5 for guiding opening/closing of the roof panel 4; sunshade rails 20, 20 for opening/closing of a sunshade panel, guide tubes P1-P4 for the cables C1, C2 are disposed along a rear portion of the sunshade rails 20, 20 each extending further rearward from the rear end portion of the guide rail 5 and the guide tubes P1-P4 are fixed to the rear portion of the sunshade rail 20.

Abstract: A sunshade device for a vehicle includes: a plurality of sunshade panels mounted in an inner opening of a vehicular roof along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and arranged in line in a closed state of the sunshade panels; a pair of front and rear sliders each provided at both side portions of each sunshade panel; a pair of guide rails for guiding a liner sliding movement of the front and rear sliders; a drive source connected to a forefront sunshade panel; and a connecting mechanism for detachably connecting adjacent sunshade panels such that each of the sunshade panels is cooperatively opened and closed. Upon opening the sunshade panels, a rear-side sunshade panel is lifted up so that a front-side sunshade panel positioned in front of this rear-side sunshade panel moves under and is superposed below the rear-side sunshade panel.

Abstract: A mounting structure of a curtain airbag in a vehicle is disclosed. The structure is adapted to easily form an inflation passage between a pillar trim and pillar by using a head liner; therefore, the overall portions of the curtain airbag can smoothly expand during the deployment. Such mounting structure may be performed with the head liner, pillar trim, and force transmission means.

Abstract: A process for in-molding an energy-absorbing countermeasure to a headliner 18 for use in a vehicle. The process includes the steps of (1) preparing a sheet; (1A) optionally affixing to the sheet a means for adhering to form a composite sheet; (2) thermoforming the composite sheet into a composite energy-absorbing countermeasure; (3) preparing a headliner layup (including optionally a means for adhering, a headliner core, and a cover stock) before forming a bond between the headliner layup and the composite energy-absorbing countermeasure. The assembly thus includes the energy-absorbing countermeasure 22 and a means for adhering it to the headliner core 18.

Abstract: An automobile headliner assembly for motor vehicles is adapted to store a plurality of compact discs. Located directly above the vehicles sun visor on both the passenger and driver side is an assembly including an outer fabric cover. The outer fabric cover includes an upper fabric member having a continuous length. The upper fabric member is folded over itself to define a plurality of shingled pockets. Each pocket includes an opening for receiving one of the pluralities of compact discs.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automobile roof structure, which comprises a pair of right and left roof side rails 1, a transparent roof panel 4 attached to cover a space between the roof side rails 1, a sun shade 5 disposed slidably along a bottom surface of the transparent roof panel 4, and a shade support member 6 for supporting the sun shade 5 in a slidingly movable manner. Each of the roof side rails 1 includes a rail outer panel 7 and a rail inner panel 8 formed, respectively, with roof flanges 14, 15 which are oriented to protrude in a laterally inward direction of an automobile body and joined together. The roof flanges 14, 15, a lateral peripheral portion of the transparent roof panel 4, and the shade support member 6, are disposed within a given positioning zone where they overlap each other in top plan view.

Abstract: A sunshade panel apparatus includes a first sunshade panel, a second sunshade panel and a third sunshade panel a first connecting mechanism connecting the second sunshade panel and the third sunshade panel so that the second sunshade panel and the third sunshade panel are moved integrally or relatively; a guide rail supporting the first, second and third sunshade panels to be slidable within the same plane; and a panel housing portion for storing the first, second and third sunshade panels overlapping one another in parallel and provided with inclined guiding portions to move the first, second and third sunshade panels in parallel in an upward direction of the vehicle, wherein the first connecting mechanism has a supporting portion, an engagement groove, an engagement portion; and a biasing member.

Abstract: A removable storage module assembly configured for securement to the headliner in a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The headliner includes a storage module receiving area formed therein having a securement portion disposed proximate the receiving area. A storage module having a housing, a fastener associated with the housing configured to engage the securement portion and a storage area defined in the housing is removably positioned in the storage module receiving area.

Abstract: A plastic spacer/riser to increase useable height of a reclosable fastening system, such as 3M™ Dual Lock™ or Velcro® hook and loop products. The spacer/riser is adapted to be held in place on an external substrate with hot-melt glue, sonic welds, pressure sensitive adhesives, or screws.

Abstract: A process for in-molding an energy-absorbing countermeasure to a headliner 18 for use in a vehicle, plus the intermediate and final assemblies formed by the process. The process includes the steps of (1) preparing a sheet; (1A) optionally affixing to the sheet a means for adhering to form a composite sheet; (2) thermoforming the composite sheet into a composite energy-absorbing countermeasure; (3) preparing a headliner layup (including optionally a means for adhering, a headliner core, and a cover stock) before forming a bond between the headliner layup and the composite energy-absorbing countermeasure. The assembly thus includes the energy-absorbing countermeasure 22 and a means for adhering it to the headliner core 18.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a head-protecting side airbag disposed in a region of a lateral roof strut. The airbag is covered by a panel which can be pierced by the side airbag when the need arises. The panel merges laterally into a headliner which covers the vehicle roof on the inside facing the passenger compartment. It is essential for the invention that at least one fastening assembly is provided which is arranged at the transition of the panel to the headliner and fixes both the panel and the headliner to the roof strut.

Abstract: In a multi-panel sunshade device for a vehicle comprising a drive panel and a plurality of follower panels slidably supported between the right and left guide rails to selectively open and close the roof opening, the right and left guide rails each comprises an upper guide rail and a lower guide rail, and right and left front slide shoes of each follower panel are supported by the right and left upper guide rails, respectively, while right and left rear slide shoes of each follower panel are supported by the right and left lower guide rails, respectively. Further, a pair of right and left front slide shoe storing rooms are connected to the right and left upper guide rails, respectively, and a pair of right and left rear slide shoe storing rooms are connected to the right and left lower guide rails, respectively.

Abstract: A vehicle roof assembly is provided including a substantially transparent panel having an outer periphery and opposing inner and outer surfaces. The roof assembly also includes a preformed, one-piece support member having opposing upper and lower surfaces defining an opening, and a stepped region configured to mate with and thereby support the substantially transparent panel such that the substantially transparent panel covers the opening and the outer surface is flush with the upper surface of the support member. A trim member is disposed about the outer periphery of the substantially transparent panel to create a water-tight seal. The stepped region preferably extends continuously about an inner periphery of the support member to engage with the entire outer periphery of the substantially transparent panel. A headliner trim member preferably attaches a headliner to the stepped region such that the support member is substantially nonvisibile from the inside of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle interior storage compartment includes a recess formed in a vehicle headliner. The recess has a peripheral edge, and a surface of the headliner within the recess defines at least one wall of a storage compartment. A storage compartment cover is attached about a portion of the peripheral edge of the recess. An edge of the storage compartment cover and a portion of the peripheral edge of the recess are spaced apart and define a storage compartment opening therebetween.

Abstract: A modular vehicle headliner assembly includes a generally planar headliner substrate for mounting over an interior portion of a vehicle roof. An air duct is attached to one side of the substrate. An air-curtain assembly is attached to the air duct. The air duct supports the air-curtain assembly relative to the substrate.

Abstract: A roller blind system for a sliding roof includes a guide rail and a spring steel band that is guided in the guide rail in sections. The spring steel band has an end that is situated outside the guide rail, and which contracts to a coil. A roller blind is attached to the spring steel band, and a compensation spring is provided.

Abstract: A head impact countermeasure system for an automotive vehicle includes a headliner fastened to the vehicle's roof and extending over a passenger compartment of the vehicle. At least one buffer extends rearwardly from the headliner into a cargo compartment of the vehicle along a roof siderail. The buffer is preferably formed from plastic foam and has an inner surface contoured to the siderail and an outer surface contoured to match the contour, grain, and color pattern of the headliner.

Abstract: A motor vehicle roof with an at least partially transparent roof section (10) and a shade arrangement (12) located underneath the transparent roof section. In one of three embodiments, with two take-up shafts (16, 18) located in succession in the lengthwise direction of the roof and a length of shade (14) which extends in between, and the front end of the length of shade can be taken up onto the front take-up shaft and the back end onto the rear take-up shaft, the two take-up shafts each being pre-tensioned in the take-up direction, the two take-up shafts being movable along one laterally arranged guide in the lengthwise direction of the roof, and there being a common drive (70, 72, 74, 76) in order to move the take-up shafts (16, 18) in opposite directions toward one another in the lengthwise direction of the roof.

Abstract: A sunshade panel apparatus includes, a plurality of sunshade panels including slide members, a guide rail having a guide groove extending to slide and guide the sunshade panels, a panel compartment, an engaging member including an engaged portion and an engaging portion, a connecting component having the engaging member and connecting the sunshade panels, wherein the engaged portion and the engaging portion are in the guide groove and are engaged with each other in a condition where the engaging portion is sandwiched between an inner surface of the guide groove and the engaged portion when the sunshade panels are in the closed state.

Abstract: A vehicle headliner assembly (152) includes a headliner structural layer. A foam beam (174) is joined to the headliner structural layer. An NVH pad (156) is partially embedded within the foam beam (174). A method of forming a headliner structure is provided. The method includes forming a headliner main body (170). The headliner main body (170) is positioned in a mold (220) that has a recess (224). The mold (220) is closed. Foam is introduced into the recess (224) to form a foam beam (174) and to join the foam beam (174) to the headliner main body (170). A portion of an NVH pad (156) is embedded in the foam.

Abstract: A fixing member includes a base portion having an opening portion at side surfaces thereof, a pair of flange portions protruding from a free end portion of the base portion, at least one elastic portion perpendicularly extending from a lower surface of each flange portion toward within the opening portion of the base portion, and at least one pair of engagement portions protruding from inner surfaces of the base portion. The inner surfaces of the base portion are opposed to each other. When the fixing member for fixing car interior material to a vehicle body is engaged with a boss member, the elastic portion presses against both sides of the boss portion by its distal end portion of the elastic portion.

Abstract: A sun screen device includes first and second shaft units, first and second flexible screen bodies, and first and second battens. The first flexible screen body is wound on the first shaft unit and has an operating end that is movable to a first unwinding position. The first batten is connected to the operating end of the first flexible screen body, and has an end portion. The second flexible screen body is wound on the second shaft unit and has an operating end that is movable to a second unwinding position. The second batten is connected to the operating end of the second flexible screen body, and has an end portion that interfits with the end portion of the first batten when the first and second flexible screen bodies are respectively disposed at the first and second unwinding positions.

Abstract: An overhead console assembly for a vehicle includes accessory module compartments selectively positioned and removably secured to the overhead console for storing materials within the compartments. The overhead console includes a first console housing disposed to an miner surface of a structural member of a headliner assembly on a roofline of a vehicle, a second console housing disposed on the structural member of the headliner spaced apart from the first console housing and a center console housing disposed between the first and second console housings. At least one accessory module is removably secured to the center console housing. The at least one accessory module includes a housing, a storage area defined within the housing to retain materials stored within, and at least one securing member coupling the at least one module to a securement surface provided on the center console housing.