Abstract: A composite structure, and method of manufacturing it, having a specified width, length, and height defining a top and bottom the composite structure. The composite structure includes a three dimensional structural core constructed of a polymer with a first series of a geometric pattern repeated along its length. The structural core also has a second series of the geometric pattern repeated along the width thereof. The geometric patter may be a sinusoidal curve or a substantially pyramidal shape. The composite structure also includes a first reinforcement layer made of a polymer positioned above the structural core and bonded thereto. It also includes a second reinforcement layer made of a polymer that is positioned below the structural core and bonded thereto. The composite structure may also include a decorative layer above the first reinforcement layer, an acoustical batting layer positioned between the first reinforcement layer and the structural core, and may include fire retardant chemicals.

Abstract: A structural rail system 10 for supporting an overhead console 12 in relation to a roof bow 13 within a vehicle. A pair of rail members 14, 16 are spaced apart and extend longitudinally. One or more brackets 18, 20, 22, 24 are oriented laterally in relation to the pair of rail members 14, 16. Accessories 26 are attached to the brackets 18, 20, 22, 24 and are housed within the console 12.

Abstract: An attachment member for attaching a sun visor to a vehicle support structure includes a base portion that is configured to face a first side of the support structure, and a projecting portion having first and second ends. The first end is attached to the base portion, and the second end is free and extends to a location proximate the base portion. The projecting portion further has first and second spaced apart attachment features disposed proximate the first and second ends, respectively. The attachment features are engageable with a second side of the support structure. Moreover, the second end of the projecting portion is configured to flex when the projecting portion is inserted into an opening of the support structure to allow the attachment features to pass through the opening and engage the second side of the support structure.

Abstract: A vehicle trim panel for use in a vehicle having an interior portion includes a first substrate panel. A first cover is coupled to the first substrate panel. A second substrate panel is coupled to the first substrate panel. A second cover is coupled to the second substrate panel, wherein the first and second substrate panels are aligned in the vehicle with the first and second covers exposed to the interior portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: An assembly for covering an opening comprises a movable cover having a first flexible cover part that can be wound on or off a winding tube, a second rigid cover part attached to the first cover part at the end of latter remote from the winding tube and a third flexible cover part attached to the second cover part at the end of latter remote from the first cover part, wherein the free end of the third cover part extends around a reversing member which is movable by a first driving member, which free end is connected to a second driving member, and wherein the ratio between the winding velocity V1 of the winding tube, and thus the first and second cover parts, the driving velocity V2 of the first driving member and the driving velocity V3 of the second driving member is such, that V1+V3=2 V2, whereas V3>V2>V1>0.

Abstract: Device for opening/closing an opening in a vehicle roof by means of a transparent sunroof cover on the one hand and an opaque sunscreen cover on the other hand, which covers can be actuated separately from each other in accordance with a manual actuation of a control device, whereby, from a fully open or a fully closed position, the sunscreen cover can be moved first in the opening in each case.

Abstract: This invention consists of a concealment device for vehicle roofs consisting of two parts: a moving cross member and the concealment element itself. Both are connected by a temporary joint such that they can be moved together as a single body or can be separated to allow them to move separately. The possibility of separating them allows the removal of the rear concealment element, keeping the mobile cross member in its position, which carries the sun shades among other devices. It is also possible to remove both elements, leaving a cabin with a very large transparent element that may even be the extension of the windscreen. The means that allow its operation on diverging guides are also included in the subject of this invention.

Abstract: A storage compartment for a vehicle includes a base configured to be attached to a passenger compartment side portion of a vehicle roof. The storage compartment additionally includes a portable member that has at least one pocket. The portable member is configured to be releasably engaged with the base.

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: The mounting bracket assembly has a main structural member for attaching an electronic instrument. The main structural member has a joining portion to secure the main structural member to a frame of an automotive vehicle. A strut is secured to the main structural member, and the strut is able to abut against a trim secured to the frame so as to receive a reaction force from the trim. A stop lever is fitted on the main structural member, and the stop lever has a first end and a second end opposed to the first end. The stop lever pivots around the first end so that the second end comes toward and away from the trim. The second end is positioned near the trim when the stop lever is in its working position. The main structural member is located between the strut and the stop lever in the working position.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a headliner assembly for use in the interior compartment of an automotive vehicle comprising the steps of: placing a mold release film onto a concave mold surface of a lower mold assembly for providing a barrier against the mold surface; placing a fiber mat on the mold release film; applying a foamable material directly onto the fiber mat; expanding the foamable material around the fiber mat to embed the fiber mat therein; placing an adhesive film onto a convex mold surface of an upper mold assembly; positioning the lower mold assembly directly beneath the upper mold assembly; moving the upper mold assembly in mating engagement with the lower mold assembly to define a mold cavity between the convex mold surface and concave mold surface; curing the foamable material within the mold cavity; and bonding the mold release film and adhesive film to the foamable material with the fiber mat embedded therebetween.

Abstract: A twin-sheet thermoforming process for the manufacture of vehicle headliners. In the process a first sheet and second sheet of SuperLite material are mounted onto respective frames. The frames transfer the sheets into an oven, where they are heated to a desired temperature using IR. The first sheet is combined with a cover-stock material using compression molding forming a covered first headliner part. The covered first headliner part is then transferred to a second mold station. The second sheet is heated and then transferred from the oven to the second mold station where it is vacuum-formed on the upper half mold, forming a second headliner part. The upper and lower mold halves are pressed together fusing and sealing the first and second headliner parts into a unified part. The unified part is then unloaded and trimmed as necessary forming a headliner.

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: A roof unit having an outer skin, an inward facing ceiling, whereby the outer skin and the ceiling are combined to form a unit ready for installation, a base structure having longitudinal frames. The ceiling and the outer skin along with the basic structure have joining configurations that mate the ceiling and the outer skin to the base structure at mutual places for joining. The ceiling has a sandwich structure including a middle layer of foam, at least one side of the middle layer being provided with one of a fiber mat and a glass fiber fleece and at least one of a plastic film, a cover film, a decorative overlay and a functional overlay.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle having a movable roof is fitted with a passenger compartment canopy that has an air permeable structure. This vehicle, whose roof, such as a foldaway rigid roof, hard-top or soft-top, is movable in relation to its structure, comprises releasable connections interposed between the structure of the vehicle and the canopy, so that when the movable roof is placed at least partially at a distance from a position above the passenger compartment, the canopy is arranged in a movable or removable manner above this compartment.

Abstract: A panel system for use within an interior of a vehicle includes a panel member configured for placement along the overhead portion of the interior of the vehicle. A support member substantially surrounds the panel member and is configured for attachment to the vehicle. The support member includes frame segments interconnected by connectors. At least one fastener is provided for securing the panel member to the support member. An accessory mounted is to a receiving structure on a frame segment and is configured for use by an occupant of the vehicle.

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: The procedure consists in incorporating in the actual process of conforming a roof lining, determined by the securing to each other of a previously conformed lining support and the positioning and securing thereon of a coating, of one or more electroluminescent strips which will constitute a lighting system of the roof lining, which electroluminescent strips are integrated between such lining support and coating, each of them with a ribbon cable and a connector which are made to pass through a hole of the support of the lining and is finished in a connector, which is hidden by the rear face of the actual lining for its connection to the power supply of the roof of the vehicle in which the lining is applied.

Abstract: A sunshade device for a vehicle includes a first panel being slidable relative to a roof panel by receiving a driving force so as to open or close an opening portion formed in the roof panel of a vehicle, a second panel being slidable by receiving a driving force from the first panel so as to open or close the opening portion, a lifting mechanism for lifting the second panel upward relative to the first panel in a predetermined sliding position, and a link member provided between the first panel and the second panel and rotatably connected to the first panel and the second panel. When the second panel is lifted upward relative to the first panel by the lifting mechanism, the link member rotates relative to the first panel and the second panel.

Abstract: A clip includes a flange part capable of face-contacting a periphery part of an opening formed in an attachment member, and a main body part provided on the flange part and inserted into the opening. A locking claw is formed on the main body part to be inserted into an attachment hole formed in an attachment receiving member to which the attachment part is attached for locking on a peripheral part of the attachment hole. An operation piece extends from the locking claw for converting a pressing force pressed by a tool inserted into an operation hole formed in the flange part into a force causing the locking claw to be unlocked from the peripheral part of the attachment hole.

Abstract: An overhead system for use in a vehicle, comprises a bracket mounted on at least two rails of a vehicle rail assembly, wherein the at least two rails are positioned on a headliner of the vehicle, and a console mounted to the bracket, wherein the console includes a front-side portion, a back-side portion, a left-side portion and a right-side portion, and a plurality of notches are positioned on the front-side and back-side portions for fitting around the at least two rails.

Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle includes a roof opening with longitudinal and transversal side edges provided in a stationary roof part of the vehicle. A closure mechanism is movable between a closed position for closing said roof opening and an opened position for opening said roof opening The stationary roof part and the closure mechanism each have a lower side facing a passenger compartment of the vehicle, which lower sides each are provided with a lining.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making a headliner for use in an automobile interior. The method of the invention comprises applying an adhesive on a first fiber mat and a second fiber mat to form a first adhesive-containing fiber mat and a second adhesive-containing fiber mat. The first adhesive-containing fiber mat and the second adhesive-containing fiber mat are optionally dried. A multilayered structure is then assembled by positioning the first adhesive-containing fiber mat between a first fabric layer and a padding layer and the second adhesive-containing fiber mat between the padding layer and a second fabric. Finally, the multilayered structure is pressed at a sufficiently high temperature to adhere the component layers of the headliner together. The invention also provides a variation in which the fiber mats are formed using the adhesive as a binder. Finally, the invention also provide a headliner made by the method of the invention.

Abstract: An overhead rail system for a vehicle interior includes an elongated rail configured to extend at least partially along a headliner panel within the vehicle interior. A longitudinal opening extends at least partially along a length of the rail. An article has a housing and a movable panel. The movable panel is configured to provide access to an object. A holder is coupled to the article and has a catch configured to coact with the opening in the rail, so that the article is mountable to the rail proximate the headliner panel for use by occupants within the vehicle interior.

Abstract: An energy absorber 10 which is made by a new and novel process and which includes beads, such as beads 12, 14, and 16 which are selectively coupled together and reside upon an elastomeric surface 90. The beads, such as beads 12, 14, and 16 are formed, in one non-limiting embodiment, from a ceramic material and provide enhanced energy absorption characteristics which allows the created energy absorber 10 to be selectively “programmed” to be operatively deployed in a wide range of environments.

Abstract: A shade apparatus, attached to a sunroof apparatus, including a transparent window, the transparent window being supported by a window supporting member so as to be attached to a vehicle roof, and also capable of being opened and closed, comprises a winding-type roof shade apparatus provided inwards of the transparent window so as to enable a shade cloth, which blocks light from entering therethrough, to be pulled in and pulled out, a lock mechanism attached to a side portion of the winding-type roof shade apparatus for maintaining the winding-type roof shade apparatus in a closed state, a first unlocking portion for manually unlocking the lock mechanism and a second unlocking portion for unlocking the lock mechanism by means of a movement of the window supporting member.

Abstract: An interior lining part, in particular a roof liner for a vehicle, includes at least a relatively dimensionally stable core layer and a decorative layer facing the interior of the vehicle as well as a reinforcing profile extending at least partially essentially along an edge of the interior lining part. The core layer and the decorative layer exhibit bent over end sections for the formation of the edge. The reinforcing profile exhibits at least a first profile section running essentially in the direction of the end section of the core layer and a second profile section extending outwards from it.

Abstract: The invention relates to the assembly of a roof module and a vehicle body. The roof module lies on flanges of the roof section of the vehicle body and is bonded to said flanges by means of an adhesive layer. To obtain a desired, predetermined thickness for the adhesive layer between the roof module and flanges by a reliable process and to prevent adhesive from escaping from the bonding area, spacers are provided in the area of the flange. Said spacers allow the distance between the interior surface of the module, said surface facing the flange, and the upper surface of the flange, said surface facing the roof module, to be set to a predetermined measurement.

Abstract: A console for motor vehicles comprises a bezel and a divider. The bezel defines an opening for receiving one or more modules. The divider is releasably attached to the bezel to divide the opening into a plurality of slots. Each slot is provided for receiving a separate module.

Abstract: A motor vehicle body part, especially a motor vehicle roof, cargo bed, or the like, which includes a composite material having an outside skin and a support structure in a sandwich structure. In order to prevent penetration of moisture into the support structure, the support structure, at least in certain areas, is provided with a vapor barrier layer.

Abstract: A window blind for a sliding roof system having a flexible material and two guide elements extending along the longitudinal edges of the flexible material. The guide elements engage in a guide associated with a corresponding longitudinal edge. The guide element is a flat strip that is fastened to a longitudinal edge of the flexible material so that it can be wound up together with the window blind.

Abstract: The invention relates to a window blind for a sliding roof system includes a flexible material and two flat spiral springs that extend along the longitudinal edges of the window blind. The flat spiral springs tend to contract into a spiral shape, winding the flexible material into a coil.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a modular headliner assembly (220) for a vehicle (12) having a side structure (16) and a roof (18). The headliner assembly (220) includes a headliner (170), an inflatable curtain (14), a fill tube (22), and a support device (40) that clamps around the fill tube to connect the tube and the curtain to the support device. A grab handle (150) has a portion extendable through the headliner (170) and into the support device (40) to connect the grab handle and the support device to the headliner. The apparatus (10) also includes a first connector (122) for connecting the support device (40) to the vehicle (12) to initially connect the headliner assembly (220) to the vehicle. The apparatus (10) further includes a second connector (180) extendable through the support device (40) and the grab handle (150) to fixedly connect the headliner assembly (220) to the vehicle.

Abstract: A motor vehicle roof with a roof plate which has a transparent plastic area to which a peripheral plastic edge is molded which is used especially as a cover visor and which extends downward.

Abstract: A sun-visor is attached to slidably mounted extension rods and is stowed at least partially out of sight, above the headliner, when the sun-visor is not in use. When use of the sun-visor is desired, the sun-visor may be pulled out of the headliner to a position where it may be pivoted downward to block the upper portion of the windshield. A side window sun-visor is pivoted to the sun-visor frame and may be swung outward from the windshield sun-visor to a position where it blocks sun and glare from a side window.

Abstract: A method of installing trim rings to headliner trims systems in motor vehicles comprising a trim ring, a headliner, and a sonic horn and stack. The sonic horn vibrates to bond/weld headliner to trim ring. Energy directors can be added to facilitate bonding/welding process. Fasteners can also be added for attachment to the vehicle body. This bonding/welding of the headliner to trim ring creates a smooth, molded look for the trim ring and does so without gapping to or sliding within the headliner.

Abstract: A sunshade system for a motor vehicle has two guide rails, a front crossbar and a rear crossbar that extend between the two guide rails and are guided therein, and a flexible sunshade that is fastened to the front and rear crossbars and is guided between the two guide rails.

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

Abstract: A support structure for an interior overheard console of a roof of an automotive vehicle, comprising one or more elongated trays, opening at one of its larger walls, and which is anchored at its front and rear edges to crosspieces of the roof of the vehicle. The tray defines housings for the assembly of interchangeable compartments therein. There are connections between each tray and the crosspieces. Guides for installation and the fastening of the compartments in the tray.

Abstract: A sunshade assembly for a vehicle roof has a window shade that is movable along guide rails toward the front and rear of the vehicle. Drive elements are connected to a front edge of the window shade, and rotatable tension wheels are mounted to the guide rail and coupled with the drive elements to pull taut a front portion of the window shade disposed between the front edge and the tension wheels.

Abstract: A mounting assembly is disclosed for mounting a sun visor to a vehicle panel having opposing faces and an aperture therethrough. The mounting assembly includes a mounting component mountable to the vehicle panel. The mounting component includes a first side having a number of spaced apart retaining members extending therefrom and a second side including at least one catch projecting therefrom. The opposing faces of the panel are gripped between the second surface and the catch to retain said mounting component against the vehicle panel. The mounting assembly also includes a bezel component moveably connected to the mounting component by the retaining members.

Abstract: A roof lining extremity fixing structure for fixing an end portion of a roof lining 28 provided on a passenger compartment side of a sunroof unit 16 to an opening-side edge portion 25 of a stationary part 17 of the sunroof unit 16 via a fixing member 30, the roof lining extremity fixing structure being characterized in that an engagement portion 33 which is brought into resilient engagement with the opening-side edge portion 25 of the stationary part 17 and an extended portion 34 which is disposed at an interval on a side to which the engagement portion 33 resiliently deforms at the time of engagement are formed on the fixing member 30, so that an extremity portion 51 of a skin 47 of the roof lining 28 is fixedly held by the engagement portion 33 and the extended portion 34.

Abstract: A sun screen device includes a pair of slide rails and a screen unit. The screen unit includes a screen body, an operating member, and a pair of biasing members. The screen body has a terminating end that is movable along the slide rails. The operating member is connected to the terminating end of the screen body, and includes a pair of sliding elements, each of which is coupled slidably to a respective one of the slide rails. Each of the biasing members is associated with a respective one of the slide rails and a respective one of the sliding elements so as to bias the respective one of the sliding elements to abut slidably against the respective one of the slide rails.

Abstract: This roof module is designed for installation on a vehicle body in which an opening of approximately the same dimensions as the roof has been made and it is composed of the original roof panel (1), with its end finish, a complete conventional interior trim (2), usually of larger dimensions than the afore-mentioned panel, as well as pre-installed interior accessories (3) and (3?). At its front and rear edges the roof panel (1) is provided with dished recesses (10) which engage underneath the front (4) and rear (5) body cross members, covering it at least, the cross members (4) and (5) being closed at the top with a panel (7) that covers them and provides the form and finish matching the exterior of the vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) that has a side structure (16) and a roof (18) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). The inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) is inflatable away from the vehicle roof (18) into a position between the side structure (16) of the vehicle (12) and a vehicle occupant. The apparatus (10) also includes a housing (26) for storing the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) in a stored position extending along the vehicle side structure (16) adjacent the vehicle roof (18). The housing (26) includes a portion that forms an interior trim piece (190) of the vehicle (12). The apparatus (10) also includes at least one grab handle (34) and at least one connector (200) that extends through the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14), the housing (26) and the grab handle.

Abstract: A combination of layered materials for producing a vehicle headliner is provided. The layers include a head impact countermeasure (HIC) layer of co-extruded thermoplastic and a rigid foam layer laid adjacent to the HIC layer and made of a thermoplastic. The layers are subsequently molded together to form the headliner.

Abstract: A roller blind system for a vehicle roof includes a rotatable coiling body and a roller blind that is attached at one end to the coiling body and at the other end to a vehicle portion in a stationary manner. The coiling body is shiftable in a translational motion, allowing the roller blind to uncoil and coil up while minimizing frictional forces on the roller blind.

Abstract: A roof component, in particular an inner liner for a vehicle roof, comprises a carrier layer which consists of a cured material, and a mounting structure. The mounting structure is formed by at least one undercut.

Abstract: A roller blind system comprising a first roller blind, a second roller blind and a coiling body that accommodates the first and second roller blinds. The edges of the first and second roller blinds are offset with respect to each other in an axial direction relative to the rotational axis of the coiling body.

Abstract: An interior design device for motor vehicles is provided which can be installed in an interior space of the vehicle with a lining section that can be fastened to a vehicle wall. A fastening section for the lining section and a coat hook element extend into the interior. The fastening section and the hook element are connected with each other via a bridge and the fastening section can be attached to the vehicle wall and the hook element rests against the interior surface of the lining section facing the interior. In order to be able to fasten the lining section of the interior design device in a simple manner, the fastening section is installed between the lining section and the vehicle wall with the bridge extending beyond a peripheral edge of the lining section and the fastening section and the hook element are placed on top of the peripheral edge.