Abstract: Device for fastening a ceiling covering made of leather or imitation leather in a roof cutout for a sliding roof which is arranged in a molded ceiling element and which can be inserted in a vehicle roof, and the ceiling covering is pulled around an upright edge of the roof cutout and can be glued to the molded ceiling element, so that, also in rounded areas of the roof cutout for a sliding roof, a ceiling covering can be held which follows the course of the edge of the cutout in a contacting manner, clamping pieces are provided in these rounded corner areas which hold the ceiling covering in a pretensioned fashion by means of prongs.

Abstract: A clip engages an assist grip with an engaging portion of the clip engaged with a clip insertion hole of an attachment part. The assist grip is mounted to a body panel by engaging a first locking pawl of the clip with a rear surface of the body panel, and engaging a second locking pawl of the clip with a front surface of the body panel. A pressure plug is fitted into a rear end gap portion of the clip when a cap on the attachment part is closed.

Abstract: A vehicle trim component includes an integrally formed self retaining fastening device that extends from the vehicle trim component and a passage that permits insertion of a fastener for securing the vehicle trim component to a vehicle structure. The self retaining fastening device further comprises a head portion and a shaft portion. The head portion comprises a rosebud-type fastener surface. The shaft portion extends from the housing and includes at least one row of ribs. The ribs may be angled to provide a relatively lesser amount of force needed for insertion, but a relatively higher amount of force in extraction of the self retaining fastening device. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: A sun visor for use with a motor vehicle includes a visor body having sufficient acoustic transmissibility such that the visor body is sufficiently sound transparent. The visor body further being sufficiently opaque so as to inhibit passage of light through the visor body.

Abstract: A sunshade assembly for use in an open roof construction for a vehicle includes a flexible sunshade screen that, with its one end, can be wound on or off a spring-loaded winding cylinder and with its other end having a transversally extending pulling beam. The sunshade assembly further includes two spaced, longitudinally extending guides. Both guides are provided with at least partially flexible members having a main body with a substantially U-shaped cross-section. Attached to said main body is a flexible lip to engage the pulling beam and hold it in a desired position.

Abstract: An overhead console assembly and headliner combination for a vehicle includes a headliner having an upper surface, a lower surface and an elongated channel formed therein. An overhead console mounting arrangement securable to the headliner including opposing first and second rails having a rail extension and a power connector arrangement in communication with a vehicle electrical system. One or more accessory modules are selectively positionable and removably attachable to the opposing first and second rails with an accessory module mounting arrangement. The accessory module including a module housing, a door pivotally mounted to the housing and a storage area defined within the housing configured to receive and store items. The accessory module includes at least one electrical connector disposed on an outer surface of the module housing which engages the power connector arrangement on one of the opposing first and second rails to supply power to the accessory module.

Abstract: A module-structure for roof trim, in which a roof trim and various accessories are modularized, capable of avoiding interference with vehicle body units such as a curtain type air bag, simplified in structure and enhanced in workability ease is to be provided. The configuration of the module-structure is such that attachment members 50 of assist grips (accessories) are temporarily secured to a roof trim 10 and a resin-made bracket 30; in a state in which connecting portions 54 at the tips of the attachment members 50 are accommodated in the resin-made bracket 30, positioning relative to a roof panel P is done while avoiding interference with other components; then the attachment members 50 is pressed in towards the roof panel P; and inserted body 60 are put in; the connecting portions 54 of the attachment members 50 are thereby locked and the attachment members 50 of the assist grips 20 easily fixed to the panel P, resulting in installing operation ease.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward providing a headliner for a motor vehicle comprising an interior layer adapted to present a surface that is exposed to the interior of the vehicle, a flexible film assembly that is supported by the interior layer opposite to the interior of the vehicle; and a fill layer adapted to be flowed over the flexible film and subsequently hardened to form a main supporting body of the headliner. The flexible film assembly has a first film layer adapted to establish a generally flat base surface that is mounted to the interior layer and a second film layer supported on the first film layer having a plurality of voids formed by portions of the second film layer that are spaced from said first film layer at predetermined intervals so as to establish an undulating upper surface of the film assembly. The plurality of voids are adapted to act as a plurality of resonating cavities to attenuate acoustical frequencies within the vehicle.

Abstract: A modular overhead console assembly is provided on a headliner in a passenger compartment of a vehicle. An overhead console housing is configured for securement in a elongated channel of the headliner. The overhead console housing includes an accessory module receiving area including a plurality of slots adapted to receive one or more accessory modules. Each accessory module includes a first console divider, an opposing second console divider and a storage area defined therebetween. A door is pivotally mounted to the first console divider and releasably secured to the second console divider. At least one retainer clip extends from a top surface of each of the first and second console dividers to engage the slots in the accessory module receiving area.

Abstract: It is to construct a vehicle body and a sunroof apparatus so that a sunshade can be inserted to and removed from the front or rear of a shade sliding rail. Thus, during a state in which the sunroof apparatus is assembled to the vehicle body, the sunshade freely comes in and out from the front or rear of a sunroof apparatus.

Abstract: A sunshade includes a cut-out panel formed by cutting a portion from a ceiling panel for opening a ceiling window and injection-molded rigid edge members made of synthetic resin and fixed to a front edge, both side edges and a rear edge of the cut-out panel so as to surround the cut-out panel. The rigid edge members are fixed to the sunshade so that the sunshade is finished such that the width thereof is made wider than the width of the opening portion of the ceiling panel and the length thereof is made longer than the length of the opening portion thereof, the rigid edge member fixed to the front edge is formed with a knob, and slide shoes are provided to the rigid edge members fixed to the both edges of the cut-out panel. The invention realizes reduced weight and manufacturing cost and increased quality of the slide sunshade of automobile sunroofs.

Abstract: An open roof assembly for a vehicle, having a roof opening defined in the roof of the vehicle includes a foldable closure mechanism for closing and opening said roof opening. The closure mechanism includes an outer cloth and an inner cloth mutually spaced in the closed position of the closure mechanism, wherein the closure mechanism at its opposite longitudinal edges extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is provided with a number of spaced slides which, in a driven manner, are movable along guides extending along corresponding longitudinal edges of the roof opening. The slides carry elongated folding arms that, with ends remote from the slides, support the outer cloth and inner cloth and are biased towards a position for zig-zag like folding during opening of the roof opening.

Abstract: An enhanced overhead airbag assembly is provided. The overhead airbag assembly has an airbag module designed to be attached to the roof of a vehicle, rearward of the header. The airbag module is concealed from vehicle occupants via a headliner assembly that includes a headliner, header trim, central console, and sun visors. The header trim covers at least a portion of the header and overlaps the forward edge of the headliner on the passenger's side. The passenger's side headliner is shaped to form a deployment door to permit emergence of the inflating airbag cushion. The headliner is tethered to the roof via a frangible fastener so that the headliner does not interfere with inflation or strike the occupant.

Abstract: An inner shell (10) for vehicle bodies molded from a foam plastic includes at least one flap (14) which can move optionally between a non-usage position to a usage position. Preferably the flap (14) serves as a sun visor, allows access to a function element or a cavity (16), or both. According to the invention the flap (14) is formed as a part of the inner shell (10) and in its non-usage position closes essentially surface-flush with the areas of the inner shell (10) adjacent to the flap (14).

Abstract: A headliner assembly for a vehicle. The headliner assembly includes a headliner body and a flexible air duct. The headliner body includes a vent aperture and first and second surfaces. The first surface is disposed adjacent to a roof of the vehicle and the second surface is disposed opposite the first surface. The flexible air duct includes an inlet for receiving pressurized air and a duct portion that channels pressurized air from the inlet to the vent aperture. The flexible air duct is attached to the first surface and inflates when air is provided through the inlet and at least partially deflates when air is not provided through the inlet.

Abstract: A sunshade for a motor vehicle roof (2) with a shade screen (5) which can be wound onto a winding rod (6) and which is located underneath the roof, the opposing side edges of the shade screen are movably guided in the direction of shade motion on guide rails (7) and are held in the transverse direction with pre-tensioning of the shade screen (5). To produce pretension in the transverse direction without tensioning elements or bars which are permanently attached to the shade screen and which would hinder rewinding, it is provided that the engagement elements, which are guided on the guide rails (7), can be coupled to the side edges of the length (5) of shade when it is unwound to keep the length (5) of shade pre-tensioned in the transverse direction, so that the sunshade (4) located under an arched vehicle roof (2) can follow the arch of the roof, but can be disengaged for the shade screen (5) as it is wound onto the winding rod so as to enable the shade screen to be wound more compactly.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to reinforced composite inner roof panels of the sandwich-type having a cellular core. In a method for making a inner roof panel of the invention, a stack is formed that is made up of: an upper skin made of a reinforced thermoplastic material; a cellular core made of a thermoplastic material; and a bottom skin made of a reinforced thermoplastic material. The upper and lower skins and the cellular core are formed together and have regions of reduced thickness and regions of increased thickness that may provide head impact absorbing characteristics or form structural components of the passenger compartment. Examples of structural components that may be formed include HVAC ducts, wiring conduits, video display panel mounts or air bag receptacles.

Abstract: A headliner assembly, for use with a vehicle having a roof, includes a headliner body that is positionable proximate the roof, and a support frame attached to the headliner body. The support frame cooperates with the headliner body to provide a sufficient structural characteristic such that the headliner assembly is self-supporting.

Abstract: A conductive liner includes an electrically non-conductive core layer between two electrically conductive layers. At least one of the two electrically conductive layers includes conductive particles. The electrically conductive layers are capable of conducting sufficient electricity to power at least one electrical component in a vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the conductive particles are fibers, such as carbon fibers, or the like that are preferably homogeneously dispersed within the conductive layer. The conductive fiber layers provide structural reinforcement to the liner, in addition to providing electrical conductivity. The conductive liner can further include a top and bottom scrim/adhesive layer, as well as a decorative, cover material layer. The present invention eliminates the need for a separate wiring and wire harness as in conventional liners.

Abstract: In a vehicle sunroof structure having lid sliding rails formed on left and right sides respectively of a roof opening in such a way as to extend longitudinally so as to guide sunroof lids, and also having shade sliding rails respectively formed on the left and right sides of the roof opening in such a manner as to extend longitudinally, lid forming members, on which the lid sliding rails are respectively formed, is provided separately from shade forming members on which the shade sliding rails are respectively formed so as to drastically enlarge the design freedom of the sunroof structure for widening the passenger compartment.

Abstract: A sun shield which can be moved between an operating position under a translucent or transparent roof area of a motor vehicle roof (4) and a rest area next to this roof area, with a shade tarp (10) which is located underneath the roof (4) and which can be wound onto a take-up roller (12). A free end (22) of the shade tarp (10) is fixed in a transverse bow (18, 118) with pre-tensioning in the transverse direction in the transverse bow (18). Fixing of the free end (22) of the shade tarp (10) in the transverse bow (18, 118) is preferably via insertion of a turn-down portion of the free end of the tarp (10) into a groove of the transverse bow (18, 118) where it is held by pins or clamping elements formed by plastic deformation of areas of the transverse bow (18, 118).

Abstract: The invention relates to a roof assembly for a vehicle having an opening in its fixed roof. The roof assembly comprises at least an upper closure element for selectively closing and at least partly opening the roof opening in the fixed roof of the vehicle, at least a lower closure element for selectively closing and at least partly opening a passage opening in the frame of the roof assembly. At least one transverse edge of the lower closure element is positioned adjacent to another part of the roof assembly in at least one position of the lower closure element. Said at least one transverse edge of the lower closure element and the other part includes an adhering device such as to adhere the transverse edge of the lower closure element to the transverse edge of the other part in said at least one position.

Abstract: A method of assembling a roof assembly into a vehicle includes assembling the roof assembly and at least one module subassembly. The roof assembly includes a roof outer panel configured to cover a roof opening in the vehicle. The roof assembly and the module subassemblies are installed by operators working entirely outside the vehicle, resulting in increased efficiency and production cost savings.

Abstract: A retainer clip assembly for securing a variety of components interiorly in an automobile. The assembly includes a movable lever which secures the retainer clip assembly to a vehicle ceiling panel. The lever includes a release member that is accessible from the exterior of the retainer clip, so that the lever may be disengaged from the ceiling panel, whereby the component may be removed. A transportation clip is disclosed for use with the retainer clip assembly. The transportation clip connects the retainer clip to a headliner module during transportation to the final point of assembly. At the final point of assembly, the retainer clip can be pushed into its installed position.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for securely fastening a decorative panel in spaced relation to a support backing includes a base member adapted to be operatively mounted to the decorative panel, a carrier member, and a linking member operatively extending between the base member and the carrier member such that the base member is disposed spaced from the carrier member. A fastening medium is supported by the carrier member and adapted to operatively interconnect the carrier member to the support backing. The linking member operatively interconnects the base member and the carrier member in articulating fashion such that the base member is transversely moveable relative to the carrier member.

Abstract: A motor vehicle sun screen device for a vehicle roof module has at least one guideway which extends from back to front in a longitudinal direction of a roof module, a housing which is mounted on the roof module, a first sun screen that can be moved forward from the housing and that is guided in the guideway, at least one cassette mounted on the lower edge of the first sun screen, and a second sun screen contained in the cassette.

Abstract: A vehicle ceiling lining structure is provided. Each ceiling lining structure includes a frame formed in accordance with a section of a ceiling of an aircraft, a fabric attached to the frame, and mounts for attaching the frame to the ceiling. The structure includes a light that is attached to the frame in order to backlight the fabric. A light enhancement film is attached to the frame for dispersing the light. A back panel is attached to the frame to keep condensation away from the vehicle cabin. The frame includes one or more molded plastic parts that allow quick release from the mounts.

Abstract: A method of making an interior trim system for a vehicle includes providing a trim assembly having a cover layer and a backing layer attached to the cover layer, the backing layer including a polymeric material and a blowing agent. The method further includes activating the blowing agent to form fluid cells in the backing layer that expand and burst, such that the backing layer is an air-permeable layer after the activating step.

Abstract: This invention relates to a flexible headliner for an automotive vehicle. The headliner includes a flexible foam core layer having a nominal thickness of greater than 5 millimeters. A cover layer is bonded to a first side of the core layer. A backing layer is bonded to a second side of the core layer opposite the first side. The headliner is sized and shaped to conform to an interior roof of the vehicle. The invention also relates to particular methods of forming the headliner in a mold.

Abstract: A headliner system configured to mount to a vehicle roof structure comprises a retainer clip coupled to a substrate, and a handle movable between a first position and a second position. The handle is retained by a retaining system such as a biasing element captured between the roof structure and a projection. A method of mounting a handle to vehicle roof structure comprises providing a retaining system comprising a retainer clip, coupling the retainer clip to a headliner, coupling the handle to the retainer clip and orientating it in a first position, moving the handle to a second position to capture a portion of the handle between the retainer clip and a projection, locating the headliner relative to the roof structure, and moving the handle to a third position to retain a portion of the handle between at least a portion of the retaining system and the roof structure.

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: Device for fastening a ceiling covering made of leather or imitation leather in a roof cutout for a sliding roof which is arranged in a molded ceiling element and which can be inserted in a vehicle roof, and the ceiling covering is pulled around an upright edge of the roof cutout and can be glued to the molded ceiling element, so that, also in rounded areas of the roof cutout for a sliding roof, a ceiling covering can be held which follows the course of the edge of the cutout in a contacting manner, clamping pieces are provided in these rounded corner areas which hold the ceiling covering in a pretensioned fashion by means of prongs.

Abstract: A modular overhead console assembly and headliner combination for a passenger compartment of a vehicle includes a headliner having an upper surface, a lower surface and an elongated slot formed therethrough. An overhead console mounting arrangement is attachable to the headliner adjacent the elongated slot. The mounting arrangement includes an upper member mountable to the headliner such that the upper member extends above the upper surface of the headliner and a lower member attachable to the upper member such that the lower member extends below the lower surface of the headliner. A channel in the lower member receives and secures at least one removable accessory module. At least one electrically conductive strip is disposed adjacent the channel in the lower member to provide power to the module via electrical connectors on the module housing.

Abstract: A one-piece sunshade assembly for covering a vehicle sunroof includes guide flanges and a handle integrated into a sunshade panel that covers the sunroof. The guide flanges, handle, and sunshade panel are all formed from the same molding process to form the one-piece sunshade assembly from a plastic material such as polypropylene. An occupant of the vehicle grasps the handle that is molded to be recessed in the sunshade panel to slide the panel and cover and uncover the sunroof. The guide flanges extend from the sunshade panel to slidably engage guide rails and guide the panel as it is slid.

Abstract: An air bag system for a passenger car, in particular a convertible, with at least one inflatable air bag is disclosed. To increase the protection of the passengers, the air bag is housed in a roof frame of the car enclosing at the top a windshield of the passenger car. When the air bag is actuated, it unfolds in the opposite direction of travel of the car in such a manner that, after it unfolds, the air bag is located above the head of the driver and/or the passenger.

Abstract: A vehicle headliner assembly (152) includes a headliner structural layer. A foam beam (174) is joined to the headliner structural layer. A washer fluid line (168) is 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 to form a foam beam (174) and to join the foam beam (174) to the headliner main body (170). A portion of a washer fluid line (168) is embedded in the foam.

Abstract: A modular headliner assembly includes a headliner having an appearance surface and a back surface. At least one component is disposed adjacent the back surface of the headliner. Furthermore, an integration sheet is attached to the back surface for securing the at least one component to the headliner. A method of manufacturing the headliner assembly is also disclosed.

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 formed lining for a vehicle comprises a multi-layered base member comprising a film-like hot melt adhesive on a front thereof and a top cover member comprising a web-like hot melt adhesive on a back thereof, wherein the top cover member is bonded to the multi-layered base member. The top cover member and the heated multi-layered base member are set in a forming die. The hot melt web on the top cover member is melted by heat of the multi-layered base member during a forming process. Then, the top cover member is bonded to the multi-layered base member to be formed simultaneously.

Abstract: A sunroof apparatus with a sliding panel freely opening and closing an opening of a roof in a vehicle, a movable drain arranged below a rear end in the panel and moving forward and rearward interlocking with a forward and rearward movement of the panel, and a sunshade covering a lower side of the sliding panel and freely opening and closing. A holding means for the sunshade is constructed by forming sliding grooves in frames in both sides extending along a longitudinal direction in a side of a passenger room of the opening, forming a notch at a predetermined position of the groove L3 fitting front and rear sliders to which the sunshade is mounted, and integrally forming an engagement piece made of elastic member and fitted to the notch in the rear slider.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward providing a headliner for a motor vehicle comprising an interior layer adapted to present a surface that is exposed to the interior of the vehicle, a flexible film assembly that is supported by the interior layer opposite to the interior of the vehicle; and a fill layer adapted to be flowed over the flexible film and subsequently hardened to form a main supporting body of the headliner. The flexible film assembly has a first film layer adapted to establish a generally flat base surface that is mounted to the interior layer and a second film layer supported on the first film layer having a plurality of voids formed by portions of the second film layer that are spaced from said first film layer at predetermined intervals so as to establish an undulating upper surface of the film assembly. The plurality of voids are adapted to act as a plurality of resonating cavities to attenuate acoustical frequencies within the vehicle.

Abstract: An impact absorbing member having a contact wall and base wall that are separated by first and second spacing walls. The spacing walls are oriented to be not aligned with the anticipated direction of an impact force. The spacing walls may be flat, curved, or formed in the shape of a bellows. The base wall may be provided with an adhesive or may include additional fastening features such as holes through which glue or fasteners may pass or may be formed as fastening rosettes.

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

Abstract: A module-structure for roof trim, in which a roof trim and various accessories are modularized, capable of avoiding interference with vehicle body units such as a curtain type air bag, simplified in structure and enhanced in workability ease is to be provided. The configuration of the module-structure is such that attachment members 50 of assist grips (accessories) are temporarily secured to a roof trim 10 and a resin-made bracket 30; in a state in which connecting portions 54 at the tips of the attachment members 50 are accommodated in the resin-made bracket 30, positioning relative to a roof panel P is done while avoiding interference with other components; then the attachment members 50 is pressed in towards the roof panel P; and inserted body 60 are put in; the connecting portions 54 of the attachment members 50 are thereby locked and the attachment members 50 of the assist grips 20 easily fixed to the panel P, resulting in installing operation ease.

Abstract: In order to improve a roof liner with at least one energy absorption element to the effect that the energy absorption element can be reproducibly applied to a particular place of the roof liner with the intended alignment relative to the roof liner in a simple and economical way, first a core layer, particularly a plate-shaped one, is provided, at least one reinforcement layer is applied to this on at least one side and the energy absorption element is loaded into a moulding tool and, during the moulding, the energy absorption element and the core layer and/or reinforcement layer are at least joined.

Abstract: A sunshade for a sunroof assembly includes two opposed halves which accordion fold to a collapsed position. The collapsed position of the sunshade is within a projected area of the sunroof panel. Thus, room within the roof, in addition to the room taken by the sunroof panel, is not require for the sunshade when in its open position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roof assembly for a vehicle having an opening in its fixed roof. The roof assembly comprises at least an upper closure element for selectively closing and at least partly opening the roof opening in the fixed roof of the vehicle, at least a lower closure element for selectively closing and at least partly opening a passage opening in the frame of the roof assembly. At least one transverse edge of the lower closure element is positioned adjacent to another part of the roof assembly in at least one position of the lower closure element. Said at least one transverse edge of the lower closure element and the other part includes an adhering device such as to adhere the transverse edge of the lower closure element to the transverse edge of the other part in said at least one position.

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.