Abstract: A seamless plastic tubular air duct is formed by a blow molding process. The air duct is attached to upper surface of a vehicle headliner and controls the flow of air between the vehicle air circulation system and vents to the passenger compartment. Attachment points may be formed upon the outer surface of the air duct for securing other vehicle components to the headliner.

Abstract: A sunshade assembly for use in a vehicle comprises a flexible sunshade screen and two spaced, parallel guides for receiving and guiding two parallel lateral edges of the sunshade screen. Each of the lateral edges of the sunshade screen comprises loop-shaped provisions. Each guide comprises a longitudinal channel which opens towards the sunshade screen through a longitudinal slot. A core member is positioned in the channel and extends therein such, that between the core member and the surrounding guide a space is defined for slidingly receiving the loop-shaped provisions. The slot has a width which is smaller than the combined width of the core member with surrounding loop-shaped provisions.

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: An assembly is provided having two opposing parallel guides and a panel having two opposite parallel lateral edges cooperating with said guides for a frictional sliding movement of the panel relative to the guides. The edges of the panel are resiliently curved such that there are defined three contact points between each edge and corresponding guide. In one embodiment, two contact points are near the ends of each edge and there is an intermediate contact point. The assembly may be provided in an open roof assembly for a vehicle.

Abstract: A removable liner for the flexible conversion of a car, van or minibus into a robust all-purpose carrier. The entire space available within the vehicle for load transportation is hermetically encapsulated by being lined with an abrasion-resistant, particularly lightweight and elastic material specifically developed for this purpose. The liner consists of a floor having adjoining side parts to half the height of the interior space of the vehicle, the roof lining with adjoining side parts to half the height of the interior space of the vehicle and the front and rear flaps. The liner can be folded together, the side parts first being folded together onto the floor from left and right. The roof lining then automatically lies on the side parts. The front and rear flaps close off the folded-together container, so that a lightweight, compact and portable package is formed.

Abstract: An openable motor vehicle roof with a first (10) and a second transparent cover (12) which, in the closed position, each close a roof opening and are displaceable in order to clear the roof opening at least in part. Underneath the first cover, there is a first covering (15) and underneath the second cover there is a second covering (21), the coverings being movable to mask or at least partially clear the view out of the vehicle interior (28) through the respective cover or roof opening. For the displacement of the first cover (10) and at least partial displacement of the first covering (15), there is a common first drive (30, 32), and for displacement of the second cover (12) and for at least partial adjustment of the second covering (21), there is a common second drive (34, 36, 38, 40).

Abstract: An openable motor vehicle roof is provided which includes a sliding head liner moveable between a raised position, a closed position and an open position. The sliding head liner is guided on a partially flexible guide element which has a movable end entrained during motion of the cover into its raised position.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for two panel-shaped elements which are movable, substantially in the plane in which they extend, between an operative position, in which they lie side by side in the same plane, and a parallel, stacked position, and which each co-operate with guideways by means of guide elements at their transverse sides extending parallel to the direction of movement. A first panel-shaped element is provided with a connecting pin, which engages in a curved guide track formed in the second panel-shaped element, which curved guide track is so configured that when a force is exerted on the second panel-shaped element for the purpose of moving said element, a force comprising a force component transversely to the guideways will be exerted on the connecting pin, and in that the guideways comprise a transverse guideway portion connecting thereto.

Abstract: Roof module (1) which is designed for covering an opening (102) made in a roof (101) of a motor vehicle (100), the opening (102) extending in the transverse direction between two lateral roof elements (103, 104) and in the lengthwise direction between a front roof element (107) and a rear roof element (108), characterized in that the roof module (1) forms an installation unit which has:

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 (44) or a cavity (16), or both. According to the invention the flap (22) 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: 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 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: 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 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 grab handle assembly for an interior of a motor vehicle includes a headliner disposed in the interior of the vehicle for mounting to a vehicle body of the motor vehicle. The headliner has a recess. The grab handle assembly also includes a grab handle disposed in the recess and spaced from the vehicle body.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a road-bound, horizontally fitted vehicle body with a roof unit having an outer skin and an inward facing ceiling, or an outer skin and an inward facing ceiling with a ceiling frame, whereby the roof unit is a unit ready for installation, and a basic structure having longitudinal frames and side wall columns, the ceiling and the outer skin along with the basic structure having joining configurations that mate with each other at mutual places for joining. The ceiling has at least one fitting from a group of fittings consisting of fittings for a ceiling cover, interior cladding, cushioning against impact, sun shields, an interior rear view mirror, interior lighting, wiring, operating and display elements, sliding, raising, folding, lamellar and glass roofs, and their frame parts and the drive elements, and roof hand grips.

Abstract: A PV roof assembly (6) includes a roof (12) mountable to an electric vehicle (4), and a PV assembly (10) at the upper part of the roof. The PV assembly may be mounted to a separate roof surface (34) or the PV assembly may itself constitute all or part of the roof. The vehicle may include a secondary PV assembly (96) coupled to a display unit (92) to provide an independent indication of the intensity of solar irradiation. The roof may have mounting element recesses (68) to accommodate mounting elements (70) of the PV assembly, the mounting elements configured so as not to shade the PV panel (14). The roof may also be configured to accommodate a global positioning device (80). The roof preferably includes a peripheral gutter (88). The roof body preferably includes hand-hold recesses (90) housing hand-hold elements (42) at positions to provide a horizontal setback (92) from the lateral sides (93) of the roof body.

Abstract: An impact countermeasure device (30) used for receiving an impact force (56) has a generally hollow body with an outer wall (52) defining an interior portion (54) and an exterior portion. The wall (52) has at least one blow hole (60) therethrough. The wall (52) has at least one tack off area (70) formed therein. The tack off area (70) and the blow hole (60) control the crush rate of the body in response to the impact force (56).

Abstract: A grip main portion of an assist grip is attached to a car body through an attaching device. A hook member is housed in a housing of the attaching device to be located outside the housing. An end surface of the hook member is aligned with an outer surface of the attaching device in a state wherein the hook member is housed in the housing. The housing and the hook member are provided with a cam mechanism. Through the cam mechanism, the hook member can be moved between a using position and a non-using position. Thus, the assist grip having a good appearance and operability can be obtained.

Abstract: A sun blind assembly including an incident surface and a lens element, the incident surface having a reflective region which reflects incident light and a non-reflective region which transmits incident light, the lens element and incident surface being arranged such that the transmitted light incident on the lens element is substantially refracted so as to appear of substantially uniform intensity

Abstract: An extrusion made from metal or plastic extends along the siderail of a vehicle and acts as a head impact countermeasure, and in the preferred embodiment as a platform for the attachment of any of a variety of siderail attachments, such as grab handles, coat hooks, visor tracks, etc. The components can be attached in a way which permits them to slide to the appropriate position and be locked into place. The hollow interior of the extrusion can be used to house additional safety components, such as a side air bag.

Abstract: A headliner assembly for an automotive vehicle is provided. The headliner assembly utilizes a pre-formed headliner and a preformed inflatable permanent air duct liner which is molded in place using foam to substantially surround and adhere said air duct liner to said headliner.

Abstract: A vehicle roof comprises a roof opening, a cover which can be raised and is provided for closing the roof opening, and a cover liner which can be positioned underneath the cover. The vehicle roof further comprises a linkage provided between the cover and the cover liner, by which the cover and the cover liner can be coupled to each other during raising the cover and by which a rear edge of the cover liner is lifted during raising the cover. The linkage has a drag lever which swivels during raising the cover. The drag lever is supported in a swivel bearing on the side of the vehicle roof and has a first bearing for connection with the cover as well as a second bearing for connection with the cover liner. The swivel bearing on the side of the vehicle roof and in the raised state of the cover lies underneath the first bearing for connection with the cover and is mounted to a guide by means of which the swivel bearing on the side of the vehicle roof is moved upwards during raising the cover.

Abstract: Described is a vehicle roof for a passenger car or the like with a roof panel (1), whose longitudinal edges (2) can each be fastened to a frame side rail (3) of the roof frame of the vehicle body. On this vehicle roof it is provided according to invention, that the roof panel (1), on the longitudinal edge of each side, carries a leg (4) of an angle sheet (5) in a permanent fitting arrangement for additional support and for a fastening arrangement onto the frame side rails (3) of the roof frame and that its respective other leg (6) can be fastened to one of the frame side rails (3).

Abstract: A linear pretensioning drive for tightening a vehicle seat belt has a guide tube. A piston is located inside of the guide tube and can be driven along a longitudinal axis of the guide tube. A reverse movement lock is formed by balls that are arranged on a ring around the longitudinal axis of the guide tube. In the drive direction in front of the reverse movement lock at least one support part is provided which lies against the inner wall of the guide tube in the locking position with in each case a greater supporting surface than each ball of the reverse movement lock.

Abstract: A sunshade device includes an elongated housing, a rotary shaft journalled in the housing, and a screen wound around the rotary shaft and movable between retracted and stretched positions. An elongated screen guiding member is mounted in the housing, and has a convex outer wall surface. The intermediate section of the screen extends along and is in contact with the convex outer wall surface such that the screen is curved and has a curvature conforming to that of the convex outer wall surface of the screen guiding member when extended past the screen guiding member. A curved end strip is mounted on the distal end of the screen, and has a curvature conforming to that of the convex outer wall surface of the screen guiding member.

Abstract: A handle assembly and method of assembling a grip handle to a vehicle. The handle assembly includes two base unit and each include a primary and auxiliary projection that are press fit into an opening formed in a structural part of a vehicle. Detents are provided on the projection and configured to be assembled to a vehicle with a minimum force and require a removal force that is substantially greater then the force of insertion. A method of assembling the assist grip handle to a vehicle can be accomplished by inserting molded projections into holes formed in a structural vehicle body panel. The projections include detents that are compressed as the projections are inserted into the holes and are expanded after the projections are fully inserted into the holes.

Abstract: A sliding system for closing and exposing a roof opening comprises a sliding guide which can be mounted to a vehicle roof, and at least one sliding plate adapted to be shifted in the sliding guide. Two connecting links are mounted to the sliding plate, one of the connecting links engaging a leading plate and the other engaging a trailing plate. At least one of the connecting links is shiftably mounted to the sliding plate.

Abstract: A seamless plastic tubular air duct is formed by a blow molding process. The air duct is attached to upper surface of a vehicle headliner and controls the flow of air between the vehicle air circulation system and vents to the passenger compartment. Attachment points may be formed upon the outer surface of the air duct for securing other vehicle components to the headliner.

Abstract: A sliding roof device for a motor vehicle roof with a movable cover (14) for selectively closing or at least partially exposing a roof opening (15) in the motor vehicle roof, the cover being raisable into a ventilation position at its rear edge, and with a sliding headliner (1) which is movably located underneath the cover (14) and which, when positioned under the cover (14) in its raised position, is raised at its rear section for creating a ventilation gap. A lifting mechanism engages the rear section (25) of the sliding headliner (1), with a lifting force which pretensions the rear section (25) into its folded-up position.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for attaching a trim panel to a vehicle mounting member includes a retainer that is attachable to a concealable surface of the trim panel. The assembly also includes a fastening element that is movably attachable to the retainer by moving the fastening element laterally with respect to the retainer. The fastening element is further adapted to be attached to the mounting member.

Abstract: The problem to be solved is to provide an automobile interior headliner member which is improved in the film forming property of a complex plastic material used as a base material of the automobile interior headliner member, and has high rigidity and excellent heat resistance, size stability and working efficiency upon attachment; and the base material. An automobile interior headliner molding or forming member which is obtained by kneading mica having a particle size of 10 to 100 &mgr;m with a polypropylene resin having a melt flow rate at 230° C. of 3 to 40 g/10 min to obtain the corresponding resin having a mica content of 15 to 40 wt. %, molding or forming the resin into a mica-containing polypropylene sheet of 100 to 300 &mgr;m thick and then stacking this sheet over each of both sides of an expanded polypropylene sheet of 2 to 6 mm thick obtained at an expansion ratio of 5 to 50 times; and an automobile interior headliner member molded or formed from the molding or forming member.

Abstract: An interior panel for a vehicle, such as a roof liner, includes at least one integrated stiffening and silencing layer. The interior panel is releasably fixed to the vehicle at least along substantially a periphery thereof at some peripheral fixing positions. Additional fixing positions are formed between the interior panel and, in particular, an outer panel of the vehicle by releasable and essentially linear and/or planar fixing means.

Abstract: A vehicle headliner assembly includes a first structural member cooperating with a second structural member to form air ducts between them. A portion of the first structural member is covered by a decorative cover that presents an appearance surface to the vehicle passenger compartment. Integrally formed in the second structural member are an energy absorbing structure and an attachment structure. Thus, the headliner assembly eliminates the need for separate air ducts, separate energy absorbing material, and separate wiring harness and hose clamps. The headliner assembly is also configured to facilitate attachment of passenger compartment devices such as grab handles, without the use of separate fasteners or retainers.

Abstract: A cover, constructed as a solar generator, for closing an opening in the bodywork of a vehicle which consists of a transparent panel, an assembly attached to the underside of the panel, which assembly consists of a solar cell field and a plastics material in which the latter is embedded, a frame foamed onto the peripheral edge area of the panel, optionally reinforced by embedded profiled bars, and a foam-molded backing layer connected in one piece with the frame. The simply constructed solar cover producible in this way without seal and foam-restricting arrangements exerting contact pressure forces on the assembly allows the application of elevated foaming pressures without the risk of damage to the sensitive solar cells. The backing layer protects the assembly from below and allows the foaming on of projections, ribs and the like. A preferred method of producing the solar cover is also proposed, in which the foaming pressure is >1 bar.

Abstract: A grab handle assembly for an interior of a motor vehicle includes a headliner disposed in the interior of the vehicle for mounting to a vehicle body of the motor vehicle. The headliner has a recess. The grab handle assembly also includes a grab handle disposed in the recess and spaced from the vehicle body to absorb energy when impacted.

Abstract: The attachment system consists of a metal part with a base (1) having a central orifice for passage of a screw (9), by which are secured an accessory (10) and a lining (11) on said clip, in order to attach the entire assembly on the plate (8) of a vehicle body, with the attachment obtained by passing the clip through an orifice provided for such purpose on said plate (8). The clip has lateral flexible flaps (5) elbowed on their lower free ends and ending in corresponding tabs (7) that project and diverge outwards to define the structure for anchoring the clip on the orifice of the plate (8) after said flaps (5) pass through the aforementioned orifice, holding the accessory (10) and the lining (11) to the base (1) of the clip, so that these components are thus attached to the vehicle body.

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 drive device for at least one sunshade intended to darken a surface of a motor vehicle roof. The drive device having a pull element to which the free end of at least one sunshade is attached such that each sunshade can be wound onto a winding roller and also having at least one mounting rod which is mounted with a capacity to swivel with respect to the pull element and to which the free end of at least one sunshade is connected.

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: A sunroof apparatus is provided 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 L2, L3 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 30, 40 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 40.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a road-bound, horizontally fitted vehicle body with a roof unit having an outer skin and an inward facing ceiling with a ceiling frame, whereby the roof unit is a unit ready for installation, and a basic structure having longitudinal frames. The ceiling and the outer skin along with the basic structure have joining configurations that mate with each other at mutual places for joining. The process includes the steps of introducing the ceiling frame through an opening in the basic structure for a rear or front window, moving the ceiling frame upwardly into contact with matching configuration points for connection at least one of laterally on the longitudinal frames and on front and rear cross members, fixing the ceiling frame in place, and lowering the ceiling and the ceiling frame followed by the outer skin onto the corresponding matching configuration points for connection to the longitudinal frames laterally and onto the front and rear cross members and securing there permanently.

Abstract: A vehicle roof module with integrated lighting system for the interior lighting has several light-conducting rods, preferably made from glass, and a light source is foam-molded into an inner shell of the roof interior, molded from foamed plastic and forming the roof module, so that only the light outlet surfaces of the light-emitting ends of the light-conducting rods are disposed in the visible surface of the roof interior. By a suitable choice of the number of light-conducting rods and the distribution pattern of the corresponding light outlet surfaces, both a uniform interior lighting and special lighting effects can be achieved.

Abstract: A vehicle roof designed in particular for motor vehicles, in particular a roof module to be manufactured separately from the bodywork and connected with the bodywork frame, which roof module consists substantially of a rigid roof skin, optionally an inner shell of foamed plastic material foamed thereon and a decorative roof liner of foamed plastic material. The roof module may be provided with an integral sunroof unit. The particular feature thereof is that the roof liner may be produced separately from the roof module and may be brought into releasable engagement with the inner shell or optionally with the sunroof frame of the sunroof unit by means of complementary, precisely fitting guide elements, i.e. may be replaced.

Abstract: A hinged handle, such as a breaker bar for an interior of an automobile vehicle. The hinged handle includes an arch hinged on at least one mechanism configured to fasten the arch on a support. The fastening mechanism includes an expandable pin and a stud engaged in the pin and that is movable between a first position in which the stud is idle and a second position in which the stud causes the pin to expand. The arch of the handle can be pivoted to strike the stud, causing the stud to move from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: An energy management system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention has a substrate and a crash pad that are vibration welded together. A method for vibration welding first and second parts made of materials that are incompatible with being vibration welded includes prior to vibration welding the first and second parts, adhering to a surface of at least the first part a layer of material that is compatible with being vibration welded to the second part.

Abstract: A vehicular interior space module comprises an interior space lining part that has a large surface area and is visible from inside in a state when installed in a vehicle, the interior space lining part including an opening. The module further comprises an insert which is located in the opening and fastened to the interior space lining part, the insert having an outer housing in which at least one electrical component is arranged. At least one exposed electrical contact surface area is provided on the interior space lining part arranged directly on an edge of the opening, the insert having a fastener for attaching the insert to the interior space lining part. The fastener includes a cooperating contact configured such that the contact surface area contacts the cooperating contact in an electrically conductive manner through fastening the insert in the opening.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clip for mounting an article, comprising a base member being of a plate shape and having a through hole thereon; a pair of flanges extended from opposite ends of the base member in a direction perpendicular to a lengthwise direction of the base member; a pair of insertion parts extended from opposite sides of the base member and bent upwardly to be in contact with each other; and a pair of anchoring plates which are downwardly cut from the center area of each insertion part, are projected outwardly, are elastically deformable, and have a stepped part formed with inward and outward bent parts at a free end of each anchoring plate. With this configuration, the present invention provides a clip for firmly and easily mounting article on a support structure and for easily separating the article from the support structure.

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 sunshade assembly for a vehicle roof has a first guide rail and a spaced second guide rail. A sunshade is movable relative to the first guide rail and the second guide rail between an open position and a closed position. The sunshade has a first lateral edge supported by the first guide rail and a second lateral edge supported by the second guide rail. A first sliding element moves within the first guide rail and supports the first lateral edge on the first guide rail. A second sliding element moves within the second guide rail and supports the second lateral edge to the second guide rail. A collection space receives the sunshade in the open position.