Having Light Transmitting Means Patents (Class 296/215)
  • Patent number: 12139254
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a moonroof accessory panel. The moonroof accessory panel may be a structure that may be removably attached to a moonroof area of a vehicle. The moonroof accessory panel may be used to hold a drone associated with the vehicle such that the drone may take-off from and land on the moonroof accessory panel. The top of the moonroof accessory panel may also be accessible from the cabin of the vehicle such that a user may place the drone on top of the moonroof accessory panel while inside the cabin. The moonroof accessory panel may also be used for other purposes beyond holding drones as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Nelson Alexander Brock
  • Patent number: 11383586
    Abstract: An air purification apparatus for a vehicle includes a main body, and a solar module covering at least a portion of the main body and providing power to the main body. The main body is assembled on a sunroof of the vehicle, and includes a first passage connected with the sunroof of the vehicle. A cover plate is slidably assembled with the main body and capable of sliding along the main body to open or close the first passage. The main body further includes a purification module, an air inlet module having an air inlet passage capable of receiving air from outside the vehicle for the purification module to purify the received air, and an air outlet module having an air outlet passage configured to discharge air from inside the vehicle to outside the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zheng Xing, Lei Zhang, Zhenhua Liu
  • Patent number: 11192432
    Abstract: A hinge system for a vehicle hardtop having a system with hinges (1) that allow a user to open and close a set of removable rigid rooftop panels (5, 6) for a Jeep or other sport utility vehicle without being required to fully remove and store the rigid roof panels. The hinges may be capable of supporting a partially opened position to prevent the panels from falling and slamming shut while opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Inventor: Richard A Brown
  • Patent number: 10857863
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a removable roof panel and an integrated handle and roof rack assembly mounted to the removable roof panel. The integrated handle and roof rack assembly is adapted to function both as a handle for installing or removing the roof panel and as a roof rack for achieving vehicle rooftop cargo storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Kenneth Dellock, Stuart C. Salter, James J. Surman, Harry Lobo, Travis S. Garland
  • Patent number: 10569721
    Abstract: A roof apparatus for an autonomous hardtop vehicle is described. The apparatus includes a vehicle roof having an opening for a sunroof and a roof cover that encloses sensor devices. The roof apparatus is mounted from the underside of the vehicle roof at the position for mounting a sunroof. The sensors include an array of cameras having a field of view of the full width of the vehicle in at least the front of the vehicle. The height of the roof cover above the vehicle roof is a minimal height to accommodate the height of the cameras.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Scott L. Frederick, Andrew L. Sakowski, Bill Castleman
  • Patent number: 10416073
    Abstract: An RFID sensor comprises an RFID chip, an antenna, and sensing material. The RFID chip is in electrical communication with the antenna and comprises an optical sensor. The sensing material overlies an upper surface of the RFID chip and is configured as a variable light filter that filters light differently depending upon certain properties or conditions of the environment surrounding the RFID sensor. A light source is configured to selectively illuminate the sensing material to facilitate detection of certain properties or conditions of the environment surrounding the RFID sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: AVERY DENNISON RETAIL INFORMATION SERVICES, LLC
    Inventor: Ian J. Forster
  • Patent number: 10272831
    Abstract: A dome light assembly that includes a reflective surface facing an interior; a light-diffusing element over the reflective surface having a plurality of corresponding opposed edges and LED sources; and a controller for directing the sources to transmit a plurality of light patterns from the element into the interior based at least in part on a plurality of inputs. Further, each source is configured to direct incident light into the corresponding edge. These light patterns include natural light and other light patterns. The inputs include manual inputs, weather inputs, exterior light sensor inputs, temporal inputs and global positioning system inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, James J. Surman, Paul Kenneth Dellock
  • Patent number: 10196145
    Abstract: A system for affixing a gatebox to an aircraft includes a first type of gatebox operable to release material from an aircraft, a second type of gatebox operable to release material from the aircraft, a frame coupled to the aircraft operable to receive a selected one of the first type of gatebox and the second type of gatebox; and a plurality of fastenings operable to secure the selected one of the first type of gatebox and the second type of gatebox to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Texas Transland LLC
    Inventor: Larry D. Thompson
  • Patent number: 10099606
    Abstract: A dome light assembly that includes a reflective surface facing an interior; a light-diffusing element over the reflective surface having a plurality of corresponding opposed edges and LED sources; and a controller for directing the sources to transmit a plurality of light patterns from the element into the interior based at least in part on a plurality of inputs. Further, each source is configured to direct incident light into the corresponding edge. These light patterns include natural light and other light patterns. The inputs include manual inputs, weather inputs, exterior light sensor inputs, temporal inputs and global positioning system inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, James J. Surman, Paul Kenneth Dellock
  • Patent number: 10086681
    Abstract: A device for preventing intrusion of collected water into a vehicle is provided, defined by a water diverter configured and dimensioned to divert water from at least a vehicle-rearward edge of a roof panel aperture provided for a vehicle sun roof/moon roof assembly. The water diverter further includes end portions configured and dimensioned to divert water from at least a portion of opposed vehicle-outboard edges of the roof panel aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Robert Hemphill, George Michalopoulos, Spencer Monroe Dinkins, III, Gregory James Grudzinski, Ronald M. Lovasz
  • Patent number: 9931921
    Abstract: A soft panel top assembly for a vehicle in sealing engagement with a hard top portion of a roof. The soft panel top assembly has a fixed portion attached to the vehicle and a lightweight pivotal portion that folds back to provide a quick and easy open air effect. Two door rails of the soft panel top assembly are connected to the vehicle. Two side rail linkage assemblies are attached to the header, which is secured to a windshield frame when in a closed position, and are connected at pivot points created with a bracket attached to the door rails to allow the pivotal portion to pivot to an open position. The soft panel top assembly includes a rear header that is lightweight and has a sealing arrangement that engages with the hard top roof portion and existing seal of the hard top roof portion to provide a weatherproof seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Haberkamp, George C. Stickles, Duane C. Junkin
  • Patent number: 9616936
    Abstract: There are provided a pair of roof rails, a roof panel, a front header, a pair of front pillars, a windshield provided between the front header and the front pillars, a front inclination roof reinforcement extending rearward, a front portion of which is joined to the front header, and partition members provided inside the front header at respective positions which do not overlap with, in a vehicle width direction, the front inclination roof reinforcement. Thereby, vertical vibrations of the front header caused by vertical vibrations of the windshield can be suppressed with a light structure, so that the comfortability of the ride (the vibration damping performance) can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takeshi Nakamura, Keizo Kawasaki, Kenichi Sato
  • Patent number: 9513416
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a pane construction, particularly to be used in a motor vehicle, comprising transparent panes, layers and/or foils made of glass, ceramic, plastic or organic material, which are connected in a layered manner in a laminate, wherein the pane construction has transparent infrared (=IR) filtering layer means or a IR filtering foil for filtering of infrared (IR) radiation of the sunlight impinging the pane construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: ISOCLIMA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Alberto Bertolini, Guglielmo Macrelli
  • Patent number: 9296282
    Abstract: An open roof construction is provided for a vehicle having a roof opening in a stationary roof part of the vehicle. The roof opening comprises forward and rearward roof opening edges which each extend transversely and two opposite, longitudinally extending roof opening side edges. At least at some of said roof opening side edges and forward and rearward roof opening edges have roof opening flanges extending substantially downwardly from the respective roof opening side edges and forward and rearward roof opening edges. A stationary roof panel permanently closes part of the roof opening, while a movable panel closes and opens a remainder of the roof opening. The stationary panel has panel edges extending along the roof opening side edges and along one of the forward and rearward roof opening edges and near to some of which downwardly extending panel brackets are provided which are attached to corresponding roof opening flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Karim Dayoub, Adam Alexander Bonner
  • Patent number: 9205730
    Abstract: A soft top is provided for a cabriolet. The soft top includes, but is not limited to, a monofilament warp thread and a monofilament weft thread. The soft top also includes, but is not limited to, a filling material substantially filling the interstices between the monofilament warp thread and the monofilament weft thread to form a substantially translucent fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Roger Gustavsson, Magnus Olsson
  • Publication number: 20150137563
    Abstract: A body structure of a motor vehicle, having a side part, having a vehicle roof, having a fastening device which acts on an underside of the vehicle roof, and having a roof rail which is mounted on an upper side of the vehicle roof via a plurality of mounting elements, a plurality of hollow rivets extending through the fastening device, which is configured as a reinforcing element for the vehicle roof, and the vehicle roof, and the roof rail being fastened to the upper side of the vehicle roof via the mounting elements in such a way that a threaded section of each mounting element extends through in each case one of the hollow rivets and protrudes out of the respective hollow rivet, a nut acting on that threaded section of the respective mounting element which protrudes out of the hollow rivet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Wilfried Eberle, Ruediger Jahn, Anika Siee
  • Publication number: 20150123430
    Abstract: A vehicle and a method of attaching a sunroof assembly to the vehicle are disclosed. A structural frame is provided having a roof portion. The structural frame defines a passenger compartment adjacent to the roof portion. The structural frame includes a flange extending along at least a segment of the roof portion. The flange includes a first side facing inwardly toward the passenger compartment and a second side facing outwardly away from the passenger compartment. A sunroof frame is attached to the first side of the flange from inside the passenger compartment. Furthermore, a glass apparatus is operatively connected to the sunroof frame from the second side of the flange outside of the passenger compartment. Attaching the sunroof frame to the first side of the flange occurs before operatively connecting the glass apparatus to the sunroof frame. The sunroof frame and the glass apparatus define the sunroof assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Gerald M. Bojanowski
  • Patent number: 8960763
    Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly for controllable viewing angle for a vehicle. The system further provides configurable independent sunlight blocking or completely unobstructed options for the occupants in the vehicle having a panoramic view windscreen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Tata Technologies Pte Limited
    Inventors: Kevin Fisher, Jeff Beggs, Anthony Jones, Nigel Giddons, Adam Leece
  • Publication number: 20140354015
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hardtop bus having at least six seats. The bus includes a chassis and a body with a U-shaped roof construction, which covers at least some of the seats of the bus. The roof construction can be retractable over at least some of the at least six seats such that the U-shaped roof construction has an open and closed position. The U-shaped roof construction comprises at least two substantially shape retaining, nestable roof elements having a U-shaped cross-section, which are movable relative to each other and which are positioned at least substantially one behind another, at least in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Augustinus Maria Verachtert
  • Patent number: 8888172
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle glazing assembly with noise and vibration reduction techniques, having: a panel; and a first layer of first stiffening material applied at a perimeter of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yuksel Gur, David Anthony Wagner
  • Patent number: 8864218
    Abstract: A vehicular ceiling assembly includes a ceiling board, a functional component, a bracket including a mount and a shock absorber. The bracket is mounted to an upper surface of the ceiling board to fix the functional component to the ceiling board. The bracket is arranged such that the mount is positioned above the functional component in a vehicle height direction and the shock absorber is in contact with a lower surface of a roof of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideaki Hamada, Haruo Horikawa
  • Publication number: 20140252808
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle roof that has two longitudinal edges and two transverse edges and that is symmetrical with respect to a median longitudinal plane, the roof consisting of a glazing unit including at least one mineral glass sheet, the sheet including a border of compressive edge stresses and at least two localized zones of compressive stress inside the border, the zones being placed symmetrically relative to the plane of symmetry and each localized zone of compressive stress being less than 30 cm from a longitudinal edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE
    Inventors: Alexandre Hennion, Philippe Frebourg
  • Patent number: 8827347
    Abstract: A window assembly for a vehicle includes outer and inner window panels and a spacer element disposed therebetween to establish an interpane cavity between the inner and outer window panels. At least one of (a) the outer window panel has a larger cross dimension relative to the inner window panel to provide overhang regions, and (b) the inner window panel has a different contour or curvature than that of the outer window panel so that the interpane cavity varies in gap distance across the window assembly. A roller shade is disposed in the cavity and is electrically deployable to coil and uncoil between a coiled light transmitting condition, where the roller shade functions to substantially allow light transmission through the window assembly, and an at least partially uncoiled light attenuating condition, where the roller shade functions to at least partially attenuate light transmission through the window assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Darin J. Snider
  • Patent number: 8807638
    Abstract: A roof arrangement comprising a cover for closing the opening of a vehicle roof, and fastening plate that is connected to the cover in the edge areas thereof, the cover being height-adjustable relative to the vehicle roof. The roof arrangement can have a sealing lip foamed to the fastening plate for sealing at least some sections of the fastening plate relative to the vehicle roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Webasto SE
    Inventor: Thomas Schröferl
  • Patent number: 8777303
    Abstract: A shading system is provided, such as an overhead shading system for a panoramic window of a motor vehicle, which includes, but is not limited to a holding frame for attachment to a motor vehicle body. The holding frame exhibits a cross member, a first longitudinal member joined with the cross member, and a second longitudinal member joined with the cross member, a transverse strip guided so that it can slide from the first longitudinal member and second longitudinal member in order to activate a shading device coupled with the cross member and transverse strip, such as a roller blind or window shade, for at least partially covering a window opening bordered by the holding frame and transverse strip, and a guide connected with the holding frame, in particular a guiding rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Frank Annawald, Holger Thums
  • Publication number: 20140097645
    Abstract: A moonroof assembly including a transparent panel and a sunshade that are moveable between closed positions and fully open positions. A mechanism is coupled between the panel and the sunshade so as to effectuate automatic movement of the sunshade into the partially open position in response to movement of the panel into its fully open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Josh D. Fraley
  • Patent number: 8672397
    Abstract: The invention relates to a roof structure of a motor vehicle, in which a roof channel, which extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction, having a fastening flange is formed on both vehicle sides by at least one vehicle body component. A roof module is fastened on the two fastening flanges, which has a planar section, implemented at least sectionally in the form of a glass roof, for bridging a roof opening formed between the roof channels, at least one pair of installation bases for installing a roof rail being arranged between the fastening flanges and the planar section of the roof module. The planar section has a plurality of module openings, which are assigned to the installation bases and are each enclosed by a plastic extrusion coating, for an installation of the roof rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Richard Stahlhut, Axel Boywitt
  • Publication number: 20140042777
    Abstract: Provided is a sunshade apparatus disposed under a sunroof panel installed in a fixed roof of a vehicle, comprising a frame having a plurality of frame openings arranged in a width direction of the vehicle, and a plurality of polarizing panel sets each of which is disposed correspondingly to one of the frame openings. The frame is formed to be higher in the middle portion thereof than both end portions thereof in the width direction so as to follow the shape of the fixed roof, and each polarizing panel set inclines to be higher as approaching the middle portion of the vehicle in the width direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: YACHIYO INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Akira Murasawa
  • Publication number: 20140035324
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle glazing assembly with noise and vibration reduction techniques, having: a panel; and a first layer of first stiffening material applied at a perimeter of the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Yuksel Gur, David Anthony Wagner
  • Publication number: 20130214562
    Abstract: Provided is a mounting structure for mounting a film-shaped electric device to a glass panel, comprising: a resin panel attached to a surface of the film-shaped electric device to form a panel-shaped electric device having first and second edges; and first and second retaining members attached to one surface of the glass panel in correspondence with the first and second edges of the panel-shaped electric device, respectively, each first and second retaining member defining a groove such that the groove opens toward a region of the glass panel to be covered by the panel-shaped electric device, wherein the panel-shaped electric device is retained by the first and second retaining members with the first and second edges of the panel-shaped electric device being received in the corresponding grooves such that the surface of the film-shaped electric device having the resin panel attached thereto faces away from the glass panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: YACHIYO INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yachiyo Industry Co., Ltd.
  • Patent number: 8500192
    Abstract: The invention relates to a glass roof for a motor vehicle essentially forming an entire roof surface between the front and rear vehicle-roof cross members. The glass panel can be connected fixedly to the vehicle body and can have one or several cutout openings fitted with an openable glass pane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventors: Michael Labrot, Lothar Schmidt, Laurent Tardy
  • Publication number: 20130082485
    Abstract: A shading system is provided, such as an overhead shading system for a panoramic window of a motor vehicle, which includes, but is not limited to a holding frame for attachment to a motor vehicle body. The holding frame exhibits a cross member, a first longitudinal member joined with the cross member, and a second longitudinal member joined with the cross member, a transverse strip guided so that it can slide from the first longitudinal member and second longitudinal member in order to activate a shading device coupled with the cross member and transverse strip, such as a roller blind or window shade, for at least partially covering a window opening bordered by the holding frame and transverse strip, and a guide connected with the holding frame, in particular a guiding rope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • Patent number: 8382200
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided with transparent roof area having at least one roof window tailored to fit into the roof structure. An adjustable darkening against exposure to incident light is provided toward the passenger compartment. The roof area has a first optically structured, immovably fixed surface and a second optically structured, movable surface. The first and second surfaces are arranged one over the other. The second surface here abuts the first surface so that it can slide over it. While the first surface takes up the entire roof window, the second surface is arranged at least in partial areas of the roof window. The second surface is arranged so that it can move relative to the first surface in such a way that the optical structures lying one over the other alter the incident light as a function of position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gerhard Mathes, Gunther Heim, Dino Demma
  • Patent number: 8282158
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a pair of front pillars extending upward from a vehicle body. A pair of rails extends rearward from the pair of front pillars. A pair of rear pillars extends downward and rearward from the pair of rails to the vehicle body. A pair of roof panels is spaced apart along the vehicle body longitudinal axis, and each panel extends inboard from a respective rail. A transparent roof panel is interposed between the roof panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Patrick Verhee
  • Patent number: 8235460
    Abstract: A vehicle window assembly includes a vehicle structure, a window panel and a proximity switch. The vehicle structure defines a passenger compartment of a vehicle and a viewing aperture. The window panel is mounted to the vehicle structure and covers the viewing aperture such that a first surface of the window panel faces the passenger compartment of the vehicle structure. The proximity switch overlays a portion of the first surface of the window panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Plavetich, Ching Pin Chang
  • Publication number: 20120169090
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a pair of front pillars extending upward from a vehicle body. A pair of rails extends rearward from the pair of front pillars. A pair of rear pillars extends downward and rearward from the pair of rails to the vehicle body. A pair of roof panels is spaced apart along the vehicle body longitudinal axis, and each panel extends inboard from a respective rail. A transparent roof panel is interposed between the roof panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Patrick Verhee
  • Patent number: 8141942
    Abstract: A motor vehicle body is proposed with a roof-carrying frame, upon which an adapter carrier is placed and secured for holding roof windows, sliding roofs, roof opening systems and/or roof module variants, and an adapter carrier suitable for installation in a motor vehicle body according to the invention. A corresponding method of manufacturing is also proposed for a motor vehicle body with a roof-carrying frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Bernhard Mathes, Bernd Mildeberger, Richard Stahlhut, Tobias Stever
  • Publication number: 20110272974
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a glass roof for a motor vehicle comprising a first glass pane (1) forming substantially the entire roof area between the front and the rear vehicle roof cross members and rigidly connectable to the vehicle body that has a cutout (2) used as a ventilation opening surrounded on all sides by the glass pane, in which cutout a second, openable glass pane (3) tightly sealing the cutout is mounted, characterized in that the first glass pane (1) comprises a laminated glass pane made of two individual glass panes (4,5) each having compressive stresses in their edge areas of at least 8 MPa, that the corners (8) of the ventilation opening (2) are rounded with a radius (R) of at least 15 mm but preferably at least 60 mm, and that the glass pane (1) has a three-dimensional bend.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Michael Labrot, Lothar Schmidt, Laurent Tardy
  • Patent number: 7922239
    Abstract: A motor vehicle body is proposed with a roof-carrying frame, upon which an adaptor carrier is placed and secured for holding roof windows, sliding roofs, roof opening systems and/or roof module variants, and an adapter carrier suitable for installation in a motor vehicle body according to the invention. A corresponding method of manufacturing is also proposed for a motor vehicle body with a roof-carrying frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Bernhard Mathes, Bernd Mildeberger, Richard Stahlhut, Robias Stever
  • Patent number: 7891723
    Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided with a convertible body. The motor vehicle comprises a body provided with seats and a convertible roof, consisting of a front section adjacent to a windscreen frame and a rear section, which is pivotally connected to the rear part of the vehicle. The two sections are hingedly connected to each other and are constructed so that they are capable of rotating relative to each other and to the body from the initial position to the end position and are enabled to be placed in the body rear part. When the convertible roof is placed in the vehicle rear part, the front section thereof occupies substantially a vertical position directly behind the seats and the rear section occupies substantially a horizontal position in the rear part of the vehicle. The front roof section where it is joined to the windscreen frame is shaped to the body bottom shape behind the seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventors: Alexandr Viktorovich Riabov, Dmitriy Alexandrovich Riabov
  • Patent number: 7845704
    Abstract: A retractable vehicle hardtop has a predominantly transparent top roof panel and a predominantly transparent combined back light/sail panel. The panels are attached to a top stack linkage that is used to retract and extend the hardtop. The top roof panel and combined back light/sail panel each feature a smooth, continuous two-part retractable hardtop that provides panoramic overhead views both when retracted and when extended. A frame is assembled to opaque peripheral portions of the top roof panel. Reinforcement bars are assembled to opaque portions of the combined back light/sail panel. A method of making the retractable hardtop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems
    Inventors: Jan Just, Robert E. Fallis, III
  • Patent number: 7810872
    Abstract: A roof structure for a vehicle body includes a roof having a roof opening that is closed by a cover member. The roof structure comprises a frame member, a left side panel member and a right side panel member. The frame member is configured to frame the roof opening. The frame member supports the cover member. Each side panel member forms a part of the vehicle body and is adhesively secured to the frame member. A peripheral edge portion of each side panel member includes at least one channel adapted to allow escape of an adhesive disposed between the side panel member and the frame member for ease of assembly of the roof structure to the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiko Kuribayashi, Brent Nathaniel Gaertner, Michael E. Franz, Yan Beaudoin
  • Patent number: 7798565
    Abstract: The invention relates to a roof module for a vehicle, which can be mounted from above in an opening in the bodywork and which comprises a rigid outer shell (12), in addition to at least one electric functional unit (16), which is pre-installed on the underside of the outer shell by means of a support unit (14). The electric functional unit (16) can be displaced by means of said support unit (14) between a mounting position, in which the electric functional unit can be introduced into the bodywork opening and a functional position, in which at least part of the electric functional unit can be placed against a limit (22) of the bodywork opening. The invention also relates to a method for mounting a roof module of this type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Webasto AG
    Inventors: Anton Dietmar Jöhl, Joachim Klesing
  • Publication number: 20100148540
    Abstract: A roll sunshade device, which includes a screen for shadowing an inner opening of a roof of a vehicle, a rotating body which is disposed ahead of the inner opening or behind the inner opening in a front-rear direction of the vehicle and rotates freely around an axis in a vehicle width direction, a turning member which is disposed at a predetermined distance from the rotating body in the front-rear direction of the vehicle and rotates freely around an axis in the vehicle width direction, and two circular wires which are disposed on both sides of the inner opening in the vehicle width direction, respectively and hung between the rotating body and the turning member, in which both edge portions of the screen in the vehicle width direction are supported by the two circular wires, respectively, and when the screen is slid in the front-rear direction of the vehicle from a state where the screen shadows the inner opening, the screen is folded along an outer circumferential surface of the turning member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: YACHIYO INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kouichi HOTTA, Hiroyuki Tsukamoto, Hisanori Fukuda, Yoshikazu Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20100045075
    Abstract: A fixed transparent module (FTM) for the roof of a vehicle having glass for cementing to the roof support surfaces to form a continuous seal; at least one compensation part running essentially parallel the roof support surface in a manner defining a space of substantially constant dimension between said outside surface of the compensation material and said roof support surface for receiving a cement layer of constant thickness; and at least one trim ring attached to said glass pane having a guide pin and attachment points, wherein said glass pane has added support, attachment points for additional features, and allowance for proper alignment of FTM to a vehicle body. Calibration stops can be added having a height that corresponds to the desired cement thickness of the cement layer. A reinforcement assembly, electric or manual sun shades can be added or, alternatively, the glass can be self darkening or use photoelectrochromic technology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: WEBASTO AG
    Inventors: Thomas Mack, Chris Muller, Jean-Guy Cocaign
  • Publication number: 20090273209
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a retractable roof system that provides slidable roof sections for vehicles and truck bed shells/caps, where the cargo area roof panels and rear window panel (hatch above tailgate) may be moved forward and above the seating area roof section, by means of a telescoping track system. Additionally, as applied to vehicles, the roof section above the seating areas may be moved rearward and above the cargo area roof section. The retractable roof system truck bed shell/cap assembly will come in segments that can be stored and shipped in a relatively small container. The shell/cap structure is composed of metal frame members and window panels. Right and left telescoping track assemblies are mounted on the metal frame members, with roof panels secured between them. Side and front window panels are attached to the exterior of the metal frame members to form the shell/cap walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: Jacob J. Joab
  • Patent number: 7607807
    Abstract: A vehicular light assembly (10) is held in an operative position within a liner (12) by an intermediate retainer (32) which has spring-like tongues (42). The retainer (32) is held in position on the liner (12) by fixation tabs (36) which are bent through the receiving hole (18) and pinch the liner (12) against a mounting plate (34) of the retainer (32). Segmented shoulders (46) on a sidewall (20) of the light assembly (10) are received in channels (48) on each of the tongues (42) and seat above the tips (44) of each tongue (42) to retain the light assembly (10) in its operative position. By simple application of a manual force, a service person is able to install or remove the light assembly (10) from its operative position in the liner (12). Thus, no tools are required to install or service the light assembly (10). Furthermore, the intermediate retainer (32) functions as a single unit to interconnect the liner (12) and the light assembly (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip Hall
  • Patent number: 7475936
    Abstract: A roof element 1 which is designed to close an opening which is made in the roof of a motor vehicle having a translucent pane which is to be permanently connected to the contact surface which borders the roof opening, especially for a contact surface originally designed to receive a sheet metal panel instead of a glass pane roof element. The roof element has at least one transition element which is joined permanently to the inner peripheral surface of the pane, and has a support surface which is parallel to the part of the contact surface on which the indicated support surface is to be superimposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Webasto AG
    Inventor: Jean-Luc Guicheteau
  • Patent number: 7431386
    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. Furthermore, the roof plate has a nontransparent area with a holding frame for a functional element molded onto a bottom thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Webasto AG
    Inventors: Miriam Schoenauer, Joachim Birkner, Michael Koelbl, Alexander Lang, Rudi Muttenhammer, Martin Pollak, Ralf Schwaighofer, Friedhelm Wulf, Jean-Guy Cocaign
  • Publication number: 20080197675
    Abstract: Glass roof (1) with at least two glass covers (2, 3), the glass covers (2, 3) being formed with impact edges (6, 27) facing each other and there being a formed-on part (4) along a impact edge (6) on one glass cover (2), the formed-on part (4) extending away from the impact edge (6) below the glass cover (2) and, in order to seal the impact region between the two glass covers (2, 3), the formed-on part (4) accommodating a seal (16) adjacent to the impact edge (6), the seal (16) extending from an upper side wall (10) of the formation (4) in the direction of a lower side of the glass cover and, on the upper side, forming a supporting wall (21) for the second glass cover (3) and, in addition, there is at least one support (35) for the second glass cover (3) and the seal (16), with the supporting wall (21) cut free from the sealing body, rests on the support (35) in such a manner that an intermediate layer is formed between the second glass cover (3) and the support (35).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Dennis Rinse Nolles