Pivotal Panel Patents (Class 296/216.02)
  • Patent number: 6837538
    Abstract: A roof device for a vehicle is comprised of a first movable panel movable between a normal position which covers a part of the opening portion of the vehicle roof and an operation position in which a rear end portion of the first movable panel is raised with a front end portion of the fist movable panel as a pivoting point, a second movable panel placed at a rear direction of the first movable panel of the opening portion of the vehicle roof, and an edge member placed at the rear end portion of the first movable panel and extended in a width direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, the roof device is characterized in that a first groove portion is formed at the edge member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kohichi Itoh, Tetsuya Hirata, Chitose Nishiyama, Kazuki Sawada
  • Publication number: 20040135403
    Abstract: A tilt sunroof unit has a sunroof panel provided tiltably with respect to a plane of an opening provided in a vehicular roof, an annular frame formed so as to extend continuously along an entire periphery of the opening, the annular frame being formed of a single parts in which a peripheral gutter continuing along an entire periphery thereof is integrally formed, and a lifting mechanism for connecting the sunroof panel and the annular frame, wherein the tilt sunroof unit in a subassembled state with the sunroof panel assembled thereto is assembled to the roof
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicants: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., YACHIYO KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Michio Tamura, Yoshitaka Higuchi
  • Publication number: 20040094994
    Abstract: The object of the invention is an arrangement in hatch structure (1) to be installed in a vehicle body (2). The arrangement comprises a hatch, the edges of which are bent downwards, which hatch is mainly horizontal when in the closed position, an opening (6) in the vehicle body (2), which opening (6) is smaller than the said hatch, a packing (4) for sealing the hatch and the opening (6) in relation to each other when the hatch is closed, and a hatch operating mechanism that incorporates at least one body part (7), which has sliding faces (8, 18) for a slide (9) on which the slide (9) rests, a lever (11) that is connected to the slide (9) by means of a first joint (12) and is supported near the edge of the opening (6) in the vehicle body (2) by means of a second joint (13), and a compression spring (10) located in the slide bed, which compression spring constantly exerts force on the slide (9) so as to push it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Jukka Sillanp
  • Publication number: 20040075305
    Abstract: An openable roof for a motor vehicle having a driver's compartment (10) with a roof cover (12) which can be moved between a closed position and an open position, and a rear wall (14) that can be pivot with respect to the driver's compartment around an axis (24) which runs in the transverse direction of the vehicle, and with a cargo bed (16) which is located behind the driver's compartment. The roof cover (12) and the rear wall (14) are joined to one another to be able to fold in the manner of a hinge, the roof cover being folded in the open position onto the rear wall and the roof cover, and the rear wall being deposited in this position in the area of the cargo bed (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: WEBASTO VEHICLE SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL GmbH
    Inventors: Francois De Gaillard, Martin De Waal, Jean-Luc Guicheteau, Izumi Kimoto, Michael Kolbl, Peter Mitterbauer, Martin Pollak, Claudio Ivano Righetti, Miriam Schonauer, Sigeru Ueki, Bernhard Vecchioni
  • Patent number: 6688682
    Abstract: A visor and transparent window assembly for a utility vehicle cab roof includes a latch mechanism which is selectively operable to retain the transparent panel closed to the roof or to tilt the transparent panel upwardly. The visor overlying the transparent panel is engageable by the latch mechanism to hold the visor to the transparent paneling in close overlying relationship. Plural gas struts are connected between the visor and the utility vehicle roof to assist in the tilting open of the visor. The visor and the transparent panel are hingedly connected to the roof along a common axis so that the transparent panel and the visor can be opened together as a unit without binding. The latch mechanism includes a hook end which can selectively engage the visor to the transparent panel such that the visor and the transparent panel are latched closed to the roof together or can be pivoted together to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Deere & Co.
    Inventors: John Raymond Arthur, Russell William Strong, Michael Robert Ondayko, Daniel James Knight, Robert Orval Hartweg
  • Patent number: 6672638
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle open air system includes a pair of vehicle side frames, one or more movement mechanisms, a back window assembly and an automatic actuator. In another aspect of the present invention, an automotive vehicle includes a front header panel, first and second vehicle side frames, first and second tracks, a sunroof panel, a back window panel and an electrical system operable to coordinate movement of the sunroof panel and the back window panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: ASC Incorporated
    Inventors: George A. Corder, James E. Tousignant, Bernard W. Schaller, Christopher H. Purcell
  • Patent number: 6669276
    Abstract: A sliding roof system for a motor vehicle comprises at least one cover part and a cover support to which the cover part is mounted. The system further comprises a guide rail on which a hook-out slot is provided and a carriage which can be shifted in the guide rail. An adjustment slot is provided on the carriage and is engaged by a hook-out pin which is mounted to the cover support. The hook-out pin also engages in the hook-out slot. A guide slot is provided on the guide rail and a guide pin is provided on the cover support, the guide pin gliding in the guide slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Eiermann, Klaus-Peter Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 6659541
    Abstract: A sliding roof cover for the roof opening of a motor vehicle roof which is supported to be moved along and be raised on guide rails which run lengthwise on either side of the roof opening. The sliding cover including a bearing on each guide rail having a front and a rear swiveling guide arrangement for raising or lowering the front edge and/or rear edge section of the cover when opening or closing the cover, and the two swiveling arrangements being coupled to one another. Each swiveling guide arrangement has a swiveling arm coupled to the cover and two guide elements which are spaced apart from one another and are movably supported on a guideway located on the roof-mounted guide rail. The two guide elements of each swiveling arm are guided in a deflection section of the guideway such that they swivel the swiveling arms for lifting or lowering the front or rear section of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbH
    Inventor: Jean-Luc Guicheteau
  • Patent number: 6609750
    Abstract: The present vehicle hatch for passenger vehicles comprises a hatch cover, sealant member and mounting frame assembly. The mounting frame assembly allows for the hatch cover to open to angle greater than 90 degrees. The hatch may be in any one of several positions including: totally closed, providing a hermetic seal pervious to dust and waterproof; open in all its periphery; open only at its front; open only at its front; open only at its rear; open on its right or left side; and open with the upper cover at an angle greater than 90 degrees, thereby serving as an emergency exit. The mounting frame and hatch cover provide an improved seal against penetration of water and other particles, and provide an improved aerodynamic feature. The mounting frame may be telescopically adjustable to provide for secure mounting on vehicle bodies of varying thicknesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventor: Armando Cauduro
  • Patent number: 6572182
    Abstract: A motorized vent and escape hatch assembly has a mounting ring fastened to a vehicle roof around a hatch hole, and a hatch cover that is attached to the mounting ring by a first over center hinge linkage mechanism pivotally connecting one side of the hatch cover to the mounting ring and a second over center mechanism pivotally connecting an opposite side of the hatch cover to the mounting ring. Each over center hinge linkage mechanism has first and second lever members pivotally connected to the mounting ring at one end, first and second plungers that are connected to the respective first and second plungers at the opposite end and that extend into opposite ends of a tube that is connected to the hatch cover. A compression spring in the tube biases the first and second plungers away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Transpec, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald C. Lamparter, James A. Haigh, Richard J. Iminski
  • Patent number: 6540288
    Abstract: An escape hatch assembly mountable in an opening in the roof of a vehicle which includes a frame member having an egress opening defined by upstanding side walls that are arranged to extend upwardly into the opening in the roof of the vehicle, a flange member extending outwardly from the lower portion of said frame member and arranged to abut the inside surface of the roof of the vehicle; and attachment elements for securing the flange member to the inside surface of the roof of the vehicle. A method of installing the escape hatch upwardly through an opening the roof of a vehicle is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Specialty Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: James R. Tobin
  • Patent number: 6533343
    Abstract: A subassembly element in the form of an intermediate product for a multipart cover element for motor vehicles contains at least two subassembly parts, e.g., for a multipart sunroof or sliding roof cover or for a multipart loading zone or cargo space cover, containing edge regions on the adjacent edges of the subassembly parts which are correspondingly shaped such that they had least partially overlap in the closed position. All subassembly parts are present in the form of one connected-together part and are shaped in accordance with the predetermined contour of the cover element. A channel-shaped depression is arranged at least in the outer side of the subassembly element in the edge region in which two respective subassembly parts adjoin one another. The contour of the channel-shaped depression is comprised of the desired contours of the edge regions of adjacent subassembly parts of the respective cover element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Arvin Meritor GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Bohm, Rainer Grimm
  • Patent number: 6527332
    Abstract: A motorcar with an openable hard top is of the type in which the roof (2) comprises a front portion (3) connected releasably to the upper cross-member of the windscreen (5) and a transparent rear portion (4) which is articulated about a horizontal transverse axis (6) to two side pillars (7) of the body. The roof (2) can be opened in known manner by being pivoted rearwardly about the said transverse axis (6) until it bears on the rear boot lid (10) which has two front arms (11) that extend upwards and are articulated to the body about the same horizontal transverse axis (6) about which the roof (2) is articulated. When the roof is in the closed position, the end edge (4a) of the transparent rear portion (4) of the roof (2) is situated at the same height as the bases of the two side pillars (7) of the body to which the roof (2) is articulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Fioravanti S.r.l.
    Inventor: Leonardo Fioravanti
  • Patent number: 6513865
    Abstract: A motor vehicle roof with a roof opening (12) and a body-mounted carrier frame (38) to which a roof module (14) which fills the roof opening is attached, the roof module having a module frame (20) by means of which it is attached to the carrier frame, a cover (22) which can be pushed in the module frame in the lengthwise direction of the roof, and a rear window (24) which directly adjoins the cover to the rear in the closed position of the cover, and the module frame is made such that the cover and the rear window in their closed state adjoin the module frame, forming a seal. The rear window (24) can be raised with its rear edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbH
    Inventors: Alfons Lutz, Thomas Ulbrich, Stephan Wolfrum
  • Patent number: 6513866
    Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle for a vehicle having an opening in its fixed roof comprises a stationary part to be fixed to the roof. The stationary part includes at least one stationary guide rail at the edge of the roof opening, which extends in the longitudinal direction of vehicle. A panel is adjustable between a closed position, in which it closes the roof opening, and an open position, in which it has been moved rearwards to an upwardly sloping position at least partially above the fixed roof, in which position it opens the roof opening at least partially, An operating mechanism is provided for adjusting said panel. The operating mechanism includes a driven slide and a panel element, preferably a link plate, which is attached to the panel and which is adjustably connected to said slide. A locking mechanism is provided. The locking mechanism includes a locking element that is slidably connected to the panel element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Inalfa Industries B.V.
    Inventor: Peter Christiaan Leonardus Johannes Manders
  • Patent number: 6485091
    Abstract: An openable motor vehicle roof with at least two successive, separately openable roof systems, of which the front roof system has at least one cover (4) which can be raised at its rear edge (4D) over the fixed motor vehicle roof (1). The rear roof system is formed by a louvered roof which has a plurality of louver-shaped cover parts of which a rearmost cover part (9) is located over the rear area of a cargo space (28) of the motor vehicle, and which can be opened from back to front, beginning with the rearmost cover part (9). Preferably, the rear edge (9D) of the rear cover part (9) directly adjoins the rear hatch, the rear door, or the rear window (10) of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbH
    Inventors: Malamiri Jadolah Karami, Manfred Pfalzgraf, Walter Schätzler, Joachim Birkner
  • Patent number: 6485094
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle open air system includes a pair of vehicle side frames, one or more movement mechanisms, a back window assembly and an automatic actuator. In another aspect of the present invention, an automotive vehicle includes a front header panel, first and second vehicle side frames, first and second tracks, a sunroof panel, a back window panel and an electrical system operable to coordinate movement of the sunroof panel and the back window panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: ASC Incorporated
    Inventors: George A. Corder, James E. Tousignant, Bernard W. Schaller, Christopher H. Purcell
  • Patent number: 6478368
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle having a variable roof/rear area, especially a station wagon or a sport-utility vehicle having a rear cargo space, in which a cover of the roof/rear area and a rear part can be opened, and the cover pivoted downward about an axis transverse to the surface of the roof/rear area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbH
    Inventor: Francois de Gaillard
  • Publication number: 20020153752
    Abstract: A motorized vent and escape hatch assembly has a mounting ring fastened to a vehicle roof around a hatch hole, and a hatch cover that is attached to the mounting ring by a first over center hinge linkage mechanism pivotally connecting one side of the hatch cover to the mounting ring and a second over center mechanism pivotally connecting an opposite side of the hatch cover to the mounting ring. Each over center hinge linkage mechanism has first and second lever members pivotally connected to the mounting ring at one end, first and second plungers that are connected to the respective first and second plungers at the opposite end and that extend into opposite ends of a tube that is connected to the hatch cover. A compression spring in the tube biases the first and second plungers away from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Ronald C. Lamparter, James A. Haigh, Richard J. Iminski
  • Patent number: 6468147
    Abstract: A vent cap cover for a recreational vehicle (RV) is provided which allows for dry air entry during rainy conditions. The vent cap cover allows easy observation of the vent cap and maximum air and light availability. Easy maintenance, cleaning and repairs of the vent cap from the exterior of the RV is possible by simply opening the upper, transparent section of the vent cap cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Camco Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6447056
    Abstract: A vehicle having an open roof construction comprising a fixed roof provided with at least two openings which are separated from each other by a central part, and a stationary part fixed to the roof, at least two adjustable closure elements supported by said stationary part, which are each adjustable between a closed position, in which they close the respective roof opening, and an open position, in which they release said opening at least partially. Two movable, substantially rigid screens are mounted under said closure elements, the screens of which are movable between a position in which they are positioned substantially under the respective roof opening and a position in which they release said opening at least partially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Inalfa Industries B.V.
    Inventor: Martinus Wilhelmus Maria Nabuurs
  • Patent number: 6439655
    Abstract: A hatch in a fixed roof surface of a motor vehicle with a frame (1) which is located in the roof cutout in the roof surface, with a cover (2) which can be opened and closed relative to the frame (1) via a raising mechanism, and with an actuating mechanism for the raising mechanism, the raising mechanism having a first pair of toggle joints (3 and 4) which are supported on the frame (1) to raise one edge of the cover (2) and a second pair of toggle joints (5 and 6) which are supported on the frame (1) to raise the opposite edge of the cover (2), and the actuating mechanism having a transmission mechanism (24) which can be moved along the frame (1), which is guided on the frame (1), and to which actuating elements (28, 29 and 30, 28′, 29′, 30′) are attached for simultaneous actuation of the toggle joints of a respective one of the first and second pairs of toggle joints (3, 4 and 5, 6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbH
    Inventors: Jörn Lenhardt, Hans-Michael Wardenga, Helmut Stenzel, Dieter Schulz
  • Patent number: 6419308
    Abstract: A movable roof system for an automotive vehicle includes a roof panel which can be retracted to a stowed position below a storage compartment cover while the vehicle is being driven. In another aspect of the present invention, two or more generally rigid roof panels are movable from above a passenger compartment to below a plane defined by a closed rear deck lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: ASC Incorporated
    Inventors: George A. Corder, Bernard W. Schaller, Alvin D. Warden, Jr., James E. Tousignant
  • Publication number: 20020070587
    Abstract: A controller of a sunroof for a vehicle structured such as to adjust a predetermined over flap amount S to be fixed in correspondence to a power supply voltage of a drive unit or an operating speed of a lid 3 in the case of temporarily descending at the over flap amount S from a fully-closed position, thereafter ascending and stopping at the fully-closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Yoshifumi Horiuchi, Osamu Kawanobe, Kimikatsu Okada
  • Publication number: 20020067054
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle open air system includes a pair of vehicle side frames, one or more movement mechanisms, a back window assembly and an automatic actuator. In another aspect of the present invention, an automotive vehicle includes a front header panel, first and second vehicle side frames, first and second tracks, a sunroof panel, a back window panel and an electrical system operable to coordinate movement of the sunroof panel and the back window panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: George A. Corder, James E. Tousignant, Bernard W. Schaller, Christopher H. Purcell
  • Patent number: 6394539
    Abstract: A vehicle hatch dismantling device adapted to firmly secure a hatch for opening and closing an opening at a vehicle roof for ventilation during normal times, and enabling the dismantling of the hatch during emergencies such as during overturn or submergence of the vehicle, while preventing breakage of the hatch even if the hatch is frequently dismantled for maintenance thereof. The device has a hatch sizeably formed to cover the vehicle roof opening, a first bracket underneath the hatch for vertically moving the hatch, a hinge link mechanism linked to the first bracket, and a second bracket fixed to an inner wall surface surrounding the opening. The device includes a lever rotably supported at one side thereof to the first bracket and has a coupling hole. The device also includes a rod coupled to the coupling hole of the lever, and an intermittent support unit coupled to the first bracket for intermittently coupling first bracket with the hatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Dae-Sung Park
  • Patent number: 6361103
    Abstract: An openable motor vehicle roof with a circular roof opening, a circular disk-shaped cover (1) which is located in the roof opening, and an actuating mechanism (20) for moving the cover (1) between a position which closes the roof opening and a tilted position which creates a ventilation gap in its edge area. The cover (1) is attached via the actuating mechanism (20) to a rotary frame (2) which mounted to rotate on a circular guide frame (9) which is attached permanently to the roof in the area of the roof opening edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Webasto Karosseriesysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Gerald Schneider, Christoph Lante, Bernhard Wingen
  • Patent number: 6361104
    Abstract: A vehicle sunroof has a tilting lid provided at a front part of an opening formed in a roof of a vehicle. The tilting lid is adapted to be moved vertically at a rear end thereof with lifter mechanisms. A sliding lid is provided at a rear part of the opening supported by sliders adapted to be moved along guide rails disposed on both side edge portions of the opening and is constructed so as to be moved longitudinally through such movements of the sliders. The lifter mechanisms are provided in such a manner as to be oriented laterally at portions facing a rear end of the tilting lid on a laterally oriented cross member disposed so as to extend between front end portions of the left and right guide rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignees: Ohi Seisakusho Co., Ltd., Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryo Tsuruo, Kenichi Kuriyama, Masaki Ohmori, Nobuo Ito, Yoshifumi Horiuchi, Masanobu Ohtsu, Hiroshi Okada, Yoshihiro Yamashita
  • Patent number: 6349990
    Abstract: A coupling apparatus of roof ventilator of hatch for covering and uncovering an opening at a vehicle roof for ventilation and for passengers to escape in an emergency, the coupling apparatus having a hatch arranged to cover a roof opening on a vehicle roof and a toggle link mechanism for link-connecting the hatch and the opening to enable the hatch to be tilted to a direction for vertical movement of the hatch and for covering and uncovering the opening, the apparatus further comprising a recess at a lateral wall surface of the opening and a locking unit at the recess for coupling and releasing the hatch, thereby enabling an easy detachment of the hatch in an emergency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Dae-Sung Park
  • Patent number: 6336678
    Abstract: A vehicle hatch dismantling device adapted to fix a hatch to allow an opening at the roof to be opened and closed for ventilation in normal times and to enable an easy detachment of the hatch in emergency such as overturn or submergence of the vehicle, making it easy for passengers to escape through the opening at the roof of the vehicle, the device having a hatch for covering an opening at the roof, a first bracket coupled to a panel underneath the hatch for vertical movement of the hatch and a toggle link mechanism secured to an area between an inner wall surface of the opening and a second bracket, the device comprising: a plurality of clamping members coupled to the first bracket for coupling the first bracket to a lower panel of a hatch; an intermittent fixing member slidably disposed at an upper side of the lower panel and coupled to the clamping member for releaseably mounting the hatch to the first bracket; and an insertion hole formed at the lower panel for allowing the clamping member to be inserted
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Dae-Sung Park
  • Patent number: 6332645
    Abstract: Sealing arrangement for a gap (3) between adjacent cover edges of two adjustable cover elements (1, 2) which lie behind one another in their closed position, i.e., cover elements of a motor vehicle sliding roof, sliding and lifting roof, spoiler roof, louvered roof or the like. In the gap area, at least one sealing element (6, 7) which is elastic at least in areas is attached to each of the two cover elements (1, 2) or to the frame parts (13 and 14) which are associated therewith. The two sealing elements (6, 7) are arranged symmetrically along the cover edges of the two cover elements (1, 2), and the two sealing elements overlap one another with sealing lips (11, 12) to form a seal in the gap area in the closed position of the cover elements (1, 2). The elasticity and shape of the sealing elements are such that the sealing elements allow mutual tilting and/or vertical adjustment movements of the two cover elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Webasto Karosseriesysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Schwarz
  • Patent number: 6264269
    Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle having an opening in its fixed roof comprises a frame for being mounted in the opening in the fixed roof, and a rigid, transparent panel for selectively closing or at least partially releasing the opening in the fixed roof. An adjuster is provided between the frame and the panel for adjusting the panel between the closed position and the open position. The frame is provided with rearward protrusions at the rear, laterally of a central part thereof. The panel extends as far as the protrusions at the rear. This makes it possible to use an extra large roof opening and a large panel, whilst maintaining an interior unit on the fixed roof of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Inalfa Industries B.V.
    Inventor: Martinus Wilhelmus Maria Nabuurs