Abstract: A sunroof panel structure for substantially closing a sunroof aperture in a vehicle. The sunroof panel structure includes a sunroof panel member having a plurality of edges and a weatherstrip mounting flange. The weatherstrip mounting flange and the sunroof panel member are unitarily formed such that the weatherstrip mounting flange is coupled to at least one of the plurality of edges. The weatherstrip mounting flange is configured to receive a weatherstrip seal member without the use of adhesives or other bonding agents or mechanisms. A method for forming a sunroof assembly for an automotive vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A plastic panel assembly for use in a vehicle is provided including a sheet metal frame constructed and arranged to be coupled to a vehicle and a plastic panel mounted to the sheet metal frame. The plastic panel includes a plurality of pin members extending from a surface thereof and the frame includes a plurality of openings therethrough such that one pin member is disposed through an associated opening. Fastening structure is constructed and arranged with respect to the pin members to retain the plastic panel to the frame so that the panel is prevented from moving relative to the frame in a direction of extension of the pin members while the panel is permitted to move relative to the frame in a direction transverse to the direction of extension of the pin members, upon thermal expansion of the panel.

Abstract: A solar cover of an openable motor vehicle roof with a transparent cover panel (1) which is surrounded in the edge area at least in part by a plastic frame (2), with a solar cell network (9) which is provided on the inside of the cover panel (1) and which extends into the vicinity of the cover panel edge area, and with an inside cover sheet (3) which is located in the cover panel edge area and which overlaps the solar cell network (9) with its inside edge. To prevent load application by the inner cover sheet (3) to the solar cell network (9) which leads to delamination the inside edge (7) of the inner cover sheet (3) is located in a noncontacting, overly relationship with respect to the solar cell network (9). Furthermore, the cover sheet (3) is connected by means of adhesive securely to the combination of the cover panel (1) and the plastic frame (2).

Abstract: A panel assembly for an open roof construction for a vehicle having an opening in its fixed roof comprises a panel of plastic material, a stiffening frame extending along the circumference of the panel assembly and connecting means for connecting said panel and said stiffening frame to each other. The stiffening frame is positioned substantially externally of the plastic panel. The connecting means consist of an encapsulation formed at least externally around said panel, which consists of a non-transparent material which is softer than the panel material and whose upper side is substantially flush with the upper side of the panel.

Abstract: A motor vehicle roof has at least two raisable cover elements for selective closing or at least partially exposing a roof opening in a fixed roof surface, with gutters which run laterally lengthwise along the roof opening, a bead-shaped seal which is located transversely in the direction of travel on the front edge of the cover element and which with the roof closed fills and seals the gap between adjacent cover elements, a first primary gutter which is located in front of the bead-shaped seal, and a secondary gutter which is located in front of the primary gutter such that two gutters arranged in a cascade are formed, the end sides of the primary and secondary gutter being located over the gutters which run laterally along the roof opening in order to drain off the water which is located on the cover element with the cover element raised.

Abstract: A resin molded object 1 that may be used as a sunroof has a reinforcing rib 3 around the periphery of a window body 2 that is disposed inside a car. The window body 2 is molded using a fixed die 7 and one molding surface 8a of a first movable die 8, then the reinforcing rib 3 is molded on the window body 2 using the fixed die 7 and a second molding surface 8b of a second movable die 8 to thereby to fabricate a double-molded resin window.

Abstract: A sliding sunshade for placement in a sunroof frame along the perimeter of an opening in a roof of a vehicle. The sunshade includes a planar rectangular panel and bow-shaped spring located at each corner of the lateral edges of the panel. The planar panel and springs are integrally connected and molded from plastic as a single unit. The springs slide in the frame when assembled in the sunroof for maintaining a rattle-free condition of the panel.

Abstract: A roof molding for an automobile consists of an extruded mold product 10a in which a leg portion 11 and a decorative portion 15 formed on the upper end of the leg portion are integrally formed. A metal core member 12 is embedded in the leg portion. The leg portion is partially cut away in a range of a predetermined length from an end of the extruded mold product, in accordance with the depth of an end part of the groove of the roof, the metal core member in the vicinity of an end part 10b of the extruded mold product is cut away, and the end part from which the metal core member has been cut away is rearward bent by a bending process.