Having Associated Air Deflector Or Guide Patents (Class 296/217)
  • Publication number: 20090236878
    Abstract: An openable vehicle roof with a roof opening and a movable cover has a wind deflector which is attached pivotably to a fixed shaft located under an opening edge. A wind deflector mechanism, which can be coupled to a movement mechanism of the cover, is also located under the opening edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: Rainer Grimm
  • Patent number: 7537277
    Abstract: A vehicle roof with a roof opening system which has a roof frame surrounding an openable and closable roof opening, a wind deflector at a front edge region of the roof opening which can be pivoted out of a lowered position in a raising direction, and a positioning device which has a flexible element which is attached at a first end to the wind deflector and after being deflected by a deflection element is dynamically connected to a drive member which acts in the lengthwise direction of the vehicle so that the second end of the flexible element undergoes an offset parallel to the lengthwise axis of the vehicle when the drive member is actuated. When the flexible element is actuated, a retaining force directed at a right angle to the plane of the roof opening acts on the wind deflector to affect its positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Webasto AG
    Inventors: Alexander Bergmiller, Martin Kiedl
  • Patent number: 7533929
    Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle is provided, comprising a roof opening provided in a stationary roof part and closure assembly comprising a closure element which is movable between positions for closing and opening the roof opening and which can assume a tilted position for at least partially opening the roof opening, in which tilted position a rearward edge of the closure element is lifted, and wherein in the region of the opposite longitudinal edges of the closure element telescopingly movable cover members are provided for covering a gap created when the closure element is not in its closure position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventor: Eduardus Christianus Henricus van Boxtel
  • Patent number: 7533928
    Abstract: A wind deflector mechanism for a vehicle sliding roof system includes a wind deflector lever attached to a wind deflector element. The wind deflector lever is attachable to a vehicle and can be swiveled between a home position and a raised position. A raising lever is coupled to the wind deflector lever and swivels the wind deflector lever between the home position and the raised position. A raising spring acts upon the raising lever substantially in such a manner that the raising lever biases the wind deflector lever toward the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Biewer, Michael Jugl
  • Publication number: 20090045655
    Abstract: A retractable roof for a vehicle having a passenger compartment that is selectively covered by the retractable roof. A pair of roof rails define a plurality of tracks that support a plurality of rigid roof panels on opposite lateral sides of the rigid panels. An upper tailgate extends between a rear portion of the roof rails and is pivoted on a lower edge of the upper tailgate from a forward and upper orientation in a closed position to a horizontal position in the open position. In the closed position, the rigid panels are aligned to form a continuous roof and in the open position, the panels are vertically stacked below the upper tailgate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: MAGNA CAR TOP SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Michael T. Willard, Robert E. Fallis, III, Jan Just
  • Publication number: 20090001774
    Abstract: Please substitute the following paragraph for the abstract now appearing in the currently filed specification: A wind deflector for a partially releasable opening of a roof of a motor vehicle, which can be closed by means of a mobile roof part, said opening comprising a glass element forming an edge of the roof opening and/or part of the roof, a connection element which is fixed to an edge section of the glass element, facing the interior of the motor vehicle, a detachable element which can be detached from the glass element, and a clampable deflector element which is fixed to the detachable element with one of the edge sections thereof and to the connection element with the other edge section thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: WEBASTO AG
    Inventors: Roland Hahn, Dominik Hoelzel
  • Publication number: 20090001773
    Abstract: A motor vehicle roof is provided that includes, but is not limited to a base roof and a roof segment. The roof segment is adjustable relative to the base roof. In a closed state, the roof segment fits tightly with the base roof. When opened, the roof segment is arranged to provide a space between itself and the base roof. A spoiler is provided that is connected to and adjustable with the base roof and kinematically connected to the roof segment in such a way that through the movement of the spoiler, the roof segment can be opened and closed state. Additional storage space for the placement of baggage is formed when the roof is in an opened state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Frank LEOPOLD
  • Publication number: 20080315632
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle with an opening roof. The roof is provided with at least one roof piece and a rear piece that are pivotally interconnected and can be moved between a closed position in which the same close a roof opening or a rear opening and a stowed position at the rear end in which the same unblock the openings while being swiveled towards each other by the internal faces thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: WEBASTO AG
    Inventor: Claudio Ivano Righetti
  • Patent number: 7467822
    Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle comprises a roof opening which is provided in a stationary roof part of the vehicle, a movable panel for selectively opening and closing said roof opening, and a wind deflector positioned at the frontal edge of the roof opening, which wind deflector is provided with an upper frame member and a flexible member attached with one edge to said upper frame member. The upper frame member is substantially rigid and the flexible member is attached to said upper frame member through a tensioning means for keeping the flexible member taut over its entire width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventor: Peter Christiaan Leonardus Johannes Manders
  • Publication number: 20080284211
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wind deflector (1) for motor vehicles, comprising a base element (2) that can be attached to part of the vehicle, an extension element (3), which is mounted so that it can pivot in relation to the base element, a displacement device (7) for pivoting the extension element (3) between a stored position and an extended position and at least one screening device (5, 6), which is provided at least in sections between the base element (2) and the extension element (3) and consists of a pliable material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Philipp Oerke, Rainer Mathias
  • Publication number: 20080284212
    Abstract: The present invention provides an actuating device for a wind deflector device in a vehicle, with a roof opening and a roof closure element, wherein the actuating device has at least one actuating cable which can be coupled to a sun-shielding device, wherein the actuating cable can actuate the sun-shielding device when it is coupled to the sun-shielding device, wherein the actuating cable can be moved in a first direction in which the sun-shielding device uncovers the roof opening, wherein the actuating cable can be decoupled from the sun-shielding device in a predetermined position, and wherein, in the state in which it is decoupled from the sun-shielding device, the actuating cable can be moved further in the first direction and, in the process, can adjust the wind deflector device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Bernhard Wingen, Thomas Pongratz
  • Patent number: 7441834
    Abstract: A wind deflector for a motor vehicle roof which is movable between a rest position and an operating position, the bearing means containing a spring arrangement which pretensions the wind deflector into the raised operating position. The spring arrangement has a first range of motion of low spring force and a second range of motion of higher spring force, which are assigned to a first adjustment region of the wind deflector out of its raised operating position and a second adjustment region of the wind deflector into its lowered rest position. The wind deflector is lowerable in the range of motion of low spring force by the force of the head wind and in the second range of motion of higher spring force the actuating means with an adjustment force which exceeds the force of the head wind is active for lowering the wind deflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Webasto AG
    Inventors: Thorsten Eller, Herbert Wolf, Kurt Kugler
  • Publication number: 20080258508
    Abstract: The invention relates to a extendable wind deflector for a sliding roof of a motor vehicle, which comprises a wind deflector profile (15) provided with at least one air guiding wall (16). Said profile is open along the longitudinal extension thereof in at least one area which is oriented away from the air guiding wall (16) and comprises a sealing device (29) along the longitudinal extension thereof which co-operates with the roof section (8) of the vehicle body in at least one operational position. The at least one open area of the wind deflector profile (15) is covered by means of a covering device (25), such that a wind deflector (10) is obtained with a profile which is closed in the cross-section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Jadolah Karami-Malamiri, Cornelia Wertenbroch, Stefan Groitl, Christian Gallner
  • Publication number: 20080238155
    Abstract: The illuminated automotive wind blocker allows the simple and inexpensive manufacture of a wind blocker for any number of automobiles which utilize illuminated text and/or artwork. The design of the illuminated automotive wind blocker allows such text or artwork to be quickly and inexpensively applied based on customer requirements. The use of computer aided etching techniques allow the illuminated automotive wind blocker to be cost effectively manufactured with custom artwork in quantities as low as one item. This allows the end customer to utilize any artistic design desired to create a completely custom, one-of-a-kind accessory for the customer's automobile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Robert King Pennington
  • Publication number: 20080217965
    Abstract: A wind deflector for a sunroof. The wind deflector includes a first electrode proximate an edge of a sunroof opening. A second electrode is proximate the first electrode. An insulator is intermediate the first and second electrodes. A power supply is coupled to the first and second electrodes. An electrical signal generated by the power supply is coupled to the first and second electrodes. An electric field generated between the electrodes due to the electrical signal ionizes air proximate the electrodes, thereby deflecting an air flow field away from the sunroof opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Thomas Ramsay
  • Patent number: 7422274
    Abstract: A roof for a passenger motor vehicle is disclosed that comprises at least a first roof element extending above the vehicle's passengers in the front seats of the vehicle. The first roof element may be moved along side roof frames and has a first transverse section that borders a second transverse of a second roof element. Recessed areas are provided between the first transverse section of the roof element and the second transverse section of the roof element. The recessed areas provide the front seat passengers with enlarged viewing areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: CTS Fahrzeug-Dachsysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfram Salz
  • Patent number: 7413238
    Abstract: A wind deflector (10) for a motor vehicle roof (2) with a roof opening (4) which can be closed by means of a movable cover (6), is located along the front edge of the roof opening (4) and can be moved between an inactive position which is retracted into the outside contour of the roof and a raised operating position, the effective area exposed to the incident flow of the head wind being formed from an air-permeable net (12). The net (12) which forms the effective area is made of several sections of different fabric density which are located next to one another. The net (12) can be a one-piece fabric with several sections of different fabric density made by means of a corresponding weaving technique, so that the net (12) does not have any seams or other connecting sites between the individual sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Webasto AG
    Inventor: Viter Sergio Pocchiola
  • Patent number: 7404600
    Abstract: Motor vehicle roof with a roof opening, a movable closing element to selectively close or at least partially clear the roof opening, a wind deflector in a front edge area of the roof opening and which is movable between lowered and filly raised positions, and a positioning device for setting intermediate positions of the wind deflector which has a holder which engages the wind deflector and a driven displacement mechanism for vertically displacing the wind deflector into the intermediate positions. The adjustment mechanism has a guide element which is driven by the drive into motion along the wind deflector with an inclined guideway along which an engagement element which is connected to the holder is movably guided. The engagement element is supported on a body-mounted carrier such that it can be moved with respect to the carrier only normal to the direction of motion of the guide element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Webasto AG
    Inventors: Jadi Karami, Martin Kiedl, Christian Gallner
  • Patent number: 7404599
    Abstract: A sunroof apparatus includes a pair of arms being arranged along respective sides in a vehicle width direction of an opening portion formed on a roof of a vehicle, a rear portion of the arm being pivotally connected to the roof, a front portion of the arm being biased by a first spring in a rising direction, a pair of arm holding members operating so as to follow a movement of a sunroof panel that opens or closes the opening portion, the arm holding member being in contact with the arm when the sunroof panel is closed, a wind deflector being pivotally connected to a front end of the arm, and a second spring for biasing a front edge of the wind deflector in a direction opposite to the rising direction. A rotation of the wind deflector by means of the second spring is restricted by the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kiyozumi Fukami
  • Publication number: 20080129088
    Abstract: A sliding roof system includes at least one guide rail, a cover that is displaceable relative to the guide rail, and a wind deflector that can be displaced between a lowered and a deployed position. At least two actuating elements act on the wind deflector in order to press the wind deflector out of the deployed position into the lowered position. An offset V is provided such that the sliding roof system is able to have one of the actuating elements act on the wind deflector while the other actuating element remains spaced apart from the wind deflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Martin Spickermann, Detlef Heyn
  • Publication number: 20080106125
    Abstract: A vehicle roof with a roof opening system which has a roof frame surrounding an openable and closable roof opening, a wind deflector at a front edge region of the roof opening which can be pivoted out of a lowered position in a raising direction, and a positioning device which has a flexible element which is attached at a first end to the wind deflector and after being deflected by a deflection element is dynamically connected to a drive member which acts in the lengthwise direction of the vehicle so that the second end of the flexible element undergoes an offset parallel to the lengthwise axis of the vehicle when the drive member is actuated. When the flexible element is actuated, a retaining force directed at a right angle to the plane of the roof opening acts on the wind deflector to affect its positioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: WEBASTO AG
    Inventors: Alexander Bergmiller, Martin Kiedl
  • Patent number: 7360827
    Abstract: A deflector assembly for an automobile sunroof (60) has an elongate acrylic visor (40) for, deflecting air from the sunroof and, a pedestal (150a) mountable to each end of the visor to form the deflector assembly. Each of the pedestals is secured onto the automobile, such as with a clip (155) and fastener (156) arrangement, to removably retain the visor adjacent the sunroof. Gaskets (48, 49) are provided as a buffer between the deflector assembly and the automobile's roof, and an inert material (48a) is placed adjacent the visor to avoid adverse reaction with the gasket material (48b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Focus Auto Design Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley Grant Kinzel
  • Patent number: 7357441
    Abstract: This uncoverable vehicle is of the type including, at least, a windscreen (5), a sliding roof, and two front seats (3, 4); it also includes a wind deflector in the form of a panel (6) fitted with a front rim (7) and a rear rim (8), which panel (6) extends from the trailing edge of the windscreen (5), on the whole width thereof. The deflecting panel (6) is fitted, in its medial portion intended to be situated between both front seats (3, 4), with intrinsic elements (12) laid out to deviate an air flux to the inside of the passenger space, in order to oppose the formation of turbulent recirculations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignees: Heuliez, CSTB
    Inventors: Gérard Queveau, Paul Queveau, Jacques Gandemer, Jean-Paul Bouchet
  • Publication number: 20080067839
    Abstract: A wind deflector for an openable vehicle roof with a movable cover element has a raisable deflector element (20) made of a flexible flat material and at least two lateral raising arms (22), each of which, with its end facing the vehicle rear, is coupled in the region of the roof-mounted guide rail (14) and is used for moving the deflector element (20) between the lowered rest position and a raised, at least partially tensioned operating position. The raising arms (22) are each provided with a retraction means (28) so that the coupling points are pushed in the direction of the vehicle rear in the operating position as compared to their location in the rest position, and the positioning angle of the deflector element (20) undergoes a reduction during raising.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: WEBASTO AG
    Inventor: Thomas Staltmayer
  • Publication number: 20080036247
    Abstract: A sunroof decoration cover assembly includes: a guide rail frame provided with a guide rail and coupled to a vehicle body; an operational mechanism, which is operated along the guide rail to open and close a sunroof window unit; a front assembly portion formed on the operational mechanism; a rear assembly portion provided with a drip rail coupled to the guide rail frame; a sunroof decoration cover supported by a sunroof decoration cover guide and covering the operational mechanism; a front assembly unit provided on the sunroof decoration cover guide and coupled to the front assembly portion; a rear assembly unit provided on the sunroof decoration cover guide and coupled to the rear assembly portion; and an upper coupling unit provided on the upper portion of the sunroof decoration cover and coupled to the sunroof window unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Jeong Hoon Park
  • Publication number: 20070236052
    Abstract: A wind deflector mechanism for a vehicle sliding roof system includes a wind deflector lever attached to a wind deflector element. The wind deflector lever is attachable to a vehicle and can be swiveled between a home position and a raised position. A raising lever is coupled to the wind deflector lever and swivels the wind deflector lever between the home position and the raised position. A raising spring acts upon the raising lever substantially in such a manner that the raising lever biases the wind deflector lever toward the raised position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventors: Christian Biewer, Michael Jugl
  • Patent number: 7237836
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Webasto AG
    Inventors: Miriam Schoenauer, Joachim Birkner, Michael Koelbl, Alexander Lang, Rudi Muttenhammer, Martin Pollak, Ralf Schwaighofer, Friedhelm Wulf, Jean-Guy Cocaign
  • Patent number: 7234767
    Abstract: A sliding roof system includes a frame, a cover movable into a ventilation position, and a lateral safety screen. When the lateral safety screen is in a covering position, the lateral safety screen extends to lie to a side of and underneath the cover. The lateral safety screen is attached to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Boss, Holger Oechel, Oliver Parendier
  • Patent number: 7152917
    Abstract: A wind deflector is described for use at the leading end of a roof opening in the roof of a vehicle, which wind deflector is movable between a retracted position in which it substantially is positioned in a recess below the level of the upper surface of the roof and an extended position in which it at least partially extends above said level, and which wind deflector comprises a movable upper frame part, a lower frame part and a mesh material having an upper edge region attached to the upper frame part and a lower edge region attached to the lower frame part. The lower frame part together with the lower edge region of the mesh material is movable between a retracted position below said level and an extended position above said level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventor: Peter Christiaan Leonardus Manders
  • Patent number: 7121617
    Abstract: An air deflector device for a convertible vehicle has a deflector mounted to pivot between a shutting position, in which it participates in making up the roof when the roof is in its closed configuration, and an opening position that it takes up in order to protect the passengers inside the vehicle from the flow of air when the roof is in its retracted configuration. The deflector is mounted to pivot on a carriage which is itself mounted to move along longitudinal guides, it thus being possible for the effectiveness of the deflector to be significantly improved by moving the deflector along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Heuliez
    Inventors: Paul Queveau, Gerard Queveau, Jean-Marc Guillez
  • Patent number: 7121618
    Abstract: The sunroof apparatus has a sunroof panel equipped at an opening of a fixed roof; a tilt mechanism that is provided beneath a side edge of the sunroof panel, and can tilt up the panel around a rotation axis that makes vehicle lateral directions axial directions thereof; and a side cover for shielding the tilt mechanism, seen from a vehicle room side in tilting up the panel, wherein the side cover has a plurality of cover members that overlap each other in the vehicle lateral directions, and each of which front end side is relative-rotation-free coupled each other around a coupling shaft of the cover members, and one of them is fixed at the panel and so that each of them is opened in tilting up the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignees: Yachiyo Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisya, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuaki Uehara, Shigehito Horiuti, Masaharu Ohnishi
  • Patent number: 7093892
    Abstract: Motor vehicle roof with a roof opening, a movable closing element to selectively close or at least partially clear the roof opening, a wind deflector in a front edge area of the roof opening and which is movable between lowered and fully raised positions, and a positioning device for setting intermediate positions of the wind deflector which has a holder which engages the wind deflector and a driven displacement mechanism for vertically displacing the wind deflector into the intermediate positions. The adjustment mechanism has a guide element which is driven by the drive into motion along the wind deflector with an inclined guideway along which an engagement element which is connected to the holder is movably guided. The engagement element is supported on a body-mounted carrier such that it can be moved with respect to the carrier only normal to the direction of motion of the guide element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Webasto AG
    Inventors: Jadi Karami, Martin Kiedl, Christian Gallner
  • Patent number: 7059668
    Abstract: A wind deflector is presented for use at the leading end of a roof opening in a roof of a vehicle, which wind deflector at least comprises a transversally extending longitudinal main body with a forward side extending upwardly and rearwardly. The main body over at least part of its transverse length is provided with an opening in its lower section, which opening defines the access to a chamber of which a substantially upwardly directed wall is constructed in such a manner that an air stream entering said chamber through the access opening in the main body of the wind deflector is slowed down in said chamber and leaves said chamber through said upwardly directed wall only in a limited amount and with reduced velocity compared to the initial air stream velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Erik Van De Putten, Bernd Wilms
  • Patent number: 7048329
    Abstract: A wind deflector system for a sunroof system includes a wind deflector that is adjustable between a lowered position and an extended position, and a pinch protection element. The wind deflector is adjustable between a lowered and an extended position. The pinch protection element is mounted to the wind deflector and extends downward from the wind deflector as a protection feature to prevent fingers from being pinched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor GmbH
    Inventor: Detlef Heyn
  • Patent number: 7032963
    Abstract: A motor vehicle roof with a wind deflector element (20) which can be raised with its rear edge area (16) and a covering arrangement which is located behind the wind deflector element for selective joint closing and at least partial clearance of a roof opening, the wind deflector element having a spoiler body (10) for preventing unwanted air flow noise when the covering arrangement is open. The spoiler body (10) is foamed onto the wind deflector element (20) via a peripheral foaming production process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Webasto AG
    Inventors: Michael Deppe, Robert Koch, Roland Hahn, Rudolf Schröder
  • Patent number: 7025413
    Abstract: A flap plate is provided on a draft deflector which can be swung out in a forward area of a vehicle roof opening. For operating the flap plate from an inoperative position into an operative position, an adjusting device is provided in the case of which a traction cable controlling the flap plate can be brought into a dead center position in which the drive of the traction cable is relieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Timo Czechtizky
  • Patent number: 7008010
    Abstract: A motor vehicle roof is provided which includes a roof opening, a movable cover, and a wind deflector coupled to bearing points located laterally with respect to the roof opening such that, in the closed position of the cover, the wind deflector lies between the cover and the roof surface with the deflector's top edge flush with the roof surface. The wind deflector swivels around an axis running through the bearing points when the cover is being opened such that its top edge lies over the fixed roof surface and a side of the wind deflector faces the front edge of the roof opening in any plane which is perpendicular to the swiveling axis. The side of the deflector has a curvature with a radius which corresponds to the distance of the front edge of the roof opening to the swiveling axis of the wind deflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Webasto AG
    Inventor: Michael Schoenberger
  • Patent number: 7000981
    Abstract: A collapsible wind deflector includes two arms that rotate generally toward each other. When a panel on a vehicle roof is in an open position, resilient members fixed about pivot axes in each arm biases the arms to stand vertically in a deployed position with respect to the vehicle roof. A web attached to the arms is held taut to deflect wind away from a roof opening. When the panel is moved to a closed position, a ram on each side of the panel pushes against a corresponding cam feature of the wind deflector, causing each cam feature to push each arm against the biasing force of its corresponding resilient member, and force each arm to rotate inward toward the other arm, collapsing the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventor: John Paul Raasakka
  • Patent number: 6979055
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an aesthetically improved lateral part of a sunroof for a vehicle configured to conceal an opening/closing mechanism from inside a vehicle to improve the external appearance and marketability. The invention is constructed so not to change prior-installed parts and designs. The sunroof comprises a guide rail frame mounted between a roof panel and a head liner, an opening/closing mechanism mounted at both lateral surfaces of the guide rail frame, a panel support rail for being opened and closed by the opening/closing mechanism, and a decoration cover coupled to a lateral surface of the support rail and for concealing the opening/closing mechanism. The decoration cover is formed in a predetermined length for coupling to a lateral surface of the glass support rail and has a predetermined height for concealing the opening/closing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jeong-Hoon Park
  • Patent number: 6971710
    Abstract: A wind deflector for use in a vehicle sunroof is formed of a resilient member that moves between a relaxed position and a compressed position. The resilient member is formed as one-piece of spring steel, and extends upwardly in front of an opening in a vehicle roof when in the relaxed position to deflect wind. As a vehicle sunroof panel moves to a closed position, the vehicle sunroof panel contacts and compresses the resilient member to a concealed position. The wind deflector thus provides a simplified construction when compared to the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: John Raasakka, Michael Aneiros, Daniel Cooney
  • Patent number: 6966603
    Abstract: An air deflector for a vehicle roof has a first holding element attached to the vehicle roof, a second holding element that is movable between a lowered position and a raised position, a flexible deflector element secured to the two holding elements, and at least one flexible positioning element that pushes the deflector element in a predetermined direction when the first holding element is moved from the raised to the lowered position. The positioning element urges the deflector element into the predetermined direction to prevent the deflector element from interfering with other vehicle components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Grimm, Thomas Becher, Horst Böhm
  • Patent number: 6945595
    Abstract: An air guiding device for a vehicle sliding roof is arranged on a draft deflector and comprises essentially a holding section as well as an adjoining wing which protrudes to the outside in an operative position and is bent in an inoperative position. The holding section of the air guiding element is clampingly held in a transverse slot of the draft deflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Kurt Pfertner, Gunnar Wilke, Timo Czechtizky
  • Patent number: 6929316
    Abstract: A spring assembly is provided for interposition between two elements of an open roof construction for a vehicle that are movable relative to each other. This spring assembly comprises three leaf springs, wherein a first leaf spring with a first end is connected to a first end of a second leaf spring while defining an acute angle therebetween, wherein a third leaf spring with a first end is connected to a second end of the second leaf spring while defining an angle therebetween, whereas the third leaf spring with a second end slidingly engages the first leaf spring, and wherein the first and second leaf springs each engage one of the elements. Further an open roof construction for a vehicle comprising such a spring assembly is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventor: Peter Clephas
  • Patent number: 6910733
    Abstract: A wind deflector assembly includes a resilient member which extends above the vehicle roof when in the deployed position so as to operate as a wind deflector. The resilient member deploys due to the flexibility of the material such that the free state is the deployed condition. Operation of the closure member collapses or folds over the resilient member from the deployed free state to a collapsed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventor: John Paul Raasakka
  • Patent number: 6877800
    Abstract: A sunroof device includes a movable panel provided at a roof of a vehicle for opening and closing an opening of the roof, and a deflector provided at a front end of the opening. The deflector is movable upward above the roof and foldable below the roof depending on a position of the movable panel. The deflector has an engaging portion, and a stopping member has an engaged portion engageable with the engaging portion and movable by a first predetermined distance relative to the engaging portion until the engaging portion engages with one end of the engaged portion. The stopping member is further movable together with the deflector by a second predetermined distance relative to the roof after the engaging portion engages with the one end of the engaged portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Maeta, Katsutoshi Kato
  • Patent number: 6866335
    Abstract: A sunroof assembly is provided for securing to an exterior surface of a vehicle roof. The vehicle roof has exterior and interior surfaces. Opposing rails are secured to opposing sides of the exterior surface of the vehicle roof. A sunroof is supported between the rails and is movable between closed and opened positions with the sunroof disposed in a sunroof opening in the closed position. A housing, which is preferably a portion of a deflector, is secured to the exterior of the vehicle roof. In the preferred embodiment which incorporates a deflector, the deflector is secured between the opposing rails. A drive motor is disposed in the housing for moving the sunroof between the closed and opened positions. At least one drive element interconnects the drive motor and the sunroof. Since the drive motor and housing are located exteriorly on the vehicle roof, the sunroof assembly may be installed as a single unit and multi-piece drive elements are unnecessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Roch J. Tolinski, Steven J. Engelgau
  • Patent number: 6866336
    Abstract: A wind deflector arrangement for a motor vehicle roof (2) with a roof opening (3) which can be selectively closed by at least one movable closure (7) and can be at least partially cleared by moving the closure (7) in a forward direction, has a wind deflector (9) which runs in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle roof, with the closure (7) opened, and which is located at the rear edge (16) of the closure (7) in the active position. In order to devise an improved lowered position, it is provided that the wind deflector (9) has a rest position which is located under the fixed roof part (5) of the motor vehicle roof (2) which borders the rear of the roof opening (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbH
    Inventor: Francois De Gaillard
  • Patent number: 6834914
    Abstract: A wind deflector for a vehicle roof comprises a flexible deflecting element attached between a base element and a raising device. The base element is mountable on a vehicle roof, and the raising device is pivotably connected to the base element to raise and lower the deflecting element. The deflecting element is air-permeable to allow air to flow through it and is flexible enough to be folded when the raising device is lowered. A resilient member biases the raising device in the raised position, stabilizing the flexible deflecting element and holding it taut enough to counteract pressure variations in a vehicle interior near a roof opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Böhm, Rainer Grimm, Karl Hörmann, Hubert Bachmann, Christoph Boss, Carmelo Mondello
  • Patent number: 6824205
    Abstract: A movable panel assembly includes a panel movable between open and closed positions and also movable to a vented position. In the vented position a mesh member attached on one side to the panel and on another side to a guide or gutter structure extends to substantially cover the opening. The mesh member is flexible and collapses with the gutter guide assembly. The mesh member inhibits the intrusion of water into the passenger compartment and reduces wind noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: ArivinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Cooney, Troy Allan, John E. Long, Karim Dayoub, Hyong Chol Park, Bryan Tice
  • Patent number: 6817659
    Abstract: A device for guiding an airflow in a region of a roof opening in a motor vehicle roof comprises a wind deflector and at least one additional deflector. This additional deflector has a rear end face and is movably fastened to the wind deflector and adapted to protrude vertically upwards with respect to a rear edge of the wind deflector. The wind deflector and the additional deflector are each movable from a normal, unextended position into an extended position. The additional deflector is fastened to an underside of the wind deflector when in its normal position and moves along the rear end face of the wind deflector when moving into the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Vogel, Gunther Pfeifer, Rainer Arnold, Margit Schnabel, Tobias Prager