Having Associated Air Deflector Or Guide Patents (Class 296/217)
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Publication number: 20090236878Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2009Publication date: September 24, 2009Inventor: Rainer Grimm
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Patent number: 7537277Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 16, 2006Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Webasto AGInventors: Alexander Bergmiller, Martin Kiedl
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Patent number: 7533929Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 13, 2007Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.Inventor: Eduardus Christianus Henricus van Boxtel
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Patent number: 7533928Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 23, 2007Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: ArvinMeritor GmbHInventors: Christian Biewer, Michael Jugl
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Publication number: 20090045655Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2008Publication date: February 19, 2009Applicant: MAGNA CAR TOP SYSTEMS GMBHInventors: Michael T. Willard, Robert E. Fallis, III, Jan Just
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Publication number: 20090001774Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2007Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: WEBASTO AGInventors: Roland Hahn, Dominik Hoelzel
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Publication number: 20090001773Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2008Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Frank LEOPOLD
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Publication number: 20080315632Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2006Publication date: December 25, 2008Applicant: WEBASTO AGInventor: Claudio Ivano Righetti
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Patent number: 7467822Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 30, 2006Date of Patent: December 23, 2008Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.Inventor: Peter Christiaan Leonardus Johannes Manders
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Publication number: 20080284211Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2006Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventors: Philipp Oerke, Rainer Mathias
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Publication number: 20080284212Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2008Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventors: Bernhard Wingen, Thomas Pongratz
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Patent number: 7441834Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 26, 2005Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Webasto AGInventors: Thorsten Eller, Herbert Wolf, Kurt Kugler
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Publication number: 20080258508Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2006Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventors: Jadolah Karami-Malamiri, Cornelia Wertenbroch, Stefan Groitl, Christian Gallner
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Publication number: 20080238155Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2008Publication date: October 2, 2008Inventor: Robert King Pennington
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Publication number: 20080217965Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2007Publication date: September 11, 2008Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Thomas Ramsay
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Patent number: 7422274Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 9, 2006Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: CTS Fahrzeug-Dachsysteme GmbHInventor: Wolfram Salz
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Patent number: 7413238Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 27, 2005Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Webasto AGInventor: Viter Sergio Pocchiola
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Patent number: 7404600Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 22, 2006Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: Webasto AGInventors: Jadi Karami, Martin Kiedl, Christian Gallner
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Patent number: 7404599Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 7, 2006Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kiyozumi Fukami
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Publication number: 20080129088Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2007Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventors: Martin Spickermann, Detlef Heyn
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Publication number: 20080106125Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2006Publication date: May 8, 2008Applicant: WEBASTO AGInventors: Alexander Bergmiller, Martin Kiedl
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Patent number: 7360827Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 8, 2003Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Focus Auto Design Inc.Inventor: Stanley Grant Kinzel
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Patent number: 7357441Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 22, 2003Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignees: Heuliez, CSTBInventors: Gérard Queveau, Paul Queveau, Jacques Gandemer, Jean-Paul Bouchet
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Publication number: 20080067839Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2005Publication date: March 20, 2008Applicant: WEBASTO AGInventor: Thomas Staltmayer
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Publication number: 20080036247Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2006Publication date: February 14, 2008Inventor: Jeong Hoon Park
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Publication number: 20070236052Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2007Publication date: October 11, 2007Inventors: Christian Biewer, Michael Jugl
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Patent number: 7237836Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 5, 2006Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Webasto AGInventors: Miriam Schoenauer, Joachim Birkner, Michael Koelbl, Alexander Lang, Rudi Muttenhammer, Martin Pollak, Ralf Schwaighofer, Friedhelm Wulf, Jean-Guy Cocaign
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Patent number: 7234767Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 30, 2005Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: ArvinMeritor GmbHInventors: Christoph Boss, Holger Oechel, Oliver Parendier
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Patent number: 7152917Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 11, 2005Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.Inventor: Peter Christiaan Leonardus Manders
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Patent number: 7121617Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 19, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: HeuliezInventors: Paul Queveau, Gerard Queveau, Jean-Marc Guillez
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Patent number: 7121618Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 31, 2005Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignees: Yachiyo Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisya, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tatsuaki Uehara, Shigehito Horiuti, Masaharu Ohnishi
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Patent number: 7093892Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 27, 2004Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignee: Webasto AGInventors: Jadi Karami, Martin Kiedl, Christian Gallner
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Patent number: 7059668Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 15, 2004Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.Inventors: Erik Van De Putten, Bernd Wilms
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Patent number: 7048329Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 5, 2004Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: ArvinMeritor GmbHInventor: Detlef Heyn
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Patent number: 7032963Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 28, 2004Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Webasto AGInventors: Michael Deppe, Robert Koch, Roland Hahn, Rudolf Schröder
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Patent number: 7025413Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 14, 2004Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventor: Timo Czechtizky
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Patent number: 7008010Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 9, 2004Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Webasto AGInventor: Michael Schoenberger
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Patent number: 7000981Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 30, 2004Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLCInventor: John Paul Raasakka
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Patent number: 6979055Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 30, 2003Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Jeong-Hoon Park
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Patent number: 6971710Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 7, 2004Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLCInventors: John Raasakka, Michael Aneiros, Daniel Cooney
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Patent number: 6966603Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 26, 2004Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Assignee: ArvinMeritor GmbHInventors: Rainer Grimm, Thomas Becher, Horst Böhm
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Patent number: 6945595Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 5, 2003Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Kurt Pfertner, Gunnar Wilke, Timo Czechtizky
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Patent number: 6929316Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 2, 2003Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.Inventor: Peter Clephas
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Patent number: 6910733Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 21, 2003Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLCInventor: John Paul Raasakka
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Patent number: 6877800Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 30, 2003Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kenji Maeta, Katsutoshi Kato
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Patent number: 6866335Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 7, 2001Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Technology, LLCInventors: Roch J. Tolinski, Steven J. Engelgau
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Patent number: 6866336Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 20, 2003Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbHInventor: Francois De Gaillard
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Patent number: 6834914Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 6, 2003Date of Patent: December 28, 2004Assignee: ArvinMeritor GmbHInventors: Horst Böhm, Rainer Grimm, Karl Hörmann, Hubert Bachmann, Christoph Boss, Carmelo Mondello
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Patent number: 6824205Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 27, 2002Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: ArivinMeritor Technology, LLCInventors: Daniel Cooney, Troy Allan, John E. Long, Karim Dayoub, Hyong Chol Park, Bryan Tice
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Patent number: 6817659Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 28, 2003Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: ArvinMeritor GmbHInventors: Stefan Vogel, Gunther Pfeifer, Rainer Arnold, Margit Schnabel, Tobias Prager