Having Associated Air Deflector Or Guide Patents (Class 296/217)
  • Patent number: 6817658
    Abstract: In an automotive sunroof system which comprises a fixed roof panel defining a roof opening, an inner frame defining guide rails and drain grooves, a moveable panel guided along said guide rails via sliders and a slide and tilt mechanism for effecting a slide and tilt motion of the moveable pane, a terminal member is attached to each front corner of the inner frame to serve several purposes such as a closure member for the guide rail, a stopper for the forward travel of one of the sliders, a member for retaining the fore-and-aft movement of the moveable panel, and a support for a wind deflector device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Yachiyo Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaharu Ohnishi, Michio Tamura, Tatsuya Ohara, Hirofumi Yamane, Tatsuaki Uehara, Kouichi Hotta
  • Patent number: 6814402
    Abstract: A sunroof structure has a movable lid adapted to close a sunroof opening opened in a vehicle roof panel when a sunroof is closed and to be accommodated in the interior of a roof of a vehicle when the sunroof is opened; a roof actuating unit for moving the movable lid in longitudinal directions of the vehicle; a pair of side rails disposed along both sides of a moving path of the movable lid; and, a resilient member mounted on a lower side of the movable lid along at least rear end edge thereof so as to be suspended downwardly so as to improve appearance thereof when looked from an inside of the passenger compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takumi Sugiura
  • Patent number: 6805402
    Abstract: A motor vehicle roof with a roof opening in the fixed roof skin and with two successive adjustable covers for closing and partially clearing the roof opening. At least one of the covers is displaceable in the lengthwise direction of the motor vehicle into an open position and is swingable out of its closed position into a ventilator position by selectively lowering a front around the respective rear edge. The rear cover may be pushed out of its tilted ventilator position to under the closed front cover into an open position by being moved forward in its tilted position over most of its path of motion and then being lowered at its rear edge on the last section of the path of motion to essentially move completely under the front cover. Alternatively, the front cover can be moved rearward in its ventilator position to a point substantially overlying the rear cover in its ventilator position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Pfalzgraf
  • Publication number: 20040189057
    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: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Rainer Grimm, Thomas Becher, Horst Bohm
  • Patent number: 6793278
    Abstract: A draft deflector for a sliding or sliding-lifting vehicle roof structure such as a sunroof includes a base body, which guarantees dimensional stability and strength, and flexible plastics elements secured to the base body. The flexible elements reduce vibration, wind noise or both. In some examples, the flexible elements are injection molded onto the base body at all locations which are relevant in terms of noise generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor GmbH
    Inventors: Edgar Weiss, Bardo Imgram
  • Publication number: 20040164592
    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: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Kurt Pfertner, Gunnar Wilke, Timo Czechtizky
  • Patent number: 6779837
    Abstract: A vehicle sunroof is provided with side shields formed of a mesh material. The side shields prevent inadvertent pinching of an occupant's hand by the mechanism for driving the sunroof panel to move, when the panel is in its vent position. The mesh material allows flow of air into the cab of the vehicle when the panel is in the vent position. The side shield is also formed to have a shape such that the rear end of the side shield extends for a greater length then does the forward end. In this way, the shape of the side shield better matches the pivoting movement of the panel, and there is less unnecessary material which must be accommodated when the sunroof is in its closed position. Also, the side shield has a better visual appearance then does the prior art side shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Cooney, Troy Allan, David Newkirk, James Nicholson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6726275
    Abstract: An operating mechanism for two panel-shaped elements which are movable, substantially in the plane in which they extend, between an operative position, in which they lie side by side in the same plane, and a parallel, stacked position, and which each co-operate with guideways by means of guide elements at their transverse sides extending parallel to the direction of movement. A first panel-shaped element is provided with a connecting pin, which engages in a curved guide track formed in the second panel-shaped element, which curved guide track is so configured that when a force is exerted on the second panel-shaped element for the purpose of moving said element, a force comprising a force component transversely to the guideways will be exerted on the connecting pin, and in that the guideways comprise a transverse guideway portion connecting thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventor: Wilhelm Maria Theresia Hendricus Schrans
  • Patent number: 6705673
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a manually installable and removable sunroof system comprising a roof with an opening, a roof panel that is removeably secured in the opening, and an upwardly biased and retractable wind deflector assembly stowable within an area near the opening. During installation of the roof panel, the deflector assembly may be held into place by a pivoting and engagingly-biased latch. In one embodiment, as the roof panel is installed, an extension, protruding therefrom, confronts the pivoting latch, at which point the wind deflector is disengaged from the latch and thereafter held in a substantially retracted position by the roof panel. When the roof panel is next removed, the previously retracted wind deflector is automatically deployed into an operational position. In some embodiments, the deflector assembly may be fabricated from a flexible material and may be maintained in a retracted position and subsequently deployed using a manually actuated latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Craig L. Sorensen, Michael T. Binfet
  • Publication number: 20040041445
    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: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel Cooney, Troy Allan, John E. Long, Karim Dayoub, Hyong Chol Park, Bryan Tice
  • Patent number: 6695399
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has a roof arrangement which has a sliding cover at least partially opening up and closing a roof opening, and a wind deflector device with a wind deflector blade. By way of a tilt-out lever arrangement the deflector can be displaced into an inoperative and operative position, the tilt-out lever arrangement being disposed with its first end at the vehicle in a first swivelling axis extending approximately parallel to the transverse axis of the vehicle and being connected by its second end with the wind deflector blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Kurt Pfertner, Reiner Armbruster
  • Patent number: 6672657
    Abstract: A wind deflector (5) for a motor vehicle with roof or a convertible top which can be transferred to a stowage space. The wind deflector (5) is pivotally supported on a cross beam (4) which extends over the front windshield (3), and it can be pivoted by a drive (13) which also actuates a detachable interlock of the convertible top (2) on the cross beam (4), depending on the position of the raising mechanism (18) which is actuated by the drive means (13) for the wind deflector (5), a locking device (11) is coupled to the drive (13) or is uncoupled from it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Biecker, Marco Lauterbach, Gerhard Schwarz, Fritz Wegener, Burkhard Reinsch
  • Patent number: 6669277
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wind deflector for a closable motor vehicle roof or a roof module, in which the wind deflector has a flexible layer formed at least in part as air-permeable net. The flexible layer is attached on at least two opposing sides to braces, one of the braces being connected laterally to a swiveling raising arm which is located on a roof frame of the motor vehicle roof or module. At least one other brace, which is connected to another swiveling raising arm, is attached to the layer. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle roof or roof module including the wind deflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Färber, Jadi Karami, Bodo Von Czarnowski
  • Publication number: 20030234560
    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: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: WEBASTO VEHICLE SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL GmbH
    Inventor: Francois de Gaillard
  • Patent number: 6666503
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a pop-up vehicle wind deflector. The wind deflector comprises a lower frame member coupled to the vehicle proximate an opening in the roof, an upper frame member pivotably coupled to the vehicle proximate the opening, a flexible material coupled between the upper and lower frame members and a biasing means acting upon the upper frame member effective to extend the upper frame member away from the lower frame member. The flexible or elastic material coupled to the upper and lower frame members provides a wind-confronting surface when the upper frame member is extended away from the lower frame member. The upper frame member may be upwardly bowed to provide additional tension on the central portion of the flexible material when the upper frame member is extended away from the lower frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabashiki Kaishu
    Inventor: Craig L. Sorensen
  • Publication number: 20030222481
    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: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenji Maeta, Katsutoshi Kato
  • Publication number: 20030222480
    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: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Stefan Vogel, Gunther Pfeifer, Rainer Arnold, Margit Schnabel, Tobias Prager
  • Publication number: 20030222482
    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: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Peter Clephas
  • Patent number: 6648406
    Abstract: A mechanism for a wind deflector of a motor vehicle roof is provided which includes a raising lever which is moved in a raising direction by means of a spring. A displacement of a back edge of the wind deflector in a lengthwise direction is balanced during the swiveling motion by means of a compensation device. A spring is used directly as the compensation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Dittrich, Erwin Kohout, Stjepan Radmanic
  • Patent number: 6644729
    Abstract: A vehicle sun roof apparatus includes a deflector movable in a vehicle longitudinal direction in response to an operation of a sliding panel. The deflector is operatively connected to a cam arranged behind an arm portion of the deflector. The cam is movable in the vehicle longitudinal direction in response to a vehicle speed for moving a rear end of the arm portion in a vehicle vertical direction. The vehicle sun roof apparatus further includes a link mechanism freely rotatably fixed at an approximately central portion of the arm portion (14b). The link mechanism is rotatable within a predetermined angle relative to the arm portion and is rotatable relative to the vehicle roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Aisen Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinji Sakai, Kenji Hori, Takashi Okamura
  • Patent number: 6644727
    Abstract: An inner shell for a roof module in sandwich construction comprises an inner layer and a holding layer in which a reinforcement layer is embedded. The reinforcement layer is arranged within the holding layer at a side thereof which faces the inner layer. The holding layer is provided with pocket-like recesses on its side facing away from the inner layer which extend as far as to the reinforcement layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor GmbH
    Inventors: Bernard Audibert, Daniel Hock
  • Patent number: 6641210
    Abstract: A frame is provided for vehicle sliding sunroofs, the frame front member of which is injection molded in one piece from a suitable plastic and has molded-on side arms for the connection of frame side members. Molded-on swivel bearings for supporting the deployment arms of a wind deflector, arranged on the frame front member, are incorporated into the frame front member and the side arms. The wind deflector can be specially fitted to the swivel bearings without the aid of separate fasteners, in that the swivel bearings and the associated swivel bearing pivot pins of the wind deflector are designed in the manner of so-called turn catches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Sommer, Mathias Janda, Steffen Seyfarth
  • Patent number: 6626486
    Abstract: A wind deflector includes an operating element for a sliding roof system. The wind deflector is movable by means of the operating element between a raised position and a lowered position. The operating element consists of a shape memory alloy so that as a function of its temperature it can assume one of a first and second states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Lane
  • Publication number: 20030168892
    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: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Horst Bohm, Rainer Grimm, Karl Hormann, Hubert Bachmann, Christoph Boss, Carmelo Mondello
  • Publication number: 20030168891
    Abstract: A draft deflector for a sliding or sliding-lifting vehicle roof structure such as a sunroof includes a base body, which guarantees dimensional stability and strength, and flexible plastics elements secured to the base body. The flexible elements reduce vibration, wind noise or both. In some examples, the flexible elements are injection molded onto the base body at all locations which are relevant in terms of noise generation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Edgar Weiss, Bardo Imgram
  • Patent number: 6565149
    Abstract: A motor vehicle roof having a fixed roof structure with two successive roof openings, a fixed roof section being disposed between the roof openings, displaceable covers which cover the roof openings and are selectively movable to at least partially clear the roof openings, the respective covers being selectively movable longitudinally and being selectively pivotable into a ventilation position about a transverse axis of at least one of a front edge and a rear edge of the cover, and being selectively movable longitudinally so as to be positioned underneath the fixed roof section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Pfalzgraf, Francois De Gaillard, Bernd Schleicher, Walter Schätzler
  • Publication number: 20030062745
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has a roof arrangement which has a sliding cover at least partially opening up and closing a roof opening, and a wind deflector device with a wind deflector blade. By way of a tilt-out lever arrangement the deflector can be displaced into an inoperative and operative position, the tilt-out lever arrangement being disposed with its first end at the vehicle in a first swivelling axis extending approximately parallel to the transverse axis of the vehicle and being connected by its second end with the wind deflector blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Kurt Pfertner, Reiner Armbruster
  • Patent number: 6536838
    Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle having an opening in its roof, the front part of which opening can be closed by a first panel which is pivotable about a substantially horizontal axis at the front edge thereof, while the remaining part of the roof opening can be closed by means of at least one slidable second panel, comprises a wind deflecting arrangement that functions as a wind deflector. Said wind deflection arrangement can be moved rearwards and upwards, using suitable driving means, from a position of rest under the first panel to an operative position substantially above and behind the first panel. The wind deflection apparatus may be pivotable about a horizontal pivot that extends substantially transversely to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Inalfa Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Martinus Wilhelmus Maria Nabuurs, Gerardus Petrus Maria Nellissen
  • Publication number: 20030047970
    Abstract: A frame is provided for vehicle sliding sunroofs, the frame front member of which is injection molded in one piece from a suitable plastic and has molded-on side arms for the connection of frame side members. Molded-on swivel bearings for supporting the deployment arms of a wind deflector, arranged on the frame front member, are incorporated into the frame front member and the side arms. The wind deflector can be specially fitted to the swivel bearings without the aid of separate fasteners, in that the swivel bearings and the associated swivel bearing pivot pins of the wind deflector are designed in the manner of so-called turn catches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Volker Sommer, Mathias Janda, Steffen Seyfarth
  • Publication number: 20030042764
    Abstract: A wind deflector includes an operating element for a sliding roof system. The wind deflector is movable by means of the operating element between a raised position and a lowered position. The operating element consists of a shape memory alloy so that as a function of its temperature it can assume one of a first and second states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Peter Lane
  • Publication number: 20030038512
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wind deflector for a closable motor vehicle roof or a roof module, in which the wind deflector has a flexible layer formed at least in part as air-permeable net. The flexible layer is attached on at least two opposing sides to braces, one of the braces being connected laterally to a swiveling raising arm which is located on a roof frame of the motor vehicle roof or module. At least one other brace, which is connected to another swiveling raising arm, is attached to the layer. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle roof or roof module including the wind deflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Applicant: WEBASTO VEHICLE SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL Gmbh
    Inventors: Manfred Farber, Jadi Karami, Bodo Von Czarnowski
  • Patent number: 6523889
    Abstract: In a device for influencing the air flow in the area of the roof opening (10) of an openable motor vehicle roof with at least one wind deflector (14) which is located to be vertically displaceable in the area of the front edge of the roof opening between a neutral position in which the top of the wind deflector does not project over the fixed roof surface, and an extended position in which the top of the wind deflector does project over the fixed roof surface, the wind deflector can be selectively moved into at least one first extended position in which an air flow streaming over the motor vehicle roof (20) is routed exclusively over the top of the wind deflector, and into at least one second extended position in which an air flow streaming over the motor vehicle roof is routed at least partially under the wind deflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Birndorfer, Helmut Höckmayr, Saman Hekmat, Stephan Schreiter
  • Patent number: 6499799
    Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle comprising a roof opening provided in the roof of the vehicle which can be closed by means of a foldable assembly. A flow-influencing panel is pivotable outwardly from a position substantially in line with the roof towards an inclined position and which panel, as seen in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, is positioned at a leading end of the roof opening. The panel, in a position in line with the roof, and the closure assembly, in a position closing the roof opening, mutually overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Inalfa Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Paulus Johannes Wilhelmus Munsters, Martinus Wilhelmus Maria Nabuurs
  • Publication number: 20020185894
    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: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Roch J. Tolinski, Steven J. Engelgau
  • Publication number: 20020175539
    Abstract: A wind deflector (5) for a motor vehicle with roof or a convertible top which can be transferred to a stowage space. The wind deflector (5) is pivotally supported on a cross beam (4) which extends over the front windshield (3), and it can be pivoted by a drive (13) which also actuates a detachable interlock of the convertible top (2) on the cross beam (4), depending on the position of the raising mechanism (18) which is actuated by the drive means (13) for the wind deflector (5), a locking device (11) is coupled to the drive (13) or is uncoupled from it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Biecker, Marco Lauterbach, Gerhard Schwarz, Fritz Wegener, Burkhard Reinsch
  • Patent number: 6485093
    Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle comprising a roof opening that can be closed by a panel of which at least the rear edge can be pivoted upward and downward. A three-dimensional body is provided on the underside of said panel to influence the air flow, near the rear edge of the panel. The three-dimensional body generates swirls in the air flow over the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Inalfa Industries B.V.
    Inventor: Petrus Gerardus Marie Reivers
  • Patent number: 6474730
    Abstract: A wind deflector for a sliding roof opening of a motor vehicle having a projected wind deflector profile that is raised in relation to the front roof cutout edge and that experiences the flow-through of the air flow during travel when the sliding roof is open. The deflection profile is equipped on one face side with a series of air inlet ports, arranged over its breadth, and with air outlet ports on an adjacent profile side. The wind deflector profile is realized as a hollow section, and air outlet ports are distributed across the upper boundary wall of the wind deflector profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventor: Martin Konermann
  • Patent number: 6457770
    Abstract: A motor vehicle roof with a fixed roof structure having a roof opening, two successive adjustable covers for closing and at least partially clearing the roof opening. At least one of the covers is selectively movable longitudinally out of its closed position into an open position and both of the covers are selectively pivotable out of their closed positions into a ventilation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Pfalzgraf, Francois De Gaillard, Bernd Schleicher, Walter Schätzler
  • Patent number: 6457769
    Abstract: A sunroof for a motor vehicle having roof with an opening, the sunroof including a cover panel for closing the roof opening, a pair of guide rails for supporting the cover panel, a drive device for moving the cover panel vertically and horizontally with relative to the roof in a open and closed position. The sunroof also includes a shade device which can be pulled vertically to cover panel the drive device from the inside while the cover panel is in the open position. The shade device is mounted such that it is fixed with respect to a respective guide rail in a lengthwise direction relative to the roof, while the cover panel is mounted such that it can be moved in the lengthwise direction with respect to the shade device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Hertel, Thomas Staltmayer, Shigeru Ueki, Hiroshi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6450568
    Abstract: There is disclosed an open roof construction for a vehicle, comprising a roof opening formed in the roof of the vehicle, which can be closed by means of at least one closure element which can be moved forward and backward between an open position and a closed position. A flow-influencing flap is mounted at a location of a part of the open roof construction which co-operates with a front edge of the closure element in the closed position of said closure element. The flap is pivotable about a pivot pin extending substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, between a first position, in which it extends substantially parallel to the local air flow, and a second position, in which it extends at an angle with respect to the local air flow, wherein pivoting of the flap is prevented in the closed position of the closure element, while pivoting of the flap to a second position, under the influence of the local air flow, is possible in the open position of the closure element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Inalfa Industries B.V.
    Inventor: Carlo Jansen
  • Patent number: 6443520
    Abstract: A multipart sun roof for a motor vehicle is proposed which comprises a first roof section which can be moved at an angle and at least a second and a third roof section that can be longitudinally displaced in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle for positioned closing and releasing of a roof opening. Adjacent to these movable roof sections, a permanently mounted fourth roof section is provided, wherein the roof sections which can be moved longitudinally are arranged in guide rails and their displacement is controlled by means of control, displacement, and operating elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Manfred Schmaelzle, Peter Thomas, Jan Roth
  • Publication number: 20020117876
    Abstract: A vehicle sun roof apparatus includes a deflector movable in a vehicle longitudinal direction in response to an operation of a sliding panel. The deflector is operatively connected to a cam arranged behind an arm portion of the deflector. The cam is movable in the vehicle longitudinal direction in response to a vehicle speed for moving a rear end of the arm portion in a vehicle vertical direction. The vehicle sun roof apparatus further includes a link mechanism freely rotatably fixed at an approximately central portion of the arm portion (14b). The link mechanism is rotatable within a predetermined angle relative to the arm portion and is rotatable relative to the vehicle roof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shinji Sakai, Kenji Hori, Takashi Okamura
  • Patent number: 6439654
    Abstract: A motor vehicle roof including a front roof opening and a rear roof opening, a movable front cover for covering the front roof opening, the movable front cover being movably guided on a frame member and substantially transparent with a nonviewing area and a viewing area to allow viewing of objects through the front cover, a stationary rear cover for covering the rear roof opening, the stationary rear roof cover being supported on the frame and substantially transparent with a nonviewing area and a viewing area to allow viewing of objects through the stationary rear cover, and solar cells provided proximate to at least one of the nonviewing area of the movable front cover and the nonviewing area of the stationary rear cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Webasto Karosseriesysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Teschner, Walter Schåtzler, Hans Jardin, Manfred Pfalzgraf
  • Patent number: 6416120
    Abstract: In a device for influencing the air flow in the area of the roof opening of an openable motor vehicle roof (1) with at least one roof frame (7) which runs at least partially along the roof opening (2), at least one flat wind deflector (4, 5, 6) is located in the area of the front edge of the roof opening (2) which is movably guided in a direction essentially parallel to a surface of the wind deflector (4, 5, 6) in slide ways (20, 24) in or on the roof frame (7) which runs along the front edge of the roof opening (2) into and out of a receiving space (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Schütt
  • Publication number: 20020084677
    Abstract: A mechanism for a wind deflector of a motor vehicle roof is provided which includes a raising lever which is moved in a raising direction by means of a spring. A displacement of a back edge of the wind deflector in a lengthwise direction is balanced during the swiveling motion by means of a compensation device. A spring is used directly as the compensation device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Wolfgang Dittrich, Erwin Kohout, Stjepan Radmanic
  • Patent number: 6412858
    Abstract: A motor vehicle roof with a transparent roof section and at least one ventilator which borders the roof section for clearance of a ventilator opening, a front and/or rear transverse body member of the vehicle roof which borders the transparent roof section containing the at least one ventilator. The transparent roof section is a cover which is attached to the transverse roof members and is preferably a glass cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Pfalzgraf, Walter Schatzler
  • Publication number: 20020067055
    Abstract: There is disclosed an open roof construction for a vehicle, comprising a roof opening formed in the roof of the vehicle, which can be closed by means of at least one closure element which can be moved forward and backward between an open position and a closed position. A flow-influencing flap is mounted at a location of a part of the open roof construction which cooperates with a front edge of the closure element in the closed position of said closure element. The flap is pivotable about a pivot pin extending substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, between a first position, in which it extends substantially parallel to the local air flow, and a second position, in which it extends at an angle with respect to the local air flow, wherein pivoting of the flap is prevented in the closed position of the closure element, while pivoting of the flap to a second position, under the influence of the local air flow, is possible in the open position of the closure element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: Carlo Jansen
  • Publication number: 20020063446
    Abstract: A wind deflector for a sliding roof opening of a motor vehicle having a projected wind deflector profile that is raised in relation to the front roof cutout edge and that experiences the flow-through of the air flow during travel when the sliding roof is open. The deflection profile is equipped on one face side with a series of air inlet ports, arranged over its breadth, and with air outlet ports on an adjacent profile side. The wind deflector profile is realized as a hollow section, and air outlet ports are distributed across the upper boundary wall of the wind deflector profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventor: Martin Konermann
  • Patent number: 6390543
    Abstract: A sunroof seal has a window, and a seal mounted thereon. The seal has an upper portion having a channel for engaging the window along its corresponding surface. The seal also includes a lower portion having a non-uniform cross section formed thereon for reducing the windnoise from a sunroof that is in the vented position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Roch J. Tolinski
  • Publication number: 20020053816
    Abstract: A motor vehicle roof including a front roof opening and a rear roof opening, a movable front cover for covering the front roof opening, the movable front cover being movably guided on a frame member and substantially transparent with a nonviewing area and a viewing area to allow viewing of objects through the front cover, a stationary rear cover for covering the rear roof opening, the stationary rear roof cover being supported on the frame and substantially transparent with a nonviewing area and a viewing area to allow viewing of objects through the stationary rear cover, and solar cells provided proximate to at least one of the nonviewing area of the movable front cover and the nonviewing area of the stationary rear cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: HELMUT TESCHNER, WALTER SCHATZLER, HANS JARDIN, MANFRED PFALZGRAF