Panel Removable From Roof Patents (Class 296/218)
  • Patent number: 12151541
    Abstract: A vehicle removable roof system including a fixed vehicle structure, one or more removable panels configured to engage with the fixed vehicle structure, and a water management system positioned between the one or more removable panels and the fixed vehicle structure. The removable panels may be formed of a composite sandwich panel assembly, which may include an open area core defining pores, a high gloss surface sheet adhered to a first face of the open area core by a first adhesive layer, and a structural skin adhered to a second side of the open area core by a second adhesive layer. The removable panels are configured for installation to and removal from the fixed vehicle structure by a single user and without the use of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: Teljin Automotive Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Durham, Hugh Foran
  • Patent number: 12037824
    Abstract: A structure, for example a vehicle roof, may define an opening receiving one or more removable panels. The removable panels may each include a panel body configured to cover the opening, and a plurality of latches. The latches may each be positioned adjacent a respective edge of the body and configured to translate between different positions. The removable panel may also include an actuator and a plurality of latch links, with each latch link having a first end connected to a corresponding one of the latches, and each latch link having a second end operably linked with the actuator. Rotation of the actuator may drive each of the latches from an open position of the latch to a closed position, while rotation of the actuator in an opposite direction may drive each of the latches from the closed position of the latch to the open position of the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Bernath
  • Patent number: 11999219
    Abstract: A vehicle removable panel system including a fixed vehicle structure and one or more removable panels configured to removably engage with the fixed vehicle structure. The vehicle removable panel system providing increased configurability, modularity, and functionality and being easily configurable by a single user without the use of tools. The vehicle removable panel system including a seal with moisture resistance and edges suitable for sealing the removable vehicle panels to other vehicle components including the fixed vehicle structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: Teijin Automotive Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeannette Young, Timothy Young, Daniel Edmunds
  • Patent number: 11938799
    Abstract: A replacement roof top and bracketry for use with a vehicle includes a transparent panel having a generally flat middle portion and curved outer portion(s). The panel comprises one or more attachment mechanisms to facilitate attachment of the assembly to a vehicle. The assembly provides UV protection and is insulated such that the heat from the sun is minimized. The assembly is durable and can withstand temperatures ranging from ?200 degrees Fahrenheit to 150 degrees Fahrenheit as well as withstand hurricane-like wind speeds. The panel is configured to fit snugly with the vehicle such that the assembly is weather-resistant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Putco, Inc.
    Inventor: Evan Steig
  • Patent number: 11813931
    Abstract: A glazed panel includes a glass panel, two longitudinal reinforcement armatures in order to reinforce the glass panel against deformations by flexure, and two longitudinal securing armatures in order to secure the glazed panel in an outer structure provided for this purpose. The armatures can be overmolded in a polymer material which is arranged on the periphery of the glass panel. The two reinforcement armatures and the two securing armatures are joined in pairs by their longitudinal ends in order to form a frame by means of an assembly by nesting, optionally using an intermediate part. This measure makes it possible to reduce the concentrations of stresses in the corners of the glass panel, and simplifies the molding operation during the production of the glazed panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE
    Inventors: Christophe Kleo, Li Zhao
  • Patent number: 11780584
    Abstract: An assembly configured to be mounted within an interior of a vehicle. The assembly includes a monument wall configured to be mounted in the interior of the vehicle. A panel is configured to attach to a support structure above the monument wall with the panel having a first edge and a second edge. A latch configured to be mounted to the panel between the first edge and the second edge. A pull member is attached to the panel and comprises an elongated member attached to the latch and a handle. A translating hinge is configured to be mounted to the second edge of the panel to provide for translating and pivoting movement of the panel within an access area between the monument wall and the support structure to connect and disconnect the panel from the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Steven Ellis Rhynard, Joe Files
  • Patent number: 11760176
    Abstract: An articulating soft front cockpit cover assembly including an auxiliary tensioning link, coupling link and cross-car bow. A pivot point rotatable joining the auxiliary tensioning link and coupling link is located at the top of the auxiliary tensioning link. A bracket is provided on the auxiliary tensioning link or coupling link and extends cross-car and attaches to the front or rear edge of the cross-car bow. The soft front cockpit cover assembly in sealing engagement with a rearward top portion of a roof. The articulating portion movable between at least a closed position over about the front vehicle cockpit and at least one open position for an open-air feel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen J. Lewis
  • Patent number: 11685241
    Abstract: An articulating soft front cockpit cover assembly including an auxiliary tensioning link, coupling link and cross-car bow. A pivot point rotatable joining the auxiliary tensioning link and coupling link is located at the top of the auxiliary tensioning link. A bracket is provided on the auxiliary tensioning link or coupling link and extends cross-car and attaches to the front or rear edge of the cross-car bow. The soft front cockpit cover assembly in sealing engagement with a rearward top portion of a roof. The articulating portion movable between at least a closed position over about the front vehicle cockpit and at least one open position for an open-air feel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen J. Lewis
  • Patent number: 11585505
    Abstract: A lamp for a vehicle, the lamp including: a light source; a board part on which the light source is mounted; an optical fiber configured to provide a path through which light emitted from the light source propagates; and a film part to which the optical fiber is joined, in which the film part includes an upper film provided at an upper side of the optical fiber; and a lower film provided at a lower side of the optical fiber, and in which the optical fiber is joined to each of the upper film and the lower film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ki Ryong Song
  • Patent number: 11571954
    Abstract: A vehicle top latch and seal assembly system, comprising: a vehicle top portion having a back portion, front portion, left portion and right portion; a back left L-latch attached to the back portion; a back right L-latch attached to the back portion; a front left L-latch attached to the front portion; a front right L-latch attached to the front portion; a left side windshield latch; and a right side windshield latch. The left side windshield latch and the right side windshield latch may each have a raised spacer, three screws running through and attaching the raised spacer to the vehicle top portion, a latch cushioning rubber and a latch handle with an open position and a closed position. There may be foam spacers and T-knob assemblies in communication with portions of the vehicle top portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Inventor: Philip E. Prather
  • Patent number: 11541736
    Abstract: A cover for a vehicle having a first compartment and a second compartment includes a first section, a second section and an intermediate section. The first section includes at least one connector and is adapted to overlie the first compartment. The second section includes at least one connector and the intermediate section is located between the first section and the second section. In a first position the cover defines a first effective surface area, and the first section is in a first position, the second section is in a first position, and the intermediate section is not parallel to the first section and second section. In a second position, the cover defines a second effective surface area that is less than the first effective surface area, and either or both of the first section and the second section is in a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Stuart E Collins, Kyle Neighbors
  • Patent number: 11465479
    Abstract: A convertible top system for a vehicle having structural support for a vehicle roof includes an overhead cover system having a perimeter frame configured to couple to the structural support and defining a plurality of overhead openings, and a plurality of cassettes configured to releasably couple to the perimeter frame such that each cassette of the plurality of cassettes is operably associated with one of the overhead openings. Each cassette of the plurality of cassettes includes at least one of a retractable mesh screen and a retractable shade configured to be moved between a fully open position that does not cover the associated overhead opening, and a fully closed position that covers the associated overhead opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventor: Clifford Krapfl
  • Patent number: 11465476
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a folding top assembly for use with a vehicle and methods for using a folding top assembly on a vehicle. The folding top assembly can be used to create openings on the top of the vehicle by folding a rear panel segment of the folding top assembly forward to expose a space over a rear seating area of the vehicle and/or folding a front panel segment of the folding top assembly rearward to expose a space over a front seating area of the vehicle. The assembly can be designed and shaped to improve the ability to store the folding top assembly on the vehicle and/or to improve aerodynamics when the vehicle is moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Lund Motion Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Gauci
  • Patent number: 11364779
    Abstract: An articulating soft front cockpit cover assembly including an auxiliary tensioning link, coupling link and cross-car bow. A pivot point rotatable joining the auxiliary tensioning link and coupling link is located at the top of the auxiliary tensioning link. A bracket is provided on the auxiliary tensioning link or coupling link and extends cross-car and attaches to the front or rear edge of the cross-car bow. The soft front cockpit cover assembly in sealing engagement with a rearward top portion of a roof. The articulating portion movable between at least a closed position over about the front vehicle cockpit and at least one open position for an open-air feel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen J. Lewis
  • Patent number: 11364780
    Abstract: An articulating soft front cockpit cover assembly including an auxiliary tensioning link, coupling link and cross-car bow. A pivot point rotatable joining the auxiliary tensioning link and coupling link is located at the top of the auxiliary tensioning link. A bracket is provided on the auxiliary tensioning link or coupling link and extends cross-car and attaches to the front or rear edge of the cross-car bow. The soft front cockpit cover assembly in sealing engagement with a rearward top portion of a roof. The articulating portion movable between at least a closed position over about the front vehicle cockpit and at least one open position for an open-air feel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen J. Lewis
  • Patent number: 11358457
    Abstract: A roof arrangement for a vehicle roof with a roof opening may have a movable roof element for optionally closing or at least partially opening the roof opening, wherein the roof element is held by a frame; a first strand-like sealing profile; a second strand-like sealing profile which is formed separately from the first sealing profile, wherein the first sealing profile is configured for sealing in relation to the movable roof element and is fastenable to the vehicle roof; and the second sealing profile is fastened to the frame and is configured for sealing in relation to the frame, wherein the second sealing profile has a drip lip which lies against the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: WEBASTO SE
    Inventors: Matthias Frank, Stefan Schäufler, Andreas Josef Zunzer, Reinhard Wenzel
  • Patent number: 11279424
    Abstract: A method of installing a sunroof insert into a removable roof panel of a vehicle preferably includes a reinforced plexiglass sunroof insert. The sunroof insert preferably includes a top surface, a peripheral sidewall and a peripheral flange. The removable roof panel includes a top skin and a bottom skin. A top insert opening is formed in the top skin. A bottom insert opening is formed in the bottom skin. A bottom adhesive is applied to a bottom surface of the bottom skin, around a perimeter of the bottom insert opening. The sunroof insert is inserted into the bottom insert opening and then the top insert opening. The bottom adhesive will create a bond between the bottom skin and the peripheral flange. A top adhesive is used to fill a top peripheral gap between the sunroof insert and the peripheral strip of tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Inventor: Christopher W. Hinrichs
  • Patent number: 11186324
    Abstract: A signaling system provides at least one emergency services signal for fastening to a roof of a motor vehicle. The signaling system includes a housing that is directed in the travel direction and has a low aerodynamic resistance. The signaling system furthermore has a signaling unit that is disposed within the housing and is configured for providing emergency services signals. The housing has at least two housing sides, wherein one housing side faces the roof, and the other housing side faces away from the roof. The side that faces the roof is adapted to the shape of the roof. The housing side that faces away from the roof corresponds to the suction side of an airfoil profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Volker Haupts
  • Patent number: 10793061
    Abstract: A vehicle that includes a roof panel including a moonroof opening and a rim extending about the moonroof opening is described herein. The rim includes a lower edge. At least two brackets are coupled to the roof panel, and each bracket includes a first end that defines a hook portion and a second end that defines a mounting portion. The hook portion is coupled to the lower edge of the rim such that the mounting portion extends through the moonroof opening. A support member is coupled to the mounting portion of the brackets, wherein a portion of the support member is oriented to couple to the roof panel, and a fastener is coupled to the brackets and the support member such that the hook portion is secured to the rim and the support member is secured to the roof panel. An auxiliary lighting system is at least one of included at least partially within or coupled to the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: David G. Peterson
  • Patent number: 10773579
    Abstract: A vehicle roof is provided having a roof opening limited by a fixed roof portion which is immobile relative to a vehicle body, and a roof opening system having a lid element which can be selectively displaced between a closed position, in which the roof opening is closed, and an open position, in which the roof opening is open, wherein the lid element comprises at least one rigid panel which is disposed on a support arrangement which is mounted via a multi-bar linkage on either side of a vertical longitudinal center plane of the roof, wherein an actuation handle is connected to the bilaterally disposed multi-bar linkages, allowing the lid element to be displaced between the closed position and the open position by manual actuation of the multi-bar linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: WEBASTO SE
    Inventors: Michael T. Willard, Paul Finch, Ryan Mitchell, Dennis Felker
  • Patent number: 10689036
    Abstract: A vehicle assembly including a vehicle body and a roof assembly is provided. The vehicle body may include a mid-pillar having a receiving region. The roof assembly may include a mid-pillar segment having an attachment end. The receiving region may be defined by a cutout having a base portion spaced from an adjacent vehicle body surface. The attachment end may be sized for disposal within the cutout for one or more fasteners to removably secure the mid-pillar segment to the mid-pillar. The receiving region and the attachment end may be arranged with one another such that the roof assembly is removably attachable adjacent a belt line of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dragan B. Stojkovic, Stephen Thomas Kozak, Edward Andrew Pleet, Colleen Marie Hoffman
  • Patent number: 10618393
    Abstract: An openable roof lock structure for an automobile includes an engaged member fixed to a front header, and an automatic lock device fixed to an openable roof, the automatic lock device being attachable to and detachable from the engaged member. The automatic lock device includes a hook member having a leading end portion in one end, the leading end portion to be engaged with the engaged member, and a drive part to which the other end of the hook member is coupled, the drive part turning the hook member to an upper side of a vehicle to engage the hook member with the engaged member. The hook member includes a buffering member that has elasticity and is abutted with the engaged member on the upper side of the vehicle in a state that the leading end portion is not engaged with the engaged member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: WEBASTO SE
    Inventors: Kouichi Matsumoto, Keiji Takamatsu, Osamu Yoshida
  • Patent number: 10603994
    Abstract: An articulating slanted back soft top assembly for 4-door and 2-door SUVs. A fabric cover is supported by a frame that is at least partially articulatable from at least a closed position to at least one open air position. The frame includes at least one forward fabric support bow member and at least one rearward fabric support bow member. The rear fabric support bow member being positioned when in the closed position in a manner which allows the fabric to clear a sport bar or “roll bar” member of a vehicle in the closed position such that a rear portion of the top is angled from the vertical when viewing the vehicle from the side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Haberkamp, Eric D. Getzschman, Jose N. Vigil, Andy Waite, Rick H. Troeger, Blake A. Jensen
  • Patent number: 10604194
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for modifying a vehicle comprising a cab enclosure configured to interface with a vehicle, a fixed deck, configured rearward of, and, cooperating with, the vehicle cab, and an extensible deck projecting from, and cooperating with, the fixed deck. The cab enclosure further comprises at least one roof adaptor comprising at least one roof adaptor panel connected to the vehicle and a lower cab enclosure comprising at least one panel connected to the vehicle wherein the cab enclosure elements, fixed deck, and extensible deck are connected to the vehicle without permanent modification to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: SYNOPTIC DESIGNS LLC
    Inventor: Dav Mar
  • Patent number: 10316569
    Abstract: A structure for unifying a motor for use with a rear curtain and a power trunk is provided. The structure includes an electromagnetic clutch, which is connected to a hinge arm of a trunk lid via a trunk wire and is connected to a rear curtain via a curtain wire and selectively transmits driving force to the trunk wire or to the curtain wire. Additionally, a rotary motor is connected to the electromagnetic clutch and supplies driving force to the electromagnetic clutch. The trunk wire and the curtain wire are operated by a single rotary motor. Accordingly, the production cost and weight of a vehicle are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Duck-Young Kim, Yong-Hyuck Im
  • Patent number: 9539888
    Abstract: A soft panel top assembly for a vehicle in sealing engagement with a hard top portion of a roof. The soft panel top assembly has a fixed portion attached to the vehicle and a lightweight pivotal portion that folds back to provide the occupant a quick and easy open air effect. Two door rails of the soft panel top assembly are connected to the vehicle. Two side rail linkage assemblies are attached to header, which is secured to a windshield frame when in a closed position, and are connected at pivot points created with a bracket attached to the door rails to allow the pivotal portion to pivot to an open position. The soft panel top assembly includes a rear header that is lightweight and engages with the existing seal of the hard top roof portion to provide a weatherproof seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventors: William Henry Haberkamp, George Stickles, Duane Charles Junkin
  • Patent number: 9533553
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has a crosspiece, which frontally delimits an upper opening of the passenger compartment and is covered, towards the passenger compartment, by a finishing wall; the upper opening is suited to be closed by a removable top; the top has a cloth supported by two side longitudinal members and is provided with a front portion which is arranged above a rear projection of the crosspiece, when the top is mounted, with a sealing element arranged between them; the top is provided with at least one flap having an upper end secured to the cloth and a lower end portion, which faces the finishing wall and is fixed with respect to the crosspiece thanks to the locking exerted by at least one releasable fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: FCA Italy S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gianfranco Montuori
  • Patent number: 9402334
    Abstract: An air flow control assembly, system, and method for controlling air flow to a server rack. An example air flow control assembly includes a retractable barrier configured to block the air flow, at least partially, from passing through a perforated floor tile to the server rack. The air flow control assembly also includes a barrier mount configured to secure the retractable barrier proximate the perforated floor tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Patrick A. Coico, David P. Graybill, Allan R. Hoeft, Madhusudan K. Iyengar, Roger R. Schmidt, Gerard V. Weber, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9227497
    Abstract: Misalignment of a weather strip is controlled by a corner formed by a shoulder part and a lower inclined part formed in an edge portion of an opening of a roof. A locating face of a sealing part is pressed onto the shoulder part on one side of the corner, and a locating face of an inclined extension part is pressed onto the lower inclined part on the other side of the corner. The sealing part is adhered to at least one of the shoulder part or the upper inclined part with a double-sided tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignees: NISHIKAWA RUBBER CO., LTD., HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshifumi Matsuura, Shinji Nakanishi, Ryo Suesada, Masaki Soda, Takeshi Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 9180762
    Abstract: A vehicle roof water runoff management system is provided with an improved seal that has a constant seal gap between removable vehicle roof top panels and an adjoining fixed roof. The constant seal gap is maintained in the B-pillar interface area with the vehicle's roofing components. The vehicle roof water runoff management system offers improved manufacture and long term performance reliability over previous designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Continental Structural Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick T. Jeakle, Steve Saje
  • Patent number: 9145044
    Abstract: A roof arrangement for a cabriolet vehicle has a rear window arrangement (10) with a rear (15) that surrounds a front edge (14A) of the rear window (14), a lower frame element (16) that surrounds a lower edge (14B) of the rear window (14), and connecting elements (18) that connect respective ends (15A, 15B, 16A, 16B) of the front and the lower frame element (15, 16). The roof arrangement also has a lower roof element (20) that is connected to the rear window arrangement (10) and can be moved between open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Markus Schulzki
  • Patent number: 8979183
    Abstract: A removable roof can be positioned between a windshield frame and a rollover hoop of a motor vehicle. The roof is divided in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle to form first and second roof elements. Seal profiles (22, 28, 29) are integrated into edges (13, 15, 16) of the roof elements (12) running in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle to provide sealing of the roof elements (11, 12) with respect to side windows and with respect to one another. The same seal profiles (23, 30) are integrated into the first and second roof elements at edges (27, 29) running transverse to the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle to provide sealing with respect to the rollover hoop (40) and a rear window (39) assigned to the rollover hoop (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Lars Schulz
  • Publication number: 20140368001
    Abstract: A vehicle roof water runoff management system is provided with an improved seal that has a constant seal gap between removable vehicle roof top panels and an adjoining fixed roof. The constant seal gap is maintained in the B-pillar interface area with the vehicle's roofing components. The vehicle roof water runoff management system offers improved manufacture and long term performance reliability over previous designs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Patrick T. Jeakle, Steve Saje
  • Publication number: 20140246885
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle sliding roof device with a cover unit that comprises a cover and a cover frame and that is shiftably supported on guides of the sliding roof device by a support device and that can be adjusted between a closed position covering a roof opening and at least one open position, whereby it is provided in accordance with the invention that the cover is detachably attached on the cover frame, that is shiftably supported on the guides, and can be removed for freeing a roof opening from the cover frame arranged in particular in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Webasto SE
    Inventors: Gioacchino Inzerillo, Pasquale Marrocco
  • Patent number: 8794697
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has a cowl (1) with an upper frame part (2) and a closable vehicle roof opening (27) in the region of the upper frame part (2). The cowl (1) has a draft deflector cassette (6) for movably mounting a draft deflector. An interior lining (10) and a frame seal (9) are connected to a side of the upper frame part (2) that faces an interior of the vehicle and a decorative seal (17) interacts with the interior lining (10). The draft deflector cassette (6) is arranged between the frame seal (9) and the decorative seal (17). The draft deflector cassette can be placed, with simple installation, in a visually attractive manner in the region of the upper frame part (2) of the cowl frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Markus Alexander Bauer
  • Publication number: 20140035328
    Abstract: A removable roof can be positioned between a windshield frame and a rollover hoop of a motor vehicle. The roof is divided in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle to form first and second roof elements. Seal profiles (22, 28, 29) are integrated into edges (13, 15, 16) of the roof elements (12) running in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle to provide sealing of the roof elements (11, 12) with respect to side windows and with respect to one another. The same seal profiles (23, 30) are integrated into the first and second roof elements at edges (27, 29) running transverse to the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle to provide sealing with respect to the rollover hoop (40) and a rear window (39) assigned to the rollover hoop (40).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Lars Schulz
  • Patent number: 8439434
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle having a front end, a rear end, and a longitudinal axis. The vehicle includes a passenger compartment disposed between the front end and the rear end. A roof overlies the passenger compartment. The roof is comprised of a pair of roof beams extending parallel to the longitudinal axis adjacent opposed sides of the vehicle. A first forward transverse beam extends between the roof beams. A second rearward transverse beam extends between the first and second roof beams. A first removable roof panel closes a space between the first and second transverse beams. A second removable roof panel closes a space rearward of the second transverse beam. The roof panels can be assembled to form a shelf in a storage compartment of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Travis Newberg, Yousuf Riad, Michael P. Hullihan, Christopher David Hall, Joshua Kramer
  • Patent number: 8408623
    Abstract: A vehicle body with multiple elevation hard top has storage underneath and is capable of driving with the hardtop present or removed. A front passenger compartment has a front rooftop and a pair of rear quarter panel sides enclosing a rear of the vehicle body. A pair of removable side sections is disposed on and above respective of the two rear quarter panel sides and further enclosing the rear of the vehicle body. A hard rooftop is capable of setting upon and connecting to either one of said pair of removable side sections or the pair of rear quarter panel sides. A storage compartment is created underneath the hard rooftop and between the pair of rear quarter panel sides. The storage compartment is capable of holding at least said pair of removable side sections and also roof tops and the rear glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Patrick Albert McAuliff
  • Patent number: 7909394
    Abstract: The present invention is a foldable and stowable roof system which can be selectively detached from the vehicle and stored within a short amount of time. The foldable and stowable roof system of the present invention includes a first frame member connected to a roof member, a second frame member connected to a roof member, and a third frame member selectively connected to the first frame member and the second frame member. Also included is a fourth frame member selectively connected to the first frame member and the second frame member such that when the third frame member is connected to the first frame member and the second frame member, and the fourth frame member is connected to the first frame member and the second frame member, the first frame member, second frame member, third frame member, and fourth frame member, form a frame for supporting the roof member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, David Alan Smith, Keijo J. Huotari
  • Patent number: 7900991
    Abstract: A roof system for a vehicle that has a roof support structure to which a hardtop roof (34) or a retractable soft top roof (62) may be latched. The roof support structure includes a transverse reel that extends transversely relative to the vehicle direction and is connected to a panel that is also connected to the rear rail. The hardtop includes a rigid panel and a frame. The soft top is supported on attached bows with which the soft top is stored in a cassette after removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Robert E. Fallis, III, Michael T. Willard, Robert D. Wiechowski
  • Patent number: 7896423
    Abstract: A top for a vehicle that has a stationary support disposed between removable panels forward of the support and a multiple section retractable hardtop rearward of the support. The detachable roof panels are provided in front of the stationary support and extend across the vehicle laterally and to the windshield header when installed. A two piece retractable hardtop is provided rearward of the stationary support that has a back light that is disposed to cover a back light opening in an extended position and is detached from the back light opening in a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Robert D. Wiechowski, Robert E. Fallis, III, Michael T. Willard
  • Patent number: 7891729
    Abstract: Providing a cover storage member 30, which constitutes the rear end of the roof of a vehicle, and a guiding means 40 for transferring the cover storage member 30 between the position at the rear end of the roof and the position inside the vehicle. The cover storage member 30 shall be equipped with a winding means for winding up the cover member. The guiding means 40 shall be equipped with rails 41 installed between the position at the rear end of the roof and the position inside the vehicle, and a transferring means for moving the cover storage member 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Kanto Auto Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryouta Fujishima, Koji Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7845711
    Abstract: Removable cab components and a removable cab assembly for a vehicle. A durable cab assembly is provided, which generally includes a roof, a windshield and a rear panel that is removably attachable to the vehicle. In certain embodiments, the roof, windshield and rear panel are separate components, each separately removably attachable to the vehicle. In certain embodiments, each component of the cab assembly is removably attachable to the roll cage of the vehicle without comprising the integrity of the roll cage. The attachment and detachment of the cab assembly can be carried out manually, by a single person, in a short period of time, without requiring separate tools. The invention is also directed to the windshield, roof and rear panel as individual components adapted for quick attachment/detachment to a vehicle, and a method of attaching or detaching cab components or a cab assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Curtis Industries LLC
    Inventors: Gary N. Orrell, Michael A. Orrell, Martin Robinson, Jeremy Cirota
  • Patent number: 7828373
    Abstract: A vehicle glazing panel assembly has a polycarbonate panel supported by a vehicle body, and has a plurality of peripheral regions. A reinforcement member is mounted to the polycarbonate panel proximate at least one of the plurality of peripheral regions to stiffen the polycarbonate panel. A method of manufacturing a vehicle glazing panel assembly thermoforms a polycarbonate panel. A reinforcement member is injection molded. The reinforcement member is joined to the polycarbonate panel to stiffen the polycarbonate panel. A vehicle glazing panel assembly is manufactured by a method of thermoforming. A reinforcement member is formed and joined to the polycarbonate panel to stiffen the polycarbonate panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kedzie Davis Fernholz, Richard Howard Wykoff
  • Patent number: 7770958
    Abstract: Disclosed is a soft top for a motor vehicle, comprising longitudinal struts that span a roof opening and a flexible roof skin which spans the width of the vehicle and is fastened to a windshield frame in the front and a bow spanning the width of the vehicle in the rear in the mounted state. One respective longitudinal strut that delimits the roof skin in the transversal direction of the vehicle is embodied as a lateral rail which can be connected at least to one lateral vehicle element. In order to put the soft top down, it can be folded in the transversal direction of the vehicle, the roof skin and the longitudinal struts being joined so as to form a pre-assembled unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Winfried Bunsmann
  • Patent number: 7703842
    Abstract: A sliding roof structure of a vehicle includes rails 5a, 5b installed on the right and left roof side portions of the vehicle and a cover member 2 that can be slid and folded along the rails 5a, 5b, wherein the cover member 2 is comprised of a detachable inner cover member 30 and an outer cover member 40, which is slid along the rails 5a, 5b and to which the inner cover member 30 is mounted in detachable state, or the cover member 2 is comprised of a base cover member 7, which is made by attaching a bottom cover sheet 9 to the bottom frame member 10, and a top cover member 8, which is made by attaching a top cover sheet 8a to the top frame member 14, either the top frame member 14 or the bottom frame member 10 is equipped with an engaging portion 14a and the other with a groove 12 for supporting the engaging portion 14a, and the engaging portion 14a is inserted into the groove 12 and the top cover member 8 attached to the base cover member 7 in detachable state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Kanto Auto Works, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryouta Fujishima
  • Publication number: 20100019546
    Abstract: This invention relates to a means for facilitating access to a motor vehicle in an emergency to extricate the driver and/or passengers. In its simplest form the means is at least one removable pillar which ca be the A, B, C or D pillar of the vehicle. The pillar or pillars are equipped with handle actuated latches which enable the pillar or pillars to be removed without cutting equipment. The invention also provides for a removable seat or seats and a pivotable steering wheel or column and dashboard and all of which are aimed at removing occupants from a wrecked vehicle without having to wait for specialised cutting equipment. The invention also extends to a vehicle fitted with said means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Craig Anthony Stephens
  • Publication number: 20100007179
    Abstract: A roof system for a vehicle that has a roof support structure to which a hardtop roof (34) or a retractable soft top roof (62) may be latched. The roof support structure includes a transverse reel that extends transversely relative to the vehicle direction and is connected to a panel that is also connected to the rear rail. The hardtop includes a rigid panel and a frame. The soft top is supported on attached bows with which the soft top is stored in a cassette after removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: MAGNA CAR TOP SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Robert E. Fallis, III, Michael T. Willard, Robert D. Wiechowski
  • Publication number: 20090273209
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a retractable roof system that provides slidable roof sections for vehicles and truck bed shells/caps, where the cargo area roof panels and rear window panel (hatch above tailgate) may be moved forward and above the seating area roof section, by means of a telescoping track system. Additionally, as applied to vehicles, the roof section above the seating areas may be moved rearward and above the cargo area roof section. The retractable roof system truck bed shell/cap assembly will come in segments that can be stored and shipped in a relatively small container. The shell/cap structure is composed of metal frame members and window panels. Right and left telescoping track assemblies are mounted on the metal frame members, with roof panels secured between them. Side and front window panels are attached to the exterior of the metal frame members to form the shell/cap walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: Jacob J. Joab
  • Publication number: 20090212604
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle roof (10) comprising at least one at least partially transparent roof part (14) that can be moved in order to at least partly open a roof opening (17), and a blind (20) which allows the movable roof part (14) to be covered from below at least in the closed position of the roof part (14). Said blind (20) is equipped with a blind web (22), an extensible hoop that is arranged at the front edge of the blind web (22), and a blind shaft (26) for winding up the blind web (22). The extensible hoop (24) is coupled to an electric driving motor via a dog so as to displace the extensible hoop along a guide. In order to make the vehicle roof more comfortable to operate, the extensible hoop (24) is removably coupled to a dog which is connected to the driving motor such that the blind (20) can be operated with the aid of the driving motor and can be displaced manually without being coupled to the driving motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: WEBASTO AG
    Inventors: Sebastian Glasl, Andreas Rockelmann, Christian Adlhoch