Panel Comprises Hinged Sections, Or Rollable Or Foldable Material Patents (Class 296/219)
-
Patent number: 12122225Abstract: An articulating roof top cover assembly for a vehicle adapted for sealing engagement with an existing portion of a hard top roof. The articulating roof top cover assembly includes an articulating portion incorporating at least a rotatable portion and slidable portion. The articulating portion is movable between at least a closed position adapted to close off the front vehicle compartment, an open sunroof position exposing the front driver/passenger compartment for an open air feel, and a further open position exposing the rear passenger compartment for an open air feel.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2021Date of Patent: October 22, 2024Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, David A. Smith
-
Patent number: 11919377Abstract: An overturning and tensioning mechanism includes a vehicle body, a soft top, a fixed connecting plate, and a movable connecting plate. An upper end of the vehicle body is provided with an opening, a connecting piece is fixed or integrally formed on the vehicle body, and the connecting piece is provided with an accommodating groove. The soft top is configured to cover the opening. The fixed connecting plate is fixedly connected with the soft top, and the fixed connecting plate is fixed on the vehicle body. The movable connecting plate is fixedly connected with the soft top. The movable connecting plate is provided with a support member. A head of the support member is provided with a matching portion matched with the accommodating groove of the connecting piece. An opening of the accommodating groove faces away from the fixed connecting plate.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2022Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: CHANGZHOU SUNWOOD INTERNATIONAL TRADING CO., LTD.Inventors: Hang Shi, Hongjuan Zheng
-
Patent number: 11712951Abstract: An articulating front top cover assembly adapted for connecting to a vehicle in sealing engagement with a hard top portion of a roof of the vehicle. A pivotal portion includes a multi-bar over-center linkage arrangement. The pivotal portion is movable between at least a closed position over the front vehicle compartment and an open position with a passive lock from the multi-bar linkage assembly for an open air feel.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Jonathon G. Moore, David A. Smith, Charles C. Turney, Stephen J. Lewis, William H. Haberkamp
-
Patent number: 11660942Abstract: A lift assist lock-down assembly for a soft top assembly, the lock-down assembly operably coupled to first and second bows selectively rotatable between an open/sunroof position and an open/downward position. A handle member is rotatable between unlocked and locked positions. A cam and a cam lockout selectively prevent the bows from rotating. When locked in a first position, the bows are prevented from rotating generally rearward/downward, thereby preventing the soft top assembly from moving into the open/downward position. When locked in a second position, the bows are prevented from rotating generally forward/upward, thereby generally preventing the soft top from bouncing or from moving into the open/sunroof position.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2021Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, Tavis Lutzka
-
Patent number: 11396222Abstract: An articulating soft front cockpit cover assembly having no 2-bow drive link for a vehicle. 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: GrantFiled: April 3, 2020Date of Patent: July 26, 2022Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, Charles C. Turney
-
Patent number: 11260733Abstract: A frame and soft top assembly which includes lift assist and improved fabric management. The assembly includes a pair of front arms pivotally attached to rear side rails and are attached to the vehicle roll bar. A plurality of fabric control bows connected with pivot links provide fabric control to the top material during pivoting of the front side rails. A pair of bow pivot links are pivotally connected to the rear side rail. A rear gas strut and a front gas strut are attached longitudinally to either side of the pair of bow pivot links, one providing lift assistance at the start of the pivotal opening of the sunroof while the other of the struts gets loaded as the top is deployed and buffers the closing of the roof which also loads the strut to provide assistance in the closing direction when it is time to close the sunroof.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2020Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, Duane C. Junkin
-
Patent number: 11046158Abstract: A foldable roof assembly having 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 bows are attached to a first bow member, which is secured to a windshield frame when in a closed position, and are connected at a pivot point 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 a wireframe and engages with seals in the hard top roof portion to provide a weatherproof seal.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2020Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: BESTOP, INCInventors: William H. Haberkamp, George C. Stickles, Duane C. Junkin
-
Patent number: 10875389Abstract: A top arrangement of a motor vehicle having a hard-top or folding-top section and a top cutout which borders the hard-top or folding-top section and which can be either closed or at least partially opened by means of a top opening system comprising at least one displaceable lid element, which can be shifted over the hard-top or folding-top section, and a top cover, which spans at least the hard-top or folding-top section in a closed position of the top opening system and is fixed to the lid element across its entire width.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2018Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: WEBASTO SEInventor: Alexander Haimerl
-
Patent number: 10596886Abstract: A foldable roof assembly having 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 bows are attached to a first bow member, which is secured to a windshield frame when in a closed position, and are connected at a pivot point 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 a wireframe and engages with seals in the hard top roof portion to provide a weatherproof seal.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2019Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: William H. Haberkamp, George C. Stickles, Duane C. Junkin
-
Patent number: 10583724Abstract: This disclosure details vehicles that are equipped with one or more removable roof cap assemblies. Exemplary roof cap assemblies include a roof cap and a mounting system with one or more self-aligning brackets configured to self-articulate into alignment with one or more receiving brackets that are mounted to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2018Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Ronald M. Lovasz, David Brian Glickman
-
Patent number: 10569623Abstract: A vehicle top assembly having a housing and a pair of rails that are perpendicular to and extend away from the housing. A roller is rotatably mounted within the housing. A layer of material is attached to the roller and has one or more locking members attached to a side edge.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Inventor: Theodore J. Hammerle
-
Patent number: 10525798Abstract: Windshield adjustment mechanism includes a support including part of a first pivotable connector and part of a second pivotable connector that are spaced apart from one another. Mechanism includes a mount that has a guideway and part of a third pivotable connector. Mechanism includes a carriage that has part of the first pivotable connector and is slidingly mounted with respect to the guideway. Mechanism includes a link that includes part of the second pivotable connector and part of the third pivotable connector that are spaced apart from one another. First pivotable connector, second pivotable connector, third pivotable connector are positioned, and support, guideway, carriage and link are positioned, oriented and dimensioned, such that sliding of carriage causes simultaneous (i) translating of support and of carriage with respect to mount via translation of first pivotable connector, (ii) pivoting of support with respect to carriage about a first pivotable connector axis.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2017Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: SOUCY INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Etienne Leblanc, Nicolas Aube, Benoit Savage, Martin Provencher, Maxime Normand, Genevieve Therrien, Pascal Gaudet
-
Patent number: 10434853Abstract: A foldable roof assembly having 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 bows are attached to a first bow member, which is secured to a windshield frame when in a closed position, and are connected at a pivot point 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 a wireframe and engages with seals in the hard top roof portion to provide a weatherproof seal.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2018Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: William H. Haberkamp, George C. Stickles, Duane C. Junkin
-
Patent number: 10202026Abstract: A moonroof for a motor vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel. The second panel is between the first and third panels when the moonroof is closed. Further, the first and second panels are independently moveable relative to the third panel. A method is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2017Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Adrian Nania
-
Patent number: 10081236Abstract: A motor vehicle is proposed, comprising a vehicle roof having a roof opening, which is circumferentially limited by a sealing strip or sealing rail, which limits a channel at a side facing toward the roof opening. The roof opening is provided with a cover, which comprises a roof tarp, which has a tensioning rope at its edge for tensioning the roof tarp at the sealing strip, the roof tarp at least partially covering the roof opening.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2017Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignee: Webasto SEInventor: Magnus Sviberg
-
Patent number: 10065486Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a convertible sliding top assembly for use with a vehicle. The convertible sliding top assembly can create an opening on the top of the vehicle by rotating a plurality of arms and folding over a soft cover. The assembly can be designed and shaped to improve aerodynamics when the vehicle is moving and prevent the buildup of water on the soft cover.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2016Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: LUND MOTION PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Anthony Smith, Carlos Gutierrez, Chris Schumacher, Scott Cover
-
Patent number: 10046625Abstract: A vehicle top assembly having a housing and a pair of rails that are perpendicular to and extend away from the housing. A roller is rotatably mounted within the housing. A layer of material is attached to the roller and has one or more locking members attached to a side edge.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2017Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Inventor: Theodore J. Hammerle
-
Patent number: 9944155Abstract: A frame and soft top assembly which includes lift assist and improved fabric management. The assembly includes a pair of front arms pivotally attached to rear side rails and are attached to the vehicle roll bar. A plurality of fabric control bows connected with pivot links provide fabric control to the top material during pivoting of the front side rails. A pair of bow pivot links are pivotally connected to the rear side rail. A rear gas strut and a front gas strut are attached longitudinally to either side of the pair of bow pivot links, one providing lift assistance at the start of the pivotal opening of the sunroof while the other of the struts gets loaded as the top is deployed and buffers the closing of the roof which also loads the strut to provide assistance in the closing direction when it is time to close the sunroof.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, Duane C. Junkin
-
Patent number: 9630661Abstract: A retractable roof system for a vehicle that includes a sliding/folding textile cover. The cover is folded as the roof system retracts and is stored below a spoiler assembly. The spoiler is an active spoiler that is raised to receive the cover and lowered to enclose the cover in a storage compartment below the spoiler.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2015Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: MAGNA CAR TOP SYSTEMS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventor: Michael T. Willard
-
Patent number: 9499029Abstract: A windshield assembly generally configured to be used on off-road vehicles such as utility-terrain vehicles (UTVs) and side-by-side vehicles (SSVs) comprises a flexible and slidable windshield panel. The windshield assembly generally comprises at least two guide rails configured to be mounted to the vehicle and more particularly to the front and top portions of the cabin structure, and a flexible windshield panel which side edges are slidably mounted to the guide rails. By virtue of its sliding engagement with the guide rails, the windshield panel can be slid between an operative position, i.e. in front of the driver, and an inoperative position, i.e. into the top of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2015Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: Soucy International Inc.Inventors: Pascal Gaudet, Stephane Genois-Pelletier, Philippe Jaillet-Gosselin, Vincent Morin, Benoit Savage, Genevieve Therrien, Mathieu Vincent
-
Patent number: 9090149Abstract: A convertible system includes a pair of movable side rails, each being connected to a structural pillar. A front header spans between forward ends of the side rails. A side rail latching mechanism releasably attaches the side rails to the structural pillars. A roof member includes a flexible, foldable roof panel and a panel header secured to and covered by the roof panel. The panel header has lateral end portions movably coupled to the side rails. The roof member is movable between a closed position, a pre-defined intermediate opened position, and a fully opened position. The roof member together with the side rails is further movable to a stowed position rearward of a vehicle occupant cabin. A roof member latch mechanism is mounted to the panel header for releasably attaching the panel header to the front header.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2014Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Michael T. Binfet, Jason S. Borland, Nigel Williams, Kenneth M. Hartlaub, James A. Loftus, Jr., Kenneth David Edelmann, Michael T. Willard
-
Patent number: 9090148Abstract: The invention relates to a convertible top, comprising a top linkage, which can be moved between an open position that opens the vehicle interior upward and a closed position that covers the vehicle interior above and which as a link assembly on both sides with respect to a vertical vehicle longitudinal center plane, and at least one top element that is at least largely rigid, which top element extends between the link assemblies arranged on both sides. The top element is designed as a plastic composite component that comprises a substrate structure, which is formed on an outer skin that is made of a textile material having a rubber back lining.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2012Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: WEBASTO SEInventors: Frank Kiesewetter, Jan Woköck, Thomas Dintner
-
Patent number: 9050877Abstract: A motor vehicle with a roof opening in a fixed roof surface of the motor vehicle and a roof mechanism configured to close and at least partially open the roof opening. The roof mechanism includes a front folding roof system having a front folding-top configured to close and at least partially open a front region of the roof opening, a rear folding roof system having a rear folding-top configured to close and at least partially open a rear region of the roof opening; guide rails configured to permit displacement of the front and rear folding top, respectively, to close and at least partially open the frontad rear regions of the roof opening.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2013Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: MAGNA STEYR Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co KGInventors: Christoph Aschaber, Claus Careni, Berthold Klein, Wolfgang Richter, Martin Rodler
-
Patent number: 9027990Abstract: A motor vehicle and a method for at least partially opening and closing a folding roof for the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle a roof frame defining a roof opening and a roof mechanism configured to permit a selective closing and at least partial opening of the roof opening. The roof mechanism includes a folding roof system having a hood cover with a plurality of spaced apart first transparent elements in a longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle and a second plurality of transparent elements between the first transparent elements and configured such that, in the at least partial opening of the roof opening, the hood cover forms folds in which the first transparent elements are positioned in an upper, upward-facing side of a fold and the second transparent elements are positioned in a lower, downward-facing side of a fold and are concealed by the first transparent elements.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2013Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: MAGNA STEYR Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co KGInventors: Christoph Aschaber, Claus Careni, Berthold Klein, Wolfgang Richter, Martin Rodler
-
Patent number: 8973984Abstract: An openable vehicle roof is proposed, comprising a roof element, which is slidable in the vehicle longitudinal direction and extends in the roof transverse direction, and which is adjacent to a stationary vehicle portion in its closed position, as well as one guide rail respectively on both sides relative to a vertical longitudinal center plane of the roof, an actuating device for the roof element being guided in said guide rail, by means of which actuating device the roof element can be moved in the roof longitudinal direction and which actuating device includes a driven locking hook, the pivoting of which causes a vertical offset of the roof element with respect to the stationary vehicle portion between the closed position and an open position and which is engaged with a locking element in the closed position, wherein the roof element is pivotably mounted at a main slider via two support links and the roof element is displaced between the closed position and the open position by means of a coupling link, whType: GrantFiled: January 10, 2014Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Webasto-Edscha Cabrio GmbHInventors: Alexander Haimerl, Georg Kopp
-
Publication number: 20150048645Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle is provided, comprising a number of separate roof panels which are movable between a closed position for closing a roof opening of said vehicle and an opened position for at least partially freeing said roof opening. The open roof construction comprises a telescoping mechanism for moving said number of roof panels, substantially in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, between the closed and opened positions. The telescoping mechanism is provided with a number of telescoping members which in a telescoping manner are movable relative to each other and wherein each panel is attached to and moved by a different one of said telescoping members.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2013Publication date: February 19, 2015Inventors: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Stephan Christiaan Vervoort, Emile Frns Pop, Justin De Boer
-
Patent number: 8936304Abstract: A pull bar is adapted for attachment to one end of a screen of a sunshade device beneath a sunroof of a vehicle. The pull bar includes an upper strip body and a lower strip body. The upper strip body is adapted to abut against an upper surface of the screen. The lower strip body is adapted to abut against a lower surface of the screen. The upper and lower strip bodies cooperatively define at least one air flow passage that extends through the upper and lower strip bodies to permit air to flow into or out of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2013Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Macauto Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Paul Lin, Huang-Jen Wang
-
Publication number: 20140300143Abstract: A foldable roof assembly having 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 bows are attached to a first bow member, which is secured to a windshield frame when in a closed position, and are connected at a pivot point 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 a wireframe and engages with seals in the hard top roof portion to provide a weatherproof seal.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2014Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: Magna International Inc.Inventors: William Henry Haberkamp, George Stickles, Duane Charles Junkin
-
Patent number: 8770258Abstract: A sunshade apparatus for a vehicle includes a shading sheet, which opens and closes a light transmitting portion of a vehicle roof, a pair of holding members, which retain the shading sheet, a winding member, which winds the shading sheet and the holding members. The shading sheet is retained at edge portions of the shading sheet, which extend in the shading sheet opening-closing directions by the holding members. The holding members are retained to the winding member in a manner so that winding in at one end in turn winds off the other end and movement direction thereof is reversed at a direction change member positioned at a distance from the winding member in the shading sheet opening-closing directions and the winding member includes a biasing member, which balances tensional force acting in the shading sheet opening-closing directions at one end and the other end of each holding member.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takashi Kitani, Kazuhiko Yoshizawa
-
Publication number: 20140183908Abstract: A pull bar is adapted for attachment to one end of a screen of a sunshade device beneath a sunroof of a vehicle. The pull bar includes an upper strip body and a lower strip body. The upper strip body is adapted to abut against an upper surface of the screen. The lower strip body is adapted to abut against a lower surface of the screen. The upper and lower strip bodies cooperatively define at least one air flow passage that extends through the upper and lower strip bodies to permit air to flow into or out of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2013Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: MACAUTO INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Paul Lin, Huang-Jen WANG
-
Patent number: 8689853Abstract: A sunshade assembly comprises a flexible sunscreen having two opposite lateral edges, a forward edge and a rearward edge. A rotatable winding shaft is provided for winding and unwinding the sunscreen at its rearward edge, and an operating beam connected to the forward edge of the sunscreen as well as two spaced guiding members cooperating with the opposite lateral edges of the sunscreen. The sunscreen near to each lateral edge is provided with a receiving arrangement for slideably receiving a tensioning member. Each receiving arrangement extends bow-shaped with its outer ends closer to the respective lateral edge than its parts between said outer ends. Each tensioning member further is a longitudinal member extending through a corresponding receiving arrangement and being tensioned in its longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.Inventors: Petrus Martinus Josephus Clephas, Michael Cornelis Anthonius Relouw, Harry Schrans
-
Publication number: 20140084639Abstract: Provided is a roll blind apparatus using a roller bar, in which only one roll blind is applied to a rear seat so that in roll blind opening, a roll blind for a front seat can be opened, but the roll blind for the rear seat can maintain a closed state, and thus light introduced to the rear seat can be blocked, and by applying a roller function to an existing bar, the roll blind can be wound around the roller bar (mobile roller assembly), thereby solving the headroom shortage problem.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2012Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Ho Ryul LEE
-
Publication number: 20140077532Abstract: A motor vehicle with a roof opening in a fixed roof surface of the motor vehicle and a roof mechanism configured to close and at least partially open the roof opening. The roof mechanism includes a front folding roof system having a front folding-top configured to close and at least partially open a front region of the roof opening, a rear folding roof system having a rear folding-top configured to close and at least partially open a rear region of the roof opening; guide rails configured to permit displacement of the front and rear folding top, respectively, to close and at least partially open the frontad rear regions of the roof opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: MAGNA STEYR FAHRZEUGTECHNIK AG & CO. KGInventors: Christoph ASCHABER, Claus CARENI, Berthold KLEIN, Wolfgang RICHTER, Martin RODLER
-
Publication number: 20140070572Abstract: A motor vehicle and a method for at least partially opening and closing a folding roof for the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle a roof frame defining a roof opening and a roof mechanism configured to permit a selective closing and at least partial opening of the roof opening. The roof mechanism includes a folding roof system having a hood cover with a plurality of spaced apart first transparent elements in a longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle and a second plurality of transparent elements between the first transparent elements and configured such that, in the at least partial opening of the roof opening, the hood cover forms folds in which the first transparent elements are positioned in an upper, upward-facing side of a fold and the second transparent elements are positioned in a lower, downward-facing side of a fold and are concealed by the first transparent elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: MAGNA STEYR FAHRZEUGTECHNIK AG & CO. KGInventors: Christoph ASCHABER, Claus CARENI, Berthold KLEIN, Wolfgang RICHTER, Martin RODLER
-
Publication number: 20130341973Abstract: A two-way interlock sliding system and a roller blind apparatus having the system, which has a power transmission unit causing two drive units to interlock-slide using one motor, thereby realizing a simple construction of the apparatus. The roller blind apparatus includes a front roller blind provided in a sunroof of a vehicle, a rear roller blind interlocked with the front roller blind so as to be opened or closed simultaneously with the front roller blind; a drive means generating drive power; a moving glass operated in conjunction with opening or closing motions of the two roller blinds; a power transmission unit for transmitting the power of the drive means such that the moving glass can be operated in conjunction with the opening or closing motions of the two roller blinds; and a control unit for controlling the drive means so as to control operations of the two roller blinds.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2013Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: WEBASTO DONGHEE CO., LTD.Inventors: Su-Yun Choi, Jong-Rak Kim, Seong-Min Gwak, Chang-Min Park
-
Patent number: 8581719Abstract: An exemplary sunroof for mounting in a vehicle roof is provided. The sunroof includes a panel and a warning apparatus. The sunroof includes a first bottom surface for facing toward an inside of the vehicle. The warning apparatus includes a PCB attached to the panel, and a warning unit mounted on the first bottom surface and electrically connected to the PCB. The warning unit is configured to send an emergency alert signal when the panel is raised up to be substantially perpendicular to the vehicle roof. A vehicle includes the sunroof is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2010Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuan-Lung Kuo, Hou-Yao Lin
-
Publication number: 20130049409Abstract: A sunroof unit for a motor vehicle having a vehicle window arranged in the vehicle roof area and having at least one roller blind system below the vehicle window for partially covering the vehicle window, wherein the roller blind system has two guide rails aligned in the vehicle longitudinal direction and a flexible planar structure guided in lateral areas by the guide rails. The guide rails are fixed with regard to their distance from one another in a front end area and/or in a rear end area only indirectly by the vehicle window. The guide rails are each fastened using a fixing device to the vehicle window, and at least one fixing device is designed as a variable fixing device to permit a positive fixing of the respective guide rail relative to the vehicle window in one of several discrete relative positions with respect to a vehicle transverse direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventors: Wolfgang STARK, Guenther Renz, Gwenole Zeo, Sascha Kircher
-
Publication number: 20130038093Abstract: A window assembly for a vehicle includes outer and inner window panels and a spacer element disposed there-between to establish an interpane cavity between the inner and outer window panels. At least one of (a) the outer window panel has a larger cross dimension relative to the inner window panel to provide overhang regions, and (b) the inner window panel has a different contour or curvature than that of the outer window panel so that the interpane cavity varies in gap distance across the window assembly. A roller shade is disposed in the cavity and is electrically deployable to coil and uncoil between a coiled light transmitting condition, where the roller shade functions to substantially allow light transmission through the window assembly, and an at least partially uncoiled light attenuating condition, where the roller shade functions to at least partially attenuate light transmission through the window assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2011Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventor: Darin J. Snider
-
Publication number: 20120319434Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle roof having an integrated roller sunroof, including a vehicle roof with a roof opening, guides mounted on both sides in the longitudinal direction on opposite edges of the roof opening, ribs, domes, roller shaft receptacles and a roller blind roll in the roller shaft receptacles.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2011Publication date: December 20, 2012Inventor: Thomas Lux
-
Publication number: 20120242104Abstract: A panel that may be raised and lowered in the rear area of a vehicle to provide added headroom. The panel may be secured to an opening defined by a roof of the vehicle. The panel may be secured to an opening defined in a tailgate of the vehicle. Side walls and a real wall may be provided that extend between the opening and the panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2011Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Jason Michael Babbage, Henry W. Hausler
-
Patent number: 8256492Abstract: A sunshade device for a vehicle includes a sunshade cloth that has two opposite lateral ends inserted respectively into two track rails, a fixed end fixed to a winding shaft assembly, and a pull end interconnecting the lateral ends oppositely of the fixed end. A cross bar is attached to the pull end and extends between the track rails. A tensioning unit includes a spring disposed within the cross bar, a buffer sleeve disposed around the spring, and two tension cords each having an intermediate section attached to one of two lateral ends of the sunshade cloth, a first end section connected to one end of the spring, and a second end section connected to the winding shaft assembly. The tension cords prevent the sunshade cloth from becoming slack.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2011Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Macauto Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Paul Lin
-
Publication number: 20120187725Abstract: A roller blind arrangement, in particular for a vehicle, with a roller blind web. The roller blind web can be wound up at least at one end by a winding device to form a roller blind winding having a geometrical center axis. The roller blind web can be unwound in an unwinding direction. The winding device has a guide element arranged with respect to the geometrical center axis of the roller blind winding in a direction essentially opposite to the unwinding direction and is designed to limit a movement of the roller blind winding in the direction opposite to the unwinding direction. The invention also relates to a roof arrangement with a roof opening, a roof opening frame that bounds the roof opening, and a roller blind arrangement. The roller blind arrangement is arranged in the roof opening and is mechanically coupled to the roof opening frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2010Publication date: July 26, 2012Applicant: WEBASTO AG (EFH)Inventors: Andreas Rockelmann, Marco Thalhammer, Martin Walser, Erwin Steiner
-
Publication number: 20120153686Abstract: Provided is a sunroof apparatus of the present invention including a sunroof panel that divides a roof panel, except for left and right side fillers of the roof of a vehicle, into a front panel, a middle panel, and a rear panel, and link units composed of an interlink that moves middle panel by the operation of a driving link moving rear panel and a driven link that moves front panel by the operation of interlink, such that all of the portions, except for left and right side fillers of the roof of the vehicle are completely opened while rear panel, middle panel, and front panel are folded in several steps and horizontally stacked when the sunroof is opened, such that open feel, which is maximized like a convertible vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2011Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicants: KOOKMIN UNIVERSITY INDUSTRY ACADEMY COOPERATION FOUNDATION, DH HOLDINGS CO., LTD.Inventors: Seung-Jin HEO, Jay-Il JEONG, Il-Hwan KIM, In-Sik HWANG
-
Publication number: 20120098301Abstract: A sunshade device includes a pair of shade guide rails across an indoor opening; a shade of which opposite side edges are guided by the shade guide rails; and a winding shaft rolling up the shade, wherein the opposite side edges of the shade are guided by the shade guide rails with the side edges being folded after a folding stroke whose folded width is gradually increased toward a front end of the shade when the shade is drawn out from the winding shaft, each of the opposite side edges of the shade is provided with a folded introduction part formed by folding a side edge portion of the shade and connecting the folded side edge portion to a main body portion of the shade, and the folded introduction part is formed in a predetermined length from the front end of the shade in an open/close direction of the shade.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: YACHIYO INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: Teruyuki NAKAMURA, Tsutomu IWAYA
-
Publication number: 20120001459Abstract: A retractable canvas roof for automobiles meant to provide cover from heavy rain when entering or exiting said automobile. The disclosure also comprising of a sensor to detect heavy rain. A locking mechanism to engage the roof and deploy it when the door is opened and a retracting mechanism to pull on the canvas roof when the door is being closed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2010Publication date: January 5, 2012Inventor: Mario Luis Nunez
-
Patent number: 8061735Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a vehicle with a protective panel. In one embodiment, the vehicle comprises a frame to which components of the vehicle are attached. At least one fender is attached to the frame. An opening is located on the at least one fender. At least one of a headlight and a light assembly is disposed at the opening. A suspension system is attached to the frame, and the suspension system comprises at least one wheel disposed adjacent the opening. A protective panel is attached to the at least one fender and is located adjacent the at least one wheel and the opening. The protective panel includes an upper panel and a lower panel. The upper panel is joined to the lower panel by a living hinge so that at least one of the upper panel and the lower panel is movable between and open position and a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2009Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventor: Jerry J Connett
-
Publication number: 20110266839Abstract: A shade apparatus for a vehicle includes first and second rails, each of which includes a guide groove extending in a longitudinal direction thereof, arranged so as to keep a first distance therebetween in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, a roller shaft provided at one end portions of the respective first and second rails and arranged so as to extend in the orthogonal direction, a shade member reeled on and reeled out from the roller shaft, and first and second sliding members provided at the shade member, arranged while keeping a second distance therebetween along a reel out direction of the shade member, and being slidable within the corresponding guide grooves, wherein the first distance between the first and second rails is set to be relatively greater at a portion thereof than the second distance between the first and second sliding members in a natural state.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Inventors: Takuya Sasaki, Takashi Kitani, Yoshitaka Nakamura, Jun Matsushita, Takayuki Umeki
-
Patent number: 7967052Abstract: A vehicle roof blind assembly includes a guide rail having upper and lower slide grooves, a pull rod, and a slide member having a slide portion extending slidably into the upper slide groove. A fabric blind has a transverse end portion connected to the pull rod, and a longitudinal insert portion received slidably in the lower slide groove and including first and second insert parts, and an angled part interconnecting the first and second insert parts. A guiding device is connected to the slide member, and includes a guide insert projecting into the lower slide groove and into the angled part between the first and second insert parts so as to push the angled part transversely of the fabric blind and inwardly of the lower slide groove.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2009Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Macauto Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Paul Lin
-
Patent number: 7938483Abstract: A soft top roof system for an automotive vehicle roof system having a track with a lift ramp, a slider that is moveable along the track, and an arm connected to the slider at a pivot and moveable from a neutral position to a lift position. The system includes at least two cross bow connections located on the arm above the pivot point and a guide located on the arm opposite the at least two cross bow connections, the guide moves along the lift ramp.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2007Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Specialty Vehicle Acquisition Corp.Inventors: Cliff R. Reitzloff, Michael J. Urban, Nilesh Wickham, Dave Slanec
-
Patent number: 7922243Abstract: A vehicle roof having an opening, a folding arrangement, and a device for receiving the folding arrangement. The folding arrangement has at least two slats made of plastic which are arranged parallel to one another, and the folding arrangement can be retracted, while being folded, into the device in order to at least partially unblock the opening. The folding arrangement closes the opening completely when in the closed position. The slats are curved as a result of bracing when in the closed position and are oriented in a substantially flat and plane-parallel manner when retracted into the device.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Bayer MaterialScience AGInventors: Florian Dorin, Stephan Lange, Roland Brambrink, Ulrich Grosser