US20020074831A1 - Vehicle roof with moveable panels - Google Patents

Vehicle roof with moveable panels Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20020074831A1
US20020074831A1 US09/916,183 US91618301A US2002074831A1 US 20020074831 A1 US20020074831 A1 US 20020074831A1 US 91618301 A US91618301 A US 91618301A US 2002074831 A1 US2002074831 A1 US 2002074831A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
panel
moveable
roof
assembly
vehicle
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US09/916,183
Inventor
John Sotiroff
Roch Tolinski
Charles Hopson
George Chene
Simon Dobson
Enrico Fin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ArvinMeritor Technology LLC
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US09/916,183 priority Critical patent/US20020074831A1/en
Assigned to MERITOR LIGHT VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY, LLC reassignment MERITOR LIGHT VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY, LLC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SOTIROFF, JOHN ANDREWS, HOPSON, CHARLES BERRY, DOBSON, SIMON BLAIR, CHENE, GEORGE RENE, TOLINSKI, ROCH JOSEPH, FIN, ENRICO
Publication of US20020074831A1 publication Critical patent/US20020074831A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
    • B60N2/30—Non-dismountable or dismountable seats storable in a non-use position, e.g. foldable spare seats
    • B60N2/3072—Non-dismountable or dismountable seats storable in a non-use position, e.g. foldable spare seats on a lower level of a multi-level vehicle floor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
    • B60J5/00—Doors
    • B60J5/04—Doors arranged at the vehicle sides
    • B60J5/047—Doors arranged at the vehicle sides characterised by the opening or closing movement
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
    • B60J7/00—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs
    • B60J7/02—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of sliding type, e.g. comprising guide shoes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
    • B60J7/00—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs
    • B60J7/02—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of sliding type, e.g. comprising guide shoes
    • B60J7/04—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of sliding type, e.g. comprising guide shoes with rigid plate-like element or elements, e.g. open roofs with harmonica-type folding rigid panels
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
    • B60N2/30—Non-dismountable or dismountable seats storable in a non-use position, e.g. foldable spare seats
    • B60N2/3002—Non-dismountable or dismountable seats storable in a non-use position, e.g. foldable spare seats back-rest movements
    • B60N2/3004—Non-dismountable or dismountable seats storable in a non-use position, e.g. foldable spare seats back-rest movements by rotation only
    • B60N2/3009—Non-dismountable or dismountable seats storable in a non-use position, e.g. foldable spare seats back-rest movements by rotation only about transversal axis
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
    • B60N2/32—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles convertible for other use
    • B60N2/36—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles convertible for other use into a loading platform
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/68—Seat frames
    • B60N2/686—Panel like structures
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
    • B60P1/00—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading
    • B60P1/003—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading vehicles with loading gates
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R13/00—Elements for body-finishing, identifying, or decorating; Arrangements or adaptations for advertising purposes
    • B60R13/08—Insulating elements, e.g. for sound insulation
    • B60R13/0815—Acoustic or thermal insulation of passenger compartments
    • B60R13/0823—Insulating partitions, e.g. between front and rear seats
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
    • B60R21/026—Rigid partitions inside vehicles, e.g. between passengers and load compartments
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
    • B60R21/12—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads which protect the occupants against personal attack from the inside or the outside of the vehicle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R5/00—Compartments within vehicle body primarily intended or sufficiently spacious for trunks, suit-cases, or the like
    • B60R5/04—Compartments within vehicle body primarily intended or sufficiently spacious for trunks, suit-cases, or the like arranged at rear of vehicle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R9/00—Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D33/00—Superstructures for load-carrying vehicles
    • B62D33/02—Platforms; Open load compartments
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D33/00—Superstructures for load-carrying vehicles
    • B62D33/06—Drivers' cabs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D47/00—Motor vehicles or trailers predominantly for carrying passengers
    • B62D47/003—Motor vehicles or trailers predominantly for carrying passengers convertible in order to modify the number of seats

Definitions

  • This invention generally relates to vehicle roofs. More particularly, this invention relates to a vehicle roof design having moveable panels to permit easier access to the vehicle.
  • Modern day vehicles come in a variety of forms, such as passenger sedans, pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles. Typical configurations include doors that open to the side of the vehicle and allow a passenger or driver to enter or exit the vehicle. Other than in scenarios where the vehicle has a convertible top, some passengers or drivers may have difficulty entering or exiting the vehicle because of the coordinated movements needed to maneuver through an opened door into or out of a seat. This is particularly true for physically challenged, elderly or tall individuals.
  • this invention is a vehicle roof assembly having moveable panels positioned above the vehicle entry points that move to provide a larger opening for an individual to enter or exit the vehicle.
  • a stationary roof panel that forms front and rear edges of the roof. At least one of the side edges of the roof is partially formed by a moveable panel that is supported for movement relative to the stationary panel.
  • a moving mechanism preferably moves the moveable panel into a retracted position toward a centerline of the roof.
  • the moveable roof panel automatically moves to the retracted position whenever the door handle is actuated.
  • One arrangement includes a controller that determines whether a user has turned off the automatic retracting function and otherwise automatically moves the roof panel. Additionally, a user control is provided for keeping the retracted panel in the retracted position during driving conditions to provide further ventilation to the vehicle.
  • FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle having a roof portion designed according to this invention.
  • FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an example roof assembly designed according to this invention showing one of the retractable panels in a retracted position.
  • FIG. 3A is a cross sectional illustration taken along the lines 3 A- 3 A in FIG. 2 showing a first position of a moveable roof panel.
  • FIG. 3B is a cross sectional illustration like FIG. 3A showing another position of the panel.
  • a vehicle 20 includes a roof portion 22 .
  • a stationary roof panel 24 preferably is immovably secured to appropriate portions of the vehicle body.
  • Moveable roof panels 26 and 28 are supported for selective movement relative to the stationary panel 24 .
  • the moveable panels 26 and 28 preferably are located adjacent door openings and above a seat such that when the panels 26 or 28 are retracted, a greater opening for access to the vehicle is provided.
  • the panel 26 is centered above a side opening provided by a door 30 while the panel 28 is centered above a side opening provided by a door 32 .
  • the doors 30 and 32 operate in a conventional manner.
  • the stationary panel 24 preferably includes a three-sided cut away recess 34 within which the moveable panel 26 fits to complete the driver side of the roof panel.
  • a three-sided cut away recess 36 exists on the opposite side of the stationary panel 24 , within which the moveable panel 28 fits when the panel is in an extended position.
  • the moveable panel 26 preferably completes a side edge 38 of the roof assembly 22 when it is received in the recess 34 .
  • the panel 28 preferably completes a side edge 39 of the roof assembly 22 when extended into the corresponding recess.
  • the extended position of the moveable panels provides a sealed, closed roof surface.
  • the dimensions of the recesses 34 and 36 preferably are chosen to provide enough clearance through the roof of the vehicle to enable an individual to enter or exit the vehicle interior. Given this description, those skilled in the art will be able to choose appropriate dimensions and orientations to suit the needs of a particular situation.
  • the illustrated example includes a controller 40 supported on the vehicle.
  • the controller 40 preferably communicates with a motorized mechanism 42 that is responsible for moving the panels 26 and/or 28 into the retracted or closed positions.
  • a motorized mechanism 42 that is responsible for moving the panels 26 and/or 28 into the retracted or closed positions.
  • the controller receives a signal and causes the mechanism 42 to operate such that the corresponding moveable roof panel is retracted by the motorized mechanism 42 .
  • the controller 40 preferably is programmed to accommodate different situations where an individual may not want the roof panel to retract when opening the door. An example would be during rain or other inclement weather where the individual does not desire the roof panel to retract upon opening the door.
  • a user control 44 preferably is also provided within the interior of the vehicle to allow an individual to selectively move one or more of the panels into a retracted position to provide additional ventilation to the interior compartment of the vehicle.
  • the manual control 44 communicates with the controller 40 , which in turn operates the motorized mechanism 42 in response to a request to retract or close the roof panel.
  • Each of the panels preferably is individually controlled.
  • FIGS. 3A and 3B schematically show one arrangement.
  • the roof panel 28 is shown in a retracted position in FIG. 3B.
  • the panel 28 is received between an exterior surface of the stationary panel 24 and a vehicle headliner 50 which provides an interior surface for the roof.
  • the panel 28 is supported by two link members 52 and 54 , which ride within a channel 56 supported as part of the roof assembly 22 .
  • the channel 56 preferably guides the panel 28 from an extended position where it closes off the recess 36 to provide a continuous roof surface, into a retracted position (as illustrated in FIG. 3B) where the panel 28 is received within the roof assembly 22 .
  • known sunroof moving mechanisms can be used or modified to achieve the desired movement of the retractable roof panels.
  • the panel 28 moves into a retracted position where the panel 28 is positioned above the stationary panel 24 .
  • one of the moveable panels is retracted into a lowered position such as that shown in FIG. 3B while the other panel is retracted into a position above the stationary roof panel to accommodate any overlap between the panels when they are both in a retracted position.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Vehicle Step Arrangements And Article Storage (AREA)
  • Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
  • Fittings On The Vehicle Exterior For Carrying Loads, And Devices For Holding Or Mounting Articles (AREA)
  • Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
  • Vehicle Waterproofing, Decoration, And Sanitation Devices (AREA)
  • Window Of Vehicle (AREA)

Abstract

A vehicle roof assembly includes a stationary panel and at least one moveable panel. The stationary panel includes at least one cut away recess adjacent an access passage to a vehicle, such as above a moveable door. The moveable roof panel preferably is normally received within the recess to form a completed roof panel. The moveable panel preferably is automatically retracted responsive to movement of the door handle to provide a larger access passage into the vehicle. Moveable panels may be provided on the driver and passenger side of the vehicle, for example.

Description

    CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This application claims priority to United States Provisional Application No. 60/220,712, which was filed on Jul. 26, 2000.[0001]
    • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • This invention generally relates to vehicle roofs. More particularly, this invention relates to a vehicle roof design having moveable panels to permit easier access to the vehicle. [0002]
  • Modern day vehicles come in a variety of forms, such as passenger sedans, pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles. Typical configurations include doors that open to the side of the vehicle and allow a passenger or driver to enter or exit the vehicle. Other than in scenarios where the vehicle has a convertible top, some passengers or drivers may have difficulty entering or exiting the vehicle because of the coordinated movements needed to maneuver through an opened door into or out of a seat. This is particularly true for physically challenged, elderly or tall individuals. [0003]
  • There is a need for an improved vehicle configuration that allows easier access for such individuals. This invention addresses that need by providing a unique roof arrangement that has automatically moveable panels to provide a more accessible vehicle entry opening. [0004]
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • In general terms, this invention is a vehicle roof assembly having moveable panels positioned above the vehicle entry points that move to provide a larger opening for an individual to enter or exit the vehicle. In one example, there is a stationary roof panel that forms front and rear edges of the roof. At least one of the side edges of the roof is partially formed by a moveable panel that is supported for movement relative to the stationary panel. A moving mechanism preferably moves the moveable panel into a retracted position toward a centerline of the roof. [0005]
  • In one example, the moveable roof panel automatically moves to the retracted position whenever the door handle is actuated. One arrangement includes a controller that determines whether a user has turned off the automatic retracting function and otherwise automatically moves the roof panel. Additionally, a user control is provided for keeping the retracted panel in the retracted position during driving conditions to provide further ventilation to the vehicle. [0006]
  • The various features and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the currently preferred embodiments. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows.[0007]
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle having a roof portion designed according to this invention. [0008]
  • FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an example roof assembly designed according to this invention showing one of the retractable panels in a retracted position. [0009]
  • FIG. 3A is a cross sectional illustration taken along the lines [0010] 3A-3A in FIG. 2 showing a first position of a moveable roof panel.
  • FIG. 3B is a cross sectional illustration like FIG. 3A showing another position of the panel.[0011]
    • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
  • A [0012] vehicle 20 includes a roof portion 22. A stationary roof panel 24 preferably is immovably secured to appropriate portions of the vehicle body. Moveable roof panels 26 and 28 are supported for selective movement relative to the stationary panel 24. The moveable panels 26 and 28 preferably are located adjacent door openings and above a seat such that when the panels 26 or 28 are retracted, a greater opening for access to the vehicle is provided. In the illustrated example, the panel 26 is centered above a side opening provided by a door 30 while the panel 28 is centered above a side opening provided by a door 32. The doors 30 and 32 operate in a conventional manner.
  • The [0013] stationary panel 24 preferably includes a three-sided cut away recess 34 within which the moveable panel 26 fits to complete the driver side of the roof panel. Similarly, a three-sided cut away recess 36 exists on the opposite side of the stationary panel 24, within which the moveable panel 28 fits when the panel is in an extended position. The moveable panel 26 preferably completes a side edge 38 of the roof assembly 22 when it is received in the recess 34. The panel 28 preferably completes a side edge 39 of the roof assembly 22 when extended into the corresponding recess.
  • Although two recesses and two moveable panels are illustrated, this invention is not limited to such arrangements. At least one moveable panel with a corresponding recess or opening is within the scope of this invention. [0014]
  • The extended position of the moveable panels provides a sealed, closed roof surface. [0015]
  • The dimensions of the [0016] recesses 34 and 36 preferably are chosen to provide enough clearance through the roof of the vehicle to enable an individual to enter or exit the vehicle interior. Given this description, those skilled in the art will be able to choose appropriate dimensions and orientations to suit the needs of a particular situation.
  • The illustrated example includes a [0017] controller 40 supported on the vehicle. The controller 40 preferably communicates with a motorized mechanism 42 that is responsible for moving the panels 26 and/or 28 into the retracted or closed positions. In one example, whenever an individual operates a door handle the controller receives a signal and causes the mechanism 42 to operate such that the corresponding moveable roof panel is retracted by the motorized mechanism 42.
  • The [0018] controller 40 preferably is programmed to accommodate different situations where an individual may not want the roof panel to retract when opening the door. An example would be during rain or other inclement weather where the individual does not desire the roof panel to retract upon opening the door.
  • A [0019] user control 44 preferably is also provided within the interior of the vehicle to allow an individual to selectively move one or more of the panels into a retracted position to provide additional ventilation to the interior compartment of the vehicle. In one example, the manual control 44 communicates with the controller 40, which in turn operates the motorized mechanism 42 in response to a request to retract or close the roof panel. Each of the panels preferably is individually controlled.
  • Given this description, those skilled in the art will realize a variety of ways to incorporate a stable retracted position for the moveable roof panel into a vehicle roof structure. The illustrations of FIGS. 3A and 3B schematically show one arrangement. In this example, the [0020] roof panel 28 is shown in a retracted position in FIG. 3B. The panel 28 is received between an exterior surface of the stationary panel 24 and a vehicle headliner 50 which provides an interior surface for the roof. The panel 28 is supported by two link members 52 and 54, which ride within a channel 56 supported as part of the roof assembly 22. The channel 56 preferably guides the panel 28 from an extended position where it closes off the recess 36 to provide a continuous roof surface, into a retracted position (as illustrated in FIG. 3B) where the panel 28 is received within the roof assembly 22. Given this description, those skilled in the art will realize that known sunroof moving mechanisms can be used or modified to achieve the desired movement of the retractable roof panels.
  • In another example, which is not illustrated, the [0021] panel 28 moves into a retracted position where the panel 28 is positioned above the stationary panel 24. In another example, one of the moveable panels is retracted into a lowered position such as that shown in FIG. 3B while the other panel is retracted into a position above the stationary roof panel to accommodate any overlap between the panels when they are both in a retracted position.
  • The preceding description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed examples may become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not necessarily depart from the essence of this invention. The scope of legal protection given to this invention can only be determined by studying the following claims. [0022]

Claims (16)

We claim:
1. A vehicle roof assembly comprising:
a stationary panel having first and second continuous edges with at least one side edge extending between the first and second edges, the side edge including at least one recess; and
a moveable panel supported for movement relative to the stationary panel, the moveable panel being selectively received within the recess into a position to provide a completed roof surface, the moveable panel being selectively retracted at least partially from the recess to provide an access passage through at least a portion of the recess in the roof panel.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the moveable roof panel includes a side edge that cooperates with the side edge of the stationary panel to provide a continuous side edge of the roof assembly when the moveable panel is received within the recess.
3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the recess includes three sides and wherein the moveable panel is sealingly received against the three sides of the recess when the moveable panel is in an extended position.
4. The assembly of claim 1, including two moveable roof panels positioned on opposite sides of the roof assembly.
5. The assembly of claim 1, including a motorized mechanism that causes movement of the moveable roof panel.
6. The assembly of claim 5, including a controller that controls operation of the motorized mechanism to selectively move the moveable roof panel responsive to a command signal.
7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein movement of a door handle generates a command signal to the controller to move the moveable roof panel into a retracted position.
8. The assembly of claim 5, including a manual control switch that is selectively operable by an individual to generate a command signal to move the moveable roof panel.
9. A vehicle, comprising:
a roof portion having a stationary roof panel with at least one cut away section that interrupts one side of the stationary roof panel;
a door that is selectively moveable to gain access to an interior of the vehicle, the door being positioned adjacent the cut away section in the stationary panel when the door is in a closed position; and
a moveable roof panel that is selectively received within the cut away section to close off the cut away section and provide a completed roof surface, one edge of the moveable panel cooperating with a portion of the door to provide a closed interface between the moveable roof panel and the door when both are in a closed position.
10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the cut away section includes three sides and the moveable roof panel is sealingly received against the three sides when the panel is in a closed position.
11. The assembly of claim 9, including a second door, a second cut away section in the stationary roof panel and a second moveable roof panel that is selectively received within the second cut away section.
12. The assembly of claim 9, including a motorized mechanism that moves the moveable roof panel.
13. The assembly of claim 12, including a controller that controls the motorized mechanism responsive to a command signal indicating a desired movement of the moveable roof panel.
14. The assembly of claim 12, including a manual control switch that is operable by an individual to generate a command signal that is interpreted by the controller indicating a desired movement of the moveable panel.
15. A method of providing access to a vehicle having a vehicle roof that includes a stationary panel and at least one moveable roof panel selectively positioned adjacent an access passage to the vehicle, comprising the steps of:
determining when an individual desires to enter or exit the vehicle; and
automatically moving the moveable roof panel into a retracted position to increase the size of the access passage.
16. The method of claim 15, including determining when an individual operates a door handle of the door and automatically retracting the roof panel responsive to movement of the door handle.
US09/916,183 2000-07-26 2001-07-26 Vehicle roof with moveable panels Abandoned US20020074831A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/916,183 US20020074831A1 (en) 2000-07-26 2001-07-26 Vehicle roof with moveable panels

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US22071200P 2000-07-26 2000-07-26
US09/916,183 US20020074831A1 (en) 2000-07-26 2001-07-26 Vehicle roof with moveable panels

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20020074831A1 true US20020074831A1 (en) 2002-06-20

Family

ID=34519764

Family Applications (4)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/872,667 Expired - Fee Related US6474725B2 (en) 2000-07-26 2001-06-01 Reinforced cargo doors
US09/915,759 Expired - Fee Related US6547298B2 (en) 2000-07-26 2001-07-26 Reconfigurable intermediate panel for use in a vehicle
US09/916,120 Expired - Fee Related US6516983B2 (en) 2000-07-26 2001-07-26 Moveable cargo support panel for use in a vehicle
US09/916,183 Abandoned US20020074831A1 (en) 2000-07-26 2001-07-26 Vehicle roof with moveable panels

Family Applications Before (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/872,667 Expired - Fee Related US6474725B2 (en) 2000-07-26 2001-06-01 Reinforced cargo doors
US09/915,759 Expired - Fee Related US6547298B2 (en) 2000-07-26 2001-07-26 Reconfigurable intermediate panel for use in a vehicle
US09/916,120 Expired - Fee Related US6516983B2 (en) 2000-07-26 2001-07-26 Moveable cargo support panel for use in a vehicle

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (4) US6474725B2 (en)
EP (3) EP1176060B1 (en)
DE (2) DE60110162T2 (en)
ES (2) ES2250316T3 (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7293822B1 (en) 2004-01-06 2007-11-13 Appropriate Combined Technologies Llc Convertible vehicle
US20090074547A1 (en) * 2007-09-19 2009-03-19 Wolfgang Klotz Loading base for motor vehicles
US20090192682A1 (en) * 2008-01-30 2009-07-30 Caterpillar Inc. Operator enclosure including movable top and machine using same
CN105416016A (en) * 2015-12-10 2016-03-23 安徽省地坤汽车天窗科技有限公司 Full-automatic skylight for car

Families Citing this family (99)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6474725B2 (en) * 2000-07-26 2002-11-05 Meritor Light Vehicle Technology, Llc Reinforced cargo doors
JP2003026046A (en) * 2001-07-10 2003-01-29 Fuji Heavy Ind Ltd Automobile body structure
DE10140256B4 (en) * 2001-08-07 2012-09-06 Bos Gmbh & Co. Kg Protective device for a loading space of a vehicle
US6669259B2 (en) * 2001-11-09 2003-12-30 Pro-Gard Industries, L.P. Vehicle partition
EP1314599B1 (en) * 2001-11-22 2007-06-27 Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V. Vehicle
JP3861002B2 (en) * 2001-12-27 2006-12-20 富士重工業株式会社 Weather strip structure for bulkhead gate of vehicle
JP2003191870A (en) * 2001-12-27 2003-07-09 Fuji Heavy Ind Ltd Bulkhead gate structure of vehicle
GB2386868B (en) * 2002-03-23 2005-08-03 Meritor Light Vehicle Sys Ltd Seat assembly
JP3861732B2 (en) * 2002-04-01 2006-12-20 マツダ株式会社 Car rear cargo compartment structure
DE10223042B4 (en) * 2002-05-22 2004-11-11 Sai Automotive Sal Gmbh Loading floor for a vehicle with spacer and loading device
US6758508B2 (en) * 2002-10-31 2004-07-06 Richard L. Weyhrich Extensible cargo rack for vehicle bed
DE10315401A1 (en) * 2002-12-30 2004-07-22 Volkswagen Ag Variable bottom of car boot, to be rotated towards front of vehicle and/or slid towards rear as required
US7036861B2 (en) * 2003-02-10 2006-05-02 Steffens Enterprises, Inc. Cargo compartment organizer
DE10320527B3 (en) * 2003-04-30 2004-12-09 Bos Gmbh & Co. Kg Separating device for a vehicle interior
DE10320751A1 (en) * 2003-05-09 2004-12-02 Daimlerchrysler Ag motor vehicle
US6779824B1 (en) 2003-06-06 2004-08-24 Daimlerchrysler Corporation Vehicle cargo tray and table assembly
KR100521677B1 (en) * 2003-06-10 2005-10-17 현대자동차주식회사 Partition device of van type automobile
US7410081B2 (en) * 2003-09-16 2008-08-12 Honda Motor Company, Ltd. Support structure for a spare tire on a vehicle
FR2860200B1 (en) * 2003-09-26 2006-12-29 Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa MOTOR VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH A REMOVABLE SEPARATION PANEL IN AN ARTICULATED CASSETTE
FR2860199B1 (en) * 2003-09-26 2006-12-29 Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa MOTOR VEHICLE HAVING A RETRACTABLE REAR PANEL FOR ISOLATING THE LOADING SPACE
US6974170B2 (en) * 2003-12-30 2005-12-13 Lear Corporation Slide out trunk space storage system
US6890014B1 (en) * 2004-01-23 2005-05-10 Daimlerchrysler Corporation Conversion vehicle
US20050161964A1 (en) * 2004-01-26 2005-07-28 Adleman George K.Jr. Cargo bed extender
JP4337577B2 (en) * 2004-02-19 2009-09-30 三菱自動車工業株式会社 Vehicle body structure
US6938949B1 (en) * 2004-03-08 2005-09-06 General Motors Corporation Open-air pickup truck
FR2867434A1 (en) * 2004-03-12 2005-09-16 Renault Sas Object or luggage loading assisting device for motor vehicle, has support moving in translation between elongated position and position brought closer with respect to edge for loading storage space
US7954679B2 (en) * 2004-07-20 2011-06-07 Honda Motor Company, Ltd. Retention system for a spare tire
DE102004037800A1 (en) * 2004-08-03 2006-03-16 Intier Automotive Eybl (Germany) Gmbh Storage space partition
US7066530B2 (en) * 2004-08-12 2006-06-27 Frederick Jena B Filler panel apparatus and method for reinforcing a vehicle body
US7185935B1 (en) * 2004-08-27 2007-03-06 Ed Magarro Truck bed cover
DE602005003415T2 (en) * 2004-09-20 2008-03-06 Heuliez Modular vehicle and associated method
FR2875443B1 (en) * 2004-09-20 2009-05-01 France Design Sa MODULAR VEHICLE AND CORRESPONDING METHOD
US7036872B1 (en) * 2004-10-08 2006-05-02 General Motors Corporation Vehicle midgate
FR2876638B1 (en) * 2004-10-20 2008-04-18 Faurecia Sieges Automobile MOTOR VEHICLE COMPRISING A SLIDING PLATFORM
DE102004051622B4 (en) * 2004-10-22 2013-08-22 Sortimo Speedwave Gmbh Loading floor for the luggage compartment of a vehicle
FR2877623B1 (en) * 2004-11-10 2006-12-15 Renault Sas AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE BOX ARRANGEMENT WITH MODULAR VOLUME
US7374221B2 (en) * 2004-11-12 2008-05-20 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Cargo lid anchor cable
EP1685995B1 (en) * 2005-01-31 2008-12-03 Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V. Guiding assembly and open roof construction provided therewith
DE102005011681B4 (en) * 2005-03-11 2010-11-11 Webasto Ag Cargo space arrangement
DE102005011679B4 (en) * 2005-03-11 2010-06-17 Webasto Ag Cargo space arrangement
FR2884179B1 (en) * 2005-04-11 2007-07-06 Renault Sas MOTOR VEHICLE HAVING A PAVILION OPENER OPENING PERPENDICULARLY TO THE LONGITUDINAL DIRECTION OF THE VEHICLE
FR2884178B1 (en) * 2005-04-11 2007-07-06 Renault Sas PAVILION OPENING ASSEMBLY FOR MOTOR VEHICLE
US7246847B2 (en) * 2005-04-19 2007-07-24 Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. Vehicle closure system
DE102005027510A1 (en) 2005-06-15 2006-12-21 Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag Loading floor for e.g. e.g. passenger car, has displaceable section pushed over forward section fixed to vehicle so that displaceable section is lowered and adjoins rearward edge of forward section to form flat loading surface
US7188881B1 (en) * 2005-09-02 2007-03-13 Lear Corporation Sliding load floor system with levitation mechanism
US7207616B2 (en) * 2005-09-02 2007-04-24 Lear Corporation Sliding load floor system with two-axis pivoting hinge
US7410198B1 (en) 2005-09-22 2008-08-12 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Automotive vehicle with repositionable D-pillar roof structure
EP1852308A1 (en) * 2006-05-02 2007-11-07 Wagon Sas Automobile boot floor with mobile platform and corresponding vehicle
US20080030039A1 (en) * 2006-08-01 2008-02-07 Lear Corporation Vehicle seat back appendage
EP1970252B1 (en) 2007-03-12 2012-10-10 Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG Loading deck system for a motor vehicle
FR2913676B3 (en) * 2007-03-16 2009-01-09 Mecanique Romi Sarl DEVICE FOR FACILITATING THE LOADING, UNLOADING AND STORAGE OF CONTAINS IN A VEHICLE
US7731255B2 (en) * 2007-04-10 2010-06-08 Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc. Interior vehicle cargo system
FR2915939A1 (en) * 2007-05-09 2008-11-14 Renault Sas Object i.e. suitcase, supporting device for use in boot of motor vehicle, has handle for towing platform in unblocking position, where handle is pivotingly mounted for its movement between blocking and unblocking positions
US20090039675A1 (en) * 2007-08-09 2009-02-12 King E Mackey Vehicle body with passenger compartment over cargo bed
FR2921605B1 (en) * 2007-09-28 2010-03-12 Renault Sas MOTOR VEHICLE COMPRISING A MULTIFUNCTIONAL MOBILE PROTECTION FENCE
FR2923188B1 (en) * 2007-11-02 2010-01-22 Productions S A B V SEPARATION DEVICE FOR THE PROTECTION OF PASSENGERS IN A VEHICLE
US8177275B2 (en) * 2007-11-05 2012-05-15 Adrian Steel Company Partition for vehicle cargo area
US7566094B2 (en) * 2007-11-14 2009-07-28 Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. Enhanced functionality vehicle closure panel assembly
ATE543686T1 (en) * 2007-12-31 2012-02-15 Fiat Ricerche MOTOR VEHICLE SEATING ARRANGEMENT EQUIPPED WITH A LOADING FLOOR FOR A TRUNK COMPARTMENT
FR2943016B1 (en) * 2009-03-13 2013-11-29 Faurecia Automotive Ind DEVICE FOR ASSISTING THE LOADING AND UNLOADING OF THE BOX OF A VEHICLE, VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A DEVICE
US8091939B2 (en) * 2009-03-23 2012-01-10 Pro-Gard Products, Llc Air bag compatible vehicle partition
ES2370568B1 (en) * 2009-12-11 2012-10-09 Fundación Para La Promoción De La Innovación, Investigación Y Desarrollo Tecnológico En La Industria De Automocion De Galicia SEAT FOR VEHICLES CONVERTIBLE IN CARGO SEPARATOR.
US8303014B2 (en) * 2009-12-30 2012-11-06 Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Pick-up style utility vehicle with expandable cargo bed
US8128144B2 (en) * 2009-12-30 2012-03-06 Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Pick-up style utility vehicle with expandable cargo bed
RS52850B (en) * 2010-11-24 2013-12-31 Fiat Group Automobiles S.P.A. Vehicle with a loading shelf for a vehicle luggage compartment
CN202152072U (en) * 2010-12-02 2012-02-29 顾曙红 Transformation pickup jeep
US8585116B2 (en) * 2011-01-31 2013-11-19 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Vehicular utility bed having end wall and seat bottom portion and vehicles including same
FR2977227A1 (en) * 2011-06-29 2013-01-04 Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa Utility vehicle, has partitioning unit passed from communication position to position of bulk-heading of interior space, where unit is movable panel adapted to pass from communication position to position of partitioning by displacement
SE536065C2 (en) * 2011-09-29 2013-04-23 Bae Systems Haegglunds Ab Vehicle protection device
DE102012012038A1 (en) * 2012-06-19 2013-12-19 Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft Storage device for luggage compartment of vehicle, and for use with case, has receiving container that is a case, which is removable from supporting element, where inner space of case is to be closed completely by case walls
US11072272B2 (en) * 2012-07-05 2021-07-27 David Fought Movable wall structure for a travel trailer
CN102874185B (en) * 2012-10-22 2015-03-11 浙江吉利汽车研究院有限公司杭州分公司 Novel demountable bulkhead protective plate of car
AR089658A1 (en) * 2012-12-12 2014-09-10 Pablo Razza Luis INTEGRATING MECHANISM OF THE LOADING BOX TO THE ROOM IN DOUBLE CABIN PICK-UPS
US8864208B2 (en) * 2012-12-27 2014-10-21 Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Panel locking structure for cargo bed of vehicle
US9586551B2 (en) * 2013-05-23 2017-03-07 Adrian Steel Company Adjustable partition
FR3010017B1 (en) * 2013-08-30 2016-12-02 Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa SLIDING CLOSURE DEVICE WITHIN A VEHICLE
US9718415B2 (en) * 2014-07-29 2017-08-01 Robert Squicciarini Vehicle-mounted integrated housing and removable tool box system
US9132777B1 (en) 2014-10-27 2015-09-15 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Motor vehicle equipped with dynamic floor section
US9346406B2 (en) 2014-10-27 2016-05-24 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Motor vehicle equipped with dynamic floor section
US11008717B2 (en) * 2015-06-29 2021-05-18 Royal Truck & Equipment, Inc. Safety truck attachments, and methods of safety truck use
US9994259B2 (en) * 2015-12-18 2018-06-12 Textron Innovations Inc. Auxiliary cargo storage bin
US10173596B2 (en) * 2016-07-25 2019-01-08 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Removable article carrier for a vehicle
US9758199B1 (en) 2016-08-24 2017-09-12 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Stiffening brace for pickup truck box outer panel
RU168582U1 (en) * 2016-09-14 2017-02-09 Михаил Евгеньевич Сидоров Mobile car seat
US10167028B2 (en) * 2016-10-03 2019-01-01 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Spare tire presentation apparatus
KR102406042B1 (en) * 2016-12-07 2022-06-08 현대자동차주식회사 Loading and unloading apparatus for luggage of vehicle
US11148598B1 (en) * 2017-02-14 2021-10-19 Francis Eman-Henshaw Truck bed extension system and method of use
US10933826B1 (en) * 2017-02-17 2021-03-02 Darrel Hood Automotive bumper with storage and method of use
US9963028B1 (en) * 2017-02-21 2018-05-08 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Battery support structure for electrified vehicle
US10611314B2 (en) * 2017-09-29 2020-04-07 Faurecia Automotive Seating, Llc Vehicle privacy screen
US11014487B2 (en) * 2017-11-08 2021-05-25 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Divider assemblies for partitioning vehicle cargo spaces
JP6973512B2 (en) * 2018-01-26 2021-12-01 日本製鉄株式会社 Shock absorbing member
DE102018207323B4 (en) * 2018-05-09 2023-01-05 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Passenger vehicle designed as an SUV with a partition
JP3225733U (en) * 2019-09-03 2020-03-26 訊映光電股▲分▼有限公司ＯＫ Ｂｉｏｔｅｃｈ Ｃｏ． Ｌｔｄ Sightseeing bus
JP2021109593A (en) * 2020-01-14 2021-08-02 トヨタ自動車株式会社 Vehicle rear structure of electric vehicle
KR102351255B1 (en) 2020-07-17 2022-01-14 현대트랜시스 주식회사 Seat apparatus of vehicle
US11993196B2 (en) 2021-10-14 2024-05-28 Adrian Steel Company Shelf system
CN115434383B (en) * 2022-09-23 2023-06-16 三一重机有限公司 Limiting part, rolling-over prevention protection structure and engineering machinery
US20240227682A9 (en) * 2022-10-24 2024-07-11 Lear Corporation Cargo-module arrangement for a vehicle

Family Cites Families (68)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1629403A (en) * 1927-05-17 Convertible vehicle body
DE441648C (en) * 1925-07-24 1927-03-07 Karl Beuerle Convertible top, especially for passenger cars
FR621913A (en) * 1925-10-08 1927-05-19 Improvements to automotive bodies
US2091069A (en) * 1936-04-10 1937-08-24 Kelch Heater Company Deck loader and unloader
US2349907A (en) 1941-07-09 1944-05-30 Cons Vultee Aircraft Corp Metal door
US2490014A (en) * 1947-01-14 1949-12-06 Brand Daniel Tobias D Villiers Trailer for motor vehicles
US2502538A (en) * 1948-06-25 1950-04-04 Charles B Stark Rear seat windshield
US2772041A (en) * 1954-09-23 1956-11-27 George J Zeabari Automobile trunk extension
US2797828A (en) * 1954-10-28 1957-07-02 James E Fritsche Movable and adjustable floor for loading a vehicle
US3015515A (en) * 1960-08-25 1962-01-02 Novelty Carriage Works Inc Prisoner confining partition for automobiles
US3103289A (en) * 1960-10-03 1963-09-10 Lon Blanscet Luggage carriers for automobiles
FR1503928A (en) * 1966-10-19 1967-12-01 Renault Motor vehicle roof
US3419304A (en) * 1967-01-16 1968-12-31 Sangimino Vito Autowagon
US3441309A (en) * 1967-02-20 1969-04-29 Novelty Carriage Works Inc Partitioning apparatus for automobiles
US3726422A (en) * 1971-03-18 1973-04-10 A Zelin Sliding luggage rack for station wagons
DE2302972A1 (en) * 1973-01-22 1974-08-01 Friedrich Mattes EXTENDABLE LOADING AREA FOR COMBI VEHICLES
US3868141A (en) * 1973-06-15 1975-02-25 Dow Chemical Co Vehicular safety device
US4035014A (en) * 1975-12-16 1977-07-12 Sellers Troy V Bullet-resistant retractable shield assembly
US4015875A (en) * 1976-03-31 1977-04-05 Setina John R Vertical sliding automobile partition having curved track mounted on front of shield plate
DE2739741A1 (en) * 1977-09-03 1979-03-15 Daimler Benz Ag A REAR DOOR LOCKING A LOAD AREA OF A CAR
US4119341A (en) * 1977-12-08 1978-10-10 Cook Eddie G Rear window assembly for a truck cab
FR2438564A1 (en) * 1978-10-09 1980-05-09 Renouard Michel Sliding shelf for car boot - is carried by base on floor on two slideways enabling complete withdrawal from boot for goods handling
US4290235A (en) 1979-10-24 1981-09-22 The Budd Company Intrusion resisting strap for automobile doors
SE8009097L (en) * 1980-12-23 1982-06-24 Bo Christer Johansson Loading device
JPS5830877A (en) * 1981-08-13 1983-02-23 Mazda Motor Corp Rear construction of truck cabin
FR2546832A1 (en) * 1983-06-01 1984-12-07 Bertrand Albert Device for facilitating access to car boots
SE445986B (en) * 1984-03-05 1986-08-04 Goran Arbenius VEHICLE DEVICE TO PREVENT TRANSFER OF THE VEHICLE AND TO PREPARE A REVERSIBLE SEAT FOR SLEEPING
US4659136A (en) * 1984-04-13 1987-04-21 Martin John W Collapsible enclosure apparatus
CA1196361A (en) * 1984-04-30 1985-11-05 Joseph Ledenyi Partition shield for automobile interior
US4621856A (en) * 1985-07-12 1986-11-11 W/S Group Inc. Mountable and demountable partition structure for motor vehicles
GB2213780B (en) * 1987-07-16 1991-10-16 Rees Operations Pty Ltd Vehicle safety screen fixing means
ATA194287A (en) * 1987-07-31 1992-08-15 Austria Metall IMPACT PROTECTION DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE DOOR
US4793099A (en) * 1987-09-23 1988-12-27 Noran Tape driven power window module
GB9018350D0 (en) 1990-08-21 1990-10-03 Jaguar Cars Vehicle bodies
DE4128554A1 (en) * 1990-09-08 1992-03-12 Volkswagen Ag Estate car with partition - separates luggage and passenger spaces anpartition can be swung downwards behind seat backrest when not is use
DE4031678C2 (en) 1990-10-04 1995-03-23 Mannesmann Ag Reinforcing element for the body of an automobile
DE4112246A1 (en) * 1991-04-15 1992-10-22 Rockwell Golde Gmbh ROOF CONSTRUCTION FOR VEHICLES
JP3144093B2 (en) 1992-10-30 2001-03-07 日産自動車株式会社 Body structure
US5314228A (en) 1993-03-16 1994-05-24 Atlantic Research Corporation Vehicle side impact intrusion barrier
DE9305958U1 (en) * 1993-04-20 1993-06-17 Kappaun, Gerd, 6570 Kirn Trunk loading area
AUPN453695A0 (en) * 1995-08-02 1995-08-24 Rees Operations Pty Ltd Two position motor vehicle safety screen assembly
US5702143A (en) * 1996-03-15 1997-12-30 Tachi-S Co., Ltd. Arrangement for anchoring a guard net in automobile
US5967054A (en) 1996-04-30 1999-10-19 R & G Ventures, Llc Removable cargo shelf assembly for a vehicle
WO1997041755A1 (en) 1996-05-03 1997-11-13 Onofrio Giulio D Seat back mounted cargo shelf
DE19619126A1 (en) * 1996-05-11 1997-11-13 Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag Sliding pallet on vehicle tailboard
IT1283433B1 (en) * 1996-07-16 1998-04-21 Autotek Srl DEVICE FOR OPERATING AN OPENABLE ROOF OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND SIMILAR
US5762245A (en) 1996-11-06 1998-06-09 Hurst; Andrew Trunk tray
AT404459B (en) * 1996-11-18 1998-11-25 Magna Eybl Gmbh LOADING FLOOR FOR THE LOADING AREA OF A VEHICLE
SE509624C2 (en) * 1996-11-26 1999-02-15 Volvo Ab Sliding cargo floor
US6015071A (en) 1997-03-11 2000-01-18 Prince Corporation Vehicle storage divider
US6241137B1 (en) 1997-04-14 2001-06-05 Caven W. Corr Removable deck/platform apparatus with storage access for sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks and mini vans
US5967392A (en) 1997-04-22 1999-10-19 Penda Corporation Cargo bed utility box
US6065792A (en) * 1997-06-05 2000-05-23 Sciullo; John E. Slide-a-bed system for a truck
US6056349A (en) * 1997-06-09 2000-05-02 Aluminum Company Of America Vehicle door having improved side crash resistance and associated method
US5934727A (en) * 1997-07-16 1999-08-10 General Motors Corporation Adaptable pick up truck configuration
US5979725A (en) 1998-01-16 1999-11-09 Lehrman; Mark A. Multi-compartment organizer for minivan
US5938262A (en) * 1998-02-27 1999-08-17 Mills; Don W. Slidable truck bed extension
JPH11342793A (en) * 1998-06-04 1999-12-14 Honda Motor Co Ltd Tight-shutting structure of automobile interior
US6050202A (en) 1998-07-22 2000-04-18 Prince Corporation Storage divider shelf
US6113172A (en) 1998-12-22 2000-09-05 Daimlerchrysler Corporation Multi-positional vehicle shelf
US6062452A (en) 1998-12-28 2000-05-16 Kauskey; Michael L. Grocery board
DE19904632C2 (en) * 1999-02-05 2002-02-14 Audi Ag Armored passenger car
US6220652B1 (en) * 1999-04-05 2001-04-24 General Motors Corporation Motor vehicle body with side impact protection
US6260905B1 (en) * 2000-01-04 2001-07-17 Michael T. Wagner Multi-segment, vertically operable, rear vehicle window
US6260916B1 (en) * 2000-04-03 2001-07-17 General Motors Corporation Vehicle body panel and window system
DE10028781B4 (en) * 2000-06-15 2010-11-11 Webasto Ag Motor vehicle with a convertible passenger compartment
US6474725B2 (en) * 2000-07-26 2002-11-05 Meritor Light Vehicle Technology, Llc Reinforced cargo doors
US6474173B2 (en) * 2001-02-21 2002-11-05 Lockheed Martin Corporation Pressure sensitive paint system control

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7293822B1 (en) 2004-01-06 2007-11-13 Appropriate Combined Technologies Llc Convertible vehicle
US20090074547A1 (en) * 2007-09-19 2009-03-19 Wolfgang Klotz Loading base for motor vehicles
US7992912B2 (en) * 2007-09-19 2011-08-09 Brose Fahrzeugteile Gmbh & Co. Kg. Coburg Loading base for motor vehicles
US20090192682A1 (en) * 2008-01-30 2009-07-30 Caterpillar Inc. Operator enclosure including movable top and machine using same
CN105416016A (en) * 2015-12-10 2016-03-23 安徽省地坤汽车天窗科技有限公司 Full-automatic skylight for car

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE60113345D1 (en) 2005-10-20
US6474725B2 (en) 2002-11-05
ES2241751T3 (en) 2005-11-01
US20020014785A1 (en) 2002-02-07
DE60110162D1 (en) 2005-05-25
DE60110162T2 (en) 2006-03-09
EP1176057A3 (en) 2003-05-07
EP1176042A1 (en) 2002-01-30
US6516983B2 (en) 2003-02-11
ES2250316T3 (en) 2006-04-16
EP1176060A3 (en) 2003-08-13
US20020043811A1 (en) 2002-04-18
US6547298B2 (en) 2003-04-15
DE60113345T2 (en) 2006-06-22
EP1176060A2 (en) 2002-01-30
EP1176060B1 (en) 2005-09-14
US20020034430A1 (en) 2002-03-21
EP1176057B1 (en) 2005-04-20
EP1176057A2 (en) 2002-01-30

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20020074831A1 (en) Vehicle roof with moveable panels
US7093870B2 (en) Transformable vehicle
EP2432653B1 (en) Door assemblies for vehicles and vehicles including the same
US5923245A (en) Rear air guiding device with brake light for a motor vehicle
US6783172B2 (en) Roof structure of a motor vehicle
US7641275B2 (en) Pillar wind deflector
EP1207067B1 (en) Vehicle
EP1745957B1 (en) Vehicle door opening system
US20040155489A1 (en) Automotive sun visor device
EP0382187B1 (en) A slidable roof device for a motor vehicle
US4415195A (en) Automobile windows
US4842327A (en) Convertible vehicle having dual rear quarter window assembly
JP2007269102A (en) Vehicular wind throb reduction device
US5803534A (en) Passenger car with a transparent top assembly
US6149223A (en) Lowerable rear window for a folding roof
US7219949B1 (en) Motor vehicle door having a closure extending from a bottom thereof
US7222908B1 (en) Automotive open air system
US5145231A (en) Roof structure of an automotive vehicle
US5080429A (en) Slidable roof device for a motor vehicle
JP3079128B2 (en) Side window structure of traveling vehicle
JPH04300719A (en) Camber stop structure of automobile
KR200215953Y1 (en) Sunroof for vehicle
WO2007136312A1 (en) An opening vehicle roof for storage in the side sections of the vehicle
JPS6234819Y2 (en)
KR100353723B1 (en) device for drawing off the inside air of car automatically when window glasses are opened/closed

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: MERITOR LIGHT VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY, LLC, MICHIGAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SOTIROFF, JOHN ANDREWS;TOLINSKI, ROCH JOSEPH;HOPSON, CHARLES BERRY;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:012557/0832;SIGNING DATES FROM 20010802 TO 20011022

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION