Empire Automotive, Inc.

American Sunroof Corporation

Hal Green

Norman L Sorensen

A latching mechanism for a sunroof for a vehicle having an opening formed in its roof includes a frame extending about the edge of the opening and has an inward projecting ledge supporting a resilient section which lies substantially parallel to the roof. A panel is provided adapted to be supported with its perimeter in abutment to the resilient section. A latch base is affixed to the underside of the panel in proximity to the edge thereof and includes a free end projecting toward the edge and spaced below the inward projecting ledge. The free end includes an inclined wall extending downward and outward and abutting the inward projecting ledge. A releasable latch means engages the frame and urges an outward movement of the latch base producing a sliding cam action with the inclined wall in abutment with the inward projecting ledge, whereby a downward movement of the panel is created with an outward movement of the latch base squeezing the resilient member between the panel and the inward projecting ledge to form a seal.

Sunroof latching mechanism

A detachable sun panel for the roof of an automobile consists of a transparent panel adapted to be supported on a resilient molding extending around the perimeter of an aperture formed in the roof. The molding is adapted to be installed in a hole cut in a conventional roof and engages the sheet metal of the roof as well as the underlying headliner. The panel carries a pair of extensions on one end which engage the underside of the molding and a pair of latches on the opposite side which may be moved into a closed position to lock the panel against the molding.

Roof molding detachable sun roof panel for automobiles

A frame extending around an opening in a vehicle roof is adapted to support the perimeter of a curved glass panel to close off the opening. A pair of bayonets projecting in spaced relation to the underside of the forward edge of the panel mates with an aperture in the frame when the panel is inclined with respect to the roof to act as a pivotable hinge allowing motion of the panel between a closed position and that inclined position. A two part fastener for the rear edge of the panel includes a handle pivotably connected to the underside of the panel and a tongue pivotably connected to the handle and adapted to be retained in a lock member in the frame. The handle acts as an over-center linkage to bend the panel against its curvature, forcing its perimeter into intimate engagement with the frame or may be extended to maintain the panel with its rear edge tilted upwardly away from the opening.

Growing community of inventors

Southfield, MI, United States of America

Hal Green