Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha

Masaru Ogiso

Masaharu Tanino

A vehicle support structure for a detachable roof includes a roof panel extends along an exterior portion of the vehicle and includes a recessed frame having an upper support surface. A sealing member is positioned along the upper support surface for providing weather sealing along the roof panel and the detachable roof when the detachable roof is closed. A liner extends beneath the roof panel for lining at least a portion of the interior of the vehicle. The liner has a support base spaced from the roof panel, as well as at least one lining pad having an end section secured along the recessed frame. An inner panel member is aligned with at least a portion of the support base and extends between the support base and the recessed frame. A clamping member is secured to the inner panel member and contacts the end section for resiliently retaining the end section in engagement with the recessed frame. The clamping member includes an irregularly-shaped plate, together with a screw member, for securing the plate to the inner panel member. The plate configuration defines an expanded channel between the plate and the recessed frame for receiving the end section and for securely holding the end section along the recessed frame.

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Toyota, Japan

Masaru Ogiso