The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 15, 2002
Filed:
Mar. 31, 2000
John R. Rice, Clinton Township, MI (US);
Lloyd Walker Rogers, Jr., Shelby Township, MI (US);
Delphi Technologies, Inc., Troy, MI (US);
Abstract
According to the present invention a latch assembly for use in an adjustable vehicle roof panel assembly including a roof panel which is driven by a motor drive unit and a cable is provided. The latch assembly utilizes a simple mechanical release mechanism which is designed to hold the roof panel in a sealed position and disengages mechanically utilizing the power roof motor instead of having a separate solenoid or motor drive unit. The release mechanism includes a latch arm and a latch catch member which are rotatably mounted so that actuation of the power roof motor causes a release member to mechanically trigger the latch arm causing rotation thereof which leads to disengagement between the latch arm and the latch catch member. Once the latch arm and the latch catch member disengage, a rear end of the roof panel is free to travel with a channel in the base. A front end of the roof panel is raised and guided within the channel by a guide member which is also mechanically linked to the release member so that movement of the release member causes the raising and movement of the front end. Once unlatched, the roof panel is free to move forwardly and rearwardly within the channel so as to open the roof.