Patent ID: 7059669
Filing Date: 2006-06-13
Classification: B60J

Abstract:
1. A closure panel assembly for selectively covering an opening formed in a roof of a motor vehicle, said closure panel assembly comprising: a frame disposed around the opening of the roof and having a longitudinal wall including a curved guide slot extending between a forward end and a rearward end; a drive disposed along said longitudinal wall of said frame; a panel operably connected to said drive, said panel movable relative to said frame for selectively covering the opening; a sliding bracket secured to said panel and extending through said guide slot, said sliding bracket including a drive nut engaging said drive such that activation of said drive allows for movement of said drive nut therealong to move said panel between an open position and a closed position and an L-shaped hinge bracket having a first leg pivotally secured to said sliding bracket, a second leg pivotally secured to said longitudinal wall, and a channel extending between said first and second legs such that sliding of said panel between said open and closed positions pivots said hinge bracket between an upright position, in which said panel is raised from said roof, and a retracted position, in which said panel is in said closed position, said first leg defining an upper lip over which said sliding bracket moves to facilitate movement of said panel between said open and closed positions.