Patent ID: 8419120
Filing Date: 2013-04-16
Classification: B60J

Abstract:
1. A panel assembly connected to an opening defined in a roof in a vehicle, the panel assembly may be selectively raised and lowered, the panel assembly comprising: a panel having a forward edge that is attached to the roof by a pivot connector; a receptacle extending downwardly from the roof; a pair of side walls extending between a right side edge and a left side edge of the panel and the opening in the roof of the vehicle on opposite sides of the panel when the panel is raised, wherein the receptacle receives the side walls when a rear portion of the panel is in a lowered position; a lifting assembly for selectively raising and lowering the panel including: a rigid rear wall retractable into the vehicle, extending between a rear edge and the opening in the roof of the vehicle when the panel is raised, wherein the panel is raised to increase headroom in the vehicle below the panel, wherein the panel, the side walls and the rear wall covers the opening in the roof when the panel is raised.