Patent ID: 7681944
Filing Date: 2010-03-23
Classification: B60J

Abstract:
1. A roof panel assembly for selectively covering and uncovering an opening in a roof of an automotive vehicle, said roof panel assembly comprising: at least one guide rail extending longitudinally along the opening; a panel extending between front and rear edges, said panel movable relative to said guide rail; at least one guide mechanism including a front guide slidably coupled to said guide rail and having a slot formed therein, a rear guide slidably coupled to said guide rail and having a slot formed therein, and a connecting rod pivotally coupled between said front and rear guides; at least one carrier bracket fixedly secured to said panel for supporting said panel and extending longitudinally between a forward end slidably coupled to said slot in said front guide and a rearward end slidably coupled to said slot in said rear guide; a latch mechanism slidably coupled to said guide rail, said latch mechanism operable between a locked position preventing longitudinal movement of said panel and an unlocked position allowing longitudinal movement of said panel; a lift arm pivotally coupled to said forward end of said carrier bracket and pivotally coupled to said latch mechanism; and a reversible motor operatively coupled to said guide mechanism for driving said guide mechanism forward and rearward along said guide rail whereby said slots urge said carrier bracket to move said panel between a close position completely covering the opening, a venting position wherein said rear edge is raised above the roof and said front edge is simultaneously raised to a height below said rear edge, and an open position at least partially uncovering the opening wherein said panel is displaced rearward relative to the opening.