PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10272753-B1
Application Number: US-201715411064-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Sliding panel assembly

Abstract:
A vehicle includes a windshield, an opening that is located rearward of the windshield, and a sliding panel. The sliding panel has a panel portion and a frame portion, and the frame portion is connected to the panel portion. The sliding panel obstructs the opening in a closed position and is moveable to an open position in which at least part of the opening is unobstructed. The sliding panel is at least one of translucent or transparent. The frame portion does not block visibility through the sliding panel adjacent to a front transverse edge of the panel portion.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A vehicle, comprising:
 a windshield; 
 an opening that is located rearward of the windshield; and 
 a sliding panel that has a panel portion and a frame portion, the frame portion is connected to the panel portion, the sliding panel obstructs the opening in a closed position and is moveable to an open position in which at least part of the opening is unobstructed, and the sliding panel is at least one of translucent or transparent, 
 wherein the frame portion does not block visibility through the sliding panel adjacent to a front transverse edge of the panel portion, 
 wherein the frame portion is formed from a material that is at least one of translucent or transparent, and 
 wherein the frame portion is connected to an interior surface of the sliding panel by an adhesive that is at least one of translucent or transparent. 
 
     
     
       2. A vehicle, comprising:
 a windshield; 
 an opening that is located rearward of the windshield; and 
 a sliding panel that has a panel portion and a frame portion, the frame portion is connected to the panel portion, the sliding panel obstructs the opening in a closed position and is moveable to an open position in which at least part of the opening is unobstructed, and the sliding panel is at least one of translucent or transparent, wherein the frame portion does not block visibility through the sliding panel adjacent to a front transverse edge of the panel portion, wherein the frame portion is U-shaped, the frame portion is positioned adjacent to a first lateral edge of the panel portion, the frame portion is positioned adjacent to a rear transverse edge of the panel portion, and the frame portion is positioned adjacent to a second lateral edge of the panel portion. 
 
     
     
       3. The vehicle of  claim 1 , wherein the frame portion is positioned below the panel portion. 
     
     
       4. A vehicle, comprising:
 a windshield; 
 an opening that is located rearward of the windshield; and 
 a sliding panel that has a panel portion and a frame portion, the frame portion is connected to the panel portion, the sliding panel obstructs the opening in a closed position and is moveable to an open position in which at least part of the opening is unobstructed, and the sliding panel is at least one of translucent or transparent, wherein the frame portion does not block visibility through the sliding panel adjacent to a front transverse edge of the panel portion, wherein the frame portion is positioned outward from each of a first lateral edge of the panel portion, a second lateral edge of the panel portion, and a rear transverse edge of the panel portion. 
 
     
     
       5. A vehicle, comprising:
 a windshield; 
 an opening that is located rearward of the windshield; 
 a first side window; 
 a second side window; and 
 a sliding panel that has a panel portion and a frame portion, the frame portion is connected to the panel portion, the sliding panel obstructs the opening in a closed position and is moveable to an open position in which at least part of the opening is unobstructed, and the sliding panel is at least one of translucent or transparent, wherein the frame portion does not block visibility through the sliding panel adjacent to a front transverse edge of the panel, wherein the opening extends from the first side window to the second side window, a first lateral edge of the panel portion is adjacent to the first side window, and a second lateral edge of the panel portion is adjacent to the second side window. 
 
     
     
       6. The vehicle of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an exterior surface, wherein the sliding panel is positioned adjacent to the exterior surface in the open position; 
 a first structural member that is disposed adjacent to an interior surface of the panel portion of the sliding panel; 
 a second structural member that is disposed adjacent to the interior surface of the panel portion of the sliding panel; 
 an extension assembly that supports the sliding panel for sliding motion between the closed position and the open position, wherein the extension assembly is supported by the first structural member and the second structural member; and 
 an actuator for causing motion of the sliding panel between the closed position and the open position using the extension assembly. 
 
     
     
       7. A vehicle, comprising:
 a windshield; 
 an opening that is located rearward of the windshield; 
 a panel that has a front transverse edge, wherein the panel is at least one of translucent or transparent; 
 an extension assembly that is connected to the panel for moving the panel between a closed position and an open position, wherein the front transverse edge of the panel is located adjacent to the windshield in the closed position; and 
 a frame that is connected to an interior surface of the panel, wherein the frame is at least one of translucent or transparent and the extension assembly is connected to the panel by the frame. 
 
     
     
       8. The vehicle of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 an exterior surface, wherein the panel is positioned adjacent to the exterior surface in the open position. 
 
     
     
       9. The vehicle of  claim 7 , wherein the frame does not block visibility through the panel adjacent to a front transverse edge of the panel. 
     
     
       10. The vehicle of  claim 9 , wherein the frame is U-shaped and is positioned adjacent to a first lateral edge of the panel, a rear transverse edge of the panel, and a second lateral edge of the panel. 
     
     
       11. A vehicle, comprising:
 a first side window; 
 a second side window; 
 an opening that extends from the first side window to the second side window; and 
 a sliding panel that obstructs the opening in a closed position and is moveable to an open position in which at least part of the opening is unobstructed, wherein the sliding panel is formed from a material that is at least one of translucent or transparent. 
 
     
     
       12. The vehicle of  claim 11 , wherein the first side window is separated from a first lateral edge of the sliding panel by a first gap and the second side window is separated from a second lateral edge of the sliding panel by a second gap. 
     
     
       13. The vehicle of  claim 12 , wherein the first gap and the second gap are air gaps that are free from vehicle structures. 
     
     
       14. The vehicle of  claim 12 , wherein a first sealing member is positioned in the first gap and a second sealing member is positioned in the second gap. 
     
     
       15. The vehicle of  claim 11 , further comprising
 a first structural member that is disposed adjacent to an interior surface of the sliding panel and an interior surface of the first side window; 
 a second structural member that is disposed adjacent to the interior surface of the sliding panel and an interior surface of the second side window; 
 a first sealing member disposed on the first structural member, wherein the first sealing member is able to sealingly engage the sliding panel and the first side window; and 
 a second sealing member disposed on the second structural member wherein the second sealing member is able to sealingly engage the sliding panel and the second side window. 
 
     
     
       16. The vehicle of  claim 15 , wherein at least a portion of the first sealing member is positionable between the sliding panel and the first side window and at least a portion of the second sealing member is positionable between the sliding panel and the second side window. 
     
     
       17. The vehicle of  claim 7 , wherein the frame is connected to the interior surface of the panel by an adhesive, and the adhesive is at least one of translucent or transparent.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/281,057, filed on Jan. 20, 2016, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The application relates generally to sliding panel assemblies for vehicle roofs. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Automobile windows function in part to admit light into the interior of a vehicle. Some automobile windows, such windows incorporated in automobile doors, are movable to an open position to admit air into the interior of the vehicle. In order to admit additional light and air into the interior, some fixed-roof automobiles include a movable panel known as a sunroof. Sunroofs come in many styles, with the most popular styles incorporating a sliding mechanism that moves a sunroof panel rearward out of a sunroof opening, either to a compartment internal to the roof of the vehicle or to a position external to the roof of the vehicle. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the disclosure is a vehicle that includes a windshield, an opening that is located rearward of the windshield, and a sliding panel. The sliding panel has a panel portion and a frame portion, and the frame portion is connected to the panel portion. The sliding panel obstructs the opening in a closed position and is moveable to an open position in which at least part of the opening is unobstructed. The sliding panel is at least one of translucent or transparent. The frame portion does not block visibility through the sliding panel adjacent to a front transverse edge of the panel portion. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is a vehicle that includes a windshield, an opening that is located rearward of the windshield, a translucent panel that has a front transverse edge, and an extension assembly that is connected to the translucent panel for moving the translucent panel between a closed position and an open position. The front transverse edge of the translucent panel is located adjacent to the windshield in the closed position. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is a vehicle that includes a first side window, a second side window, an opening that extends from the first side window to the second side window, and a sliding panel that obstructs the opening in a closed position and is moveable to an open position in which at least part of the opening is unobstructed. The sliding panel is formed from a material that is at least one of translucent or transparent. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The description herein will be made with reference to the following drawings. 
         FIG. 1  is a side view showing a vehicle with a sliding panel in a closed position. 
         FIG. 2  is a top view showing the vehicle with the sliding panel in the closed position. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view showing the vehicle with the sliding panel in an open position. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view showing the vehicle with the sliding panel in the open position. 
         FIG. 5  is a front cross-section view showing the vehicle with the sliding panel in the closed position. 
         FIG. 6  is a front cross-section view showing the vehicle with the sliding panel in the open position. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing the sliding panel according to a first implementation. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view showing a sliding panel according to a second implementation. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view showing a sliding panel according to a third implementation. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view showing a sliding panel according to a fourth implementation. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view showing a sliding panel according to a fifth implementation. 
         FIG. 12  is a front cross section view showing the sliding panel, a first side window, and a sealing member according to a sixth implementation. 
         FIG. 13  is a front cross-section view showing the sliding panel, the first side window, and a sealing member according to a seventh implementation. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view showing an actuator and an extension assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following disclosure relates to sliding panel assemblies for automobiles, which may also be referred to as sunroofs. By maintaining transparency or translucency of the panel at a front transverse edge of the sliding panel, such as by not including a frame portion at the front transverse edge of the sliding panel, or by forming the frame portion from a transparent or translucent material, the amount of air and light that may be admitted through the opening is increased. The amount of light and air that may be admitted through the opening can be further increased by incorporating an opening in the roof of a vehicle that extends from a first side window of the vehicle to a second side window of the vehicle, and a sliding panel that is moveable between a closed position and an open position with respect to the opening. 
       FIGS. 1-4  show a portion of a vehicle  100 . The illustrated portion of the vehicle  100  is sometimes referred to as the greenhouse of the vehicle  100 , and may include A-pillars  102 , a B-pillars  104 , C-pillars  106 , a front header  108 , a fixed roof panel  110 , and windows such as a first side window  112 , a second side window  114 , a windshield  116 , and a rear window  118 . These portions of the vehicle  100  are described to provide context, and it should be understood that the structures described herein can be implemented in vehicles that are configured differently than the vehicle  100 , such as vehicles that lack B-pillars, or in vehicles that include D-pillars. 
     In the illustrated example, the A-pillars  102  are the forward structural pillars of the vehicle  100  and are adjacent to the windshield  116 , the B-pillars  104  are the middle structural pillars of the vehicle  100 , and the C-pillars  106  are the rearmost structural pillars of the vehicle  100 . The A-pillars  102 , the B-pillars  104 , and the C-pillars  106  each extend upward from a body structure  120  of the vehicle  100 , which may include conventional elements such as fenders, doors, quarter panels, etc. The front header  108  is positioned at an upper end of the A-pillars  102  and extends in a transverse or cross-car direction between the A-pillars  102 . In some implementations, the front header  108  is omitted. In some implementations, the front header  108  is positioned under the windshield  116 . The fixed roof panel  110  may be positioned at the upper ends of the B-pillars  104  and the C-pillars  106  and may extend in the transverse or cross-car direction between the B-pillars  104  and between the C-pillars  106 . 
     The A-pillars  102 , the B-pillars  104 , the C-pillars  106 , the front header  108 , and the fixed roof panel  110  may be formed from materials such as steel, aluminum, carbon fiber reinforced plastic, other materials known to be suitable for use in vehicle body or frame structures, and combinations of such materials. In addition, the fixed roof panel  110  may be formed in whole or in part from a transparent material such as glass or plastic. The A-pillars  102 , the B-pillars  104 , the C-pillars  106 , and the front header  108  may be partially exposed to the exterior of the vehicle  100  or may be internal structures of the vehicle  100  with other structures service as exterior surfaces of the vehicle  100 . At least part of the fixed roof panel  110  is exposed to the exterior and serves as an exterior surface of the vehicle  100 . 
     The first side window  112  and the second side window  114  are positioned on opposite sides of the vehicle  100 , may extend rearward from the A-pillars  102  to the B-pillars  104 , and may be adjacent to the body structure  120  at a lower edge of each of the first side window  112  and the second side window  114 . The first side window  112  and the second side window  114  may both be mounted for retraction at least partially into the body structure  120  in a conventional manner. Additional side windows may be positioned rearward of the B-pillars  104  and extend to the C-pillars  106 . 
     The vehicle  100  includes a sliding panel  130 , which may also be referred to as a sunroof. The sliding panel  130  is moveable with respect to other portions of the vehicle  100  in order to admit light and air into the interior of the vehicle  100 . The sliding panel  130  is positioned in the roof area of the vehicle  100  and may define a portion of the roof of the vehicle  100 . In a closed position ( FIGS. 1-2 ), the sliding panel  130  completely occupies and obstructs an opening  122  that is defined rearward of windshield  116  and the front header  108  and frontward of the fixed roof panel  110 . The opening  122  is positioned rearward of the front header  108  toward the fixed roof panel  110  and functions to admit light and air into the interior of the vehicle when it is not obstructed. The opening  122  is also positioned laterally between the first side window  112  and the second side window  114 . 
     The sliding panel  130  has a front transverse edge  132  that extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle  100  and is adjacent to the front header  108  or the windshield  116  in the closed position. The sliding panel  130  has a rear transverse edge  134  that extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle  100  and is adjacent to the fixed roof panel  110  in the closed position. The sliding panel  130  has a first lateral edge  136  that extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle  100  and is adjacent to the first side window  112  in the closed position. The sliding panel  130  has a second lateral edge  138  that extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle  100  and is adjacent to the second side window  114  in the closed position. 
     From the closed position, the sliding panel  130  is rotated slightly (e.g. five degrees), to a tilted position (not shown), in which a rear edge of the sliding panel  130  is raised slightly upward away from the opening  122  to allow airflow from the exterior of the vehicle through the opening  122 . Movement of the sliding panel  130  from the closed position to the tilted position may include a slight upward or rearward movement of the sliding panel  130  in addition to rotation. 
     In an open position ( FIGS. 3-4 ), the sliding panel is moved slightly upward, the sliding panel  130  may be rotated slightly such that the rear edge of the sliding panel  130  is higher than a front edge of the sliding panel  130 , and the sliding panel  130  is moved longitudinally rearward (i.e. toward the rear of the vehicle  100  in a front-to-rear-direction of the vehicle  100 ). Thus, in the open position, the sliding panel  130  is positioned at the exterior of the vehicle  100  adjacent to and directly above the fixed roof panel  110 . The distance by which the sliding panel  130  is moved is sufficient to position a majority of the sliding panel  130  above the fixed roof panel  110  such that the opening is not obstructed (e.g. a majority of the opening  122  does not have the sliding panel  130  positioned directly above it. The front edge of the sliding panel  130  may be positioned above the opening  122 . 
       FIGS. 5-6  show an extension assembly that supports the sliding panel  130  for sliding motion between the closed and open positions. The extension assembly has a first extension mechanism  542  and a second extension mechanism  544  that are incorporated in the vehicle  100  to move the sliding panel  130  between the closed position ( FIG. 5 ) and an open position ( FIG. 6 ). The extension assembly is connected to the sliding panel  130  and is also connected to a body structure or frame structure of the vehicle  100 , in order to cause motion of the sliding panel  130  with respect to other parts of the vehicle  100 . 
     In the illustrated implementation, the extension assembly is connected to a first longitudinal beam  546  and a second longitudinal beam  548 . The first longitudinal beam  546  is a first structural member of the vehicle  100  that is disposed adjacent to an interior surface  540  of the sliding panel  130  and an interior surface  113  of the first side window  112 . The second longitudinal beam  548  is a second structural member of the vehicle  100  that is disposed adjacent to the interior surface  540  of the sliding panel  130  and an interior surface  115  of the second side window  114 . The first longitudinal beam  546  and the second longitudinal beam  548  each extend in the longitudinal or front-to-rear direction of the vehicle  100 . 
     The first extension mechanism  542  connects the first longitudinal beam  546  to the sliding panel  130  and the second extension mechanism  544  that connects the second longitudinal beam  548  to the sliding panel  130 . The first and second extension mechanisms  542 ,  544  may be connected to the sliding panel  130  by structures such as fasteners or adhesives. The first and second extension mechanisms  542 ,  544  function to move the sliding panel  130  between the closed and open positions, and optionally, to the tilted position. Any suitable mechanisms for this purpose may be used as the first and second extension mechanisms  542 ,  544 . As one example, the first and second extension mechanisms  542 ,  544  may including telescoping rods that are pivotally mounted to the first and second longitudinal beams  546 ,  548 , and to the sliding panel  130 . As another example, the first and second extension mechanisms  542 ,  544  may include interconnected pairs of sliding tracks that are mounted to the first and second longitudinal beams  546 ,  548 , and to the sliding panel  130 . 
     As can be seen in  FIGS. 5-6 , the opening  122  extends from the first side window  112  to the second side window  114 . The sliding panel  130  obstructs the opening  122  in the closed position, with the first lateral edge  136  of the sliding panel  130  being positioned directly adjacent to the first side window  112  and with the second lateral edge  138  of the sliding panel  130  being positioned directly adjacent to the second side window  114  in the closed position. By moving the sliding panel  130  upward and rearward out of the opening  122  from the closed position to the open position using the extension assembly, at least part of the opening  122  is unobstructed in the open position. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 7 , the sliding panel  130 , which is configured according to a first implementation of this disclosure, is a relatively thin panel with a generally rectangular shape. The sliding panel  130  may have a uniform thickness throughout or may include variations in its thickness. Although the sliding panel  130  may be curved throughout, it is generally flat in the side-to-side direction near its lateral middle between the first lateral edge  136  and the second lateral edge  138 . Near the first lateral edge  136  and the second lateral edge  138 , the sliding panel  130  may curve downward in the side-to-side direction, so that the angle of an exterior surface  741  of the sliding panel  130  approximates the angles formed at the top edges of the first side window  112  and the second side window  114  such that a smooth transition and continuous shape is defined where the sliding panel  130  meets the first and second side windows  112 ,  114 . 
     The sliding panel  130  may be formed entirely or primarily from a material that is at least translucent. The phrase “at least translucent,” as used herein, means that the material is at least one of translucent or transparent as viewed from one or both sides of the material, such that the material allows light (i.e. visible wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation) to pass through it, and includes materials that are perfectly transparent. As one example, the sliding panel  130  may be formed from glass. As another example, the sliding panel  130  may be formed from plastic such as acrylic. 
     The sliding panel  130  is at least translucent at and adjacent to the front transverse edge  132 . Moreover, the sliding panel  130  may be free from non-translucent elements that are attached to or incorporated in the sliding panel  130  at and adjacent to the front transverse edge  132 . Therefore, light is able to pass through the sliding panel  130  in the area at and adjacent to the front transverse edge  132 . Because this portion of the sliding panel  130  may be disposed directly above the opening  122  when the sliding panel  130  is in the open position, allowing light to pass through this portion of the sliding panel  130  increases the amount of light admitted into the interior of the vehicle  100  when the sliding panel  130  is in the open position. 
       FIG. 8  shows a sliding panel  830  according to a second implementation. The sliding panel  830  may be incorporated in the vehicle  100  in place of the sliding panel  130 . The sliding panel  830  is similar to the sliding panel  130  except for the incorporation of a frame  850  that is u-shaped and is disposed adjacent to a rear transverse edge  834 , a first lateral edge  836 , and a second lateral edge  838 , but adjacent to none of or only part of a front transverse edge  832 . The frame  850  is located relative to the sliding panel  830  such that it extends outward from each of the first lateral edge  836 , the second lateral edge  838 , and rear transverse edge  834 . Thus, the frame  850  is not present adjacent to the front transverse edge  832  near a lateral middle of the sliding panel  830 . Top and bottom surfaces of the frame  850  may be elevationally aligned with top and bottom surfaces of the sliding panel  830 . 
     The frame  850  is connected to a panel portion  831 . At least part of the panel portion  831  is at least translucent. In particular, the panel portion  831  is at least translucent at and adjacent to a front transverse edge  832  of the sliding panel  830 . In some implementations, all of the panel portion  831  is at least translucent. 
     The frame  850  is disposed outward from the panel portion  831 , may be bonded to the edges of the panel portion, and may be of a thickness similar to that of the panel portion. The frame  850  may be made of a material that is different than the material from which the panel portion  831  is made, such as a stronger material. The frame  850  may be at least translucent, or the frame  850  may be opaque. 
       FIG. 9  shows a sliding panel  930  according to a third implementation. The sliding panel  930  may be incorporated in the vehicle  100  in place of the sliding panel  130 . The sliding panel  930  is similar to the sliding panel  830  except that a frame  950  is rectangular instead of u-shaped. The frame  950  has an outer periphery  952  adjacent to a front transverse edge  932 , rear transverse edge  934 , a first lateral edge  936 , and a second lateral edge  938  of the sliding panel  930 . The frame  950  has an inner periphery  954  that surrounds an opening formed through the frame  950 . The inner periphery  954  is connected to a panel portion  931  that is similar to the panel portion  831  and to the sliding panel  130 . The frame  950  is formed in whole or in part of a material that is at least translucent to allow light to pass through the frame  950  at and adjacent to the front transverse edge  932  of the sliding panel  930 . 
       FIG. 10  shows a sliding panel  1030  according to a fourth implementation. The sliding panel  1030  may be incorporated in the vehicle  100  in place of the sliding panel  130 . The sliding panel  1030  is similar to the sliding panel  130  except for the incorporation of a frame  1050  that is u-shaped and is disposed adjacent to a rear transverse edge  1034 , a first lateral edge  1036 , and a second lateral edge  1038 , but adjacent to none of or only part of a front transverse edge  1032 . Thus, the frame  1050  is not present adjacent to the front transverse edge  1032  near a lateral middle of the sliding panel  1030 . 
     The frame  1050  is connected to a panel portion  1031 . At least part of the panel portion  1031  is at least translucent. In particular, the panel portion  1031  is at least translucent at and adjacent to a front transverse edge  1032  of the sliding panel  1030 . In some implementations, all of the panel portion  1031  is at least translucent. The panel portion  1031  extends outward to the full extents of the sliding panel  1030 , including to the front transverse edge  1032 , the rear transverse edge  1034 , the first lateral edge  1036 , and the second lateral edge  1038 . 
     The frame  1050  is disposed below the panel portion  1031  and may be connected to an interior surface  1040  of the sliding panel  1030 , such as by fasteners or an adhesive. A translucent or transparent adhesive may be used to preserve translucency or transparency of the frame  1050  is translucent or transparent. The frame  1050  may be made of a material that is different than the material from which the panel portion  1031  is made, such as a stronger material. The frame  1050  may be at least translucent, or the frame  1050  may be opaque. 
       FIG. 11  shows a sliding panel  1130  according to a fifth implementation. The sliding panel  1130  may be incorporated in the vehicle  100  in place of the sliding panel  130 . The sliding panel  1130  is similar to the sliding panel  1030  except that a frame  1150  is rectangular instead of u-shaped. The frame  1150  has an outer periphery  1152  adjacent to a front transverse edge  1132 , rear transverse edge  1134 , a first lateral edge  1136 , and a second lateral edge  1138  of the sliding panel  1130 . The frame  1150  has an inner periphery  1154  that surrounds an opening formed through the frame  1150 . 
     The frame  1150  is connected to a panel portion  1131 . At least part of the panel portion  1131  is at least translucent. In particular, the panel portion  1131  is at least translucent at and adjacent to a front transverse edge  1132  of the sliding panel  1130 . In some implementations, all of the panel portion  1131  is at least translucent. The panel portion  1131  extends outward to the full extents of the sliding panel  1130 , including to the front transverse edge  1132 , the rear transverse edge  1134 , the first lateral edge  1136 , and the second lateral edge  1138 . 
     The frame  1150  is disposed below the panel portion  1131  and may be connected to an interior surface  1140  of the sliding panel  1130 , such as by fasteners or an adhesive. The frame  1150  may be made of a material that is different than the material from which the panel portion  1131  is made, such as a stronger material. 
       FIG. 12  shows a sealing member  1260  according a sixth implementation. The sealing member  1260  can be incorporated in the vehicle  100 . A first side window  1212 , a sliding panel  1230 , a first extension mechanism  1242  and a first longitudinal beam  1246  may be similar to the first side window  112 , the sliding panel  130 , the first extension mechanism  542  and the first longitudinal beam  546 . 
     The first side window  1212  is separated from a first lateral edge  1236  of the sliding panel  1230  by a gap  1237 . Although not illustrated, it should be understood that the same structures are present on an opposite side of the vehicle, and thus a second side window is separated from a second lateral edge of the sliding panel  1230  by a gap in the same manner. The gap  1237  may be an “air gap” that is free from vehicle structures such that only empty space is present in the gap  1237 . 
     The sealing member  1260  is formed from a resilient material of any suitable type such as those previously used to make automotive door and widow seals. The sealing member  1260  extends along the first longitudinal beam  1246  and may be connected to the first longitudinal beam  1246  by features that are captured in corresponding features of the first longitudinal beam  1246 , or by adhesives. 
     The sealing member  1260  is able to sealingly engage the sliding panel  1230  and the first side window  1212 . In particular, the sealing member  1260  engages an interior surface  1240  of the sliding panel  1230  and an interior surface  1213  of the first side window. The sealing member  1260  may include a base portion  1262  that is connected to the first longitudinal beam  1246 , a first sealing portion  1264  that extends upward from the base portion  1262  and engages the interior surface  1240  of the sliding panel  1230  in the closed position, and a second sealing portion  1266  that extends upward from the base portion  1262  and engages the interior surface  1213  of the first side window  1212  in the closed position. The first sealing portion  1264  and the second sealing portions  1266  are elongate structures that extend along the length of the sealing member  1260  and may define a double-hump configuration for the sealing member  1260  with a depression  1268  between the first sealing portion  1264  and the second sealing portion  1266 . Thus, the first sealing portion  1264  and the second sealing portion  1266  each extend along the gap  1237 , on opposite sides of the gap  1237 . 
     A second sealing member similar to the sealing member  1260  may be present on an opposite side of the vehicle. 
       FIG. 13  shows a sealing member  1360  according a sixth implementation. The sealing member  1360  can be incorporated in the vehicle  100 . A first side window  1312 , a sliding panel  1330 , a first extension mechanism  1342  and a first longitudinal beam  1346  may be similar to the first side window  112 , the sliding panel  130 , the first extension mechanism  542  and the first longitudinal beam  546 . 
     The first side window  1312  is separated from a first lateral edge  1336  of the sliding panel  1330  by a gap  1337 . Although not illustrated, it should be understood that the same structures are present on an opposite side of the vehicle, and thus a second side window is separated from a second lateral edge of the sliding panel  1330  by a gap in the same manner. 
     The sealing member  1360  is formed from a resilient material of any suitable type such as those previously used to make automotive door and widow seals. The sealing member  1360  extends along the first longitudinal beam  1346  and may be connected to the first longitudinal beam  1346  by features that are captured in corresponding features of the first longitudinal beam  1346 , or by adhesives. 
     The sealing member  1360  is able to sealingly engage the sliding panel  1330  and the first side window  1312 . In particular, the sealing member  1360  engages an interior surface  1340  of the sliding panel  1330  and an interior surface  1313  of the first side window. The sealing member  1360  may include a base portion  1362  that is connected to the first longitudinal beam  1346 , a first sealing portion  1364  that extends upward from the base portion  1362  and engages the interior surface  1340  of the sliding panel  1330  in the closed position, and a second sealing portion  1366  that extends upward from the base portion  1362  and engages the interior surface  1313  of the first side window  1312  in the closed position. The first sealing portion  1364  and the second sealing portions  1366  are elongate structures that extend along the length of the sealing member  1360 . The first sealing portion  13164  and the second sealing portion  1366  each extend along the gap  1337 , on opposite sides of the gap  1337 . 
     Between the first sealing portion  1364  and the second sealing portion  1366 , the sealing member  1360  includes a central ridge  1370  that is an elongate member that extends along the length of the sealing member  1360 . When the sliding panel  1330  is closed, the central ridge  1370  is disposed within the gap  1337 . Thus, at least a portion, namely such as the central ridge  1370 , of the sealing member  1360  is positionable between the sliding panel  1330  and the first side window  1312  in the gap  1337 , and is therefore positioned in the gap  1337  when the sliding panel  1330  is in the closed position. 
     A second sealing member similar to the sealing member  1360  may be present on an opposite side of the vehicle. 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view showing an actuator  1480  and an extension assembly that can be incorporated in the vehicle  100 . 
     The extension assembly includes a first extension mechanism  1442  and a second extension mechanism  1444  that support a sliding panel (not shown in  FIG. 14 ) for sliding motion between the closed and open positions. The first and second extension mechanisms are similar to the first and second extension mechanisms  542 ,  544 . The first and second extension mechanisms  1442 ,  1444  are disposed on first and second longitudinal beams  1446 ,  1448  that are similar to the first and second longitudinal beams  546 ,  548 . 
     The first and second longitudinal beams  1446 ,  1448  are connected to one another by a cross beam  1482  that extends in the transverse or cross-car direction. The first and second longitudinal beams  1446 ,  1448  and the cross beam  1482  are at least partially hollow. The actuator  1480  is disposed within a hollow interior of the cross beam  1482 . The actuator is operatively connected to the first extension mechanism  1442  and the second extension mechanism  1444  by first and second connecting portions  1484 ,  1486  that connect the actuator  1480  to the first and second extension mechanisms  1442 ,  1444 , and are disposed in the hollow interiors of the first and second longitudinal beams  1446 ,  1448  and the cross beam  1482 . Operation of the actuator  1480  causes extension or retraction of the first and second extension mechanisms  1442 ,  1444  to move the sliding panel between the closed and open positions. 
     As an example, the actuator  1480  can include an electric motor and a pulley that is rotated by the electric motor, and the connecting portions  1484 ,  1486  can be mechanical cables. Other types of structures can be used as the actuator  1480  and the control portions. Also, as an alternative to a single actuator, a separate actuator can be associated with each of the first and second extension mechanisms  1442 ,  1444 , and these actuators can be disposed within the cross beam  1482  or respective ones of the first and second longitudinal beams  1446 ,  1448 .

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20170120
Publication Date: 20190430
Grant Date: 20190430
Priority Date: 20160120
Inventors: WOLF, PHILIPP J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "B60J7/0573", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J7/0435", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J10/82", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J10/82", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J7/043", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60J7/043", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 66248300