Retractable roof panel
US6494528B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 20, 2001 |
| Grant date | Dec 17, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 20, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60J7/043
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle is provided that includes a roof with a roof opening and a rear body portion with a rear opening. Spaced apart guide rails are supported on an exterior surface of the roof. A retractable roof panel is supported on the guide rails by guide members that move along the guide rails along a path. The roof opening and the roof panel extend to the rearward end where the roof panel defines a rear header. The retractable roof panel may be driven from a closed positioned forward to an open position where the roof panel is adjacent to the exterior surface of the roof. The rear gate assembly, which is arranged in the rear opening, may be opened to provide access to the rear cargo area of the vehicle. With the rear gate assembly and retractable roof panel open, large items may be slid into the cargo area and may extend above the plane of the roof.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.