US 6,616,221 B2 · Vehicle roof

Abstract

A vehicle roof assembly includes a roof panel having longitudinal edges, each of which define a rim, structural bars disposed within and running along at least a portion of the rims, and frame rails running along at least a portion of each of the longitudinal edges. The rims abut the frame rails, and the structural bars are fixedly attached to the frame rails. Preferably, the rims are glued to the frame rails. The structural bars each include a web portion disposed between a contact surface abutting the roof panel, and a contact surface abutting the frame rails. Top-carriers including top-carrier cross braces are selectively attachable to the roof panel, and the structural bar. A roof liner is attached to a bottom surface of the roof panel, and an intermediate layer of plastic foam is disposed between the roof liner and the roof panel.

Claims22

Dependent claims

A vehicle roof for an automobile, comprising:

a metal top panel having longitudinal edges attached to corresponding longitudinal beams of a roof frame of an auto body;
permanently attached structural bars running along each longitudinal edge of the metal top panel and which are respectively mounted on the longitudinal beams, the structural bars being hollow;
and
at least one opening formed through each structural bar on a side butting against the top panel, the openings being accessible through the top panel for the mounting of roof rails that can be anchored to the structural bars.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Vehicle roof

Life of this patent

Vehicle roof

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22