Reinforcing frame structure for a vehicle roof

A reinforcing frame structure for installation in a roof section of a vehicle body, said frame structure having a central longitudinal axis and comprising:

• a panel enclosure for supporting a movable roof panel, said panel enclosure having an opening formed therein;
• the panel enclosure comprising an intermediate portion having a first part adjacent said panel opening and disposed at a first level, and a second part spaced away from said panel opening and disposed at a second level which is different from the first level;
• and
• a brace operatively attached to said panel enclosure and being substantially symmetrical in relation to said longitudinal axis, said brace comprising two segments which diverge angularly outwardly in a front to rear direction, from an area proximate said longitudinal axis.

A reinforcing frame structure for installation in a roof section of a vehicle body, said frame structure having a longitudinal axis and comprising:

• a panel enclosure for supporting a movable roof panel, said panel enclosure having an opening formed therein;
• a brace operatively attached to said panel enclosure, the brace comprising a plurality of segments, at least one of said segments disposed in an orientation which is non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame structure, and further which is non-perpendicular to said longitudinal axis;
• wherein said panel enclosure includes an intermediate portion having a first part adjacent said panel opening and disposed at a first level, and a second part spaced away from said panel opening and disposed at a second level which is different from the first level,
• wherein the second part of said intermediate portion is substantially symmetrical, wherein the first and second parts have an arcuate border therebetween, and wherein each side of the second part is widest adjacent the outside edges thereof, narrows and then widens again as it moves towards the center, and tapers to a narrow area at the center thereof.

A vehicle comprising a roof with an upper roof panel and a reinforcing frame structure disposed below said upper roof panel, said reinforcing frame structure having a central longitudinal axis and comprising:

• a panel enclosure for supporting a movable roof panel, said panel enclosure having and opening formed therein;
• a plurality of substantially parallel spaced-apart crossmembers, at least one of said crossmembers being operatively attached to said panel enclosure;
• and
• a plurality of web segments, each of said web segments attached to and forming a bridge between two adjacent crossmembers;
• wherein at least two of said web segments are non-parallel to, and are substantially symmetrical with respect to the central longitudinal axis of said structure, and diverge angularly outwardly in a front to rear direction from an area proximate said central longitudinal axis.

A vehicle comprising a roof with an upper roof panel and a reinforcing frame structure disposed below said upper roof panel, said reinforcing frame structure having a central longitudinal axis and comprising:

• a panel enclosure for supporting a movable roof panel, said panel enclosure having and opening formed therein;
• the panel enclosure comprising an intermediate portion having a first part adjacent said panel opening and disposed at a first level, and a second part spaced away from said panel opening and disposed at a second level which is different from the first level;
• and
• a brace operatively attached to said panel enclosure and being substantially symmetrical in relation to said longitudinal axis, said brace comprising two segments which diverge angularly outwardly in a front to rear direction from an area proximate said longitudinal axis.