Structual roof panel systems
First Claim
1. A structural roof system for a vehicle comprising:
- a roof panel;
a structural element coupled to the roof panel and having a plurality of predetermined removable areas adapted to receive at least one overhead component; and
a headliner coupled to the structural element, wherein the structural element provides a substantial portion of the structural capability of the roof system.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A structural roof panel system for a vehicle includes mounting areas molded in or readily attached to the structural element. In a first embodiment, the roof panel is replaced by an engineered, structural system to support overhead components, the headliner, etc. In a second embodiment, an internal super-structure is located between the roof panel and a nonstructural headliner, all overhead system components being readily attachable to the super-structure at pre-designed and designated locations. In a third embodiment, the structural components are moved to pods, and all overhead components are attached thereto. In each embodiment, the headliner becomes an aesthetic and acoustic cover only that does not require structural strength. Furthermore, in each embodiment, a single, integral roof system can be supplied to a vehicle manufacturer, including the exterior panel, structural support for overhead components, the overhead components attached thereto, and the headliner.
95 Citations
31 Claims
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1. A structural roof system for a vehicle comprising:
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a roof panel;
a structural element coupled to the roof panel and having a plurality of predetermined removable areas adapted to receive at least one overhead component; and
a headliner coupled to the structural element, wherein the structural element provides a substantial portion of the structural capability of the roof system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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- 21. A structural roof system for a vehicle comprising an exterior class A roof panel, a structural layer integrally formed with the roof panel, the structural layer having a plurality of predetermined locations adapted to receive overhead components, a headliner extending across and being attached to the structural layer on a side thereof spaced from the roof panel, a plurality of overhead components attached to the structural layer at the predetermined locations, and wherein a substantial portion of the structural strength of the roof system is provided by the structural layer.
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23. A structural roof system for a vehicle comprising:
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a roof panel;
a superstructure having a plurality of preformed receptacles at predetermined locations adapted to receive overhead components;
the superstructure having a first and a second side, the roof panel being attached to the first side;
a headliner extending across and being attached to the second side of the superstructure; and
a plurality of overhead components attached through the headliner to the receptacles of the superstructure, and wherein a substantial portion of the structural strength of the roof system is provided by the superstructure. - View Dependent Claims (24)
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- 25. A structural roof system for a vehicle comprising a roof panel, at least two pods each having first and second sides, the pods being adapted to receive overhead components, the roof panel being attached to the first sides of the pods, a headliner extending across and being attached to the second sides of the pods, a plurality of overhead components being attached to the pods, and wherein a substantial portion of the structural strength of the roof system is provided by the pods.
- 27. A modular structural roof system for attachment to a main body of a vehicle, the roof system comprising an exterior roof panel, a headliner spaced from the roof panel, a structural member located between and coupled to the headliner and roof panel, at least one of an A-pillar, a B-pillar and a C-pillar coupled to the structural member, the roof system including a plurality of preinstalled overhead components and at least one preinstalled belt-line-up component or system formed as part of the roof system.
Specification