1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to automobile roof vents and sliding roof structures, and in particular to vents or sliding roof panel structures in which the rear edge of the vent panel or sliding roof panel is pivotable upwardly out of the roof opening.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Vent panels and sliding roof panels which are openable by pivoting their rear edges upwardly out of the roof opening are known from various prior art teachings. Also known are sliding roof structures in which the sliding roof panel is openable in two modes, either by pivoting the rear edge of the panel upwardly or by pivoting it downwardly and retracting the panel under the stationary roof portion to create an opening at the front edge of the panel.
In connection with upwardly pivoting panels, especially in cases in which a large pivoting angle is possible, it was found to be necessary to reduce the pivoting angle, whenever the vehicle travelled at higher speeds, because wind and/or water spray would enter through the lateral gap under the raised side portions of the roof panel. This necessity of lowering the roof panel to a very small pivoting angle represents a disadvantage of presently known vents and sliding roof structures.