Abstract: An energy management structure for a vehicle may include a first longitudinal rail, a second longitudinal rail joined to the first longitudinal by at least a cross member and a bumper beam. A bumper panel is further provided wherein the bumper panel may be affixed to the bumper beam. The first deflecting rail includes a first front end and a first rear end. The first front end may be affixed to the bumper panel and the first rear end may be affixed to the cross member proximate to the first longitudinal rail. The second deflecting rail includes a second front end and a second rear end. The second front end may be affixed to the bumper panel and the second rear end may be affixed to the cross member proximate to the second longitudinal rail.

Abstract: A reinforced closed section assembly is provided wherein the assembly includes a closed section member defining a first hole on a first side and a second hole on a second side opposite the first side. The reinforced closed section assembly further includes a reinforcement member disposed within the first and second holes of the closed section member.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve includes a main body, a valve body, a piston, a valve sleeve, a spool and a resilient energy storage member. The valve body and the piston are disposed within the main body. The valve body defines a first chamber, a second chamber, and a cylindrical passage connecting the first chamber and the second chamber. The valve sleeve is moveably disposed in the cylindrical passage. The spool is moveably disposed within the bore of the valve sleeve. The resilient energy storage member may be disposed between the valve sleeve and valve spool. The resilient energy storage member is compressed as pressure is induced in one of the first chamber or the second chamber such that the valve sleeve and the spool move relative to one another so that at least a portion of the shaped aperture is exposed to the first chamber or second chamber to allow a proportional amount of hydraulic fluid to flow between the first chamber and the second chamber.

Abstract: A trailer hitch immobilizer is provided. The trailer hitch immobilizer includes a first face operatively configured to block an aperture defined by a hitch receiver. The first face is substantially perpendicular to an inner surface of the hitch receiver. A second face is also provided where the second face is integral to the first face. The second face is substantially perpendicular to the first face. A third face is also provided where the third face is integral to the first face. The third face is substantially perpendicular to the first face.

Abstract: A method of forming a flanged tubular member includes the steps of: positioning a tubular blank in a die; applying nominal pressure; closing the dies; and increasing pressure within the blank, thereby converting the tubular blank to a hydroformed member having the flange and a hem with a cavity therein. The die halves define: a die tubular cavity portion; a die hem cavity portion; and a die flange cavity portion. Upon closing the die halves with nominal pressure and then increasing pressure, (1) the blank is deformed within the die tubular cavity portion; (2) the flange is defined from a portion of the blank in the die flange cavity portion; and (3) at least an intermediate hem is defined in the die hem cavity portion.

Abstract: A frontal collision energy absorbing structure includes a pair of left and right main frames. A front cross member and a rear cross member each connect the left and right main frames. A suspension tower and an engine mount bracket may each be attached to each main frame. Each front suspension tower is spaced out from the joint between the front cross member and the main frame. Each rear suspension tower is spaced out from the joint between the rear cross member and the main frame. Each of engine mount bracket is longitudinally spaced apart from the following joints: the front cross member and the main frame; the rear cross member and the main frame, and the suspension tower and the main frame.

Abstract: A sandwich panel for a vehicle is provided. The sandwich panel includes a first panel defining a plurality of apertures, and a second panel attached to the first panel. The second panel and the first panel define a cavity between the first panel and the second panel. Foam is disposed between the first panel and the second panel. The plurality of apertures of the first panel are operatively configured to receive a tool for pumping expandable foam in between the first panel and the second panel.

Abstract: An air deflector adapted to be attached to the upper windshield crossbeam of a convertible vehicle. The air deflector includes a top surface, a front portion, an outer side portion, an inner side portion and a rear wing portion. The rear wing portion extends upwards from the top surface. The air deflector may further include a locking device adapted to lock the air deflector in the locking arrangement for the retractable top.

Abstract: A roll bar assembly capable of punching through a rear window (12) on deployment comprises a deployable u-shaped roll bar (1) fitted with a pin (4) made of hard material. An item of trim (5) is located over the top of the roll bar (1) by means of a pair of spring clips (7,8). The clips are held under tension so that when the bar is deployed, they snap snugly around the bar, releasing stored energy which assists in the bar's deployment. The trim (5) is further provided with an orifice (6) through which the pin can protrude on the deployment of the bar thereby enabling the pin (4) to contact the rear window (12) and to shatter the glass.

Abstract: An open hem flange for a vehicle door includes an inner reinforcing panel and an outer panel having a first outer portion and a second inner portion folded about the inner panel at a base. The inner reinforcing panel includes dimpled sections against the second outer portion which provides a gap between the inner panel and the second inner portion of the outer. A gap also exists between the inner reinforcing panel and the outer portion of the outer panel to allow the hem flange to be properly cleaned and electrocoated.

Abstract: A coupling arrangement for enabling fixing of a body structure member and a structure member. The coupling arrangement includes, at least two threaded tubes provided one in either end portion of a passage through a housing. The housing is fixed attachable in relation to the structure members and includes a threaded passage, wherein a threaded bolt is arranged through the passage. The threaded bolt is adapted to connect the body structure member and the structure member in a coupling position, from which coupling position the threaded bolt, via inserts, enables adjusting operation of the threaded tubes in opposite directions along the threaded bolt. Thus, the threaded tubes are adjustable to a respective fixed position by screwing the threaded bolt.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for supplying refrigerated air to a localized volume in a vehicle, suitable for the transport of groceries and other perishables. The localized volume is created by insulated panels in the storage area of a vehicle. The chiller unit includes an air duct that contains inlet and outlet openings, an evaporator core and a fan. The evaporator core receives refrigerant fluid from a powered compressor and a condenser that are shared in common with the HVAC system that serves the passenger compartment. Although the compressor and condenser are shared, the chiller unit is separate and may be used independently of the HVAC system.

Abstract: A load floor (14) for attachment to a rear portion (18) of a vehicle floorpan (20). The load floor (14) includes a one-piece body (42) that has a panel portion (44) with reinforcement members (84), support members (46?, 46?), and containers (52) extending therefrom. The support members (46?, 46?) are configured for supporting the one-piece body (42) on the floorpan (20) and minimizing a load span (32–36) across said panel portion (44). Also, the reinforcement members (84) are utilized for sufficiently reinforcing the panel portion (44).

Abstract: A multifunctional third row seating assembly that is capable of moving between two seating positions, as well as moving between split passenger seating configurations and between seating and storage positions. In the storage position, the third row seating assembly forms a true flat floor in combination with a second row seating assembly. The third row seating assembly includes a seat cushion and a seat squab coupled to it and mounted to the vehicle such that the third row seating assembly can be pivoted in an elliptical movement between a forward and a rearward seating position. The third row seat cushion is also latched such that it can be released and flipped over from a front longitudinal axis to fit into a foot rest area of the vehicle. The third row squab can then be folded down to form a flat floor. The third row squab is also constructed in two sections, so that it is capable of forming a bench seat or a split seat.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle seat belt system having a shoulder belt portion and a lap belt portion including a relay device adapted to receive a predetermined signal from a vehicle sensor, a buckle operatively attached to the relay device, a locking tongue detachably received by the buckle in operative communication with the buckle when the buckle and locking tongue are attached, a housing portion in operative communication with the buckle via the locking tongue portion with a trigger mechanism adapted to be activated in response to the predetermined signal received by the relay device, a locking structure having a belt length received therethrough actuatably engaged by the trigger mechanism, and wherein the locking structure is adapted to lock the belt length in place when the trigger mechanism is activated.

Abstract: A deployable interior door trim for an automotive vehicle that separates in the middle section to separate the lower door trim portion from the armrest. The separating door trim permits a pelvis pusher block to engage the occupant of the vehicle during side impact situations without pushing the armrest into the abdomen region of the occupant. An alternative embodiment has the separation area formed as a line extending around a deployable portion of the door trim corresponding to the pelvis pusher block so that the pusher block can pass through the door trim to engage the occupant pelvis area. Preventing excessive abdomen rib deflections on crash dummies will improve performance ratings in IIHS side impact tests without requiring a structural change in the energy absorbing door structure of the vehicle.