Abstract: A rollerless seat track assembly and a motor vehicle seat having a rollerless seat track assembly is shown having a lower track mounted to a base or floor of a motor vehicle, and a slidable upper track attached to a seat base. The upper track has a top wall and a pair of side walls. The lower track has a pair of flanges positioned adjacent a primary load bearing contact surface. Preferably a low friction coating, such as a PTFE epoxy paint is applied to the primary load bearing contact surface of the lower track, and a preferably elongate glide strip or glide member may be affixed to a lower side of the top wall of the upper track. As the seat track slides back and forth, the glide strip would slide over the low friction coating, minimizing the efforts required to adjust the seat. Lateral stability may be enhanced by lateral stabilization ball bearings running in raceways between the upper and lower tracks.

Abstract: A modular window assembly constructed as a pre-assembled unit for closing an opening in a motor vehicle body is provided with a light assembly mounted in a frame assembly. In those preferred embodiments used as a backlight to close an opening in the sheet metal of a pickup truck, the light assembly may optionally be a high mount stop lamp or brakelight and/or a cargo light. The light assembly may have a housing and structure for connecting the light assembly to a power source. Numerous configurations and kinds of light assemblies may be used. The light assembly may optionally be mounted flush with an exterior surface of the frame. In certain preferred embodiments the frame assembly can have a circumferential main body segment and a halo segment unitary with the main body segment. The light assembly optionally can be mounted in the unitary halo segment. A light assembly, for example, can be used with fixed pane modular windows, single sliding pane modular windows and dual pane sliding modular windows.

Abstract: A modular window assembly has a glazing pane, typically a slider assembly incorporating a vertically mounted transparent pane, which is slidably mounted in a rear-mounted frame. The slider pane is mounted for moving laterally back and forth between a closed and an open position. A drive subassembly comprises a drive drum and handle remotely mounted in the passenger compartment for moving the sliding pane back and forth between the open and closed positions. An anti-backdrive subassembly is connected to the drive drum and the handle to substantially prevent opening or closing of the slider pane by forces other than operation of the handle. The drive subassembly further comprises a mechanism for operatively connecting the handle to the sliding pane, for example, a drive cable mounted in the roof above a roof liner. When the handle is rotated in either direction, the drive drum wraps and unwraps corresponding segments of the drive cable, pulling the sliding pane between its open and closed position.

Abstract: A self-aligning window regulator for raising and lowering a windowpane in a motor vehicle door, having a mounting assembly fixed to the door comprising at least a mounting bracket, and a self-aligning assembly slidably attached to the mounting assembly at the mounting bracket. In certain preferred embodiments the self-aligning assembly includes a rail, a glider slidable over the rail, and attachment for connecting the glider to the windowpane. Connection element positioned between the rail and the mounting bracket allows the rail and the rest of the self-aligning assembly to float relative the mounting bracket. Preferably the connection element comprises a rivet extending from either the mounting bracket or the rail into a slot. The rivet can slide relative the slot and allow the self-aligning assembly to move relative the mounting bracket to accommodate stack-up tolerances or misalignments of the regulator componentry.

Abstract: A seat track assembly for a motor vehicle is disclosed, comprising: an upper track sub-assembly having an upper track; a lower track sub-assembly having a lower track and a stop, with the upper track being slidable over the lower track; and a positive engagement inertia latch for resisting axial sliding motion of the upper track sub-assembly relative the lower track sub-assembly in response to acceleration of the gear relative the lower track sub-assembly. The inertia latch preferably comprises a gear being movable between a non-latching position wherein the gear is rotatable in response to axial sliding of the upper track sub-assembly and a latching position wherein in response to a sudden change in velocity the gear engages the stop, locking the upper track sub-assembly with the lower track sub-assembly. The gear can be mounted on an axle. A base is affixed to the lower seat track sub-assembly, having a contoured surface which receives the axle.

Abstract: A modular sliding window assembly in a motor vehicle has two glazing panes, typically a sliding subassembly incorporating two vertically mounted transparent panes, which are slidably mounted in a circumferential frame slightly to the interior of, substantially parallel to and between two fixed panes. The sliding panes are mounted for sliding laterally back and forth between their open and closed positions. A motor and drive drum apparatus for powered operation of the window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body at a location remote from the frame. First and second cable fasteners are mounted to first and second sliding panes, respectively, and first and second cable guides are provided to guide a drive cable. The drive cable extends from the drive drum to the second cable fastener through the first cable guide, from the second cable fastener to the first cable fastener through the second cable guide, and from the first cable fastener to the drive drum through the first cable guide.

Abstract: A modular sliding window assembly for in a motor vehicle body is provided with a sliding pane subassembly which has a snap-fit with a frame subassembly. The frame subassembly preferably comprises a pair of fixed panes, an upper and lower applique, and an injection molded cover member integrating the fixed panes and the appliques. The sliding pane subassembly preferably comprises a generally horizontal run channel member and at least one glazing pane optionally having a run channel guide affixed to a peripheral edge of the pane. The pane is slidably received in a run channel formed by the run channel member. The horizontal run channel member has a snap-fit attachment preferably to one of the appliques. The appliques can have a flexible flange or the like extending inboard from the injection molded cover member, forming a step ridge or like configuration.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly has first and second fore-and-aft extending lower track sub-assemblies for mounting to a vehicle, typically to the floor pan of the passenger compartment of the vehicle. First and second upper track sub-assemblies are carried by the lower track sub-assemblies. More specifically, the upper track sub-assemblies each include a track slidingly coupled with a corresponding lower track. One or both of the upper track sub-assemblies further includes a structurally robust J-hook which receives a downward flange of the corresponding lower track sub-assembly. The overlapping flange and J-hook arrangement limits vertical dislocation of the upper track sub-assembly, and, therefore, also limits vertical dislocation of the vehicle seat, relative the lower track sub-assembly. In the normal condition, the flange and J-hook arrangement permits free fore-and-aft travel. That is, the sliding tracks can be moved relative each other for adjustment of the fore-and-aft position of the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A self-aligning window regulator for raising and lowering a windowpane in a motor vehicle door, having a rail attached to the door and a glider slidable in a generally up and down direction on the rail. At least one slide is preferably snugly received in a C- channel to allow for fore and aft adjustment of the windowpane to accommodate for dimensional variations and misalignment of the window regulator and the door componentry. In one embodiment, the C-channel is attached to the windowpane and the slide is attached to the glider. In another embodiment, the C-channel is attached to the glider and the slide is attached to the windowpane. A pin such as a rivet may be used to secure the slide to the rest of the regulator, and the rivet may allow the slide to pivot, providing for inboard and outboard adjustment.

Abstract: One or more hose clips may advantageously be used to rout and releasably secure a hose assembly such as those included in a vacuum manifold assembly, to a fixed structure of a motor vehicle. The hose clip has a main body which is circumferentially open-sided, partially defining a hose-receiving space which has an inside, free stat cross-sectional dimension and attachment means extending from the main body for attachment into an opening in the firewall of the motor vehicle. The attachment means may preferably be a christmas tree stem. The main body of the hose clip has an opening sized to receive hoses of varying diameters. On one side of the main body of the opening is a flange and on the other side of the main body is a tab. Extending from the flange is a hook with serrations which engage corresponding serrations on the tab to close the opening and retain the hose. The clip may preferably have a pair of hooks, each angled with the flange so as to lockingly secure hoses of different diameters.

Abstract: A rear-mounted modular sliding window assembly in a motor vehicle has a glazing pane, typically a slider subassembly incorporating a vertically mounted transparent pane, which is slidably mounted in a circumferential frame. The slider pane is mounted for sliding laterally back and forth between an open position and a closed position. A drive subassembly comprises a hand-operable drive unit for moving the sliding pane back and forth between the open and closed positions, having a drive drum and a handle secured to the drive drum and mounted remotely in the vehicle passenger compartment. The drive subassembly further comprises a mechanism for operatively connecting the handle to the sliding pane, for example, a drive cable mounted in the roof above a roof liner.

Abstract: A cable-drum window regulator with a spring cable tensioner is provided with a spring retainer assembly securing the spring to the cable. The spring retainer is advantageously assembled prior to final installation of the cable into the regulator mechanism. The retainer assembly comprises a retainer with a hollow interior sized to receive the cable and the spring, having an opening at one end sized to allow passage of the cable but not the spring, and an endpiece with one or more projections which preferably snap fit together with the retainer, securing or capturing the spring between the retainer and the endpiece. The retainer may have snap fit projections which captivate the endpiece, or alternatively, the endpiece may have snap fit projections which captivate the retainer. The endpiece may be attached to the cable directly or indirectly onto a conduit. The cable has cable end balls which are used to attach the cable to the drive means.

Abstract: A modular sliding window assembly has a molded plastic frame comprising a molded plastic circumferential frame member and at least one molded plastic post segment within and unitary with the circumferential frame member. The frame defines primary and secondary apertures. A sliding pane having an inboard side and an outboard side is slidable from an open position to a closed position and the sliding pane closes the primary aperture when it moves to the closed position. The sliding pane is secured to the frame by a latch assembly which includes a latch which releasably engages a latch keeper. The latch can be fixedly attached to the sliding pane and the latch keeper made unitary with one of the frame, or, alternatively, the latch may be attached to the frame and the latch keeper may be attached to the sliding pane. Anti-theft means auxiliary to the latch keeper secure the sliding pane to the frame against inboard separation of the sliding pane from the frame.

Abstract: A reinforcement member for a pivotable assembly is provided, enhancing resistance to deflection of the componentry of the pivotable assembly when subjected to shear loading. The pivotable assembly is expressly suitable for use as a recliner for a motor vehicle seat, an inertia latch, etc or other device where precise alignment of componentry is critical. The pivotable assembly has a support bracket generally including a pair of support brackets for mounting other componentry of the pivoting assembly, a pivoting member pivoting on a pivot attached to the support brackets, and a reinforcement member attached to the pivot. In one preferred embodiment, the reinforcement member has a projection, optionally a unitary semi- pierce projection, which extends into and preferably abuts an opening in one of the support brackets. The edge of the opening acts as a stop, to participate in carrying impact loads and to resist excessive static loading.

Abstract: A window regulator employs a drive cable to regulate opening and closing of a window in a vehicle. The drive cable is attached to a glider which is attached to the window, and extends around a first and second guide means and a drive drum. Rotation of the drive drum causes movement of the cable which in turn causes movement of the window. One of the guide means is slidably mounted and coupled to a spring which causes the guide means to apply tension to the drive cable. The spring is positioned along substantially the same axis along which the slidably mounted guide means may travel.

Abstract: A window regulator employs a drive cable to regulate opening and closing of a window in a vehicle. The drive cable is attached to a glider which is attached to the window, and extends around a loop which includes first and second guide elements and a drive drum. Rotation of the drive drum causes movement of the cable which in turn causes movement of the window. One of the guide elements is coupled to a torsion spring which causes the guide element to be forced outward to increase the circumference of the loop traveled by the cable and thereby to maintain tension on the cable. The guide element may take the form of a rotatable pulley.

Abstract: A collapsible cable regulator assembly is provided, having a collapsible support structure wherein one or more swing arms are pivotably mounted to a lateral member. Cable guide means are provided for mounting a regulator cable, including a cable return at the free end of each of the swing arms. The collapsible support structure is openable from a collapsed condition in which each swing arm is at an acute angle to the lateral member, to an operating condition in which each swing arm is at an operating angle to the lateral member which is greater than the aforesaid acute angle. The cable regulator assembly in its collapsed condition has improved installation capability, being especially advantageous for installation through limited access openings. Once in proper location, the cable regulator assembly is opened to its operating condition.

Abstract: A motor vehicle glazing unit has generally U-shaped frame channels open toward each other in substantially fixed position. A transparent glazing pane is moveably mounted in the frame channels, having at least one non-frangible pane member, such that the deformation of the glazing pane provides good energy absorption. Edge flanges extend along the peripheral edge of the glazing pane, extending laterally beyond the peripheral edge to a distal portion. Typically, a pair of edge flanges extends vertically along opposite vertical edges of a vertically moveable glazing pane. The distal portion of the edge flange is received in the corresponding frame channel. Edge flange retainers are provided in substantially fixed position relative the frame channels. The edge flange retainers each have a structural member oriented along the corresponding frame channel to capture the distal portion of the edge flange in the frame channel during deformation of the glazing pane.

Abstract: A cable regulator assembly for controlling the vertical travel of a windowpane in the window opening of a motor vehicle has a cable support structure comprising first and second guide rail members extending vertically from laterally-spaced attachment to a lateral bridging member. The lateral bridging member, first guide rail member and second guide rail member cooperatively form an integral, rigid U-shaped structure. A regulator cable is mounted by suitable cable guide means for driven travel in a U-shaped travel path along the cable support structure. First and second gliders are attached to the regulator cable for cable-driven vertical travel along guide rails formed by the guide rail members. The gliders provide mounting means for attachment to the windowpane. The U-shaped cable support structure and corresponding U-shaped travel path of the regulator cable leave the center area of a door cavity advantageously clear of regulator assembly components.

Abstract: A window assembly for a motor vehicle body enclosing a passenger compartment has a structural frame mounting a sliding pane. Guide means are provided for guiding the sliding pane as it slides between its open and closed positions. The guide means includes kick-out means for forcibly guiding the sliding pane toward an offset, substantially parallel plane upon initial movement of the sliding pane from its closed position toward its open position. Such initial offset facilitates mounting of the sliding pane in its closed position in a plane substantially flush with an adjacent fixed position pane or other object of the window assembly of the vehicle body. Pull/pull type drive means are provided for operating the sliding pane. Specifically, a cable-and-drum drive mechanism of the window assembly includes a drive cable wrapped around a drive drum and attached to the sliding pane.