Abstract: A four bar linkage is configured in non parallelogram form as a hinge for pivotally guiding a closure panel in a predetermined opening motion between a closed position closing an access opening and a fully open position longitudinally adjacent one side edge of the opening and generally parallel with a side of a vehicle or compartment body. In the opening motion, one edge of the panel first moves outward to clear a structural body member at one edge of the opening and another edge of the panel first rotates and moves longitudinally away from the opposite side of the opening as the panel pivots outward and then inward to the fully open position. The closure panel may be paired with a conventionally hinged front door of a vehicle to allow both the door and the panel to be independently opened or closed regardless of the position of the other.

Abstract: A hollow elongated support structure designed in particular to support a motor vehicle fittings located at right angle with the instrument panel, the ends of the structure (10) including an end flange (100) arranged transversely for fixing and/or maintaining the instrument panel itself, and/or for fixing the hollow support structure (10) to the vehicle body: each end flange (100) is integral with a plastic end cap (20, 30) inserted into the support structure (10), at the ends thereof with which it is integral.

Abstract: A set of panel assemblies for enclosing the overhead guard of a vehicle such as a skid steer comprising a windshield/door assembly and side window assemblies. The windshield/door assembly includes a door jamb that is clamped over the front corner posts of the overhead guard and a windshield/door unit hinged on the jamb. The windshield/door unit seals against a generally planar front face of the jamb. The side window assemblies comprise transparent rigid plastic sheets adapted to be attached to the side grille of the overhead guard in a simplified manner and without occupying excessive space in the clearance area between the overhead guard and operating elements such as the lift arms of a bucket.

Abstract: A truck bed extender apparatus for increasing the load capacity of a pickup truck comprising four hinged basic elements including a pair of side panels, a tailgate and a platform that is secured to the tailgate of the truck. The side panels are removably secured to the inside surfaces of the truck bed walls by a key latch mechanism. The assembly can be folded by folding the side panels inward and rotating the assembly 270° down for loading or unloading the truck bed.

Abstract: As automotive vehicle frame can be strengthened by reinforcing the tubular frame elements that form the side door openings. A three dimensional core element and rigid foam can be incorporated into each tubular frame element to achieve a significant increase in the frame bending strength, without adding appreciable weight to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A cross-guard duct for a motor vehicle comprising a first member and a second member joined together at sealing points to form at least two chambers. Each chamber is provided with at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The chamber inlet is adapted to align with an outlet of a HVAC case. The chamber outlet is adapted to be connected to a vent or register of the motor vehicle. A support member extends downward from one of the chambers. The support member is an integral part of one of the members. The support member is adapted to support the HVAC case. The support member is provided with at least one pocket for receiving an energy-absorbing bracket. The invention is also directed towards a steering column support bracket comprising a metal and plastic molded over the metal.

Abstract: A trailer for a vehicle having a front, two opposing sidewalls, a rear for unloading of materials, and a floor extending from the front to the rear. The opposing sidewalls are each constructed of two or more sheets of metal welded together along one or more horizontal seams that run longitudinally from the front to the rear of the trailer. The horizontal seams are covered by horizontal rails on the interior surfaces of the sidewalls. Additional horizontal rails on the interior surfaces may be included to provide added support for the sidewalls. The floor slopes downward from the front to the rear of the trailer and is wider at the rear than the front in order to promote the unloading of the trailer cargo. One sheet can be thicker than the other sheet for better wear and use.

Abstract: Motor vehicle functional front end particularly comprising an upper crossmember (1). The said crossmember comprises, near to one of the ends of the said crossmember, a point of reference allowing it to be positioned on the vehicle, longitudinally and laterally, with respect to a reference point provided on a front wing of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention concerns a body of a motor vehicle with at least one seat module. The purpose of the invention is to simplify the assembly of the seats in the body and at the same time to reinforce the body. For this purpose it is proposed that the seat module include a floor part, at least one seat, the seat adjusting elements, the seat covering parts, the electrical wires connected to the seat and a floor covering and that it be preassembled outside of the body. The floor part has supporting edges at its periphery which are supported in adhesive channels on the load-bearing structure of the body. The seat module is inserted as a prefabricated unit into the load-bearing structure of the body in such a way that the floor part in the region of the seat module forms a double floor with the vehicle floor of the body.

Abstract: An improved structure for a motor vehicle and method of construction comprising surrounding the outer portion of a motor vehicle with an outer shell, an inner shell disposed away from the outer shell and a plurality of airbag-like structures positioned between the inner shell and outer shell to provide a resilient, impact-resistant portion of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A scratch resistor for a vehicle having a front shield and a rear shield. The front shield is carried by a vehicle and covers at least in part a front portion of the vehicle. The rear shield is carried by the vehicle and covers at least in part a rear portion of the vehicle. A method of protecting a vehicle from scratches is also disclosed.

Abstract: An integrated front body clip including an instrument panel support structure, steering column support structure, and cowl structure forming a shared, dependent, and complementary support structure between the A-Pillars of a vehicle. Front and rear magnesium casting, each having a plurality of cast in features, are clamshelled into a single integrated clip. The resultant integrated front body clip offers substantial weight and improves the torsional and bending strength characteristics as compared with traditional steel structures. By maximizing cast in features, redundancy between competing parts is eliminated with an increase in dimensional control. Further, by creating a hollow region within the resultant clip structure, heated or cooled air may be moved without complex ductwork. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the front casting is provided in three modular parts that may be arranged for use in left-side or right-side driving vehicles.

Abstract: A bumper beam for motor vehicles includes vertical front and rear plates made of at least one metallic material. At least one elongated core made of metallic material is positioned between the two sole plates. An energy absorber is located at each end of the core and formed of a metallic hollow body, the energy absorber being positioned at right angles to the sole plates or to the core. The metallic materials of the core and the energy absorber have a ratio of elastic limit to breaking stress that is lower than that of the sole plate metallic material and lower than 0.9.

Abstract: A vehicle has a power operated liftgate and at least one power unit comprising a fixed linear guide channel and a follower that moves in the guide channel. The follower is universally connected to a rod having at one end and the opposite end of the rod is universally connected to the vehicle lift gate. A flexible drive loop which is attached to the follower wraps part way around two pulleys at opposite ends of the guide channel. The flexible drive loop is driven by a bi-directional drive unit that includes a reversible electric motor, an electromagnetic clutch and a drive wheel that engages the flexible drive loop. The flexible drive loop may be a drive cable, a drive tape, or a drive chain or a combination of cable, tape and/or chain.

Abstract: A sun visor assembly having a rounded member partially defining the outer edge of the sun visor which forms a more user-friendly edge than existing sun visor designs. The sun visor is formed from a substantially flat foundation that is folded unto itself thereby forming two foundation halves. The halves have corresponding shapes that define the edge of the sun visor. An upholstery cover covers the foundation and forms an exterior surface of the sun visor. A bead member is attached to the foundation and includes a stem portion that attaches to the foundation. The bead member also includes the rounded member whose surface forms a substantially semicircular cross section which faces away from the sun visor. In one embodiment, the rounded member is integrally formed with the foundation, itself, and this embodiment therefore does not include an additional bead member.

Abstract: The present invention is a temporary plastic replacement window with extension, for vehicles, which includes two sheets of a flexible transparent film, attaching means for attaching the two sheets, wherein together the two sheets form an envelope when attached, and an extension to the envelope being connectable to one of the two sheets through connecting means. The two sheets are pre-cut to a pattern that is shaped to snugly fit over a broken vehicle window frame. The envelope is sized and shaped to fit snugly over a frame of a vehicle door having the broken window. The extension is made of sheet material impenetrable by shards of glass and being a polymeric or natural material. When the extension is placed across a vehicle seat next to the broken window and connected to the envelope, penetration of shards of glass into one's clothing and person, is prevented.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for mounting a tonneau cover on a motor vehicle having a cargo area defined by first and second side walls, an end wall and a tailgate, the side walls having an inner panel and an outer panel includes a fastener, a first coupler plate and a bracket. The first coupler plate has a first end and a second end. The first coupler plate is articulable from an operable position to a disengaged position. The bracket has a generally horizontal rail and a vertical rail. The bracket is adapted for contacting the outer panel of the first side wall and further has a seat pivotally retaining the first end of the first coupler plate. The second end of the first coupler plate is adapted for engaging the inner panel of the first side wall defining a first restraining area between the horizontal rail and the second end of the first coupler plate. A second restraining area between the vertical rail and the second end of the first coupler plate is also defined.

Abstract: A visor torque control comprises a spring steel body having a flange adapted to be mounted to the body of a visor and a semicylindrical collar for circumscribing at least a portion of a cylindrical visor rod. The end of the semicylindrical collar in one embodiment integrally includes an outwardly projecting tang which allows the torque control to be snap-fitted over the visor rod and further allows the diameter of the collar to be selectively adjusted. The interior of the spring steel member is integrally coated with a polymeric material to provide the desired frictional characteristics and operational feel of the rotation of the visor about the visor rod.