Abstract: A vehicle frame in which the transversal beams are linked to the longitudinal rails by means of a plurality of clamps joined by a high efficiency adherent substance.

Abstract: An interior trim component for a vehicle includes a body and an article holder. The article holder has a support structure for supporting an article. The article holder is pivotally connected to the body and movable between a storage position and a deployed position. In the deployed position the support structure of the article holder is higher relative to a position of the support structure when the article holder is in the storage position.

Abstract: A multi-positional collapsible seat assembly for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The seat assembly includes a seat bottom having a load surface provided on an underside thereof and a seat back having a load surface provided on the back side thereof. As the seat assembly is collapsed, the seat bottom is pivoted forward and the seat back is pivoted adjacent to the seat bottom such that the load surfaces collectively provide a load floor for receipt of cargo. An armrest assembly is disclosed that facilitates both passenger and cargo transport. A method is also disclosed for collapsing the seat assembly.

Abstract: A tonneau system for a cargo box of a pickup truck having a framework. The framework having a cross bow member for supporting a cover and being positionable generally over the cargo box of the pickup truck. The tonneau system further includes a latch assembly pivotally coupled to the cross bow member. The latch assembly is positionable in a latched position engagable with the cargo box of the pickup truck, an unlatched position disengagable with the cargo box of the pickup truck, and a nested position substantially retracted from the unlatched position and received within the cross bow member. The tonneau system may further include a biasing member that is substantially received within a portion of the latch assembly to improve consistent spring rates across the actuation range.

Abstract: A front part structure of a vehicle body for efficiently absorbing collision energy acting from the front of the vehicle body is provided. The front part structure of the vehicle body includes right and left front side members extending longitudinally of the vehicle body within an engine compartment separated by a dashboard. A crossmember is attached to the dashboard and extended between the right and left front side members. A floor tunnel extending longitudinally of the vehicle body is joined to a rear end portion of an extension of the crossmember. Collision energy acting from the front of the vehicle body is transmitted from the front side members to the crossmember, and then is transmitted through the extension of the crossmember to the floor tunnel and dispersed throughout the vehicle body.

Abstract: A hinged vehicle body part for a motor vehicle is inserted into an opening of a vehicle body and, on its circumference side, is surrounded by stationary vehicle body parts. For linking the hinged body part, hinges are connected on one side with the hinged vehicle body part and are connected on the other side with a stationary vehicle body part. So that the hinged body part can be adjusted in its closed state in the correct position with respect to the adjoining vehicle body and can be fixed in the adjusted position, it is provided that at least one fastening point of each hinge provided on the stationary body part is arranged outside the contour of the hinged vehicle body part. These fastening points, which are situated outside the contour of the hinge part, can be covered by a releasably fastened assembly part of the adjoining stationary vehicle body part.

Abstract: A sliding window panel assembly for a motor vehicle. The assembly includes a stationary window panel having an opening formed therein, at least one guide rail coupled to the stationary window panel below the opening and above a bottom edge of the stationary window panel, a shoe slidably received within the guide rail and configured to slidably move within the guide rail, a movable window panel mounted onto the shoe such that the movable window panel slidably moves with the shoe. The movable window panel can slidably move with respect to the stationary panel along a movable panel path. The lead screw drive unit engages the shoe and is adapted to move the shoe and the movable panel along the movable panel path within the guide rail.

Abstract: A fuel door housing for the fueling of an automobile including a tub-like body, a flap which is hingely linked to the body, a thrust spring biasing the flap toward an opened position, a locking element having a locking and an unlocking position, and an actuating element for placing the locking element into the unlocking position. The locking element is moved towards the unlocking position through a one-way transmission of the actuating element upon a movement of the flap into its closed position or beyond thereof, respectively, and the locking element completely engages the catching element upon arrival of the flap at its closed position. A casing is formed at the inner side of the body. The locking element and parts of the actuating elements are accommodated by the casing, and a locking portion of the locking element is sealingly extended through a wall portion of the casing facing the catching element.

Abstract: Adjustable fastening element intended to be fitted to an end region of a transverse member of a vehicle chassis. The fastening element takes the form of a U-section element with a web portion of preferably uniform width and with mutually parallel flanges protruding from opposite side edges of this web portion. Each flange has running through it at least one oblong slitlike aperture, or has running through it two or more mutually aligned holes, for a fastening element, particularly a fastening bolt or fastening screw, whereby the fastening element can be fixed to the transverse member. The fastening element can be fitted straddling the end region of the transverse member, in one of various different positions relative to the end region of the member, with the flanges of the fastening element abutting against opposite side surfaces of the transverse member.

Abstract: A structural assembly for a vehicle includes a structural member extending longitudinally. The structural assembly also includes an insert disposed within and extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the structural member and having at least one corrugation to act as a crush initiator during an axial impact on the structural assembly.

Abstract: This latch device for an access panel door includes an open lever and a ratchet release lever pivotally mounted on a base plate by a first shaft, a lock lever pivotally mounted on the base plate by a second shaft, and a sliding pin displaceable between an engaged position and a disengaged potion. The release lever has first and second arms extending in a radial direction of the first shaft and connected to latch units. The lock lever shifts the sliding pin to an engaged position when the lock lever is in the unlocked position and shifts the sliding pin to a disengaged position when the lock lever is in the locked position. The sliding pin is slidably mounted in a slot formed on the first arm or the second arm.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for protecting a motor vehicle surface. The invention includes a substantially uniform shock absorbent poly foam pad adapted to cover at least the top surface of a motor vehicle, and further adapted to couple to at least one means for securing. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A structurally independent load bearing support system for use in a cargo vehicle and supporting one or more levels of accessories to provide one or more additional levels of load bearing surfaces in addition to the floor of the cargo vehicle. The structurally independent load bearing support system comprises at least two side frames comprising a plurality of longitudinally spaced vertical members and at least one transverse member connecting the two side frames.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly comprising a seat, and a seat track mounting adapted to slidingly mount the seat to a vehicle floor. The seat track mounting comprising an elongate slidingly engaged seat track member including a pair of spaced apart side flanges which define a channel section. The vehicle seat assembly further comprising a hydraulic actuator arranged in use to extend and retract as the seat is slidingly moved on the seat track mounting. This hydraulic actuator is located longitudinally within seat track member within the channel section and between the pair of side flanges.

Abstract: The resin-made floor panel structure including a trunk floor F1 made of resin integrally forming a spare tire storage space S1, and a trunk board B1 made of resin disposed so as to cover the floor panel, fitting parts Sw1, Bk1 for achieving the closure of the spare tire storage space are integrally formed respectively in the trunk floor and trunk board. Thereby, in using resin materials for a floor panel, transmission of noise in the floor section to the compartment side can be suppressed by a relatively simple structure without increasing the weight.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure in which a hollow-section crossmember is attached to rear end portions of right and left center frame members is provided. Right and left extension members extending rearward are joined to the rear end portions of the right and left center frame members. The crossmember is joined to the tops of the right and left extension members. Right and left reinforcing plates are provided in a hollow space of the crossmember at portions at which the extension members are joined to the crossmember. The right and left reinforcing plates are supported on the right and left extension members, whereby the crossmember is firmly supported on the rear end portions of the center frame members and is increased in rigidity.

Abstract: A camping system convertible between a transporting configuration and a camping configuration. The system includes a large storage compartment to allow storage of large items such as all terrain vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and other large items even when in the compact transporting configuration. The system includes side walls that pivot upward and outward to create side compartments for sleeping or other uses.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a vehicle mounting bracket having an adjustable linkage mounting portion. The mounting bracket is fixed to the vehicle and the linkage system, while adjustment bolts on the mounting bracket allow the user to adjust the vertical height of linkage relative to the vehicle. Scalloped adjustment joints of the linkage allow a user to modify the joint angle while effectively increasing or decreasing the length of the linkage members.

Abstract: A mobile camping facility is disclosed including a housing mounted over a top surface of a substantially rigid base plate, wherein the base plate is mounted on a bed of a trailer. The bed of the trailer is supported by a pair of wheels. The housing supports a countertop surface and includes a cover portion adapted for covering the countertop surface. A sink and a stove are operably mounted through the countertop surface. A fuel source is operably connected to the stove and separated from the stove by the countertop surface. A water source, mounted on either the base plate or on the trailer, is operably connected to the sink. A method for constructing a mobile camping facility is also described.

Abstract: A passenger car having a roof opening and a rear opening that are selectively covered by a segmented dimensionally stable roof and a rear lid, respectively. A linkage and actuator drive are common to the roof and rear lid. A supporting structure of the rear lid is connected to a rear roof section. The roof sections are connected by four bar linkages to adjacent sections. The angular position of a supporting link relative to the vehicle body is changed by the actuator drive.