Abstract: An operating mechanism for laterally moving a slide-out section of a vehicle between a retracted position and an extended position includes two support members and a rack and pinion assembly. The two support members can have alignable mounting locations that allow for height adjustable mounting of the slide-out section. The rack and pinion assembly is operable to move the slide-out section from the retracted position to the extended position, preferably by the engagement of a pair of pinions with a pair of racks mounted to elongated rail members mounted to the bottom of the slide-out section. Rollers or other anti-friction members can be added to support the rails and ease the movement of the slide-out section.

Abstract: A supporting bearing for connecting the bows of a soft-top convertible vehicle to the folding linkage. A bearing spike is integrally formed on a linkage arm. A sleeve-shaped insert body is latched to a bearing spike. The insert body is received in an opening in the bow.

Abstract: A forward facing rear door assembly for a motor vehicle includes a forward facing rear door having a forward end and a rear end. The forward facing rear door assembly also includes a hinge connected to the rear end of the forward facing rear door and for connection to a “C” pillar of a vehicle body to allow a forward end of the rear door to open and close a door opening in the vehicle body.

Abstract: A cargo system includes a plurality of rigidly connected compartments adapted to mount on the roof of a vehicle. The plurality of compartments includes a first compartment suitable for mounting a retractable awning and a second compartment suitable for storing cargo. The first and second compartments each include a flooring and a sidewall wherein the first compartment is rigidly connected to the second compartment by at least one of the flooring and the sidewall. One of the plurality of compartments includes a liquid container, at least a portion of the container being suspended in the compartment. The liquid container includes a tube suitable for passing liquid that emerges from the cargo system. In addition, a light assembly is operatively associated with the cargo system. The light assembly includes an electrical conductor suitable for providing power to the light assembly, the conductor emerging from the cargo system.

Abstract: Vehicle payload in a service vehicle including a vehicle chassis having two spaced frame members (50) with a generally horizontal deck (16) mounted on the frame members for receiving and carrying a load to be transported and which extends to either side of a vehicle centerline (48) and which is provided with a crane (28) located to one side of the centerline is achieved in a lightweight, torsionally resistant deck structure including a horizontal plate (44) together with at least two spaced, elongated box beams (46) supporting the plate (44) which extend longitudinally of the center line (48) together with a plurality of cross members (64) secured to and extending between the box beams (46).

Abstract: A release mechanism for use with a latch associated with a vehicle seat pivotally secured to a vehicle floor. A three-dimensional housing encloses an actuator mounted in axially translatable fashion upon the vehicle floor. A coil spring secures at a first end to an interior location of the housing, a second end of the spring engages the actuator in a selected biasing direction. A lever pivotally secures to a bracket extending from an underside location of the vehicle seat, an extending end of the lever engaging the actuator through the housing, a torsion spring biasing the lever in a given pivoting direction relative to the mounting bracket. A cable extends between the lever and the vehicle latch and, upon the actuator translating in a selected direction, the lever is caused to pivot and the cable to translate in order to disengage the latch and to permit pivoting of the seat relative to the vehicle floor.

Abstract: A luggage loft assembly for supporting articles for overhead storage in a mass transit vehicle includes an inner shell having a shelf panel and a back wall that extends upward from an outboard edge of the shelf panel and connects at an upper edge to the ceiling of a vehicle passenger compartment. An outer shell has an inboard edge connected to an inboard edge of the inner shell and an outboard edge connectable to a supporting structure such as a vehicle passenger compartment wall. The outer shell partially defines a longitudinal cavity between the outer shell, the wall, and the ceiling of the vehicle passenger compartment. Stanchions connect at respective lower ends to the inboard edge of one of the inner and outer shells. The stanchions have upper ends connectable to a supporting structure such as the ceiling of a vehicle passenger compartment. The outer shell comprises inboard and outboard channels that interconnect with each other and with the inner shell.

Abstract: A reinforced trim panel assembly secured to a body panel for a vehicle includes a first trim panel member adjacent to a second trim panel member along a first seam. A reinforcement bracket is disposed between the trim panel members and the vehicle body panels, and is positioned over the first seam and secured to each of the first trim panel member and the second trim panel member using a fastening means. The reinforcement bracket absorbs a force from an impact to the trim panel assembly to prevent separation of the first seam.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure has a heat radiation insulating arrangement that improves the thermal environment inside a vehicle cabin when the vehicle is positioned at a sunny location during hot weather by increasing the insulation effects of the automobile body along with blocking radiant heat. The heat radiation insulating arrangement of vehicle body structure forms a first space by arranging a light shielding shade on the inside of a windowpane, a second space formed between the exterior roof panel and ceiling material, and an air passageway that links the first space and the second space to allow the air to flow from the first space to the second space. A reflective material is provided on the surface of the second space of the ceiling material.

Abstract: There is disclosed a closure panel. The panel finds particular utility as a liftgate or endgate for automotive vehicles. Typically, the assembly includes a first panel portion opposite a second panel portion and an intermediate material therebetween. Preferably, one or more of the panel portions is formed of a polymeric material and the intermediate material is preferably a structural foam that can bond to both the first and the second panel portions.

Abstract: A cross car beam includes a first cylindrical body that extends from a driver's side to an assistant driver's side along a vehicle-width direction, and a second cylindrical body that is provided around an outer periphery of the first cylindrical body on the driver's side. A steering support bracket is formed on the circumferential surface of the second cylindrical body. An air-bag casing is provided on the first cylindrical body on the assistant driver's side. The cross car beam is provided, between the driver's side and the assistant driver's side, with an opening in communication with an air conditioning unit.

Abstract: A fixing member (i.e., a connection cord fitting member), may be fixed to a counter-part member, such as a camera or an antenna, for retaining a fixed member, such as a connection cord. The fixing member includes a retention hole portion for retaining the fixed member, a cut portion or cutout portion for inserting the fixed member into the retention hole portion, and a clamp portion for clamping the counter-part member by resiliency. The fixing member can be used in a vehicle-mounted apparatus and a vehicle.

Abstract: An automotive door assembly comprises a door frame, an interior trim panel removably secured to the door frame by a plurality of connecting members, and one or more door accessories disposed between the door frame and the interior trim panel and connected to the door frame and interior trim panel by the connecting members. The connecting members include first engagement portions that fixedly attach the door accessories to the door frame, and second engagement portions that releasably attach the door frame and door accessories to the trim panel. The door accessories are initially supported on the interior trim panel for assembly onto the door frame when the trim panel is installed on the door frame. Thereafter, the door accessories remain fixed to the door frame when the trim panel is removed.

Abstract: A windscreen attaching/detaching device includes a mount bracket including a stopper and a hook, with the mount bracket secured to a windscreen and a mount stay including a damper member and a lock mechanism, with the mount stay secured to a vehicle body. The lock mechanism urges the hook to a locked position. The lock mechanism includes an arm disengaging with the hook and a lever linking to the arm and turnable between the locked position and an unlocked position. The windscreen engages the damper member with the stopper as well as engages the arm with the hook to turn the lever to the locked position that allows the windscreen to be secured to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A windscreen attaching/detaching device includes a mount bracket including a stopper and a hook, with the mount bracket secured to a windscreen and a mount stay including a damper member and a lock mechanism, with the mount stay secured to a vehicle body. The lock mechanism urges the hook to a locked position. The lock mechanism includes an arm disengaging with the hook and a lever linking to the arm and turnable between the locked position and an unlocked position. The windscreen engages the damper member with the stopper as well as engages the arm with the hook to turn the lever to the locked position that allows the windscreen to be secured to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A tarpaulin system for an open cargo hold for a vehicle and a method for repairing the tarpaulin system. The tarpaulin system includes a tarpaulin with a number of ribs or bows releasably connected along its length. A movable cable is provided on the cargo hold and the bows are releasably connected to this cable by brackets. The brackets have mounting flanges and cable followers, the mounting flanges being releasably connected to the bows and the cable followers being releasably connected to the cable. When the cable is drawn toward the rear of the cargo hold, the brackets and the bows and tarpaulin connected thereto are drawn toward the rear end of the cargo hold. When the cable is drawn toward the front of the cargo hold, the brackets and therefore the bows and tarpaulin, are drawn toward the front of the cargo hold.

Abstract: A weather guard for an open-sided golf cart or similar vehicle. The weather guard may include a roller mount, and an elongated roller rotatably mounted to the roller mount, the roller defining a roller axis. A transparent, flexible curtain may be secured to the roller. A support may be attached to the roller mount, such that the support attaches the weather guard to a vehicle, with the support extending from the mount generally perpendicular to the roller axis and includes a hook formation designed to hook at least partially around a roof support of the vehicle. At least one guard fastening mechanism may be attached to the roller mount for attaching the weather guard to the vehicle, the guard fastening mechanism being designed to extend through a grab handle provided on the vehicle.

Abstract: A frame which may be spanned by a panel for mounting by an adhesive or magnetically to the roof of a automotive vehicle to simulate a sunroof and thereby enhance the value and appearance thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf car bumper assembly which is mounted on a front axle of a golf car in order to reduce extensive damage to the body of the golf car in the event of a collision, comprising a bumper beam having a first end and a second end, a front surface and a back surface, and extending in a longitudinal direction, a pair of bumper guards, each having depending ends, a pair of mounting plates, a pair of bumper brackets, and at least two fasteners. Also provided is a kit comprised of the separate components of the bumper assembly and a method for attaching the bumper assembly components on the front axle of a golf car.

Abstract: A video monitor includes a display housing which is carried in a stowage recess of an overhead console. A broad rectangular leaf of a hinge assembly is pivotally mounted at one of its ends to the console and is pivotally mounted at its opposite end to a rear casing of the display housing at the approximate mid-height of the housing. The leaf is configured to lie within a recess formed in the rear casing of the display housing when the housing is stowed, overlying ventilation ports in the rear casing. To deploy the display housing in a viewing position, the leaf is rotated about a console pivot and the display housing is rotated relative to the leaf about a housing pivot.