Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling restraint anchorage for use in child seat restraint anchorage by forming a portion of a bracket to engage a tubular rail that supports a plurality of latch wires. A portion of the bracket extends longitudinally along the tube. The extended portion is connected to the tube by mechanical engagement, preferably with a fastener. In a preferred embodiment, the fastener is formed by portions of the latch wire by cold heading shoulders on leg portions of the latch wires.

Abstract: A tailgate dampening system for a vehicle including a tailgate lift assist system including a torque rod rotationally grounded between the tailgate at a first end and a first side of the vehicle's frame at a second end is disclosed. The dampening system includes a coupling shaft attached to one end of the torque rod, a bell crank arm attached to the coupling shaft, and a dampening strut attached between the vehicle's frame and the bell crank arm. The crank arm compresses the dampening strut as the crank arm is rotated by the torque rod through the coupling shaft as the torque rod is twisted in response to the tailgate being opened, so as to reduce the rate at which the tailgate falls.

Abstract: A tailgate dampening system for a vehicle including a tailgate lift assist system including a torque rod rotationally grounded between the tailgate at a first end and a first side of the vehicle's frame at a second end is disclosed. The dampening system includes a coupling shaft attached to one end of the torque rod, a bell crank arm attached to the coupling shaft, and a dampening strut attached between the vehicle's frame and the bell crank arm. The crank arm compresses the dampening strut as the crank arm is rotated by the torque rod through the coupling shaft as the torque rod is twisted in response to the tailgate being opened, so as to reduce the rate at which the tailgate falls.

Abstract: A latch restraint and safety anchorage system for securing a child safety seat in an automotive vehicle behind the vehicle's seat is provided. One or more latch wires are generally mounted to a cross member of the anchorage system comprised of a pair of spatially separated legs joined at one end by a transverse latch bar. Each leg includes a tapered portion and an end portion. The end portion is exposed to allow the legs to be retained by the cross member.

Abstract: A seat back assist system is disclosed which provides an assist when opening a vehicle split seat back from an upright position and a lift assist when returning the seat back to the upright position from a load floor (horizontal) position. The assist system allows the seat to pop off a latch when released and to fold down to the load floor position. It also provides a lift assist to the upright position.

Abstract: A latch restraint and safety anchorage system for securing a child safety seat in an automotive vehicle behind the vehicle's seat is provided. One or more latch wires are generally mounted to a cross member of the anchorage system comprised of a pair of spatially separated legs joined at one end by a transverse latch bar. Each leg includes a tapered portion and an end portion. The end portion is exposed to allow the legs to be retained by the cross member.

Abstract: A latch restraint and safety anchorage system for securing a child safety seat in an automotive vehicle behind the vehicle's seat is provided. One or more latch wires are generally mounted to a cross member of the anchorage system comprised of a pair of spatially separated legs joined at one end by a transverse latch bar. Each leg includes a tapered portion and an end portion. The end portion is exposed to allow the legs to be retained by the cross member.

Abstract: A tailgate counterbalancing hinge assembly includes a linear torque rod, a first end assembly and a second end assembly. One end assembly pivotally retains the tailgate while permitting the torque rod to be rigidly coupled to the tailgate for movement with the tailgate about a pivot axis. The other end assembly pivotally retains the tailgate and permits the end of the torque rod to be rigidly retained with respect to the vehicle body. The assemblies are easily mounted in the vehicle using brackets that are secured to the tailgate and a vehicle body hinge pin to simplify installation and repair of the assembly.

Abstract: A tailgate counterbalancing hinge assembly includes a linear torque rod, a first end assembly and a second end assembly secured to the torque rod. One end assembly pivotally retains the tailgate while permitting a torque rod end to be rigidly coupled to the tailgate for movement with the tailgate about the pivot axis. The other end assembly pivotally retains the tailgate and permits the end of the torque rod to be rigidly retained with respect to the vehicle body. The assemblies are easily mounted in the vehicle by means of brackets secured to the tailgate and a vehicle body hinge pin to simplify installation and repair of the counterbalancing hinge assembly.

Abstract: A cargo restraint has a D-ring with cold-headed opposed end portions spaced slightly apart and trapped in a gap in a passageway of an anchor bracket and tensioned against edges of the gap to prevent rattling and withdrawal of the ends of the D-ring out of the bracket.