Abstract: A restraint system is disclosed for securing a passenger to a seat in a motor vehicle. The restraint system is composed of a restraint belt removably attached to a vehicle seat having a plurality of vertical straps and an attachment mechanism for connecting said straps across the passenger's chest. Each of the vertical straps has a first end removably attached to a lap belt and a second end removably attached to a latch located behind the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A restraint system is disclosed for securing a passenger to a seat in a motor vehicle. The restraint system is composed of a four point restraint belt removably attached to a vehicle seat having a plurality of vertical straps and attachment mechanisms for connecting said straps across the passenger's chest and lap. Each of the vertical straps has a first end removably attached to latches located in the front of the seat back and a second end removably attached to a latch located behind the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a frame operably attached to a vehicle. A seat bottom is operably attached to the frame. The seat bottom is repositionable between a seating position and a stowed position. A seat back is operably attached to the frame. The seat back is repositionable between a seating position and a stowed position. The seat back rotates about a longitudinal axis during repositioning of the seat back between the seating and the stowed positions. A method of repositioning the seat assemblies includes repositioning a seat bottom between a seating position and a stowed position, and repositioning a seat back between a seating position and a stowed position about a longitudinal axis. Another seat assembly includes a seat bottom operably attached to the frame with at least one pivoting link and at least one sliding link. The seat bottom is repositionable between a seating position and an elevated position.

Abstract: An adjustable pedal apparatus for a motor vehicle. The apparatus includes a pedal that can be translated in a longitudinal fashion parallel to the vehicle floor. The pedal is translated by use of a screw that is threadedly attached to the pedal and also pivotally attached to a motion linkage. The position and movement of the motion linkage is uniform irrespective of the longitudinal position of the pedal. The pedal includes a pivot pin that is received by a slot formed in a body structure; translation of the pedal along screw causes longitudinal movement of the pivot pin the said slot. The pivot pin is free to translate within said slot while the pedal is not depressed, when the pedal is depressed the pivot pin becomes fixed longitudinally by a camming formation and locking element arrangement. This allows depression of the pedal to cause the pedal to pivot about the pivot pin.

Abstract: An adjustable pedal apparatus for a motor vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a pedal that can be translated in a longitudinal fashion parallel to the vehicle floor. The pedal is translated by use of a screw that is threadedly attached to the pedal and also pivotally attached to a motion linkage. The position and movement of the motion linkage is uniform irrespective of the longitudinal position of the pedal. The pedal includes a pivot pin that is received by a slot formed in a body structure; translation of the pedal along screw causes longitudinal movement of the pivot pin the said slot. The pivot pin is free to translate within said slot while the pedal is not depressed, when the pedal is depressed the pivot pin becomes fixed longitudinally by a camming formation and locking element arrangement. This allows depression of the pedal to cause the pedal to pivot about the pivot pin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drop-down gate assembly of a cargo box for a vehicle. The drop-down gate assembly includes a gate operably coupled to the cargo box by an upper connection assembly and a lower connection assembly, each assembly including a kickout link mechanism for laterally positioning the gate with respect to the cargo box and a roller mechanism for vertically positioning the gate with respect to the cargo box. In this manner, the gate is positioned laterally outwardly to provide clearance from the vehicle and vertically downwardly to facilitate access to the interior volume of the cargo box.

Abstract: An adjustable pedal apparatus for a motor vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a pedal that can be translated in a longitudinal fashion parallel to the vehicle floor. The apparatus includes a pedal pivotally attached to a pivot pin. The pivot pin is threadedly attached to a powered screw to allow translation thereon in response to rotation of the screw. The pivot pin is received in a second longitudinal slot formed in a base formation. An attachment link is pivotally attached to the pivot pin and includes an elongated opening for receiving a driving pin and a pushrod attachment. Driving pin and pushrod attachment are free to slide and pivot with their attachment to the attachment link. A power link is also provided. The power link is pivotally attached to the pedal at an elevation lower than the pivot pin. The power link also includes an elongated opening.

Abstract: A cargo support system for a motor vehicle includes a `U`-shaped bar rotatable from a stowed position to an operable position. The `U`-shaped bar preferably has a pair of end members rotatably coupled to the dropgate of the motor vehicle and a cross member interconnecting the pair of end members. A locking hinge mechanism is operable to secure the U-shaped bar in either the stowed or operable position.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for a motor vehicle having an upper joint, a middle joint and a lower joint. The upper joint pivotally interconnects a door to a body. The middle joint pivotally interconnects the door to a rod. A door axis of rotation is defined by the upper and middle joints. A lower joint pivotally interconnects the body to the rod. A control linkage pivotally interconnects the door and the body defining a conical path for the door axis of rotation to follow.

Abstract: An air distribution system having a plurality of vents for a motor vehicle is provided. The system includes a cylindrical housing having a plurality of passageways that lead to the vents attached thereto, The cylindrical housing encloses two inner barrels are rotatably mounted therein that can independently direct air to selected vents. This provides the ability for the passenger of the vehicle to receive air flow through a selected vent and the driver to receive sir flow through a possibly different selected vent.

Abstract: A cargo load support system for a motor vehicle having a bed defined by a pair of sidewalls and a swing gate includes a guide mechanism having a plurality of guide apertures. The guide mechanism is adapted for attachment to the bed. The cargo load support system further includes a rail assembly translatable from a stowed position to an operable position. The rail assembly has a plurality of parallel rails and an orthogonally oriented end rail interconnecting the plurality of parallel rails. The parallel rails are slidingly engaged with the guide apertures. The guide mechanism is adapted for attachment to the motor vehicle. The rail assembly is adapted to be detachably coupled to the swing panel when the rail assembly is in the operable position.

Abstract: A steering column support structure for an automotive vehicle comprising a plastic instrument panel including duct structure having rear reinforcing ribs and front reinforcing ribs. Upper metal struts are secured to the rear reinforcing ribs. Lower metal struts are secured to the rear reinforcing ribs. The rear ends of the upper and lower struts are secured together. The front ends of the upper and lower struts are rigidly secured to vehicle support structure. The lower struts are secured to the steering column.

Abstract: A system for stowing a spare tire on the exterior of a sport utility vehicle includes a carrier that holds the spare tire and that can pivoted between a highway configuration, wherein the spare tire is positioned beneath the chassis to thereby provide unimpeded access to the vehicle's rear lift door, and an off-road configuration, wherein the tire is positioned against the rear lift door, to thereby provide ample clearance beneath the vehicle.

Abstract: An air bag and air bag inflator assembly for the steering column of an automotive vehicle. At the upper end of the steering column is a steering wheel shaft and a steering wheel. An air bag is enclosed within a housing mounted centrally on the steering wheel. An air bag inflator includes a canister which contains a gas-generating chemical and is mounted on the steering column. Gas generated in the canister is transmitted to the air bag through a flexible tube and a passage in the steering wheel shaft.

Abstract: An instrument panel has a recess in which a passenger air bag canister is mounted. The mounting includes a flange on the bottom wall of the canister fastened to the instrument panel. The mounting also includes an elongated horizontal rib on the canister and an elongated horizontal slot in the recess which receives the rib. As a further option, brackets on the end caps of the canister may be fastened to the instrument panel.

Abstract: An instrument panel assembly for an automotive vehicle molded of a resinous plastic material. The instrument panel assembly is a honey-comb structure including box-like cells throughout the entire construction to result in rigidifying the structure. The instrument panel assembly has an upper section consisting of two duct retainers which together form two integral air ducts, and a lower section consisting of two parts provides a housing for heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HEVAC) apparatus. Air from the HEVAC apparatus is discharged into the vehicle by the ducts. The ducts are formed of one piece with the duct retainers to provide a strong, rigid structure obviating the need for a steel reinforcing substructure. The HEVAC apparatus is preloaded into the housing so that the instrument panel assembly and HEVAC apparatus can be installed in the vehicle as a unit.