Abstract: An apparatus is provided for illuminating the interior of an automotive passenger vehicle for ingress and egress. The apparatus comprises a lighting device integrated into the periphery of a sun visor or similar object. The lighting device is typically activated by a remote entry device, a door opening, or by an interior switch. The apparatus is particularly applicable where overhead interior lighting is impractical, such as in convertibles and other types of vehicles with removable tops. The lighting device may be customized for color and intensity, as well as for physical configuration. The apparatus can also be used in lieu of conventional interior roof lighting as a manufacturing cost reduction.

Abstract: A method of assembling a roof assembly into a vehicle includes assembling the roof assembly and at least one module subassembly. The roof assembly includes a roof outer panel configured to cover a roof opening in the vehicle. The roof assembly and the module subassemblies are installed by operators working entirely outside the vehicle, resulting in increased efficiency and production cost savings.

Abstract: A battery assembly for a vehicle includes a battery with a post extending therefrom. A terminal is connected to the post, and a blade extends from the terminal. A battery cable includes an attached connector. The connector is configured to receive the blade in a snap-in relationship. The blade includes a protrusion thereon, and the connector includes a spring member configured to provide sufficient normal force on the blade to force the blade against a wall of the connector to provide a reliable electrical contact. The spring member abuts the protrusion to secure the blade in the connector.

Abstract: A battery assembly for a vehicle includes a battery with a post extending therefrom. A terminal is connected to the post, and a blade extends from the terminal. A battery cable includes an attached connector. The connector is configured to receive the blade in a snap-in relationship. The blade includes a protrusion thereon, and the connector includes a spring member configured to provide sufficient normal force on the blade to force the blade against a wall of the connector to provide a reliable electrical contact. The spring member abuts the protrusion to secure the blade in the connector.

Abstract: An indexing parts rack for supporting a plurality of objects includes an elongated track having a longitudinal axis and at least one hanger assembly mounted on the track. The hanger assembly is movable along the track in a direction of the longitudinal axis and is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The indexing parts rack also includes a stop positioned adjacent the track whereby when no object is supported from the hanger assembly, the hanger assembly assumes a first position relative to the longitudinal axis to enable the hanger assembly to move along the track past the stop. When an object is supported from the hanger assembly, the hanger assembly rotates relative to the longitudinal axis to a second position to engage the stop and prevent the hanger assembly from moving past the stop along the track.

Abstract: An indexing parts rack for supporting a plurality of objects includes an elongated track having a longitudinal axis and at least one hanger assembly mounted on the track. The hanger assembly is movable along the track in a direction of the longitudinal axis and is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The indexing parts rack also includes a stop positioned adjacent the track whereby when no object is supported from the hanger assembly, the hanger assembly assumes a first position relative to the longitudinal axis to enable the hanger assembly to move along the track past the stop. When an object is supported from the hanger assembly, the hanger assembly rotates relative to the longitudinal axis to a second position to engage the stop and prevent the hanger assembly from moving past the stop along the track.

Abstract: A method of assembling a roof assembly into a vehicle includes assembling the roof assembly and at least one module subassembly. The roof assembly includes a roof outer panel configured to cover a roof opening in the vehicle. The roof assembly and the module subassemblies are installed by operators working entirely outside the vehicle, resulting in increased efficiency and production cost savings.

Abstract: A roof rail air bag assembly includes an air bag module having an air bag and an air bag inflator, and a hanger designed to attach the assembly to the roof rail of a vehicle. The installation of the roof rail air bag assembly is accomplished by an operator standing outside the vehicle, and without the use of external fasteners. A roof panel is attached to the vehicle roof rail to permanently fasten the hanger to the vehicle, while the air bag module can be easily removed for servicing.

Abstract: A roof rail air bag assembly includes an air bag module having an air bag and an air bag inflator, and a hanger designed to attach the assembly to the roof rail of a vehicle. The installation of the roof rail air bag assembly is accomplished by an operator standing outside the vehicle, and without the use of external fasteners. A roof panel is attached to the vehicle roof rail to permanently fasten the hanger to the vehicle, while the air bag module can be easily removed for servicing.

Abstract: A method for installing a vehicle roof assembly. A structure is provided defining a roof opening in a vehicle. A headliner is provided having a first configuration larger than the roof opening and a free peripheral edge. Components are installed onto said headliner, and the headliner is secured to a roof panel for forming a roof assembly. The headliner is deformed to a second configuration for displacing the free peripheral edge, and a restraining device maintains the headliner in the second configuration. The roof assembly is installed onto the vehicle through the roof opening. The restraining device is removed and the free peripheral edge is attached to the vehicle for concealing the structure defining the roof opening.