Abstract: A floating bracket has a flexible interface between a vehicle body panel and a vehicle. The floating bracket is slidably interfaced with a vehicle body panel. The floating bracket is rigidly fixed to a point on the vehicle. The floating bracket enables expansion or contraction of the vehicle body panel to take place. Accordingly the vehicle body panel may slide with respect to the vehicle. Thus, the vehicle body panel is free to move yet is still fixedly attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: A floating bracket has a flexible interface between a vehicle body panel and a vehicle. The floating bracket is slidably interfaced with a vehicle body panel. The floating bracket is rigidly fixed to a point on the vehicle. The floating bracket enables expansion or contraction of the vehicle body panel to take place. Accordingly the vehicle body panel may slide with respect to the vehicle. Thus, the vehicle body panel is free to move yet is still fixedly attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: A latch mechanism which includes two paddles that are engaged by a lock plate. The lock plate is configured to swivel into engagement with lock portions of the paddles, thereby generally locking the paddles in place. Preferably, the lock plate engages a substantial width of the lock portions to avoid creating an undesirable asymmetrical loading condition. As a result of engaging a substantial width of the lock portions of the paddles, the locking of the paddles is robust and reliable. Preferably, the lock portions on the paddles include a retention ramp that engages corresponding structure on the lock plate. The retention ramp renders the engagement between the lock plate and paddles generally more effective.

Abstract: A rear lighting backplate that includes a backplate lower which is engaged with a backplate upper. A lead frame is sandwiched between the backplate lower and backplate upper. The backplate lower includes a receptacle for receiving a wire harness, and the backplate upper includes one or more integral bulb sockets which are configured to receive bulbs. The lead frame conductively engages each bulb which is engaged with the backplate upper and conductively engages the wire harness which is engaged in the receptacle on the backplate lower. Preferably, the lead frame includes clips for conductively engaging and retaining the bulbs in the bulb sockets. The backplate is preferably configured for selective engagement and disengagement from a lamp housing. Preferably, the backplate provides a sealing surface around each bulb for sealing with the lamp housing when the backplate is engaged therewith.

Abstract: A latch assembly includes a main body, a latch, a biasing spring and a handle. The latch is disposed within a cavity in the main body and is biased in an upward direction by the spring. The handle is hingedly attached to the main body and interfaces with the latch. The handle is also biased by the spring. The biasing force of the spring on the handle causes the handle to be flush with surrounding interior panels. The handle can be caused to pivot by an operator thus causing downward motion of the latch and enabling the door to be freely opened.

Abstract: A latch mechanism which includes two paddles that are engaged by a lock plate. The lock plate is configured to swivel into engagement with lock portions of the paddles, thereby generally locking the paddles in place. Preferably, the lock plate engages a substantial width of the lock portions to avoid creating an undesirable asymmetrical loading condition. As a result of engaging a substantial width of the lock portions of the paddles, the locking of the paddles is robust and reliable. Preferably, the lock portions on the paddles include a retention ramp that engages corresponding structure on the lock plate. The retention ramp renders the engagement between the lock plate and paddles generally more effective.