Abstract: A fastening assembly for securing plastic panels (50) to metallic substrates (52) is provided in which a metallic nut (14) is mounted in snap-fit relationship on plastic insert (12), which is in turn engaged in snap-fit relationship on the metallic substrate (52). The nut (14) slidably engages the plastic insert (12) to permit certain movement along an axis perpendicular to the axis of the insert (12) to provide thermal compensation for the mounted plastic panel (50). The nut (14) itself utilizes the same guide lug structure (26) of the insert member (12) to both effect snap-fit retention of the nut (14) on the insert (12) and to guide the sliding movement of the nut (14) with respect to the insert (12).

Abstract: A rotary action switch assembly for a vehicle seat includes a base member operatively connected to a seat portion of a vehicle seat, an actuator member operatively connected to a back portion of the vehicle seat, and a rotatable contact structure disposed between the base member and the actuator member for opening and closing circuits indicate of inclination of the back portion relative to the seat portion.

Abstract: An adjusting and support apparatus for a lamp unit is provided which has a horizontal adjust and support mechanism in which the load bearing and adjusting functions are separated to provide an improved support structure which does not rely on a cantilevered arrangement. In addition, a vertical adjustment mechanism which can be secured to any unoccupied position on the outside surface of the lamp unit is provided, thereby imparting greater flexibility to the design of the front portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: An improved window assembly 36 is provided, in which an adjustable mounting strip assembly 40, formed as a molded, interlocking fastener having first and second planar strips 42, 46, is adhesively secured to a windshield 14 and a portion of the vehicle body 12 to permit relative movement between the window 14 and the body 12 during curing of an adhesive 48. A method of using the mounting strip assembly 40 is disclosed in which light beam sources 16, 18 provide data to a processor 20 through which position of the windshield 14 with respect to the body is sensed so that the relative movement permitted by the mounting strip 40 can be effected.

Abstract: An improved glove box door assembly includes a resilient U-shaped clip member that operatively engages a piano hinge mounted on an instrument panel reinforcing member adjacent the lower edge of the door to damp movement of the door in the opening direction of the door with respect to the instrument panel.

Abstract: A retaining assembly is provided for an amplifier or other component to be inserted in a compartment formed in the instrument panel of an automotive vehicle. The assembly includes at least one clip having a pair of vertically spaced latching tongues carried on resilient arms to permit snap fit engagement of the component in the compartment without substantial modification to the instrument panel. A locating pin aids in support of the component, and the assembly provides the sole vertical support.

Abstract: An adjustable rotary action switch assembly for a vehicle seat includes a base member operatively connected to a seat portion of a vehicle seat, a first actuator member operatively connected to a back portion of the vehicle seat, a second actuator member operatively connected to a recliner mechanism interconnecting the seat portion and back portion, contacts disposed between the base member and the first actuator member for opening and closing circuits indicative of inclination of the back portion relative to the seat portion, and adjuster structure cooperating with the second actuator member and the contacts for adjusting contact between the contacts and one of the circuits upon movement of the recliner mechanism.

Abstract: A capacitive-type torsion beam accelerometer sensor element exhibiting improved stability contains slots in the heavy side of the rotatable sensing element which serve to alter the geometry of the heavy side capacitor such that the electrical geometry substantially coincides with the physical geometry of the substrate's fixed conductive plate in the presence of charge spreading. The slots also permit ingress and egress of air, thus extending the frequency response.

Abstract: A combination seal is provided for dynamically sealing the interface between an automotive vehicle body and an associated closure panel. The seal provides a compressible sealing portion of bulbous shape and a valve portion that normally seals the interior of the vehicle against the inward passage of fluid and permits venting the interior to the atmosphere upon a certain build-up of pressure within the vehicle body.

Abstract: A fixed glass mounting assembly for automotive vehicles is provided in which a combination stop and spacer is provided in a mounting block that is carried on a flange of the vehicle body surrounding a window aperture. The mounting block is fabricated as a compression molded part made from a polypropylene fiber material to present a soft, smooth surface at its interface with adjacent window parts.

Abstract: A mounting assembly is provided for mounting an air bag module (38) in the instrument panel (10) of an automotive vehicle, which includes a box-like tray member (74) secured to the instrument panel (10) and to the vehicle body (14) that receives an air bag module in snap-fit relationship upon insertion of the air bag module through an aperture (24) in the instrument panel.

Abstract: A two-piece hood support bumper of such construction that it can be set at an infinitely determinable height by the weight and/or position of the hood itself during the process of installing the support member, and whereby the support member is permanently set in that position by an adhesive carried within the two-piece member prior to the final position being set. A method of installing a vehicle hood assembly by providing a self-height adjusting support member intermediate the ends of the hoods and at both side edges, and which is set in its final position after bringing both ends of the hood into a condition flush with the adjoining body panels and wherein the height of the support member is established by the hood itself as it is brought to rest on the front hood bumpers.

Abstract: An occupant restraint system for an automotive vehicle of the type including multiple longitudinally spaced seating positions in which seats are arranged in back-to-back relationship includes a guide ring assembly having two D-rings mounted on a common double threaded bolt on a vertical body pillar that is in longitudinal registration with the backs of a pair of back-to-back seats. The double ended bolt construction permits assembly of one of the D-rings to the pillar independent of the other during vehicle assembly.

Abstract: A fuel tank cap assembly is provided which includes a plug portion sealingly engageable with a fuel tank filler pipe and a cover portion that is positionable in blending contiguous relationship with adjacent portions of the automotive vehicle body when the plug portion is positioned in a sealing position with respect to the fuel tank filler pipe.

Abstract: A preplugged nut is attachable to a vehicle panel for fastening a component to the vehicle panel. The nut has a body with an opening for receiving a bolt to fasten the component to the panel and a plug in the body opening sealing the opening to prevent ingress of moisture, dust, fumes and other contaminants to the panel through the body opening. A method for forming a vehicle panel with the preplugged fastener includes forming the vehicle panel, forming a nut having a body opening for receiving a bolt to fasten the bracket to the panel, forming a plug, inserting the plug into the body opening of the nut and plugging the body opening to thereby prevent ingress of contaminants through the panel to the body opening after the nut is installed, and fastening the nut to the vehicle panel with the bolt.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes an inner panel, an outer panel joined to the inner panel, a door trim substrate mounted on the inner panel, and a door trim cover mounted on the door trim substrate to form a space therebetween. The vehicle door also includes a generally pre-deployed air bag disposed in the space between the door trim substrate and the door trim cover for inflation upon a side collision type impact on the vehicle door.

Abstract: A vehicle seat for an occupant of a vehicle includes a generally horizontal seat portion mounted to vehicle structure, a generally upright back portion, a confection mechanism interconnecting the seat portion and the back portion to allow the back portion to rotate relative to the seat portion between a forward dump position and a rearward recline position and a powered mechanism for driving the back portion between the forward dump position and the rearward recline position in response to an occupant input.

Abstract: A cover retainer assembly for a support member having a cavity and an air bag disposed within the cavity includes a cover member closing the cavity and having at least first and second edges, a structure for fixedly securing the first edge of the cover member to the support member and a structure for releasably retaining the second edge of the cover member to the support member to allow the cover member to swing open toward the first edge upon deployment of the air bag.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for a vehicle enables the vehicle to withstand fore, aft and side impacts without operating the latch. A linkage assembly has two links connecting the door handle and door latch. The links are connected to one another at a pivot point. The pivot point connecting the links in the vehicle door moves vertically to operate the latch in response to operation of the door handle. The pivot point is free to move horizontally fore, aft and sideways without operating the latch. By having this freedom of movement, the pivot point is free floating so that the vehicle can withstand fore, aft and side impacts without operating the latch.

Abstract: A vehicle frame has longitudinally extending left and right frame members with each member laterally deformable in response to a lateral force component of a preselected magnitude. A front end structure connects the left and right frame members to tie the them together so that both frame members absorb energy by laterally deforming in response to a lateral force component of a preselected magnitude acting on either of the left and right frame members. The front end structure also deforms longitudinally with the left and right frame members.