Abstract: A device for locking a tilt steering column in adjusted position has two clamping rings, one of which is rotated by a handle. When the handle is rotated in one direction, the clamping rings interact to lock the steering column in adjusted position. When the handle is rotated in the opposite direction, the clamping rings release the steering column so that its position can be adjusted. A third ring is provided to releasably retain the locking rings in locked position.

Abstract: A cup holder includes a platform adapted to radially pivot outward from an inclined vehicle structure such that the platform when fully extended in the outward position is substantially horizontal. The platform includes a front wall portion and rear wall portion, and a retaining member connected between the front and rear wall portions forms an upper horizontal surface. A pair of side walls pivotally connected to the platform cooperate with the retaining member and platform to form a cavity for holding a beverage container.

Abstract: A tilt mechanism for a steering column is pivotally attached to vehicle structure including a bracket member attached to vehicle structure, a collar disposed within the bracket member and adapted to receive the steering column, and structure disposed between the bracket member and the collar for selectively positioning the collar relative to the bracket member.

Abstract: A mounting system includes a plurality of mounting structures attached to a perimeter of the radio and having longitudinal apertures extending therethrough. The mounting system also includes a plurality of mounting brackets having a pair of hook shaped ends opposing one another in spaced apart relationship and being disposed in the longitudinal apertures. The mounting system further includes fasteners for fastening the mounting brackets to vehicle structure.

Abstract: A fog lamp assembly has a retainer for the fog lamp and is mounted in a socket in the plastic facia covering the front bumper of an automobile. The rear wall at the base of the socket covers only the lower portion of the base, providing an open space above the rear wall. The upper edge of the rear wall has laterally spaced notches, and studs projecting rearwardly from the retainer are secured in these notches by nuts. When the lamp and retainer are manipulated during installation and removal, the studs enter and exit the notches through the open tops of the notches and also through the open space above the rear wall. Preferably the rear part of the annular wall of the socket is cut away to provide an extension of the open space.

Abstract: A device for locking a tilt steering column in adjusted position has two clamping rings, one of which is rotated by a handle. When the handle is rotated in one direction, the clamping rings interact to lock the steering column in adjusted position. When the handle is rotated in the opposite direction, the clamping rings release the steering column so that its position can be adjusted. The handle is normally positively retained in a position in which the locking device clamps the steering column, but can be moved to a position in which it unclamps the steering column upon operation of a release lever on the handle.

Abstract: A tilt assist for a tiltable steering column of an automotive vehicle is provided and includes a double torsion spring having spaced coils mounted on opposite sides of the steering column. A U-shaped wire element connected to the two coils bears against the steering column and urges it in an upward direction. Spacers are disposed within the coils to prevent twisting and distortion.

Abstract: A method of applying a self-adhesive sticker to a vehicle, which vehicle has a predetermined shaped window opening and a window therein. The method of the present invention includes the steps of first providing a self-adhesive sticker applicator. The applicator has a template portion having an outside shape which closely follows the predetermined shape of the window opening and provides for fitted positioning in the window opening. The template portion has a central opening large enough to allow a sticker to pass therethrough. An applicator portion is attached to the template portion and includes a pressure applying portion which overlies the central opening. The applicator portion includes a sticker attachment portion wherein a sticker or decal or the like may be attached to this portion with an adhesive side facing the central opening.

Abstract: A steering column bracket assembly for a collapsible vehicle steering column includes at least one support bracket for attaching one portion of the steering column to vehicle support structure and a mounting bracket for attaching another portion of the steering column to vehicle support structure and including a structure for restraining movement of the steering column along its longitudinal axis. The steering column bracket assembly also includes a structure attached to the mounting bracket for absorbing energy of the steering column during a collision type impact of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel has an armature which defines a structural circular steering wheel. The armature has a depressed central body portion providing a well for an air bag canister. A center pad which supports the air bag canister in the well extends across the well between the spokes, with a gap between each spoke and the edge of the pad. A spacer is provided between each spoke and the edge of the center pad so that the gaps are of equal width. The air bag canister is mounted to the body portion of the steering wheel by pins extending through openings in the body portion and conical springs surrounding the pins. The openings are substantially larger in diameter than the pins to permit the pins to shift radially and facilitate exact centering of the pad with respect to the spokes to maintain the gaps of uniform width. This mounting of the canister also accommodates shifting of the canister when a marginal portion of the center pad is depressed to close a horn switch and sound the horn.

Abstract: A vehicle brake cable equalizer is provided for connecting a main actuator cable extending from the forward section of a vehicle to a pair of brake actuator cables extending from the rear wheel brakes of the vehicle. The vehicle brake cable equalizer includes a base having a forward end portion and a rearward end portion. A ramp is provided having at least a portion extending at an angle upwardly and forwardly from the rearward end portion of the base. Slots are provided in the base for attachment of the main actuator cable and are provided in the ramp for attaching a pair of brake actuator cables. Fasteners are provided on the ramp for temporarily securing the vehicle brake cable equalizer structure to vehicle structure while the brake actuating cables are connected thereto from a position on the underside of the vehicle floor.

Abstract: A portable measuring device used for setting the shut height of the dies of a press. The measuring device includes a gauge or indicator releasably mounted on a finished surface of one of the dies. A paddle releasably mounted on a finished surface of the other die engages an indicator probe when the dies are relatively moved toward each other, to provide a measurement of the distance between the dies. This measurement is used to set the shut height of the dies.

Abstract: A method is provided for connecting a vehicle brake cable equalizer to a main actuator cable extending from the forward section of a vehicle and to a pair of brake actuator cables extending from the rear wheel brakes of the vehicle. The main actuator cable and brake cable equalizer are positioned on the upper side of the vehicle floor and the brake actuator cables are positioned on the lower side of the vehicle floor. In the method, the main actuator cable is connected to the brake cable equalizer entirely from the upper side of the vehicle floor and the brake actuator cables are connected to the brake cable equalizer entirely from a position on the lower side of the vehicle floor. The connection of the brake actuator cables is accomplished without the need for the assembler to have visual contact with the brake cable equalizer.

Abstract: A collapsible bin box assembly formed of two separate collapsible bin boxes. The bin boxes are identical in construction having side and end walls constructed in a manner which permits them to be folded down upon the base, making the bin boxes collapsible. In order to form the bin box assembly from two separate identical bin boxes, the bin boxes are arranged end-to-end in substantially abutting relationship and with the side walls of the two bin boxes along each side of the assembly parallel and interconnected by splices. When the adjacent end walls of the two bin boxes are folded down flat, the enlarged bin box assembly has a capacity approximately double the capacity of either one of the bin boxes. The interconnected side walls are capable of swinging as a unit from the normal upright position of use to a collapsed position when the bin box assembly is empty.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for toy tabbing a vehicle body is provided. This method includes a carrier means for transporting a vehicle body into a single work station and a delivery means for delivering side aperture panels to the work station. Vehicle body parts are supplied within the work station by an electrically indexed parts magazine. A programmable robotic means is provided for loading and assembling the side aperture panels and the vehicle body components to the vehicle underbody. A positioning unit is also provided to support the side aperture panels adjacent to the underbody to allow the programmable robotic means to assemble the vehicle's main body framework.

Abstract: A heatsinking arrangement for a heat-generating component of a car radio, tape cassette or the like. A heatsink is connected to the chassis. The components are secured in place on the chassis by belt loops each having one end integrally connected to the chassis and the other end free of the chassis. The belt loops extend around the components and clamp them to the heatsink through openings in the chassis. A screw extends through a hole in the free end of each belt loop and through a registering hole in the heatsink to secure the free end to the heatsink.

Abstract: A steering column guide assembly for a collapsible vehicle steering column includes an upper support bracket fixed relative to one portion of vehicle support structure and a lower support bracket secured to another portion of vehicle support structure. The steering column guide assembly also includes a structure for attaching the steering column to the lower support bracket and a structure for guiding the lower support bracket in a substantially horizontal manner relative to the upper support bracket during a collision type impact which causes the portions of the vehicle support structure to move relative to each other.