Abstract: A vehicle frame rail includes a base wall and side walls of generally U-shape configuration, with such walls being provided with interconnected depressions controlling collapse of the rail in a predetermined sequence and direction. The depressions adjacent the impacted end of the rail are of greater depth than the depressions remote from the impacted end, with the depressions in the side walls extending oppositely with respect to the same surface of the rail as the depressions in the base wall. The rail further includes a longitudinal bead to attenuate higher level impact loads. The side walls include darts which collapse to proscribe the direction of collapse of the rail and prevent random folding or buckling of the rail upon itself when the bead collapses.

Abstract: A vehicle body closure latch which is formed of a single handed latch unit, a single handed actuating unit, and a single handed bumper unit which can be assembled in either a right hand or a left hand configuration.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a rear frame rail having its forward end secured to the rearward end of a rocker structure by a hollow torque box structure. A tension member extends between the outboard wall of the rocker structure and the torque box structure to reinforce the weldments between the torque box structure and the rocker structure under impact loads transferred from the frame rail to the rocker structure by the torque box structure.

Abstract: A door handle assembly includes an escutcheon having a rib formation defining the opening of the handle assembly and including a wall portion which is offset inwardly of the rib formation. A support member and lift handle module and a gasket assembly complete the door handle assembly. The support member provides the upper wall portion of the door handle assembly and additionally mounts the lift handle which is located within the upper portion of the door handle opening. The module is fixtured to the escutcheon to set the spacing between the lift handle and the rib formation prior to securement of the support member to the escutcheon. The gasket assembly seats between the rib formation of the escutcheon and the supporting door panel.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel cover includes a cover body of plastic material having a plurality of integral extensions, each having a relatively thin body portion adjacent the cover body and a thicker terminal portion. A stiff ring interconnects the terminal portions of the extensions and is secured thereto by clips, each of which includes retaining fingers, for retaining the cover to a vehicle wheel.

Abstract: A speaker retainer for mounting a speaker to a vehicle body panel is formed of molded elastomeric material and includes a cup-shaped portion for receiving the magnet portion of the speaker and oppositely extending straps which are releasably cooperable with integral attachment means on the body panel to releasably hold the cone shaped portion of the speaker against the panel. The cup-shaped portion can also mount a fastener for mounting an acoustic cover on the body panel.

Abstract: An inflatable thigh support for a vehicle seat includes an extension which is hinged to the forward edge portion of a seat cushion support for movement between a fully lowered position and a fully raised position and various positions therebetween. The extension is moved between its positions by an inflatable bladder which is secured thereto and to the seat cushion support. A foldable forward portion of the seat cushion overlies the bladder. The inflation of the bladder folds the foldable portion of the cushion as the extension is raised and provides a firm support for the thighs of a seat occupant.

Abstract: An easy entry seat adjuster includes upper and lower track members which are slidable relative to each other. A latch carrier is slidably mounted on both track members and mounts a latch member having latch arms engageable within an opening of the upper track member and any one of a series of openings in the lower track member. Manual movement of the latch member out of engagement with an opening of the lower track member permits horizontal adjustment of the seat as the latch member carrier and upper track member move relative to the lower track member. Movement of the latch member out of engagement with the opening of the upper track member by a seat back actuated cam on the upper track member permits displacement of the upper track member between a horizontally adjusted position and easy entry position.

Abstract: A vehicle body wheel opening structure includes a pinchweld structure defined by flanges of a body outer panel and a body wheelhouse member which are secured to each other and extend generally within the plane of the opening. The edge of the pinchweld structure defines a body wheel opening. A generally U-shaped molding clamps to the pinchweld structure and is retained against any movement downwardly of the wheel opening by closure members which close the open lower ends of the molding and are secured to flanges of the outer panel.