Abstract: A parking brake assembly for a vehicle has a mounting bracket, a handle assembly and a clutching mechanism. The mounting bracket has a stop. The handle assembly is pivotally mounted on the mounting bracket for rotation about a first axis. The handle is moveable between a brake applied position and a brake release position. The handle has an actuator. A cam is pivotally mounted on the handle about a second axis offset from the first axis. The cam has a cam surface which varies radially from the second axis. The cam is biased to engage the stop. A clutch spring frictionally engages the cam and is operably connected to the actuator. Movement of the actuator in response to manual manipulation responsively moves the clutch spring to decrease the frictional engagement, thereby enabling the cam to engage with the stop.

Abstract: An article including a panel-like structure mountable in an automobile vehicle to form a part of the interior thereof and conceal a secondary restraint system, and a process for making the same are disclosed. According to this process, an outer layer is established on a first mold surface, with the exterior surface of the outer layer having an opaque visual appearance and a configuration complementary to the first mold surface. A casting composition is then rotationally casted onto an inner surface of the outer layer to create an inner layer of a predetermined thickness while restricting the gel thickness along an elongated structurally weakened tear seam. The casting composition is then fused. The outer layer and inner layer collectively define a layered composite structure, with the outer layer presenting the same opaque visual appearance to the exterior surface thereof unaffected by change in the inner layer thickness so that the structurally weakened tear seam is hidden from view.

Abstract: A vehicle closure testing apparatus for opening or closing a vehicle door of any of a variety of vehicles under test comprises a supporting structure, a door moving mechanism, and an assembly selectably configured to position the door moving structure. The supporting structure positions the vehicle closure testing apparatus in spaced relationship to the vehicle under test. The door moving mechanism engages and rotates the vehicle door when the door moving mechanism is activated. The assembly enables the door moving mechanism to be movably positioned into a functional position relative to a specific door of the variety of vehicle doors having a specific axis of rotation and enables the doors having a specific axis of rotation and enables the door moving mechanism to be repositioned in a similar functional position relative to a different vehicle door having a different axis of rotation.

Abstract: An extraction tool for extracting a head rest retainer sleeve from a vehicle seat assembly comprising a tubular member seated within an opening in the vehicle seat assembly. The tubular member has a first end adjacent the opening and a second end disposed in the seat. A cylindrical, elongated retainer sleeve is received in the tubular member for slidably receiving a mounting post of a head rest. The retainer sleeve has a head portion covering the first end of the tubular member, a plurality of flexible locking wedges for engaging the second end of the tubular member to retain the sleeve in the tubular member and seat, and an inner wall defining an aperture extending between the head portion and the locking wedges for receiving the mounting post of the head rest. The extraction tool includes an cylindrical, elongated body member having upper and lower ends.

Abstract: An interior assembly for a vehicle comprising a center console and a guide member for mounting the console to the vehicle. Preferably, the center console is of the type including at least one storage compartment and an associated lid. The guide member defines a reciprocal path from a first end of the guide to a second end of the guide. Preferably the first end of the guide is adjacent a set of front passenger seats and the second end of the guide is adjacent a set of rear passenger seats. A carriage is operatively coupled between the console and the guide member for slidably moving the console on the guide member along the reciprocal path between the front and rear passenger seats.

Abstract: A power sliding door for a motor vehicle comprises a door structure, a power drive assembly, a latch assembly, and a single motor for operating both the latch assembly and the power drive assembly. The door structure is mounted on a track associated with the motor vehicle, the door structure being movable along the track between opened and closed positions. The power drive assembly is connected with the door and capable of being driven to move the door along the track between the opened and closed positions. The latch assembly is mounted on the door and movable between latched and unlatched positions. The single motor is mounted on the door structure operatively connected with both the power drive assembly and the latch assembly. The motor drives the power drive assembly and thus enables the power drive assembly to move the door along the track between the opened and closed positions.

Abstract: A movement restricting device to be used with a panel member engaging portion slidably mounted on an elongated member, the engaging portion constructed and arranged to be fixedly engaged with a panel member so as to attach the elongated member to the panel member. The movement restricting device comprises a movement restricting portion having a pair of elongated member securing portions. The securing portions are flexible and are disposed to be biased into inwardly gripping engagement with the elongated member such that relative longitudinal movement of said movement restricting portion along the elongated member is substantially prevented. The securing portions have respective longitudinal movement limiting surfaces positioned and configured to restrict sliding longitudinal movement of the panel member engaging portion to a range therebetween.

Abstract: A method of operatively installing between two movable members a Bowden wire assembly which includes an outer flexible tube slidably containing a cable with opposite end portions thereof extending outwardly of opposite ends of the flexible tube, said method comprisingconnecting opposite ends of said flexible tube to spaced anchoring points one of which is provided by a yieldingly deformable anchoring member disposed in an initial position with respect to an associated one of said movable members,connecting the ends of said cable to said movable members and positioning the same so that the associated one of said movable members is disposed at an intermediate position between maximum and minimum cable extent limiting positions thereof and the other of said movable members is disposed at a minimum cable extent position with respect to maximum and minimum cable extent limiting positions, andthereafter moving the other of said movable members from said minimum cable extent position into the maximum cable extent po

Abstract: An actuator for power door locks having a bi-directional spring holder assembly. The assembly has a substantially cylindrical housing having a projection formed on a rim of its cylindrical wall. The projection is provided with first and second abutments facing in opposite directions along the circumference of the rim. A spring is mounted around a shaft which passes through a longitudinal axis of the housing. A first, internal spring end is engaged to the shaft while a second, external spring end projects radially outward of the cylindrical wall. The assembly also includes a spring cover provided with a cover abutment which similarly projects radially outward of the cylindrical wall. When the holder assembly is assembled, the spring is coiled and the cover abutment pushes against the projection's first abutment while the external spring end pushes against the second abutment.

Abstract: An article including a panel-like structure constructed to be mounted in an automobile vehicle to form a part of the interior thereof, and a process for making the same. According to this process, an outer layer defining at least a portion of the exposed exterior surface of the structure is prepared by applying a water-dispersed thermoplastic polyurethane composition and a heat-activated reactive crosslinking monomer onto a mold surface and thereafter drying the composition. Next, a rapidly reacting composition is sprayed onto an inner surface of the outer layer while the outer layer is retained on the mold surface to form a polyurethane elastomer inner layer that is interfacially chemical bonded to the outer layer. The inner layer with the outer layer interfacially chemically bonded thereto is then united with the rigid substrate so that the rigid substrate serves to reinforce the outer layer.

Abstract: A window regulator assembly comprising a window panel, a track, a slider member, a slider moving assembly including a drive assembly and a coupling assembly. The track is constructed and arranged to guide the window panel during movement of the window panel between opened and closed positions. The slider member is constructed and arranged to be movable along the track between a first position wherein the window panel assumes the closed position and a second position wherein the window panel assumes the open position. The slider moving assembly is constructed and arranged to move the slider member between the first and second position. The coupling assembly of the slider moving assembly is constructed and arranged to couple an output movement of the drive assembly to the slider member. The drive assembly includes a drivable input structure and a driven output structure, which structures are rotatable about a common axis.

Abstract: A vehicle seat movable through a cycle of access movement which includes (1) forward movement of the seat back cushion assembly into a seat back access position and forward movement of the seat and seat back cushion assemblies together from a seat operating position into said seat access position and (2) rearward movements of the seat and seat back assemblies together from the seat access position into a seat operating position and the seat back cushion assembly into a seat back operating position.

Abstract: A vehicle closure testing apparatus for opening or closing a vehicle door of any of a variety of vehicles under test includes a supporting structure, a door moving mechanism, and an assembly selectably configured to position the door moving structure. The supporting structure positions the vehicle closure testing apparatus in spaced relationship to the vehicle under test. The door moving mechanism engages and rotates the vehicle door when the door moving mechanism is activated. The assembly enables the door moving mechanism to be movably positioned into a functional position relative to a specific door of the variety of vehicle doors having a specific axis of rotation and enables the door moving mechanism to be re-positioned in a similar functional position relative to a different vehicle door having a different axis of rotation.

Abstract: A door latch assembly has a housing defining a mouth. A detent fork is pivotally mounted within the housing to cooperate with the mouth to pivot between an open and closed condition for receiving, engaging and cinching a keeper of a striker. The detent fork is biased in the open condition. A pivotally mounted pawl is biased into engagement with the detent fork for retaining the detent fork in the closed condition. A pivotally mounted inside release lever is movable between a stand-by position and a release position and biased to the stand-by position. A pivotally mounted outside release lever is movable between a stand-by position and a release position, and biased to the stand-by position. A pivotally mounted locking cam operably engages the pawl for positioning the pawl to selectively engage the release levers.

Abstract: An article including a panel-like structure constructed to be mounted in an automobile vehicle to form a part of the interior thereof, and a process for making the same. According to this process, an outer layer defining at least a portion of the exposed exterior surface of the structure is prepared by applying a water-dispersed thermoplastic polyurethane composition and a heat-activated reactive crosslinking monomer onto a mold surface and thereafter drying the composition. Next, a rapidly reacting composition is sprayed onto an inner surface of the outer layer while the outer layer is retained on the mold surface to form a polyurethane elastomer inner layer that is interfacially chemical bonded to the outer layer. The inner layer with the outer layer interfacially chemically bonded thereto is then united with the rigid substrate so that the rigid substrate serves to reinforce the outer layer.

Abstract: A door cartridge assembly is provided to be installed into a vehicle door. The assembly includes a door hardware mounting panel having door components mounted thereon and being constructed and arranged to be fixedly mounted to a vehicle door; coupling structure carried by the mounting panel; and a door latch assembly constructed and arranged to be secured to a vehicle door to provide a latch for the vehicle door. The door latch assembly includes a latching member constructed and arranged to be movable between a latching position and a releasing position. The coupling structure is constructed and arranged to receive the latching member in latching relation therewith when the latching member is in the latching position thereof, thereby permitting the mounting panel to be transported with the door latch assembly connected thereto.

Abstract: A method for operating a hydraulic closure system for a motor vehicle includes automatic opening and closing, as well as manual closing, of a closure pivotally mounted to an opening frame defining a closure opening in the motor vehicle. The system used in the method includes at least one hydraulic actuator assembly attached at opposite ends thereof to the closure and the opening frame, respectively. A motorized hydraulic pump inputs energy to the actuator to move the closure from the opened position to the closed position, and a biased energy storage system inputs energy to the actuator to move the closure from the closed position to the opened position. In a preferred embodiment, the pump is activated by relatively slow manually generated movement of the closure from the opened position toward the closed position. Also, an obstacle detection mechanism detects obstacles interfering with closing of the closure based on monitored pressure in the system.

Abstract: A hydraulic closure system is disclosed for use in a motor vehicle that enables automatic opening and closing, as well as manual closing, of a closure pivotably mounted to an opening frame defining a closure opening in the motor vehicle. The system includes at least one hydraulic actuator assembly attached at opposite ends thereof to the closure and the opening frame, respectively. A motorized hydraulic pump inputs energy to the actuator to move the closure from the opened position to the closed position, and a biased energy storage system inputs energy to the actuator to move the closure from the closed position to the opened position. In a preferred embodiment, the pump is activated by manually generated movement of the closure from the opened position toward the closed position for a prescribed distance in more than a prescribed time. An obstacle detection mechanism detects obstacles interfering with closing of the closure based on monitored pressure in the system.

Abstract: A seat frame assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a seat frame and a seat back frame. The seat frame is constructed and arranged to have a seat cushion mounted thereon in overlying relation. The seat back frame is connected with the seat frame and has a pair of spaced metallic vertical support portions at opposite sides thereof, the seat back frame constructed and arranged to have a seat back cushion mounted thereon. At least one of the vertical support portions are formed from a pair of telescoping tubular blanks including an elongated inner metal blank formed into an integrally formed vertical member of the at least one vertical portion extending from a lower portion of the seat back frame connected with the seat frame to an upper end of the seat back frame and a relatively shorter outer metal blank formed into a sleeve rigidly secured in surrounding relation to the lower portion of the vertical support member.

Abstract: The present invention is a Bowden wire installation comprising a Bowden wire assembly including an elongated flexible tube having opposite ends. A cable is slidably mounted in the flexible tube and has opposite end portions which extend outwardly from respective opposite ends of the flexible tube. Spaced movable members are connected to the opposite end portions of the cable. Spaced anchor members are connected to opposite ends of the flexible tube. One of the anchor members is disposed in a fixed operative position into which it has been yieldingly deformed from an initial position by movement of the end of the flexible tube connected in fixed relation therewith such that the material of the one of the anchor members is yieldingly deformed beyond an elastic limit thereof.