Abstract: A clip (10) for fastening a panel (50) to a support structure (52) is provided. The clip (10) has a plate (12) and a stem (14) extending from the plate. The stem 14 has a base (22) and a body section (24). The base (22) has a width greater than a width of the body section (24). A pair of tangs (16) extend from a distal end of the stem (14) toward the plate (12). A sealing flange (18) extends from the base (22). The sealing flange (18) is first molded from a material having a first durometer and then the plate (12), stem (14) and tangs (16) are molded from a material having a second durometer greater than the first durometer.

Abstract: A mounting method for mounting a plastic panel (12) to a vehicle substrate provides a support flange (24) on an inner surface of the panel. A reference nodule (28) is positioned on the inner surface of the panel. An elongate bracket (14) has an upper edge (34) thereof engaging the support flange (24). The bracket (14) has a reference notch (40) engaging the reference nodule (28) positioning the bracket (14) relative to the panel (12). A plurality of retainers (18) are mounted on the bracket (14). A double-sided adhesive tape (16) has a first adhesive on a first side thereof compatible for adhesion to the bracket (14) and a second adhesive on a second side thereof compatible for adhesion to the panel (12). The first side of the adhesive tape (16) is applied to the bracket (14) and the second side is applied to the panel (12). The tape (16) allows expansion and contraction movement of the panel (12) while securely retaining the panel (12) to the vehicle substrate.

Abstract: A tonneau cover (10) for use on automotive vehicle has a plurality of panels (12, 14, 16). Each panel has a leading edge and a trailing edge configured to interlock with an adjacent panel. A pair of rails (18, 20) are mounted on opposite side walls (38, 40) of the vehicle in a position to support the panels. Each of the rails has a pivotally mounted plate (44) which pivots between a storage condition enabling the panels (12, 14, 16) to be received and stored between the rails and an operative condition supporting the panels. A plurality of latch assemblies (22, 42) operatively extends between each of the panels and each of the pair of rails. The latch assemblies (22, 42) selectively secure the plurality of panels (12, 14, 16) to the rails (18, 20).

Abstract: A retainer clip receives a keypad and the like on a beltline molding. The clip has a face plate having a plurality of apertures. A wall extends from the face plate. The wall has a plurality of tangs spaced thereabout. The wall is configured to be received within an aperture in the beltline molding. The wall is sized to position the face plate in the aperture of the beltline molding. The tangs cooperate with the beltline molding to retain the faceplate to the beltline molding. The wall and keypad are configured to snappingly engage each other.

Abstract: A decorative molding assembly for a vehicle door frame having a window opening for a transitional window pane moveable between open and closed positions. The molding assembly includes a window seal mounted to the door frame and having a channel for selective sealing engagement with the window pane. A molding strip has an arm mating with the window seal and faces outward to provide an appealing appearance. A retaining member engages the arm of the molding strip and the window seal to secure the molding strip and the window seal within the window opening of the door frame such that the window pane is securely sealed within the window opening when the window pane is in the closed position.

Abstract: A hinge assembly mounts a hard tonneau cover on a vehicle having a storage area. The assembly has a moveable hinge portion adapted for mounting on the tonneau cover and a stationary hinge portion adapted for mounting to the vehicle. A guided member co-acts with a guiding member for pivotally mounting the tonneau cover to the vehicle about an axis of rotation between a closed position. The guiding member positions the axis of rotation of the tonneau cover forwardly of an upper edge of the storage area allowing the forward edge of the tonneau cover to lift thereby minimizing damage to the peripheral seal.

Abstract: A stowable step has a housing, a U-shaped step platform and a sliding member pivotally engaging the step platform. The sliding member is slidably mounted within the housing for reciprocating movement between a retracted stowed position wherein the platform extends into the housing and a deployed position wherein the platform can pivot relative to the sliding member to a substantially vertical position.

Abstract: A power retractable running board assembly for a motor vehicle includes a substantially sealed housing assembly, a running board, a parallel linkage, a gear assembly, and a motor assembly. The running board presents an upper load carrying surface. The gear assembly is disposed in the sealed housing assembly and coupled to an arm of the parallel linkage. The motor assembly is drivingly coupled with the gear assembly and is constructed and arranged to pivot the running board between deployed and stored positions.

Abstract: A decorative molding assembly for a vehicle door frame having a window opening for a transitional window pane moveable between open and closed positions. The molding assembly includes a window door seal mounted to the door frame and having a channel for selective sealing engagement with the window pane. A molding strip has an arm mating with the window door seal and faces outward to provide an appealing appearance. A retaining member engages the arm of the molding strip and the window door seal to secure the molding strip and the window door seal within the window opening of the door frame such that the window pane is securely sealed within the window opening when the window pane is in the closed position.