Abstract: A hinge assembly for securing a folding fabric top of an automotive vehicle between an open and closed position includes a front pivot bracket pivotally connected to a rear pivot bracket for pivotal movement between the closed position wherein the brackets are aligned axially and the open position wherein the brackets are overlapping. A first locking tab extends from each of said front and rear pivot brackets for releasably interlocking and retaining the brackets in the axially aligned closed position. A second locking tab extends from each of the front and rear pivot brackets for releasably interlocking and retaining the brackets in the overlapping open position. The front and rear pivot brackets support respective front and rear support frames supporting and attaching a folding fabric top to the automotive vehicle for pivotal movement between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A valve gate is provided for an injection molding manifold having at least one drop defining at least one channel for transporting a flow of plasticized melt therethrough. The valve gate has a pin mounted in the manifold to extend across the channel in a sliding relation. The pin has a transversely extending aperture that aligns with the channel opening the flow. Reciprocating movement of the pin in a direction transverse to the flow of the plasticized melt opens and closes flow thereof.

Abstract: A motor vehicle protection assembly secured to and extending out from a frame of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle protection assembly absorbs force during an impact of the motor vehicle with another object. The motor vehicle protection assembly includes an attachment bracket fixedly secured to the frame. In addition, the motor vehicle protection assembly includes an impact panel fixedly secured to the attachment bracket and extending between a leading end and a trailing end. The impact panel includes a collapsible region. When the object impacts the leading end, the force created by the impact is absorbed by the collapsible region to reduce the force received and absorbed by the object.

Abstract: A running board assembly for a motor vehicle has a step for supporting an individual thereon. The running board assembly also includes a slide assembly extending between the step and the motor vehicle for slidably moving the step between a retracted position and an extended position. In addition, the running board assembly includes a pneumatic cylinder operatively engaging the slide assembly so that the pneumatic cylinder effects energizing movement between the retracted and the extended positions.

Abstract: A panel assembly is securable to a front end of a motor vehicle for positioning and securing a plurality of elements thereto. The panel assembly has a core connectable to the front end of a motor vehicle. A skin covers the core. A component mounting structure is molded to the skin. The component mounting structure is adapted to have the plurality of elements attached thereto in spaced relation. The panel assembly may be assembled to the motor vehicle with the plurality of elements secured thereto.

Abstract: The present application discloses a method for forming a fascia assembly that is to be mounted on a front or rear end of a partially completed motor vehicle. The method comprises (1) molding and solidifying a molten first material so as to form an exterior fascia panel having a first connecting portion integrally molded therewith, and (2) molding and solidifying a molten second material so as to form a fascia assembly component having a second connecting portion integrally molded therewith and molded and solidified to the connecting portion of the exterior fascia panel in an interconnected relationship.

Abstract: A clip (10) mounts a corner cladding panel (14) to a body structure (16). The clip has a body (18) having a tab (20) extending in a longitudinal direction. An attachment fixture (22) extends from the body in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The clip (10) is attachable to the body structure in the orthogonal direction and positions the clip (10) to receive the corner cladding panel (14) in the longitudinal direction. The body has a pin (24) extending in the orthogonal direction that maintains an orientation of the clip (10) to receive the cladding in the direction of application. The clip (10) has a ridge (28) positioned to snappingly engage the cladding panel (14) to maintain engagement therebetween.

Abstract: A vehicle roof panel includes a roof portion and roof rack portion with an integrally embossed portion defined by longitudinally extending spaced apart side portions. A side rail is attached to each of the side portions. A cross member has connectors for selectively and slidably interconnecting to the side rail thereby retaining the cross member elevated above the planar surface of the roof panel.

Abstract: A front end assembly for a motor vehicle having spaced apart upper and lower side rails includes an elongated upper cross member adapted to be fixedly secured to and extend between the spaced apart upper side rails. The upper cross member has a mounting surface extending the length thereof. The front end assembly also includes an elongated lower cross member adapted be fixedly secured to and extend between the spaced apart lower side rails. The lower cross member has a mounting surface extending along the length thereof. In addition, the front end assembly includes a component integration panel having upper and lower mounting portions for complementary mating engagement with the mounting surfaces of the respective upper and lower cross members to position the component integration panel between the upper and lower side rails and provide support to the component integration panel.

Abstract: A bed assembly for a motor vehicle includes a floor pan that defines a bed surface extending between longitudinal sides. Each of the longitudinal sides includes a side support surface spaced from and parallel to the bed surface. The bed assembly also includes a sidewall panel having a lower end defining a base surface disposed adjacent to and supported by the side support surface. In addition, the bed assembly includes a retention member extending along a portion of one of the longitudinal sides to secure the base surface to the side support surface. The retention member maintains the sidewall panel in abutting relation to the floor pan.

Abstract: A clip assembly (36, 60) mounts a cladding panel to a body. The clip assembly includes a clip (36) and a key guide (60). The clip (36) has a head (38) and a shaft (40). The head (38) is adapted for attaching to a flange of the cladding panel. The key guide (60) has a hollow body (62) sized to receive and retain the shaft (40) in a first and second engagement position. The key guide (60) is configured to be inserted into a slot (52, 56) on the body structure and upon rotation is retained within the slot. One end of the cladding engages the pilot aperture (56) and an opposite end engages a slot (52). The cladding is adjustable relative to the body structure while in a first engagement position and is held in place for further fastening when in a second engagement position.

Abstract: A belt-line window molding. The molding comprises a main body and a cover member that snaps onto the main body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an end module assembly for installation on a motor vehicle and a method for assembling the same. The assembly comprises an exterior fascia configured to comprise a portion of a vehicle body when the assembly is installed on the vehicle. An external visible component is configured to be positioned in a predetermined orientation with respect to the fascia with surfaces thereof facing exteriorly of the fascia. The external component is positioned relative to the fascia such that the position controlling portion guides the external component into the predetermined orientation and supports the component thereat, thereby allowing the assembly to be installed on the vehicle without requiring reorientation of the component. The present invention also relates to a loading fixture for installing a front end module assembly onto a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A combination B-pillar and belt-line window molding for a motor vehicle door, and method for manufacturing the same. The molding comprises a main body including a window sealing structure and a mounting structure. The sealing structure is formed from a resilient material constructed and arranged to seal a belt-line gap between the motor vehicle door and a motor vehicle window. The mounting structure is constructed and arranged to mount the main body on a belt-line region of the motor vehicle door. The molding further includes a metal cover member having an elongate first portion with a channel configuration. The channel configuration of the first portion is flexible outwardly to receive a portion of the main body and flexible inwardly to grippingly engage the portion of the main body in secured relation. The metal cover member has an elongate second portion integrally formed with the first portion and extends from the first portion to form a generally L-shaped configuration.

Abstract: A storage assembly for a vehicle includes an open bed defined by opposing sidewalls, a front wall and a rear tailgate. The storage assembly also includes a tonneau cover that covers at least a portion of the open bed. The tonneau cover is movable between open and closed positions to provide selective access to the open bed. A plurality of brackets extends between the opposing sidewalls, the front wall and the rear tailgate. A storage bin is removably securable to the plurality of brackets. The storage bin creates a removable compartment within the open bed allowing items stored therein to be organized and removed as a group when desired.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a passenger cab and a pickup truck cargo bed that extends outward from the passenger cab. The cargo bed comprises two opposing sidewalls, a front wall and a movable rear tailgate. A ramp assembly comprises panels, hinges, retainer brackets, and stiffeners and is stored in the cargo bed. The hinges rotatably interconnect the panels to each other and a single panel to the tailgate. The stiffeners reinforce the panels when in use and are otherwise stowed in the cargo bed. The retainer bracket holds the panels against the tailgate when in the stowed position.

Abstract: A running board mounting bracket has a structural body having a distal end and a support end. A mounting flange extends from the structural body at the support end and is canted relative to the longitudinal extent of the structural body. The mounting flange has bores for mounting the bracket to an inboard surface of a vehicle frame. A web extends between the mounting flange and the distal end redirecting bending forces from the interface between the mounting flange and the structural body and transferring the bending forces from the structural body to the mounting flange in a compressive manner. The web has a rib extending along the web forming an I-beam relation with the structural body.

Abstract: The step assembly (20) includes a mounting bracket (26) mounted to an under-carriage of the pick-up truck. A step (30) is pivotally secured to the mounting bracket. The step can rotate between a stowed position with the step disposed adjacent the mounting bracket and an operative position with the step extending from the bracket. A coil spring is mounted between the bracket and the step for continuously biasing the step toward the stowed position. A ratchet mechanism, having a pawl, a cam and an over-center spring, is mounted between the bracket and the step. The ratchet mechanism locks the step in the operative position in response to rotation of the step from the stowed position to the operative position. When in the operative position, a user can stand on the step assembly to access the bed of the pick-up truck. The ratchet mechanism also unlocks the step in response to over rotation of the step beyond the operative position.

Abstract: An integrally formed running board including a plurality of mount projections (24) extending laterally from an inner edge (22) with a pair of parallel side walls (54) extending transversely to the longitudinal axis, a short wall (56) having ends closer together than the distan between the side walls (54) and a pair of converging walls (58) joining the side walls (54) at joints (60) and converging from the side walls (54) to the ends of the short wall (56). A projection-reinforcing rib (52) is disposed centrally between and parallel to the side walls (54) of each of the mount projections (24). A base rib (62) extends between the joints (60) of each pair of the side walls (54) with the associated pair of the converging walls (58). A pair of continuing ribs (64) extend from the side walls (54) aligned therewith to an outer wall (23).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an end module assembly for installation on a motor vehicle and a method for assembling the same. The assembly comprises an exterior fascia configured to comprise a portion of a vehicle body when the assembly is installed on the vehicle. An external visible component is configured to be positioned in a predetermined orientation with respect to the fascia with surfaces thereof facing exteriorly of the fascia. The external component is positioned relative to the fascia such that the position controlling portion guides the external component into the predetermined orientation and supports the component thereat, thereby allowing the assembly to be installed on the vehicle without requiring reorientation of the component. The present invention also relates to a loading fixture for installing a front end module assembly onto a motor vehicle.