Abstract: A seat track assembly comprises a lower track assembly comprising first and second lower tracks laterally spaced from and aligned generally parallel with one another. Each lower track has a bottom wall and left and right side walls which cooperate with the bottom wall to define a central channel running the length of the lower track. The left and right side walls each have flanges bent over and away from the central channel. An upper track assembly operatively engages the lower track assembly. The upper track assembly comprises first and second upper tracks carried by corresponding first and second lower tracks, allowing the upper track assembly to slide in forward and rearward directions. An elongate upper J-hook is rigidly attached to each upper track, preferably at a top wall of each upper track. An elongate lower J-hook is rigidly attached to each lower track, preferably at a bottom wall of each track.

Abstract: A plastic glazing window module has a glazing assembly formed from a transparent plastic glazing substrate and a frit film positioned on at least a portion of the glazing substrate. In certain preferred embodiments the transparent plastic substrate is a polycarbonate, and the frit film is a semi-rigid sheet having a transparent carrier web with a non-transparent ink or dye. In certain embodiments the frit film is positioned on an interior side of the plastic substrate and the non-transparent portion covers the attachment means from exterior view. An abrasion resistant coating or hardcoat, such as an organically modified ceramic, is preferably applied to each surface of the glazing assembly, preferably by dip coating. In certain preferred embodiments structural ribs may be positioned circumferentially around the substrate. The glazing substrate also may form a lip to cover a ledge formed by the motor vehicle body at the periphery of the window opening.

Abstract: A bidirectional inertial latch locks the position of a seat back of a seat on a motor vehicle during rapid changes in velocity. The inertial latch has a bracket mounted on the seat base or bottom. An arm is pivotably mounted on the bracket and securely attached to the seat back, and has a unitary arcuately toothed section for latching engagement. A pawl is pivotally mounted on the bracket and has a center of gravity offset from its pivot axis. The pawl has an arcuate toothed region for engaging the toothed region of the arm, and is pivoted by the inertial force experienced during either sudden deceleration or sudden acceleration to lockingly engage the arm to prevent the movement thereof Preferably the toothed sections of the pawl have at least three teeth.

Abstract: A cable-drum window regulator for controlling the motion of a windowpane, such as a window in a door, has an improved glider assembly. The glider assembly is attached to the windowpane, and comprises a glider slidably secured by snap fit to an elongate guide rail, and a glider plate which snap fits to the glider. The glider assembly travels along the guide rail from a full-up to a full-down position. The glider preferably has a cushioning unitary downstop to absorb the loading of the glider assembly at the full-down position. The glider has at least a pair of rail tabs which snap fit to longitudinally extending receiving flanges of the rail; preferably at least one of the rail tabs has a beveled surface for ease in assembly. The glider has at least one flexible finger with a digit which snaps into a corresponding receiving opening in the glider plate. In those embodiments with more than one flexible finger, one finger is preferably longer than the other.

Abstract: A rollerless seat track assembly and a motor vehicle seat having a rollerless seat track assembly is shown having a lower track mounted to a base or floor of a motor vehicle, and a slidable upper track attached to a seat base. The upper track has a top wall and a pair of side walls. The lower track has a pair of flanges positioned adjacent a primary load bearing contact surface. Preferably a low friction coating, such as a PTFE epoxy paint is applied to the primary load bearing contact surface of the lower track, and a preferably elongate glide strip or glide member may be affixed to a lower side of the top wall of the upper track. As the seat track slides back and forth, the glide strip would slide over the low friction coating, minimizing the efforts required to adjust the seat. Lateral stability may be enhanced by lateral stabilization ball bearings running in raceways between the upper and lower tracks.

Abstract: A modular window assembly constructed as a pre-assembled unit for closing an opening in a motor vehicle body is provided with a light assembly mounted in a frame assembly. In those preferred embodiments used as a backlight to close an opening in the sheet metal of a pickup truck, the light assembly may optionally be a high mount stop lamp or brakelight and/or a cargo light. The light assembly may have a housing and structure for connecting the light assembly to a power source. Numerous configurations and kinds of light assemblies may be used. The light assembly may optionally be mounted flush with an exterior surface of the frame. In certain preferred embodiments the frame assembly can have a circumferential main body segment and a halo segment unitary with the main body segment. The light assembly optionally can be mounted in the unitary halo segment. A light assembly, for example, can be used with fixed pane modular windows, single sliding pane modular windows and dual pane sliding modular windows.

Abstract: A modular window assembly has a glazing pane, typically a slider assembly incorporating a vertically mounted transparent pane, which is slidably mounted in a rear-mounted frame. The slider pane is mounted for moving laterally back and forth between a closed and an open position. A drive subassembly comprises a drive drum and handle remotely mounted in the passenger compartment for moving the sliding pane back and forth between the open and closed positions. An anti-backdrive subassembly is connected to the drive drum and the handle to substantially prevent opening or closing of the slider pane by forces other than operation of the handle. The drive subassembly further comprises a mechanism for operatively connecting the handle to the sliding pane, for example, a drive cable mounted in the roof above a roof liner. When the handle is rotated in either direction, the drive drum wraps and unwraps corresponding segments of the drive cable, pulling the sliding pane between its open and closed position.

Abstract: A self-aligning window regulator for raising and lowering a windowpane in a motor vehicle door, having a mounting assembly fixed to the door comprising at least a mounting bracket, and a self-aligning assembly slidably attached to the mounting assembly at the mounting bracket. In certain preferred embodiments the self-aligning assembly includes a rail, a glider slidable over the rail, and attachment for connecting the glider to the windowpane. Connection element positioned between the rail and the mounting bracket allows the rail and the rest of the self-aligning assembly to float relative the mounting bracket. Preferably the connection element comprises a rivet extending from either the mounting bracket or the rail into a slot. The rivet can slide relative the slot and allow the self-aligning assembly to move relative the mounting bracket to accommodate stack-up tolerances or misalignments of the regulator componentry.

Abstract: A seat track assembly for a motor vehicle is disclosed, comprising: an upper track sub-assembly having an upper track; a lower track sub-assembly having a lower track and a stop, with the upper track being slidable over the lower track; and a positive engagement inertia latch for resisting axial sliding motion of the upper track sub-assembly relative the lower track sub-assembly in response to acceleration of the gear relative the lower track sub-assembly. The inertia latch preferably comprises a gear being movable between a non-latching position wherein the gear is rotatable in response to axial sliding of the upper track sub-assembly and a latching position wherein in response to a sudden change in velocity the gear engages the stop, locking the upper track sub-assembly with the lower track sub-assembly. The gear can be mounted on an axle. A base is affixed to the lower seat track sub-assembly, having a contoured surface which receives the axle.

Abstract: A modular sliding window assembly in a motor vehicle has two glazing panes, typically a sliding subassembly incorporating two vertically mounted transparent panes, which are slidably mounted in a circumferential frame slightly to the interior of, substantially parallel to and between two fixed panes. The sliding panes are mounted for sliding laterally back and forth between their open and closed positions. A motor and drive drum apparatus for powered operation of the window assembly is mounted to the vehicle body at a location remote from the frame. First and second cable fasteners are mounted to first and second sliding panes, respectively, and first and second cable guides are provided to guide a drive cable. The drive cable extends from the drive drum to the second cable fastener through the first cable guide, from the second cable fastener to the first cable fastener through the second cable guide, and from the first cable fastener to the drive drum through the first cable guide.

Abstract: A modular sliding window assembly for in a motor vehicle body is provided with a sliding pane subassembly which has a snap-fit with a frame subassembly. The frame subassembly preferably comprises a pair of fixed panes, an upper and lower applique, and an injection molded cover member integrating the fixed panes and the appliques. The sliding pane subassembly preferably comprises a generally horizontal run channel member and at least one glazing pane optionally having a run channel guide affixed to a peripheral edge of the pane. The pane is slidably received in a run channel formed by the run channel member. The horizontal run channel member has a snap-fit attachment preferably to one of the appliques. The appliques can have a flexible flange or the like extending inboard from the injection molded cover member, forming a step ridge or like configuration.

Abstract: A window assembly has a latch assembly of enhanced strength. The latch assembly is mounted to the frame of the window assembly. A latch member is biased by a torsion spring towards a non-latching position, a latch-lock member is biased by a second torsion spring towards a non-locking position. The latch member engages a striker pin mounted to a base wall to secure the window in its normal, closed position. The latch-lock, latch member and striker pin are held together by the torsion springs and a series of detents on the latch-lock member and the latch member. A release bar is hingedly mounted to the latch assembly and moveable from a normal, closed, non-releasing position to an open, releasing position. Operation of the release bar forces a connection to actuate a trip lever, which in turn forces a latch-lock to rotate, sequentially disengaging the latch-lock detents from the latch member detents, thereby disengaging the latch member detent from the striker pin, allowing the window to open.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly has first and second fore-and-aft extending lower track sub-assemblies for mounting to a vehicle, typically to the floor pan of the passenger compartment of the vehicle. First and second upper track sub-assemblies are carried by the lower track sub-assemblies. More specifically, the upper track sub-assemblies each include a track slidingly coupled with a corresponding lower track. One or both of the upper track sub-assemblies further includes a structurally robust J-hook which receives a downward flange of the corresponding lower track sub-assembly. The overlapping flange and J-hook arrangement limits vertical dislocation of the upper track sub-assembly, and, therefore, also limits vertical dislocation of the vehicle seat, relative the lower track sub-assembly. In the normal condition, the flange and J-hook arrangement permits free fore-and-aft travel. That is, the sliding tracks can be moved relative each other for adjustment of the fore-and-aft position of the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A self-aligning window regulator for raising and lowering a windowpane in a motor vehicle door, having a rail attached to the door and a glider slidable in a generally up and down direction on the rail. At least one slide is preferably snugly received in a C- channel to allow for fore and aft adjustment of the windowpane to accommodate for dimensional variations and misalignment of the window regulator and the door componentry. In one embodiment, the C-channel is attached to the windowpane and the slide is attached to the glider. In another embodiment, the C-channel is attached to the glider and the slide is attached to the windowpane. A pin such as a rivet may be used to secure the slide to the rest of the regulator, and the rivet may allow the slide to pivot, providing for inboard and outboard adjustment.

Abstract: One or more hose clips may advantageously be used to rout and releasably secure a hose assembly such as those included in a vacuum manifold assembly, to a fixed structure of a motor vehicle. The hose clip has a main body which is circumferentially open-sided, partially defining a hose-receiving space which has an inside, free stat cross-sectional dimension and attachment means extending from the main body for attachment into an opening in the firewall of the motor vehicle. The attachment means may preferably be a christmas tree stem. The main body of the hose clip has an opening sized to receive hoses of varying diameters. On one side of the main body of the opening is a flange and on the other side of the main body is a tab. Extending from the flange is a hook with serrations which engage corresponding serrations on the tab to close the opening and retain the hose. The clip may preferably have a pair of hooks, each angled with the flange so as to lockingly secure hoses of different diameters.

Abstract: A rear-mounted modular sliding window assembly in a motor vehicle has a glazing pane, typically a slider subassembly incorporating a vertically mounted transparent pane, which is slidably mounted in a circumferential frame. The slider pane is mounted for sliding laterally back and forth between an open position and a closed position. A drive subassembly comprises a hand-operable drive unit for moving the sliding pane back and forth between the open and closed positions, having a drive drum and a handle secured to the drive drum and mounted remotely in the vehicle passenger compartment. The drive subassembly further comprises a mechanism for operatively connecting the handle to the sliding pane, for example, a drive cable mounted in the roof above a roof liner.

Abstract: A cable-drum window regulator with a spring cable tensioner is provided with a spring retainer assembly securing the spring to the cable. The spring retainer is advantageously assembled prior to final installation of the cable into the regulator mechanism. The retainer assembly comprises a retainer with a hollow interior sized to receive the cable and the spring, having an opening at one end sized to allow passage of the cable but not the spring, and an endpiece with one or more projections which preferably snap fit together with the retainer, securing or capturing the spring between the retainer and the endpiece. The retainer may have snap fit projections which captivate the endpiece, or alternatively, the endpiece may have snap fit projections which captivate the retainer. The endpiece may be attached to the cable directly or indirectly onto a conduit. The cable has cable end balls which are used to attach the cable to the drive means.

Abstract: A window assembly for use in mass transit windows has a frame, a windowpane sized to fit within the frame, a removable sacrificial glazing panel covering or protecting one side of the windowpane, and a self-locking seal assembly biasingly securing the removable glazing panel towards the windowpane without the need for screws, drills or welds. The seal assembly has a first interlocking arm provided with a locking lip, and a second interlocking arm with a receiving groove which is biased from its free position into a locking position in locking engagement with the locking lip of the first arm. Preferably the locking arms are unitary with the seal assembly. The locking arms may be disengaged and the sacrificial glazing removed and a new sacrificial glazing panel installed without removing or disassembling other components of the window assembly.

Abstract: A modular sliding window assembly has a molded plastic frame comprising a molded plastic circumferential frame member and at least one molded plastic post segment within and unitary with the circumferential frame member. The frame defines primary and secondary apertures. A sliding pane having an inboard side and an outboard side is slidable from an open position to a closed position and the sliding pane closes the primary aperture when it moves to the closed position. The sliding pane is secured to the frame by a latch assembly which includes a latch which releasably engages a latch keeper. The latch can be fixedly attached to the sliding pane and the latch keeper made unitary with one of the frame, or, alternatively, the latch may be attached to the frame and the latch keeper may be attached to the sliding pane. Anti-theft means auxiliary to the latch keeper secure the sliding pane to the frame against inboard separation of the sliding pane from the frame.

Abstract: A reinforcement member for a pivotable assembly is provided, enhancing resistance to deflection of the componentry of the pivotable assembly when subjected to shear loading. The pivotable assembly is expressly suitable for use as a recliner for a motor vehicle seat, an inertia latch, etc or other device where precise alignment of componentry is critical. The pivotable assembly has a support bracket generally including a pair of support brackets for mounting other componentry of the pivoting assembly, a pivoting member pivoting on a pivot attached to the support brackets, and a reinforcement member attached to the pivot. In one preferred embodiment, the reinforcement member has a projection, optionally a unitary semi- pierce projection, which extends into and preferably abuts an opening in one of the support brackets. The edge of the opening acts as a stop, to participate in carrying impact loads and to resist excessive static loading.