Abstract: A seam for use in joining material. The seam having a joint sew line connecting a first and second material. The seam having a cord arranged adjacent to the joint sew line. A stitch line is located adjacent to the cord, wherein the cord forms a predetermined shaped hump on an outer surface of the material.

Abstract: A visor molded with an integral vanity frame. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the visor body is formed with a Class A grained surface and requires no additional finishing such as upholstery.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a sun visor for a motor vehicle. The method includes the steps of positioning a nail substantially parallel a longitudinal edge of a clamshell visor half and driving the nail though a clip rod positioned in a clip rod recess. The nail is preferably driven by sliding a visor pivot rod or attached slider against one end thereof, driving the nail through the clip rod and securing the same in the recess.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a seat that includes the steps of attaching adjacent upholstery panels with a locator strip and attachment strip sandwiched therebetween. The attachment strip includes an enlarged edge portion that engages clips in a molded foam seat backing. At least a portion of the locator strip is torn away along a line of perforations formed therein.

Abstract: A visor assembly having a slip-on upholstered sleeve and a mating snap-in stretchable accessory band for holding maps and the like.

Abstract: Sun visor for a motor vehicle has a nail substantially parallel a longitudinal edge of a clamshell visor half and driving the nail through a clip rod positioned in a clip rod recess. The nail is driven by sliding a visor pivot rod or attached slider against one end thereof, driving the nail through the clip rod and securing the same in the recess.

Abstract: A stanchion cover having an upholstered cover for providing a flat cargo surface in a sport utility vehicle or minivan in the area of removable or stowable seats. The cover also includes improvements in providing cargo storage compartments for common and safety accessories as well as providing ways to utilize the seat stanchions to provide cargo anchor for specific applications.

Abstract: A process for joining adjacent panels of plural layered upholstery, including the steps of adjacently positioning first and second panels, each having an offset backing and exterior layers, and substantially aligning longitudinal peripheries of the first and second panels. Stitching the panels together along a first stitching line positioned inboard of the longitudinal peripheries and substantially parallel thereto, and stitching portions of the first and second panels outboard of the first stitching line to an inboard portion of one or more of the panels along at least a second stitching line. In a preferred embodiment, the exterior layer in the first panel is offset laterally relative to the backing layer in an inboard direction, wherein the lateral offset imparts a substantially regular contour to portions of the exterior layer proximate the first stitching line and inboard thereof.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a seat that includes the steps of attaching adjacent upholstery panels with a locator strip and attachment strip sandwiched therebetween. The attachment strip includes an enlarged edge portion that engages clips in a molded foam seat backing. At least a portion of the locator strip is torn away along a line of perforations formed therein.

Abstract: A sun visor for a motor vehicle is provided, and includes first and second visor body shells. The shells define a retaining channel for a slider on a visor pivot rod, and may be engaged and closed about the slider, capturing the pivot rod and slider in a single assembly step. In another aspect, a sun visor is provided having a combination slider and detent slidably supported in channels molded into first and second visor shells. A support arm is provided and is laterally offset from the combination slider and detent and is slidably relative thereto.

Abstract: A process for joining adjacent edges of vehicle upholstery panels, particularly in applications wherein at least one of the edges is curved. The process includes the step of forming a plurality of U-shaped notches along a curved edge of a first upholstery panel, which are substantially evenly spaced along a portion of the curved length of the upholstery panel edge. At least a portion of an edge of a second upholstery panel is substantial aligned with a portion of the curved edge of the first upholstery panel. The first and second panels are stitched along a stitch line substantially parallel to edges of the first and second panels, wherein the stitch line is offset from aligned edges of the first and second panels by a distance greater than the depth of the notches and wherein successive portions of the edges are brought into alignment as stitching progresses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sewing machine for positioning a line of stitches a predetermined distance from an edge of a workpiece. The edge tracing sewing machine includes a machine body with a reciprocable needle mounted therein. The needle is reciprocated between an upward and a downward position at which it pierces a moving workpiece, passing a thread therethrough. The edge tracing sewing machine also includes a plurality of illuminable units that communicate stitch positioning to a machine operator, allowing the operator to manually adjust the lateral position of the workpiece, maintaining the stitch positioning within a predetermined tolerance from specifications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle roller assembly for an extensible shade or barrier net, and an auto locking end cap assembly for a vehicle roller assembly. The end cap includes a mounting cap positioned at an end of a rotatable shade spindle. The cap body has an end plate and is reciprocable between a retracted position and an extended position. A coupling member having a finger member is positioned at least partially within the end cap assembly and has a cutout region proximate an end. When the cap body is moved toward its retracted position, the cutout region is exposed, and capable of engaging a portion of a securing member in a vehicle interior. A biasing member biases the cap body toward its extended position, engaging two elements of a locking means. The locking means includes a boss and a cavity, a mating of which secures the cap body against lateral displacement and axial rotation.

Abstract: A combination shade handle and light is provided comprising a handle body with a grip portion and a holder portion. The holder portion has a cavity for receiving and storing a security light. A plurality of holder members are provided which secure the security light in the cavity in a snap-fit fashion. The shade handle is attachable to an automobile shade roller assembly for covering an automobile storage compartment. In another aspect, a roller shade is provided having a handle with an integrated removable security light.

Abstract: A vehicle sun visor comprises a plurality of attachable modular members with substantially equal heights. The plurality of members includes a base module and at least one extension module. The base module is pivotably attached to the roof of a vehicle interior, and is also attachable to the extension module. The at least one extension module may comprise a center module or an inner ear module, or an end or blank module. A single mounting pivot is provided, and is connected to the base module with a pivot member that is preferably a mounting rod. The visor body may be swiveled about the pivot to cover a portion of the vehicle windshield or, alternatively, a side window, and is further moveable between a downward position and an upward position.

Abstract: A parts transporting system including a rigid rack frame, a plurality of uprights coupled to the rigid rack frame, a plurality of shelf supports coupled to the uprights, and a plurality of shelf assemblies operably coupled to the uprights and the shelf supports. Each shelf assembly is constructed of a shelf frame and an offset pivot hinge operably coupled to the shelf frame and the shelf support, allowing the shelf frame to swing open at an angle with respect to the rigid rack frame. A lid and strut assembly is operably coupled to each of the shelf frames and includes a lid, a seal covering the entire perimeter of the lid and providing a dirt and moisture resistant seal, and a strut coupled to the lid. Each shelf frame is coupled to a sling assembly which forms compartments used to hold parts. Each shelf frame is positioned directly above each lid except the top lid.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an integrally formed cassette and package tray and end cap which at least partially encloses a security shade roller and a gap between the roller and the rear seat of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A coated pivot pin/detent assembly for use in the manufacture of a molded article. The assembly is coated with a material that adheres to the pivot pin/detent assembly and protects the assembly during the molding process. The coating material also provides lubrication for facilitating movement between the pivot pin and detent.

Abstract: A cargo shade attachment for retaining a cargo shade having a non-compressible roller tube with end caps thereon. The cargo shade attachment includes a pocket connected to an interior panel in a cargo area of a vehicle, a slidable plunger having a surface for engaging the end cap being mounted within the pocket, and a biasing device for urging the plunger toward a center line of the vehicle such that the plunger exerts a compressive force on the end cap of the cargo shade thereby retaining the cargo shade.

Abstract: A security shade for a rear cargo area of a motor vehicle. The security shade comprises a roller tube onto which a flexible shade panel is wound. A cover covers the shade panel and includes portions defining a slot through which the shade panel is extendable and retractable. A storage compartment is adjacent to and integral with the cover. The storage compartment includes an internal chamber that is defined by side walls, end walls, a bottom wall and a top which is moveable between a closed position and an open position permitting access into the chamber.