Abstract: A primary rack and a secondary rack are connected to each other and are independently rotatably about vertical and horizontal axes, respectively. One end of the primary rack is mounted via hinge assemblies to the rear corner of a body of the utility vehicle. The secondary rack rack is hingedly mounted to the primary rack. The secondary rack carries a hub over which the wheel of a spare tire can mounted and secured. The secondary rack can be rotated through approximately 180 degrees between a raised configuration in which the spare tire is elevated off of a road surface on which the vehicle rests and a lowered configuration in which the spare tire also rests on the road surface.

Abstract: A vehicle floor construction includes a primary floor panel having a portion defining an upwardly opening longitudinal rail channel. A secondary floor panel overlies an outboard portion of the primary floor panel and has a raised and curved inner section that partially encloses the rail channel except for an access slot defined between the primary and secondary floor panels. An upwardly opening rail is mounted in the rail channel. A wheeled truck is seated in the rail for longitudinal rolling movement therein. A seat support bracket connected to the truck has a portion which extends through the access slot defined between the primary and secondary floor panels. A resilient, compressible pad and a carpet panel overlie the secondary floor panel and extend above the primary floor panel a distance substantially equal to the height of the raised inner section of the secondary floor panel.

Abstract: An optical system for aiding the driver of a vehicle in judging the proximity of the forward end of the vehicle to an object directly in front of the vehicle, particularly when parking close to a wall or barricade or when pulling up close to another vehicle stopped at an intersection. An illuminated target and a mirror mounted beneath opposite sides of the dashboard are used to reflect an image of the target off the interior surface of the windshield at a location so that the reflected image is in the normal field of view of the driver. A virtual image of the target is perceived by the driver to emanate from a position above the forward end of the vehicle. The driver may gradually advance the vehicle until the virtual image appears to the driver to be juxtaposed with the object at which time there will be a predetermined minimum safe distance between the forward end of the vehicle and the target.

Abstract: An automobile body is provided with a transparent roof panel that slides rearwardly from a normal position in which it closes a roof opening of the body, to a retracted position in which it overlies a rear window of the body. A sunshade mounted below the transparent roof panel is automatically slid rearwardly into a stowed position adjacent a roll bar separating the roof opening and the rear window when the transparent roof is moved to its retracted position. When the transparent roof is in its normal position in which it closes the roof opening, the sunshade may be manually slid back and forth to overlap varying portions of the transparent roof panel.

Abstract: An automobile body is provided that has a front windshield, a rear window and a pair of side panels cooperatively defining a passenger compartment with a roof opening. A transparent roof panel having an area corresponding to that of the roof opening is mounted for generally translatory movement from a normal position in which it covers the roof opening to a retracted position in which the roof opening is uncovered. When the transparent roof panel is in its retracted position it lies either above or below the rear window so that a person seated in the passenger compartment can view in a rearward direction through both the rear window and the transparent roof panel.

Abstract: A bench type rear seat has three sections independently movable about a common laterally extending pivot axis. The rear seat is positioned in a van or station wagon behind the front seat or seats where the driver sits. The sections include a pair of cushions that may function either as upright back rests, as posterior supports, or as bed cushions. The third section comprises a wrap around control bar that is used to establish the upright position of one of the cushions. By moving the sections, the seat can be configured so that passengers can face forwardly or rearwardly. The sections can also be moved to provide a flat bed. The wrap around control bar includes headrests and locking mechanisms for fixing the position of the upright back rest section. Adjustable headrests and arm rests are also provided. Shoulder type seat belts are connected to the control bar so that they may be used whether the seat is arranged for forward or rearward sitting.

Abstract: A door handle assembly is mounted at the belt line of an automobile door and includes a box-like recess formed in the door with a slide member mounted in the recess for vertical reciprocal movement. A handle member is pivotally attached to the upper edge of the slide member and conforms to the contour of the exterior panel of the door. A linkage connects the slide member to a door latch mechanism.

Abstract: A tire mounting arrangement allows a spare tire to be stored either inside the rear portion of an automotive vehicle or outside the tailgate door thereof.

Abstract: A dual deck construction for the trunk of a hatchback type automobile. The trunk opening is covered by a hinged two piece liftgate. The rear portion of the liftgate can be opened independently of the front portion to give access to the rear deck portion of the trunk. Alternatively, the entire liftgate can be opened to expose the entire trunk deck.