Abstract: A neck assembly of a fuel system component comprises a housing. The housing comprises a sleeve having a first end portion positioned exterior to the fuel system component and a longitudinally opposed second end portion. The housing further comprises an encapsulation ring extending radially outwardly from the second end portion of the sleeve and encapsulated within a wall of the fuel system component. The neck assembly further comprises a valve cartridge at least partially received within the sleeve and secured thereto. The valve cartridge comprises a conduit having a first end portion positioned exterior to the fuel system component and a longitudinally opposed second end portion.

Abstract: An inflatable active bolster for a vehicle occupant, the active bolster comprising a front wall and a rear wall, the front and rear walls being interconnected to form a hollow chamber. The front wall has deformable features that permit the hollow chamber to volumetrically expand upon inflation of the hollow chamber by an inflator. The active bolster further includes a reaction plate for attachment of the active bolster to a suitable vehicle mount structure. The hollow chamber is attached to the reaction plate through a releasable engagement mechanism. The active bolster provides for snap-in installation, and easier detachment for servicing.

Abstract: A mold tool and cutting system are described for in-mold cutting of a molded article. The cutting system comprises a blade assembly for incorporation into the mold tool, defining at least in part a cavity for forming a molded article, the blade assembly including an extendable cutting blade and a wedge slide. The wedge slide is capable of rearward displacement to expose the cutting blade. During a molding process, the wedge slide is displaced fully forward so as to present a continuous molding profile with adjacent molding surfaces. Following the molding process, the wedge slide is displaced rearwardly so as to expose the cutting blade. The cutting blade is then extended into the cavity to cut a molded article contained therein.

Abstract: An automotive seat-back assembly is provided, having a seat-back panel, a plurality of floor-mount brackets for attaching the seat-back panel to an automotive floor, and an anchorage bar operably located on the seat-back panel. Provided on the anchorage bar is at least one anchorage fixture for engaging with a mating anchorage device provided on an object to be secured.

Abstract: A bracket for mounting a running board to a vehicle. The bracket comprising a main body comprising a support surface, an interlock structure and a mount element. The support surface provides a surface for supporting the running board. The interlock structure provides a mechanical engagement with a lower flange of the vehicle. The mount element cooperates with a fastener for fastening the bracket to a structural panel of the vehicle.

Abstract: A reservoir for storing and dispensing a fluid, the reservoir comprising a hollow vessel for holding a volume of fluid, an inlet port located on the hollow vessel for filling the reservoir with fluid, an outlet port located on the hollow vessel for dispensing the fluid, and a vent outlet located on the hollow vessel to permit venting during filling and dispensing operations. The vent outlet is provided in the form of a vent tube having a vent seal located at a base thereof. The vent seal allows for venting as required, while also serving as a flow restrictor to reduce the leakage of fluid from the vent tube in the event of sloshing within the reservoir.

Abstract: A molded thermoplastic article including a hollow body is provided, the article comprising a first layer, and a foamed second layer, the first layer and foamed second layer defining a wall structure, the foamed second layer having a lighter density relative to the first layer. In the wall structure, the ratio of the first layer to foamed second layer varies along the length of the article.

Abstract: A bolster assembly for a vehicle is provided, the bolster assembly comprising a body, and a plurality of brackets provided on a front surface of the body, the plurality of brackets being arranged in paired sets. Also provided is a plurality of energy absorbing elements, wherein each of the plurality of energy absorbing elements is operably associated with a respective bracket, and where within each paired set of brackets, the energy absorbing elements are disposed in adjacent relationship separated by a gap. Each paired set of brackets is aligned with a frame structure provided in the vehicle, the frame structure having a width greater than the gap. Upon a crash event and forward displacement of the body, the paired sets of brackets engage the frame structure, the energy absorbing elements deforming during the forward displacement to absorb energy.

Abstract: A combined CV joint boot and inner seal includes a boot portion having a first end and a second end and having a shaft sealing portion at the first end for sealing with a first shaft of the CV joint. A front can sealing portion is positioned at the second end of the boot portion. An inner seal portion extends generally inwardly towards the CV joint longitudinal axis to block lubricant from migrating into the interior of the boot portion.

Abstract: A mold tool and cutting system are described for in-mold cutting of a molded article. The cutting system comprises a blade assembly for incorporation into the mold tool, defining at least in part a cavity for forming a molded article, the blade assembly including an extendable cutting blade and a wedge slide. The wedge slide is capable of rearward displacement to expose the cutting blade. During a molding process, the wedge slide is displaced fully forward so as to present a continuous molding profile with adjacent molding surfaces. Following the molding process, the wedge slide is displaced rearwardly so as to expose the cutting blade. The cutting blade is then extended into the cavity to cut a molded article contained therein.

Abstract: A volume expansion feature for a fluid reservoir is provided, the volume expansion feature comprising a central recess, a plurality of channels extending from the central recess, where the central recess and the channels are positioned at least in part in a recessed surface profile. The recessed surface profile is reversibly moveable from a first inwardly directed configuration, to a second outwardly directed configuration. The central recess and the channels are configured to impart an inward bias to maintain the recessed surface profile in the first inwardly directed configuration under standard loading of the fluid reservoir. Upon increased pressure within the fluid reservoir, the recessed surface profile extends to the second outwardly directed configuration, thereby increasing the volume of the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A neck assembly of a fuel system component comprises a housing. The housing comprises a sleeve having a first end portion positioned exterior to the fuel system component and a longitudinally opposed second end portion. The housing further comprises an encapsulation ring extending radially outwardly from the second end portion of the sleeve and encapsulated within a wall of the fuel system component. The neck assembly further comprises a valve cartridge at least partially received within the sleeve and secured thereto. The valve cartridge comprises a conduit having a first end portion positioned exterior to the fuel system component and a longitudinally opposed second end portion.

Abstract: A hollow article is provided comprising a first wall, and a second wall, where the first and second walls are positioned in opposing relationship thus defining a space therebetween. A first set of structural members are provided that extend internally from one of the first and second walls, the first set of structural members spanning the space and having an end surface that is integrally bonded with an inside surface of the opposing wall. A second set of structural members is also provided that extend internally from one of the first and second walls, the second set of structural members spanning the space and having an end surface integrally bonded with an inside surface of the opposing wall. The first and second sets of structural members are provided in different orientations.

Abstract: A neck assembly of a fuel system component comprises a housing. The housing comprises a sleeve having a first end portion positioned exterior to the fuel system component and a longitudinally opposed second end portion. The housing further comprises an encapsulation ring extending radially outwardly from the second end portion of the sleeve and encapsulated within a wall of the fuel system component. The neck assembly further comprises a valve cartridge at least partially received within the sleeve and secured thereto. The valve cartridge comprises a conduit having a first end portion positioned exterior to the fuel system component and a longitudinally opposed second end portion.

Abstract: An inflatable active bolster for a vehicle occupant, the active bolster comprising a front wall and a rear wall, the front and rear walls being interconnected to form a hollow chamber. The front wall has deformable features that permit the hollow chamber to volumetrically expand upon inflation of the hollow chamber by an inflator. The active bolster further includes a reaction plate for attachment of the active bolster to a suitable vehicle mount structure. The hollow chamber is attached to the reaction plate through a releasable engagement mechanism. The active bolster provides for snap-in installation, and easier detachment for servicing.

Abstract: An automotive seat-back assembly is provided, having a seat-back panel, a plurality of floor-mount brackets for attaching the seat-back panel to an automotive floor, and an anchorage bar operably located on the seat-back panel. Provided on the anchorage bar is at least one anchorage fixture for engaging with a mating anchorage device provided on an object to be secured.

Abstract: A molded thermoplastic article including a hollow body is provided, the article comprising a first layer, and a foamed second layer, the first layer and foamed second layer defining a wall structure, the foamed second layer having a lighter density relative to the first layer. In the wall structure, the ratio of the first layer to foamed second layer varies along the length of the article.

Abstract: A reservoir for storing and dispensing a fluid, the reservoir comprising a hollow vessel for holding a volume of fluid, an inlet port located on the hollow vessel for filling the reservoir with fluid, an outlet port located on the hollow vessel for dispensing the fluid, and a vent outlet located on the hollow vessel to permit venting during filling and dispensing operations. The vent outlet is provided in the form of a vent tube having a vent seal located at a base thereof. The vent seal allows for venting as required, while also serving as a flow restrictor to reduce the leakage of fluid from the vent tube in the event of sloshing within the reservoir.

Abstract: A hollow article is provided having a first wall, a second wall and a plurality of edge walls interconnecting the first wall and second wall. A covering is bonded to the hollow article, wherein the covering is bonded to the first wall, and is dimensioned to partially wrap around the hollow article.

Abstract: A coolant reservoir for an internal combustion engine is made from two plastic molded sections, an upper one of which is formed with an integral inlet/syphon tube that extends downwardly into the reservoir when the sections are assembled together to provide a conduit through which coolant can enter the reservoir and syphon from the reservoir without the need for a separate tube.