Abstract: Disclosed is the anti-rattle restraint of an otherwise freely pivotable, unevenly counter balanced seat belt looking pawl subject to rattle with vehicle vibration. A light bias urging the pawl out of contact with the ratchets on the belt spool is maintained by an arm mounted on the spool shaft with a frictional fit sufficient to maintain the bias on the pawl and to effect instant removal of the arm upon withdrawal of the belt from the retractor, but inadequate to retard rotation of the shaft after the arm has moved through the limited arc of travel permitted to it.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle interior compartment security shade assembly. The device of this invention enables a security shade to be deployed to various extended positions in use. This capability allows the shade to cover portions of the motor vehicle interior cargo compartment while leaving other portions uncovered to accommodate large carried items. The plural park positions for the shade also eliminate the requirement of full retraction and extension each time the shade position is changed. The various embodiments describe alternate approaches toward providing the features of the invention. Including devices incorporating laterally extending tracks having diverging sections which provide stop position for the shade and other embodiments and another embodiment including an actuated ledge mechanism for the shade pull tube.

Abstract: A roller shade assembly for motor vehicle applications. For covering an interior compartment area of a motor vehicle. The assembly of this invention is mounted in such a manner that the flexible shade panel is extended in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, or in the "cross-body" direction. This orientation eliminates the requirement that the roller tube assembly be removable from the vehicle to avoid obstructing the cargo compartment when large items are placed in it or when the cargo compartment is enlarged by folding forward a rear seat back. The configuration further enables the shade to be extended and retracted either from the rear vehicle cargo door or from within the vehicle.

Abstract: An air cushion restraint system (ACRS) particularly adapted for a driver's-side motor vehicle applications. The ACRS incorporates a conventional inflator mounted to a base plate defining aspiration apertures which allow ambient air to supplement inflation gases generated by the inflator during air bag deployment.

Abstract: An exemplary accessory assembly for a vehicle interior is adapted in its preferred embodiments for receiving and holding generally cylindrical items, such as liquid beverage containers, having different diameters or shapes. Such an accessory assembly includes a generally hollow, cylindrical base portion and a generally hollow, cylindrical receptacle slidably disposed therein for axial movement at least between extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: An air cushion restraint system (ACRS) providing enhancements in the strength of the attachment between an air bag and associated support structure and further providing improvements in the fabrication and assembly of such systems. ACRS systems in accordance with this invention incorporate an air bag with a retainer ring member which reinforces the inflation or mounting opening which is provided to enable inflation gases to be vented into the bag and to mount the bag to the associated vehicle structure. The retainer ring is sewn directly to the air bag at the inflation opening and is preferably made of a polymeric material.

Abstract: An improved seat belt restraint system having a "comfort" feature for controlling tension in a shoulder belt. The comfort feature partially relieves tension exerted by the seat belt retractor on the vehicle occupant, yet prevents excess slack from developing in the shoulder belt which can negatively affect occupant protection performance of the restraint system. A webbing guide is provided which forms the upper anchorage of the shoulder belt of the restraint system. The webbing guide includes a sensing lever which contacts the seat belt webbing and is moved through various angular positions in response to tension applied on the shoulder belt. When the sensing lever is in an angular position corresponding to excess slack in the webbing, the webbing can pass freely through the guide loop and the retractor can freely retract webbing.

Abstract: A hinge assembly is disclosed which is particularly well suited for vehicle accessory applications, such as for pivotally interconnecting vanity doors with vanity housing structures for example. The hinge assembly, which is also applicable for other applications, includes a pivot pivotally interconnecting first and second members for relative rotational movement about a longitudinal axis, with a cam on the first member protruding in a generally lateral direction to engage a resilient biasing springs on the second member. The resilient biasing springs, which is preferably a leaf spring, is slidably engaged and resiliently deflected by the cam on the first member and exerts a resilient biasing force on the cam in a generally lateral direction, generally toward the pivot axis.

Abstract: A hinge assembly is disclosed which is particularly well suited for vehicle accessory applications, such as for pivotally interconnecitng vanity doors with vanity housing structures for example. The hinge assembly, which is also applicable for other applications, includes a pivot means pivotally interconnecting first and second members for relative rotational movement about a longitudinal axis, with a cam on the first member protruding in a generally lateral direction to engage a resilient biasing means on the second member. The resilient biasing means, which is preferably a leaf spring, is slidably engaged and resiliently deflected by the cam on the first member and exerts a resilient biasing force on the cam in a generally lateral direction, generally toward the pivot axis.