Abstract: An arrangement for controlling solar heating of passenger cars comprises a covering material which is glued onto parts which are subjected directly to the radiation of the sun in the vehicle interior, and a switching device. The covering layer is composed of a foil with a controllable capacity to transmit light, a reflecting layer and a carrier material. When the engine is switched off during parking, the foil will transmit light, whereby the incident light is reflected on the reflecting layer. In the driving operation of the passenger car, the foil will be dull, impervious to light and absorbs the incident light.

Abstract: A cover plate for use in covering an opening in an automotive vehicle body panel is comprised of a substantially flat base having an appearance face and a hidden face bordered by a peripheral edge. The peripheral edge has a tapered frame around a majority thereof. The cover plate is further comprised of a pair of flexible legs each having a shortened member projecting from the hidden face and having an elongated member extending beyond the peripheral edge of the base partially coincidental to an overhanging portion of the base. The cover plate also has a wedge ramp with a triangular-shaped segment being mounted upon the hidden face of the base such that an intersection is created between a hypotenuse of the wedge ramp and the base. The base has a first portion which is juxtaposed to this intersection. A fastening protrudes from the hidden face of this first portion.

Abstract: A protective liner (10) for a vehicle interior that comprises seat and floorboard portions (12, 14) that are preferably releasably connected by hook and loop fastening means (34A, 34B). The floorboard portion (14) of the subject liner (10) preferably further comprises laterally extending wing sections (26) adapted to provide protective coverage adjacent to the door threshold and the transmission or driveline tunnel of a vehicle.

Abstract: A multi-purpose automobile rear spoiler assembly includes a reversing sunshade roller fastened inside a rear spoiler mounted on the tail of an automobile, and two automatic return straps are provided with anchoring claw hooks for securing the reversing sunshade roller in an operative position. The reversing sunshade has an air bag at the bottom to shield the automobile from the radiant heat of the sun, and two side panels secured by the automatic return straps with anchoring claw hooks to cover the door windows of the automobile as the sunshade of the sunshade roller is pulled out of the rear spoiler and disposed operatively over the top of the car.

Abstract: A vanity mirror (27) is carried by a primary sunshade (24) stored above the headliner (5) of a motor vehicle. Lighting (117) for use with the mirror is disposed in the headliner remote from the primary sunshade and mirror. Secondary sunshades (13) are stored in either the headliner or roof pillars for operation completely independently of the primary sunshade.

Abstract: A power seat adjuster includes first and second spaced track assemblies, each formed of an upper track slidably mounted on a lower track anchored to a vehicle floor. A drive block disposed in each upper track rotatably engages a lead screw bi-directionally rotated by a drive transmission coupled to the output shaft of a horizontal drive motor mounted between the track assemblies. A drive block mounting bracket supports each drive block and has a leg extending through an elongated slot in the upper track and an aperture in the lower tracks to a fixed connection to the lower track. A seat support plate is disposed adjacent each upper track and is connected to a seat. A pair of vertical drive motors are each coupled through a lead screw, a rotatable shaft and pivot links to opposite ends of the seat support plates for selectively varying the vertical position of the ends of the seat support plates with respect to the track assemblies.

Abstract: In order to increase energy efficiency by reducing the drag experienced by bodies moving through a fluid medium, such as tractor-trailers, structure is incorporated in the rear surface or panel of the bodies. The structure is implemented with a multiplicity of cavities or a multiplicity of protruding regions. The cavities or protruding regions each comprise only a small portion of the total area of the rear surface and the depth or extension dimension, relative to the rear surface or panel, is small. In the case of a tractor-trailer, the rear surface structure permits convenient access to the interior of the vehicle and can be incorporated in either a rear door assembly or in a sliding rear panel assembly. The drag reduction benefits are achieved not only when the body is a tractor-trailer but also in the case of all types of land vehicles, water craft, aircraft, projectiles and the like which have a relatively flat rear surface.

Abstract: A rear composite impact beam includes front, rear, top and bottom walls formed from glass fibers encapsulated by a resin. Longitudinal ductile reinforcing members are provided at the intersections of the front wall with the top and bottom walls to enhance flexural strength in a region of the impact beam which receives predominantly tension loads during impact. If desired, similar longitudinal ductile reinforcing members are provided at the intersections of the rear wall with the top and bottom walls and retained by the resin to enhance flexural strength at a region of the impact beam which receives predominately compression loads during impact. If desired, a reinforcing web of woven ductile strands can be provided in at least the rear wall and encapsulated by the resin.

Abstract: The invention provides a complete coverage and sealing of the windshield or window of a vehicle against accumulations of frost, freezing rain, and snow and also protects against heat and sunlight. The protective cover includes the following combination: a sheet formed of a suitable structural material for overlaying at least a portion of the windshield or window; the sheet having a skirt formed or attached to the perimeter of the sheet; and a plurality of suction cups attached to the sheet or skirt for mounting the cover to the windshield or window whereby the skirt substantially seals the perimeter of the gap between the sheet and the windshield or window to form a chamber. The suction cups allow the shield to be easily mounted to the windshield or window and subsequently removed after use.

Abstract: To protect a vehicle occupant in a side collision without inconvenience to an occupant in getting in and out of the vehicle, a vehicle seat includes a side cheek member adjacent to a side wall of the vehicle and the outer surface of the side cheek member is arranged so that inward penetration of the side wall of the vehicle in a side collision will force the side cheek member in the direction of increasing penetration into the space between a vehicle occupant and the outside wall of the vehicle.

Abstract: A transversely resilient retaining clip for securing a trim strip over an automobile rocker panel weld flange without requiring screws or adhesive. The trim strip is retained by the resilient clip and a weatherstrip carrier member having a recess disposed longitudinally over the flange. The resilient clip and weatherstrip member cooperate to securely retain the trim strip in a predefined spaced relationship with the weld flange such that it covers the flange and weatherstrip carrier as well as overlies the vehicle carpet.

Abstract: A bumper for motor vehicles, comprises a dimensionally stable supporting bracket and an elastic covering which forms the front end area of the vehicle body and on which at least bone lamp compartment is constructed for receiving a lamp compartment. In order to, when the lamp compartment is arranged on the edge side on the covering, on the one hand, achieve a fastening of the covering that is appropriate for its functioning and, on the other hand, ensure a no-damage backward escaping of the lamp unit after the effect of force as well as a subsequent returning into the original position, the lamp compartment rests, at least in sections, on a supporting element which is constructed in a sword shape and is disposed to carry out relative movements.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of plastic car bodies, preferably moulded or cast in one piece, with openings for doors and windows, includes the step of forming recesses from the outside to the inside terminating inside in an approximately right angle; at least one opening is cut out by means of a projection from a flange or angle K; moulding is then secured to envelop the plastic portion and is attached to an internal rollover bracket or frame; on one side of the door opening moulding is secured a door hinge.

Abstract: An interlocking track arrangement for a seat slide device of the type used in manually-operable vehicle seat slide mechanisms is disclosed. The seat slide device also includes a latching arrangement having a lock plate fixed to a lower track and a latch plate supported from an upper track for rectilinear movement along a vertical plane. The latch plate has a plurality of locking teeth each having a segmented toothform defined by a first locking portion for facilitating initial receipt within a locking aperture formed in the lock plate, a second locking portion for facilitating complete interdigitated engagement therebetween, and a camming portion providing a ramped transition between the first and second locking portions. The rectilinear movement of the latch plate along the vertical plane provides improved operation and reliability.

Abstract: A frameless container is disclosed for carrying cargo and having opposing sidewalls that are comprised of a plurality of panels. The plurality of panels have a coplanar relationship relative to each other and comprise a majority portion having an edge region that has apertures therein and an inner face portion which defines a vertical plane. The panels further comprise integral connecting and bracing means comprising a first inclined portion, first and second ledge portions each having an aperture therein, a plateau portion, and a plurality of fasteners extending through and clamped within respective apertures of the first and second ledges, as well as the apertures of the majority portion. The plurality of panels are arranged in a side-by-side manner with the bracing and connecting means of the forward first panel overlapping a section of the majority portion of the next panel.

Abstract: Cab panel structures and methods for their assembly on an overhead guard of a land vehicle. A metal roof panel can be used alone or with a metal frame windshield panel for a partial enclosure. The metal roof and windshield panels can be used with complimentary fabric panels that afford a full enclosure or with complimentary steel panels that afford a full enclosure of high durability. The metal panels are attached to the overhead guard posts in a unique clamp-on method that avoids the need for direct fastening of the guard and, accordingly, allows rapid installation.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for latching a convertible top header to a vehicle windshield header comprises a latch hook receiver mounted adjacent to each end of the windshield header and a pair of movable latch members each having a free end mounting a hook. A mounting bracket located adjacent to each end of the top header has an elongated base slot and an intersecting curvilinear branch slot adjacent to its outer end. A guide pin and a spaced drive pin are carried by each latch member. The guide pin is received within the base slot and the drive pin is received within the branch slot in the unlatched position. A drive link is connected to each latch member drive pin. Operation of the drive link pivots the latch members about the guide pins until the drive pins enter the base slots and terminally slide both pins toward the inner ends of the base slots to move the latch members from unlatched to latched positions.

Abstract: A rear seat for an all purpose vehicle has front and rear legs that are releasably latched to pins located in escutcheons in the vehicle floor. The rear seat is manually folded and stored in the vehicle by releasing the rear legs and pivoting the seat forward on the front pins to a vertical position. The seat is removed from the vehicle by releasing the front legs when the seat is in the stored position and lifting the seat off the front pins. The latch mechanisms for the front and rear legs have locks so that the legs are not unlatched unintentionally. A lift assist mechanism is also provided for pivoting the seat forward on the front pins to the stored position.

Abstract: A mounting system for use in combination with a vehicle visor which is movable between a storage position and first and second use positions. A mounting bracket is provided which is adapted to be affixed to the vehicle for supporting the visor. The mounting bracket has an immovable pivot shaft extending therefrom. A block cooperating with the mounting bracket is provided to enable pivotal movement of the block and the visor relative to the pivot shaft between a storage position and a first use position. The block also enables pivotal movement of the visor relative to the block between the first use position and a second use position.

Abstract: Method for providing, and system for, a mobile, elevatable, expandable and retractable viewing studio for temporary installation at outdoor locations, with particular application for television announcers and broadcasting.