Abstract: A safety construction for a passenger vehicle having a fixed body portion secured to a chassis and a separable body portion comprising a passenger compartment with a platform secured to the chassis by a resilient release system. The release system includes a plurality of spring means and frangible fastener means adapted to keep the platform in engagement with the chassis until caused to separate upon application of a predetermined shear force.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a polymeric composite pickup truck cargo box to a metallic vehicle frame without damaging the polymeric composite material of the pickup truck cargo box. The connecting apparatus is a tapping plate which allows for the distribution of forces applied by a self-tapping fastener over a broad area of the pickup truck cargo box so as not to tear or puncture the polymeric composite material. The connecting apparatus also separates the polymeric composite pickup truck cargo box from the metallic vehicle frame so that the polymeric composite material does not degrade over time.

Abstract: A sun visor accessory comprising a backing (72) having a substantially flat front surface substantially free of projections suitable for displaying advertising and other matter, a glare shield (76) movably attached to the backing (72) to move between an up and stored position and a down and operational position, and means for attaching the backing to a sun visor so that the front surface remains substantially flat and substantially free of projections. Preferably the backing (72) has a triangular cross section, which provides a second display space on the base of the triangle and the backing (72) is attached to the sun visor by an elongated clamp (74) having a clamp surface that is substantially flat and substantially free of projections. Preferably also, the backing and the clamp are integrally formed from a single sheet of material. The base also can be hingedly attached to the rest of the backing (72) to define a storage space.

Abstract: A rear air deflector includes a shield which is mounted directly to a vehicle using expandable insert style fasteners. The shield is spaced apart from the window frame, except at the ends of the shield which engage the frame. The shield is concave substantially along its length, though the ends are flattened for mating engagement with the window frame. The opposite end portions of the shield have a reverse-curve profile such that the ends are parallel to the window frame surface for mating engagement with the surface. The direct mounting of the deflector to the vehicle eliminates the need for mounting brackets.

Abstract: A multi-piece nestable fairing (20) for mounting on the roof (22) of a vehicle (24) is disclosed. The fairing (20) has lower and upper fairing members (26,28). The lower fairing member (26) is mountable to the roof (22) of the vehicle (24). The upper fairing member (28) is selectively translatable relative to and affixable to the lower fairing member (26) between a lowered nested position and a raised operative position thereby altering the overall height of the fairing (20). The lower fairing member (26) preferably has a support (44) configured therein so that the upper fairing member (28) may rest upon the support (44) with the upper fairing member (28) being affixable to the lower fairing member (26) in the raised operative position.

Abstract: A one piece partition for the interior of van type vehicles molded of plastic material and extending transversely from side to side and from the roof to the floor with the partition being positioned directly behind the driver and passenger seats to give maximum cargo space in the rear compartment of the vehicle. A console extends forwardly from the partition into the forward compartment between the driver's and passenger's seats and opens rearwardly to elongate the storage space offered by the rear compartment. The entire perimeter of the partition and the bottom of the console is in close proximity to vehicle portions so installation is made by attaching means such as double sided tape fixed to the perimeters and to the adjacent vehicle portions to form a thermal and safety barrier between the compartments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a folding top for vehicles having a dimensionally stable rear window which, when the top is pushed back, can be folded down from an upright position of use into a stowed position displaced to the rear. Sliding control of the rear window during the stowing operation is provided via a strut of the top frame. The central region of the strut rests against the underneath of the top cover in front of the rear window when the top is closed and overlaps the rear window in its swung-back end position. A coupling device is provided for transmitting movement by means of which the rear window and the strut are connected to one another, in each case at a distance from their pivot axis.

Abstract: A side body structure of a vehicle includes a side sill and a roof side rail, both of which extend in a lengthwise direction of a vehicle body, and front and center pillars which extend between and connect the side sill and the roof side rail so as to define a generally rectangular front door opening in the side body. The side body structure is reinforced by a sill reinforcement extending in the lengthwise direction of the vehicle, inside of the side sill, and pillar reinforcements extending between the side sill and the roof side rail, inside the front pillar and the center pillar, respectively. The sill reinforcement is secured, at its front end, to the front pillar reinforcement and, at its rear end, to the center pillar reinforcement.

Abstract: Embodiments of a vehicle top cover are shown and described, each having a roof panel and two flexible side panels that form a vehicle-top shape and a means for holding down the rear of the vehicle top cover on the vehicle. The roof panel covers most of the front window, roof, and back window, and is held down on the front window by the windshield wipers or, optionally, is tied to the wipers. The side panels extend from the roof panel and are shut in the vehicle doors to secure the cover to the vehicle and to hang down inside the vehicle interior along the inside of the side windows. The rear edge of the vehicle top cover may be held down by a flap or a weighted flap that is shut in the trunk or by a weight attached to the rear edge of the vehicle top cover that lies on the outside of the vehicle. The flap may also be a stuff bag which is turned inside out and stuffed with the roof panels and side panels for storage.

Abstract: A door installation arrangement adapted to widely open a door of an automotive vehicle. The door installation arrangement is comprised of a double hinge member which has a first end section hingedly connected to a door body side, and a second end section hingedly connected to a vehicle body side. A hinge trim is disposed separate from the double hinge member to decoratively cover the double hinge member. The hinge trim is hingedly connected at its front end within the vehicle body side through a sub-double hinge member and at its rear end with a door trim through a hinge member.

Abstract: Protective covering device for automobile roof and windows which includes a roof covering portion for removable positioning on the automobile roof, a front shade portion for removable positioning on the automobile front window, a rear shade portion for removable positioning on the automobile rear window, side shade portions for removable positioning on the opposite side windows of the automobile, and snap fasteners for removably securing the shade portions to the roof covering portion. The roof covering portion and the shade portions are preferably fabricated from a heavy duty plastic, which is transparent or opaque. Straps secure the roof covering portion to the automobile roof. Longitudinally extending recesses or grooves are formed along opposite sides of the roof covering portion adjacent to the edge portions thereof to provide gutters for preventing water from entering the automobile side windows.

Abstract: A front part for a motor vehicle, consisting of two side beams, two central beams and a subframe, in which front part there are also included struts connecting the side beams to the central beams as well as the central beams to beams forming part of the subframe. The front part in this manner allows a three-way force division through the struts. Very good stability and energy absorption in the event of collisions are thus obtained.

Abstract: A side body structure of an automotive vehicle includes a center pillar extending vertically substantially at a center portion of the side body and a side sill constituted by a side sill inner panel and a side sill outer panel. The side body structure comprises a member provided longitudinally at a side and lower portion of the vehicle and including the side sill inner panel so as to form a closed cross section, and a cross member provided transversely at a lower portion of the vehicle and connected with the closed cross section member.

Abstract: A body for an automotive vehicle is structured by a roof having roof openings, each extending over an entire length continuously to a side opening disposed at the side of the body. A lower portion of the side opening is closed or opened with a side door with no sash mounted thereto. On the other hand, the upper portion of the side opening and the roof opening are closed or opened with a window panel supported with the roof so as to pivot downwards and upwards.

Abstract: Anti-vandalism sheets for the interior of public transportation vehicle windows are provided and comprise flexible yet sturdy protective sheets of acrylic and selected brackets for securing the sheet to the interior of a motor vehicle window. A plurality of fixed brackets are positioned about three of the four edges of the window, having one portion connected to a window frame housing the motor vehicle window and a second portion sufficiently distanced from the surface of the window to accommodate the thickness of the sheet for securing the sheet adjacent the windows. A selectively removable retaining bracket is positioned on the edge of the window unoccupied by the fixed brackets.

Abstract: A tarpaulin cover system for covering and uncovering a vehicle body in accordance with a winding mechanism includes a plurality of spaced catch members secured on each of the sides of the two sides of the vehicle body. The tarpaulin extends partially down each side. A plurality of spaced lock members are provided on the sideward extensions of the tarpaulin corresponding to the number of catch members. Each lock member on the tarpaulin is disposed for being automatically engaged by a respective one of the catch members during the covering motion of the tarpaulin and automatically disengaged during the uncovering motion.

Abstract: An aerodynamic drag reduction fairing is mounted on a substantially vertical rear surface of a vehicle. The fairing body comprises a generally inverted U-shaped member with a transverse top portion and a pair of depending legs upon the top and sides respectively of the rear surface. The body has a surface which is contiguous with the outside surface of the vehicle at the top and sides and then converges in a curve shape inwardly and rearwardly to a trailing edge spaced rearwardly of the rear surface. The spacing of the trailing edge from the rear surface is greater at the top than at the bottom of the sides legs. From the trailing edge the body extends back to the rear surface to form a hollow interior inside the top portion and the legs. This can be inflated so that the body can be formed from a flexible fabric.

Abstract: This invention relates to accessories for automobiles, vans, aircraft, minivans and station wagons and in particular to an improved partition comprised of a main support beam which requires no permanent attachment to the vehicle in which it is installed and from which is suspended generally from the roof to the floor transparent, semi-transparent or opaque curtain panels whose primary purpose is to substantially confine heated or cooled air or air containing smoke to a specific area of a vehicle. The device is adjustable, requiring no permanent alterations to fit the interior of a very large variety of vehicles of different descriptions, can be collapsed and folded while not in use and remains intact while being portable and can be installed anywhere along the length of a vehicle interior where trim moulding, flanges or extrusions of vehicle components or door hardware exists.

Abstract: A cover structure for a pick-up truck in which a cover of flexible sheet material is supported by framework over the cargo body. The framework comprises front and rear bow frames pivoted to slides which are mounted in side rails and capable of being locked to the side rails in adjusted positions. The framework also includes supplemental frames pivoted to the bow frames. The side and rear panels of the cover are secured to the side and rear walls of the cargo body by Velcro strips. The front panel is secured to the front wall by a C-shaped channel clamp. The front and rear panels of the cover have detachable windows. The framework may be collapsed, with the cover still in place, to a stored position beneath the upper edges of the side and end walls of the cargo body, in which position a major portion of the cargo body is substantially unobstructed and available as cargo space. In preparation for collapsing, the side, rear and front panels are released and the front and rear panels preferably detached.

Abstract: The present invention is a ladder utility rack for pick-up cargo beds. It has two parallel horizontal base rails and at least two vertical stanchion units. Each base rail has at least three contiguous walls, including at least one horizontal and one vertical running wall and each is adapted to nest atop and against sidewalls of a cargo bed These base rails are not connected to one another except via the stanchion units These units have vertical legs running from each of the base rails upwardly and inwardly and terminate at a commonly connected horizontal cross member A preferred embodiment includes rails which are unistructurally formed, e.g. extruded, including portions in the form of an upright or inverted "U".