Abstract: A vehicle storage compartment includes a base bin defining a storage cavity and configured to couple to a vehicle floor, a door coupled to the base bin and configured to move between a closed position and an open position, the door having a latch mechanism configured to selectively engage the base bin to facilitate maintaining the door in the closed position, and a locking assembly coupled to the door and configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking assembly is configured to selectively engage the base bin in the locked position to facilitate preventing movement of the door from the closed position to the open position. The locking assembly is separate and independent of the latch mechanism such that the latch mechanism remains movable when the locking assembly is in the locked position.

Abstract: A vehicle storage compartment includes a base bin defining a storage cavity and configured to couple to a vehicle floor, a door coupled to the base bin and configured to move between a closed position and an open position, the door having a latch mechanism configured to selectively engage the base bin to facilitate maintaining the door in the closed position, and a locking assembly coupled to the door and configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking assembly is configured to selectively engage the base bin in the locked position to facilitate preventing movement of the door from the closed position to the open position. The locking assembly is separate and independent of the latch mechanism such that the latch mechanism remains movable when the locking assembly is in the locked position.

Abstract: A self docking instrument panel connector system is provided with a first connector member (18) attached to an instrument panel assembly (12). A second connector member (20) is attached to a body of a vehicle (16) and is designed to mate with the first connector member (18). One of the connector members (20) is adjustably supported to be movable in first and second lateral directions and in a longitudinal direction in order to accommodate for build tolerances and component insertion variances.

Abstract: A cover plate for an instrument panel carrying a captured fastener adapted to be assembled to an underlying instrument panel support structure by a closely overlying and sliding motion of the cover plate relative to the support structure. The cover plate has a thickened boss portion formed with an internally threaded passage. The fastener has an elongated shank extending axially to the passage and includes an unthreaded mid-portion and a threaded outer end portion, terminating in a tip. A pre-assembly position of the fastener is attained by rotation of the fastener with respect to the boss's threaded portion just sufficent for supporting the fastener but not enough to advance the tip from within the boss thereby preventing the tip from projecting out from the surface of the cover plate.