Abstract: A modular seat assembly for installation into one of at least two vehicles differing in body style includes a seat frame including a first attachment area and a second attachment area. The seat assembly also includes a coupling device that operably couples the seat frame to the vehicle. The coupling device is attached to the seat frame in one of the first and second attachment areas. The one of the first and second attachment areas is chosen for attachment of the coupling device according to the body style of the vehicle.

Abstract: An extendible and retractable head rest system for a motor vehicle seat has a head rest coupled to a linkage and an actuator coupled to the linkage. The linkage includes an offset drive link that upon the actuator being actuated to extend the head rest system to an operative position, the linkage moves the head rest up and forward and upon the actuator being actuated to retract the head rest system to an inoperative position, the linkage moves the head rest back and down. In an aspect, the linkage kneels when the head rest reaches an upper position to move the head rest to a forward position.

Abstract: An attachment clip for coupling an airbag to a motor vehicle is provided. The clip can include a first leg having a first aperture, a second aperture and a protrusion extending from an edge of the second aperture in an outward direction from the first leg. The clip can include a second leg spaced from the first leg and coupled to the first leg. The second leg has a threaded aperture substantially coaxial with the first aperture of the first leg. The space between the first and second legs can slidably receive a mounting member and a portion of the airbag. The protrusion can engage the portion of the airbag, and a fastener can extend through the first aperture of the first leg, through the portion of the airbag and through the mounting member to engage the threaded aperture of the second leg for attaching the airbag to the vehicle.

Abstract: A modular seat assembly for installation into one of at least two vehicles differing in body style includes a seat frame including a first attachment area and a second attachment area. The seat assembly also includes a coupling device that operably couples the seat frame to the vehicle. The coupling device is attached to the seat frame in one of the first and second attachment areas. The one of the first and second attachment areas is chosen for attachment of the coupling device according to the body style of the vehicle.

Abstract: An extendible and retractable head rest system for a motor vehicle seat has a head rest coupled to a linkage and an actuator coupled to the linkage. The linkage includes an offset drive link that upon the actuator being actuated to extend the head rest system to an operative position, the linkage moves the head rest up and forward and upon the actuator being actuated to retract the head rest system to an inoperative position, the linkage moves the head rest back and down. In an aspect, the linkage kneels when the head rest reaches an upper position to move the head rest to a forward position.

Abstract: A reversible lid of a cargo bin also function as a cargo load floor. The cargo load floor is located behind a rear passenger seat and above a spare tire. When the lid is closed, a first flat loading surface is parallel to the ground upon which the vehicle rests while the opposite side of the lid defines the second flat loading surface that is angled with respect to the ground but 180 degrees to the rear surface of a folded forward rear passenger seat to create a smooth continuous loading surface to slide cargo onto the rear surface of the rear seat. A peripheral protruding portion surrounds the first flat loading surface to retain cargo while grooves in the loading surface may accommodate any deposition of water and mud from cargo. The load floor pivots to open while at opposite corners locking tabs secure into holes to lock the load floor closed.

Abstract: A reversible lid of a cargo bin also functions as a cargo load floor. The cargo load floor is located behind a rear passenger seat and above a spare tire. When the lid is closed, a first flat loading surface is parallel to the ground upon which the vehicle rests while the opposite side of the lid defines the second flat loading surface that is angled with respect to the ground but 180 degrees to the rear surface of a folded forward rear passenger seat to create a smooth continuous loading surface to slide cargo onto the rear surface of the rear seat. A peripheral protruding portion surrounds the first flat lading surface to retain cargo while, grooves in the loading surface may accommodate any deposition of water and mud from cargo. The load floor pivots to open while at opposite corners locking tabs secure into holes to lock the load floor closed.

Abstract: A cargo bin comprising a housing having a pair of mounting brackets. A J-shaped slot is formed in each mounting bracket, and a lid that includes a pair of pins slidably mounted in the J-shaped slots is attached to the housing. The lid includes pair of notched portions that are formed in the lid and correspond to the mounting brackets. The lid is actuatable between an open position and a closed position by sliding the pins through the J-shaped slots. To assist in supporting the lid when the lid is open, a surface that defines the notched portion rests on the mounting brackets.

Abstract: An umbrella retaining device may be incorporated into or integrally attached to a vehicle seat from the vehicle factory and may employ a compartment or holder that defines a ventilation and drain hole to drain water from a wet umbrella. An umbrella compartment may further comprise a flap pivoting along a bottom edge of the compartment, a gusset on each side of the flap, and a snap or magnetic closure device proximate to the flap's upper edge. Alternatively, an umbrella retaining compartment may angularly lie within a bottom portion of the seat or seat supporting portion, such as a front seat side shield. The compartment may have a cover, such as a pivoting cover. Alternatively, the umbrella retaining member may be a vertical tubular restraining member with a top, angled opening and a bottom opening. A support loop may lie below the tubular member to provide vertical support.

Abstract: An over-travel protection device is provided for placing in a load path between a load cell and an object being weighed. The device has a first member positioned to be in the load path and a second member also positioned to be in the load path. The second member is arranged to cooperate with the first member to transfer load force from the object to the load cell. The first and second members define a space between one another and a compressible member is disposed in the space between the first member and the second member. A retaining member is adapted to limit separation displacement between the first and second members.

Abstract: A vehicle cabin is provided, the cabin including at least one passenger seat and an anchor arrangement configured to detachably couple to a rearwardly facing infant seat situated on the passenger seat, in which the anchor arrangement prevents the rearwardly facing infant seat from accelerating toward a rear of a vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integral passenger restraint system which has the passenger airbag system and knee bolster system integrated into one unit. The passenger airbag system of the present invention has an outer surface which is capped at opposite ends by a pair of end plates. Each end plate has a support zone and at least one crush zone. The support zone serves to cover the outer surface and encapsulate the air bag. The crush zone acts as the impact absorbing medium to absorb the impact from a vehicle passenger's knees during a vehicle crash.

Abstract: A trim panel for an automotive vehicle having a sunroof is provided. The trim panel has a plastic injection molded body. Integrally co-molded in the plastic injection body is a drainage conduit. An inlet is provided on the conduit for receiving water drainage from the sunroof of the vehicle. The inlet has an extension configured for placement of a connector hose thereto. An outlet is also provided to the conduit for draining water from around the sunroof to the ambient. The outlet has an extension configured for placement of a connector hose thereto. The trim panel is typically connected to the C pillar of the vehicle. A connector hose from the sunroof is connected to the trim panel inlet. A connector hose is connected to the trim panel outlet and is connected with the ambient.

Abstract: An automotive safety airbag installation includes a padded instrument panel having a U-shaped tearable seam in the panel skin, and a concealed airbag assembly having two hinged lids spaced from the instrument panel internal surface, such that during inflation of the airbag the lids swing outwardly to cause a flap-like section of the panel to deflect upwardly for expansion of the airbag into the passenger compartment. One of the lids closes a gap between the airbag and instrument panel to guide the airbag through the instrument panel and to protect both the airbag and the instrument panel from damage. The padded instrument panel is designed to achieve good shock absorbing action when struck by a human body, in the absence of airbag deployment.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a vehicle instrument panel to a cross-car beam. The apparatus includes a boot having a first portion for secure attachment to an underside of the instrument panel and a second portion for frictionally retaining the cross-car beam. The apparatus further includes a mounting bracket for attaching the first portion to the instrument panel and providing additional spaced apart points of attachment to the instrument panel. In one form, the second portion of the boot includes a C-shaped cross section which is resiliently deflectable. The boot is secured to the instrument panel during pre-assembly of the vehicle. The configuration of the boot facilitates blind attachment of the instrument panel to the cross-car beam, without the need for any tools, during final vehicle assembly.

Abstract: A glove box bin is formed with a shaft upon which an elastic roller is mounted. A track is provided adjacent the bin for engaging the roller with an interference fit. The resilient compression of the roller provides a smooth and stable feel as the glove box is opened.