Abstract: A selectively heat treated side intrusion beam includes a beam body having a center portion heat treated and end portions not heat treated. The beam body is affixed to end brackets that couple the beam body to the automotive vehicle door. The method. for forming a side intrusion beam includes the steps of moving beam stock through a heater; controlling the heater to cycle between an on-state and an off-state with respect to predetermined portions of the length of the beam; quenching the beam stock; and, cutting the beam stock at untreated portions to form the beam body.

Abstract: A selectively heat treated side intrusion beam includes a beam body having a center portion heat treated and end portions not heat treated. The beam body is affixed to end brackets that couple the beam body to the automotive vehicle door. The method for forming a side intrusion beam includes the steps of moving beam stock through a heater; controlling the heater to cycle between an on-state and an off-state with respect to predetermined portions of the length of the beam; quenching the beam stock; and, cutting the beam stock at untreated portions to form the beam body.

Abstract: A selectively heat treated side intrusion beam includes a beam body having a center portion heat treated and end portions not heat treated. The beam body is affixed to end brackets that couple the beam body to the automotive vehicle door. The method for forming a side intrusion beam includes the steps of moving beam stock through a heater; controlling the heater to cycle between an on-state and an off-state with respect to predetermined portions of the length of the beam; quenching the beam stock; and, cutting the beam stock at untreated portions to form the beam body.

Abstract: A method of joining two dissimilar thickness metallic components includes the steps of: reducing the thickness of a component in a localized area, placing the components adjacent each other, drawing the first component into the localized area and locking the first component into the second component to form a joint.

Abstract: A vehicle door has a door housing and a door cassette that may be assembled off the manufacturing line and tested prior to assembling on the door housing. The door cassette has a cross member onto which a door frame is connected. The cross member and door frame assembly is pivotally connected to the door housing. The door frame has a lower door frame that is inserted into the door housing. A connection adjustably fastens the lower door frame in relation to the housing so that the frame may be easily adjusted to fit to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A removable door cassette has a cross member having a lower door frame fixed thereto. The lower door frame has a first frame member fixed to the cross member and a second frame member defining a channel to receive the first frame member. The first frame member is separable from the second frame member. A pivot connection pivotally connects the second frame member to a door housing. A fastener fixedly secures the second frame member in relation to the door housing. A deformable button is preferably used to provide a mechanism to hold the lower door frame into the lower door frame channel and provide a release and locking mechanism between the first and second frame members.

Abstract: A selectively heat treated side intrusion beam includes a beam body having a center portion heat treated and end portions not heat treated. The beam body is affixed to end brackets that couple the beam body to the automotive vehicle door. The method for forming a side intrusion beam includes the steps of moving beam stock through a heater; controlling the heater to cycle between an on-state and an off-state with respect to predetermined portions of the length of the beam; quenching the beam stock; and, cutting the beam stock at untreated portions to form the beam body.

Abstract: A side intrusion beam assembly has a pair of end brackets having weld portions. A beam body is coupled the weld portions of the brackets. The weld portion and the beam body having a gap therebetween. Weld material fills the gap and couples the beam body to the weld portion.

Abstract: A bracket which is transversely positionable along a cross-rail is disclosed. The bracket surrounds the cross-rail in a slidable manner and has an opening integral therewith to threadingly receive a tie-down strap. The positionable bracket is releasably lockable to the cross-rail for securing articles such as luggage straps to the cross-rail.

Abstract: A two-part stanchion for a vehicle article carrier wherein one part includes an integral base, wall means extending upwardly from not more than half the base periphery and a second part including wall means coacting with the first part to enclose the base.

Abstract: A slotted side rail and cross-rail receiving bracket assembly for association with an article carrier, such as a luggage carrier, is disclosed. A slidable cross-rail is supported between a pair of cross-rail receiving brackets and is movable with the brackets along the slotted side rail. Each bracket includes a rail engaging lock for locking the bracket anywhere along the length of the slotted side rail. The lock prevents unintended loosening of the bracket and resultant movement of the bracket along the side rail.

Abstract: A stanchion assembly for an automobile luggage rack is defined by a stanchion and a locking pad providing for hidden features. The stanchion is mounted to a surface of the automobile by the fasteners which are secured thereto through apertures provided in the stanchion.

Abstract: A load bearing cross-slat for association with an article carrier, such as a luggage carrier, is adapted to extend transversely across a vehicle roof between a pair of carrier tracks. The cross-slat is anchored to the tracks at its ends and is cambered upward toward the center of the vehicle. The camber of the slat spaces the slat above the vehicle roof, and allows the weight of an article placed thereon to be supported at the ends of the slat and, thus, by the tracks.

Abstract: A bracket for association with an article carrier, such as a luggage carrier is adapted for sliding adjustment or positioning in a carrier track. The bracket includes a ratcheted disc for locking the bracket anywhere along the length of the track. The ratcheted disc prevents unintended loosening of the bracket and resultant movement of the bracket along the track. The bracket also includes suitable projections for detachably mounting a cross-strap thereto for supporting skis, bicycles, and other articles.

Abstract: An adjustable and removable ski rack for association with an automotive vehicle carrier is adapted to be releasably attached to a bracket slidingly positioned in a carrier track. The ski rack includes a removable key-operated lock for lockingly detachably pivoting an end of the rack to enable insertion or removal of skis. The bracket includes a disc for releasably locking the bracket anywhere along the length of the track. The disc is ratcheted in a preferred embodiment to prevent unintended loosening of the bracket and resultant movement of the bracket along the track.

Abstract: A bracket which is transversely positionable along a cross-rail is disclosed. The bracket surrounds the cross-rail in a slidable manner and has an opening integral therewith to threadingly receive a tie-down strap. The positionable bracket is releasably lockable to the cross-rail for securing articles such as luggage straps to the cross-rail.