Abstract: A structure for a vehicle may include first and second spaced-apart members, first and second internally-threaded members, a module, first and second connecting members, and first and second fasteners. The first and second internally-threaded members may be connected to the first and second members, respectively. The module is positioned between the first and second members for a predetermined alignment relative thereto. The first and second connecting members include an outer surface having external threads and an inner surface having internal threads. The outer surface may engage a corresponding one of the internally-threaded members. The external and internal threads have opposite thread-handedness. The first and second fasteners engage the internal threads of the first and second connecting members, respectively. The first and second fasteners may move the first and second connecting members toward the module to clamp the module relative to the first and second members and maintain alignment therebetween.

Abstract: A tow hook assembly that includes a mount bracket, a tow hook having a towing end and a mounting end extending axially along a towing direction and through the mount bracket, a support bracket positioned proximal to the towing end of the tow hook and configured to support the towing end of the tow hook, and a fastener attached to the mounting end of the tow hook. The tow hook assembly is attached between the frame rail and impact beam of a motor vehicle such that the motor vehicle may be towed by the tow hook assembly and such that the tow hook assembly will break away from the motor vehicle upon application of a force which is less than a force required to activate an airbag.

Abstract: A structure for a vehicle may include first and second spaced-apart members, first and second internally-threaded members, a module, first and second connecting members, and first and second fasteners. The first and second internally-threaded members may be connected to the first and second members, respectively. The module is positioned between the first and second members for a predetermined alignment relative thereto. The first and second connecting members include an outer surface having external threads and an inner surface having internal threads. The outer surface may engage a corresponding one of the internally-threaded members. The external and internal threads have opposite thread-handedness. The first and second fasteners engage the internal threads of the first and second connecting members, respectively. The first and second fasteners may move the first and second connecting members toward the module to clamp the module relative to the first and second members and maintain alignment therebetween.

Abstract: A tow hook assembly that includes a mount bracket, a tow hook having a towing end and a mounting end extending axially along a towing direction and through the mount bracket, a support bracket positioned proximal to the towing end of the tow hook and configured to support the towing end of the tow hook, and a fastener attached to the mounting end of the tow hook. The tow hook assembly is attached between the frame rail and impact beam of a motor vehicle such that the motor vehicle may be towed by the tow hook assembly and such that the tow hook assembly will break away from the motor vehicle upon application of a force which is less than a force required to activate an airbag.

Abstract: A tray has a bottom panel for supporting a battery. An inner panel projects upwardly from the bottom panel to provide an inner locator for the battery. A retainer holds the battery down on the bottom panel. A lock member for the retainer is moveable from an unlocking position to a locking position, and when moved to the locking position forces the retainer inwardly. The retainer has an abutment engageable with the battery to move the battery inwardly against the upright panel when the retainer is moved inwardly. Two fulcrum points in the retainer cause a vertical force to hold the battery in place by a lever effect of the lock member and fulcrum points.

Abstract: A tray has a bottom panel for supporting a battery. An inner panel projects upwardly from the bottom panel to provide an inner locator for the battery. A retainer holds the battery down on the bottom panel. A lock member for the retainer is moveable from an unlocking position to a locking position, and when moved to the locking position forces the retainer inwardly. The retainer has an abutment engageable with the battery to move the battery inwardly against the upright panel when the retainer is moved inwardly. Two fulcrum points in the retainer cause a vertical force to hold the battery in place by a lever effect of the lock member and fulcrum points.

Abstract: A bracket is provided for assembling an airbag unit and interior vehicle components into a vehicle. The bracket efficiently utilizes the limited interior vehicle space to package all necessary components. To achieve this end, the bracket attaches to a frame member. Within the bracket is a cavity for securely holding an airbag igniter unit. The airbag igniter unit is attached, via a hose, to an airbag. The airbag is partially fit into a recess formed in the bracket. The bracket also maintains a mounting face, to which an interior grab handle can be secured. The bracket allows for the existence of an airbag subassembly which includes, the bracket, an airbag operatively attached to an airbag igniter unit, and an interior grab handle. Such a subassembly will improve overall vehicle assembly efficiency by reducing the amount of steps required in assembly, thus making the assembly process easier.

Abstract: A steering column support bracket includes a molded plastic frame having a pair of laterally spaced apart side braces, a front brace interconnecting the front ends of the side braces, and an intermediate brace located between the front and rear ends of the side braces. An X-shaped truss has legs extending diagonally between the side braces and between the intermediate brace and the rear ends of the side braces.

Abstract: A structural reinforcement for a vehicle door has an energy absorbing tubular bar, a first bracket, and a second bracket. The tubular bar extends substantially across a length of the vehicle door approximately parallel to a lower edge of the door. The tubular bar has a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis passing through the first end and the second end. The first bracket retains the first end of the tubular bar such that there is a predetermined amount of rotational float between the first bracket and the first end of the bar. The second bracket has a seat portion receiving and fixed to the second end of the bar.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device for materially reducing steering column motion resulting from passenger compartment intrusion in an automotive vehicle when the powertrain impacts rearward vehicle portions in a frontal collision. The energy absorbing device comprises a bracket in the form of a generally box-shaped frame having side panels and a top panel. The side panels and top panel have openings defining upper and lower struts. The struts are made of a relatively stiff, bendable, flexible material capable of controlled deformation when the powertrain impacts-the rearward vehicle portions in a frontal collision.

Abstract: A support of a water dissolvable material is provided for the installation of windshields and other stationary safety glass in automotive vehicles. The support guides and mechanically holds the glass in position until adhesive previously applied to the periphery of the glass cures and permanently secures the glass in position in a window opening in the vehicle body. Subsequently, a solvent such as water naturally occurring or intentionally applied to the support causes it to dissolve and disappear so that it does not aid in creating vibration and resultant noise in the stationary glass during vehicle operation.

Abstract: An add-on structural support arrangement for a convertible-type vehicle rear passenger shoulder belt system comprising a pair of mirror image composite pillars fixedly disposed at each rear corner of the rear seat compartment. Each pillar includes three vertically elongated sheet metal members, i.e. a forward seat attaching panel member, an intermediate anchor panel member, and an aft channel member, substantially coextensive in length and welded in flatwise abutment. A horizontal tie bar interconnects the upper ends of the forward panel members, while lower oblique wing of each anchor panel member is bolted to an associated portion of the body floor pan. A shoulder belt retractor is mounted on a lower rear face of each pillar while each aft channel member provides a vertically extending guideway for passage for its associated shoulder belt. The anchor panel is formed with a U-section in cross-sectional view defining a pair of side flanges each provided with a midpoint attachment ear.

Abstract: The present invention is a reinforcement structure for a vehicle. The vehicle has first and second upwardly extending columns longitudinally spaced from each other and a longitudinally extending beam between the first and second columns. The reinforcement structure includes means forming a longitudinally extending member adapted to be disposed adjacent the beam. The reinforcement structure also includes means for securing the member to the beam and the first and second columns to absorb and dampen bending and torsional loads between the first and second columns.