Abstract: A method is provided for molding an integral joint including a stationary member and an enclosure rotatable about the stationary member. The method utilizes a joint formation assembly defining an inner cavity, a first passageway connected to the inner cavity, an outer cavity surrounding the inner cavity, and a second passageway connected to the outer cavity. The method includes the steps of: introducing moldable material into the inner cavity from the first passageway to form the stationary member; introducing moldable material into the outer cavity from the second passageway to form the enclosure; and divorcing the inner cavity from the outer cavity for separately and independently forming the enclosure around the stationary member to allow rotatable movement of the enclosure about the stationary member.

Abstract: A door assembly is provided that includes integral impact regions that obviate the need for a separate impact beam. The door assembly includes an outer panel and an inner panel, operably connected to the outer panel so that a compartment is formed therebetween. At least one hardware-mounting surface is integrally formed from the inner panel and extends towards the outer panel. Each of the hardware mounting surfaces is operable to mount a hardware component between the inner and outer panels. At least one integrally-formed impact region is provided on the inner panel that is operable to strengthen the door assembly and increase its intrusion resistance of the vehicle door during a collision. The inner panel has substantially no large access openings that would be deleterious to impact resistance and substantially seals the vehicle passenger compartment from the external environment.

Abstract: A structural door module for a motor vehicle door, comprising of a carrier plate with a plurality of door hardware components mounted to the dryside and wetside surfaces of the carrier plate. The carrier plate includes a number of preformed components that allow door subsystems to be pre-mounted to the door module and tested prior to mounting the structural door module in the motor vehicle door body. An energy absorbing area is molded into the carrier plate. Additionally, a protruding arm rest support is designed to collapse during a side-impact collision.

Abstract: The invention is a hinge for a vehicle door that is movable between a closed and a fully open position relative to a vehicle body. The hinge includes a mounting bracket, operable to be secured to the vehicle body. At least one link is pivotally mounted along a fixed axis to the mounting bracket at a first end and operable to pivot a second end of the at least one link between a first and second position. A door bracket is operable to be secured to the vehicle door, and pivotally mounted along a movable axis to the second end of the at least one link. The vehicle door is constrained by the vehicle body from pivoting around the movable axis when the second end of the at least one link is in the first position, and is operable to pivot around the movable axis when the at least one link is in the second position. A latch is provided on the hinge, obviating the need for a separate door latch.

Abstract: A vehicular module (20) secures a plurality of components to a motor vehicle (10) having a frame (29). The vehicular module (20) includes a tray (22) and a support member (24) that is fixedly secured to the tray (22). The tray (22includes a plurality of receiving apertures for mounting a plurality of components thereto. The support member (24) engages the frame (29) of the motor vehicle (10) to support the tray (22) and provide structural integrity to the vehicle frame (29). The module (20) may be pre-assembled prior to installation to the vehicle frame (29).

Abstract: A door module assembly for a motor vehicle door has a plate-like carrier holding a plurality of door hardware components in a pre-configured orientation, including one or more window regulator rails. The carrier seals the motor vehicle door and includes a flap that provides at least partial access to the window regulator rails. A first trim panel is pre-fixed to the carrier. A second trim panel articulates with respect to the first trim panel between an initial position generally parallel to the first trim panel and an installed position generally in-line with the first trim panel. With the carrier storing substantially all of the hardware required for the door and the trim panels covering substantially the entire surface area of the door, handling and assembly operations are minimized.

Abstract: An automatic sliding door opening and closing system comprises a continuous, powered belted drive system and a clamp arrangement capable of fixably and releasably attaching the automotive sliding door to the belt drive system so as to be automatically driven along a predetermined path and capable of releasing the belt drive system under predetermined conditions. The powered belt drive system is located so as to be combined with one of the door's standard sliding door hinge systems. The clamp arrangement is a rotary device biased into a pinching engagement on the belt of the belt drive system via a cam and spring arrangement.

Abstract: A door module assembly for a motor vehicle door has a plate-like carrier holding a plurality of door hardware components in a pre-configured orientation, including one or more window regulator rails. The carrier seals the motor vehicle door and includes a flap that provides at least partial access to the window regulator rails. A first trim panel is pre-fixed to the carrier. A second trim panel articulates with respect to the first trim panel between an initial position generally parallel to the first trim panel and an installed position generally in-line with the first trim panel. With the carrier storing substantially all of the hardware required for the door and the trim panels covering substantially the entire surface area of the door, handling and assembly operations are minimized.

Abstract: A method for assembling a motor vehicle door includes the steps of affixing a plurality of hardware components to a secondary trim component to form a door module assembly. The door module assembly is attached to the structural door body. A trim panel is secured to the structural door body overlaying the door module assembly. The secondary trim component has a map pocket wall and the trim panel has a map pocket opening. When the trim panel overlays the secondary trim component, the trim panel cooperates with the secondary trim component to define a map pocket.

Abstract: A vehicular module (20) secures a plurality of components to a motor vehicle (10) having a frame (29). The vehicular module (20) includes a tray (22) and a support member (24) that is fixedly secured to the tray (22). The tray (22) includes a plurality of receiving apertures for mounting a plurality of components thereto. The support member (24) engages the frame (29) of the motor vehicle (10) to support the tray (22) and provide structural integrity to the vehicle frame (29). The module (20) may be pre-assembled prior to installation to the vehicle frame (29).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an arm rest for a chair comprising a frame member and an arm support member, a coupling device to couple the arm support member with the frame member for rotation about an axis, the arm support member having a portion which is offset from the axis, wherein rotation of the arm support member relative to the frame member results in horizontal and vertical adjustment of the arm rest.

Abstract: A power assist device for a wheelchair comprising a body, a drive wheel connected to the body and being movable between a raised position and a lowered surface engaging position, attachments for securing the body to the frame, a first motor for driving said drive wheel at least when the drive wheel is in the lowered surface engaging position, a second motor connected to the drive wheel for raising and lowering said drive wheel, a biaser, for biasing the drive wheel into surface engaging driving contact, a manually initiated electronic controller for controlling the power assist device, and a source of electrical power.

Abstract: This invention relates to rear-wheel driven automobiles having an underhung carriage, an engine located at the front end, and a rear passenger compartment having a floor. In particular, the invention relates to a segmented drive shaft for transmitting rotation from the engine to the rear wheels, which is supported substantially below the floor. In this manner, the floor has a transmission tunnel of reduced size so that the floor is relatively flat. In the preferred embodiment the segmented drive shaft comprises three elements, between an output shaft of the transmission of the engine and a pinion of a rear differential. The first element is inclined downwardly from front to back, the second element is substantially parallel to the floor, and the third element may be inclined upwardly from front to back. The second element of the segmented drive shaft may comprise an outer non-rotating tube and an inner rotating tube, and lubrication fluid may also be provided therebetween.