Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a modular headliner assembly (220) for a vehicle (12) having a side structure (16) and a roof (18). The headliner assembly (220) includes a headliner (170), an inflatable curtain (14), a fill tube (22), and a support device (40) that clamps around the fill tube to connect the tube and the curtain to the support device. A grab handle (150) has a portion extendable through the headliner (170) and into the support device (40) to connect the grab handle and the support device to the headliner. The apparatus (10) also includes a first connector (122) for connecting the support device (40) to the vehicle (12) to initially connect the headliner assembly (220) to the vehicle. The apparatus (10) further includes a second connector (180) extendable through the support device (40) and the grab handle (150) to fixedly connect the headliner assembly (220) to the vehicle.

Abstract: A two part fastener (10) for clamping together first and second members (20, 22) that have an opening (40), comprises a base (12) having legs (80, 90) resiliently biased outwardly away from each other and insertable through the opening (40). A slide (14) is manually slidable relative to the base (12) to control the position of the legs (80, 90). The slide (14) has a first position relative to the base (12) in which blocking portions (88, 98) of the legs (80, 90) are in a blocking position to block removal of the legs through the opening (40). In a second position the slide (14) blocks inward movement of the legs (80, 90) thereby blocking removal of the fastener (10). In a third position the slide (14) holds the legs (80, 90) inward, thereby enabling removal of the fastener (10).

Abstract: A two part fastener (10) for clamping together first and second members (20, 22) that have an opening (40), comprises a base (12) having legs (80, 90) resiliently biased outwardly away from each other and insertable through the opening (40). A slide (14) is manually slidable relative to the base (12) to control the position of the legs (80, 90). The slide (14) has a first position relative to the base (12) in which blocking portions (88, 98) of the legs (80, 90) are in a blocking position to block removal of the legs through the opening (40). In a second position the slide (14) blocks inward movement of the legs (80, 90) thereby blocking removal of the fastener (10). In a third position the slide (14) holds the legs (80, 90) inward, thereby enabling removal of the fastener (10).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) having a side structure (16) and a roof (18) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). The inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) is inflatable away from the vehicle roof (18) into a position between the side structure (16) of the vehicle (12) and the vehicle occupant. A fill tube (22) has a portion located in the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). The apparatus (10) also includes at least one support device (40) that has a portion (42) that clamps around a portion of the fill tube (22). The apparatus (10) further includes a grab handle (150) that has at least one portion (156) adapted to interconnect with the support device (40). A fastener (180) is extendable through the support device (40) to connect the grab handle (150), support device (40), fill tube (22) and inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) to the vehicle (12).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a modular headliner assembly (220) for a vehicle (12) having a side structure (16) and a roof (18). The headliner assembly (220) includes a headliner (170), an inflatable curtain (14), a fill tube (22), and a support device (40) that clamps around the fill tube to connect the tube and the curtain to the support device. A grab handle (150) has a portion extendable through the headliner (170) and into the support device (40) to connect the grab handle and the support device to the headliner. The apparatus (10) also includes a first connector (122) for connecting the support device (40) to the vehicle (12) to initially connect the headliner assembly (220) to the vehicle. The apparatus (10) further includes a second connector (180) extendable through the support device (40) and the grab handle (150) to fixedly connect the headliner assembly (220) to the vehicle.

Abstract: A coat hook assembly (10) includes a hook member (80) for connection with a structure (12). The hook member (80) is supported for pivotal movement from an opening (40) and from a stored position to an operative position. The hook member (80) has a hook portion (82) adapted to support a garment. The hook member (80) has a closure portion (84) fixed for pivotal movement with the hook portion (82), and blocking the opening (40) when the hook member is in the stored position. A latch mechanism (120) releasably hold the hook member (80) in the stored position. The latch mechanism (120) is responsive to a pushing force on the hook member (80) when in the stored position to release the hook member for pivotal movement from the stored position to the operative position.

Abstract: A coat hook assembly (10) includes a hook member (80) for connection with a structure (12). The hook member (80) is supported for pivotal movement from an opening (40) and from a stored position to an operative position. The hook member (80) has a hook portion (82) adapted to support a garment. The hook member (80) has a closure portion (84) fixed for pivotal movement with the hook portion (82), and blocking the opening (40) when the hook member is in the stored position. A latch mechanism (120) releasably hold the hook member (80) in the stored position. The latch mechanism (120) is responsive to a pushing force on the hook member (80) when in the stored position to release the hook member for pivotal movement from the stored position to the operative position.

Abstract: A two part fastener (10) for clamping together first and second members (20, 22) that have an opening (40). The fastener (10) comprises a base (12) having a plurality of legs (80, 90) resiliently biased outwardly away from each other and insertable through the opening (40). A knob (14) connected with the base (12) is manually rotatable relative to the base to control the position of the legs (80, 90). The knob (14) has a first position of rotation relative to the base (12) in which blocking portions (80, 90) of the legs are in a blocking position to block removal of the legs through the opening (40). In a second position of rotation the knob (14) blocks inward movement of the blocking portions (88, 98) of the legs (80, 90) from the blocking position, thereby blocking removal of the fastener 10. In a third position of rotation the knob (14) holds the blocking portions (88, 98) of the legs (80, 90) inward from the blocking position, thereby enabling removal of the fastener (10).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) having a side structure (16) and a roof (18) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). The inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) is inflatable away from the vehicle roof (18) into a position between the side structure (16) of the vehicle (12) and the vehicle occupant. A fill tube (22) has a portion located in the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). The apparatus (10) also includes at least one support device (40) that has a portion (42) that clamps around a portion of the fill tube (22). The apparatus (10) further includes a grab handle (150) that has at least one portion (156) adapted to interconnect with the support device (40). A fastener (180) is extendable through the support device (40) to connect the grab handle (150), support device (40), fill tube (22) and inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) to the vehicle (12).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for securing a first plate, which may be a pull handle bracket, in a spaced relationship to a second plate, which may be a door panel. The apparatus (10) comprises a fastener (16) having a head portion (22) and a base portion (24). The head portion (22) is insertable into a hole in the first plate and supports the first plate. The base portion (24) is insertable into a hole in the second plate and attaches to the second plate. Part of the base portion (24) of the fastener (16) extends on a side of the second plate opposite the first plate. The apparatus (10) further includes a retainer (18) having an elongated main body (90) for inserting into the head portion (22) of the fastener (16) and for securing the first plate to the head portion (22) of the fastener (16). The part of the base portion (24) of the fastener (16) that extends on a side of the second plate opposite the first plate has a width that increases to resist a force attempting to separate the first plate from the second plate.

Abstract: A seal plug (10) for closing a aperture in a panel includes a cover cap (12), a set of seal plug retaining tabs (32, 34, 36, 38) extending from a bottom face (16) of the plug and a set of guide elements (60, 62, 64, 66) extending from the bottom face of the plug. The guide elements (60-66) disposed on the bottom face of the seal plug define a first axially orientated lead-in surface. The retaining tabs (32-38) disposed on the bottom face of the seal plug define a second axially orientated lead-in surface. The first and second lead-in surfaces cooperate making the seal plug easy to install. A thermoexpanding plastic sealing ring (30) adapted to soften and expand upon heating to a temperature of about 250° F. is disposed on the bottom face of the seal plug. The seal ring expands and softens in an oven enabling the seal plug to become firmly bonded to a surface defining an aperture.

Abstract: A mold insert member is provided to enable molding unitary composite parts from two materials so that the materials co-diffuse at their interface. The insert member is rotatable relative to a stationary molding die to define, in a first position, a first molding cavity for receiving a first molding material and, in a second position, a second molding cavity contiguous with the first molding cavity adapted to receive a first molding material. The insert member includes a substantially circular cylindrical main body portion defining a longitudinal axis. At least one arcuate mold lip is formed on an end of the main body portion and is adapted to cooperate with a molding die when the insert member is disposed in a first position relative to the molding die. At least one cavity area is formed on the end of the main body portion. The cavity area is adapted to define, together with the molding die, a second molding cavity when the insert member is rotated into a second position.

Abstract: A connector assembly 40 mounts a light bulb 20 to a fixture 22. The fixture 22 has an interior surface 24, an exterior surface 26, and an opening 28. The opening 28 defines a peripheral surface interconnecting the interior and exterior surfaces 24, 26. The connector assembly 40 includes a housing 42, at least one tab 44, and a flange 48. The housing 42 supports the light bulb 20 and has an axis 50, a first portion 52, and a second portion 54 spaced axially from the first portion 52. The tab 44 extends radially from the first portion 52 of the housing 42 and includes a first pair of electrical contacts 60, 62 for engaging a second corresponding pair of electrical contacts 30, 32 on the interior surface 24 of the fixture 22 as the first portion 52 of the housing 42 is axially inserted through the opening 28 in the fixture 22 and rotated about the axis 50 of the housing 42.

Abstract: An inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (20) is attached to a vehicle part (22). The protection device (20) is deployable, upon inflation, through a deployment opening (24) in the vehicle part (22). A cover (60) closes the deployment opening (24) prior to deployment of the protection device (20). The cover (60) moves away from the vehicle part (22) upon deployment of the protection device (20). Attachment devices (82, 300) releasably attach the cover (60) to the vehicle part (22) and comprise a clip (120, 302) which is attachable to one of the cover and the vehicle part. The one of the cover (60) and the vehicle part (22) has a mounting opening (86, 322) and a recess (88, 324) adjacent the mounting opening. The clip (120, 302) includes a retaining portion (152, 364) biased to be received in the recess (88, 324) to inhibit removal of the clip, an opening (162, 380) for alignment with the mounting opening (86, 322), and a resiliently deflectable portion (164, 382).

Abstract: Apparatus for securing together a non-linear array of at least three tubes positioned with their longitudinal axes extending parallel comprises a relatively rigid frame carrying first, second, and third cylindrical tube receiving and retaining recesses. Each recess is defined by a separate pair of opposed arms with at least one arm of each pair being resilient and deflectable in a radial direction relative to its respective recess. The arms in each pair have spaced end portions defining an entrance opening to the recess defined thereby.

Abstract: A bracket for mounting from a pair of pipes that extend in spaced parallel relationship comprises a main bracket body having oppositely disposed front and rear faces. A plurality of resilient retaining clips extend from the rear face. The clips are configured and adapted to partially encircle the pipes in gripping relationship thereto. At least one of the retaining clips includes a pivotal latch associated therewith and adapted for releasably latching the clip to the associated pipe and preventing undesired disengagement therefrom.

Abstract: A backplate assembly for attachment to a vehicle interior panel to allow connection and support of associated vehicle accessories comprises first and second backplate members positioned in side-by-side relationship with their front faces facing in the same direction. Interconnecting fingers extend between the backplate members. The fingers are operable while the backplate members are in their side-by-side position for permitting selective connected movement of the first and second backplate members between a first spaced position and a second closely adjacent position. The fingers include latch elements for releasably latching the backplate members in at least one of the first and second positions. Retaining legs extend from the rear of each of the backplate members for permitting the backplate members to be connected to a panel when in one of the first and second positions.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect a vehicle occupant during a vehicle collision includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (40) deployable through a first opening (24) in a vehicle part (20). A cover (60) closes the first opening (24) in the vehicle part. A plurality of fasteners (100) releasably attach the cover (60) to the vehicle part (20). The fasteners (100) each comprise means for attaching the fastener (100) to the cover (60). The means for attaching the fastener (100) to the cover (60) include a plurality of deformable arms (112) defining a conical head portion (104) of the fastener. The arms (112) are deformable upon insertion into one of a plurality of second openings (82) and return toward their original shape after insertion into one of the second openings. A fin portion (108) of the fastener is adjacent to and extends from the conical head portion (104). The apparatus (10) includes means (28, 30, 170) for attaching the fin portion (108) to the vehicle part (20).

Abstract: An air bag module (12) includes an inflator (20), a canister (24) which contains the inflator (20), and an air bag (18). The air bag module (12) further includes a retainer assembly (26) which contains the air bag (18) in an uninflated condition. The retainer assembly (26) includes a pair of retainers (210,212) that are fastened together with an edge portion (192) of the air bag (18) retained between the retainers (210,212). The retainer assembly (26) and the canister (24) are fastened to each other in an assembled relationship in which an inlet opening (196) in the air bag (18) is aligned with an outlet opening (112) in the canister (24). The retainer assembly (26) and the canister (24) snap together into a mechanically interlocked condition when they are moved into their assembled relationship. The inflator (20) and the canister (24) also snap together into a mechanically interlocked condition when the inflator (20) is moved into the canister (24).

Abstract: A fastener assembly for mounting to a panel to allow connection of associated structures thereto comprises a fastener receiving and retaining member formed of plastic and including an elongated sleeve-like body having a head end and a terminal end with a central aperture extending axially therebetween. A flange extends radially from the head end and a fastener receiving bore is carried at the terminal end in alignment with the central aperture. Radially extending retaining elements are carried on the sleeve-like body. A first set of openings is formed through the flange and a second set of openings is formed through the sleeve-like body at a location closely adjacent the flange. A sheet of temperature expandable sealer material is carried on the sleeve-like body adjacent the flange such that when the said member is mounted to a panel by extending the sleeve-like body through an opening in the panel the sheet of expandable sealer material is compressed between the flange and the panel.