Abstract: A sub-frame assembly supports a pair of wheels on a vehicle. The base may be an extrusion having a matrix of panels extending in a vertical direction. The sub-frame assembly has control arm brackets disposed on opposing ends of the base and attachment towers extending above the brackets providing attachment points to connect portions of an independent suspension to the vehicle and support a pair of wheels. The base, control brackets and attachment towers may be individual modular pieces. Left and right hand control brackets and attachment towers may be provided by respective unitary support pieces attached to opposing ends of the base. The unitary support pieces may be extrusions having panels extending in a transverse direction, nonaxial to the base. The base, control arm brackets and attachment towers, alternatively, may be provided by a single unitary extrusion having a matrix of panels extending in a transverse direction.

Abstract: A sub-frame assembly supports a pair of wheels on a vehicle. The base may be an extrusion having a matrix of panels extending in a vertical direction. The sub-frame assembly has control arm brackets disposed on opposing ends of the base and attachment towers extending above the brackets providing attachment points to connect portions of an independent suspension to the vehicle and support a pair of wheels. The base, control brackets and attachment towers may be individual modular pieces. Left and right hand control brackets and attachment towers may be provided by respective unitary support pieces attached to opposing ends of the base. The unitary support pieces may be extrusions having panels extending in a transverse direction, nonaxial to the base. The base, control arm brackets and attachment towers, alternatively, may be provided by a single unitary extrusion having a matrix of panels extending in a transverse direction.

Abstract: A sub-frame assembly for supporting a pair of wheels on a vehicle. The base may be an extrusion having a matrix of panels extending in a vertical direction. The sub-frame assembly has control arm brackets disposed on opposing ends of the base and attachment towers extending above the brackets providing attachment points to connect portions of an independent suspension to the vehicle and support a pair of wheels. The base, control brackets and attachment towers may be individual modular pieces. Left and right hand control brackets and attachment towers may be provided by respective unitary support pieces attached to opposing ends of the base. The unitary support pieces may be extrusions having panels extending in a transverse direction, nonaxial to the base. The base, control arm brackets and attachment towers, alternatively, may be provided by a single unitary extrusion having a matrix of panels extending in a transverse direction.

Abstract: A sub-frame assembly for supporting a pair of wheels on a vehicle. The base may be an extrusion having a matrix of panels extending in a vertical direction. The sub-frame assembly has control arm brackets disposed on opposing ends of the base and attachment towers extending above the brackets providing attachment points to connect portions of an independent suspension to the vehicle and support a pair of wheels. The base, control brackets and attachment towers may be individual modular pieces. Left and right hand control brackets and attachment towers may be provided by respective unitary support pieces attached to opposing ends of the base. The unitary support pieces may be extrusions having panels extending in a transverse direction, nonaxial to the base. The base, control arm brackets and attachment towers, alternatively, may be provided by a single unitary extrusion having a matrix of panels extending in a transverse direction.

Abstract: An adjustable cover assembly for a storage bin of a console mounted within a passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle has a hinge assembly for allowing rotatable and transverse movement with respect to the console, a lock pin engagable with the hinge assembly for locking the cover in a releasable lock position, and an indexing mechanism for positioning the cover with respect to the console when the cover is in an adjustment position so that the lock pin is properly engaged. In the releasable lock position, the cover is longitudinally fixed relative to the console, and when in the adjustment position, the cover is unlocked from the console to allow longitudinal adjustment with respect thereto.

Abstract: A vehicular assembly incorporating knee bolsters. The assembly is fabricated largely from integrally injection molded plastic that is capable of reinforcing the knee bolsters, supporting the instrument panel and forming the ducts of an air distribution system. In the event of a collision, the knee bolster plates are stabilized so that they can cushion and limit the movement of the knees of a driver or passenger.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article having a substructure with a wall having first and second wall surfaces and a molded layer along the first wall surface. The substructure is supported in a tool having first and second die surfaces on either side of the wall. The first die surface is spaced apart from the first wall surface and the second die surface is spaced apart from the second wall surface. A moldable material is injected between the first die surface and the first wall surface under conditions causing said material to exert a force on the wall. The second wall surface is contacted with a fluid under sufficient pressure to create a force on the wall that offsets the force exerted by the material whereby the wall is supported against deformation.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article having a substructure with a wall having a wall surface and a foam layer along the wall surface, including the steps of: placing the substructure in a tool having a die surface being spaced apart from the wall surface; injecting a foamable material between the die surface and the wall; applying a clamp load between the die surface and the foamable material; allowing the foamable material to expand and exert a force on the wall; and reducing the clamp load on the foamable material to reduce the force exerted on the wall by the expanding material whereby the force exerted on the wall does not deform the article.

Abstract: A panel suitable for use as an engine compartment closure panel provides improved function and surface finish and buckles forward of its rearward edge across its width upon impact at its forward edge. The panel has a smooth outer surface and an inner surface bearing integrally formed reinforcing members. The inner surface and reinforcing members have definition comprisingA. opposing first and second rib patterns comprising ribs diagonally extending sufficiently across the inner surface so as to intersect one another between the forward and rearward edges and provide torsional rigidity to the panel;B. a medial rib pattern comprising a rib that extends across the width of the inner surface;C. a rearward rib pattern comprising a rib that extends from the medial rib pattern to the rearward edge; andD. a panel weakening pattern that enables buckling of the panel along a line adjacent to the medial rib pattern and comprising:1. reduced thickness of the plate forward of the medial rib pattern; and2.