Abstract: A swing-out tail lamp for a vehicle providing access to the trunk compartment while the trunk lid is closed and being characterized by having the tail lamp supported along one side thereof by a hinge connected to the vehicle that allows the tail lamp to be moved from a closed position to an open position. The tail lamp is combined with a latch mechanism which serves to secure the tail lamp assembly to the vehicle when located in the closed position, and a spring detent is provided to maintain the tail lamp assembly in the open position.

Abstract: A retractable antiglare shield for an exterior rear view mirror that is mounted in a vehicle door and includes a flexible shield which can be stored in the door when not in use. This shield is supported on a roller mechanism and has its upper end formed with a support member which is insertable between the window and the door frame for maintaining the shield in the operative raised position.

Abstract: A motor vehicle with a fixed roof that has a roof opening defining a forward edge, a rear edge, a pair of side edges and a closure for the roof opening. A central hinge hingedly divides the closure panel into a forward panel having a forward edge and an aft edge, and a rear panel having a forward edge and an aft edge. The central hinge permits jackknife folding movement of the panels in relation to each other between an unfolded position closing the roof opening and a folded position. A central handle integral with the central hinge assists the movement of the panels to and from the unfolded position closing the roof opening. A separable hinge hingedly connects the aft edge of the rear panel to the rear edge of the roof opening permitting rotation of the jackknife folded forward and rear panels to a stored position cantilevered rearwardly of the roof opening and overlying the fixed roof. Separation of the separable hinge permits the removal of the panels from the fixed roof.

Abstract: An ashtray assembly for vehicles includes a support having a lower wall and side walls pivoted within the confines of an opening in a vehicle for movement about its lower portion between a non-operative position and an operative position extending outwardly and upwardly of the opening. An ash receiving receptacle having open upper and lower walls is pivoted to the upper portion of the support for movement therewith as a unit or movement outwardly relative thereto to a dump position. The open lower wall of the receptacle is closed by the lower wall of the support to provide an ashtray when the support and receptacle move as a unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle seat with a built-in toddler seat. The toddler seat is pivotally mounted with respect to the seat back and has a first position forming a lower portion of the seat back and a second position providing an elevated seating position for the toddler seat occupant. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a child barrier is pivotally mounted with respect to the seat back and has a first position forming an upper portion of the seat back and a second position which limits the forward movement of the toddler seat occupant. An embodiment of the inventive seat of the present invention described above also provides a novel arrangement for locking in an infant carrier to the vehicle seat.

Abstract: The present invention provides a four bar linkage seat adjuster apparatus and method of utilization of the same. The seat adjuster includes two links pivotally and cantileveredly connected with the vehicle. A third link is pivotally connected with the first two links and is also connected with the seat. The third link has a latch which selectively sets the position of the third link with respect to the first link thereby determining the position of the seat within the vehicle.