Abstract: A support mechanism for a vehicle closure panel is provided. The support mechanism includes a connection rod and a counterbalancing device. The connection rod is configured to secure the closure panel in a second position and control the speed of the closure panel as it moves between a first position and a second position. The counter balancing device includes a connection rod base structure, at least one guide block, of a first material, at least one resistance member, of a second material, and at least one spring element. The guide block interacts with the resistance member. The interaction of the first material of the guide block and the second material of the resistance member creates a resistance force of variable force output to counterbalance the weight of the closure panel as the closure panel moves between the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A support mechanism for a vehicle closure panel is provided. The support mechanism includes a connection rod and a counterbalancing device. The connection rod is configured to secure the closure panel in a second position and control the speed of the closure panel as it moves between a first position and a second position. The counter balancing device includes a connection rod base structure, at least one guide block, of a first material, at least one resistance member, of a second material, and at least one spring element. The guide block interacts with the resistance member. The interaction of the first material of the guide block and the second material of the resistance member creates a resistance force of variable force output to counterbalance the weight of the closure panel as the closure panel moves between the first position to the second position.

Abstract: An anchor plate assembly adjustably mounts a striker on the vehicle pillar. The striker has a striker base with apertures for receiving mounting bolts that will extend though oversized apertures in the pillar. An anchor base has a base plate for engagement with the pillar and bolt slots in the base plate for alignment with the oversized apertures in the pillar. An anchor slide has a slide plate mounted for vertical sliding movement on the base plate. The slide plate has nuts thereon aligned with the oversized apertures of the pillar. The nuts receive the mounting bolts so that when the mounting bolts are loose the striker together with the anchor slide can be adjusted vertically until tightening of the mounting bolts effectively clamps the slide plate of the anchor slide against the base plate of the anchor base to maintain the striker at the vertically adjusted position.

Abstract: An anchor plate assembly adjustably mounts a striker on the vehicle pillar. The striker has a striker base with apertures for receiving mounting bolts that will extend though oversized apertures in the pillar. An anchor base has a base plate for engagement with the pillar and bolt slots in the base plate for alignment with the oversized apertures in the pillar. An anchor slide has a slide plate mounted for vertical sliding movement on the base plate. The slide plate has nuts thereon aligned with the oversized apertures of the pillar. The nuts receive the mounting bolts so that when the mounting bolts are loose the striker together with the anchor slide can be adjusted vertically until tightening of the mounting bolts effectively clamps the slide plate of the anchor slide against the base plate of the anchor base to maintain the striker at the vertically adjusted position.

Abstract: A split vehicle closure assembly for a vehicle utilizes a novel seal assembly, latching mechanism and hinges, all of which cooperate to permit the vehicle closure assembly to selectively seal an opening to a vehicle compartment, preventing, dirt, liquid and fumes from entering through the vehicle closure assembly, or to be opened partially or fully to provide various configurations for access to the compartment through the opening.

Abstract: A split vehicle closure assembly for a vehicle utilizes a novel seal assembly, latching mechanism and hinges, all of which cooperate to permit the vehicle closure assembly to selectively seal an opening to a vehicle compartment, preventing, dirt, liquid and fumes from entering through the vehicle closure assembly, or to be opened partially or fully to provide various configurations for access to the compartment through the opening.

Abstract: A vehicle door that may include a latch/window regulator module and rear and forward integrated channel/regulators, is disclosed. The rear integrated channel/regulator may include a glass run channel that is integral with a window regulator guide rail, and may also have a door latch assembly mounted to it. Other features may be integral with and extend from the rear integrated channel/regulator. The forward integrated channel/regulator may include a glass run channel that is integral with a window regulator guide rail, and may include an integral flange to which a cable drum and motor are mounted. The latch/window regulator module may be pre-assembled before being assembled into the vehicle door.

Abstract: A cargo cover storage system for a vehicle that has a cargo bay that is at least partially defined by opposing sidewalls includes first and second rigid cover members adapted to cooperate with each other to at least partially cover and at least partially uncover the cargo bay. The cargo cover storage system further includes first and second bracket assemblies connectable and disconnectable from one of the sidewalls and configured to attach the cover members to one of the sidewalls in a stored position in which the cargo bay is at least partially uncovered. Preferably, the first and second cover members are not touching each other when in the stored position. A third cover member and third and fourth bracket assemblies may also be included within the cargo cover storage system. A method of storing a cargo cover is also provided.

Abstract: A cargo storage system for a vehicle having a cargo bay includes cover members adapted to cooperate with each other to at least partially cover and at least partially uncover the cargo bay. The system further includes two bracket assemblies configured to be connectable and disconnectable from the vehicle. The bracket assemblies are adapted to support at least one of the cover members above the other cover members when the bracket assemblies are connected to the vehicle such that the cover members are secured to the vehicle in a relatively stacked manner above the cargo bay and the cargo bay is at least partially uncovered. A method of storing a cargo cover is also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a cargo bed having a floor, side walls and a rear end opening with an endgate pivotally connected at the rear end opening. The endgate is pivotable between a vertical position covering the rear end opening and a horizontal position exposing the rear end opening for cargo loading and unloading. The endgate has a pass-through opening formed therein and includes a door integrally contained within the endgate. The door is pivotable with respect to the endgate between a closed position covering the pass-through opening and an open position to allow loading and unloading of cargo through the pass-through opening when the endgate is in the vertical position.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a cargo bed having a floor, side walls and a rear end opening with an endgate pivotally connected at the rear end opening. The endgate is pivotable between a vertical position covering the rear end opening and a horizontal position exposing the rear end opening for cargo loading and unloading. The endgate has a pass-through opening formed therein and includes a door integrally contained within the endgate. The door is pivotable with respect to the endgate between a closed position covering the pass-through opening and an open position to allow loading and unloading of cargo through the pass-through opening when the endgate is in the vertical position.