Abstract: The present invention relates to a door assembly which has a lower door assembly and an upper door assembly, and the upper door assembly and a lower door assembly can be connected. In addition, the upper door assembly is at least partially made of composite materials. Thus, the upper door assembly can be completely constructed with composite materials or it can be constructed of a hybrid material which consists of composite materials and steel. Furthermore, the door assembly can have trim molding integrated into the upper door assembly during the molding process. In the alternative, the door assembly could have an upper door assembly where attachment areas are molded into the upper door assembly which will allow for trim molding to be easily attached to the upper door assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is an article carrier assembly for mounting on an exterior surface of a motor vehicle. The article carrier comprise a pair of elongated side rails constructed and arranged to be mounted on an exterior surface of the motor vehicle. The side rails extend generally parallel to one another in a spaced apart relation. Each of the side rails has a longitudinally extending deformable gripping structure. An elongated adjustable cross rail assembly is constructed and arranged to be mounted transversely between and releasably lockable along the side rails in an infinite range of operating positions. The cross rail assembly has rail locking structures mounted on opposite ends thereof for selectively engaging the gripping structure.

Abstract: The present invention is an article carrier assembly for mounting on an exterior surface of a motor vehicle, the article including a pair of elongated side rails constructed and arranged to be mounted on an exterior surface of the motor vehicle. The side rails extend generally parallel to one another in a spaced apart relation and an elongated adjustable cross rail assembly constructed and arranged to be mounted transversely between and releasably lockable along the side rails in a range of operating positions. The cross rail assembly has rail locking structures mounted on opposite ends thereof for selectively engaging the side rails. An actuator is operatively connected to the rail locking structures. The actuator is positioned such that an operator standing on one side of the vehicle can manipulate the actuator and move the cross rail assembly between the operating positions.

Abstract: Stabilizing mechanism for the rear end of a raised vehicle window includes a stabilizer track mounted in the door and including a vertical upper portion and a forward curving lower portion. A stabilizer link has a lower end carrying a roller captured in the track and an upper end pivoted to a sash bracket carried by the window. The link erects to a stand-up position extending between the track and the window when the window is raised. The link collapses to a stored position extending between the lower portion of the track and the sash bracket when the window is lowered. The link has an offset arm carrying a tapered pin which seats in a bushing carried by the door as the window reaches the fully raised position to stabilize the link to the door. The link and the sash bracket have interfitting tongue and groove elements which mate as the window reaches its fully raised position to stabilize the link to the window.

Abstract: A seat position control mechanism includes an inboard slave track arrangement having a single track assembly and an outboard control track arrangement having a pair of the same track assemblies arranged in vertically stacked relationship. One of the outboard track assemblies provides for horizontal adjustment of the seat and the other provides for movement of the seat to and from an easy enter position. A control cable arrangement interconnects a tilting seat back and a latch mechanism for the other outboard track assembly to release a latch mechanism and permit movement of the seat to the easy enter position.

Abstract: A carrier member mounted on a door window is positioned between the first and second opposed facing spaced apart legs of a door mounted track. The carrier member has an axially extending cylindrical bore communicating between the track legs. First and second bearing balls are mounted within the cylindrical bore and roll against one another and respectively against the first and second track legs to provide low friction precision guided movement of the window between the open and closed positions. Tracks are preferably provided at both the front and rear of the window. One of the tracks extends vertically through the window opening. First and second carrier members and associated rolling balls are mounted on the window in vertically spaced relation and roll along semi-cylindrical grooves extending vertically along the track legs to define the path of rolling movement and support the window against pitching movement and against fore and aft movement relative the door.

Abstract: A seat slide bearing assembly includes a bearing unit of low friction plastic material and a roller. The bearing unit includes an apertured body portion which rotatably receives the roller and includes an integral tab fitting within an aperture of the roller to preassemble the bearing unit and roller as a module. Integral legs extend from the body portion and terminate in integral bearing portions having opposed faces, one of which is provided with a series of deflectable ribs.