Abstract: An improved bushing assembly for a solar tracker is provided. The bushing assembly includes a bushing that is seated within a ring-shaped bracket. The bushing includes an annular ridge that is disposed within an annular channel in the bracket. Alternatively, the bracket includes an annular ridge that is disposed within an annular channel in the bushing. In each configuration, the bushing is retained in position during installation of the bracket. The bushing defines an internal passage for a solar tracker crossbar and provides complete rotational freedom for the crossbar about its lengthwise axis and limited rotational freedom for the crossbar about the remaining orthogonal axes. Additional features including side skirts for minimizing the entry of debris between the bushing and the bracket, a resilient latch for securing bracket sections together, and vertical openings in the bracket sections to allow debris to escape.

Abstract: An improved leveling bolt adapted to be received within an aperture defined by a panel is provided. The leveling bolt includes a threaded shaft, a base, and an obstruction. The base is joined to a first end of the threaded shaft. The obstruction is proximal to a second end of the threaded shaft and is adapted to engage the panel at the aperture during reversal of the threaded shaft from the aperture to prevent full withdrawal of the leveling bolt.

Abstract: This disclosure provides an improved tie-strap fastener (the “releasable fastener”) for releasably securing elongate articles to a panel. The releasable fastener includes a body defining a laterally spaced curved aperture, an elongated strap projecting laterally outward from a lateral side of the body between a top surface and the aperture, and a locking pawl disposed the aperture. The body defines an opening extending internally from a side surface of the body to the aperture to provide access to the locking pawl, which is adapted to releasably engage and retain the elongated strap when inserted into the aperture from the top surface of the body. Methods of installing the releasable fastener on a panel, releasably fastening elongate articles to the panel with the releasable fastener, and related assemblies are also provided.

Abstract: An improved leveling bolt adapted to be received within an aperture defined by a panel is provided. The leveling bolt includes a threaded shaft, a base, and an obstruction. The base is joined to a first end of the threaded shaft. The obstruction is proximal to a second end of the threaded shaft and is adapted to engage the panel at the aperture during reversal of the threaded shaft from the aperture to prevent full withdrawal of the leveling bolt.

Abstract: A stud assembly may be used to secure one item, such as a panel, to a second item, such as a second panel. The stud assembly may include a fastener, a first clip having a fastener portion and a retaining portion, the retaining portion having at least one aperture, where the first clip is attached to the fastener at the fastener portion, and a second clip attached to the fastener and spaced from the fastener portion of the first clip, the second clip having at least one tab, where the tab engages the aperture to secure the first clip to the second clip.

Abstract: A spare tire handling device mounted on a vehicle and adapted for moving a spare tire between a stored and an accessible position relative to the vehicle, and including a winch and a flexible member attached to the winch at one end and the other end to the spare tire. The device includes a tire carrier with a housing and one extending portion pivotally connected to the housing. The extending portion being movable from a retracted to an extended position. Additionally a biasing member urges the extending portion to an extended position. A secondary lock assembly and a rim spacer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A clip and a method for using the clip is shown and described herein. The clip may include a base, a pair of flaps, a pair of arms and at least one wing. The pair of flaps may be mutually confronting and extend outwardly from the base, wherein each flap includes a tab. The pair of arms may be mutually confronting and extend outwardly from the base, wherein each arm includes a tab. The method may utilize a clip to secure a first component to a second component. The method may include rotating the clip or the first component in a first direction thereby securing each other together. The second component may be placed onto the clip. The first component and clip may be serviceable by rotating the first component in a second direction opposite that of the first to remove the first component from the clip.

Abstract: The present invention provides a clip having a general T-shape. The clip may be mounted to a deck board structure for engagement with a joist. The clip may include a base for mounting to a structure, such as a deck board, and barbs located on the base. The clip may also include a pair of supporting arms having clamping tabs with barbs. The barbs of the base and the clamping tabs may grip onto a joist. The clip may also include an aperture that is capable of connecting the base to the deck board. Once assembled with the deck board and joist, the clip may remain completely hidden from view after deck completion.

Abstract: A stud assembly may be used to secure one item, such as a panel, to a second item, such as a second panel. The stud assembly may include a fastener, a first clip having a fastener portion and a retaining portion, the retaining portion having at least one aperture, where the first clip is attached to the fastener at the fastener portion, and a second clip attached to the fastener and spaced from the fastener portion of the first clip, the second clip having at least one tab, where the tab engages the aperture to secure the first clip to the second clip.

Abstract: A striker may engage a latch mechanism of a vehicle—the latch mechanism of the vehicle being capable of being latched and unlatched—to help prevent chucking of the vehicle and to assist in opening a door of the vehicle. The striker may comprise a base, a post attached to the base, a plate positionable relative to the post to a first position adjacent the post and a second position spaced from the post. The striker may further comprise a biasing member engaged with the plate, wherein the biasing member positions the plate to the first position when the latch mechanism is unlatched.

Abstract: A locked base trim clip is described. The trim clip may secure two or more components together, such as a blade and a panel. The trim clip may include an outer frame having a top portion and a base portion. The base portion may be capable of engagement with a first component. The trim clip may include at least one tongue that may extend outward from the top portion and may engage with a second component. The trim clip may include at least one tab extending outward from the base portion that may engage the first component. The trim clip may include at least one locking feature that may include an inner U-portion and an outer U-portion. The locking feature may increase the ratio of insertion to retention within the second component to be greater than 1:2 or 1:3.

Abstract: A plastic hinged trim clip is described. The trim clip may secure two or more components together. The trim clip may include a body and a locking feature. The body may include a first end and a second end located on either side of a fold area. The locking feature may include a first hook located on the first end, and a second hook and first opening located on the second end. The first hook may engage with the second hook and the first opening. The locking feature may engage around one of the components. Each end may include an insertion portion to engage with another component. The locking feature may also include a third hook and a second opening that may engage with one another. The locking feature may increase the ratio of insertion to retention within the components to be greater than 1:2 or 1:3.

Abstract: A spare tire handling device mounted on a vehicle and adapted for moving a spare tire between a stored and an accessible position relative to the vehicle, and including a winch and a flexible member attached to the winch at one end and the other end to the spare tire. The device includes a tire carrier with a housing and one extending portion pivotally connected to the housing. The extending portion being movable from a retracted to an extended position. Additionally a biasing member urges the extending portion to an extended position. A secondary lock assembly and a rim spacer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A latch striker may be used in a vehicle to hingedly attach a door, such as a glove box door to an instrument panel of a vehicle such that the door may be selectively opened and closed. The latch striker of the present embodiment may comprise a body, a latch bar attached to the body at an end of the body. The latch bar is capable of removably securing to a catch mechanism of the vehicle. The latch striker may further comprise a mounting device formed in a portion of the body substantially opposite the end of the body, the mounting device is capable of attaching to the vehicle, and a light mechanism secured to the body.

Abstract: A striker may engage a latch mechanism of a vehicle—the latch mechanism of the vehicle being capable of being latched and unlatched—to help prevent chucking of the vehicle and to assist in opening a door of the vehicle. The striker may comprise a base, a post attached to the base, a plate positionable relative to the post to a first position adjacent the post and a second position spaced from the post. The striker may further comprise a biasing member engaged with the plate, wherein the biasing member positions the plate to the first position when the latch mechanism is unlatched.

Abstract: A body mount included at least one clip, at least one plate and a sleeve. The clip may include a generally cylindrical body having a central aperture therethrough. The clip may further include at least one set of inwardly extending prongs. The clip may further include at least one set of outwardly extending prongs. The sleeve may have opposed openings capable of engaging a first clip and a second clip between their respective plates.

Abstract: A striker having a bumper for mounting to a support structure and for engagement with a latch mechanism is described. The striker includes improved noise and vibration control characteristics to reduce or eliminate chucking, squeak and rattle concerns. The striker may include a base, a bumper post, a post, a bridge, and a bumper. The base may include at least one aperture for connecting the base to the support structure. The bumper post may extend outwardly from the base. The post may extend outwardly from the base and be engageable with the latch mechanism. The bridge may extend between the bumper post and post at a distance away from the base, wherein the bridge may engage a fishmouth of the latch mechanism. The bumper may be chemically bonded to the bumper post, wherein the bumper may be capable of wedged engagement with an entrance of the latch mechanism.

Abstract: A dual pawl latch assembly is described herein. The dual pawl glove box latch assembly may provide an improved latch assembly for a glove box that may reduce the number of assembly components as well as decrease the complexity of those components, such as eliminating screw attachments. The glove box latch assembly may include a handle assembly and a latch assembly. The handle assembly may include a handle and at least one actuating arm extending therefrom. The latch assembly may include a back plate comprising at least one arm aperture and a locking feature comprising an engagement section and a pair of pawls. The actuating arms may engage with the engagement feature to operate the pawls. The glove box latch assembly may also reduce or eliminate chattering on the extended corners of the glove box door when in a closed position.

Abstract: A channel fastener is described. The channel fastener may secure molding to a vehicle roof ditch and includes a retainer clip and a fastener. The retainer clip includes a body having an opening for receiving a pin, an attachment feature located on an end of the body, a clamp feature located on either side of the opening, and wings extending from the body. The attachment feature secures the molding to the channel fastener. The wings center and align the channel fastener within the roof ditch. The fastener includes an aperture for receiving the pin, wherein the fastener may be slidably secured within the body. The fastener may slide laterally and longitudinally from a center of the retainer clip toward either wall of the roof ditch.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a clip and a method for using the clip. The clip may include a base, a pair of flaps, a pair of arms and at least one wing. The pair of flaps may be mutually confronting and extend outwardly from the base, wherein each flap includes a tab. The pair of arms may be mutually confronting and extend outwardly from the base, wherein each arm includes a tab. The method may utilize a clip to secure a first component to a second component. The method may include rotating the clip or the first component in a first direction thereby securing each other together. The second component may be placed onto the clip. The first component and clip may be serviceable by rotating the first component in a second direction opposite that of the first to remove the first component from the clip.