Abstract: A ventilation module for a vehicle having a housing including a flap hingedly secured along an inner edge to the housing to extend across its open interior. The flap includes side edges and an interconnecting outer edge which contact, in a closed flap condition, support locations configured along the housing to define its open interior. One or more fingers extend from at least one of the side and outer edges of the flap so that the fingers abut standoff locations of the housing located in proximity to the support locations. Upon a sufficient positive air pressure condition created within the passenger compartment which overcomes a holding force exerted by the fingers against said stand-offs, the flap is allowed to open in a controlled fashion to vent to the exterior the excess air pressure, until reclosing upon achieving an air equilibrium condition.

Abstract: A method for producing a thermoplastic panel, including the steps of providing a rotary injection tool exhibiting a die cavity and featuring at least one lifter component within the cavity. The tool is positioned to orient the cavity in a first configuration during which a first shot injection molding of a doghouse is conducted onto a receiving location of the lifter component. The cavity is open and the tool rotated to reposition the cavity in a second configuration, following which a second shot injection molding operation is conducted for forming a skin of the panel in communication with the first shot doghouse clip. Following this, the mold is opened and the finished part removed.

Abstract: A two piece lockout key assembly having a key inserting portion and a mating recess configured within a receiving housing body. The two piece key assembly further provides, in a first variant, a press retractable bearing and seat arrangement configured within a cylindrical shaped receiving body for providing quick single handed bypass/switch engagement by the user irrespective of the rotational position of the insert portion of the key relative to the fixed outer receiving portion. In a second variant, a pair of clasps are pivotally mounted to the body for engaging a lockout cell frame location.

Abstract: A compression molding technique, assembly and method for producing an acoustic/environmental sealing component, such as for use in a vehicle pillar. A two part mold defines a negative impression cavity of the completed part and within which is deposited a compounded and expandable resin as any of loose beads, granules or a syrup. The resin is heated within the mold to a temperature below that necessary for it activation/expansion, concurrent with being compression formed. A pre-formed rigid substrate not limited to a nylon is incorporated into the mold and against which is compression formed the resin.

Abstract: A ventilation module for a vehicle having a housing including a flap hingedly secured along an inner edge to the housing to extend across its open interior. The flap includes side edges and an interconnecting outer edge which contact, in a closed flap condition, support locations configured along the housing to define its open interior. One or more fingers extend from at least one of the side and outer edges of the flap so that the fingers abut standoff locations of the housing located in proximity to the support locations. Upon a sufficient positive air pressure condition created within the passenger compartment which overcomes a holding force exerted by the fingers against said stand-offs, the flap is allowed to open in a controlled fashion to vent to the exterior the excess air pressure, until reclosing upon achieving an air equilibrium condition.

Abstract: A method for producing a thermoplastic panel, including the steps of providing a rotary injection tool exhibiting a die cavity and featuring at least one lifter component within the cavity. The tool is positioned to orient the cavity in a first configuration during which a first shot injection molding of a doghouse is conducted onto a receiving location of the lifter component. The cavity is open and the tool rotated to reposition the cavity in a second configuration, following which a second shot injection molding operation is conducted for forming a skin of the panel in communication with the first shot doghouse clip. Following this, the mold is opened and the finished part removed.

Abstract: An article carrier apparatus for a vehicle includes a cross rail interconnected to an exterior surface of the vehicle, a heat sink positioned within the cross rail, and a light source positioned within the cross rail. The light source is thermally connected to the heat sink such that the heat sink will absorb at least a portion of the heat generated by operation of the light source. The cross rail will structurally support an article attached to the exterior of a vehicle.

Abstract: An assembly includes a first side rail attached to a first vehicle portion, a second side rail attached to a second vehicle portion, and a first cross rail extending between a first cross rail end and a second cross rail end. The assembly also includes a first retaining portion selectively in contact with the first side rail and the first cross rail end and a second retaining portion selectively in contact with the second side rail and the second cross rail end. The first retaining portion selectively retains the first cross rail so as to permit rotation of the first cross rail relative to the first retaining portion about a first axis. The first retaining portion selectively retains the first cross rail so as to permit rotation of the first cross rail relative to a portion of the first retaining portion about a second axis. The first axis is generally perpendicular to the second axis.

Abstract: A securement mechanism includes a tie-down cleat assembly for engagement with a mating component, the tie-down cleat assembly including a pin, a lock plate adjacent to one of the ends of the pin, and a housing having an aperture receiving the pin. An actuating member is operationally connected to the pin and causes selective movement of the pin and lock plate between a secured and unsecured orientation. The lock plate has a first dimension permitting the lock plate to be inserted into a channel associated with the mating component and a second dimension permitting the securement of the mating component between the housing and locking plate. The pin and locking plate and preferably the housing are all rotatable as a single unit.

Abstract: A securement mechanism includes a tie-down cleat assembly for engagement with a mating component, the tie-down cleat assembly including a pin, a lock plate adjacent to one of the ends of the pin, and a housing having an aperture receiving the pin. An actuating member is operationally connected to the pin and causes selective movement of the pin and lock plate between a secured and unsecured orientation. The lock plate has a first dimension permitting the lock plate to be inserted into a channel associated with the mating component and a second dimension permitting the securement of the mating component between the housing and locking plate. The pin and locking plate and preferably the housing are all rotatable as a single unit.

Abstract: A stanchion assembly attached to a vehicle for an article rack includes a support, a cover, and a support flange for connecting the stanchion to a side bar. The support flange is constructed of a higher strength material than the support or the cover to provide a stanchion that reduces weight and is less expensive while providing adequate support for the article rack.

Abstract: An article carrier assembly for attachment to a vehicle roof panel comprises two siderails and at least one cross-rail releasably stowed on one of the siderails. Attachment of the cross-rail to the siderails is carried out with the use of latching mechanisms. The mechanism is composed of a stanchion mounted on the cross-rail, with a lever pivotally placed therein, and of a lock plate assembly slidably attached to the siderail. For deployment of the assembly, the stanchion is put on the lock plate assembly which becomes engaged therewith upon turning the lever. The structure of the mechanism contributes to preventing the roof panel from being damaged upon the deployment.