Abstract: A powertrain mounting system includes a pair of engine and transmission mount assemblies. The engine mount assemblies include an isolator assembly having an elastomeric bushing with an encapsulated mounting member, an integral snubber, and a bracket assembly having a one piece can arranged to house the bushing and having an interlock arranged to engage the bushing. The bushing is press-fit into the can and arranged to isolate the mounting member from the can thereby dampening powertrain vibration and controlling powertrain movement, and the snubber is arranged to limit movement of the bushing relative to the can. The transmission mount assembly includes a support member, a pair of isolators positioned relative to each other, and a pair of mounting brackets positioned on the isolators; wherein the isolators are arranged to maintain the mounting brackets in spaced relation to the support member thereby dampening powertrain vibration and controlling powertrain movement.

Abstract: A sled system for mounting a parking brake hand lever assembly and a gear shift assembly to a vehicle floor pan, the sled system having a predetermined configuration to mount on a vehicle floor pan.

Abstract: A carpet assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The carpet assembly includes a carpet fitted to cover the floor pan of the motor vehicle. A plastic ventilation duct is disposed below the carpet and extends from the heating and air conditioning system in the instrument panel to beneath the front row of seats. A hard foam blocked footrest is also disposed below said carpet. Polyurethane foam is provided below the carpet not only to provide cushion for the carpet but also to attach the ventilation duct and footrest to the carpet, thereby providing a unitary carpet assembly. The foam is formed substantially about the ventilation duct to reduce the heat transfer between the conditioned air and the surroundings.

Abstract: A cover for a spare tire storage system including a tub located beneath a floor of a vehicle. The cover includes a pivoting element utilized to pivot the cover to gain access to the tub. The pivoting element is also capable of being removed so that the entire cover can be removed from the vehicle and used as a working mat.

Abstract: A reinforced cover for a vehicle spare tire storage system. A cover for vehicle spare tire storage system is reinforced through a reinforcing structure including a plurality of radial reinforcing members. The members are formed from a blow molded dual layer cover by pressing together the two layers at certain points to form a series of "tack-offs" or cleats which in turn create channels. A peripheral flange extends perpendicular to the cover around the perimeter of the cover for engagement with the floor of the vehicle. In the preferred embodiment, the reinforcing structure further includes a plurality of arcuate reinforcing members.

Abstract: An energy absorption system for vehicle pillars. The energy absorption system includes a cover device attached to a pillar having an outer shell or side visible from the vehicle interior and an inner hidden side supporting a ladder-like structure which includes a spaced walls and spaced ribs integrally attached together. During energy absorption, the side walls absorb energy by bowing outward away from the ribs and occasionally tearing while energy is also absorbed by crushing distortion and tearing of the ribs from their attachment with the walls. Moreover, in an embodiment, at least one flow channel or passage for air is formed within the device laterally to the side of one of the walls. In another embodiment in which a seat belt attachment is utilized, the device forms a track for a slidable retention belt retention member.

Abstract: A foldable and removable top for a passenger vehicle. The top includes an overhead cover member and side curtains. The overhead cover member has a support arrangement including front and rear headers, transverse bow members, and side rails. The flexible and foldable fabric of the cover member is secured at its end portions to the front and rear headers and the bow members are secured across the middle section of the fabric between the side rails. One end of each side rail is pivotally mounted to the rear header and the other, free end is releasably securable to an end of the front header. When assembled, the side rails extend between the front and rear headers to hold them in a spaced-apart, extended position with the fabric of the cover member being drawn taut therebetween. The side curtains of the top are releasably securable to the overhead cover member and are also releasably securable to the vehicle itself by a unique hook and catch arrangement.