Abstract: A storage receptacle integrated into the floor of a vehicle. The storage receptacle includes a housing. The housing includes a collar, a lower surface, and a plurality of side surfaces extending between the collar and the lower surface. The side surfaces each define an upper surface and an intermediate surface that extend continuously around an inner periphery of the housing and are oriented substantially parallel with the collar and the lower surface. A lid is configured to rest on the upper surface in a first storage position when the lid has a first orientation, and is configured to rest on the intermediate surface in a second storage position when the lid has a second orientation, wherein the second orientation is rotated 90 degrees relative to the first orientation.

Abstract: A storage receptacle integrated into the floor of a vehicle. The storage receptacle includes a housing. The housing includes a collar, a lower surface, and a plurality of side surfaces extending between the collar and the lower surface. The side surfaces each define an upper surface and an intermediate surface that extend continuously around an inner periphery of the housing and are oriented substantially parallel with the collar and the lower surface. A lid is configured to rest on the upper surface in a first storage position when the lid has a first orientation, and is configured to rest on the intermediate surface in a second storage position when the lid has a second orientation, wherein the second orientation is rotated 90 degrees relative to the first orientation.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a seat cushion frame, a seatback, and a leg. The seat cushion frame has an outboard end pivotally mounted to a fixed support proximate a side wall of the vehicle, and the seatback is pivotally connected to the seat cushion frame. The leg is pivotally mounted to the inboard end of the seat cushion frame and includes a latch mechanism for securing to the vehicle floor. A brace is pivotally connected to the leg and to the fixed support proximate the side wall, so that the seat cushion frame, leg, brace and fixed support act a parallel linkage to move as a unit from a use position to a stowed position of the seat assembly. The assembly is held in the stowed position by a pin that engages the brace to prevent its pivoting relative to the fixed support.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a seat cushion frame, a seatback, and a leg. The seat cushion frame has an outboard end pivotably mounted proximate a side wall of the vehicle, and the seatback is pivotably connected to the seat cushion frame. The leg is pivotably mounted to the inboard end of the seat cushion frame.

Abstract: A motor vehicle seat frame assembly for moving a headrest between an extended position and a retracted position as the frame assembly pivots. The frame assembly comprises a seatback frame operatively engaged with the headrest, and a bar having first and second ends. The seatback frame is pivotable from a use position about a first pivot that is fixed with respect to the vehicle. The first end of the bar is pivotably connected to a second pivot that is fixed with respect to the vehicle, and the second end of the bar is attached to the headrest such that the headrest moves from the extended position toward the retracted position as the seatback frame is pivoted from the use position.

Abstract: A guide assembly for a headrest having at least one support comprises a track having a first plurality of openings and a second plurality of openings spaced from the first plurality of openings. A first set of ball bearings is disposed in the first plurality of openings, and a second set of ball bearings disposed in the second plurality of openings. The first and second sets of ball bearings engage the at least one support.

Abstract: A motor vehicle seat frame assembly for moving a headrest between an extended position and a retracted position as the frame assembly pivots. The frame assembly comprises a seatback frame operatively engaged with the headrest, and a bar having first and second ends. The seatback frame is pivotable from a use position about a first pivot that is fixed with respect to the vehicle. The first end of the bar is pivotably connected to a second pivot that is fixed with respect to the vehicle, and the second end of the bar is attached to the headrest such that the headrest moves from the extended position toward the retracted position as the seatback frame is pivoted from the use position.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a motor vehicle including at least one J-shaped bracket movable toward and away from a front of the vehicle, a pivot rod engaging the at least one J-shaped bracket, and a seat cushion frame connected to the at least one J-shaped bracket. At least one link is attached to the seat frame and attached to the floor of the vehicle, and at least one guide bracket is mounted to the vehicle floor. The guide bracket has an arcuate slot engagable with the pivot rod as the J-shaped bracket moves toward the front of the vehicle to pivot the J-shaped bracket.

Abstract: A motor vehicle seat frame assembly has a headrest movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The frame assembly comprises a seatback frame operatively engaged with the headrest, a cable, and a rod having an extension. The seatback frame is pivotable from a use position to a lowered position, while the cable extends between the headrest and a fixed point. A tensioner is attached to the seatback frame, and is adapted to wind the cable on the extension when the seatback frame is pivoted toward the lowered position.

Abstract: An adjustable pedal apparatus for a motor vehicle. The apparatus includes a pedal that can be translated in a longitudinal fashion parallel to the vehicle floor. The pedal is translated by use of a screw that is threadedly attached to the pedal and also pivotally attached to a motion linkage. The position and movement of the motion linkage is uniform irrespective of the longitudinal position of the pedal. The pedal includes a pivot pin that is received by a slot formed in a body structure; translation of the pedal along screw causes longitudinal movement of the pivot pin the said slot. The pivot pin is free to translate within said slot while the pedal is not depressed, when the pedal is depressed the pivot pin becomes fixed longitudinally by a camming formation and locking element arrangement. This allows depression of the pedal to cause the pedal to pivot about the pivot pin.

Abstract: An adjustable pedal apparatus for a motor vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a pedal that can be translated in a longitudinal fashion parallel to the vehicle floor. The pedal is translated by use of a screw that is threadedly attached to the pedal and also pivotally attached to a motion linkage. The position and movement of the motion linkage is uniform irrespective of the longitudinal position of the pedal. The pedal includes a pivot pin that is received by a slot formed in a body structure; translation of the pedal along screw causes longitudinal movement of the pivot pin the said slot. The pivot pin is free to translate within said slot while the pedal is not depressed, when the pedal is depressed the pivot pin becomes fixed longitudinally by a camming formation and locking element arrangement. This allows depression of the pedal to cause the pedal to pivot about the pivot pin.

Abstract: An adjustable pedal apparatus for a motor vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a pedal that can be translated in a longitudinal fashion parallel to the vehicle floor. The apparatus includes a pedal pivotally attached to a pivot pin. The pivot pin is threadedly attached to a powered screw to allow translation thereon in response to rotation of the screw. The pivot pin is received in a second longitudinal slot formed in a base formation. An attachment link is pivotally attached to the pivot pin and includes an elongated opening for receiving a driving pin and a pushrod attachment. Driving pin and pushrod attachment are free to slide and pivot with their attachment to the attachment link. A power link is also provided. The power link is pivotally attached to the pedal at an elevation lower than the pivot pin. The power link also includes an elongated opening.

Abstract: A steering column support structure for an automotive vehicle comprising a plastic instrument panel including duct structure having rear reinforcing ribs and front reinforcing ribs. Upper metal struts are secured to the rear reinforcing ribs. Lower metal struts are secured to the rear reinforcing ribs. The rear ends of the upper and lower struts are secured together. The front ends of the upper and lower struts are rigidly secured to vehicle support structure. The lower struts are secured to the steering column.

Abstract: A system for stowing a spare tire on the exterior of a sport utility vehicle includes a carrier that holds the spare tire and that can pivoted between a highway configuration, wherein the spare tire is positioned beneath the chassis to thereby provide unimpeded access to the vehicle's rear lift door, and an off-road configuration, wherein the tire is positioned against the rear lift door, to thereby provide ample clearance beneath the vehicle.