Abstract: The present invention is a moveable connector for connecting two components on a vehicle. The connector has a body portion, and a first end formed as part of the body portion. The connector is movable about at least one axis located at the first end of the body portion. The connector is also connected to a first vehicle component, such as a carrier, using the first end of the body portion. There is also a second end formed as part of the body portion. The second end is operable for being connected to a second vehicle component, such as a fender. During assembly, the first vehicle component is positioned relative to the second vehicle component, and the connector is pivoted about the axis to allow the second end of the body portion to be connected to the second vehicle component.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle is provided which includes a structural member, a bumper movable with respect to the structural member upon an impact of said vehicle with an object, and a radiator for cooling fluid of a component of the vehicle, the radiator being mounted with the structural member. Movement of the bumper within predetermined limits causes the radiator to be dismounted with respect to said structural member minimizing material damage to the radiator.

Abstract: A connective system for connecting a first body to a second body having an aperture, is provided. The system includes a pin connected with the first body. The pin has a detent surface. A retainer ring having a snap fit engagement with the pin detent surface is provided. The retainer ring also has a locking arm for entry into the aperture of the second body with snap fit engagement with a surface of the second body thereby retaining the second body with said first body.

Abstract: The present invention is a tolerance adjusting attachment which is part of a bracket member used for providing proper alignment between more than one externally visible component. The tolerance adjusting attachment has a support aperture formed as a portion of the bracket member, and an adjuster core at least partially extending through the support aperture, the adjuster core operably associated with at least one structural member for providing proper positioning of the bracket member in relation to the structural member. The present invention also includes an adjuster clip at least partially extending through and movable through a portion of the bracket member such that the position of the adjuster core is secured relative to the bracket member.

Abstract: A structural joint for a vehicle is provided that includes a first tubular beam with forward and rear faces extending in a non-fore and aft direction. A bracket has a first leg abutting the first beam's forward face and a second leg transverse to the forward and rearward faces. The bracket has a third leg extending generally outward from the second leg. A mound is connected with the bracket and extending outwardly from the bracket's third leg provides a presentation surface spaced away from the bracket third leg. A second tubular beam has an end with a generally inverted U-shaped rear face with a central portion that abuts the mound. The second beam rear face also has vertical end portions abutting the bracket third leg. The second tubular beam has a front face which is spaced from the bracket third leg. Threaded fasteners connect the bracket and the second tubular beam together.

Abstract: A structural joint for a vehicle is provided that includes a first tubular beam with forward and rear faces extending in a non-fore and aft direction. A bracket has a first leg abutting the first beam's forward face and a second leg transverse to the forward and rearward faces. The bracket has a third leg extending generally outward from the second leg. A mound is connected with the bracket and extending outwardly from the bracket's third leg provides a presentation surface spaced away from the bracket third leg. A second tubular beam has an end with a generally inverted U-shaped rear face with a central portion that abuts the mound. The second beam rear face also has vertical end portions abutting the bracket third leg. The second tubular beam has a front face which is spaced from the bracket third leg. Threaded fasteners connect the bracket and the second tubular beam together.

Abstract: An arrangement for connecting a body with a front end module of a vehicle is provided. The arrangement includes in one embodiment a doghouse connected with the front end module. The doghouse has upper, lower and transverse interior borders and an interior engagement surface. A penetrator connected to the body is provided. The penetrator has surfaces closely aligned with the upper, lower and transverse interior borders of the doghouse. The penetrator has a compliant clip for locking engagement with the doghouse interior engagement surface.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle is provided which includes a structural member, a bumper movable with respect to the structural member upon an impact of said vehicle with an object, and a radiator for cooling fluid of a component of the vehicle, the radiator being mounted with the structural member. Movement of the bumper within predetermined limits causes the radiator to be dismounted with respect to said structural member minimizing material damage to the radiator.

Abstract: A connective system for connecting a first body to a second body having an aperture, is provided. The system includes a pin connected with the first body. The pin has a detent surface. A retainer ring having a snap fit engagement with the pin detent surface is provided. The retainer ring also has a locking arm for entry into the aperture of the second body with snap fit engagement with a surface of the second body thereby retaining the second body with said first body.

Abstract: A The present invention is a support system for a panel having a carrier member to which a component support structure is attached, at least one component support structure to which a first externally visible component and the contoured finish panel require attachment, a first attachment structure for providing fixed position attachment of the first externally visible component, and a support member having a contoured surface for supported the contoured finished panel in a fixed position. The present invention also includes a second attachment structure which provides adjustable positioning of the support member to the support structure such that a close tolerance fit can be facilitated between the first externally visible component and the contoured finish panel by selecting the position of the support member.