Abstract: A cargo bin assembly of an automotive vehicle includes a recess that extends below a floor surface. The recess preferably has a stepped conformation where a first, shallow rim portion receives support members without the potential for interfering with items stored in a second, deep storage portion of the recess. Preferably, the deep storage portion is dimensioned to receive side panel lids from side storage assemblies. Removal of the generally planar side panel lids allows elongated items to be received in the cargo area, and the cargo recess allows the side panel lids to be stored. No openings are provided along the lower portion of the side storage cavity to prevent collection of dirt or debris.

Abstract: A striker cover completely conceals a striker and includes a first cover portion and a second cover portion. The first cover portion pivots with respect to the striker, and the second cover portion pivots with respect to the first cover portion. A spring element biases the first cover portion to pivot away from the striker. The second cover portion may be biased by inertia or a spring element to pivot toward the striker.

Abstract: A cargo bin assembly of an automotive vehicle includes a recess that extends below a floor surface. The recess preferably has a stepped conformation where a first, shallow rim portion receives support members without the potential for interfering with items stored in a second, deep storage portion of the recess. Preferably, the deep storage portion is dimensioned to receive side panel lids from side storage assemblies. Removal of the generally planar side panel lids allows elongated items to be received in the cargo area, and the cargo recess allows the side panel lids to be stored. No openings are provided along the lower portion of the side storage cavity to prevent collection of dirt or debris.

Abstract: A striker cover completely conceals a striker and includes a first cover portion and a second cover portion. The first cover portion pivots with respect to the striker, and the second cover portion pivots with respect to the first cover portion. A spring element biases the first cover portion to pivot away from the striker. The second cover portion may be biased by inertia or a spring element to pivot toward the striker.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding and storing tools in a vehicle, including a storage body shaped to fit inside the hub of a spare wheel. The storage body has a jack storage space for securely holding a vehicle raising jack, a lug wrench-receiving space for securely holding a lug wrench and a hollow storage well for holding and storing one or more various user-selected tools or accessories. The storage well has a volume approximately as large as said jack storage space. The storage well may be substantially crescent shaped in cross section and extends substantially the full depth of the storage body for thereby providing a relatively large storage space in a otherwise restricted area of a vehicle trunk. Optionally, tools may be added to the storage body, and fitted into the appropriate storage spaces therein, to form a compact tool kit and storage receptacle for a vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding and storing tools in a vehicle, including a storage body shaped to fit inside the hub of a spare wheel. The storage body has a jack storage space for securely holding a vehicle raising jack, a lug wrench-receiving space for securely holding a lug wrench and a hollow storage well for holding and storing one or more various user-selected tools or accessories. The storage well has a volume approximately as large as said jack storage space. The storage well may be substantially crescent shaped in cross section and extends substantially the full depth of the storage body for thereby providing a relatively large storage space in a otherwise restricted area of a vehicle trunk. Optionally, tools may be added to the storage body, and fitted into the appropriate storage spaces therein, to form a compact tool kit and storage receptacle for a vehicle.