Abstract: An adjustable dead pedal apparatus for a motor vehicle is provided. The adjustable dead pedal apparatus includes a bracket that is removeably attached to a vehicle side wall. A pedal structure is selectively secured to one of a plurality of position on the bracket. The pedal structure can be moved in the fore/aft direction by removing the bracket from the side wall and removing the pedal structure from the bracket from a first position and reattaching the pedal structure at a second position. The bracket can then be reattached to the vehicle side wall.

Abstract: A method of installing a carpet member in a motor vehicle includes the general step of orienting the carpet member so that an underside faces upward. The method additionally includes the step of engaging an edge of the carpet member with a plurality of studs upwardly extending from the vehicle. The method of the present invention further includes the step of rotating the carpet member about the plurality of studs to conceal the plurality of studs.

Abstract: An inner body panel that is configured to receive a snap-in component and a corresponding method of manufacture are provided. The inner body panel includes a urethane layer having an inner molded edge defining a first aperture and a glass mat layer affixed to the urethane layer. The glass mat has a second aperture that is smaller than the first aperture. The inner body panel also includes a cloth layer affixed to the glass mat layer that has a third aperture that is smaller than the first aperture. The cloth layer and the glass mat layer are trapped between the inner molded edge and the snap-in component, whereby a soft gasket fit between the snap-in component and the inner molded edge is produced and damage to the inner body panel is minimized when the snap-in component is inserted into the inner body panel.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding a seat belt webbing includes a first mounting portion and a guiding portion. The first mounting portion preferably includes an aperture adapted to receive a vertical post for conventionally mounting a head rest to a vehicle seat back. The guide portion defines an opening for receiving the seat belt webbing. In certain applications, the apparatus further includes a second mounting portion for releasably engaging the headrest. A bezel is disclosed for releasably attaching to the vertical post.

Abstract: A floor covering assembly and method for use in an interior compartment of an automotive vehicle includes a floor covering having a sill trim attached thereto. The floor covering assembly is prefabricated, thus it forms a unitary, modular assembly which may be easily installed in the interior of the vehicle in a timely and efficient manner. The floor covering assembly includes a sill trim having a U-shaped channel which accepts a leading edge of the floor covering. The floor covering is then wrapped around at least one surface of the sill trim and secured thereto by a suitable adhesive. A staple or other fastening mechanism may also be used to further secure the floor covering to the sill trim.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for centering and aligning a semi-rigid material, preferably a vehicle headliner, relative to a centering apparatus, is disclosed for mounting thereon a locating feature about the actual center line of the headliner. The method and apparatus is also suitable for use with an automotive backwall, shelf panel or carpeting. The apparatus includes a support, a centering device comprising a rack and pinion assembly driven by a low air pressure drive means, a sensor including a limit switch or the like to detect when the headliner is aligned relative to the apparatus, and a hinged arm and nest assembly for placing the locating feature on the vehicle headliner.

Abstract: A container holding assembly for a vehicle including an interior trim panel having an inside surface and an outside surface. Container holding assembly comprises an arcuate support member and a cylindrically-shaped net of flexible material including a top end annular border defining an opening and a bottom end annular border. The net top end annular border is secured to the support member so that the net is adapted to be suspended in a free state from the support member. The support member is constructed from a one-piece wire form, having a substantially circular shape, defining a closed end portion terminating in parallel end portions laterally spaced apart a predetermined dimension. The trim panel includes a pair of holes extending through the trim panel. The holes are laterally spaced apart a dimension equal to the predetermined dimension of the parallel end portions so that the end portions may be inserted therein in a removably retained manner.

Abstract: A door sill garnish trim piece for concealing and protecting a vehicle door or hatch opening flange is described that has a cross-section featuring a seating member opposite a pair of curved projects. As the door sill garnish trim piece is snapped onto the flange, the curved projection deflect around and provide clearance for a line of rivet heads on the flange allowing it to seat snugly within the door sill garnish trim. A closed cell structure attached to the seating member provides support for the occupant as he or she enters or exits the vehicle. A narrow U-shaped channel looping behind the seating member establishes a rigid surface for a vehicle door seal. A piece of carpeting is affixed to the outside and tucked into the U-shaped channel. Prior to installation, the door sill garnish trim piece is trimmed to a predetermined length.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for centering and aligning a semi-rigid material, preferably a vehicle headliner, relative to a centering apparatus, is disclosed for mounting thereon a locating feature about the actual center line of the headliner. The method and apparatus is also suitable for use with an automotive backwall, shelf panel or carpeting. The apparatus includes a support, a centering device comprising a rack and pinion assembly driven by a low air pressure drive means, a sensor including a limit switch or the like to detect when the headliner is aligned relative to the apparatus, and a hinged arm and nest assembly for placing the locating feature on the vehicle headliner.