Abstract: A hitch assembly having a ball stud assembly and a sleeve with an open end dimensioned to receive the ball stud assembly. The ball stud assembly including a ball portion and a locking assembly. The ball stud assembly is movable between an extended position in which the ball portion extends out of the sleeve and a retracted position in which the ball portion is fully received within the sleeve. The locking assembly is configured to selectively lock the ball stud assembly with respect to the sleeve in either the extended position or the retracted position.

Abstract: A hitch assembly having a ball stud assembly and a sleeve with an open end dimensioned to receive the ball stud assembly. The ball stud assembly including a ball portion and a locking assembly. The ball stud assembly is movable between an extended position in which the ball portion extends out of the sleeve and a retracted position in which the ball portion is fully received within the sleeve. The locking assembly is configured to selectively lock the ball stud assembly with respect to the sleeve in either the extended position or the retracted position.

Abstract: A vehicle component formed using a reinforcing mixture that includes a plurality of basalt fibers. According to one embodiment, the reinforced vehicle component could be formed by a method in which a vehicle component is provided for reinforcement, such as a vehicle panel that may be stamped from steel. Basalt fibers are mixed with a carrier that includes one or more of an epoxy or a glue. The mixture of basalt fibers and the carrier are applied to the vehicle panel. In one embodiment, for example, the mixture could be sprayed onto the vehicle panel for purposes of reinforcement.

Abstract: A hinge assembly that allows a door to swing open up to approximately 170 degrees, which allows for greater access to the interior compartment. In one embodiment, the hinge assembly includes two mounting brackets, a load link and a driver link. The load link is configured to carry the weight of the door while the driver link drives the load link through the pivoting motion. As the door begins to swing open, the driver link is fixed in association with the load link. This association allows the hinge assembly to rotate and keep a constant between each link, thereby allowing for a smooth and single opening motion.

Abstract: A vehicle body hood hinge (24) includes a pivotal connector (32) that extends between a vehicle body hinge member (28) and a hood hinge member (30) to permit adjustment so that the hood is flush with the vehicle body in a closed position. The pivotal connector (32) includes a connection member 34 having an adjustment pivotal connection (36) on the vehicle body hinge member and an adjustable positioning connection (38) that secures the connection member in an adjusted position, while a main pivotal connection (40) of the pivotal connector includes a bushing (42) and a pintle (44) that cooperate to permit pivotal movement of the hinge between hood open and closed positions and to also permit adjustable positioning of the mounted hood with respect to the vehicle body.