Abstract: A retractable running board assembly has a step, at least two support arms, at least two mounting brackets, at least two pairs of parallel links and a drive. The step has an elongated stepping surface extending generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of a vehicle on which the running board assembly is mounted. The support arms are mounted to the step. The mounting brackets are connected to an underside of the vehicle. The parallel links are pivotally connected between each of the support arms and the mounting brackets. The drive effects movement of the step between an extended outboard position and a retracted inboard position.

Abstract: A method for attaching a soft top to a motor vehicle body tensions the soft top without a separate tensioning device. The method includes the general steps of attaching a support member to the motor vehicle for pivotal movement about a transverse pivot axis, supporting an upper rear corner of the top with the support member, and tensioning the top by upwardly and rearwardly biasing the upper rear corner of the top with the support member. The support member functions to provide a spring load for tensioning the top. In the preferred method, the support member is elastically deformed for tensioning the top.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an article carrier assembly for installation on a generally upwardly facing surface of a motor vehicle. The assembly comprises first and second elongated side rails each having locking member engaging portions. Preferably, the locking member engaging portions are spaced apart apertures, although the present invention is not intended to be limited in such a manner. The side rails mount on the generally upwardly facing surface of the motor vehicle in spaced apart, generally parallel relation. An adjustable cross rail assembly has an elongated cross rail for supporting articles of cargo, a fixed locking member fixedly mounted on one opposing end portion of the cross rail, and a selectively movable locking member movably mounted on the other opposing end portion of the cross rail. The movable locking member is selectively movable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an article carrier assembly which incorporates a relatively simple mechanism for locking and unlocking the cross rail assembly from one side of the vehicle. One aspect of the present invention relates to an article carrier assembly having a manually turnable knob and a pair of linking members each connecting the knob with associated locking structure. Another aspect of the present invention relates to an article carrier assembly which has locking structures and rail supporting structures on opposing ends thereof.

Abstract: A removable door frame assembly for a motor vehicle includes a first portion pivotally interconnected to a second portion. The first portion is adapted to be oriented horizontally and releasably attached to a sport bar assembly of the motor vehicle. The second portion is adapted to be oriented vertically and releasably engage the body of the vehicle. The first portion is configured to releasably retain a retaining element attached to a top section of the soft top and thereby retain the soft top in a cross-car direction. Similarly, the second portion is adapted to releasably retain a retaining element attached to a side section of the soft top and longitudinally retain the side section.

Abstract: A window assembly for a motor vehicle includes a window frame adapted to removably mount to a lower door assembly. The window assembly further includes a mounting arrangement for removably attaching the window frame to the lower door assembly such that substantially vertical translation of the window frame is required to remove the window frame. The window assembly further includes a stop surface which is carried by the motor vehicle. The stop surface is adapted to oppose vertical translation of the window frame when the lower door assembly is in the closed position. In one form, the stop surface is defined by a removable door frame assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for precision linear positioning of material along a frame, having carrier means for carrying the material juxtaposed above the frame, means for linearly moving the carrier means along the frame having a plurality of pneumatic cylinders each having an extendable and rectractable piston, the cylinders connected to each other in a series and including a first end pneumatic cylinder attached to the frame and a last end pneumatic cylinder attached to the carrier means, such that the carrier means is moved by the amount of the cumulative extension and retraction of the pistons, stopping means associated with each the pneumatic cylinder for limiting the extension of each the piston, and means for providing a controllable amount of air to each pneumatic cylinder to selectively control extension and retraction of each piston.