Abstract: An apparatus conceals a trailer hitch socket and provides a step. The apparatus includes a generally planar main body portion having a first side and second side. The apparatus further includes a mounting arrangement for pivotally interconnecting the generally planar main body portion for articulation between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the generally planar main body portion is vertically oriented and conceals the trailer hitch socket. In the second position, the trailer hitch socket is horizontally oriented and provides the step.

Abstract: An improved door assembly for a motor vehicle, especially a pick-up truck having a rear window, whereby the outer panel of the of the rear door is fabricated to form parts of both the side and rear surfaces of the body portion of the vehicle. An operating clearance needed for opening and closing the rear door assembly is positioned on the rear of the vehicle so as to improve the appearance of the vehicle when the vehicle is viewed from the side. The operating clearance on the rear of the vehicle can be positioned to coincide with the frame of a window set into the body of the vehicle to partially obscure the operating clearance when viewing the vehicle from the rear. With specific reference to a pick-up truck, further obscuring of the operating clearance can be obtained by positioning the operating clearance below the window frame behind the bed of the pick-up truck. A plurality of hinges are used to attach the rear door to the body of the vehicle.

Abstract: A roof rack has a pair of laterally spaced apart rails. A pair of channels in a roof panel of an automotive vehicle are spaced apart the same distance as the rails. Operating mechanism is provided for moving the rails from a raised position of use projecting above the roof panel to a retracted position within the channels. The rails when retracted are substantially flush with the top surface of the roof panel.

Abstract: A longitudinally adjustable vehicle seat, including a seat cushion and a seatback, is supported on a bi-level seat frame for movement from an occupant in-use position to a compact fold-flat stowed position. The bi-level seat frame includes a front lower portion slidably supported on front track assemblies and a rear elevated portion slidably supported on rear track assemblies. A pair of forward upright links each has a lower end pivoted on the seat frame front portion for rotation about a first transverse axis and upper ends pivoted to associated front underlying portions of the seat cushion for rotation about a second transverse axis. A pair of upstanding laterally spaced arms each has a lower end fixed to an aft end of the seat cushion and an upper end pivoted to an intermediate portion of the seatback for rotation about a third transverse axis. The seatback has its lower portion pivoted to a pair of pivot mounts on the seat frame elevated portion for rotation about a fourth transverse pivot axis.

Abstract: The present invention is a cup holder adapted for use in a vehicle. The cup holder includes a retainer having a cavity adapted to receive an ashtray and means forming front and rear laterally spaced tracks. The cup holder also includes a plate member having front and rear edges and a cup receiving means. The front and rear edges further include means for operatively engaging the front and rear tracks of the retainer for movement between a first position adjacent the ashtray and a second position over the cavity when the ashtray is removed.