Abstract: A seat belt buckle assembly for use with a seat belt of a vehicle includes a bracket having a first portion configured to be fixed to a chassis of the vehicle and a second portion extending from the first portion away from the chassis. The seat belt buckle assembly further includes a buckle mounted to the second portion of the bracket and configured to selectively couple with a tongue of the seat belt. The bracket is configured to restrains motion of the buckle during a vehicle event. The seat belt buckle assembly further includes a receptacle defining an aperture extending therethrough, with the buckle at least partially disposed within the aperture and held by the receptacle for spatially locating the buckle within the vehicle.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle assembly for use with a seat belt of a vehicle includes a bracket having a first portion configured to be fixed to a chassis of the vehicle and a second portion extending from the first portion away from the chassis. The seat belt buckle assembly further includes a buckle mounted to the second portion of the bracket and configured to selectively couple with a tongue of the seat belt. The bracket is configured to restrains motion of the buckle during a vehicle event. The seat belt buckle assembly further includes a receptacle defining an aperture extending therethrough, with the buckle at least partially disposed within the aperture and held by the receptacle for spatially locating the buckle within the vehicle.

Abstract: A frame for supporting a seatback bolster of a vehicle includes a first bracket having a mounting section configured to be fixed to a chassis of the vehicle, and an interface section extending from the mounting section away from the chassis. The frame further includes a second bracket configured to be at least partially disposed within and mounted to the seatback bolster. The frame further includes a fastener that engages the interface section of the first bracket and the second bracket to fix the first bracket with the second bracket.

Abstract: Subframe brace apparatus and related assemblies for use with vehicles are disclosed. A disclosed vehicle assembly includes a subframe of a vehicle, a vehicle body structure, and a brace attaching the subframe to the vehicle body structure. A body of the brace includes a first end coupled to the subframe and a second end coupled to the vehicle body structure. The first end of the body is configured to remain connected to the subframe during an offset frontal vehicle impact event in which the subframe applies a first load to the first end. The first end of the body is also configured to separate from the subframe during a full frontal vehicle impact event in which the subframe applies a second load to the first end.

Abstract: Subframe brace apparatus and related assemblies for use with vehicles are disclosed. A disclosed vehicle assembly includes a subframe of a vehicle, a vehicle body structure, and a brace attaching the subframe to the vehicle body structure. A body of the brace includes a first end coupled to the subframe and a second end coupled to the vehicle body structure. The first end of the body is configured to remain connected to the subframe during an offset frontal vehicle impact event in which the subframe applies a first load to the first end. The first end of the body is also configured to separate from the subframe during a full frontal vehicle impact event in which the subframe applies a second load to the first end.

Abstract: A fastener assembly which includes a sleeve which includes a cylindrical construction having a first and second end portions and an outside diameter. The fastener assembly further includes a washer associated with the sleeve wherein the washer includes a body which defines a first side and an opposing second side and defines an opening which extends from the first side toward the second side. The opening defines a diameter greater than the outside diameter of the sleeve and the body defines a recess which has a diameter greater than the diameter of the opening wherein the recess extends from the second side toward the first side such that the recess and the opening are in communication with one another. A method for using this fastener assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A fastener assembly which includes a sleeve which includes a cylindrical construction having a first and second end portions and an outside diameter. The fastener assembly further includes a washer associated with the sleeve wherein the washer includes a body which defines a first side and an opposing second side and defines an opening which extends from the first side toward the second side. The opening defines a diameter greater than the outside diameter of the sleeve and the body defines a recess which has a diameter greater than the diameter of the opening wherein the recess extends from the second side toward the first side such that the recess and the opening are in communication with one another. A method for using this fastener assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle frame having a cab portion and a load-carrying bed includes sidewall structures opposed and spaced from one another forming sides of the cab portion and sides of the load-carrying bed. A wall structure extends between the spaced sidewall structures and separates the cab portion and the load-carrying bed. The wall structure forms a rear wall of the cab portion and a forward wall of the load-carrying bed.