Abstract: A vehicle having a suspension system that supports a vehicle frame has a suspension interlock for governing the distance that the suspension system may move away from the frame during a vehicular rear impact event, thereby channeling impact forces through the suspension system and into the vehicle frame. A flexible member attaches to the vehicle frame and to the suspension system and acts as a tether to maintain the position of the suspension system relative to the frame. Alternatively, the suspension interlock may be a u-shaped bar mounted to the vehicular frame that interacts with a pin that is mounted to the suspension system. The pin resides within the confines of the u-shaped bar to maintain the position of the suspension system relative to the frame. Alternatively, a hooked plate may be used instead of a pin.

Abstract: A vehicle having a suspension system that supports a vehicle frame has a suspension interlock for governing the distance that the suspension system may move away from the frame during a vehicular rear impact event, thereby channeling impact forces through the suspension system and into the vehicle frame. A flexible member attaches to the vehicle frame and to the suspension system and acts as a tether to maintain the position of the suspension system relative to the frame. Alternatively, the suspension interlock may be a u-shaped bar mounted to the vehicular frame that interacts with a pin that is mounted to the suspension system. The pin resides within the confines of the u-shaped bar to maintain the position of the suspension system relative to the frame. Alternatively, a hooked plate may be used instead of a pin.

Abstract: A locationally adjustable actuator is provided having a force input to a rod operatively associated with an automotive vehicle control. The actuator includes two parallelogram linkages which link an actuator pedal to a rod link which is pivotally connected with a rod which provides an automotive vehicle control input. The parallelogram arrangement is furthermore connected with a slider which is linearly adjustable with respect to the vehicle. Movement of the slider causes the actuator pedal to be linearly adjusted.

Abstract: A locationally adjustable actuator is provided having a force input to a rod operatively associated with an automotive vehicle control. The actuator includes two parallelogram linkages which link an actuator pedal to a rod link which is pivotally connected with a rod which provides an automotive vehicle control input. The parallelogram arrangement is furthermore connected with a slider which is linearly adjustable with respect to the vehicle. Movement of the slider causes the actuator pedal to be linearly adjusted.

Abstract: An adjustable automotive pedal system includes a parallel bar suspension system for a foot pedal assembly system, such that the foot pedal can be adjusted toward the driver seat or away from the driver seat without adversely changing the force-stroke relationship between the foot pedal and the component being controlled by the foot pedal. The pedal system can be used with the vehicle brake, or vehicle clutch, or accelerator linkage.

Abstract: A storage container assembly for deployment either within, or adjacent to, an external surface panel of a pickup truck, is described. The storage container assembly is intended to be deployed either within, or adjacent to, the box side panel section, i.e., the area between the rear wheel housings and the cab, of the pickup truck. The storage container assembly is comprised primarily of a storage bin or container and a pair of spaced and opposed brackets that are rigidly mounted to at least one surface of the pickup truck. Each bracket is provided with an integral slot that cooperates with a pin located on an external surface of the storage bin, thus allowing the storage bin to be pushed, pulled, or rotated from a closed position (i.e., substantially flush with the external surface of the box side panel section) to an open position (i.e., extending outwardly away from the external surface of the box side panel section) and vice verse.

Abstract: A hinge assembly normally limits pivotal movement of a door within a first range and selectively permits pivotal movement of the door within a second, larger range. The hinge assembly includes a body hinge member fixedly attached to a frame and a door hinge member fixedly attached to the associated door. The body hinge member and the door hinge member are pivotally interconnected. The hinge assembly further includes a latch mechanism which normally limits pivotal movement of the door within the first range. Manual urging of the latch member to a release position selectively permits the door to be pivoted beyond the first range. The latching member is operable to automatically return to its latched position in response to closing of the door.

Abstract: The present invention provides a steering device which has a steering column selectively moveable from a first position to a second position. The first position is a position angled upward conducive to driver use, and the second position is a more horizontal position which is conducive to vehicle crashing. The steering column has a front bracket and a locomotive device. Upon impact, the locomotive device drives the steering column, which rotates about the front bracket, and changes the resulting steering column angle. Thus, when the air bag inflates, it is positioned at a reduced angle and absorbs the impact of the driver more effectively.

Abstract: A system for mounting a spare tire on a vehicle that has a hatch and a door frame that partially surrounds the hatch. The system includes an exterior tire mounted mode and an interior tire mounted mode. The system also includes an exterior holder device disposed in the hatch and an interior holder device disposed in an inner side wall of the vehicle. Further provided is an arm that is swivelably mounted to one side of the door frame of the vehicle at a first end portion. The arm has a middle portion and second end portion that has the spare tire mounted thereon. The system further provides an engagement member attached at the second end portion of the arm. The engagement member includes a device for engaging the exterior holder device when the system is in the exterior tire mounted mode and for engaging the interior holder device when the system is in the interior tire mounted mode.