Abstract:
A rocker panel assembly for attachment to a vehicle, comprising a rocker panel body, a first end feature situated on a first end of the rocker panel body, and a second end feature situated on a second end of the rocker panel body. The rocked panel body has an outside surface generally presented in the form of a convex surface, and an inside surface generally presented in the form of a concave surface. The outside surface of the rocker panel body extends outwardly of the vehicle, to present an outboard section having a predetermined profile based on targeted aesthetic/performance characteristics. The inside surface of the rocker panel body has at least one transverse rib positioned therein, the transverse rib being arranged generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rocker panel body.
Abstract:
A load carrying basket for attachment to a vehicle roof is movable between a deployed position and a stowed position. The stowed position facilitates entry of the vehicle into garages, parking lots and the like, having limited overhead clearance. The load carrier includes a plurality of pivotally mounted support members which are pivotally attached to an upper frame and a lower frame. At least one of the support members is a clamping member to clamp the carrier in the deployed position. Advantageously, the clamping member also clamps the load carrier in the stowed position.
Abstract:
This invention is in the field of safety devices to lessen injuries arising from impact in vehicles, particularly automobiles. A bolster which may be employed to reduce impact severity to passengers from either frontal or side impacts is activated by impact sensing devices. The housing of the bolster has a lateral length L. Upon activation, the bolster is inflated with an activating fluid and extends the lateral length L of the bolster upon activation. A bolster is also provided having portions which inflate at differing rates.
Abstract:
A load carrying basket for attachment to a vehicle roof is movable between a deployed position and a stowed position. The stowed position facilitates entry of the vehicle into garages, parking lots and the like, having limited overhead clearance. The load carrier includes a plurality of pivotally mounted support members which are pivotally attached to an upper frame and a lower frame. At least one of the support members is a clamping member to clamp the carrier in the deployed position. Advantageously, the clamping member also clamps the load carrier in the stowed position.
Abstract:
An automotive boot for use with a connection such as a constant velocity joint includes a separate boot and a separate bushing. The bushing has an internal configuration which is tri-lobed to contact the surface of one of the mechanical components encapsulated by the boot. The internal surface of the skirt of the boot and the corresponding external surface of the bushing each contain interlocking components, preferentially these are ribs and corresponding grooves. The bushing is slightly larger than the boot to produce an interference fit and the ribs are slightly radially longer than the grooves are deep to deform the ribs when received in the grooves, thereby retaining the bushing without tightening the typical hose clamp and providing an effective seal between the bushing and boot to retain lubricants within the boot in use.
Abstract:
For use with a vehicle, a combination unit includes a fluid storage chamber for storing fluids such as windshield washer fluid and an acoustic resonance chamber for attenuating vehicle air intake noises. The fluid storage container and the acoustic resonance chamber are hingedly attached and define there between an airflow cavity for housing the vehicle air filter with suitable ducting to direct ambient air through the filter and into the engine intake system.
Abstract:
In a blow molding process the mold halves are independently controlled and moved so that a parison may be extruded from an extrusion head and then one of two mold halves may be moved toward the parison. The parison may be grasped by a manipulator to manipulate a portion of the parison so as to overlie a second portion of the mold cavity. The mold is then closed and a standard blow molding procedure performed. The process enables production of reduced flash.
Abstract:
An energy management system for mounting in a vehicle, the energy management system comprising an inflatable bolster for mounting in a glove box door of a glove box of the vehicle, the inflatable bolster including an expansible hollow interior, an inflator module for inflating the expansible hollow interior, a front wall for projecting inwardly into the vehicle and away from the glove box on inflation of the expansible hollow interior, and a back wall located between the expansible hollow interior and the glove box, and a support structure for mounting to the inflatable bolster, the support structure being operable to resist the back wall being forced into the glove box due to inflation of the inflatable bolster.
Abstract:
Provided is a process for producing a hollow article provided with an internal component. The process comprises providing a molding station having first and second mold portions together defining a mold cavity. A parison having a top and bottom end is then positioned within the molding station. Using a carrier, at least one component mounted on the carrier is inserted into the parison through the top end of the parison. The parison is then pressed against the component using displaceable mold cores provided in each of first and second mold portions, after which the carrier is removed from the molding station. The top and bottom ends of the parison are sealed, and the molding station is closed. Blow molding pressure is applied to the parison to urge the parison against the contours of the mold cavity, after which the molding station is opened and the formed hollow article is removed.
Abstract:
A running board assembly for mounting to a vehicle such as a truck includes an extruded running board body and a cover member. Advantageously the extruded running board body is made from an extrudable plastic and the cover member is advantageously made of a material having the desired exterior finish. The cover member may be metallic and have the appearance of a chrome or polished finish. The cover extends over the upper and outboard surface of the running board body to provide the desired appearance characteristics. The running board assembly is affixed to the vehicle by a plurality of mounting brackets.