Abstract: A seamless plastic tubular air duct is formed by a blow molding process. The air duct is attached to upper surface of a vehicle headliner and controls the flow of air between the vehicle air circulation system and vents to the passenger compartment. Attachment points may be formed upon the outer surface of the air duct for securing other vehicle components to the headliner.

Abstract: A lock system (10) for a cabriolet convertible top, with a drive device (12) which actuates at least two lock elements (14, 16). A drive cable (18, 20) which has a core (22, 24) which is suitable for transferring compressive and tension forces is provided between the drive device (12) and each of at least two lock elements (14, 16) for actuating the at least two lock elements (14, 16). Furthermore, a ring bearing for use with the lock system has an annular configuration that facilitates insertion of a locking journal (34) and enables tolerances in the transverse and vertical direction to be accommodated.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering an open container of a vehicle includes a pair of arms. Each arm has a first arm member and a second arm member. A first rotatable member is pivotally secured to the first arm member. A second rotatable member is pivotally secured to the first arm member and rigidly secured to the second arm member. A linking member couples the first and second rotatable members to one another. A first actuator is secured to the first arm member, a second actuator is secured to the first rotatable member, and a cover is connected to the second arm members.

Abstract: A car body part for a motor vehicle has an outer skin formed of an at least partially deformable material. An inner layer is formed of a foamed plastic. A mounting part which is placed in a recess of the outer skin and is anchored via an interlocking fit between the outer skin and a deformed portion of the mounting part. The interlocking fit may be created when the foamed plastic is expanded in a mold, which increases interior pressure within the mold and deforms the outer skin against the mounting part.

Abstract: A truck bed liner and a removable storage box combination comprising a bed liner and at least one box. The bed liner has internal sides defining opposite facing docking members. The at least one box comprises a lid, and opposite ends defining complementary docking members adapted to dock with the opposite facing members located on the internal sides of the bed liner. An optional internal reversible securing mechanism is located inside the at least one box that is accessible when the at least one box lid is open. The optional internal reversible securing mechanism moves from a box secure position to a box release position thus reversibly securing the at least one box to the truck bed liner. An optional external locking mechanism reversible locks the lid of the at least one box.

Abstract: A vehicle body includes a passenger compartment and a cargo compartment separated by a midgate assembly which occupies a midgate opening. A seat is positioned in the passenger compartment. The midgate assembly includes a midgate panel which is movable along a pair of guide tracks from a closed position in the midgate opening to an open position under the seat.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are illustrated for accessing, extending and exiting a truck bed and having a pair of opposed end frame members (A) carried on opposed respective sides of the truck preferably on a truck having a tailgate. A transverse member(B) is substantially U-shaped and constructed of tubular frame members and carried in such a way that the legs (C) are pivotally carried between the upright frame members. A releasable fastening member (D) is provided for positioning the transverse member in upright position while stop member (E) limits downward pivotal movement of transverse member.

Abstract: This invention relates to a control panel for a vehicle interior. The control panel includes a housing defining a recess formed therein. A panel is movably attached to the housing, such as by a pivot. The panel has at least one control mechanism mounted thereon. The panel is movable between first and second positions. In the first position, the panel generally covers at least a portion of the recess. In the second position, the panel generally exposes the recess. Preferably, the housing defines a first surface within the recess, and a second control mechanism is mounted on the first surface.

Abstract: A detachable windshield assembly for a motorcycle including at least one clamp coupled to the windshield. The clamp is securable to the motorcycle in a secured condition and releasable from the motorcycle in an unsecured condition. The clamp includes a linkage movable between first and second positions such that the clamp is in the unsecured condition when the linkage is in the first position and the clamp is in the secured condition when the linkage is in the second position. The linkage has a center position and the clamp is biased toward the unsecured condition when the linkage is over center in a first direction and the clamp is biased toward the secured condition when the linkage is over center in the opposite direction.

Abstract: In front of a dash panel of a vehicle body, the dash module to which various parts are assembled, the various parts including an air conditioning unit and the like with a steering member extending in a vehicle width direction as a main constituent is installed. When the dash module is installed to the vehicle body, before heater pipes of the air conditioning unit are inserted to through hole portions of the dash panel, positioning pins at a vehicle body side enter upper and lower guide grooves of a bracket, which are provided in an end portion of the steering member at a driver's seat side, and a temporarily holding claw provided in an end portion of the steering member at a passenger's seat side is inserted to a temporarily holding hole portion at the vehicle body side.

Abstract: In a cover arrangement for a storage compartment for a removable vehicle roof with a storage compartment cover which is movable between a closed position and a clearing position, and wherein the storage compartment cover includes a center part and two side parts with an operating mechanism for the center part and actuating mechanisms for the side parts, the center part and the side parts are supported on the vehicle body in a common plane when the storage compartment is closed but are movable to a clearing position for the movement of the roof into, and out of, the storage compartment, the side part actuating mechanisms being inter-linked with the center part operating mechanism for moving the side parts together with the center part.

Abstract: A top for a convertible vehicle includes a rear top part attached pivotably to the convertible vehicle and a front, movably mounted top part. In a closed state of the top, the front top part and the rear top part are disposed over the convertible vehicle in a closed state of the top. In an open state of the top, the front top part and the rear top part are disposed behind front seats of the convertible vehicle with the front top part disposed below the rear top part.

Abstract: A multi-story recreational vehicle having a front section containing a living area (150), a rear section containing a first bedroom (117) and a second bedroom (151) positioned above the first bedroom, and a middle section containing a bathroom (118) and a third bedroom (152) positioned above the bathroom. The second bedroom's floor (168) staggers with the first bedroom's ceiling (172) whereas the third bedroom's floor (179) staggers with the bathroom's ceiling (183). The first bedroom has a retractable room extension in the form of a slide (128) positioned across the room from the second bedroom's floor.

Abstract: An intermediate support for a retractable roll awning. The support is positioned between two end brackets and provides additional support. The support includes a two support surfaces for supporting the roll awning in two directions. Alternatively, the support may comprise a single curved support surface. The support surface or surfaces include an arrangement for reducing friction.

Abstract: A system and method for deflecting the wind which would otherwise impinge upon the tailgate of a pickup truck, the deflector being mounted externally of the truck bed to preserve cargo space, including a spoiler and including a retractable fabric for deflecting the wind.

Abstract: A pre-impact mode of a bumper system is provided by extending a bumper member outwardly and extending a stiffener member downwardly. Both the bumper member and the stiffener member are separately adapted to engage an object. The bumper system includes a bumper member movable between a retracted position and a laterally extended position. A stiffener member is movable between a retracted position and a downwardly extended position. An actuator mechanism is adapted to move the bumper member between the retracted and laterally extended positions and to cause the stiffener member to move between the retracted and downwardly extended positions as a result of moving the bumper member.

Abstract: A top mechanism for a convertible vehicle includes a rear region of the convertible vehicle arranged behind a passenger compartment and is configured to receive a top, in an opened state of the top. The top mechanism also includes a rear element at least partially covering the rear region in a closed state of the top. The top mechanism also includes a covering element, and at least one rear roof part. The covering element, in a first position associated with a closed state of the top, is adjacent at one end to a boundary of the passenger compartment and is adjacent at the other end to the rear roof part. The covering element is movable to a second position for providing a movement space for the top, and is moveable to a third position associated with an opened state of the top, in which the covering element is adjacent at one end to the boundary of the passenger compartment and is adjacent at the other end to the rear element.

Abstract: A trailer including an inner frame that is made of metal, an outer shell that is made of a non-metal and that at least partially surrounds the inner frame, and at least one wheel rotatably secured to the inner frame. In a preferred embodiment, the outer shell is made of a plastic. The inner frame includes a lower frame portion with which the at least one wheel is rotatably secured, and an upper frame portion that supports at least a portion of the weight of the outer shell. Preferably, the upper frame portion includes a middle support member that extends upwardly from the lower frame portion, and a first bar assembly that is hingedly connected to the middle support member. In another embodiment, a second bar assembly is hingedly connected to the middle support member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a structure 10 for extending a bed of a pickup truck; the structure being rotatably supported on a rear portion 1B of the bed of the pickup truck having a tailgate 4 capable of bringing down in an approximate level with a rear end of the bed 1; and the structure being provided on a first upper side of the tailgate 7 to be housed in the bed when the tailgate is rotated in a forward direction of the truck; wherein fixing means 20 is provided for fixing the structure provided on a second upper side of the floor onto the bed. Hence, if the structure is off the supporting bracket 16 when the structure is housed in the bed, the fixing means of the invention can prevent the structure from separating from the body not to have a secondary influence on surroundings by the structure 10.

Abstract: Trucks and other work machines require strong and easily operated and maintained tailgate assemblies. Often, the operating structure of the tailgate assembly requires precise alignment and relatively large clearance space to operate effectively. The operating structure is also commonly under great stresses from the tension and compression forces that power the operating structure to move the tailgate. A tailgate assembly including a tailgate and an; operating structure is provided. The tailgate is attached to a platform in a hinge d manner and allowed to move pivotally with respect to the platform. The operating structure includes a linear actuator and a linking member. The linear actuator is attached to the platform. The linking member has a first end portion pivotally attached to the linear actuator, a fulcrum pivotally attached to the platform, and a second end portion attached to a tracking member. The tracking member is adapted to contact the tailgate and to move vertically with respect to the tailgate.