Abstract: A vehicle is provided having a sensor for detecting a vehicle occupant's presence, and another sensor for detecting an owner's response with respect to automatically opening a vehicle closure panel. An actuator opens the closure panel when the occupant's presence and response are detected. A signal from an emitter outside the vehicle signals occupant presence. A photoelectric and/or optical device, audio receiver, and/or touch-sensitive sensor detects the response. The optical device projects a light beam, and breaking the beam with a gesture signals the response. An automatic closure panel opening apparatus has an RF receiver adapted to receive an RF signal to detect occupant presence, a sensor for detecting the occupant response, and an actuator for opening the closure panel when both the presence and occupant response are detected.

Abstract: A cargo handling device lifts a cargo to and from a cargo floor. A linear track mechanism is mounted on the cargo floor and has an extended position projecting through a vehicle opening. A cargo platform is mounted on the linear track mechanism so that the cargo platform moves between a horizontal stored position overlying the cargo floor and a horizontal extended position deployed through the vehicle opening. A pivot acts between the cargo platform and the linear track mechanism so that upon the cargo platform reaching the horizontal extended position the cargo platform can be pivoted between the horizontal extended position and a generally vertical position in which one end of the cargo platform is adjacent the ground so that a cargo resting on the ground can be positioned against the cargo platform. A restraint is provided for restraining the cargo on the cargo platform.

Abstract: A trash management apparatus in a vehicle includes a recessed portion, a moveable upper drawer, and a stationary lower bin. The drawer moves in one direction within the recessed portion to direct trash into the stationary lower bin. The drawer has a through-opening allowing trash to pass into the lower bin when the drawer is moved in the one direction, with the bin being removable via an access door in an exposed lateral surface of the center console. A sensor detects a presence or level of trash within the bin or the drawer, and an indicator illuminates when a predetermined amount or level of trash is detected. An actuator is alternately connected to the upper drawer to move the drawer in the one direction when a sensor determines that trash in the drawer exceeds a threshold level.

Abstract: A cargo handling device lifts a cargo to and from a cargo floor. A linear track mechanism is mounted on the cargo floor and has an extended position projecting through a vehicle opening. A cargo platform is mounted on the linear track mechanism so that the cargo platform moves between a horizontal stored position overlying the cargo floor and a horizontal extended position deployed through the vehicle opening. A pivot acts between the cargo platform and the linear track mechanism so that upon the cargo platform reaching the horizontal extended position the cargo platform can be pivoted between the horizontal extended position and a generally vertical position in which one end of the cargo platform is adjacent the ground so that a cargo resting on the ground can be positioned against the cargo platform. A restraint is provided for restraining the cargo on the cargo platform.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a plurality of doors on one side of the vehicle, a running board system, an actuator, and a control module. The running board system is configured for enabling access to the vehicle and includes a first running board and a second running board. The first running board is configured for enabling access to the vehicle via a front door on the side of the vehicle and the second running board is configured for enabling access to the vehicle via a rear door on the side of the vehicle. Each of the first running board and the second running board is individually deployable upon opening of the front door or the rear door.

Abstract: A deployable multi-functional tailgate apparatus forms a ramp platform and bulkhead piece, and is stowable against and deployable from an inner surface of a dual-action tailgate door which is usable as a swinging or a drop-style tailgate door. A damping mechanism controls the rate of descent of the platform. The bulkhead piece seals against the vehicle body when deployed to form a barrier, and secures a piece of cargo. A door assembly has a dual-action tailgate door and a multi-functional tailgate apparatus, with the apparatus being deployable as a ramp platform for accessing the rear cargo area when the tailgate door is used as a swinging-style tailgate door, and to form a bulkhead piece for transporting a piece of cargo external to the rear cargo area when the tailgate door is used as a drop-style tailgate door.

Abstract: A fastening system for a vehicle body passenger compartment includes at least one fastening element mounted with respect to the vehicle body to be exposed within the passenger compartment, and at least one connector configured to support a convenience device, such as a cup holder, reading light, power source, cellular telephone charger, etc. The at least one connector is releasably connectable to the at least one fastening element to enable a vehicle user to alter or change which of several convenience devices is mounted within the passenger compartment. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fastening element is sufficiently configured such that the at least one connector is connectable at multiple locations within the vehicle interior to enable a vehicle user to alter or adjust the physical location of a convenience device.

Abstract: A deployable multi-functional tailgate apparatus forms a ramp platform and bulkhead piece, and is stowable against and deployable from an inner surface of a dual-action tailgate door which is usable as a swinging or a drop-style tailgate door. A damping mechanism controls the rate of descent of the platform. The bulkhead piece seals against the vehicle body when deployed to form a barrier, and secures a piece of cargo. A door assembly has a dual-action tailgate door and a multi-functional tailgate apparatus, with the apparatus being deployable as a ramp platform for accessing the rear cargo area when the tailgate door is used as a swinging-style tailgate door, and to form a bulkhead piece for transporting a piece of cargo external to the rear cargo area when the tailgate door is used as a drop-style tailgate door.

Abstract: A trash management apparatus in a vehicle includes a recessed portion, a moveable upper drawer, and a stationary lower bin. The drawer moves in one direction within the recessed portion to direct trash into the stationary lower bin. The drawer has a through-opening allowing trash to pass into the lower bin when the drawer is moved in the one direction, with the bin being removable via an access door in an exposed lateral surface of the center console. A sensor detects a presence or level of trash within the bin or the drawer, and an indicator illuminates when a predetermined amount or level of trash is detected. An actuator is alternately connected to the upper drawer to move the drawer in the one direction when a sensor determines that trash in the drawer exceeds a threshold level.

Abstract: An instrument panel for a vehicle defines a cavity. A storage console is selectively movable within the cavity to provide enhanced accessibility of stored items within the storage console. In an exemplary embodiment, the storage console is a drawer that is selectively movable from a stowed position inside the cavity to an extended position outside the cavity for access by a vehicle user in a passenger compartment. In another exemplary embodiment, the console is movable between an elevated position in which the console occupies space inaccessible to a vehicle user, and a lowered position in which the console is accessible through an opening in the instrument panel.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided having a sensor for detecting a vehicle occupant's presence, and another sensor for detecting an owner's response with respect to automatically opening a vehicle closure panel. An actuator opens the closure panel when the occupant's presence and response are detected. A signal from an emitter outside the vehicle signals occupant presence. A photoelectric and/or optical device, audio receiver, and/or touch-sensitive sensor detects the response. The optical device projects a light beam, and breaking the beam with a gesture signals the response. An automatic closure panel opening apparatus has an RF receiver adapted to receive an RF signal to detect occupant presence, a sensor for detecting the occupant response, and an actuator for opening the closure panel when both the presence and occupant response are detected.