Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling an automated closure panel in a vehicle. The apparatus includes a command module configured to generate a control signal. A motor is configured to actuate the automated closure panel based upon the control signal. A motor sensor is configured to measure an output characteristic of the motor, with the motor sensor having a motor sensor output signal. An adaptive logic module is coupled to the command module and to the motor sensor. The adaptive logic module is configured to provide an output to the command module to thereby adjust the control signal, wherein the adaptive logic module is configured to determine when the automated closure panel is obstructed by an obstacle based upon the motor sensor output signal.

Abstract: A grommet assembly includes a retainer including a sleeve, and a boot secured to the retainer, including a first and a second series of pleats aligned with the sleeve, each pleat of the second series decreasing in size as distance from the retainer increases, each pleat of the first series having a substantially uniform size and spaced from a consecutive pleat of the first series by a distance that is less than a space between consecutive pleats of the second series.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling an automated closure panel in a vehicle. The apparatus includes a command module configured to generate a control signal. A motor is configured to actuate the automated closure panel based upon the control signal. A motor sensor is configured to measure an output characteristic of the motor, with the motor sensor having a motor sensor output signal. An adaptive logic module is coupled to the command module and to the motor sensor. The adaptive logic module is configured to provide an output to the command module to thereby adjust the control signal, wherein the adaptive logic module is configured to determine when the automated closure panel is obstructed by an obstacle based upon the motor sensor output signal.

Abstract: A grommet assembly includes a retainer including a sleeve, and a boot secured to the retainer, including a first and a second series of pleats aligned with the sleeve, each pleat of the second series decreasing in size as distance from the retainer increases, each pleat of the first series having a substantially uniform size and spaced from a consecutive pleat of the first series by a distance that is less than a space between consecutive pleats of the second series.

Abstract: A vehicle body has a roof-enclosed passenger compartment and a rear cargo compartment. The cargo compartment has a cover and a tailgate to close the cargo compartment. The cover is movable along a pair of tracks from its closed position on the cargo compartment to a stowed position on top of the passenger compartment. The cover has an intermediate position above the cargo compartment which serves as a camper top and with the addition of zip-on side covers converts the vehicle body to a camper. The intermediate position of the cover in conjunction with the roof of the vehicle body also provides support for hauling long cargo.

Abstract: A side door assembly for a vehicle includes a front pillar extending between a roof and a floor of a vehicle body of the vehicle. The side door assembly also includes a rear pillar extending between the roof and the floor and spaced longitudinally from the front pillar to define a continuous door opening in the vehicle body. The side door assembly includes a front side door having a rear end and a forward end pivotally connected to the front pillar to open and close a front portion of the door opening. The side door assembly also includes a rear side door having a forward end and a rear end. The side door assembly further includes at least one hinge assembly connected to the rear end of the rear side door and connected to the rear pillar and having a dual pivot to allow the rear side door to pivot to a first open position and a second open position and to a closed position relative to a rear portion of the door opening.

Abstract: A vehicle access system includes an access opening for the passenger compartment that is closed by a swinging door in combination with an articulating door. The articulating door moves through an arc without angling away from the vehicle body and is supported on a hinge assembly that attaches near the center of the door. An arm assembly guides the door throughout its range of positions and maintain the door in an orientation that is substantially parallel to the vehicle body. When the doors are open, an uninterrupted access opening is provided to the area of the second and third seat rows of the vehicle.

Abstract: A hinge trim system including a covering portion overlying at least a portion of at least one of the exposed surfaces of a hinge, wherein the covering portion can include one or more covering surfaces overlying the hinge so as to maintain a barrier surface between one or more pivot points and the covering portion. Additionally, selected portions of the covering portion move as the hinge moves so as to maintain a barrier surface over a substantial portion of the hinge as the hinge moves from one position to another.

Abstract: A vehicle access system includes an access opening for the passenger compartment that is closed by a swinging door in combination with an access door. The access door moves through an arc without angling away from the vehicle body and is supported on a hinge assembly that attaches near the center of the door. An arm assembly guides the door throughout its range of positions and maintain the door in an orientation that is substantially parallel to the vehicle body. When the doors are open, an uninterrupted access opening is provided to the area of the second and third seat rows of the vehicle.