Abstract: A cargo carrier integrated a vehicle roof such that the cargo carrier is deployable from a stowed position within the vehicle roof to a deployed position that extends from the vehicle roof. The cargo carrier includes a bottom panel disposed within a recess formed in the vehicle roof, and a pair of side panels disposed within and hingedly connected to the bottom panel. The side panels are actuatable between the stowed position and the developed position. A front panel and a top panel are hingedly connected to each other and attached to the bottom panel. To deploy the cargo carrier, a deployment system is connected to the side panels for actuating the side panels between the stowed position and the deployed position. Actuation of the side panels raises the top panel and the front panel to the deployed position.

Abstract: A vehicle having a passenger compartment with front and rear seats and a cargo compartment behind the passenger compartment. The passenger compartment includes a floor that is stepped upwardly under the rear seat to form an open space thereunder. The cargo bed extends into the open space under the rear seat to provide a long bed feature that is permanently available without requiring physical manipulation of the cargo compartment. A rear wall of the passenger compartment includes a downwardly openable midgate that cooperates with folding/tumbling sections of the rear seat to provide a second tier load floor. An optional liftgate in the passenger compartment rear wall provides an enhanced height second tier load compartment.

Abstract: A cargo carrier integrated a vehicle roof such that the cargo carrier is deployable from a stowed position within the vehicle roof to a deployed position that extends from the vehicle roof. The cargo carrier includes a bottom panel disposed within a recess formed in the vehicle roof, and a pair of side panels disposed within and hingedly connected to the bottom panel. The side panels are actuatable between the stowed position and the developed position. A front panel and a top panel are hingedly connected to each other and attached to the bottom panel. To deploy the cargo carrier, a deployment system is connected to the side panels for actuating the side panels between the stowed position and the deployed position. Actuation of the side panels raises the top panel and the front panel to the deployed position.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly and method of operating the same. The assembly includes a door portion movable between a closed position and an open position. An extendable spoiler is operably attached to the door portion. An extendable floorbed is operably attached to the door portion. The floorbed may be extended when the door portion is in the open position and the spoiler is extended. The method includes moving a door portion between a closed position and an open position. A spoiler operably attached to the door portion is extended. A floorbed operably attached to the door portion is extended when the door portion is in the open position and the spoiler is extended.

Abstract: An integrated storage arrangement for a vehicle having a cargo bed with a load floor positioned external to a passenger cab of the vehicle is provided. The storage arrangement includes an access opening positioned in the load floor of the cargo bed. A storage recess is positioned in relation to and accessible through the access opening. The storage recess includes a drain assembly and a container retention mechanism. A panel is moveably attached to the load floor of the cargo bed and is arranged to cover the access opening such that in a closed position, the cover is positioned substantially parallel to and flush with the cargo bed load floor.

Abstract: A sled system for mounting a parking brake hand lever assembly and a gear shift assembly to a vehicle floor pan, the sled system having a predetermined configuration to mount on a vehicle floor pan.

Abstract: A tent enclosure for a pickup truck cargo box includes a pair of support tracks mounted to the side rails of the cargo box, a number of flexible support rods connected to the support tracks, and a fabric siding spanning the support rods and connected to the support tracks. The flexible support rods can be made up of multiple sections linked together, and, being longer than the width of the cargo box, describe an arch when connected to the support tracks. The forwardmost support rod can be secured to the truck cab. The fabric siding includes a U-channel edge for engaging the support track on each side of the cargo box, and is stretched over the support rods. The tent enclosure includes a door assembly for the end of the cargo box, which may be formed of fabric and integral with the fabric siding.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for enabling the enlargement of the cabin for a vehicle having an enclosed cabin and a cargo bed extending rearwardly from the cabin. The apparatus includes a rear wall removably coupled to the cabin. A guide element is positioned along a floor of the cargo bed and a base portion of the rear wall is slideably coupled to the guide element, which enables the rear wall to be translated rearwardly from the cabin to vary a volume thereof.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle having a body with a removable soft top and a separate rear window with an electrically-operable component. The rear window being selectively attachable to and removable from the top. A separable fastener assembly such as a zipper is provided with the top and the rear window so that the electrically-operated component is electrically connected with a vehicle power supply upon attachment of the rear window to the soft top.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting a spare tire and a license plate to a motor vehicle. The license plate mount includes a base member connected to an external panel of the vehicle, a display cover adapted to be normally parallel and spaced from the external panel to allow a spare tire to be positioned therebetween, and a linkage connecting the display cover to the base member to allow the display cover to articulate about a hinge point for providing access to a spare tire.