Abstract: A powered bicycle racking system is disclosed for use with a motor vehicle and which is configured to be concealed within or beneath a rear bumper area of the motor vehicle. The system includes a power-operated presenter unit that can be controlled to move a folding bicycle attachment assembly that is mounted to a mounting structure between retracted and extended position. In the retracted position, the bicycle attachment assembly is folded and concealed within the bumper. In the extended position, the bicycle attachment assembly can be unfolded for mounting a bicycle thereto.

Abstract: An electromechanical strut is provided for moving a pivotal lift gate between an open position and a closed position relative to a motor vehicle body. The electromechanical strut includes a housing connected to one of the lift gate and the motor vehicle body. An extensible shaft is slidably mounted to the housing. The extensible shaft is connected to the other of the lift gate and the motor vehicle body. A drive mechanism includes a rotatable power screw. The drive mechanism converts rotary motion of the power screw into linear motion of the extensible shaft to move the extensible shaft between a retracted position corresponding to the closed position of the lift gate and an extended position corresponding to the open position of the lift gate. A power spring includes one end connected to the extensible shaft and another end connected to the housing for providing a mechanical counterbalance to the weight of the lift gate.

Abstract: An electromechanical strut is provided for moving a pivotal lift gate between an open position and a closed position relative to a motor vehicle body. The electromechanical strut includes a housing connected to one of the lift gate and the motor vehicle body. An extensible shaft is slidably mounted to the housing. The extensible shaft is connected to the other of the lift gate and the motor vehicle body. A drive mechanism includes a rotatable power screw. The drive mechanism converts rotary motion of the power screw into linear motion of the extensible shaft to move the extensible shaft between a retracted position corresponding to the closed position of the lift gate and an extended position corresponding to the open position of the lift gate. A power spring includes one end connected to the extensible shaft and another end connected to the housing for providing a mechanical counterbalance to the weight of the lift gate.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a vehicle is provided that includes a handle body that is attached to the vehicle door. A key cylinder is mounted to the handle body and is operable to manually lock and unlock the vehicle door. A cover is provided that is movable between a covered position that hides the key cylinder from view and an open position that exposes the key cylinder. The cover can slide or pivot between the open and closed positions. The cover protects the key cylinder from the elements and improves the overall appearance of the vehicle door.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a vehicle is provided that includes a handle body that is attached to the vehicle door. A key cylinder is mounted to the handle body and is operable to manually lock and unlock the vehicle door. A cover is provided that is movable between a covered position that hides the key cylinder from view and an open position that exposes the key cylinder. The cover can slide or pivot between the open and closed positions. The cover protects the key cylinder from the elements and improves the overall appearance of the vehicle door.

Abstract: A vehicle door lock assembly has a latch (12) for mounting on a vehicle door. The latch (12) has at least one release lever for effecting releasing of the latch and at least one locking lever (14) for locking the latch, disabling the release lever, and unlocking the latch, enabling the release lever. A compound linkage (20, 24; 20, 124) operatively engages the locking lever (14). A lock cylinder (30, 130) has a spindle (28) which engages the linkage. The spindle (28) rotates in response to keyed rotation of a matched key being received by the lock cylinder (30; 130) which drives the linkage (20, 24; 20, 124) to effect movement of the locking lever (14). The spindle (28) is axially slidable to disengage the spindle from the linkage. A hollow shield (34) shrouds the locking lever (14), the linkage (20, 24; 20, 124) and the engagement between the linkage and the spindle (28), preventing access thereto. If the spindle is removed, the linkage will pivot away preventing manipulation thereof.