Abstract: An accessory assembly for a bumper region of a vehicle includes a support disposed in the bumper region, and an accessory mounted to the support. The accessory is accessible from the bumper region. The accessory assembly includes a cover attached to the accessory to conceal the accessory in a use position, and the cover is detachable from the accessory to provide access to the accessory in a removed position. A vehicle bumper accessory assembly includes a bumper defining an accessory region, and the support disposed in the accessory region of the bumper. The vehicle bumper accessory assembly includes the accessory that is accessible outside of the bumper. The vehicle bumper accessory assembly includes the cover attached to the accessory to conceal the accessory when the accessory is not in use, and the cover is detachable from the accessory to provide access to use the accessory.

Abstract: A tie-down assembly for selective attachment to a structure at an oblong aperture defined thereby and detachment therefrom includes an anchor arranged along an axis. The anchor has an oblong-shaped section configured to be inserted into the structure's oblong aperture. The anchor also has a knob section which turns the anchor's oblong-shaped section about the axis when a torque is applied to the knob section. The assembly also includes a rail mount configured to abut the oblong-shaped section, and defining a pocket for accepting the knob section and limiting rotation of the oblong-shaped section via contact with the knob section. The anchor's oblong-shaped section and the rail mount are together configured to sandwich therebetween material of the structure proximate the oblong aperture after the anchor's oblong-shaped section is inserted into and turned relative to the oblong aperture to thereby attach the tie-down assembly to the structure.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a body having an interior and an exterior. The interior defines an occupant cabin. The body has a door frame defining a door opening. A vehicle door is coupled to the door frame and is movable between open and closed positions relative to the door frame. The vehicle door has an exterior side and an interior side. In the closed position the vehicle door covers the door opening with the interior side being disposed on the interior of the body. The vehicle additionally includes a window secured to the vehicle door. The vehicle also includes an outside rear-view mirror housing coupled to the exterior of the body. The vehicle further includes an inside rear-view mirror housing coupled to the interior of the body proximate the window and a reflective surface disposed in the inside rear-view mirror housing.

Abstract: A tailgate includes a first panel, a second panel connected to the first panel at a first side and a second side opposite to the first side as well as a cavity defined by the first panel and the second panel. An opening defined by the first panel between the first side and the second side, provides access to the cavity. A storage compartment is positioned in the cavity. A latching mechanism, located within the cavity and outside of the storage compartment, includes a latch, a first latch actuator, and an actuator rod connecting the latch and the latch actuator, which is affixed to the first side of the tailgate. A compartment door, connected to the tailgate and movable between a first and second position, covers the storage compartment in a first position. The compartment door includes a striker, which is engage-able by the latch.

Abstract: An accessory assembly for a bumper region of a vehicle includes a support disposed in the bumper region, and an accessory mounted to the support. The accessory is accessible from the bumper region. The accessory assembly includes a cover attached to the accessory to conceal the accessory in a use position, and the cover is detachable from the accessory to provide access to the accessory in a removed position. A vehicle bumper accessory assembly includes a bumper defining an accessory region, and the support disposed in the accessory region of the bumper. The vehicle bumper accessory assembly includes the accessory that is accessible outside of the bumper. The vehicle bumper accessory assembly includes the cover attached to the accessory to conceal the accessory when the accessory is not in use, and the cover is detachable from the accessory to provide access to use the accessory.

Abstract: A tie-down assembly for selective attachment to a structure at an oblong aperture defined thereby and detachment therefrom includes an anchor arranged along an axis. The anchor has an oblong-shaped section configured to be inserted into the structure's oblong aperture. The anchor also has a knob section which turns the anchor's oblong-shaped section about the axis when a torque is applied to the knob section. The assembly also includes a rail mount configured to abut the oblong-shaped section, and defining a pocket for accepting the knob section and limiting rotation of the oblong-shaped section via contact with the knob section. The anchor's oblong-shaped section and the rail mount are together configured to sandwich therebetween material of the structure proximate the oblong aperture after the anchor's oblong-shaped section is inserted into and turned relative to the oblong aperture to thereby attach the tie-down assembly to the structure.

Abstract: A reconfigurable rack for a motor vehicle having a cabin and a bed includes a first tube with a first section, a second section and a third section, a second tube with a first section, a second section and a third section. The first sections are generally parallel to a floor of the bed, and the second and third sections of the respective tube attach the tube to a first side and a second side of the bed. The third tube has a first position located proximal to the first tube and the second tube, with the second section and the third section of the third tube angled towards the first tube, the second tube and the cabin. The third tube has a second position located distal to the first tube and the second tube towards the rear of the bed.

Abstract: A sports bar storage compartment assembly including a storage compartment, wherein the storage compartment includes a storage compartment wall defining a first side, a second side, a top and a bottom. An opening is defined in the storage compartment wall at the first side of the compartment. In addition, the storage compartment is connected to a support shelf of a first attachment bracket, wherein the first attachment bracket is positioned near the first side of the storage compartment adjacent to the opening. A door is connected to the first attachment bracket and conceals the opening when in a closed position.

Abstract: A sports bar storage compartment assembly including a storage compartment, wherein the storage compartment includes a storage compartment wall defining a first side, a second side, a top and a bottom. An opening is defined in the storage compartment wall at the first side of the compartment. In addition, the storage compartment is connected to a support shelf of a first attachment bracket, wherein the first attachment bracket is positioned near the first side of the storage compartment adjacent to the opening. A door is connected to the first attachment bracket and conceals the opening when in a closed position.

Abstract: An end gate includes a first panel. The end gate also has a first side and a second side. The end gate also includes an opening defined by the first panel between the first side and the second side. The end gate further includes a basket including a basket base and at least two ribs extending from the basket base and affixed to the first panel, wherein the basket base and at least two ribs define a volume accessible from the opening.

Abstract: A tailgate includes a first panel, a second panel connected to the first panel at a first side and a second side opposite to the first side as well as a cavity defined by the first panel and the second panel. An opening defined by the first panel between the first side and the second side, provides access to the cavity. A storage compartment is positioned in the cavity. A latching mechanism, located within the cavity and outside of the storage compartment, includes a latch, a first latch actuator, and an actuator rod connecting the latch and the latch actuator, which is affixed to the first side of the tailgate. A compartment door, connected to the tailgate and movable between a first and second position, covers the storage compartment in a first position. The compartment door includes a striker, which is engage-able by the latch.

Abstract: Disclosed are rack-and-pinion mounting devices, methods for making and methods for using such devices, and motor vehicles with storage containers secured by rack-and-pinion mounting devices. A mounting device is disclosed for attaching an accessory to a surface. The mounting device includes a latch housing that mounts to the accessory (or surface). A bolt latch, which is slidably coupled to the housing, includes a linear gear bar and locking pins. These locking pins engage tie-down loops attached to the surface (or accessory). A pinion gear is rotatably coupled to the housing and intermeshed with the gear bar. Spinning the pinion gear in one direction slides the bolt latch to disengage the locking pins from the loops and detach the accessory from the surface. Spinning the pinion gear in the opposite direction slides the bolt latch to engage the locking pins with the loops and attach the accessory to the surface.

Abstract: An assembly includes a first elongate member having a periphery. The assembly also includes a bracket. The bracket has a first component and a second component. The first component is disposed about a first portion of the periphery and the second component is disposed about a second portion of the periphery. The first component is snap-fit to the second component to secure the first elongate member between the first component and the second component. The assembly additionally includes a second elongate member coupled to the bracket.

Abstract: Disclosed are rack-and-pinion mounting devices, methods for making and methods for using such devices, and motor vehicles with storage containers secured by rack-and-pinion mounting devices. A mounting device is disclosed for attaching an accessory to a surface. The mounting device includes a latch housing that mounts to the accessory (or surface). A bolt latch, which is slidably coupled to the housing, includes a linear gear bar and locking pins. These locking pins engage tie-down loops attached to the surface (or accessory). A pinion gear is rotatably coupled to the housing and intermeshed with the gear bar. Spinning the pinion gear in one direction slides the bolt latch to disengage the locking pins from the loops and detach the accessory from the surface. Spinning the pinion gear in the opposite direction slides the bolt latch to engage the locking pins with the loops and attach the accessory to the surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are vehicle storage containers, methods for making and methods for using vehicle storage containers, and motor vehicles with utility storage containers. Disclosed, for example, is a utility storage container for a motor vehicle. The utility storage container includes a container basin that attaches to the vehicle body and stows within the vehicle's cargo compartment. The container basin includes multiple sidewalls projecting from a base to cooperatively define a basin opening. An articulated door assembly includes a first door segment pivotably coupled to the container basin to transition the door assembly between a closed position, whereat the door segments cooperatively cover the basin opening, and a full-open position, whereat the door segments uncover the opening. A second door segment is pivotably coupled to the first door segment to transition the door assembly between the closed position and a half-open position, whereat the second door segment partially uncovers the basin opening.

Abstract: Disclosed are vehicle storage containers, methods for making and methods for using vehicle storage containers, and motor vehicles with utility storage containers. Disclosed, for example, is a utility storage container for a motor vehicle. The utility storage container includes a container basin that attaches to the vehicle body and stows within the vehicle's cargo compartment. The container basin includes multiple sidewalls projecting from a base to cooperatively define a basin opening. An articulated door assembly includes a first door segment pivotably coupled to the container basin to transition the door assembly between a closed position, whereat the door segments cooperatively cover the basin opening, and a full-open position, whereat the door segments uncover the opening. A second door segment is pivotably coupled to the first door segment to transition the door assembly between the closed position and a half-open position, whereat the second door segment partially uncovers the basin opening.

Abstract: A coupling assembly includes a mounting bracket including a first mounting wall and a second mounting wall coupled to the first mounting wall. The coupling assembly further includes a connection bracket including a first connection wall, a second connection wall, and a third connection wall interconnecting the first and second connection walls. The connection bracket defines a first bracket opening extending through the first connection wall and a second bracket opening extending through the second connection wall. The coupling assembly further includes a flange extending from the second mounting wall. The flange extends through the connection bracket via the first and second bracket openings. The coupling assembly further includes a fastener extending through the third connection wall and the flange such that the mounting bracket is coupled to the connection bracket.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a vehicle which may have a bed portion and a bed rail cap assembly operably coupled to the bed portion. The bed rail cap assembly may include at least one extruded beam having a plurality of T-slot profiles. Additionally, the bed rail cap assembly may be constructed and arranged to match a contour of the bed portion.

Abstract: A coupling assembly includes a mounting bracket including a first mounting wall and a second mounting wall coupled to the first mounting wall. The coupling assembly further includes a connection bracket including a first connection wall, a second connection wall, and a third connection wall interconnecting the first and second connection walls. The connection bracket defines a first bracket opening extending through the first connection wall and a second bracket opening extending through the second connection wall. The coupling assembly further includes a flange extending from the second mounting wall. The flange extends through the connection bracket via the first and second bracket openings. The coupling assembly further includes a fastener extending through the third connection wall and the flange such that the mounting bracket is coupled to the connection bracket.