Abstract: A ride vehicle system includes a ride track and a ride vehicle. The ride track includes a vehicle rail and an accessory rail. The ride vehicle includes a ride vehicle base, a show element coupled to the ride vehicle base, and a mechanical linkage. The ride vehicle base is configured to interface with the vehicle rail of the ride track and to move along the vehicle rail of the ride track. The show element coupled to the ride vehicle base is configured to actuate with respect to the ride vehicle base. The mechanical linkage includes a first end coupled to the show element and a second end coupled to the accessory rail of the ride track. The mechanical linkage is configured to move along the accessory rail and to actuate the show element based at least in part on a position of the accessory rail with respect to the vehicle rail.

Abstract: A disclosed vehicle roof molding assembly includes a base portion including an attachment portion on a first end and a securement portion on a second end. A cover portion is attached at one end to the attachment portion and at a second end to the securement portion of the base portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle body structure comprising an exterior component configured to form an outer surface of a vehicle body and provided with an opening portion; and an attachment component attached on a vehicle body inner side of the exterior component with respect to the opening portion, wherein the exterior component includes an extended portion extended from a periphery of the opening portion toward the vehicle body inner side, and the extended portion includes an abutted portion configured to restrict a displacement of the attachment component to the vehicle body inner side by abutment against an abutment portion provided on the attachment component.

Abstract: Vehicle window post assembly, in particular a windscreen post assembly, comprising a base part arranged to be fixed to a vehicle chassis along a side of a window of the vehicle, and a cover part arranged to be fixed to the base part and in use covering the base part. A sealing strip is provided for sealing a gap between the side of the window and the cover part. The sealing strip is provided on a mounting part which is a separate part from the base and cover parts, and the cover part and the mounting part are together provided with complementary fixing elements by means of which the mounting part is mountable on the cover part in a position suitable for sealing the gap.

Abstract: A casing removably attached to a vehicle dashboard using a plurality of mating components. The casing is configured to receive and release a mobile device that is slidably insertable through an aperture in a surface of the casing. The casing is configured with an opening to view the display of the device and has a securing mechanism to hold the inserted device in place. The mounting/mating components may be magnetic. There is a method of installing a removably mountable casing having preattached mounting components to a vehicle dashboard. The method comprises removing the dashboard, aligning the casing against a front side of the dashboard; preparing the dashboard at a location where a plurality of mating components will be attached; attaching the plurality of mating components to the location; reconnecting the dashboard; and mounting the casing such that the mounting components correspondingly mate to the mating components on the dashboard.

Abstract: A door edge protector for an edge of a door of a motor vehicle includes a unitary extrusion having a push rod member having a proximal end coupled to a rear wall member by a coupling member. The unitary extrusion also includes a pull member coupled to the rear wall member and extending to an edge covering member. An adhesive attaches the unitary extrusion to an interior surface of the door of the motor vehicle. In a first position of the push rod member, the push rod member is not in contact with the pull member and the edge covering member extends around the edge of the door. In a second position of the push rod member, the push rod member is in contact with the pull member and compresses a portion of the pull member so as to retract the edge covering member.

Abstract: A glass run capable of reducing protrusions in surfaces thereof to the minimum, and preventing peeling of an exterior decorative member. The glass run includes a trim section and a glass run section. An outer side wall of the glass run section is formed integrally with a bottom wall of the trim section, and an exterior decorative member is attached to an exterior side surface of the glass run continuously from an upper end of the bottom wall of the trim section to a lower end of the outer side wall so as to cover the exterior side surface. An exterior lower reinforcing member formed of an olefin thermoplastic elastomer and exhibiting rigidity larger than that of the outer side wall is integrally formed in the lower end of the outer side wall so as to be bonded to an interior side surface of a lower end part of the exterior decorative member.

Abstract: A front part structure of a vehicle is provided, that includes a bumper fascia disposed at a front part of the vehicle and having an upper end portion opposing a leading edge of a hood, a shroud disposed rearward from the bumper fascia, and configured to lead cooling air to a given device, a coupling member provided with a first portion coupled to the shroud and a second portion that is a portion located forward of the first portion and below the upper end portion of the bumper fascia, and an impact absorbing member provided with a support part that supports the upper end portion and intervenes between the upper end portion of the bumper fascia and the second portion of the coupling member, and a fixed part that is disposed below the support part and is fixed to the second portion.

Abstract: Bumper guard and side post guard apparatuses prevent vehicles from being damaged when stored and transported within an auto-rack railcar, such as when vehicle doors are opened, where vehicle doors may otherwise contact the side panels and side posts of the auto-rack railcar. Methods of using the same are further provided.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a resin vehicle part provided with a panel body having a decorative surface on the front surface and a stepped reinforcing rib, which stands on the back surface of the panel body and the thickness of the base end of which is formed to be thinner than the thickness of the leading end. On the injection molding die thereof, a sliding piece for forming the stepped reinforcing rib is provided so as to be movable. During shrinkage movement of the stepped reinforcing rib in the height direction after molten resin has been filled in the injection molding die, the sliding piece is pressed by the leading end of the stepped reinforcing rib and moves towards the panel body.

Abstract: A swing door is provided that includes a frame, a door leaf with a door leaf edge, and an impact protection device. The impact protection device has a push rod, a lever, and first and second biasing arrangements. The impact protection device is mounted on an end face of the door leaf and is configured to pivot in an opening direction of the swing door and in a direction opposite to the opening direction. The lever is arranged in a gap between the front side and the frame as the swing door is closed. The lever has an outer lever arm protruding from the front side to protect the door leaf edge from an impact as said swing door is opened.

Abstract: The motor vehicle front assembly according to the invention comprises a first relatively deformable trim element, and a second relatively deformable trim element, separate from the first. The front assembly comprises a rigid fastener element for fastening trim elements to the body shell of the vehicle, the fastener element comprising: fastener means for fixing the fastener element to the body shell of the vehicle; fastener means for fixing the first trim element to the fastener element; and fastener means for fixing the second trim element to the fastener element; the fastener element forming a one-piece assembly.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparatuses and methods for providing and using concealable license plate mounting systems. Specifically, the present invention is a license plate mounting system that provides an aesthetically pleasing and aerodynamically efficient bumper surface in states not requiring front license plates, while simultaneously allowing the simple and secure affixing of a license plate in states requiring the display of a front license plate.

Abstract: The use of a bumper faceplate with ports provides for the easy assembly, increased structural strength, and dramatically improved aesthetic appearance of an assembled bumper containing bumper components.

Abstract: A crash attenuator for decelerating an impacting vehicle includes a first end that can be releasably secured to a vehicle, and a second end that is longitudinally spaced from the first end. The second end includes an impact member that is movable in the longitudinal direction from a pre-impact position to an impact position. At least a pair of deformable attenuator members are spaced laterally and extend longitudinally between the first and second ends. At least a portion of the attenuators are bent in a non-outboard direction when the impact member moves from the pre-impact position to the impact position.

Abstract: A fender fastenable to a bicycle bracing post includes at least a fender body and a fastening assembly. The fender body has a front section on which a concave portion, a slit and a holding space are formed. The slit can be opened elastically to allow a bicycle rear fork to be held in the holding space. The fastening means and the fender body can be coupled and adjusted to quickly install the fender on the bicycle bracing post. As a result more space is available to hold other bicycle accessories.

Abstract: A tunable inner fender structure including a body having a set of apertures and a tunable member that extends through the set of apertures.

Abstract: Extending sections are positioned along X and Y directions by engagement sections, and positioned along Y direction of a vehicle by positioning sections using mounts of a rear bumper. This makes it possible to accurately indicate a forming position of a vehicular-part mounting hole, which is needed to mount a rear under spoiler, with respect to the rear bumper based on a scribed mark if the extending sections are positioned by using the engagement sections and the positioning sections. Therefore, a worker can form a vehicular-part mounting hole in an appropriate position by merely making a hole in the position of the scribed mark, without requiring a work of removing the rear bumper.

Abstract: A vehicle rear structure is provided. The structure includes: a bumper reinforcement disposed such that the length direction thereof extends along a vehicle width direction; a bumper cover provided at a vehicle rear side of the bumper reinforcement; a reflector provided on the bumper cover such that a functional reflecting portion thereof is disposed directed towards the bumper reinforcement; and a reflector protecting member provided in the bumper reinforcement, including a bumper cover abutting portion that abuts the bumper cover during a vehicle rear collision, and a reflector accommodating portion capable of accommodating the reflector with a space when the bumper cover abuts the bumper cover abutting portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fender including an offset light housing installed on a trailer or tow dolly for towing a vehicle or other piece of equipment. In a preferred embodiment the fender further includes a clearance increasing portion. The fenders minimize the possibility of damage to the vehicle or other piece of equipment. Also disclosed is a tow dolly including a tire platform that is positioned such that when an automobile is placed on the tow dolly, the axle of the automobile is positioned forwardly of the front-most axle of the tow dolly.

Abstract: A movable fender for a vehicle. The fender body is movable between at least first and second positions relative to the vehicle, and is removable so as to be readily installed, removed, and replaced. The fender body may be engaged with the vehicle via a mounting assembly. The fender body may be disposed at the first and second positions with either of a unique first and second mounting assemblies, with either of a first and a second mounting assembly having some common components, with a fully common mounting assembly, or with both first and second mounting assemblies simultaneously arranged on the fender bodies. The mounting assembly may include a bracket disposed between the vehicle and the fender body, and may include connectors for connecting the fender body in place. The mounting assembly may engage a first mounting location on the vehicle to dispose the fender body at the first position, and a second mounting location on the vehicle to dispose the fender body at the second position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cover for closing an opening which is formed in a wall, especially in a trim part of a motor vehicle. The wall has on its inside in the area of the opening a supporting shape for the cover which makes it possible to turn the cover inserted in the opening between a closed position, wherein the cover closes the opening, and a tilted position around a tilt axis in which the cover is tilted from its closed position and is removable from the opening at the outside of the wall and/or insertable into the opening. On the cover a first ramp is formed which, when the cover is turned from its tilted position to the closed position, cooperates with a wall-mounted first guide such that the cover when in the closed position assumes a predetermined relative position.

Abstract: An arrangement for an electrical outlet for an all terrain vehicle is provided. The all terrain vehicle comprises a frame defining an engine compartment. The frame is supported by at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel. A fender assembly is disposed above one or more of the wheels and has a recess formed therein. An electrical outlet is at least partially disposed in the recess. The recess includes a sloping lower surface to facilitate drainage. A hood is disposed above the recess and protects the electrical outlet.

Abstract: An external vehicle airbag system (10), a method of its use and a principal vehicle (10) on which it is mounted involves mounting an airbag (16) at a bottom side (24) of the principal vehicle at a position spaced substantially laterally inwardly from a lateral-side periphery (27) of the principal vehicle. Also involved is a sensor (20) for being mounted on the principal vehicle at a position more laterally outwardly, in a direction toward the lateral-side periphery, than is the airbag. The sensor senses a collision of the principal vehicle with a colliding vehicle and, in response thereto, inflates the airbag below the principal vehicle, along the bottom thereof toward the lateral-side periphery, to thereby absorb energy from the colliding vehicle and prevent under-riding. In one embodiment, the sensor is positioned approximately at the lateral-side periphery and it can be mounted on a rigid under-ride guard.

Abstract: A three-wheeled automobile comprises a front cowl for enclosing a front portion of the automobile, and a floor forming a passenger step. The front cowl has on lateral sides thereof rear ends positioned above front wheels of the automobile, and a front end surface positioned forwardly of the front wheels. As a result, a large space is provided between a front wall of the front cowl and a seat. A handle post is provided generally centrally of the floor. The floor has roomy foot platforms located around the handle post. As a result, a space left forwardly of the handle post can be used as a feet accommodating area.

Abstract: A sacrificial fairing is an elongated, arcuate trough-shaped panel member having a leg which detachably mounts to a rear edge of an elongated side fairing of a truck between the side fairing and a wheel well. The sacrificial fairing extends only partially around the wheel well. The sacrificial fairing can be easily detached from the side fairing. As a result, the sacrificial fairing can be easily replaced in case of damage from rocks, debris, chains, or the like.

Abstract: A guard for vehicles protects the axle housing and proximate components from falling rocks and road debris. The device has a central mount that attaches onto the differential unit portion of the axle housing. The mount partially protects the differential unit. In addition, at least two shields are hinged onto the central mount. The shields can cover the segments of the exposed axle housing and said shields can be locked into place. The shields can be unlocked and swung from the central mount to allow for inspection, maintenance, and cleanup of the axle housing and its proximate components.

Abstract: A proactive vehicle safety device, a proactive exterior airbag system, is disclosed, which consists of a detection subsystem, a control subsystem and a deployment subsystem. The design of each of the subsystems is provided. The detection method, control method and deployment method of the proactive exterior airbag system are also provided. Two types of exterior airbags are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a side protective moulding having a decorative section and a rib section. The decorative section has a protruding section protruding most with respect to a door, and a curved section extending aslant from the protruding section toward the door. The rib section has a hollow section formed on the back side of the protruding section and a reinforcing leg section extending from the hollow section toward the door. The side moulding is moulded by a hollow injection moulding process. Adopting this moulding process can improve the outside appearance of the side moulding by eliminating sink marks and wrinkles from the surface of the decorative section if a thick wall section for increasing side moulding rigidity and impact strength is formed on the back side of the decorative section.

Abstract: A paint saver pad comprised of a sheet or pad of resilient, waterproof material that can be easily installed in the cargo carrying area of a vehicle, typically a pickup truck, prior to the installation of a cargo carrying area protective bedliner in order to protect the vehicle surface from wear caused by the liner.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for molding composite automotive trim members having a layer of a first material and a backing member made of a second thermoplastic material. The first material is introduced to the mold in the form of an elastic sheet having a show surface. This sheet is placed in the mold and the second thermoplastic material is subsequently injected into the mold cavity. This causes the second thermoplastic material to bond to one side of the sheet and forces the show surface on the opposite side of the sheet into abutting engagement with the mold surface, thereby creating the trim member. The second thermoplastic material forms a backing member that provides structural support for the sheet. The sheet forms an outer layer for the trim member. Note that the show surface on the sheet remains intact during and after injection and therefore provides a show surface for the trim member.

Abstract: A trim strip for attachment to a substrate such as a vehicle includes a metallic core member and a one-piece outer layer which includes injection molded plastic inserts. In addition, a method of making the trim strip includes the steps of bonding an outer layer to the core member wherein the outer layer extends beyond the longitudinal ends of the core member, injection molding plastic inserts which bond to the outer layer, and forming the outer layer over the ends of the core member, thereby forming end caps over the metallic core.

Abstract: An ornamental panel for automobiles has a synthetic resin cover. An attaching base is molded separately from the cover and disposed opposite a rear surface of the cover. The cover is molded of a translucent material. The cover has its outer surface made smooth and its inner surface formed with a fine rugged pattern such as crimps. The base has a surface with a rugged pattern of a dimension larger than a dimension of the crimps of the cover. The pattern of the base may be hemispheric concave fisheyes which are two-dimensionally arranged side by side, for example. A metallic film is coated on the pattern of the base.

Abstract: An impact absorber for a vehicle having a frame and a front bumper includes an elongate arm having a front end and a back end. This arm is suitably mounted by a mounting system in a rest position at an angle to horizontal with the back end higher than the front end and the front end extending beyond the bumper so that the front end is engaged before any other portion of the vehicle by any horizontal impact force at the level thereof. The mounting system includes a rotation device for mounting the back end of the arm to the frame for rotation about a horizontal axis such that a horizontal impact force to the front end of the arm is changed directly to a lifting force at the rotation device and hence to a lifting force of the frame of the vehicle as the arm rotates about the rotation device due to the impact force. Preferably, the front end includes a vertical extension with a forwardmost pad.

Abstract: A process for forming a vehicle molding is provided. The process includes the steps of extruding a continuous strip of a thermoplastic material, and securing a continuous decorative laminate onto the upper surface of the strip to form a continuous substrate. Thereafter, the substrate is transversed through a laminating roll having an outer surface contour conforming to a predetermined shape such that the substrate is formed into that shape after it has exited the laminating roll. The substrate is passed through a cooling bath to increase the rigidity thereof and then, severed at the ends of each shape formed in the substrate to form individual vehicle moldings. The process may include other operation steps such grinding, coating and securing an adhesive tape thereto all of which facilitate adherence to the vehicle surface.

Abstract: A boat trailer having a frame, wheel unit, an adjustably mounted winch unit including a keel engaging member, an elongated second keel engaging member pivotally mounted on the frame rearwardly of the winch unit and self-centering to engage a longitudinal length of the keel, a pair of fender units each of which is reversibly mountable on either side of the frame for protecting a wheel, a pair of unitary post load guide brackets slidably engaged with the rear of the frame members and each supporting both a post guide and a rear taillight, a cross member pivotally and longitudinally adjustably mounted at each end to a frame member, and a pair of bunks and a pair of aligned, resiliently mounted roller units interchangeably mounted on said cross member for providing an automatic, full line engagement of either the bunks or the roller units with the bottom of the hull, when loaded, in combination with the second keel engaging member, forming a self-adjusting three point support of the boat hull.

Abstract: A vehicle body panel protector bumper 10 comprising semi-flexible tubular members 20 having base sides 22 with magnets 28 for mounting in a selected position on a body panel 5, with a lengthwise adjustable security tab 60 for attachment to a door edge 7, and connected by a flexible hinge-connector strap 90 for convenient mounting, dismounting, and storage.

Abstract: A structure for a synthetic resin-made molding for a bodies, bumpers, etc. of automobiles is adhered via a double-coated adhesive tape. Adhesives comprising chloroprene rubbers, isobutylene-isoprene rubbers and phenolic resins and primers comprising a mixture of at least one polymer selected from polyacrylic acid derivatives and polymethacrylic acid derivatives and chloroprene rubbers are coated and formed between the molding and the tape.

Abstract: An improved energy absorption device adapted to dissipate energy and thereby protect impact prone surfaces against damage is disclosed, characterized by use of a base member formed to be affixed to the surface to be protected, an impact/facia member pivotally mounted to the base member, and a spring member extensible between the base member and impact/facia member for disposing the impact/facia member in a stowed and/or operable orientation. The various members cooperate with one another to normally maintain the impact/facia member in a stowed orientation by way of an over center latching mechanism and permit rapid deployment of the impact/facia member into an operative position merely by pivoting the impact/facia member outwardly away from the base member.

Abstract: A bumper main body has a pair of recesses into each of which a blank cap is disposed and fixedly and releasably held at its clipping portions by a first arm of a U-shaped leaf nut mounted on each of projections. The blank caps each have an outer surface flush with an outer surface of the bumper main body and a blind hole aligned with one of internally threaded flanged holes of the U-shaped leaf nut. The blind hole has a thin-walled closed end which is removed when a fastening bolt is screwed through the blind hole into one of the flanged holes to fasten a license plate to the bumper main body. The blind hole is alignable with the other of the flanged holes when the clipping portions are reversely attached to the leaf nut.

Abstract: An impact attenuating body is disclosed for use on trucks or the like, the impact attenuating body being arranged for engagement by vehicles or the like, the impact attenuating body being further adapted for gradually arresting motion of the vehicle and dissipating its impact energy. The impact attenuating body is formed with a collapsible form including laterally extending members with interconnecting brackets forming rows of compartments, the compartments being generally elongated along the direction of travel of the vehicle, selected compartments being void and different densities of shock absorbing material such as expanded plastic foam being arranged in the other compartments for arresting movement of the vehicle and dissipating its impact energy as the vehicle travels a selected distance after initial engagement with the body, the arrangement of shock absorbing material in the compartments being selected for causing the vehicle to continue generally along its initial travel direction.

Abstract: An arcuate side molding to be attached to a curved surface of an automobile body avoiding holes being formed therein. The arcuate side molding comprises a resin plate having projections formed in the backside thereof, and an intermediate member provided with slots for receiving the projections of the resin plate. In assembling the resin plate and the intermediate member, the projections are inserted through the slots of intermediate member, and then the tips of the projections are heat caulked to join the intermediate member to the resin plate so that the resin plate is slidable relative to the intermediate member and the resin plate will not be separated from the resin plate.

Abstract: An elongated decorative molding suitable for use with automotive vehicles has a core portion of reduced density and an outer portion of solid material such as a laminate secured thereto, to provide a finished colored surface of enhanced appearance and durability. The uses of a softer core material such as foamed soft polyvinyl chloride reduces the mass of plastic required by a significant amount, and modifies the flexibility and impact characteristics favorably, while the use of a skin layer such as a thin lamina secured thereto permits the core material to be non-pigmented, for significant savings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective and decorative trim strip structure for attachment to a vehicle body. The trim strip structure includes an elongate molding having an elongate, double-faced adhesive tape strip extending substantially the entire length of the molding. One face of the tape strip is secured to the molding, while the opposite face has a detachable backing strip applied thereto. At least one stud member is secured to the molding and includes one end provided with a first tapered threaded section extending through the backing strip and the tape and into the molding, and an opposite end extending outwardly from the molding and adapted to receive a suitable fastening device.

Abstract: An elongated trim strip is disclosed which includes an elongated mounting portion, an elongated decorative portion extending to one side of the mounting portion and a flexible connection between the two. At least one of the decorative portion and the mounting portion having means for joining the two portions together when the decorative portion is folded down upon the mounting portion. The mounting portion and the decorative portion are preferably configured to snap together.

Abstract: A textured surface pattern of projections and recesses provides a good appearance and low susceptibility to damage and clogging by dirt and wax for an automobile bumper made of synthetic resin. The depth of the pattern is in the range from 20 to 70.mu., the curvature of the tops of the projections is in the range from 3 to 30.mu., the curvature of the bottoms of the recesses is in the range from 2 to 30.mu., the depth as measured from the level where each recess has a width of 200.mu. to the bottom of the recess is less than 20.mu., and the distance from one top to any adjacent top is less than 2500.mu..

Abstract: An elongated composite molding strip is disclosed having two laterally offset portions of different character which provide a two-stripe appearance. In this molding strip, a first adherent elastomer tape carries a decorative film positioned to cover one side of the tape with a first side margin of the film projecting beyond one side margin of the first tape, and being folded thereunder. A decorative molding is positioned on the uncovered side of the first tape, one side margin of the molding being coextensive with the other side margin of the first tape, and the other side margin of the molding extending over the adjacent side margin of the film. A second adherent elastomer tape underlies the first elastomer tape and is coextensive therewith so that the second elastomer tape traps the folded under side margin of the film and provides an exposed adherent surface.

Abstract: Safety apparatus is disclosed for a crane including a crane body that rotatably swings about a substantially vertical axis about an undercarriage that moves on endless tracks. The crane body has opposed sides, a front end and back end, and a crane boom projects forwardly from the front end. The safety apparatus includes a length of cable that is supported in spaced relation from the crane body, extending around a portion of its periphery consisting of the crane body sides and back end. The cable is supported in such a manner that it may be laterally deflected, by a person or object, which alters its effective length. The safety apparatus further includes a control device that is operably connected to the cable for generating an electrical alarm signal in response to cable deflection, and an audible alarm connected to the control means for generating an audible alarm in response to the alarm signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is an energy absorbing bumper formed of curved sections manufactured by pultrusion. The sections have perpendicular borders whose raised edges are connected by closure plates in areas of high stress. The face of the section can be formed with ripples so as to insure that reinforcing wires remain in areas subjected to high stresses.

Abstract: A molding has an elongated plastic molding body in which there is provided a longitudinally extending channel-like recess having side walls and an open top. The molding body has lips bounding at least opposite longitudinal edges of the recess at the top for reducing the area of opening of the recess. An elongated metal strip is received in the recess. The lips extend over and engage marginal zones of the outer face of the metal strip.