Abstract: A traveling vehicle includes a mechanical brake link mechanism to transmit operation of a brake pedal to a brake device housed in a case and to control brakes of right and left rear wheels. The brake link mechanism includes a pair of brake rods extending in a front-back direction at sides of the case. A guard assembly includes a pair of guards extending in the front-back direction below the pair of brake rods. The pair of brake rods overlaps the pair of guards in a vertical direction. In a side view of the traveling vehicle, the pair of brake rods includes a higher portion positioned above a lower surface of the case to be distanced by a predetermined interval or more and positioned above the lower surface of the case, and a lower portion positioned below the higher portion. The pair of guards overlaps at least all of the lower portions in the vertical direction.

Abstract: Land vehicles, modular systems for forming monocoques of land vehicles, and methods of forming monocoques of land vehicles using modular systems are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the land vehicles are provided as delivery vehicles and/or utility vehicles. A land vehicle includes a monocoque supporting a plurality of wheels to permit movement of the vehicle relative to an underlying surface in use of the land vehicle.

Abstract: A multi-way liftgate assembly providing a plurality of dividers dividing the rear cargo area of a passenger vehicle into a plurality of secure areas assessable from a plurality of panels forming a liftgate to provide controlled access to one or more of those compartments. The vehicle operator has secure control of which portions of the cargo area can be selectively accessed. The multi-way liftgate assembly provides multiple secure openings to the cargo area of a vehicle that typically has only one secure opening to the cargo area.

Abstract: A back door attached to a rear of a vehicle body includes an inner panel, an outer panel facing the inner panel, a first reinforcing member laid on an outer side of the vehicle body and fixed to the inner panel together with a hinge, and a second reinforcing member including a porous portion and arranged to fill a first space between the first reinforcing member and the outer panel on an outer side in a width direction of the vehicle body from a hinge support that supports the hinge to overlap at least a part of a glass upper edge of a back window glass.

Abstract: A method of operating a tonneau cover and a tailgate of a vehicle, including: transmitting one or more signals to a first control module to open or lower the tailgate; determining a position of the tonneau cover with the first control module or a second control module and transmitting by the first control module and/or the second control module one or more signals to a mechanism associated with the tonneau cover to open the tonneau cover if the tonneau cover is determined by the first control module and/or the second control module to be in a closed position; and then lowering the tailgate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an operational force support device that is adapted to support a user when operating a lid (10). The invention further relates to a method for adjusting a force (FH) that has to be applied by a user to operate a lid (10). Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer module adapted to output an amplification factor and/or an armature voltage that is/are used in the method according to the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically opening and closing a trunk lid includes an actuator having a first end configured to be coupled to a vehicle body and a second end configured to be coupled to a hinge arm coupled to the trunk lid, a closing trigger link having a first end rotatably coupled to the actuator, an opening trigger link rotatably coupled to the closing trigger link, a spring assembling pin having a first end coupled to the closing trigger link and the opening trigger link, and a spring having a first end coupled to a second end of the spring assembling pin, and a second end configured to be coupled to the vehicle body or a panel configured to be mounted on the vehicle body.

Abstract: A vehicle flap, such as a tailgate, has an inner shell, such as an inner metal sheet, an outer shell, such as an outer metal sheet, connected to the inner shell, and at least one reinforcement tube. The reinforcement tube is arranged between the inner shell and outer shell and is connected to the inner shell and/or outer shell.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate assembly includes a vehicle body structure, a tailgate, a hinge assembly and a bumper. The vehicle body structure defines a tailgate opening and having a hinge support section. The tailgate is installed to the vehicle body structure for movement between an upright orientation and a horizontal orientation. The hinge assembly has a first portion installed to the hinge support section and a second portion installed to the tailgate. The bumper is installed to the vehicle body structure proximate the hinge support section such that with the tailgate in the upright orientation, the second portion of the hinge assembly contacts the bumper.

Abstract: Various vehicle hinge improvements are enabled herein. For instance, a hinge assembly comprises a body-side base plate. The body-side base plate comprises a body-side adjustment block extending perpendicularly away from a flat surface portion of the body-side base plate, a first body-side threaded hole received in the body-side adjustment block, and a second body-side threaded hole received in the body-side adjustment block. A first body-side adjustment bolt is received through a first body-side adjustment channel and threaded into the first body-side threaded hole, wherein rotation of the first body-side adjustment bolt facilitates adjustment of a body-side hinge member in a first direction. A second body-side adjustment bolt is received through the second body-side adjustment channel and threaded into the second body-side threaded hole, wherein rotation of the second body-side adjustment bolt facilitates adjustment of the body-side hinge member in a second direction.

Abstract: A hinge cover member (20) for use with a swan neck type hinge (12) has an elongate channel shaped portion (24) for receiving the hinge arm (14) and a housing portion (13) for location about a mounting structure (18) which attaches the hinge arm to the closure. The housing portion defines at least one formation (70) for attaching an edge (72) of a trim panel (56) mounted to the closure to the housing portion. The formation (70) may be a clip which clamps the edge (72) of the trim panel. The trim panel (56 may have a live hinge (74) adjacent the edge about which the panel can flex. During adjustment of the closure (13) relative to the hinge, the edge region (72) of the trim panel is constrained to move with the hinge cover.

Abstract: A flap assembly for a vehicle includes a flap, which by way of a linear actuator drive is pivotably drivable about a pivot axis from a closed position to an opened position. The drive includes a spring assembly that acts in a supporting manner on the flap. The actuator drive has an actuator housing that has one end articulated on the body of the vehicle, and an actuator rod being deployable from the other end of the housing. An external end of the actuator rod is articulated on the flap at a radial spacing from the pivot axis. The spring assembly is releasably disposed on the other end of the housing and has a compression spring supported by the actuator housing. The compression spring acts on the flap between a closed position and an initial opening angle of the flap.

Abstract: A torque rod for a closure panel of a vehicle includes a first end portion, a second end portion, a fixing portion, and first and second coiled spring portions. The first end portion is configured to be connected to a first hinge member connected to the closure panel. The second end portion is configured to be connected to a second hinge member connected to the closure panel. The fixing portion is configured to be fixed to the vehicle body structure. A first coiled spring portion is disposed between the first end portion and the fixing portion. A second coiled spring portion is disposed between the second end portion and the fixing portion.

Abstract: A method and system for a camera based hands free power liftgate is described herein. The system may power on following a key approach and/or the doors unlocking and then initialize. If there is an approach detected, the lights may be activated and the gesture detection feature of the system may then determine whether a gesture was detected. If a gesture was detected, the liftgate may then be activated. If no gesture was detected, the lights may be activated. For example, if there is a key approach, the system may power and initialize. The system may then determine whether an approach is detected. If an approach is detected, lights of the vehicle may activate and a determination whether a gesture is detected is made. If a gesture is detected, a liftgate of the vehicle may be activated.

Abstract: A tailgate subassembly for a vehicle includes a tailgate and a flexible elongated pulling element. In an open position of the tailgate, the flexible elongated pulling element extends downwardly at least partially from a starting region on an inner face of the tailgate and on the end side comprises a grip portion for a user. In order to provide improved means for closing a tailgate of a vehicle, the elongated pulling element is coupled to a retraction device which is designed to pull up the grip portion in the direction of the starting region when the tailgate is moved into a closed position.

Abstract: Disclosed are lock mechanisms for latch assemblies of vehicle compartment hoods, methods for making or using such lock mechanisms, and motor vehicles equipped with a multi-pull latch and lock system for releasably locking a hood assembly. A lock mechanism includes a gear that couples a closure latch to a latch release mechanism. The gear moves between a latched position, whereat the closure latch secures the closure in a closed position, and an unlatched position, whereat the gear transfers activation forces from the release mechanism to disengage the closure latch from the closure. A pawl is movable between a locked position, whereat the pawl engages and locks the gear in the latched position, and an unlocked position, whereat the pawl disengages the gear. An actuator is operatively engaged with a vehicle door to automatically move the pawl to the unlocked position responsive to movement of the door to an open position.

Abstract: A vehicular cargo restraint assembly includes a support platform. A plurality of panels are each movably coupled to the support platform. Each of the panels is independently movable between a first position wherein the panel is flat against the support platform, and a second position wherein the panel is offset from the support platform and configured to prevent the movement of cargo within a vehicle cabin.

Abstract: A vehicle exterior structure includes a roof panel, a panel rear window glass, a glass side-edge molding disposed along a side edge of the rear window glass, and a garnish having a constant cross section extending in a direction in which the roof panel and the rear window glass are lined. The garnish is disposed to face a side surface of the roof panel and a side surface of the glass side-edge molding. The side surface of the glass side-edge molding is a wall surface which faces the garnish. The garnish is characterized by having an inner lip which faces the side surface of the roof panel and the wall surface. In this way, a vehicle exterior structure with improved appearance and suppressed noise can be provided.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to control a vehicle accessory actuator for an actuated vehicle accessory, such as an actuated glovebox in the cockpit of a vehicle. A vehicle accessory control system includes a vehicle accessory actuator and a logic device configured to control operation of the vehicle accessory actuator. The vehicle accessory actuator is configured to unlatch or otherwise control operation of a vehicle accessory.

Abstract: A method for controlling an autonomous vehicle using an external interface is disclosed. The method includes an external interface that is in operable communication with one or more control systems of the autonomous vehicle. The method allows an entity in proximity of an outside of the autonomous vehicle to interact with the external interface; receives from the entity one or more control inputs, and controls one or more operations of the autonomous vehicle based on the one or more control inputs.

Abstract: A vehicle compartment system includes a tub establishing a storage compartment and a closure panel movable between a closed position and an open position for accessing the storage compartment. The closure panel is maintained below a vehicle down vision line in the open position. The closure panel may be raised from the closed position to a position above the storage compartment and then may be automatically slid rearward to the open position.

Abstract: Seal sections of a weather strip comprise: an upper edge section seal which is in contact with the upper edge section of a door; a side edge section seal which is in contact with a side edge section of the door; and a connecting section seal which connects the upper edge section seal to the side edge section seal. The seal sections comprise first drip channels which are capable of connecting water from the exterior of a vehicle. Second drip channels, which are capable of collecting water that flows along the vehicle exterior sides of the seal sections, are formed between the seal sections and the drip lips. A communication section, which communicates between one first drip channel and one second drip channel, is formed in the connection section seal.

Abstract: A panel for a vehicle. The panel includes an outer panel and an inner panel. The outer panel has an exterior surface and an underside surface, and the inner panel is located adjacent to and along the underside surface of the outer panel, but spaced apart from the outer panel. The inner panel also exhibits a bow over a substantial portion of its length, with the bow being in a direction toward the outer panel. The bow induces a moment in the inner panel during impact of the vehicle in a collision that causes the inner panel and, resultantly, the outer panel to undergo a predetermined deformation in an upward direction relative to the vehicle. The panel may be provided as the hood of the vehicle.

Abstract: A reinforced liftgate is provided for a vehicle. That reinforced liftgate includes an inner panel having a first aperture and a first reinforcing plate having a second aperture. The first reinforcing plate engages the inner panel so that the first and second apertures are aligned. A first ball stud is mounted to the inner panel in the first and second apertures. In one embodiment the liftgate also includes a hinge reinforcement.

Abstract: A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and apparatus for detecting an object in an image are disclosed. For example, the method receives the image, calculates a score for each one of a plurality of locations in the image, performs a box plot of the score of the each one of the plurality of locations of the image, identifies an outlier score that falls outside of the box plot, determines that a distance ratio of the outlier score is less than a predefined distance ratio and detects the object in a location of the plurality of locations of the image corresponding to the outlier score.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a rear hatch opening and a segmented hatch that is moveably connected to the vehicle structure. A lid is moveably connected to the upper hatch for movement between open and closed positions relative to the upper hatch. A first pair of lockable gas struts prevent opening of the upper hatch when locked. A second pair of lockable gas struts prevent opening of the lid relative to the upper hatch when locked. The upper hatch and the lid include overlapping portions that define spaces therebetween when the lid is in a closed position relative to the upper hatch. The second pair of lockable gas struts are disposed in the spaces when the lid is in a closed position relative to the upper hatch.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for a storage compartment includes a first component and a second component coupled to the first component. The second component is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the first component. A damper device includes a housing assembly supported by the first component and a finger attached to the second component such that the finger is movable with the second component between the first and second positions. The finger and the housing assembly are spaced from each other when the second component is in the first position, and the finger slidingly engages the housing assembly as the second component moves to the second position such that frictional engagement between the finger and the housing assembly dampens movement of the second component relative to the first component.

Abstract: A method of setting a gap or margin between an edge of a decklid and a vehicle surface includes providing a powered cinching latch assembly including a powered actuator that moves a striker member between a presented position and a fully cinched position. The cinched position of the striker is adjusted to provide an acceptable gap or margin between an edge of the decklid and an adjacent vehicle surface.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a hinge box, and a decklid attachment bracket rotatably attached to the hinge box. The decklid attachment bracket includes a contoured surface. A compressible member is positioned for engagement with the contoured surface as the decklid attachment bracket moves between an open position and a closed position. The contoured surface defines an outer region, a recessed region, and an inner region. The outer region compresses the compressible member as the decklid attachment bracket moves between the open and closed positions to absorb energy and dampen movement of the decklid attachment bracket. The recessed region cradles the compressible member without substantially compressing the compressible member when the decklid attachment bracket is in the open position to secure the position of the decklid attachment bracket. The inner region compresses the compressible member to absorb energy, and limit movement of the decklid attachment bracket beyond the open position.

Abstract: Deformation of a trunk door is suppressed with a simple structure. A lateral bead is formed along a ridgeline region that is formed by an inner upper wall portion and an inner rear wall portion of an inner panel of the trunk door. The lateral bead is not connected to a ring bead formed at an outer periphery of the inner panel. Thus, stiffness of the ridgeline region may be suppressed compared with a case in which the lateral bead is connected to the ring bead. Thus, substantial V-form folding of an outer upper wall portion and an outer rear wall portion may be suppressed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hinge and support member arrangement for providing a hinged connection between a bonnet and a body structure of a vehicle. The hinge and support member arrangement comprises a hinge mechanism providing a hinged connection for opening and closing of the bonnet, and a support member adapted to be attached to the body structure of the vehicle and further adapted to carry a fender. In addition, the hinge mechanism is adapted to be connected to the body structure via the support member. The disclosure further relates to a support member for use in such a hinge and support member arrangement and a vehicle comprising such a hinge and support member arrangement.

Abstract: A vehicle and a hinge assembly for a storage compartment of the vehicle are disclosed. The hinge assembly includes a first component and a second component coupled to the first component. The second component is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the first component. A damper device includes a housing assembly supported by the first component and a finger attached to the second component such that the finger is movable with the second component between the first and second positions. The finger and the housing assembly are spaced from each other when the second component is in the first position, and the finger slidingly engages the housing assembly as the second component moves to the second position such that frictional engagement between the finger and the housing assembly dampens movement of the second component relative to the first component.

Abstract: A vehicle and a hinge assembly for a storage compartment of the vehicle are disclosed. The assembly includes a first component adapted to be attached to the vehicle and a second component. The second component includes a first end portion coupled to the first component and a second end portion spaced from the first end portion. The second component is movable relative to the first component between a first position and a second position such that the second end portion is disposed above the first component when in the second position. The assembly further includes a link coupled to the second component and movable with the second component as the second component moves between the first and second positions. The link extends away from the second component to a distal end. The assembly includes a guard attached to the link and covering at least a portion of the distal end.

Abstract: Added openings are provided for sport utility vehicles (SUV), pick-up trucks, two and four door vehicles, vans, minivans, sedans, station wagons, or other vehicles. The opening(s) may utilize doors, gates, windows, sunroofs, or lids that provide more physical and/or visual access to the interior space, cargo, and/or seating within the vehicles that currently are not easily accessible, viewed, seen-by, or displayed-on conventional opening means. These openings may also provide the ability to place cargo within the space of the vehicle that current vehicles prohibit from being carried therein, or they may provide decorative, descriptive, or electronic displays for such vehicles, for example, advertising on taxi cabs. Among the embodiments, this invention results in a new 2 door or a 4 door SUV vehicle having added rear side doors, and a new 2 door or 4 door sedan that in effect functions likes a pick-up.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle having a panel or door, which can be brought from a closed position into an open position against the force of gravity using at least one energy storage element and means coupled therewith for influencing the torsional moment provided on the panel or door by the at least one energy storage element, wherein the panel or door is rotatably supported about an axis of rotation, and wherein the torsional moment can be influenced by the means for influencing depending on the opening position of the panel or door.

Abstract: A vehicle may include a body, a closure member, a hinge assembly and a sleeve. The body may define a cavity having an opening. The closure member may be movable relative to the cavity to provide access to the cavity. The hinge assembly may be attached to the body and the closure member and may include first and second torsion rods extending between first and second sides of the opening of the cavity. The first and second torsion rods may urge the closure member toward an open position. The sleeve may be attached to the first torsion rod and may include an outer surface having a profile defining a plurality of peaks and valleys. The outer surface may contact the second torsion bar to prevent direct contact between the first and second torsion rods.

Abstract: A hood prop is adjustable by rotation and without tools. A base rod 33 fits into a hollow friction rod 34 and may be twisted in a first direction to lock in place and in a second opposite direction to loosen for adjustment. A base screw 32 secures a free floating friction piece 31 and a threaded base piece 30 to a threaded base rod 33. The treaded base rod 33 may be inserted into the hollow friction rod 34 and then twisted. The rotation causes the free floating friction piece to press upon the inside wall of the hollow friction rod. The slant surfaces of the free floating friction piece and threaded base piece help move an extended section 40 of the friction piece into the inner wall of the hollow friction rod. The use of two slant surfaces 61 on the threaded base piece 30 facilitates quick response to rotation in either direction.

Abstract: A decklid assembly for a vehicle includes a first panel and a second panel spaced apart from the first panel to define a void therebetween. The decklid assembly also includes a deployable handle assembly at least partially disposed within the void and including a mounting element and a handle. The mounting element defines a cavity therein and is configured for attaching to at least one of the first panel and the second panel, wherein the mounting element extends into the void and abuts the first panel and the second panel. The handle is pivotably attached to the mounting element and is configured for transitioning between a stowed position wherein the handle covers the cavity, and a deployed position wherein the handle does not cover the cavity. A vehicle including the decklid assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for installing a spring-assisted liftgate in opposition to the gravity force includes temporarily fixing a coupling rod in a defined position corresponding to an installation position of the liftgate, and holding the in an open position or in an intermediate position above the installation position and placing the apparatus in the vehicle. After lowering the liftgate from the open position or intermediate position into the installation position, the coupling rod is connected to the hinge lever and then released.

Abstract: A body panel assembly and a method for manufacturing a body panel assembly are disclosed herein. In a non-limiting embodiment, the body panel assembly includes, but is not limited to, an inner panel having a lower portion. The body panel assembly further includes an outer panel that is connected to the inner panel. The outer panel has a main portion, a transitional portion, and a bent portion. The main portion and the bent portion are positioned on opposite sides of the lower portion. The main portion, the transitional portion, and the bent portion are arranged to form a cavity having an elongated configuration below the inner panel. The bent portion defines an opening extending therethrough. The opening is positioned at least partially below the lower portion of the inner panel. The opening provides ventilation to the cavity.

Abstract: A counterbalanced hinge assembly for rotatably supporting a decklid of a vehicle includes a hinge box and a support member rotatably attached to the hinge box. A linkage system interconnects the hinge box and the support member, and includes a wind-up link rotatably attached to the hinge box for rotation about a spring axis, and a driven link interconnecting the wind-up link and the support member. A planar coil spring is coiled about the spring axis and is coupled to both the hinge box and the wind-up link. The planar coil spring applies a torque to the wind-up link to rotate the wind-up link about the spring axis to assist movement of the support member from the closed position into the open position.

Abstract: A vehicle has a deck lid for closing a vehicle luggage compartment. The deck lid is mounted on a hinge assembly including a hinge lever pivoted on a vehicle body and a hinge arm attached to the deck lid. A trim panel lines the luggage compartment and has an oversize aperture creating a gap through which the hinge arm travels freely without interference with the trim panel during the opening and closing movement of the deck lid. A closeout panel is mounted on the hinge assembly to travel therewith. The closeout panel is sized larger than the size of the oversize aperture and upon the deck lid reaching the open position, the closeout panel will have moved with the hinge assembly to a position closely adjacent the backside of the trim panel so that the closeout panel closes the gap and prevents an observer from seeing through the gap.

Abstract: A counterbalanced hinge system rotatably attaches a closure panel to a body for rotation about a rotation axis. The counterbalanced hinge system applies an assist torque to the closure panel to bias the closure panel about the rotation axis from a closed position into an open position. A pop-up system is moveable from an un-sprung position into a sprung position to apply an opening force to the closure panel. A reset system includes a connecting cable interconnecting the counterbalanced hinge system and the pop-up system. The reset system converts a portion of the assist torque applied by the counterbalanced hinge system into linear motion of the connecting cable to move the pop-up system from the sprung position into the un-sprung position automatically upon the closure panel moving from the closed position into the open position.

Abstract: A closure assembly includes a striker assembly and a latch mechanism moveable along a longitudinal path relative to each other. One of the striker assembly and the latch mechanism includes a plate defining a first surface, and the other of the striker assembly and the latch mechanism includes an articulating member defining a second surface moveable into abutting engagement with the first surface of the plate. The articulating member moves into abutting engagement with the plate after the latch mechanism and the striker assembly have moved into a closed position relative to each other to restrict lateral movement between the striker assembly and the latch mechanism relative to the longitudinal path.

Abstract: A hinge assembly that includes a first hinge member and a second hinge member for mounting to an external vehicle closure member and a vehicle body, a pivot pin, a first clamp member with a first clamp surface, and a second clamp member having a second clamp surface is provided. The pivot pin is pivotally connected to the first hinge member to provide pivotal movement of an external vehicle closure member about a horizontal pivot axis between a closed position and an open position. The first and second clamp members are configured to clamp a mounting portion of the second hinge member between the first and the second clamp surfaces. The mounting portion of the second hinge member has an opening therethrough for receiving the pivot pin and is oversized relative to the pivot pin to accommodate relative radial adjusting movement during installation.

Abstract: A closure assembly for a vehicle includes rails secured to a vehicle body, first joints secured to one of the rails and able to pivot about an axis through a first angle between a first reference position and a second reference position, a panel, and second joints secured to one of the rails, supporting the panel and able to pivot about a second axis through a second angle between a first reference position and a third reference position.

Abstract: A compartment includes a plurality of side walls and a floor configured to define a storage area. The compartment also includes a panel operatively connected to the floor or to at least one of the plurality of side walls. The panel is configured to selectively expand and restrict access to the storage area. The compartment additionally include a torque rod having a wall thickness, a hollow interior, a first end fixed relative to the storage area and a second end fixed relative to the panel. The torque rod is configured to store energy by being twisted when the panel is pivoted in a first direction relative to the storage area and release the stored energy when the panel is pivoted in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction to thereby assist operation of the panel. A vehicle employing such an enclosure is also provided.

Abstract: In a vehicle that features a luggage compartment with a cargo opening that can be closed, as well as an operating element that can be actuated in order to open the luggage compartment, an auxiliary function is provided for a function other than the function of opening the luggage compartment and assigned to the operating element while the cargo opening is open such that no additional operating elements.

Abstract: A decklid assembly for a vehicle includes a first panel and a second panel spaced apart from the first panel to define a void therebetween. The decklid assembly also includes a deployable handle assembly at least partially disposed within the void and including a mounting element and a handle. The mounting element defines a cavity therein and is configured for attaching to at least one of the first panel and the second panel, wherein the mounting element extends into the void and abuts the first panel and the second panel. The handle is pivotably attached to the mounting element and is configured for transitioning between a stowed position wherein the handle covers the cavity, and a deployed position wherein the handle does not cover the cavity. A vehicle including the decklid assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: In accordance with exemplary embodiments, a magnetic decklid damper system is provided for a vehicle. The system comprises a decklid coupled to a body of the vehicle via a hinge strap facilitating the decklid moving between a closed position and an open position. The hinge strap includes a first magnetic element coupled to the hinge strap, and a second magnetic element coupled to a body member of the vehicle. The first and second magnetic elements have a common polarity to magnetically repel each other as the decklid moves toward the open position to provide a damping effect for the decklid.