Abstract: A tyre cavity noise absorber comprising a body 1 of sound absorbing material with an outer protective cover 3. The body of sound absorbing material is intended to be mounted to a wheel 2 of a wheel and tyre 6 assembly so that a surface of the body is exposed in a tyre cavity of the wheel and tyre assembly. The outer protective cover only partially covers said surface of the body of sound absorbing material such that the cover protects the body of sound absorbing material from a bead 7 of a tyre as a tyre is fitted to, or removed from, the wheel and the uncovered parts of the body of sound absorbing material are free to absorb sound.

Abstract: A pedal cap comprises a foot pad having a forward surface and a rear surface; the forward surface facing the foot of a user, in use. The pedal cap includes two side portions extending rearwardly from the foot pad, away from the forward surface, each side portion comprising latch members which latch behind the head of a pedal. At each end of the pedal cap, lips are provided. At one end, the lip has an inwardly extending flange, whereas the lip at the other end may be provided with or without an inwardly extending flange. A support for supporting the pedal cap during insertion of the head of a pedal is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical clock having a winding mechanism and a means to automatically wind the winding mechanism of the clock; wherein the automatic winding means is directly or indirectly powered or actuated by an electrical system of a motor vehicle, in use.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methodologies for providing a comfort system of a transportation vehicle include capturing and assessing movement data of a user. The movement data can include movement data captured upon the user's approach to the transportation vehicle.

Abstract: An adjustable hinge assembly (10) for securing a boot lid to the body of a vehicle has a mounting member (22) for attachment to the body. An adjustment member (24) is connected to the mounting member for pivotal movement about a first axis X and a hinge arm (18) on which the boot lid is mounted is connected to the adjustment member for pivotal movement about a second axis Y parallel to but spaced from the first axis. An adjusting mechanism (26) is operative to selectively adjust the pivotal position of the adjustment member (24) relative to the mounting member (22) in order to adjust the position of the boot lid relative to a body in a vertical direction.

Abstract: The human machine interface (HMI) of a vehicle, especially an automobile is responsive to outside stimuli. Signals relevant to the amount of concentration required by a driver are received by the HMI, which determines, based on the values of these signals, a driver distraction level. As the driver distraction level increases, areas of a structured display on a display screen are dynamically removed, to present the driver with a reduced distractions when greater concentration is required.

Abstract: A roof rail (20) is adapted to be attached to the roof (21) of a vehicle, to allow items to be carried on the roof via a crossbar (22) clamped thereto. The roof rail (20) includes a trim attachment portion (23), to which a trim (24) formed of brightware or the like can be attached. The trim attachment portion (23) extends between a top wall and a projecting portion of an outboard sidewall of the rail (20).

Abstract: A switch mechanism actuates an electrically adjustable screen mount. The switch mechanism allows a user to select between a first automatic operation for stowing and deployment of the display screen (6), and a second, user adjustable operation for adjustment of the deployed position of the display screen (6), in order to tilt the screen back and forth. The adjustment back and forth may be accompanied by a movement upward or downward, with an upward movement when the top of the screen tilts away from the user, and downward movement when the top of the screen tilts towards the user. This can compensate for tilting of the surface to which the screen mount is attached, such as a seat-back.

Abstract: A method of controlling the speed of a vehicle, especially an automobile, is responsive to information concerning a route and traffic. The method identifies at least a portion of an anticipated route, based on planned route data from a navigation system and/or based on data from a repeat journey logger. The method determines an optimal braking or accelerating point based on the anticipated route and outputs a sign to a driver to adjust the vehicle speed in accordance with the optimal braking or accelerating point. The method also records speed profiles of the vehicle along routes followed in a repeat journey logger and uses these speed profiles to determine an optimal braking or accelerating point. Instead of, or as well as outputting a sign to the driver, the method can adjust the speed profile of the vehicle in accordance with the optimal braking or acceleration point.

Abstract: Apparatus for a vehicle is provided such that the throttle pedal can act as a virtual footrest. The apparatus comprises a pedal adapted to be depressed by a driver and a restriction mechanism adapted to restrict the displacement of the pedal. The apparatus also comprises a visual sign which enters a first illuminated state in response to activation of the footrest mode. The visual sign remains in the first illuminated state whilst the restriction mechanism retains the pedal in the footrest position, and is extinguished when footrest mode or cruise control is cancelled. The visual sign enters a second illuminated state when the pedal is subjected to a force greater than a first threshold value, so as to push the pedal past through the footrest position whilst in the footrest mode.

Abstract: A retractable table assembly (5) for an automobile has a housing (6) located between the rear seats (2,3). Two tabletops (17a, 17b) are stowed in the housing and deployed on rotatable arms (12a, 12b). The arms are resiliently biased to the deployment position and when stowed, the tabletops are kept in place by push-push latches. A secondary link (16) between the tabletops and the pivot-point of the arms is provided, which maintains the relative disposition of the tabletop in relation to the housing during deployment. The tabletops can be deployed side-by-side so as to provide an expanded surface for working on.

Abstract: A vehicle seat has a frame, a padded seat back assembly (16), a padded seat cushion assembly (18), and a seat cushion assembly tilt arrangement for tilting the seat cushion assembly. A valance cover (34) is mounted on an outer side of the seat. The cover has a rearward cover section (34a) and a forward cover section (34b). The forward cover section (34b) is mounted in fixed relation to the seat cushion assembly (18) for tilting movement together with the seat cushion assembly. The seat cushion padding (24) extends over an upper surface of the forward cover section (34b).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of estimating the load on a motor vehicle (10). The motor vehicle (10) having a wheel (12) comprising a tread (20) for rolling over a surface being driven on (14) and a first air chamber (32) in which there is a gas which by means of its gas pressure (G) counteracts de-formation of the tread (20) when the wheel (12) is rolling. The method lets gas into the first air chamber 32 over a predetermined period and estimates the load based on the change in pressure in the chamber. The object under-lying the invention is to provide a means of estimating the load on a vehicle. For this purpose the wheel (12) may have a second air chamber (38) coupled to the first air chamber (32) by a valve device (44), the first air chamber (32) extending between the tread (20) and the second air chamber (38) and the gas may flow from the second air chamber (38) into the first air chamber (32).