Abstract: A hand truck carrier for securing a hand truck to a vehicle includes a carrier body and first and second members coupled to the body. The carrier body is attachable to the vehicle. The first and second members are selectively positionable in at least an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the members are spaced apart from each other to define therebetween a base plate receiving space in which a base plate of a hand truck can be received. In the closed position, the members are positioned closer to each other than in the open position, and to contact and apply a clamping force to top and bottom surfaces of the base plate, respectively, thereby securing the hand truck to the hand truck carrier.

Abstract: An integrated message system for a vehicle provides an extendable, prioritized message scheme. Using this scheme, the message system acts as a centralized message provider for variety of alerts and operating data originating throughout the vehicle. The message system defines a hierarchy of message levels, each having a unique output protocol. The protocol defines attributes associated with messages at a particular level such as textual or graphical message, an auditory alert, as well as the scheme for playing these messages and alerts. The system integrates a variety of subsystems that conventionally have separate driver interfaces such as a collision warning system and an adaptive cruise control system.

Abstract: A vibration damper for a seat suspension system is disclosed with a shock absorber which dampens seat vibrations when the shock absorber is coupled to the seat suspension system. The shock absorber includes a dampening cylinder housing with a dampening piston slidable therein. The dampening cylinder housing is coupled to one of the vehicle and seat, such as to the floor of the vehicle. An elongated latch engaging member, which may be in the form of a dampening piston rod is coupled to the dampening piston. A latch is shiftable between first and second positions. When in the first position the latch engages the dampening rod, and when in the second position the latch disengages the dampening rod. When engaged to the dampening rod, the latch couples the dampening rod to the other of the vehicle and seat so that the shock absorber applies a dampening force to the seat. Conversely, when the latch disengages the dampening rod, the shock absorber is relieved from applying a dampening force to the seat.

Abstract: A method of controlling a retractable stairway assembly for a vehicle includes monitoring at least one vehicle status condition such as (a) whether the vehicle is stopped, (b) whether the parking brake is set, (c) whether the cab is tilted in excess of a threshold, and (d) whether excess current is being required by a motor used to shift the stairway between stowed and deployed positions in the event an electric motor is used for this purpose. In the event any of these monitored conditions are not in a predetermined state, deployment of the stairway from a stowed position is blocked. Deployment and stowing of the stairway may also be interrupted depending upon vehicle status and other conditions. Interior and exterior vehicle alarms may be activated depending on vehicle status conditions and the mode of operation of the stairway.

Abstract: An electronic shift control lever assembly that transmits signal indicating a driver's desired gear selection to a variety of types of vehicle's transmissions in one form includes a steering column mounted shift lever. The shift lever is actuatable by the driver to signal a gear selection.

Abstract: A quarter fender may be of a uniform homogenous material with a body having a fender portion, a deflector flap portion, and a mounting portion. The deflector flap portion may include a removable section of a reduced average thickness which may be severed from a neck of the deflector portion and replaced with a replacement deflector section. The neck may include recesses extending partially therethrough, which may be fully penetrated to accommodate fasteners coupling the replacement section to the neck. The upper surface of the fender body may be projection free.

Abstract: A truck cab sidewall assembly and method for making the same are disclosed. A sidewall skin is provided having a front edge, rear edge, top edge, and bottom edge, and a first exterior side and a second interior side. An inwardly directed front flange is provided along the front edge, and an inwardly directed flange is also provided along the top edge. The sidewall skin has a inwardly stepped transition region spaced rearwardly of the front edge. A rear corner is formed in the skin at a location forwardly of the rear edge and rearwardly of the transition region. A portion of the skin between the rear edge and rear corner forms part of the back wall of the truck cab. The rear comer is preferably formed by a roll forming technique. The transition region is preferably formed by a die-press.

Abstract: A support arrangement for an exhaust system including an upright muffler and an upwardly-extending exhaust stack located behind the cab of a truck. An arm is mounted on a frame member of the truck, and a vibration isolator supported on the arm in turn supports the weight of an exhaust pipe elbow, a muffler, and a stack located above the muffler, all oriented generally upwardly. An upper connecting assembly is attached to the exhaust stack and to a mounting fastened to the back side of the cab to support the muffler and stack with respect to longitudinal and lateral movement relative to the truck while still permitting some vertical movement of the cab relative to the frame. In one embodiment the upper connecting assembly is attached by way of elastomeric members which permit yet resist movement.

Abstract: A fuel efficiency monitoring and display system for a vehicle dynamically evaluates vehicle performance parameters to detect conditions that cause excessive fuel consumption. The conditions include increased aerodynamic drag due to excessive speed, high RPM, braking and accelerating, excessive idling, and rapid throttle movements. The system dynamically estimates gross vehicle weight, roadway grade and drag factor from monitored parameters and uses these estimates to detect inefficient fuel use. The system indicates to the driver when inefficient fuel use is detected. For example, it displays a measure of excess fuel consumed and messages indicating actions that can be taken to improve fuel economy in response to detecting inefficient fuel use.

Abstract: A truck waste system includes a chemical toilet carried by a support which is slidable between first, second and third positions. In the first position, the toilet is stored within a cabinet in the interior of a truck. When in the second position, the support and thus the toilet coupled to the support is slid outwardly from the cabinet toward the interior of the cab for easy accessibilty and use. In the third or cleaning position, the support that carries the toilet is slid in an opposite direction through an exterior wall passageway of the truck to a location outside of the cab where the toilet may be readily accessed for cleaning.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle cab which includes springs supporting the rear end of the cab over the frame. A sway resisting device including a torsion, or sway, bar is coupled to the frame and has arms extending outwardly therefrom which connect to the cab. The sway bar is restrained against movement laterally of the truck and through its connection with the cab inhibits lateral movement of the cab relative to the frame. The torsional resistance in the sway bar resists side-to-side roll of the cab relative of the frame.

Abstract: A grille bar for a radiator grille of a vehicle includes a grille bar section having a leading profile defining flange portion and a forward or frontal air deflecting surface. The grille bar section also has a rear leg flange portion projecting downwardly from the upper end portion of the leading profile defining flange portion. In addition, the grille bar section has a return flange portion projecting generally rearwardly from the lower end portion of the leading profile defining flange portion. The return flange portion projects preferably rearwardly and upwardly from the lower end portion of the leading profile defining flange portion and extends generally toward the bottom edge of the rear leg flange. The return flange extends in one form to no more than about one-half of the distance between the front of the leading profile defining flange portion and the rear surface of the rear leg.

Abstract: A truck door frame and door installation assembly and method for making the door frame are disclosed. Specifically, a door frame constructed of a monolithic piece of sheet metal completely bounds a door opening. The door frame is attached to an underlying sidewall frame structure. The door frame has a pilot hole therethrough for receiving a protruding alignment element from a door positioner and supporter. Other truck cab assembly components, such as the roof structure and firewall assembly, are attachable to the door frame. A door installation assembly and method for adjusting and installing a door in the closed position is also provided. In particular, a piano hinge having a first flap is mounted to a fore side edge of a door. The second flap of the hinge is mounted to an exterior hinge receiving surface of the door frame and extends forwardly and substantially perpendicularly to the fore side edge and first flap when the door is closed.

Abstract: A truck cab ventilation system and method is described which includes an air exhaust channel that extends from an upper channel portion adjacent the ceiling at the rear of the cab and through a lower channel portion to an exhaust vent mounted adjacent the floor of the cab over an exit opening in such floor. An inlet vent in the front of the cab produces a positive pressure within the cab which causes flow-through ventilation air flow from the front to the rear of the cab when the truck is moving. As a result, air flows into the upper channel portion of the exhaust channel and out of the exhaust vent through the exit opening to the exterior of the cab. The exhaust vent includes flexible louvers of elastomer which are held by gravity in a closed position and are moved into an open position when air flows out through the exhaust system.

Abstract: A flexible coupling suitable for use in an automobile exhaust system having axially spaced conduit sections. Upstream and downstream conduit sections are held end to end by an intermediate coupling member. The upstream conduit has a part-spherical end connector that fits within a complementary part-spherical socket of the coupling member. Similarly, the coupling member has a part-spherical end connector that fits within a complementary part-spherical socket of the downstream conduit. The part-spherical connectors permit relative pivotal and rotational movement of the upstream and downstream connectors relative to the coupling member. Each of the part-spherical connectors tapers internally to an annular lip, so that the flow of gas increases to create a venturi effect. The venturi effect establishes a relative vacuum at the junctions between the coupling member and the conduits to oppose escape of gas (such as exhaust fumes) from the coupling.