Abstract: A vehicle shield is provided according to the invention. The vehicle shield is constructed to avoid excessive hood flutter. The shield includes a hood protector region and an attachment region. The hood protector region is constructed for extending across at least a portion of a vehicle hood for protecting the vehicle hood. The attachment region is constructed for attaching the hood protector region to a vehicle. Also provided is a method of installing the shield to a motor vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a retractable roof for passenger vehicles, especially a hard top for two-seater convertibles, roadsters or similar, comprising a dimensionally stable shell consisting of a roof part and rear support pillars which are rigidly connected to the roof part at an obtuse angle, a rear window for a window opening and an accommodating area located perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle directly behind the seats, wherein the roof part can be moved in and out with the support columns thereof by means of guiding and drive means. The roof part is kinematically and restrictively guided on a guide track with the support pillars thereof. The aim of the invention is to provide a retractable roof of the above-mentioned variety which exhibits the required structural rigidity yet which is lightweight, operates smoothly and is mechanically simply and easy to use while at the same time being compact.

Abstract: A reinforcing structure for automotive vehicles is disclosed, in which cross car beams (1) constituting a reinforcing structure for the instrument panel or the like include an upper cross car beam (1A) of a hollow bar such as a small-diameter pipe straight or having a plurality of curves and suspended between left and right front pillars, and at least a lower cross car beam (1B) of a hollow bar such as an L-shaped small-diameter pipe. The part of the lower cross car beam nearer to the driver's seat is in contact and welded with the upper cross car beam, and the part of the lower cross car beam not in contact with the upper cross car beam functions as a brace (5). A steering shaft (3) is mounted on the cross car beams in the direction crossing the cross car beams. A lower cross car beam (1C) of a similar shape to the lower car beam nearer to the driver's seat can also be arranged nearer to the front passenger seat.

Abstract: A console for a vehicle is disclosed. The console includes a body defining an opening and also includes a lid that is configured to cover the opening and a panel that is movably mounted relative to the body. The panel is movable between a retracted position within the opening and an extended position away from the opening. The panel also has at least one receptacle formed therein. The receptacle is configured to receive an object therein.

Abstract: A collapsible truck bed cover comprising a frame and an outer covering, wherein the frame comprises four primary support bars, four secondary support bars, and four cross bars. The primary support bars are pivotally connected to each other at a swinging pivot point. The secondary support bars are pivotally connected to the primary support bars. The two rear primary support bars are pivotally connected to the truck bed rails at two stationary pivot points. When the cover is fully collapsed, it fits underneath an existing tonneau cover.

Abstract: A unitary vehicle liftgate component module carries a plurality of pre-mounted vehicle liftgate components for one-step mounting on the liftgate when the module is attached to the liftgate. At least two of a liftgate wiper motor, a liftgate window latch, and liftgate window defrost terminal connectors are carried on the module or interact with portions carried on the module. In one aspect, the liftgate window latch striker and an optional electrical contact are carried on a support which is laterally adjustable with respect to a base fixed to the liftgate window for automatic centering of the striker and the optional contact as the liftgate window is moved to a closed position with respect to an opening in the liftgate.

Abstract: The invention relates to the assembly of a roof module and a vehicle body. The roof module lies on flanges of the roof section of the vehicle body and is bonded to said flanges by means of an adhesive layer. To obtain a desired, predetermined thickness for the adhesive layer between the roof module and flanges by a reliable process and to prevent adhesive from escaping from the bonding area, spacers are provided in the area of the flange. Said spacers allow the distance between the interior surface of the module, said surface facing the flange, and the upper surface of the flange, said surface facing the roof module, to be set to a predetermined measurement.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for providing an overhead frame structure having two side frame members each with at least one protrusion and one or more cross members coupling the side frame members through interconnection with the protrusions. Each protrusion has a corrugated configuration. Each cross member has end portions each having a wall with corrugated configuration. Each wall is adapted to engage one of the protrusions. The end portions in each cross member are adapted to receive one of the pairs of opposing protrusions therein. The cross members are coupled between the side frame members with the engagement and subsequent securing of the protrusions to the end portions of the cross members.

Abstract: A console for motor vehicles comprises a bezel and a divider. The bezel defines an opening for receiving one or more modules. The divider is releasably attached to the bezel to divide the opening into a plurality of slots. Each slot is provided for receiving a separate module.

Abstract: The present invention is a floor panel structure of a car body where an automobile floor comprises a floor panel that is connected to the frame members of the car body and also has a vibration mode adjusting structure that suppresses the generation of acoustic emission by generating 2×1 mode vibration in a predetermined frequency band. The floor panel has a non-rectangular vibration region and the vibration mode adjusting structure of the floor panels the vibration mode adjusting structure of the floor panel comprises a vibration adjusting part that defines the vibration distribution and vibration amplitude of the antinodes of 2×1 mode vibration, and the vibration adjusting part is disposed within the a non-rectangular vibration region so as to make the vibration volumes of two antinodes of vibration in 2×1 mode nearly the same.

Abstract: A body structure for a customized van is enhanced by providing a roof support element which is light in weight, strong, and easily shaped to conform to curved roof lines. The body structure comprises a rafter having upper and lower extruded rails and a plurality of gussets connected between the rails to join the rails in a single member. The rails are T-shaped in cross section with the upright of the T providing a point for connection of the gussets.

Abstract: An automated car door opening system proposes a very simple yet reliable system that can easily be retrofitted on most cars. It uses the combination of a large electrically actuated inner shaft cooperating with a piston. The piston opens the car door slightly in a manner similar to the normal opening of a car door, so that the door clears the car frame and then, a combination of outward but more predominantly upward motion by the inner shaft has the door opening in an upwardly rotational motion along a vertical plane which fully opens it. The reverse process closes the door.

Abstract: A work vehicle comprises a counter weight (1) manufactured by casting, an outer surface thereof being formed in a substantially arc shape, the counter weight (1) including at a lower section thereof an extended portion extending in leftward and rightward directions to have a substantially arc shape, tip ends of the extended portion and a lower part of a center section of the counter weight (1) being provided with a lower attachment base, and an upper face thereof being provided with a canopy attachment base; and a canopy (2) including a roof (22), pillars (21) standing at left side and right side for supporting the roof (22), and a lower attachment member (23) manufactured by casting for fixing lower ends of the pillars (21), the canopy (2) being mounted on the counter weight (1).

Abstract: A disclosed loading and unloading system for a truck having a bed includes a ramp, a first storage compartment formed under the bed and receiving the ramp, a ramp mounting assembly for mounting the ramp such that the ramp can be moved from a stored position to an extended position, a tailgate, a second storage compartment formed under the first storage compartment and receiving the tailgate, and a tailgate mounting assembly for mounting the tailgate such that the tailgate can be moved from an upright position to a lowered position, and to a retracted position. In the stored position the ramp is positioned within the first storage compartment. In the extended position the ramp extends outwardly from the first storage compartment through an opening. The tailgate blocks the first compartment opening in the upright position, and does not block the first compartment opening in the retracted position.

Abstract: A portable, highway legal truck tent made of steel tubing, having a durable cover, and containing two built-in bench seats is disclosed. The truck tent assembles within thirty minutes and once on a truck, it requires no disassembly/reassembly. Because of its durability, the cover will not flutter when driving at fast speeds. The construction/design of the steel tubing frame allows campers to drive to their destinations with the tent already assembled. The mobile tent can remain on the truck bed or be placed on the ground. The frame has poles that extend into the truck bed and lock on the truck tie downs, which are in the form of clamps that hook under the lip of the truck bed. Interlocking pins in the frame of the bench seat allow for enlargement of the bench seat to adjust to varying lengths and widths of different trucks.

Abstract: The present invention provides a joint construction in an upper part of a center pillar, in which a groove part 5 having a substantially U-shaped cross section, which is open upward and extends in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle 1, is provided in a joint portion between a roof panel 2 and a side body outer panel 3 of the vehicle 1, wherein a roof center member 6 is provided under the roof panel 2, and on the other hand, a rail side inner panel 12 and a center pillar reinforce 10 are provided in a center pillar upper portion D; a vehicle inside end part 10a of the center pillar reinforce 10 extends toward the upper inside of the vehicle 1, and is joined to the roof center member 6, the roof panel 2, and the side body outer panel 3 in the groove part 5; and the vehicle inside end part 10a of the center pillar reinforce 10 is provided so as to extend to a vehicle inside end portion 12a of the rail side inner panel 12.

Abstract: A truck bed extension that is convertible into a truck bed separator to compartmentalize truck beds. The truck bed separator and extension are releasably attached to the truck bed lip at one end and to either the truck bed extension or the truck bed separator at the other end by a clamping assembly. The clamping assembly is comprised of a pair of mating jaw members for releasable attachment to a truck bed lip at on end and a fastener for releasable attachment to the hinge of the truck bed separator or extension at the other end.

Abstract: A bicycle-holding apparatus is concealable in a bumper shell. The bicycle-holding apparatus can be switched between a concealed position and an exposed position. In the concealed position, the bicycle-holding apparatus is collapsed and concealed in the bumper shell. In the exposed position, the bicycle-holding apparatus is exposed from the bumper shell and can be extended in order to hold a bicycle.

Abstract: The package shelf (3) comprises sliders (47) which are moveable in relation to the frame (46) of the vehicle, a shelf (48) which can move along two tracks (46) which are fixed to the frame (45) and along the sliders (47), and driving means whereby a first part thereof is fixed to the shelf (48) and the second part thereof cooperates with the first part and is fixed to the sliders (47). The arrangement of the shelf (48), sliders (47), tracks (46), frame (45) and driving means, which are mounted independently from the frame (45), enable the shelf (48) to be displaced in relation to the latter.

Abstract: A collapsible upright wall extends the height of the sides on the load hauling box on a truck. The collapsible upright wall comprises a fabric which when vertically stretched provides adequate resistance to substantial lateral load. A method of increasing the volumetric capacity of the box on a truck comprises the steps of: a) providing a rectangular frame above, and dimensioned to seat adjacent to an open top side portion of the load hauling box on the truck; b) providing a substantial lift mechanism to uniformly lift the rectangular frame above the box; and, c) providing and attaching an elongate strip of fabric having a top elongate side portion peripherally attached to the rectangular frame, and a bottom elongate side portion peripherally attached to the open top side portion of the box. Then when the rectangular frame is lifted to an upper operable position the fabric is stretched taut and is thereby able to sustain significant lateral load.