Abstract: A removable flipper panel system for a vehicle includes a rod housing mounted on a seat support member which is movable with respect to a load floor of the vehicle. A load bearing blow-molded hard panel hides the gap which is formed between seat and load floor when the seat moves. The system includes a rod and spring assembly mechanism having a configuration to sustain the panel in adjustable positions between a generally planar position and an upright position. The flipper panel attaches to the seat to provide movement for the panel in the planar position to hide the gap and space between the seat and the load floor and to maximize the cargo area. The attachment of the flipper panel to the seat has a locking feature permitting the flipper panel to be removed easily.

Abstract: There is provided a load collapse prevention device including a pair of holders (5) fixedly attached to parts of the inner wall of a vehicle compartment, at both ends thereof, in a vehicle-width direction, on the side of the ceiling, respectively, so as to opposite to each other, each having a stopper for engaging a joint, wherein the holders (5) each have a lead-in part (11A, 11B), formed by notching parts of the side faces and lower face of the holder, forming a guide groove wide width part (14), and a guide groove (10) continuing from the lead-in parts (11A, 11B) to the stopper, thereby introducing a stay (2) from the lower part of the holders into the guide groove (10) while the joint is in as-retracted state, then guiding the stay (2) to the stopper. As a result, with load collapse prevention device, the joints can be fitted to the holders, respectively, by one-handed operation, and the respective joints on the right and left sides can be concurrently and easily fitted to the respective holders (5).

Abstract: A hold down may include a weight associated with a coupling mechanism that is configured to removably couple to a foot of an awning support arm assembly. An RV awning and hold down system may include: an awning assembly having at least one support arm assembly disconnected from a side of an RV; and at least one hold down comprising a weight associated with a coupling mechanism, the coupling mechanism removably coupled to a foot of the at least one support arm assembly. A method for holding an RV awning assembly in position may include: disconnecting at least one support arm assembly of the awning assembly from a side of an RV; and removably coupling a foot of at least one support arm assembly to a coupling mechanism associated with a weight of a hold down.

Abstract: A fabric vehicle roof is made up of a panel of translucent material. Indicia is printed onto one or both sides of the fabric, with the indicia comprised of non-opaque dyes. The roof is further coated with a water resistant coating and, alternatively, ultraviolet light protectants and other additives.

Abstract: A soft cab enclosure. The enclosure may have an over-the-top cover (1) and flexible and transparent panels (15, 16, 17) on side and back portions. The cover (1) may include a tarpaulin having a windshield-overhang pocket (2) and having a cover-top back with back-post straps (12, 14). Linearly, the cover (1) is articulated to fit snugly intermediate a windshield top (10) and a back portion of a golf cart (9) with the windshield-overhang pocket (2) engaging the windshield top (10), the back portions of the cover (1) being strapped onto back posts (11) and (13) of the golf cart (9) with the back-post straps (12) and (14) and with a transparent, zippered access back-end panel (17) which has a left-back window panel (36) having a left anchor flap (54) under a left seat (55) and a right-back window panel (46) having a right anchor flap (56) under a right seat (57) to eliminate a need for marring attachment to a side of a golf cart.

Abstract: A truck, in particular a fire-fighting utility vehicle. The vehicle has a structure mounted on a chassis frame with a driver's cab pivotable about a horizontal axis extending transversely to the travel direction. A crew and/or equipment cab is also mounted on the chassis frame communicating with the driver's cab via a releasable connecting mechanism forming a passageway. Independently of the driver's cab and the crew and/or equipment cab, a utility structure is mounted on the chassis frame having built-in fixtures for storing tools and equipment and optionally having extinguisher units consisting of at least a tank, extinguisher pump, etc. and mounting devices are provided at entry and/or operating openings in transverse and/or longitudinal side walls of the structure.

Abstract: There is provided a mounting structure of an automobile, wherein a belt line outer weather strip and a center pillar garnish are mounted on a door panel via an end cap mechanism. The center pillar garnish comprises a concave groove in a lower end portion thereof. The concave groove opens in a down ward direction. The end cap mechanism comprises a roughly U-shaped gripping groove in an upper portion thereof and a clip portion in a lower portion thereof. The gripping groove of the end cap mechanism holds a cut upper end portion of the belt line outer weather strip and an upper concave groove portion of the center pillar garnish as well as an upper pass hole portion of the center pillar portion. The clip portion is inserted into a mounting hole of the door panel.

Abstract: Basically, a child seat tether anchor structures has a first end tether anchor, a second end tether anchor, an intermediate tether anchor, an anchoring tether, and a vehicle body mounting member with a height adjustment arrangement. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle child seat attachment structures are secured to both the vehicle body and the frame. Preferably, the vehicle child seat attachment structures are configured and arranged to move between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the vehicle child seat attachment structures are covered by a carpet or other trim finishing material.

Abstract: The invention provides a moveable storage compartment designed for camper trailers that provides for top access even when the camper is in use and is folded out and over the top of the compartment. The storage compartment's unique design and placement on a sliding track allow the user to move the compartment to either side of the trailer in a direction substantially perpendicular to a line running along the length of the trailer. Furthermore, the compartment has one or more lids that allow either side to be accessed depending upon on which side of the trailer access is desired. At least one lid of the compartment may easily convert for use as a table if desired.

Abstract: A tailgate with a fixed portion and an expandable portion where the expandable portion is pivotally coupled to the fixed portion.

Abstract: A driving device for driving an open/close member that is designed to open and close an open portion of a body includes a driving source generating a driving force, a force transmission mechanism disposed between the driving source and the open/close member and serving for transmitting the driving force thereto, and a load regulator for interrupting the driving force transmission when an excessive force is applied to the force transmission mechanism from the open/close member.

Abstract: A vehicle storage assembly for a vehicle cargo area includes a base defining a floor of the storage assembly and a storage panel attached to said base. At least a portion of the storage panel is movable relative to the base by a living hinge. The storage panel is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position for dividing at least a portion of the vehicle cargo area.

Abstract: The retractable roof structural system utilizes a structural member that is coupled to opposing quarter panel sections of the vehicle to enhance the torsional rigidity and stiffness of the vehicle. The structural member can be selectively uncoupled from the vehicle to allow the for unimpeded retraction of the retractable roof.

Abstract: A hinge is provided suitable for attaching a hood to a car or truck. The hinge includes generally tubular members sharing a common axis of rotation. Elastomeric elements interposed between the tubular members provide isolation between the parts of the hinge. Relative rotation between the tubular members compresses the elastomeric elements creating a spring-force opposing the relative rotation. The hood, hinge, and vehicle may be configured so that the spring-force of the elastomeric elements assists in opening and/or closing of the hood.

Abstract: Restraining a spare wheel in a vehicular floor recession during a vehicle rear impact event is accomplished by securing a connection member from a first anchoring location outside of the recession to a second location within the floor recession. The spare wheel lies in the recession and a threaded bolt attached to the floor under the spare wheel passes through the center hole of the spare wheel. The threaded bolt also passes through a spare wheel holding plate that resides on the spare wheel hub to distribute a holding force from the plate to the circumference of the hub created by screwing a threaded wing nut onto the bolt passing through the holding plate. Since the belt passes from the wheel center to a location outside of the wheel's perimeter, the wheel and tire are securely restrained during the transmission of forces during a vehicular rear impact event.

Abstract: A floor structure of a vehicle body capable of enhancing rigidity against a external force from a side of the vehicle body includes a pair of right and left side sills, a pair of front and rear cross members provided between the pair of right and left side sills, and a floor panel surrounded by the pair of right and left side sills and the pair of front and rear cross members. The floor panel is provided thereover with beads in a concentric arc shape spreading from parts at which the side sills and the cross members are vertically joined to each other. Reinforcement members are provided at corners defined by the side sills and the cross members in such a manner that the reinforcement members are slantingly placed and joined to the side sills and cross members.

Abstract: A front bumper structure for a vehicle, which protects not only the vehicle and passengers in the vehicle when the vehicle collides with another vehicle or object, but also a pedestrian when the vehicle collides with a pedestrian. Since a lower reinforcing member is protruded directly from a bumper cover and at most two carrier-connected portions are formed on the bumper cover, the front bumper structure reduces its weight due to the omission of any stiffener, reduces the production costs due to the reduction in material costs, decreases the man-hours in the manufacturing of the front bumper structure, and increases the safety of the pedestrian due to the use of a horizontal reinforcing rib rigidly supporting the corner portions of the bumper cover.

Abstract: An automotive assembly having an integrated spring mechanism. The assembly includes a first member and a second member pivotally coupled to the first member and moveable between a first and second position with respect to the first member. The assembly further includes a resilient element integrally molded with one of the first and second members. The resilient element includes an extension portion having a free end that is coupled to the other one of the first and second members. The extension portion imposes a force on the second member to bias the second member in at least one direction. A method of making the assembly includes a two shot molding process where the one of the first and second members is formed in a first shot of the molding operation and the resilient element is integrally molded thereto in the second shot of the molding operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shield for retractable devices that are part of or attached to vehicles, such as school buses, to protect the retractable device from damage or destruction from air movement. While such retractable devices are bolted or otherwise securely fastened to the vehicle, the retractable devices are susceptible to being damaged or torn off of the vehicle due to air movement such as headwinds, wind gusts, and turbulence from passing vehicles. The current invention overcomes the susceptibility to damage of the retractable devices from air movement by shielding the retractable device from such air movement. The current invention may include a shock absorber assembly to minimize or eliminate noisy vibration from the shield. As such, the present invention provides protection for retractable devices on vehicles from air movement with minimal additional noise.

Abstract: A selectively pressurized sealing and/or locking system for vehicles with a vehicle opening on the body structure. Vehicle elements that are to be sealed and/or locked in relation to one another are attached by locking elements. The locking elements have positive-engagement elements that define a hollow portion and a stiffening bridging part in a transitional area between parts of the vehicle that are to be connected together.