Abstract: An air register assembly for a vehicle includes a barrel and vanes operably coupled to the barrel. A knob assembly is operably coupled to the barrel and the vanes. The knob assembly includes a support body, at least one absorbent basket selectively coupled to the support body, and a cover selectively coupled over the at least one absorbent basket. The cover is configured to rotate between an opened position and a closed position. The opened position is configured to provide fluid communication with the at least one absorbent basket via apertures defined by the cover.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding an article such as an umbrella includes a housing having a receiver, a sidewall and a guideway on the sidewall. The apparatus also includes a plunger held in the receiver and displaceable between a first position and a second position. The plunger includes a follower that slides along the guideway. A method of releasing an umbrella from a receiver in a housing held in a motor vehicle component is also provided.

Abstract: A deployable electronic device holder is provided that includes sliding mechanism disposed within a slot in a panel in a vehicle, and a base pivotally coupled to the sliding mechanism and having a cradle configured to support a device. The sliding mechanism slides within the slot and the base pivots about at least one hinge downward to a use position to hold a portable electronic device.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding an article such as an umbrella includes a housing having a receiver, a sidewall and a guideway on the sidewall. The apparatus also includes a plunger held in the receiver and displaceable between a first position and a second position. The plunger includes a follower that slides along the guideway. A method of releasing an umbrella from a receiver in a housing held in a motor vehicle component is also provided.

Abstract: A deployable electronic device holder is provided that includes sliding mechanism disposed within a slot in a panel in a vehicle, and a base pivotally coupled to the sliding mechanism and having a cradle configured to support a device. The sliding mechanism slides within the slot and the base pivots about at least one hinge downward to a use position to hold a portable electronic device.

Abstract: Various storage system embodiments are described. Each storage system is displaceable between a stowed position and an erected configuration wherein the storage system provides a storage compartment for retaining and protecting smaller delicate items from being displaced and potentially damaged within the greater expanse of a cargo compartment of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A seatbelt assembly includes a buckle assembly, having (a) a housing carrying a latching mechanism, a first light source and a first electrical contact, (b) a seatbelt and (c) a latch plate assembly, carried on the seatbelt. The latch plate assembly includes a latch plate and an electrical circuit including a battery, a second light source and a second electrical contact.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for securely transporting passengers and bicycles are described herein. An example method includes registering a user via a portable device, verifying registration of the user, and reserving a seat for the user in a vehicle, the vehicle to transport the user and a bicycle of the user from a first location to a second location, the bicycle having a reserved space on a bicycle rack in the vehicle.

Abstract: Various storage system embodiments are described. Each storage system is displaceable between a stowed position and an erected configuration wherein the storage system provides a storage compartment for retaining and protecting smaller delicate items from being displaced and potentially damaged within the greater expanse of a cargo compartment of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle garment hanger assembly is provided. The vehicle garment hanger assembly includes a housing mounted on a vehicle, a fixed garment hanger extending forward of the housing, a first retractable garment hanger connected to the housing and rotatable to a deployed position, and a second retractable garment hanger connected to the housing and rotatable to a deployed position.

Abstract: An integrated changing table assembly includes a pivoting panel associated with a vehicle seatback, the pivoting panel including at least one deployable leg member configured for engaging a vehicle cargo area floor when the pivoting panel is deployed. The pivoting panel may be stowed in a recess defined in the vehicle seatback. Additional features may include a safety strap associated with a topmost surface of the deployed panel and a holder associated with a surface of the pivoting panel.