Abstract: This disclosure relates to an accessory configured to interface with a rail, such as a bedside rail, of a motor vehicle. In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, including: a rail including a slot, wherein the slot leads to a cavity; and an accessory including a fixture portion and a clamp portion, wherein the accessory is configurable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein, in the unlocked position, the clamp portion of the accessory is insertable into and removable from the cavity via the slot, and wherein, when the clamp portion is within the cavity and the accessory is in the locked position, the clamp portion is not removable from the cavity via the slot.

Abstract: A reconfigurable roof rack assembly of a motor vehicle may include a roof rail. The assembly may also include a cross-bar configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration. Further, the assembly may include a clamp assembly including a lever configured to apply force to a side of the cross-bar facing away from the roof rail to clamp the cross-bar in place relative to the roof rail.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an article carrier system configured for use with a motor vehicle, in particular a pickup truck, and corresponding methods. The features described herein permit a user to use a slidable rear support to carry articles above the cargo area of a pickup truck, and allow for relatively easy repositioning of the rear support to accommodate articles of various sizes. Further, the features described herein do not interfere with use of the cargo area when the rear support is not being used to support articles thereon. This disclosure also allows for a smooth sliding motion of the rear support, while resisting if not eliminating vibrations.

Abstract: An armrest console includes an armrest, a fixed gear coupled to a top of a storage compartment in the armrest console, an elevating gear coupled to the armrest; a dampener gear engaged with the elevating gear and the fixed gear, and a gear connector to receive the elevating gear and the dampener gear. When the armrest is rotated about an axis of the elevating gear in a counterclockwise direction to open, the elevating gear is rotated in the counterclockwise direction and the dampener gear is rotated in a clockwise direction and both the elevating gear and the dampener gear are rotated about an axis of the fixed gear, and wherein the elevating gear and the dampener gear are moved up at a height direction when the armrest is rotated to open.

Abstract: A hinge assembly can removably mount a tailgate to a vehicle. The hinge assembly includes a first bracket attached to a first part. The hinge assembly further includes an engagement member and a second bracket attached to a second part and including a resilient member. A pivot shaft pivotally connects the first and second brackets. The engagement member engages the resilient member when the first part is at a first position and disengages the resilient member when the first part is at a second position.

Abstract: A hinge to removably mount a tailgate to a vehicle is provided. The hinge comprises a tailgate leaf connected to a tailgate and a body leaf connected to the box of the vehicle. The tailgate leaf is attached to the slider through a hinge pivot. The body leaf has a first chamber in which a slider can be locked and unlocked through a locking mechanism in the second chamber. The locking mechanism comprises a locking wedge, a threaded shaft, and a cam lever to operate the locking wedge without the requirement of a tool.

Abstract: An armrest console includes an armrest, a fixed gear coupled to a top of a storage compartment in the armrest console, an elevating gear coupled to the armrest; a dampener gear engaged with the elevating gear and the fixed gear, and a gear connector to receive the elevating gear and the dampener gear. When the armrest is rotated about an axis of the elevating gear in a counterclockwise direction to open, the elevating gear is rotated in the counterclockwise direction and the dampener gear is rotated in a clockwise direction and both the elevating gear and the dampener gear are rotated about an axis of the fixed gear, and wherein the elevating gear and the dampener gear are moved up at a height direction when the armrest is rotated to open.

Abstract: A hinge assembly comprises a link arm; a first pivot connected to a door leaf and the link arm; a second pivot parallel, distant to the first pivot, and connected to a body leaf and the link arm; a first gear attached to the first pivot; a second gear attached to the second pivot; and an idler gear engaging the first and second gears at a plane substantially perpendicular to the first pivot.

Abstract: A hinge assembly comprises a link arm; a first pivot connected to a door leaf and the link arm; a second pivot parallel; distant to the first pivot, and connected to a body leaf and the link arm; a first gear attached to the first pivot; a second gear attached to the second pivot; and an idler gear engaging the first and second gears at a plane substantially perpendicular to the first pivot.

Abstract: A device for securing a movable panel relative to a vehicle body includes a housing, a plunger, a handle, and a spring. The housing defines a bore and a slot. The plunger includes a shaft and a clamp extending radially outward from the shaft. The shaft extends through the bore and is coupled to the housing for relative axial and rotational movement relative to the housing. The handle is fixedly coupled to the shaft and extends through the slot. The spring biases the clamp toward the housing.

Abstract: A hinge assembly can removably mount a tailgate to a vehicle. The hinge assembly includes a first bracket attached to a first part. The hinge assembly further includes an engagement member and a second bracket attached to a second part and including a resilient member. A pivot shaft pivotally connects the first and second brackets. The engagement member engages the resilient member when the first part is at a first position and disengages the resilient member when the first part is at a second position.

Abstract: A hinge to removably mount a tailgate to a vehicle is provided. The hinge comprises a tailgate leaf connected to a tailgate and a body leaf connected to the box of the vehicle. The tailgate leaf is attached to the slider through a hinge pivot. The body leaf has a first chamber in which a slider can be locked and unlocked through a locking mechanism in the second chamber. The locking mechanism comprises a locking wedge, a threaded shaft, and a cam lever to operate the locking wedge without the requirement of a tool.

Abstract: A device for securing a movable panel relative to a vehicle body includes a housing, a plunger, a handle, and a spring. The housing defines a bore and a slot. The plunger includes a shaft and a clamp extending radially outward from the shaft. The shaft extends through the bore and is coupled to the housing for relative axial and rotational movement relative to the housing. The handle is fixedly coupled to the shaft and extends through the slot. The spring biases the clamp toward the housing.

Abstract: Dual pivoting laterally translating hinges that attach between a stationary first substrate such as a vehicle body, and a rotating second substrate such as a vehicle door, and extend laterally when the second substrate is rotated. In some examples, the hinges include a knuckle and leadscrew mechanism that changes the hinge geometry when the second substrate is rotated, causing the leadscrew to rotate by either a set of gears or a rack and pinion. In some further examples, the hinges include a jackscrew that changes length as the second substrate is rotated, causing the hinge to extent laterally.

Abstract: A mechanical force gauge assembly includes a bracket, a housing, a hand member, a spring, a first ring, and a plunger. The bracket is for mounting to a vehicle frame. The housing is mounted to the bracket and defines a cavity and a housing cutout. The hand member is sized for disposal and translation within the cavity and defines an extension sized to extend through the housing cutout. The spring is disposed within the housing to bias movement of the hand member. The first ring is external to the housing and arranged with the extension to move in a first direction therewith. The plunger receives a force from a vehicle component secured to the vehicle frame. The plunger is arranged with the hand member such that the first ring moves to provide a force measurement reflective of the force received by the plunger.

Abstract: Dual pivoting laterally translating hinges that attach between a stationary first substrate such as a vehicle body, and a rotating second substrate such as a vehicle door, and extend laterally when the second substrate is rotated. In some examples, the hinges include a knuckle and leadscrew mechanism that changes the hinge geometry when the second substrate is rotated, causing the leadscrew to rotate by either a set of gears or a rack and pinion. In some further examples, the hinges include a jackscrew that changes length as the second substrate is rotated, causing the hinge to extent laterally.

Abstract: A mechanical force gauge assembly includes a bracket, a housing, a hand member, a spring, a first ring, and a plunger. The bracket is for mounting to a vehicle frame. The housing is mounted to the bracket and defines a cavity and a housing cutout. The hand member is sized for disposal and translation within the cavity and defines an extension sized to extend through the housing cutout. The spring is disposed within the housing to bias movement of the hand member. The first ring is external to the housing and arranged with the extension to move in a first direction therewith. The plunger receives a force from a vehicle component secured to the vehicle frame. The plunger is arranged with the hand member such that the first ring moves to provide a force measurement reflective of the force received by the plunger.