Abstract: Methods and systems are described for a folding tailgate. The system includes a first panel and a second panel forming a tailgate of the vehicle. The vehicle has a first vehicle sidewall and a second vehicle sidewall. The system may include a first hinge coupled between the first panel and the second panel. The first hinge is configured to rotate the second panel toward the first panel, moving the second panel towards the first vehicle sidewall for opening the tailgate sideways.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for a folding tailgate. The system includes a first panel and a second panel forming a tailgate of the vehicle. The vehicle has a first vehicle sidewall and a second vehicle sidewall. The system may include a first hinge coupled between the first panel and the second panel. The first hinge is configured to rotate the second panel toward the first panel, moving the second panel towards the first vehicle sidewall for opening the tailgate sideways.

Abstract: Fastener apparatus including a self-adjusting and automatically self-leveling head separate from a threaded shank portion. An embodiment self-leveling head portion defines an annular recess and lip portion sized to receive a seal. A threaded shank resides within an annular cup center of the self-leveling head and has a thread-free portion seated by the compressed seal creating a water tight seal. Embodiments for sheet metal screw and bolt fasteners not requiring seals are disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle side mirror includes: a mirror assembly including a mirror facing a rearward direction; a housing having a rearward-facing opening defining an interior space which receives at least a portion of the mirror assembly, exposing the mirror assembly from the rearward direction; a cap covering a front portion of the housing, the cap having an inlet formed therethrough; and a shroud disposed between the cap and the housing that is configured to direct air passing through the inlet around the mirror assembly to an outlet defined by an opening between a rear end of the cap and a rear end of the shroud.

Abstract: A vehicle side mirror includes: a mirror assembly including a mirror facing a rearward direction; a housing having a rearward-facing opening defining an interior space which receives at least a portion of the mirror assembly, exposing the mirror assembly from the rearward direction; a cap covering a front portion of the housing, the cap having an inlet formed therethrough; and a shroud disposed between the cap and the housing that is configured to direct air passing through the inlet around the mirror assembly to an outlet defined by an opening between a rear end of the cap and a rear end of the shroud.

Abstract: Fastener apparatus including a self-adjusting and automatically self-leveling head separate from a threaded shank portion. An embodiment self-leveling head portion defines an annular recess and lip portion sized to receive a seal. A threaded shank resides within an annular cup center of the self-leveling head and has a thread-free portion seated by the compressed seal creating a water tight seal. Embodiments for sheet metal screw and bolt fasteners not requiring seals are disclosed.

Abstract: Fastener apparatus including a self-adjusting and automatically self-leveling head separate from a threaded shank portion. An embodiment self-leveling head portion defines an annular recess and lip portion sized to receive a seal. A threaded shank resides within an annular cup center of the self-leveling head and has a thread-free portion seated by the compressed seal creating a water tight seal. Embodiments for sheet metal screw and bolt fasteners not requiring seals are disclosed.

Abstract: Fastener apparatus including a self-adjusting and automatically self-leveling head separate from a threaded shank portion. An embodiment self-leveling head portion defines an annular conical recess and lip portion sized to receive a seal. A threaded shank resides within an annular cup center of the self-leveling head and has a thread-free portion seated by the compressed seal creating a water tight seal. Embodiments for sheet metal screw and bolt fasteners not requiring seals are disclosed.

Abstract: A fastener apparatus includes a frusto-hemispherical head portion having a flat top surface, a curved outer surface, a base portion, and a peripheral edge, with the flat top surface bearing a tool fitting. A downwardly-depending lip portion extends from the head peripheral edge and defines an annular recess in the base, the annular recess having a flat upper surface. The lip has a curved outer edge, a curved lower edge, and an inner edge having a curved lower portion and a vertical upper portion terminating in the annular recess flat upper surface. A shank portion is connected to the base and bears screw threads and a tip. An annular gasket portion is carried on the shank, and has a first uncompressed position contained radially within the annular recess, and a second compressed position extending radially beyond the lip outer edge.

Abstract: A fastener apparatus includes a frusto-hemispherical head portion having a flat top surface, a curved outer surface, a base portion, and a peripheral edge, with the flat top surface bearing a tool fitting. A downwardly-depending lip portion extends from the head peripheral edge and defines an annular recess in the base, the annular recess having a flat upper surface. The lip has a curved outer edge, a curved lower edge, and an inner edge having a curved lower portion and a vertical upper portion terminating in the annular recess flat upper surface. A shank portion is connected to the base and bears screw threads and a tip. An annular gasket portion is carried on the shank, and has a first uncompressed position contained radially within the annular recess, and a second compressed position extending radially beyond the lip outer edge.

Abstract: A handle assembly and method of assembling a grip handle to a vehicle. The handle assembly includes two base unit and each include a primary and auxiliary projection that are press fit into an opening formed in a structural part of a vehicle. Detents are provided on the projection and configured to be assembled to a vehicle with a minimum force and require a removal force that is substantially greater then the force of insertion. A method of assembling the assist grip handle to a vehicle can be accomplished by inserting molded projections into holes formed in a structural vehicle body panel. The projections include detents that are compressed as the projections are inserted into the holes and are expanded after the projections are fully inserted into the holes.