Abstract: Head-mounted displays (100) are disclosed which include a frame (107), an image display system (110) supported by the frame (107), and a reflective surface, e.g., a free-space, ultra-wide angle, reflective optical surface (a FS/UWA/RO surface) (120), supported by the frame (107). In certain embodiments, the reflective surface (120) produces spatially-separated virtual images that are angularly separated by at least 100, 150, or 200 degrees. Methods and apparatus for designing reflective optical surfaces, including FS/UWA/RO surfaces, for use in head-mounted displays (100) are also disclosed.

Abstract: Head-mounted displays (100) are disclosed which include a frame (107), an image display system (110) supported by the frame (107), and a Fresnel lens system (115) supported by the frame (107). The HMD (100) can employ a reflective optical surface, e.g., a free-space, ultra-wide angle, reflective optical surface (a FS/UWA/RO surface) (120), supported by the frame (107), with the Fresnel lens system (115) being located between the image display system (110) and the reflective optical surface (120). The Fresnel lens system (115) can include at least one curved Fresnel lens element (820). Fresnel lens elements (30) for use in HMDs are also disclosed which have facets (31) separated by edges (32) which lie along radial lines (33) which during use of the HMD pass through a center of rotation (34) of a nominal user's eye (35) or through the center of the eye's lens (36) or are normal to the surface of the eye's cornea.

Abstract: Computer-based methods and associated computer systems are disclosed for designing free space reflective optical surfaces (13) for use in head-mounted displays (HMDs). The reflective optical surface (13) produces a virtual image of a display surface (11) for viewing by a user's eye (15). The method includes using one or more computers to: (i) represent the display surface (11) by display objects (25); (ii) represent the free space reflective optical surface (13) by surface elements (23); and (iii) iteratively calculate spatial locations, normals, and radii of curvature for the surface elements (23) which will cause a virtual image of each display object (25) to be displayed to a nominal user's eye (15) in a desired direction of gaze of the eye (15).

Abstract: The present invention is a foldable and stowable roof system which can be selectively detached from the vehicle and stored within a short amount of time. The foldable and stowable roof system of the present invention includes a first frame member connected to a roof member, a second frame member connected to a roof member, and a third frame member selectively connected to the first frame member and the second frame member. Also included is a fourth frame member selectively connected to the first frame member and the second frame member such that when the third frame member is connected to the first frame member and the second frame member, and the fourth frame member is connected to the first frame member and the second frame member, the first frame member, second frame member, third frame member, and fourth frame member, form a frame for supporting the roof member.

Abstract: The present invention is a foldable and stowable roof system which can be selectively detached from the vehicle and stored within a short amount of time. The foldable and stowable roof system of the present invention includes a first frame member connected to a roof member, a second frame member connected to a roof member, and a third frame member selectively connected to the first frame member and the second frame member. Also included is a fourth frame member selectively connected to the first frame member and the second frame member such that when the third frame member is connected to the first frame member and the second frame member, and the fourth frame member is connected to the first frame member and the second frame member, the first frame member, second frame member, third frame member, and fourth frame member, form a frame for supporting the roof member.

Abstract: A bracket assembly secures a running board to a rocker panel, which includes a pinch weld depending therefrom. The bracket assembly includes a receiving panel adapted to have the running board fixedly secured thereto. A rocker securing plate extends out from the receiving panel and is secured to the rocker panel. An intermediate securing tab extends outwardly between the receiving panel and the rocker securing plate for securing the bracket assembly to the pinch weld outboard thereof.

Abstract: A window lift mechanism for an automotive vehicle employs a side window which can pivot in a vertical manner from a raised position to a lowered position while simultaneously moving in a crosscar manner. Preferably the window is a quarter window operable with a convertible roof.