Abstract: An interconnect module for use on a resistance band exercise device. The module can include one or more electronic transducers for tracking motions of the resistance band during exercises. The module can communicate wirelessly with a user's mobile phone running an app which monitors and directs usage. The module can include a pair of matable subsections. A base unit subsection can house the electronics while a band unit subsection can attach to an end of a resistance band. The subsections can quickly attach and detach from one another using a simple twisting motion. Additional second subsections can attach to different resistance bands thereby allowing adjustment of the exercise device properties by swapping out bands.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate assembly includes a tailgate and a switch assembly operably connected to the tailgate. The switch assembly includes a switch structured to be actuatable by application of a load exceeding a predetermined threshold to the tailgate. The switch assembly is operably connected to a tailgate automatic opening/closing mechanism such that actuation of the switch controls operation of the mechanism to prevent execution of a command to automatically open the tailgate when the tailgate is in a fully closed condition.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a passenger cabin and a truck bed located rearward of the passenger cabin. The vehicle includes a truck bed cover that is sized to cover the truck bed and is movably attached to one or more walls of the truck bed to allow the truck bed cover to be moved between open and closed positions. The truck bed cover includes a latching device that engages a striker in the closed position. A sensing device is mounted in the truck bed that is configured to provide an indication of an open condition of the truck bed cover to a vehicle locking and security ECU. The locking and security ECU configured to provide an indication using an OEM security system of the vehicle when the open condition is detected.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a passenger cabin and a truck bed located rearward of the passenger cabin. The vehicle includes a truck bed cover that is sized to cover the truck bed and is movably attached to one or more walls of the truck bed to allow the truck bed cover to be moved between open and closed positions. The truck bed cover includes a latching device that engages a striker in the closed position. A sensing device is mounted in the truck bed that is configured to provide an indication of an open condition of the truck bed cover to a vehicle locking and security ECU. The locking and security ECU configured to provide an indication using an OEM security system of the vehicle when the open condition is detected.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a cabin and a vehicle body including a cargo area rearward of the cabin. A tailgate assembly is mounted to the vehicle body that closes the cargo area. The tailgate assembly includes a rear-mounted video camera. An electronic control unit receives image data from the rear-mounted video camera. A connector communicatively couples the electronic control unit and the rear-mounted video camera. The connector has a closed configuration with the tailgate assembly mounted to the vehicle body and an open configuration with the tailgate assembly removed from the vehicle body. The electronic control unit includes logic that, wherein executed by a processor, causes the electronic control unit to receive signals from an alarm circuit when the connector is in the closed configuration and detect when the signals from the alarm circuit have stopped when the connector is in the open configuration.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a cabin and a vehicle body including a cargo area rearward of the cabin. A tailgate assembly is mounted to the vehicle body that closes the cargo area. The tailgate assembly includes a rear-mounted video camera. An electronic control unit receives image data from the rear-mounted video camera. A connector communicatively couples the electronic control unit and the rear-mounted video camera. The connector has a closed configuration with the tailgate assembly mounted to the vehicle body and an open configuration with the tailgate assembly removed from the vehicle body. The electronic control unit includes logic that, wherein executed by a processor, causes the electronic control unit to receive signals from an alarm circuit when the connector is in the closed configuration and detect when the signals from the alarm circuit have stopped when the connector is in the open configuration.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate assembly includes a tailgate and a switch assembly operably connected to the tailgate. The switch assembly includes a switch structured to be actuatable by application of a load exceeding a predetermined threshold to the tailgate. The switch assembly is operably connected to a tailgate automatic opening/closing mechanism such that actuation of the switch controls operation of the mechanism to prevent execution of a command to automatically open the tailgate when the tailgate is in a fully closed condition.

Abstract: A retractable vehicle step assembly includes a drive shaft having a spline and a step coupled to the drive shaft through a step linkage system. The step is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. The step linkage system includes a first step linkage defining a spline engagement opening for engagement with the spline of the drive shaft and a fastener. The fastener is adjustably coupled to the first step linkage so as to clamp the spline engagement opening of the first step linkage around the drive shaft. Upon loosening the fastener, the first step linkage is disengageable from the drive shaft and the step is moveable from the extended position to the retracted position regardless of rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A retractable vehicle step assembly includes a drive shaft having a spline and a step coupled to the drive shaft through a step linkage system. The step is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. The step linkage system includes a first step linkage defining a spline engagement opening for engagement with the spline of the drive shaft and a fastener. The fastener is adjustably coupled to the first step linkage so as to clamp the spline engagement opening of the first step linkage around the drive shaft. Upon loosening the fastener, the first step linkage is disengageable from the drive shaft and the step is moveable from the extended position to the retracted position regardless of rotation of the drive shaft.