Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive settings for one or more vehicle ambient lighting activation sequences. The processor is further configured to receive a signal relating to a notification for which an audio sound could be played. The processor is additionally configured to recognize that an ambient light activation has been enabled. Also, the processor is configured to output a sequence of activated ambient lights within a vehicle, based on the settings and responsive to the received signal.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive settings for one or more vehicle ambient lighting activation sequences. The processor is further configured to receive a signal relating to a notification for which an audio sound could be played. The processor is additionally configured to recognize that an ambient light activation has been enabled. Also, the processor is configured to output a sequence of activated ambient lights within a vehicle, based on the settings and responsive to the received signal.

Abstract: A system and method to polarize a reflective layer on a vehicle mirror to reveal a convex mirror to view objects in a vehicle blindspot includes a primary mirror having first and second surfaces, an electrically polarizable reflective coating on at least a portion of the first surface reflective in a depolarized state and clear when polarized by an applied electric current, a blind zone viewing convex mirror adjacent to the second surface and proximal to the polarizable coating of the first surface; and a blind spot detection system electrically connected to the primary mirror and a power source to automatically apply current to the first surface when an object is detected in a blind spot and change the reflectivity polarizable coating on the first surface and expose the concave mirror and discontinuing current to the reflective coating once an object has passed out of the blind spot.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to various cargo management systems that are compatible with vehicles having a cargo bed and tailgate. Systems provide flexible storage space for the vehicle both in the stowed and extended positions. The amount of secure space available in the cargo bed can be increased when the cargo management systems are in the extended position. The systems partially cover the cargo bed and/or tailgate thereby reducing turbulence at an end of the vehicle and improving vehicle fuel efficiency.

Abstract: A vehicle storage cover assembly includes a truck having a cab, a cab rear window, an open top cargo bed and a headboard, with the headboard being located below the cab rear window. A box frame is operatively mounted on the open top cargo bed; and a divider panel is operatively configured to be affixed within the box frame. A foldable cargo bed cover is operatively configured to mount on the box frame in at least one of a first partially open position, a second partially open position, a third partially open position, a fully closed position, or a stowed position. The foldable cargo bed cover is configured for stowage within a chamber defined by the box frame and the divider panel.

Abstract: A multi-mode load bed cover for an automotive vehicle includes first and second cover sectors which are deployable laterally from within a housing associated with a bodyside of a load bed.

Abstract: A seat integrated tether system for use in a vehicle for the secure placement of an article on a vehicle seat. One or more retractable or extendable tethers are adapted for attachment to the side of the vehicle seat. By use of the system with the front passenger seat of a vehicle the driver may have ready access to the contents of the retained article, which may be an item storage article such as an open top bag, case or storage net.

Abstract: A multi-mode load bed cover for an automotive vehicle includes first and second cover sectors which are deployable laterally from within a housing associated with a bodyside of a load bed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an automotive vehicle is disclosed having a vehicle body with a first pillar, a second pillar, a roof member and a floor member defining a door opening therebetween. A lateral side entry door is pivotally connected to the vehicle body for enclosing the door opening. The side entry door moves along an operating path having a closed position and an open position. The vehicle has a motor and a lead screw mounted in the side entry door and connected to the motor to be driven by the motor. The vehicle has a link connected to the lead screw and connected to the vehicle body adjacent to the door opening. The motor drives the lead screw to translate the link to open and close the side entry door.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an automotive vehicle is disclosed having a vehicle body with a first pillar, a second pillar, a roof member and a floor member defining a door opening therebetween. A lateral side entry door is pivotally connected to the vehicle body for enclosing the door opening. The side entry door moves along an operating path having a closed position and an open position. The vehicle has a motor and a lead screw mounted in the side entry door and connected to the motor to be driven by the motor. The vehicle has a link connected to the lead screw and connected to the vehicle body adjacent to the door opening. The motor drives the lead screw to translate the link to open and close the side entry door.

Abstract: A seat integrated tether system for use in a vehicle for the secure placement of an article on a vehicle seat. One or more retractable or extendable tethers are adapted for attachment to the side of the vehicle seat. By use of the system with the front passenger seat of a vehicle the driver may have ready access to the contents of the retained article, which may be an item storage article such as an open top bag, case or storage net.

Abstract: A method and an assembly 10 for identifying the existence and the size of a gap. Particularly, the assembly 10, in one embodiment, includes a member 50, which forcibly engages a staring gauge 16 as two members or portions abuttingly engage. The force is representative of the amount of space between the two members or portions and this information is wirelessly transmitted to a receiver and display assembly 40.

Abstract: The vehicular door hinge of the present invention facilitates both forward and rearward swinging door motion. The present invention achieves this objective by reversing the orientation of the door component portion of the hinge within the body component portion of the hinge. An integrated door stop is incorporated into the body component. The integrated door stop further includes non-parallel stop surfaces that abut the door component's geometry in both the conventional and reversed configurations to give the desired opening angles. As a result, the present invention allows for different uses from the same components where a first predetermined angle may be achieved or a second predetermined angle may be achieved with different swing directions.

Abstract: The vehicular door hinge of the present invention facilitates both forward and rearward swinging door motion. The present invention achieves this objective by reversing the orientation of the door component portion of the hinge within the body component portion of the hinge. An integrated door stop is incorporated into the body component. The integrated door stop further includes non-parallel stop surfaces that abut the door component's geometry in both the conventional and reversed configurations to give the desired opening angles. As a result, the present invention allows for different uses from the same components where a first predetermined angle may be achieved or a second predetermined angle may be achieved with different swing directions.

Abstract: A method and an assembly 10 for identifying the existence and the size of a gap. Particularly, the assembly 10, in one embodiment, includes a member 50, which forcibly engages a staring gauge 16 as two members or portions abuttingly engage. The force is representative of the amount of space between the two members or portions and this information is wirelessly transmitted to a receiver and display assembly 40.

Abstract: A method 500 and an assembly 200 for determining the presence of gaps located between a first portion 240 of a partially assembled apparatus 228 and a second portion 230. The existence and size of the gap may be discerned by use of a wireless gap sensor 309 which is engaged by the portion 230 as it abuts or comes into close proximity with the portion 240. Other methods 400 and 500 may be respectively used to respectively discern the existence and the size of a gap within an assembled vehicle and to measure the deflection of a portion of an apparatus, such as a vehicle.