Abstract: A mirror assembly security system suitable for use in a vehicle comprises an exterior mirror assembly including a reflective element and a positioning device for adjustably positioning said reflective element. A light module is positioned substantially within the assembly and includes an enclosure having a light-transmitting opening generally facing downward when the exterior mirror assembly is mounted to a side of the vehicle. The light module includes a light source and a light-directing surface at least partially surrounding the light source. The light module projects a pattern of light from a bottom portion of the assembly to illuminate a ground area adjacent the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone when said light source is electrically powered.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an exterior mirror assembly, which includes a fixed portion and a movable portion that is movable about the fixed portion for breakaway motion, and a turn signal indicator module. The turn signal indicator module includes a plurality of light emitting diodes. At least a portion of the light pattern projected from the module projects rearwardly of the vehicle, but does not directly intercept the driver of the vehicle. The turn signal indicator module is fixedly included in the exterior mirror assembly separate from the mirror assembly's reflective element, which is adjustable within the movable portion.

Abstract: A mirror assembly security system for a vehicle includes an exterior mirror assembly and a light module removably positioned within the exterior mirror housing. The light module is moisture impervious and includes an enclosure, a light-emitting opening in the enclosure, a light source in the enclosure radiating light through the light-emitting opening, and a cover for the light-emitting opening adapted to direct the light from the light source to an area adjacent the vehicle to create a security area. The light source may be supported by a pair of electrical contacts provided on the inner surface of the enclosure. The enclosure wall supporting the electrical contacts is preferably flexible, in order to allow the light source to be captured by the contacts. Attachment of the cover adds rigidity to the enclosure to prevent further flexure of the enclosure wall in order to firmly retain the light source.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly security system for a vehicle includes an exterior mirror assembly with a security light assembly which projects a pattern of light from the exterior mirror assembly on a ground area adjacent a door of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in the area. The security system further includes a control, which is responsive to approach by a person to the vehicle and actuates the security light assembly to generate the pattern of light from the exterior mirror assembly in order to provide the lighted security zone adjacent the side of the vehicle equipped with the exterior rearview mirror assembly.

Abstract: A mirror assembly security system for a vehicle includes an exterior mirror assembly and a light module removably positioned within the exterior mirror housing. The light module is moisture impervious and includes an enclosure, a light-emitting opening in the enclosure, a light source in the enclosure radiating light through the light-emitting opening, and a cover for the light-emitting opening adapted to direct the light from the light source to an area adjacent the vehicle to create a security area. The light source may be supported by a pair of electrical contacts provided on the inner surface of the enclosure. The enclosure wall supporting the electrical contacts is preferably flexible, in order to allow the light source to be captured by the contacts. Attachment of the cover adds rigidity to the enclosure to prevent further flexure of the enclosure wall in order to firmly retain the light source.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly security system for a vehicle includes an exterior mirror assembly. The exterior mirror assembly includes a security light assembly, which projects a pattern of light from the assembly on an area adjacent a door of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in the area. The security light assembly includes an enclosure, with a light-transmitting opening in the enclosure, and a light source for radiating light through the light-transmitting opening. The security light assembly also includes a cover for the light-transmitting opening, which comprises an optical lens having at least one non-planar optical surface.

Abstract: A console and method of installing a console for a motor vehicle or the like including a passenger cabin. The console includes an accessory module for use by occupants of the vehicle and has a housing with fasteners adapted to mount the console within the vehicle cabin. A chamber having an open side is formed in the console and receives an accessory module. At least a portion of the housing comprises an expanded polymeric material, preferably expended polypropylene, to provide a soft surface within the vehicle cabin.

Abstract: A mirror assembly security system for a vehicle includes an exterior mirror assembly and a light module removably positioned within the exterior mirror housing. The light module is moisture impervious and includes an enclosure, a light-emitting opening in the enclosure, a light source in the enclosure radiating light through the light-emitting opening, and a cover for the light-emitting opening adapted to direct the light from the light source to an area adjacent the vehicle to create a security area. The light source may be supported by a pair of electrical contacts provided on the inner surface of the enclosure. The enclosure wall supporting the electrical contacts is preferably flexible, in order to allow the light source to be captured by the contacts. Attachment of the cover adds rigidity to the enclosure to prevent further flexure of the enclosure wall in order to firmly retain the light source.

Abstract: A lamp assembly for an overhead console having a single lens that selectively operates multiple switches connected to multiple lamps to illuminate a desired area. The single lens has multiple push surfaces such that pressing a first push surface operates one lamp, pressing a second push surface operates another lamp and pressing a third surface operates both lamps simultaneously.

Abstract: An overhead console for a vehicle or the like includes a housing defining a transmitter storage compartment for a garage door opener and an opening for permitting access to the storage compartment. A door is pivotally mounted to the housing for movement between a closed position for covering the opening and an open position for exposing the interior of the compartment through the lower opening. A hinge assembly for pivotally mounting the door to the housing includes a pair of spaced cams integrally molded to the door and a pair of spaced spring arms integrally molded to the housing. The spring arms are engageable with the cams as the door moves toward the open position from the closed position to arrest the movement of the door at an intermediate position between the closed and open positions. The spring arms are engageable and deflectable by the cam to provide frictional resistance to movement of the door only from the intermediate position to the open position.

Abstract: A passenger assist handle for use in an automobile includes a handle pivotably mounted to a base and biased in an non-use position by a helical torsion spring. The base has an upstanding mounting block for pivotably retaining the handle and a mounting clip for mounting the base to an automobile frame. The handle has first and second ends each of which is pivotably mounted to the base through a pin which extends through openings in each end of the handle and through the base pivot mounts for movement between first and second positions with respect to the base. The spring has a first end extending into and anchored in the spring hole in the base. The spring is further coiled around the pin between the pivot mounts and has a second end distal from the first end which is anchored in the first end of the handle. The handle further includes a ledge for retaining the second end of the spring in the handle.

Abstract: A mirror assembly security system for a vehicle includes an exterior mirror assembly and a light module removably positioned within the exterior mirror housing. The light module is moisture impervious and includes an enclosure, a light-emitting opening in the enclosure, a light source in the enclosure radiating light through the light-emitting opening, and a cover for the light-emitting opening adapted to direct the light from the light source to an area adjacent the vehicle to create a security area. The light source may be supported by a pair of electrical contacts provided on the inner surface of the enclosure. The enclosure wall supporting the electrical contacts is preferably flexible, in order to allow the light source to be captured by the contacts. Attachment of the cover adds rigidity to the enclosure to prevent further flexure of the enclosure wall in order to firmly retain the light source.

Abstract: A seating system includes a load bearing shelf which is provided for carrying seats, cargo and the like. The shelf is slideably supported on opposite ends in spaced, parallel, horizontally extending tracks mounted longitudinally in the vehicle. Seats may be removably and lockably mounted to the shelf which, upon removal, allows use of the shelf for storage and other functions. The shelf is removable, and may be reversibly reinstalled in a front-to-rear reversed orientation and locked into various positions. Further, the shelf may include upper and lower convenience structural features such as pockets, sliding trays, and compartments.

Abstract: A sun visor assembly is adapted for attachment in a vehicle having a front windshield and a side door window. The sun visor assembly includes a slide track attachable to the vehicle above the side door window. A slide bracket is slidably disposed within the channel. A sun visor pivotably cooperates with the slide bracket, and is pivotable about an axis. An automatic pivot assembly is operatively connected between the slide track and the sun visor for automatically pivoting the sun visor toward a position in which the sun visor is substantially parallel with the slide track as the slide bracket is moved in a direction away from the front windshield, thereby preventing interference of the sun visor with a vehicle occupant as the sun visor is moved between the front windshield and side door window.