Abstract: A vehicle lamp assembly includes a light blade of a vehicle lamp and a light source that emits light into the light blade. The light blade has a reflective surface that reflects some of the light outward to an outboard side of a vehicle to provide a side marker light.

Abstract: Vent patch systems are provided for motor vehicles. The vent patch systems may be configured for ultrasonically cleaning a vent patch of a vehicle component, thereby preserving/restoring air circulation through the vehicle component and reducing condensation build-up. An exemplary vent patch system may include a vent patch and an ultrasonic device. The ultrasonic device can be controlled to induce movement (e.g., vibration) of the vent patch in order to remove dirt and other debris that could otherwise inhibit proper air circulation through the vehicle component.

Abstract: A method and system include a housing, a vehicle lamp assembly that is supported by the housing, and a motor sled that is supported for movement relative to the housing. An adjustment member is coupled to the motor sled, and the motor sled is moveable by the adjustment member to adjust an aim of the vehicle lamp assembly. A biasing member reacts between the motor sled and the housing to provide a pre-load.

Abstract: A method and system include a housing, a vehicle lamp assembly that is supported by the housing, and a motor sled that is supported for movement relative to the housing. An adjustment member is coupled to the motor sled, and the motor sled is moveable by the adjustment member to adjust an aim of the vehicle lamp assembly. A biasing member reacts between the motor sled and the housing to provide a pre-load.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp assembly includes a light source that emits light, a side marker lamp having a lens, and a frustum reflector that guides light from the light source to the lens of the side marker lamp. A vehicle lighting method includes emitting light from a light source into a frustum reflector, redirecting the light within the frustum reflector, and illuminating a side marker lamp using the light redirected within the frustum reflector.

Abstract: Vehicle exterior lighting systems for vehicles equipped with tailgate assemblies may be configured to provide redundant backup lighting functionality for all tailgate positions (e.g., closed, open, and removed). Exemplary systems may include both vehicle static body structure mounted backup lamps and tailgate structure mounted backup lamps for providing the backup lighting redundancy.

Abstract: Vehicle exterior lighting systems for vehicles equipped with tailgate assemblies may be configured to provide redundant backup lighting functionality for all tailgate positions (e.g., closed, open, and removed). Exemplary systems may include both vehicle static body structure mounted backup lamps and tailgate structure mounted backup lamps for providing the backup lighting redundancy.

Abstract: Vehicle exterior lighting systems for vehicles equipped with tailgate assemblies may be configured to provide redundant backup lighting functionality for all tailgate positions (e.g., closed, open, and removed). Exemplary systems may include both vehicle static body structure mounted backup lamps and tailgate structure mounted backup lamps for providing the backup lighting redundancy.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo area lighting system includes, among other things, a cover assembly and at least one cargo area light. The cover assembly is movable back and forth between a closed position and an open position. The cover assembly covers a cargo area of a vehicle when the cover assembly is in the closed position. The cover assembly has a top portion and a wall portion. The wall portion extends vertically downward from the top portion when the cover assembly is in the closed position. The cargo area light is secured to an interior side of the wall portion. The cargo area light is configured to illuminate the cargo area when the cover assembly is in the open position.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting assembly installation method includes, among other things, coupling an outer panel of a vehicle to a body structure of the vehicle, biasing a lighting assembly outward away from the body structure toward the outer panel, and securing the lighting assembly to the body structure during the biasing. A vehicle assembly includes, among other things, a body structure of a vehicle, an outer panel secured to the body structure, a lighting assembly secured to the body structure, and a biasing member that biases the lighting assembly outward away from the body structure toward the outer panel when securing the lighting assembly to the body structure.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting assembly installation method includes, among other things, coupling an outer panel of a vehicle to a body structure of the vehicle, biasing a lighting assembly outward away from the body structure toward the outer panel, and securing the lighting assembly to the body structure during the biasing. A vehicle assembly includes, among other things, a body structure of a vehicle, an outer panel secured to the body structure, a lighting assembly secured to the body structure, and a biasing member that biases the lighting assembly outward away from the body structure toward the outer panel when securing the lighting assembly to the body structure.

Abstract: A smart light assembly is provided for a motor vehicle. That smart light assembly includes an electronic sensing device dedicated to the smart light assembly, an adjustable beam light source and a controller directly connected to the adjustable beam light source. A smart lighting system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A smart light assembly is provided for a motor vehicle. That smart light assembly includes an electronic sensing device dedicated to the smart light assembly, an adjustable beam light source and a controller directly connected to the adjustable beam light source. A smart lighting system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A deployable step and handle system for a tailgate. The handle is used to secure the deployable step in the stowed position that eliminates the need for a separate release system. The handle is placed adjacent a top edge of the tailgate to prevent debris from being trapped under the handle when the handle is closed. The ladder has a step surface disposed opposite and at an angle relative to a top surface of a spoiler that provides a step surface. The ladder rails are guided by rail guides as the ladder is moved between a stowed position and a deployed position. A unitary support bracket is used to connect both the handle and a ladder rail to the tailgate.

Abstract: A deployable step and handle system for a tailgate. The handle is used to secure the deployable step in the stowed position that eliminates the need for a separate release system. The handle is placed adjacent a top edge of the tailgate to prevent debris from being trapped under the handle when the handle is closed. The ladder has a step surface disposed opposite and at an angle relative to a top surface of a spoiler that provides a step surface. The ladder rails are guided by rail guides as the ladder is moved between a stowed position and a deployed position. A unitary support bracket is used to connect both the handle and a ladder rail to the tailgate.

Abstract: A vehicle step assembly uses hinged pedestals, attitude links and an energy storage device to position step stringers and an attached step beam in a generally horizontal and elevated deployed position, while permitting a space-saving tucked-in stowed position.