Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a tonneau side rail assembly for attachment to a vehicle bed frame that is at least partially covered by a bed frame cover, and that at least partially defines a vehicle exposed area. The tonneau side rail assembly can include a tonneau side rail that is configured to be removably attached to a tonneau assembly. The tonneau side rail can include upper and lower surfaces, an aperture being defined in each of the upper and lower surfaces such that an open space is defined between the apertures. An extender can define longitudinally opposite ends, one of the ends being configured to be rigidly secured to the vehicle bed frame, and the other of the ends being configured to be rigidly secured to the tonneau side rail so as to define a gap between the tonneau side rail and the bed frame cover.

Abstract: A flexible tonneau cover assembly is provided that includes a side rail and a rear rail that is removably securable to the side rail. The rear rail is rotatable between a closed position wherein a flexible cover secured thereto is under tension, and an open position wherein the flexible cover is untensioned. Optionally, the assembly includes a securing member that is securable in a fixed position with respect to the side rail and defines a channel, and the rear rail is rotatable between the open position and the closed position when the rear rail is positioned in the channel of the securing member. Optionally, the flexible cover includes a cable operatively connected to the rear rail, and the side rail receives the cable therein when the rear rail is in the closed position to secure the flexible cover to the side rail.

Abstract: A vehicle convertible system include left and right side rails extending in a vehicle length direction and defining a roof opening, and a roof member covering the roof opening. The roof member includes a frame, an outer cover attached to the frame, and a headliner including a cover attached to an underside of the frame. A linkage connected to the roof member moves the roof member between a closed condition and a stowed condition. A retractor attached to the roof member is connected to lateral side portions of the headliner cover. The retractor is operable by movement of the linkage. The retractor moves the lateral side portions between a covering position which conceals the linkage in the closed condition of the roof member and a retracted position inwardly of the side rails to provide clearance for the linkage as the roof member is moved to the stowed position.

Abstract: A vehicle convertible system include left and right side rails extending in a vehicle length direction and defining a roof opening, and a roof member covering the roof opening. The roof member includes a frame, an outer cover attached to the frame, and a headliner including a cover attached to an underside of the frame. A linkage connected to the roof member moves the roof member between a closed condition and a stowed condition. A retractor attached to the roof member is connected to lateral side portions of the headliner cover. The retractor is operable by movement of the linkage. The retractor moves the lateral side portions between a covering position which conceals the linkage in the closed condition of the roof member and a retracted position inwardly of the side rails to provide clearance for the linkage as the roof member is moved to the stowed position.

Abstract: A control system can include an actuator actuable into an on state to instruct a wiper motor to move a wiper over a vehicle exterior surface, and a source of vehicle movement data that indicates whether the vehicle is moving. A processor based controller can instruct the wiper motor to move the wiper to either a Park 1 position that provides enhanced aerodynamic effects or a different Park 2 position that provides enhanced accessibility to the wiper if the actuator is not actuated into the on state. The controller being specifically configured to instruct the wiper motor to move the wiper to the Park 1 position if the source of vehicle information indicates that the vehicle is moving, and to instruct the wiper motor to move the wiper to the Park 2 position if the source of vehicle information does not indicate that the vehicle is moving.

Abstract: A sunroof seal assembly and method for a vehicle includes a sunroof frame disposed on the vehicle that defines a sunroof opening into which an associated sunroof panel is received, a first seal member mounted to the sunroof frame for sealing to an underside of a roof of the vehicle and a second seal member slideably mounted to the first seal member for sealing to the associated sunroof panel when the associated sunroof panel is in a closed position.

Abstract: A sunroof seal assembly and method for a vehicle includes a sunroof frame disposed on the vehicle that defines a sunroof opening into which an associated sunroof panel is received, a first seal member mounted to the sunroof frame for sealing to an underside of a roof of the vehicle and a second seal member slideably mounted to the first seal member for sealing to the associated sunroof panel when the associated sunroof panel is in a closed position.

Abstract: A flexible tonneau cover assembly includes a pair of side rails positioned on side walls of a cargo box of a motor vehicle, two sliding elements slidably received in the side rails, spring blocks inserted within each side rail, and a spring located between the sliding element and the spring block in each side rail. The flexible tonneau cover assembly also includes a front rail including a first end having an opening for receiving a projection of the first sliding element, and a second end having a latch receivable by the latch receptacle of the second sliding element. A tonneau cover is attached to the front rail and extends to cover the cargo box of the vehicle, which is tensioned by the springs.

Abstract: A flexible tonneau cover assembly includes a pair of side rails positioned on the side wall of a cargo box of a vehicle. A first element is received in the first side rail having a projection extending laterally inward from the first side rail. A second element is received in the second side rail having a laterally inward facing latch receptacle. A front rail includes a first end having an opening for receiving the projection of the first sliding element and a second end having a latch receivable by the latch receptacle of the second sliding element. The tonneau cover is removable by rolling it up, disengaging the latch from the laterally inward facing latch receptacle, lifting the second end of the front rail from the second element, and removing the first end of the front rail from the projection of the first element.

Abstract: A flexible tonneau cover assembly includes a pair of side rails positioned on side walls of a cargo box of a motor vehicle, two sliding elements slidably received in the side rails, spring blocks inserted within each side rail, and a spring located between the sliding element and the spring block in each side rail. The flexible tonneau cover assembly also includes a front rail including a first end having an opening for receiving a projection of the first sliding element, and a second end having a latch receivable by the latch receptacle of the second sliding element. A tonneau cover is attached to the front rail and extends to cover the cargo box of the vehicle, which is tensioned by the springs.

Abstract: A flexible tonneau cover assembly includes a pair of side rails positioned on the side wall of a cargo box of a vehicle. A first element is received in the first side rail having a projection extending laterally inward from the first side rail. A second element is received in the second side rail having a laterally inward facing latch receptacle. A front rail includes a first end having an opening for receiving the projection of the first sliding element and a second end having a latch receivable by the latch receptacle of the second sliding element. The tonneau cover is removable by rolling it up, disengaging the latch from the laterally inward facing latch receptacle, lifting the second end of the front rail from the second element, and removing the first end of the front rail from the projection of the first element.

Abstract: A flexible tonneau cover assembly is provided that includes a side rail and a rear rail that is removably securable to the side rail. The rear rail is rotatable between a closed position wherein a flexible cover secured thereto is under tension, and an open position wherein the flexible cover is untensioned. Optionally, the assembly includes a securing member that is securable in a fixed position with respect to the side rail and defines a channel, and the rear rail is rotatable between the open position and the closed position when the rear rail is positioned in the channel of the securing member. Optionally, the flexible cover includes a cable operatively connected to the rear rail, and the side rail receives the cable therein when the rear rail is in the closed position to secure the flexible cover to the side rail.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a tonneau side rail assembly for attachment to a vehicle bed frame that is at least partially covered by a bed frame cover, and that at least partially defines a vehicle exposed area. The tonneau side rail assembly can include a tonneau side rail that is configured to be removably attached to a tonneau assembly. The tonneau side rail can include upper and lower surfaces, an aperture being defined in each of the upper and lower surfaces such that an open space is defined between the apertures. An extender can define longitudinally opposite ends, one of the ends being configured to be rigidly secured to the vehicle bed frame, and the other of the ends being configured to be rigidly secured to the tonneau side rail so as to define a gap between the tonneau side rail and the bed frame cover.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a tonneau assembly including a tonneau sheet configured to cover at least a part of an exposed area of a vehicle, and a rail assembly including a front rail connected to the tonneau sheet, a rear rail, and a pair of longitudinally extending side rails. The rear rail is pivotable between an open position that uncovers part of the exposed area of the vehicle, and a closed position that covers the part of the exposed area. The rear rail is connected to the tonneau sheet to apply a longitudinal tensioning force as the rear rail is pivoted from the open position to the closed position. The tonneau assembly includes a lateral tensioning assembly that is configured to apply a lateral tensioning force that is perpendicular to the longitudinal force as the rear rail is pivoted from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: A control system can include an actuator actuable into an on state to instruct a wiper motor to move a wiper over a vehicle exterior surface, and a source of vehicle movement data that indicates whether the vehicle is moving. A processor based controller can instruct the wiper motor to move the wiper to either a Park 1 position that provides enhanced aerodynamic effects or a different Park 2 position that provides enhanced accessibility to the wiper if the actuator is not actuated into the on state. The controller being specifically configured to instruct the wiper motor to move the wiper to the Park 1 position if the source of vehicle information indicates that the vehicle is moving, and to instruct the wiper motor to move the wiper to the Park 2 position if the source of vehicle information does not indicate that the vehicle is moving.

Abstract: A temperature-dependent spray assembly for a headlight and associated method of spray washing a headlight are provided. The spray assembly includes a nozzle assembly having an opening directed toward a headlight lens surface. A sensor monitors an outdoor temperature. A controller is in operative communication with the sensor and the nozzle assembly, and the controller provides a signal indicative of one of (i) a temperature at or above a predetermined temperature and (ii) a temperature below the predetermined temperature whereby the nozzle assembly is operated in a first manner at or above the predetermined temperature and in a different, second manner below the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a window of an automotive vehicle having a convertible top includes at least one powered window selectively driven by a motor. A controller is operatively connected to the motor and sends a signal for positioning the powered window to one of a raised or lowered position in response to lowering of the convertible top. An input or selector is operatively associated with the controller that allows a user to select one of the raised and lowered positions of the at least one powered window in response to lowering the convertible top. Further, a temperature sensor provides a signal indicative of the external temperature and/or a vehicle speed sensor provides a signal indicative of the vehicle speed so that positioning of the window can be temperature dependent and/or vehicle speed dependent.

Abstract: A convertible system includes a pair of movable side rails, each being connected to a structural pillar. A front header spans between forward ends of the side rails. A side rail latching mechanism releasably attaches the side rails to the structural pillars. A roof member includes a flexible, foldable roof panel and a panel header secured to and covered by the roof panel. The panel header has lateral end portions movably coupled to the side rails. The roof member is movable between a closed position, a pre-defined intermediate opened position, and a fully opened position. The roof member together with the side rails is further movable to a stowed position rearward of a vehicle occupant cabin. A roof member latch mechanism is mounted to the panel header for releasably attaching the panel header to the front header.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a window of an automotive vehicle having a convertible top includes at least one powered window selectively driven by a motor. A controller is operatively connected to the motor and sends a signal for positioning the powered window to one of a raised or lowered position in response to lowering of the convertible top. An input or selector is operatively associated with the controller that allows a user to select one of the raised and lowered positions of the at least one powered window in response to lowering the convertible top. Further, a temperature sensor provides a signal indicative of the external temperature and/or a vehicle speed sensor provides a signal indicative of the vehicle speed so that positioning of the window can be temperature dependent and/or vehicle speed dependent.

Abstract: A wiper lifter assembly includes a wiper ramp that lifts a wiper away from a wiper surface on a vehicle and a wiper contact member that is attached to an upper surface of the wiper ramp. The wiper contact member may act as a sound damper to greatly reduce the undesirable noise otherwise caused when the wiper contacts the wiper lifter assembly. The assembly may also include an isolation pad for attaching the assembly to the vehicle.