Abstract: Systems and method are provided for remotely controlling one or more comfort settings within a cabin of a vehicle. The vehicle includes one or more comfort sub-systems, a communication interface, and a controller. The communication interface receives control signals from a comfort settings management system. The control signals indicate one or more comfort settings of the one or more comfort sub-systems. The controller can generate commands, based on the control signals, that automatically adjust settings of the one or more comfort sub-systems to control the one or more comfort settings within the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body and a rear row of seats attached to the vehicle body. The rear row of seats includes a first side seat proximate a first side of the vehicle, a second side seat proximate a second side of the vehicle, and an intermediate seat disposed between the first side seat and the second side seat. The intermediate seat has an upright position. The intermediate seat is configured to support an occupant in the upright position. The intermediate seat is supported for movement relative to the vehicle body, the first side seat, and the second side seat while in the upright position. Methods for positioning a rear row of seats are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle-seat mounting system, for securing a child seat in a vehicle, including a collapsible vehicle seat comprising a vehicle seat back configured to be movably connected to a vehicle-seat base. The system also includes a vehicle-seat-back securing structure being connected to, or part of, a rear of the vehicle seat back. The vehicle-seat-back securing structure is configured and arranged at the rear of the vehicle seat back to mate securely with child-seat securing structure corresponding in size and shape to the vehicle-seat-back securing structure. In various embodiments, the technology includes (i) parts of the vehicle seat, such as a kit including the vehicle-seat-back securing structure, (ii) the child seat, or (iii) parts thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle-seat mounting system, for securing a child seat in a vehicle, including a collapsible vehicle seat comprising a vehicle seat back configured to be movably connected to a vehicle-seat base. The system also includes a vehicle-seat-back securing structure being connected to, or part of, a rear of the vehicle seat back. The vehicle-seat-back securing structure is configured and arranged at the rear of the vehicle seat back to mate securely with child-seat securing structure corresponding in size and shape to the vehicle-seat-back securing structure. In various embodiments, the technology includes (i) parts of the vehicle seat, such as a kit including the vehicle-seat-back securing structure, (ii) the child seat, or (iii) parts thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle charging cable is disclosed configured to charge a vehicle battery on a vehicle from a utility power source, the cable comprising: a vehicle connector and a control module. The vehicle connector is connected to a power cable configured to supply power for charging the vehicle battery. The vehicle connector is configured to connect to a charging port on the vehicle. The control module is connected to the power cable. The control module is configured to receive utility data from the utility power source and to receive vehicle data from the vehicle, and to adjust the power supplied to the vehicle battery based on the utility data and the vehicle data.

Abstract: An adjustable cargo storage press for organizing and securing cargo items stored in a cargo storage area of an automobile. The adjustable cargo storage press is disposed within or integrated with a cargo area of an automotive vehicle such as a trunk, bed or bed liner of a car, truck, or sport utility vehicle. The press prevents movement of cargo items and potential damage to the cargo items during transport. The press also maintains the position of the cargo items for easy removal from the cargo storage area. The press includes one or more hinged walls that lock in a vertical position and move towards each other along guide tracks. The one or more hinged walls compress the cargo items between the hinged walls, and fold flat when not in use so as not to limit cargo storage capacity of the cargo storage area.

Abstract: An adjustable cargo storage press for organizing and securing cargo items stored in a cargo storage area of an automobile. The adjustable cargo storage press is disposed within or integrated with a cargo area of an automotive vehicle such as a trunk, bed or bed liner of a car, truck, or sport utility vehicle. The press prevents movement of cargo items and potential damage to the cargo items during transport. The press also maintains the position of the cargo items for easy removal from the cargo storage area. The press includes one or more hinged walls that lock in a vertical position and move towards each other along guide tracks. The one or more hinged walls compress the cargo items between the hinged walls, and fold flat when not in use so as not to limit cargo storage capacity of the cargo storage area.

Abstract: An arrangement for housing a device in an interior of a vehicle is disclosed herein. The arrangement includes, but is not limited to, a trim component that is configured to be mounted within a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The trim component defines a cavity. The cavity is configured to substantially conform to the device, to engage with multiple surfaces of the device, and to support the device in a generally horizontal orientation. The trim component further defines an opening to the cavity. The arrangement further includes a retaining body that is connected to the trim component. The retaining body is configured to inhibit egress of the device from the cavity through the opening when the device is positioned within the cavity.

Abstract: An arrangement for housing a device in an interior of a vehicle is disclosed herein. The arrangement includes, but is not limited to, a trim component that is configured to be mounted within a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The trim component defines a cavity. The cavity is configured to substantially conform to the device, to engage with multiple surfaces of the device, and to support the device in a generally horizontal orientation. The trim component further defines an opening to the cavity. The arrangement further includes a retaining body that is connected to the trim component. The retaining body is configured to inhibit egress of the device from the cavity through the opening when the device is positioned within the cavity.

Abstract: A vehicle adapted to carry elongate cargo includes, but is not limited to, a body having a cargo support surface having a first opening. A first support member is housed within the first opening and is configured to move inwardly and outwardly with respect to the first opening. A first restraining member is connected to the first support member and oriented generally transversely thereto. The first restraining member is configured to move towards and away from the cargo support surface as the first support member moves inwardly and outwardly with respect to the first opening, and to compress the elongate cargo against the cargo support surface. The body is configured to engage the first support member and to inhibit the first support member from moving away from the body. The first restraining member and the cargo support surface cooperate to restrain the elongate cargo.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body. The body defines a wheel well and has a body panel that at least partially defines an opening of the wheel well. A wheel is operatively connected to the vehicle body, is selectively rotatable about an axis, and is at least partially disposed within the wheel well. A member has a first end and a second end. The first end is rotatably mounted with respect to the body panel forward of the axis. The second end is rotatably mounted with respect to the body panel rearward of the axis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variety of interior trim structures for use within a passenger compartment of a motorized vehicle. Each interior trim structure includes a structure body configured to attach to the vehicle. The structure body has at least one exterior wall that is visible to occupants of the passenger compartment. At least a portion of the visible wall is fabricated entirely from a segment of natural bamboo stalk. In one embodiment, the segment is a one-piece, monolithic ring of natural bamboo. Alternatively, the segment can be fabricated as a trim panel that is formed from a plurality of precut natural bamboo slats. The interior trim structure can be configured as a storage receptacle, electronic dial, instrument cluster gauge fixture, storage compartment lid, or cosmetic trim panel.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body. The body defines a wheel well and has a body panel that at least partially defines an opening of the wheel well. A wheel is operatively connected to the vehicle body, is selectively rotatable about an axis, and is at least partially disposed within the wheel well. A member has a first end and a second end. The first end is rotatably mounted with respect to the body panel forward of the axis. The second end is rotatably mounted with respect to the body panel rearward of the axis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variety of interior trim structures for use within a passenger compartment of a motorized vehicle. Each interior trim structure includes a structure body configured to attach to the vehicle. The structure body has at least one exterior wall that is visible to occupants of the passenger compartment. At least a portion of the visible wall is fabricated entirely from a segment of natural bamboo stalk. In one embodiment, the segment is a one-piece, monolithic ring of natural bamboo. Alternatively, the segment can be fabricated as a trim panel that is formed from a plurality of precut natural bamboo slats. The interior trim structure can be configured as a storage receptacle, electronic dial, instrument cluster gauge fixture, storage compartment lid, or cosmetic trim panel.

Abstract: A vehicle charging cable is disclosed configured to charge a vehicle battery on a vehicle from a utility power source, the cable comprising: a vehicle connector and a control module. The vehicle connector is connected to a power cable configured to supply power for charging the vehicle battery. The vehicle connector is configured to connect to a charging port on the vehicle. The control module is connected to the power cable. The control module is configured to receive utility data from the utility power source and to receive vehicle data from the vehicle, and to adjust the power supplied to the vehicle battery based on the utility data and the vehicle data.