Abstract: A vehicle including a cross member and a tow hook assembly. The tow hook assembly is coupled to the cross member and includes a housing, a tow hook, and a shear pin. The housing includes an arcuate interior. The tow hook is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. The tow hook includes a retaining block and a receiving member having a distal portion extending from the retaining block and a leading portion extending from the distal portion. The shear pin is positionable to extend through the housing. When the tow hook is in the extended position and a force exceeding a predetermined threshold is applied to the leading portion of the receiving member, the shear pin shears to permit the retaining block of the tow hook to move along the arcuate interior of the housing and position the tow hook into the retracted position.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein relate to cargo systems for vehicles. A cargo system includes a rail stowable in a rail channel extending between a first and second side of a floor. The rail defines a rail body extending, at least partially, between the first side and the second side substantially parallel to the floor. The rail also defines rail legs rotatably connected to the floor. The rail further defines an aperture opening along a direction of the rail legs. The cargo system further includes a clamp. The clamp includes a clamp body configured for installation to the aperture. The clamp also includes a clamp arm extending from the clamp body in a direction along the rail. The clamp further includes a ratchet system that fastens the clamp body to the rail to secure a cargo item between the clamp arm and the rail.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided securing a battery pack to a vehicle. Embodiments can comprise an internal cross member secured to a first side of the vehicle's chassis. A cooling plate can be placed on one side of the internal cross member opposite to the first side of the vehicle's chassis where the internal cross member is secured. A hat-shaped section can extend at least partially across a width of the vehicle and secured to a second side of the vehicle's chassis. A structural reinforcement member can partially surround a battery pack of the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods of leveling a vehicle are disclosed. Exemplary implementations may: provide a plurality of air bag jacks under the vehicle; determine roll and pitch information of the vehicle; determine, using a computing system, an amount of air-adjustment to make for one or more of the plurality of air bag jacks, based on the roll and pitch information, to level the vehicle; and activate, via the computing system, an air compressor to make the determined air-adjustment.

Abstract: A vehicle utility boom assembly includes a first roof rail including a first boom passage, a second roof rail including a second boom passage and structured to be mounted opposite the first roof rail, a boom housing structured to connect the first and second boom passages, and a boom structured to be positionable in the housing so as to be deployable from the housing along a side of the vehicle, through any of the first and second boom passages. The boom may be retracted into the boom housing for compactness and concealment when not in use. The boom is deployable from the housing to a side of the vehicle, to support objects above a ground surface adjacent the vehicle.

Abstract: A step pad assembly includes a step pad including a plurality of raised pads protruding from an outer side of the step pad and providing a traction surface to promote sure footing of a user stepping on the traction surface. The step pad assembly further includes at least one clip fastener including a head portion, a stem portion, and a flexible finger extending from the stem portion. The head portion is configured to be detachably coupled at the outer side of the step pad. When installed on a vehicle or support member (e.g., a bumper cover or frame), the stem portion is configured to extend longitudinally from an inner side of the head portion, through an aperture disposed in the step pad, to an inner side of the step pad. The flexible finger can snap into the support member to secure the step pad to the support member.

Abstract: Systems described herein relate to a stowable collapsible container for a truck bed. In one embodiment, a storage system includes a collapsible container having a footprint sized to fit within a tailgate of a truck. The collapsible container, in a collapsed state, is stowed in the tailgate with a lid of the collapsible container being flush with a bedside surface of the tailgate. In a deployed state, the lid aligns with a raised ledge in the truck bed. The storage system includes an attachment assembly. The attachment assembly mates with a tailgate attachment structure of the truck to secure the collapsible container to the tailgate when positioned thereon.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided securing a battery pack to a vehicle. Embodiments can comprise an internal cross member secured to a first side of the vehicle's chassis. A cooling plate can be placed on one side of the internal cross member opposite to the first side of the vehicle's chassis where the internal cross member is secured. A hat-shaped section can extend at least partially across a width of the vehicle and secured to a second side of the vehicle's chassis. A structural reinforcement member can partially surround a battery pack of the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for a tow hook assembly for a vehicle. The tow hook assembly includes a tow hook having a distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end, a translating member configured to be coupled to the tow hook, a hinge disposed between the tow hook and the translating member, a housing configured to house at least a portion of the translating member, and a biasing member disposed within the housing and configured to be coupled to the translating member such that the biasing member is configured to deploy the tow hook. A horizontal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The translating member is configured to translate the tow hook along the horizontal axis, and the hinge is configured to rotate the tow hook about the hinge and radially away from the horizonal axis.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for a vehicle aerodynamic system include an air dam adapted to be mounted adjacent a front bumper of a vehicle. The air dam can be moveable between a stowed position (e.g., when the vehicle is operating at higher speeds) and a deployed position (e.g., when the vehicle is operating at lower speeds). The air dam includes an air dam panel moveable between the stowed position and a step position. In the step position, the air dam panel is configured as a step for a user to access a front vehicle compartment. The aerodynamic system can include an actuator configured to move the air dam panel relative to the front bumper. The aerodynamic system can further include a controller in electronic communication with a front hood position sensor that is configured to automatically deploy the step based upon a position of the front hood.

Abstract: A storage system includes a storage surface for storing a container thereon. The storage surface defines a storage surface ridge. The storage surface ridge defines a cavity. The storage surface further defines a storage surface valley. The storage surface ridge and the storage surface valley interlock with a bottom surface of the container. The storage system also includes a temperature-regulating medium housed in the cavity. The temperature-regulating medium regulates a temperature of one or more contents of the container when the container is stored on the storage surface.

Abstract: A cargo box measurement system described herein provides integrated measuring capability at a vehicle. In one embodiment, the cargo box measurement system includes a cover disposed over and attached to a surface of a sidewall panel of a cargo box of a vehicle. The cover includes a channel 1) formed in a cover surface that faces the sidewall panel and 2) that extends inward from an edge of the cover. The cargo box measurement system also includes a ruler slidably positioned within the channel and between the cover and the sidewall panel. The ruler is extendable from the channel away from the sidewall panel and the cover.

Abstract: The tailgate spoiler storage system described herein adds storage to a vehicle tailgate spoiler. The tailgate spoiler storage system includes 1) a tailgate pivotally connected to a cargo box of a vehicle and 2) a spoiler extending behind the tailgate. The spoiler includes 1) an upper member supported on a top surface of the tailgate, 2) a vertical member extending from the upper member along a rear surface of the tailgate, and 3) an angled bottom member extending between the vertical member and the upper member. The tailgate spoiler storage system also includes a pullout drawer disposed within, and laterally extendable from, the spoiler.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for a tailgate drawer for a vehicle. The tailgate drawer may include a bed floor positioned along a first horizontal plane. The tailgate drawer may further include a battery positioned underneath the bed floor and lying along a second horizontal plane being parallel to the first horizontal plane. The battery may be configured to store and supply electrical energy. The tailgate drawer may further include a drawer lying along the second horizontal plane and positioned rearward of the battery with respect to the vehicle. The drawer may be configured to move between a closed position and an open position. The drawer may include a plurality of walls defining a storage compartment. The drawer may further include one or more electrical outlets electrically connected to the battery and coupled to one or more walls of the plurality of walls.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a dual-access refrigeration space with conveyance system. The dual-access refrigeration space being accessible from both inside and outside the passenger cabin of a vehicle, and the conveyance system capable of conveying objects within the dual-access refrigeration space. The conveyance of such objects enabling passengers of the vehicle to access refrigerated objects that may have been loaded from an area external to the passenger cab without the passengers needing to exit the vehicle. In some examples, such convention may be reversed such that the refrigeration space within a passenger cabin may be utilized by a user outside the passenger cabin.

Abstract: Systems described herein relate to a stowable collapsible container for a truck bed. In one embodiment, a storage system includes a collapsible container having a footprint sized to fit within a tailgate of a truck. The collapsible container, in a collapsed state, is stowed in the tailgate with a lid of the collapsible container being flush with a bedside surface of the tailgate. In a deployed state, the lid aligns with a raised ledge in the truck bed. The storage system includes an attachment assembly. The attachment assembly mates with a tailgate attachment structure of the truck to secure the collapsible container to the tailgate when positioned thereon.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to a vehicle tire guard that retracts in response to a force. In one embodiment, the vehicle tire guard device includes a tire guard extending downward from a vehicle frame and a retraction system attached to the vehicle frame. The retraction system includes a spring-loaded wheel with circumferential interface elements to engage with and retract the tire guard responsive to a vertical force applied to the tire guard, a curved cam affixed to a planar surface of the spring-loaded wheel, and a spring-loaded rod biased against the planar surface. The spring-loaded rod and cam interact to prevent rotation of the spring-loaded wheel to retract the tire guard until the vertical force exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein relate to cargo systems for vehicles. A cargo system includes a rail stowable in a rail channel extending between a first and second side of a floor. The rail defines a rail body extending, at least partially, between the first side and the second side substantially parallel to the floor. The rail also defines rail legs rotatably connected to the floor. The rail further defines an aperture opening along a direction of the rail legs. The cargo system further includes a clamp. The clamp includes a clamp body configured for installation to the aperture. The clamp also includes a clamp arm extending from the clamp body in a direction along the rail. The clamp further includes a ratchet system that fastens the clamp body to the rail to secure a cargo item between the clamp arm and the rail.

Abstract: The application generally relates to an apparatus comprising a tailgate protector having a base disposed atop a first portion of a tailgate, a support arm extending from a first edge of the base, and one or more mounting elements disposed within the base, wherein the one or more mounting elements are configured to removably couple an attachment via one or more attachment mounting elements includes in the attachment.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods include a container receptacle configured to receive a beverage container. The container receptacle includes a perforated bottom surface configured to allow a spilled liquid and/or debris to pass therethrough. A drip tray extends beneath the container receptacle so as to collect the spilled liquid from the container receptacle. A bottom surface of the drip tray can be inclined so that liquid and/or debris is directed to a low point of the drip tray for collection.