Abstract: A vehicle includes a hood assembly that covers an engine compartment. A multi-stage detachable hood air scoop assembly is connected to the hood assembly. The multi-stage detachable hood air scoop assembly includes an intake component connected directly to the hood assembly. A cover component is releasably connected to the intake component and directly to the hood assembly using releasable connections such that the cover component detaches from the intake component and the hood assembly in response to a predetermined front impact force.

Abstract: An air drag reduction mechanism for a vehicle is provided. The mechanism includes a base and an air deflector rotatably coupled to the base. The air deflector is rotatable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. At least one actuator is operatively coupled to the air deflector and structured to rotate the air deflector between the stowed configuration and the deployed configuration. At least one latching mechanism is operatively coupled to the air deflector and the base. The latching mechanism is structured to engage when the air deflector rotates from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration, to maintain the air deflector in the deployed configuration. The latching mechanism is also structured to disengage when the air deflector reconfigures from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration so as to permit rotation of the air deflector from the deployed configuration to the stowed configuration.

Abstract: Various arrangements for providing a guided tour are described herein. Generally, the guided tour system determines the location of location sensor(s) along a guided tour. When the location sensor(s) are located at a transition location along a guided tour, the guided tour system selects an active Input/Output (I/O) system for a subsequent segment of the guided tour. The active I/O system is used to render prompts associated with POIs along the guided tour.

Abstract: Provided is a device and method for selective announcement of hazard-noise signals detected in ambient vehicle-noise environments are disclosed. The device and method provide for monitoring an ambient vehicle-noise environment for a hazard-noise signal. Upon detecting the hazard-noise signal, determining whether a source location of the hazard-noise signal closes on a monitoring location of the ambient vehicle-noise environment. When the source location of the hazard-noise signal closes on the monitoring location, generating announcement data relating to the hazard-noise signal, and transmitting the announcement data.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to a tonneau cover for a bed of a truck. In one embodiment, the tonneau cover includes a set of panels that span a width of the bed between at least two mounting rails that are attached to sidewalls of the bed. The set of panels detachably connect to the mounting rails at attachment points within the mounting rails and are at least partially supported by the attachment points. Individual panels within the set of panels connect with adjacent ones of the set of panels through a detachable hinge within opposing sides. The individual panels connect to the mounting rails through retractable pins that extend from opposing ends.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seatback and a side armrest. The side armrest includes an elongate frame anchored to the seatback and an elongate cover supported on the frame. The frame includes a base segment, by which the frame is anchored to the seatback, and a pivoting distal segment. With the frame's base segment extending away from the seatback, the side armrest is reconfigurable between an armrest configuration and an auxiliary configuration. In the armrest configuration, the frame's distal segment is inline with its base segment, the cover covers the frame, and the cover is supported on the frame for sliding movement along the frame that culminates in lodgment onto its distal segment. In the auxiliary configuration, the cover is lodged onto the frame's distal segment, and the frame's distal segment is pivoted towards the seatback to position the cover to extend in front of the seatback.

Abstract: A dynamic gap at a vehicle interface can be actively managed using an interface seal. The interface can be defined between a first vehicle component and a second vehicle component. A gap can be defined between the first vehicle component and the second vehicle component. The gap can have an associated width. The width of the gap can vary during vehicle operation. An interface seal can be provided at least partially within the first vehicle component. The interface seal can be movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the stowed position, the interface seal can be located substantially entirely within the first vehicle component. In the deployed position, the interface seal can extend at least partially out of the first vehicle component in a direction toward the second vehicle component. As a result, the width of the gap can be reduced.

Abstract: A transition region between a first vehicle component and a second vehicle component can be actively managed. In a pick-up truck, the first vehicle component can be a deck and the second vehicle component can be a cabin. A side shield can be movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the stowed position, the side shield can be located within the deck. In the deployed position, the side shield can extend at least partially out of the deck in a direction toward the cabin. Responsive to receiving an input indicating the position for the side shield, the side shield can be caused to be moved into or maintained in the indicated position. In some instances, the input can be provided automatically by the vehicle based on a detected vehicle condition, environment condition, and/or other condition. In some instances, the input can be received from a vehicle occupant.

Abstract: Arrangements described herein include adaptable storage systems for vehicle truck beds, and methods for controlling such systems. The system can include a panel having one or more wheel well cutouts. One or more wheel well covers can be operatively connected to the panel. A lift can be included that can selectively move the panel in an elevational direction between a top position and a bottom position. The wheel well cover(s) can be adaptive relative to the wheel wells to allow substantially unimpeded movement of the panel between the top position and the bottom position. Further, the wheel well cover(s) can substantially cover a wheel well cutout when the panel is in the top position.

Abstract: An energy absorption system for a vehicle is provided with a collision indicator to indicate whether the structural integrity of an energy absorber has been compromised after an impact. The system may be a vehicle bumper system, such as a rear bumper of a pick-up truck, and can include an inner reinforcement member configured to be secured to a structural component or frame of the vehicle. At least one collision indicator is provided, integrated with the inner reinforcement member. The collision indicator includes a sacrificial portion having a size and shape tuned to break upon being subjected to a predetermined stress threshold. The system may be provided with an outer cover member, or bumper fascia, at least a portion of which may be removable to enable a visual inspection of the collision indicator after an impact. A broken sacrificial portion may indicate the need to replace a failed component.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments associated with a bracket for mounting a snorkel to one or more roof rack attachment points of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the bracket comprises a vehicle mounted portion and a snorkel mount portion. The vehicle mounted portion comprises one or more mounting holes. Additionally, values for one or more characteristics of the mounting holes are selected based, at least in part, on the one or more roof rack attachment points. The snorkel mount portion is coupled to the vehicle mounted portion. The snorkel mount portion comprises one or more snorkel attachment holes.

Abstract: An adjustable cargo rack for a vehicle includes a mount for connecting the cargo rack to a vehicle. The cargo rack includes a rack arm having a proximal end pivotally connected to the mount by a pivot shaft. The rack arm is selectively pivotable between a loading position, in which the rack arm extends outboard an outer perimeter of the vehicle and a generally upright first travel position. A cargo support bracket is detachably connected to a distal end of the rack arm. An orientation of the cargo support bracket is adjustable between a first support bracket orientation and a second support bracket orientation. The orientation of the cargo support bracket relative to the rack arm and a location of the pivot shaft relative to the vehicle remain substantially constant when pivoting the rack arm between the loading position and the first travel position.

Abstract: A foldable table structure is structured to be mountable on a vehicle. The table structure includes a first panel structured to form a first portion of a table top when the table structure is in a deployed condition, a second panel structured to form a second portion of a table top when the table structure is in a deployed condition, and at least one first support. Each of the at least one first support, the first panel, and the second panel are rotatably connected to at least one other of the at least one first support, the first panel, and the second panel, such that the first panel is rotatable to reside along a first side of the at least one first support, and such that the second panel is rotatable to reside along a second side of the at least one first support opposite the first side.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments associated with a bracket for mounting a snorkel to one or more roof rack attachment points of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the bracket comprises a vehicle mounted portion and a snorkel mount portion. The vehicle mounted portion comprises one or more mounting holes. Additionally, values for one or more characteristics of the mounting holes are selected based, at least in part, on the one or more roof rack attachment points. The snorkel mount portion is coupled to the vehicle mounted portion. The snorkel mount portion comprises one or more snorkel attachment holes.

Abstract: A method of distributing digital content to occupants of a vehicle using an in-vehicle entertainment system is provided. The method includes providing the digital content to a content distribution system. The digital content is selectively transmitted from the content distribution system to only one or some of a plurality of digital content access stations associated with seat locations within the vehicle. The digital content from the at least one of the plurality of digital content access stations is selectively transmitted to another of the plurality of digital content access stations.

Abstract: A resting surface accessory can be used within a vehicle space to provide a resting surface for one or more vehicle occupants. As an example, the resting surface accessory can be used in the bed of a pickup truck. The resting surface accessory includes a main body. The main body can have a first lateral side and an opposite second lateral side. The main body can include a central region with a plurality of sleeves. Each of the sleeves can define a cavity. The plurality of sleeves can be spaced from the first lateral side and the second lateral side. The resting surface accessory includes a first connector. The first connector can be operatively connected to the main body and can extend along the first lateral side. The resting surface accessory can include a second connector operatively connected to the main body and extending along the second lateral side.

Abstract: Arrangements described herein include dynamic spoiler systems and methods for controlling such systems. The dynamic spoiler can include a housing operatively connected to a vehicle structure, such as a truck bed tailgate. The housing can have a lower panel, an upper panel, and an opening between the lower and upper panels. The dynamic spoiler can also include a fin moveable between a retracted position and one or more extended positions. In the retracted position, the fin can be substantially entirely located within a cavity defined by housing. In an extended position, the fin can extend at least partially out of the housing through the opening in a rearward direction.

Abstract: Provided is a device and method for selective announcement of hazard-noise signals detected in ambient vehicle-noise environments are disclosed. The device and method provide for monitoring an ambient vehicle-noise environment for a hazard-noise signal. Upon detecting the hazard-noise signal, determining whether a source location of the hazard-noise signal closes on a monitoring location of the ambient vehicle-noise environment. When the source location of the hazard-noise signal closes on the monitoring location, generating announcement data relating to the hazard-noise signal, and transmitting the announcement data.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a hood assembly that is located above an engine compartment. A hood latch assembly includes an auxiliary latch assembly. The auxiliary latch assembly includes an auxiliary lever that unlatches the auxiliary latch assembly from the hood assembly. A front grille assembly has an auxiliary lever access location formed as an opening between the hood assembly and the front grille assembly. An auxiliary lever access panel has a closed configuration that conceals at least a portion of the opening and an open configuration that exposes the opening to access the auxiliary lever.

Abstract: An adjustable vehicle running board includes a step moveable between a step position, a retracted position and an aero position. A first support bracket has a first end coupled to the step and an opposite second end connected to a mounting bracket. A slide link has a first end slideably connected to the first support bracket and an opposite second end pivotally connected to the step. The first end of the slide link is moveable along a length of the first support bracket and positionable at a first slide link distance from the second end of the first support bracket when the step is arranged in the step position and a second slide link distance from the second end of the first support bracket when the step is arranged in the aero position. The first slide link distance being greater than the second slide link distance.