Abstract: A latch plate is selectively latched to, and selectively unlatched from, a buckle. An extender is moved by the latch plate to a retracted position when the latch plate is latched to the buckle and moves to an extended position when the latch plate is unlatched from the buckle.

Abstract: A roof rack assembly, and a vehicle including the roof rack assembly, includes a support structure and a multifunctional apparatus supported by the support structure. The multifunctional apparatus is configured to operate as an awning structure, a concealment structure and a storage structure. At least a portion of the multifunctional apparatus is movable relative to the support structure between a storage position in which the multifunctional apparatus is not operable and a use position in which the multifunctional apparatus is operable.

Abstract: A roof rack assembly, and a vehicle including the roof rack assembly, includes a support structure and a multifunctional apparatus supported by the support structure. The multifunctional apparatus is configured to operate as an awning structure, a concealment structure and a storage structure. At least a portion of the multifunctional apparatus is movable relative to the support structure between a storage position in which the multifunctional apparatus is not operable and a use position in which the multifunctional apparatus is operable.

Abstract: A latch plate is selectively latched to, and selectively unlatched from, a buckle. An extender is moved by the latch plate to a retracted position when the latch plate is latched to the buckle and moves to an extended position when the latch plate is unlatched from the buckle.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a device comprises an active material. Activation of the active material causes deformation within the device to conform to and/or retain an object without engaging the object below a surface of the object. In another embodiment, contact with an object causes deformation within the device to conform to and/or retain the object. In yet another embodiment, an object holder can comprise: a recess, a cover disposed over the recess, and a switch configured to cause the active material to retain a deformed shape in the recess. The cover comprises an active material. The active material is configured to deform into the recess when contacted with an object.

Abstract: A self-presenting device includes, a member in physical communication with a vehicle surface, wherein the member is configured to have a first form and a second form, wherein the first form is configured to store the member and the second form is configured to present the member, and an active material in operable communication with the member, wherein the active material is configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in at least one property is effective to transition the member from the first form to the second form.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that offers a flexible amount of vehicle cargo space, allowing a vehicle user the option of additional vehicle cargo space when needed. A first member is operatively connected to the vehicle door, is nestable within a door cavity within the door, and is selectively movable to an extended position for partially defining an exterior cargo space. Preferably, a second member is substantially nested within an additional cavity formed in the first member and is selectively movable to an extended position for partially enclosing the exterior cargo space. Preferably, a second vehicle door substantially identical and adjacent to the first vehicle door includes members substantially identical to the first and second members postionable to define, along with the first and second members and the doors, the exterior cargo space. A method for achieving this flexible cargo space is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that offers a flexible amount of vehicle cargo space, allowing a vehicle user the option of additional vehicle cargo space when needed. A first member is operatively connected to the vehicle door, is nestable within a door cavity within the door, and is selectively movable to an extended position for partially defining an exterior cargo space. Preferably, a second member is substantially nested within an additional cavity formed in the first member and is selectively movable to an extended position for partially enclosing the exterior cargo space. Preferably, a second vehicle door substantially identical and adjacent to the first vehicle door includes members substantially identical to the first and second members positionable to define, along with the first and second members and the doors, the exterior cargo space. A method for achieving this flexible cargo space is also provided.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a device comprises an active material. Activation of the active material causes deformation within the device to conform to and/or retain an object without engaging the object below a surface of the object. In another embodiment, contact with an object causes deformation within the device to conform to and/or retain the object. In yet another embodiment, an object holder can comprise: a recess, a cover disposed over the recess, and a switch configured to cause the active material to retain a deformed shape in the recess. The cover comprises an active material. The active material is configured to deform into the recess when contacted with an object.

Abstract: A self-presenting device includes, a member in physical communication with a vehicle surface, wherein the member is configured to have a first form and a second form, wherein the first form is configured to store the member and the second form is configured to present the member, and an active material in operable communication with the member, wherein the active material is configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in at least one property is effective to transition the member from the first form to the second form.

Abstract: A vehicle door structure includes an outer member, and an inner member spaced apart from the outer member and having structure forming an opening therein. An impact beam is affixed to the door structure and has a paddle member integrally formed therewith. The impact beam and the paddle member are laterally aligned with a compliant target through the opening in the inner member. Upon a lateral impact, the impact beam and paddle member move together toward the target, pushing the target inboard of the impact.