Abstract: A pedal assembly actuates a rigid actuator of a functional system in a motor vehicle. The assembly comprises a mounting bracket having spaced apart support members defining a pedal receiving space. A pedal arm has a pedal pad and an actuator connector. A pair of retainer brackets are normally in a retaining position secured against front-rear movement. At least one pivot pin pivotally connects the proximal end of the pedal arm to the retainer brackets. A pyrotechnic actuator has an input for receiving an actuating signal and when triggered enables deformation of the retainer bracket to a releasing position wherein the retainer brackets permit the at least one pivot pin and the proximal end of the pedal arm to move rearwardly with respect to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A pedal assembly actuates a rigid actuator of a functional system in a motor vehicle. The assembly comprises a mounting bracket having spaced apart support members defining a pedal receiving space. A pedal arm has a pedal pad and an actuator connector. A pair of retainer brackets are normally in a retaining position secured against front-rear movement. At least one pivot pin pivotally connects the proximal end of the pedal arm to the retainer brackets. A pyrotechnic actuator has an input for receiving an actuating signal and when triggered enables deformation of the retainer bracket to a releasing position wherein the retainer brackets permit the at least one pivot pin and the proximal end of the pedal arm to move rearwardly with respect to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A pedal assembly comprises a pedal arm; a pedal plate provided on a second end of an elongated lever structure of the pedal arm; a vehicle mounting bracket; and a retainer. The retainer is installed on the pedal arm and is configured to operatively connect the pedal arm and an end portion of an operating member so as to transmit the movement of the pedal arm between a first and a second arm position to a functional system. The retainer is in an open position for insertion of the end portion of the operating member therein. The retainer is configured to move or to be movable from the open position to a closed position in which the retainer retains the end portion of the operating member received therein. The retainer is movable from the open position to the closed position by insertion of the operating member therein.

Abstract: A tailgate system for a vehicle comprises a tailgate and a support system. The tailgate includes a movable tailgate portion movably connected to the tailgate and configured to cover an access opening in the tailgate. The support system is selectively operable between a connected state connected to both the tailgate and the movable tailgate portion and a disconnected state. The support system in the connected state is configured to support the movable tailgate portion in a step position pivoted downwardly from the tailgate in an open position thereof to provide a step. The support system in the disconnected state is configured to allow the movable tailgate portion to pivot downwardly from the tailgate in a closed position to the downwardly extending open position. The angle of pivotal movement of the movable tailgate portion relative to the tailgate is greater in the downwardly extending open position than in the step position.

Abstract: A tailgate system for a vehicle comprises a tailgate pivotally mounted to a vehicle body for movement about a generally horizontal pivot axis between an open position and a closed position. The tailgate has an access opening configured to provide access to a vehicle bed area when the tailgate is in the closed position. The tailgate also has a movable tailgate portion movably connected to the tailgate. The movable tailgate portion is configured to cover the access opening in the tailgate when in a closed position of the movable tailgate portion. The tailgate also has a pocket opening for receiving the movable tailgate portion therein. The movable tailgate portion is slideably mounted to the tailgate for movement to an open position in which the movable tailgate portion is received in the pocket opening in the tailgate to uncover the access opening in the tailgate.

Abstract: An automobile pedal release system that includes a housing having first and second side walls spaced apart by a cleft, where each side wall includes a pocket recessed into an inner surface such that the two pockets oppose one another; a brake pedal assembly having a pivot member disposed in the cleft and defining a pivot axis, first and second bushings, and a brake pedal arm rotatable about the pivot axis relative to the two bushings, where each busing is disposed in a first portion of one pocket and receives one of two ends of the pivot member; and a striker assembly having a striker and two plugs, the striker having an elongated body extending in the cleft between the side walls, where each plug is disposed in a second portion of one pocket and includes a bore that receives one of two ends of the striker.

Abstract: A tailgate system for a vehicle comprises a tailgate and a support system. The tailgate includes a movable tailgate portion movably connected to the tailgate and configured to cover an access opening in the tailgate. The support system is selectively operable between a connected state connected to both the tailgate and the movable tailgate portion and a disconnected state. The support system in the connected state is configured to support the movable tailgate portion in a step position pivoted downwardly from the tailgate in an open position thereof to provide a step. The support system in the disconnected state is configured to allow the movable tailgate portion to pivot downwardly from the tailgate in a closed position to the downwardly extending open position. The angle of pivotal movement of the movable tailgate portion relative to the tailgate is greater in the downwardly extending open position than in the step position.

Abstract: A pedal assembly comprises a pedal arm; a pedal plate provided on a second end of an elongated lever structure of the pedal arm; a vehicle mounting bracket; and a retainer. The retainer is installed on the pedal arm and is configured to operatively connect the pedal arm and an end portion of an operating member so as to transmit the movement of the pedal arm between a first and a second arm position to a functional system. The retainer is in an open position for insertion of the end portion of the operating member therein. The retainer is configured to move or to be movable from the open position to a closed position in which the retainer retains the end portion of the operating member received therein. The retainer is movable from the open position to the closed position by insertion of the operating member therein.

Abstract: A tailgate system for a vehicle comprises a tailgate pivotally mounted to a vehicle body for movement about a generally horizontal pivot axis between an open position and a closed position. The tailgate has an access opening configured to provide access to a vehicle bed area when the tailgate is in the closed position. The tailgate also has a movable tailgate portion movably connected to the tailgate. The movable tailgate portion is configured to cover the access opening in the tailgate when in a closed position of the movable tailgate portion. The tailgate also has a pocket opening for receiving the movable tailgate portion therein. The movable tailgate portion is slideably mounted to the tailgate for movement to an open position in which the movable tailgate portion is received in the pocket opening in the tailgate to uncover the access opening in the tailgate.

Abstract: An automobile pedal release system that includes a housing having first and second side walls spaced apart by a cleft, where each side wall includes a pocket recessed into an inner surface such that the two pockets oppose one another; a brake pedal assembly having a pivot member disposed in the cleft and defining a pivot axis, first and second bushings, and a brake pedal arm rotatable about the pivot axis relative to the two bushings, where each busing is disposed in a first portion of one pocket and receives one of two ends of the pivot member; and a striker assembly having a striker and two plugs, the striker having an elongated body extending in the cleft between the side walls, where each plug is disposed in a second portion of one pocket and includes a bore that receives one of two ends of the striker.

Abstract: An automobile pedal release system that includes a housing having first and second side walls spaced apart by a cleft, where each side wall includes a pocket recessed into an inner surface such that the two pockets oppose one another; a brake pedal assembly having a pivot member disposed in the cleft and defining a pivot axis, first and second bushings, and a brake pedal arm rotatable about the pivot axis relative to the two bushings, where each busing is disposed in a first portion of one pocket and receives one of two ends of the pivot member; and a striker assembly having a striker and two plugs, the striker having an elongated body extending in the cleft between the side walls, where each plug is disposed in a second portion of one pocket and includes a bore that receives one of two ends of the striker.

Abstract: An automobile pedal release system that includes a housing having first and second side walls spaced apart by a cleft, where each side wall includes a pocket recessed into an inner surface such that the two pockets oppose one another; a brake pedal assembly having a pivot member disposed in the cleft and defining a pivot axis, first and second bushings, and a brake pedal arm rotatable about the pivot axis relative to the two bushings, where each busing is disposed in a first portion of one pocket and receives one of two ends of the pivot member; and a striker assembly having a striker and two plugs, the striker having an elongated body extending in the cleft between the side walls, where each plug is disposed in a second portion of one pocket and includes a bore that receives one of two ends of the striker.

Abstract: Provided herein is a variable ratio pedal assembly for a vehicle for operating a push rod of a brake system, for example. The assembly includes at least one activation link connected via a pivot tube to an elongated lever structure of the pedal arm, an input link for connection to the push rod to activate the brake system that is operatively connected to the activation link, and an intermediate link connected to the input link and a vehicle bracket. The intermediate link pivots relative to the input link and the vehicle bracket, resulting in a variation in angle between the input link and the intermediate link. The variation in angle between the input link and the intermediate link creates a ratio that varies as the pedal arm is moved.

Abstract: Provided herein is a variable ratio pedal assembly for a vehicle for operating a push rod of a brake system, for example. The assembly includes at least one activation link connected via a pivot tube to an elongated lever structure of the pedal arm, an input link for connection to the push rod to activate the brake system that is operatively connected to the activation link, and an intermediate link connected to the input link and a vehicle bracket. The intermediate link pivots relative to the input link and the vehicle bracket, resulting in a variation in angle between the input link and the intermediate link. The variation in angle between the input link and the intermediate link creates a ratio that varies as the pedal arm is moved.