Abstract: A footrest assembly for a utility vehicle comprising a base portion, a first hinge receptacle, a second hinge receptacle, a first locking mechanism, and a second locking mechanism. The base portion is operable to support the weight of a passenger of the utility vehicle. The first hinge receptacle extends from the base portion. The second hinge receptacle extends from the base portion and is aligned with the first hinge receptacle. The first locking mechanism is provided in the first hinge receptacle and is operable to rotationally secure a door within the first receptacle. A second locking mechanism is provided in the second hinge receptacle and is operable to rotationally secure the door within the second receptacle.

Abstract: The tinted window liners for automobiles include a tinted window liner for removable attachment to a front side window of an automobile and a tinted window liner for removable attachment to a rear side window of an automobile. The front window liner includes an inner shield and an outer shield that are connected to form a one-piece tint line for placement over the top of the window. The rear window liner has only an inner shield with a curved top edge for hanging over the top edge of the window. Both the front and rear liners include adhesive strips that allow the liners to be easily installed and removed during times when they are not needed. The liners may also be part of a kit that allows for easier installation, cleaning, storage, and transportation.

Abstract: A method of making a visor for a vehicle includes providing a mold having a three dimensional cavity, introducing a slide-on-rod pivot mechanism and a flow distributor into the cavity, simultaneously co-extruding a cover layer of material and a core layer of material into the cavity and around the hardware component, inflating the cover and core layers of material within the cavity; and removing the visor from the mold. A visor for a vehicle includes a visor body formed in a mold from a first layer and a second layer of co-extruded materials in a single blow molding operation. The first layer is a resilient material that forms a cover layer and the second material is a rigid material that forms a core portion of the visor. A decorative element integrally formed with the cover layer.

Abstract: A vehicle window interior shade assembly includes a vehicle shade support structure, a first shade, a second shade, and a trim member. The vehicle shade support structure is configured for installation adjacent to a window opening. The first shade and second shades are movably coupled to the vehicle shade support structure to move between respective retracted positions and extended positions. The trim member is coupled to a first leading edge portion of the first shade and includes an elongated recess configured to releasably receive a second leading edge portion of the second shade to form a continuous shade structure when the first and second shades are in both in their extended positions.

Abstract: A vehicle utility mat comprised of a thermoplastic polymer having a surface for receiving objects to be stored and transported within the cargo areas of vehicles and wherein the vehicle utility mat can be modified to form sidewalls.

Abstract: The invention comprises a retractable cover system comprising: a flexible cover. A plurality of supporting bows support the cover A semi-rigid member having first and second ends is secured to the cover section. The semi-rigid member is capable of flexing laterally outward if the system is retracted. This outward action allows the cover or cover sections to consistently fold in the same way and prevents the cover or cover sections from getting caught in the load or in the cover system componentry. The invention also comprises a segmented tube means secured to the bottom portion of the cover between the bows.

Abstract: A folding convertible top for a convertible vehicle includes a rotational angle detection device disposed in a rotary hinge (1) for detection of the rotational angle between linkage arms (2, 4) of a convertible top frame that are pivotably connected with each other by a bearing pin (10; 22). A rotational angle encoder (8; 18; 30) is connected with one linkage arm so as to rotate therewith and a sensor element (6; 20; 32) is connected with the other linkage arm so as to rotate therewith. The rotational angle encoder and/or the sensor element is/are disposed adjacent to the bearing pin on respective surfaces of the linkage arms facing towards each other or within housing parts (24, 26) connected to the respective linkage arms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for activating a rear window of a motor vehicle, comprising a control lever in the form of a 3-point link, which is pin-jointed at one end with the rear window, a driving link, which can be driven rotatably about a first fixed bearing, and a coupling link, which is guided pivotably about a second fixed bearing, wherein at least the first fixed bearing is arranged on a roof element of the motor vehicle, and wherein the control lever is coupled to the driving link and the coupling link in a restricted guidance, such that a rotation of the driving link about the first fixed bearing shifts the linking point of the control lever to the rear window substantially vertically.

Abstract: The invention relates to a convertible vehicle (1) provided with a moveable roof (2) which comprises a flexible roof covering in at least certain areas (4), said flexible roof covering being retained by a partial section of the outer edge thereof (6) via at least one retaining strip (11) on at least one frame part (7;8) of a roof stand (3). The retaining strip (11) extends in an essentially parallel manner in relation to the frame part (7;8) of the roof stand (3) when in a connecting position and is retained thereon. The invention is characterised in that that the retaining strip (11) can be connected to the frame part (7;8) due to displacement thereof using a displacement component (15) extending parallel to the extension thereof.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle with a moving roof having a flexible cover, in which the cover is engaged underneath by at least one strap (9), following essentially the course of the roof when the roof is closed, which is secured on support structure arranged across the roof. The at least one end of the strap passes through a slit recess of the roof support structure and is secured against pulling out from the slit recess by an end thickening.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle is provided with a rear windshield and a rear roof element that laterally comprises C pillars that are at least substantially located next to the rear windshield, adjoining which is at least one front roof element, arranged upstream thereof in the direction of travel when the roof is closed. In order to open the roof the rear roof element can move rearward and downward, and the front roof element can swivel toward the rear roof element. When the roof is open, the C pillars can be swiveled inward in relation to a center section comprising the windshield about axes into a position lying above the center position when the roof is open, and the axes when the roof is closed have at least one component in the direction of travel and one upwardly directed component.

Abstract: A vehicle roof automatic opening/closing device includes a first roof panel, a second roof panel and a rear window panel, a retracting mechanism moving the first roof panel so as to overlap the second roof panel and moving the first roof panel and the second roof panel so as to further overlap the rear window panel, a lift mechanism moving those panels so as to be stored within a luggage space, the retracting mechanism including plural rotational link members provided among the first roof panel, the second roof panel and the rear window panel, the rear window panel including a protruding portion formed so as to cover one of: a side surface of the second roof panel; and both a side surface of the first roof panel and the side surface of the second roof panel, and the rotational link members supported by the protruding portion of the rear window panel.

Abstract: A vehicle door has a supporting annular frame 12-19 of high strength steel close to the outer panel and the frame is stamped from a plane sheet so that a side impact guard beam (20) is formed in the same stamping operation. Both the annular frame and the side impact guard beam have hat-formed cross section, and reinforcement plates (21, 22) couple together the outer and inner flanges (26, 27) and give the frame a closed cross section at the connections of the side impact guard beam to the annular frame. The outer side flange (26) of the annular frame carries the outer panel of the door, and the other elements of the door are screwed on the frame 12-19 at the interior side of the frame.

Abstract: An actuator assembly (10) for pivoting a closure (29), such as a tailgate, includes an actuator (11), a first bar (20), a second bar (22), and an operating strut (21) operably connected to the closure (29). The actuator (11) includes an actuator rod (16) reciprocable along a longitudinal axis (L-L). The first bar (20) has one end connected via a first pivot (18) to an outer end of the actuator rod (16) and the other end connected via a second pivot (19) to the operating strut (21). The second bar (22) is pivoted at one end relative to the actuator (11) by a third pivot (24) and the other end connected to said first bar (20) by a fourth pivot (23). The first, second, third and fourth pivots (18, 19, 23, 24) have a series of substantially parallel axes that are orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (L-L) of the actuator rod (16).

Abstract: In a structure for attaching a weather strip for vehicle door sashes comprising a molded part having a sealing portion making elastic contact with a door opening edge of the body and providing sealing between the door and the body when the door is closed and a base integrally molded with the sealing portion by attaching the molded part to the door panel using a locking screw screwed in a nut secured in the outside molding through the door panel, the base has an integrally molded eyelet-shaped resin insert having a low frictional coefficient for inserting a locking screw and the resin insert has an annular groove at the flange that makes contact with the locking screw head in a smaller area, reducing frictional drag. The structure prevents the base from being twisted while the locking screw is screwed in, which otherwise impairs the appearance of the molded part.

Abstract: A deck for a vehicle. The deck has planar surfaces that are hingedly connected so that the deck can be folded and placed in a stowed position at a rear end or side of the vehicle. The deck can be moved to a side of the vehicle by sliding the deck from the stowed position to the side via a guide rail secured to the underside of the vehicle. The deck can then be deployed or unfolded so as to lie in a substantially horizontal plane, where it can be used as a deck; i.e. for standing, walking, grilling, and to otherwise allow users to be supported by the deck.

Abstract: Systems, methods and media for reducing the aerodynamic drag of vehicles are disclosed. More particularly, embodiments may include at least one fan for directing air into a lower pressure region behind a vehicle in motion in order to reduce pressure drag. Embodiments may also include one or more internal air ducts for directing air from other parts of the vehicle to the at least one fan. In one embodiment, the operation of the at least one fan may be controlled based on sensed conditions, user control, or other means.

Abstract: A cab for a construction machine is provided which is capable of providing a protective space to protect the operator from injury even if a transversely working external force is imposed on the cab, causing deformation of the cab. To this end, a transverse member, which is disposed at a position above an operator's seat and constitutes the framework of the cab, has a deformation inducing part located at a position outside the projected area of the central part of the operator's seat. Even if the cab is deformed by an external force, the cab is not largely deformed in a direction toward the operator.

Abstract: A B-pillar segment (24) for a convertible vehicle (10) comprises a stationary lower part (30) and an upper part (28) displaceable relative to the stationary part (28), wherein the upper part (28) is insertable into the lower part (30) when the side windows (18, 20) of the vehicle (10) are opened.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism 10 to lift the rear edge of a bonnet 11 of a motor vehicle comprises an upper leaf 13 connected to the bonnet 11, a lower leaf 12 connected to the body structure of the vehicle and a middle leaf 14 connected to the upper leaf 13 and the lower leaf 12. The middle leaf 14 is connected to the upper leaf 13 by means of a stud 16 and a slot 17 connection so as to limit movement of the bonnet from a normal position to a deployed position under an upward force exerted by a lift actuator. The stud 16 and slot 17 connection is provided with a resiliently deformable element 30 arranged at the end of the slot for dissipating impact energy of the stud 16 against the slot 17 during the upward force.

Abstract: A high-rigidity, light-weight bottom structure for a vehicle body is disclosed. The structure comprises a rectangular framework and an X-shaped frame member positioned inside the rectangular framework. The framework in the vicinity of an area where front wheels or rear wheels are provided is formed by a triangular frame part.

Abstract: A process for connecting a hydroformed front rail member of an automotive frame to the body side inner (rocker) beam does not require a substantive re-design of the frame to accommodate an overlapping parallel orientation of two tubular frame members. The hydroformed front rail member is laser cut at the rearward end thereof to remove a portion of a side wall of the tubular member to form a C-shaped section. The front rail member is formed with a vertical dimension that provides a nesting relationship between the C-shaped section of the front rail member and the body side inner member so that the rocker beam can be received into the C-shaped section. Welding between the two members can be accomplished using either MIG-welding or spot-welding processes. A body side reinforcement can be added to provide a stiff frame joint as the reinforcement is swept off the rail structure to provide a box section.

Abstract: A collapsible chair device is provided including a seat portion, a backrest portion hingeably attached to the seat portion, two or more front leg members hingeably attached to the seat portion, two or more rear leg members hingeably attached to the backrest portion, a base portion pivotally attached to the two or more front leg members and the two or more rear leg members, and a brace member attached on one end to the front support member by a hinge and attached on the other end to the seat portion by a hinge. The device can be converted from a compact and readily portable state to a stable and sturdy chair by an unfolding action wherein all of the components unfold in unison. The device can further include a backrest brace portion and a carrying handle portion.

Abstract: A lightweight, versatile stool for sportsmen and other applications comprises a seat and folding front and rear leg components pivotally attached thereto. The rear leg component establishes a plurality of rearward points of ground contact, whereas the front leg establishes a single point of forward ground contact. A set of shoulder straps preferably attached to the rearward leg component allows a user to carry the stool on his/her back with the leg components folded toward one another The front leg component is length-adjustable, and a bar is provided for attaching a backpack or other accessories. The seat swivels and tilts relative to the front and rear leg components to accommodate differing terrains and to provide comfort. The forward leg component may be nested in the rearward leg component in substantially the same plane for a low carrying profile. The seat has a padded upper surface which rests against the back of a wearer to provide comfort while using the shoulder straps.

Abstract: This invention relates to a light-weight foldable chair for leisure with seat and backrest loop capable to be folded once, which can be used in households, outdoors, in a courtyard, in a park and at the beach.

Abstract: A canopy frame particularly applicable for deck chairs, garden chairs, beach chairs and the like, which can easily be assembled or disassembled in the place itself to be used or carried by the user which comprises a set of flexible rods coupled with each other in an axial way and which define respective side poles which are extended respectively like an arc on opposite sides of the chair or deck chair and separated between them by a distance which is the same or bigger that the space covered by said chair under the frame and a set of rigid rods which define the respective mounting supports of the side poles. The rods of said mounting supports have a horizontal segment which define a coupling tip to the chair or deck chair and a coupling tip to the corresponding side pole.

Abstract: A furniture assembly for compact and efficient packaging, the assembly including a sofa having component parts defining a sofa confine, the component parts including a back, a seat, a pair of front legs, a pair of rear legs, and a skirt, wherein the skirt and the seat are removable, at least one chair having component parts defining a chair confine, the component parts including a back, a seat, a pair of front legs, a pair of rear legs, and a skirt, wherein the seat is removable, a coffee table, an end table, an ottoman, and a plurality of cushions and pillows, wherein the furniture assembly is arranged such that the at least one chair, the coffee table, the end table, the ottoman, and the plurality of cushions and pillows are located within the confines of the sofa.

Abstract: A belt guiding element for a child safety system, in particular for a child seat, can provide a high safety level and particularly highly comfortable use when the safety belt is inserted into the element and when the belt is removed therefrom. The belt guiding element comprises a slot for receiving a safety belt, on the vehicle side, in particular a three-point belt, and a locking element capable of being open or closed. The locking element enables, in an open position, for the safety belt to be inserted into the slot or the safety belt previously inserted into the slot, to be removed. In a closed position the locking element enables, the insertion or removal of the safety belt to be prevented. The locking element includes a lock lever which can pivot about a pin spaced apart from the slot.

Abstract: This infant chair comprises an independent seat (4) being related to a headrest (5) being fit to be positioned at different heights, the seat thus adopting different in-depth positions, the lifting of the headrest to a higher position bringing about a bigger depth for the seat's position. The seat is formed by an assembly of two plates (6 and 7) being transversally linked to each other in a pin-jointed connection, said assembly being linked in a pin-jointed connection to a lower support (9) being in its turn linked in a pin-jointed connection to a third plate (11), this latter being the one that is related to the headrest (5).

Abstract: This invention teaches a chair comprising a seat; a backrest; a first armrest; a second armrest; a seat support structure; means for supporting the lower back of a seated person; a first slider; a second slider; a first slideway having a plurality of cavities; and a second slideway having a plurality of cavities, wherein the first slider and the second slider are disposed at two opposite ends of the means for supporting the lower back of a seated person; the first slideway is cooperating with the first slider and is connected to the first armrest; and the second slideway is cooperating with the second slider and is connected to the second armrest.

Abstract: A headrest assembly for a seat includes a body portion having at least one padded surface positioned in substantial alignment with a seated occupant's head; and an active material in operative communication with the at least one padded surface of the body portion, the active material being operative to change at least one attribute in response to an activation signal, wherein a space between the occupant's head and the at least one padded surface decreases with the change in the at least one attribute of the active material.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a bar stool that is easy to Additionally, certain embodiments of the present invention provide a bar stool that own into a flat disassembled state that is compact and cost effective for shipping.

Abstract: A chair operable to change between an original shape and a plurality of different shapes is disclosed. The chair has a continuous surface, comprising a sheet of metal, which enables the chair to change shape without requiring the use of complex moving elements. The shape change is a reaction to the weight of a person seated in the chair, and creates an asymmetric rocking motion in reaction to shifts in the weight of the person.

Abstract: There is disclosed an insert suitable for use within a seating system of an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A cargo bed lift assembly for a light-weight utility vehicle. The lift assembly includes a bed platform coupled to an underside of a light weight utility vehicle cargo bed. An electric actuator can be removably mounted at an upper end to the bed platform and removably mounted at a lower end to a vehicle frame front cross-member. Additionally, a frame brace can be removably coupled at a lower end to the vehicle frame front cross-member and removably coupled at an upper end to a vehicle frame rear cross-member. Thus, the actuator is a front, center mounted actuator that can be electrically controlled to lift and hold the front of the cargo bed at any desired position between and inclusive of a non-deployed position and a fully deployed position.

Abstract: The invention comprises a dump trailer having a mobile frame for towing behind a powered vehicle. A dump box is pivotally mounted at its rearward end to the mobile frame. The box has a pair of sides and a front wall with a gate pivotally mounted at its upper end to the rear portions of the side wall to pivot outward await from the side walls when the box is tilted upward on the mobile frame about its rear pivotal mounting. Latch means latching the gate to the side walls, with means automatically unlatching the gate from the side walls when the box moves from parallel position upon the mobile frame to an upward tilted position relative to the mobile frame.

Abstract: An automated gate control system for a vehicle with a load carrying portion capable of carrying a load of material selectively distributable through a gate comprises a driver-accessible control module and a gate actuating mechanism. The driver-accessible control mechanism is positionable within reach of a driver of the vehicle. The gate actuating mechanism is controllably linked to and responsive to control signals from the driver-accessible control module to open and to close the gate to distribute material through the gate as desired. As a result, the driver need not exit the vehicle to move the gate before, after or during a material distribution operation.

Abstract: A bicycle rim assembly with multiple easily-assembled spokes has a rim, a hub and multiple spokes. The rim has multiple fastening holes. The spokes are mounted between the rim and the hub. Each spoke has an inner end and an offset end. The offset end has an inner bent part, an outer bent part and a connecting part. The inner and outer bent parts are bent to opposite directions and are formed on the offset end. The connecting part is formed between the inner and outer bent parts on the offset end. Because the inner and outer bent parts are bent to opposite directions, the offset end of the spoke is mounted securely in the fastening hole of the rim. Therefore, the spoke is easily assembled on the rim.

Abstract: A brake apparatus for a two-wheeled vehicle includes a hydraulic brake, which receives a hydraulic force to thereby generate a braking force, and a braking force control unit, which controls the braking force by increasing or decreasing the hydraulic pressure. The two-wheeled vehicle includes an engine disposed between a front wheel and a rear wheel. The engine includes a crankcase disposed downward thereof and a cylinder extending upwardly from a front portion of the crankcase. The braking force control unit is disposed in a space surrounded by the cylinder at a position forward thereof and the crankcase at a position downward thereof, respectively. The brake apparatus for a two-wheeled vehicle is capable of promoting enhanced maneuverability, achieving sufficient durability performance, and improving electric connection performance.

Abstract: An air charging arrangement for an air brake system of a vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine. The arrangement includes a hydraulic motor for driving an air compressor, which is mounted to the vehicle at a location that is thermally isolated from the engine. The arrangement may also include an air compressor controller that places the air compressor in a non-operating state when air pressure in an air reservoir is at or above a predetermined amount. In one embodiment, the air compressor is self-lubricated and air cooled.

Abstract: A brake control apparatus for a vehicle includes controlling device having a target wheel cylinder pressure calculating portion, an accumulated motor rotation calculating device, and a motor actuation determining portion, wherein the brake fluid in the first and the second front and rear wheel cylinders are pressurized by driving the first, second, third and fourth linear valves and the first and the second motors when the necessary amount of brake fluid is judged to be larger than the current amount of brake fluid and the brake fluid in the first and the second front wheel cylinders, and the pressurizing of the first and the second rear wheel cylinders are stopped by reducing the number of rotations or stopping the rotation of the first and the second motors when the necessary amount of brake fluid is judged not to be larger than the current amount of brake fluid.

Abstract: A vehicle brake control device determines a first duty factor required to achieve a stable rotational speed of motors and a second duty factor required to achieve a change rate of a target wheel cylinder pressure. The vehicle brake control device selects the larger one of the determined duty factors as a for-use motor duty factor to be used in outputting currents to the motors. Therefore, with the stable rotational speed and the change rate of the target wheel cylinder pressure, it is possible to achieve quick response to a request for braking made by a driver while suppressing the electric energy consumption of the motors.

Abstract: A combination quick release and service relay brake valve assembly is used to consolidate multiple valve functions within a common valve assembly, which reduces cost and overall complexity in an associated vehicle brake system. The combination quick release and service relay brake valve assembly includes a valve body with a quick release portion that has a parking brake port and a service brake control port, which is in fluid communication with an anti-compounding passage. The valve body also includes a service relay portion that has a supply port fluidly connected to a service brake air reservoir and a delivery port fluidly connected to a brake actuator that generates service brake requests.

Abstract: A brake control apparatus for a vehicle includes: controlling means having timing means for timing an elapsed time from a brake operation starting time, and extended period of time calculating means obtaining an extended period of time based upon a target wheel cylinder pressure corresponding to an operation amount detected by an operation amount detecting sensor when the timing means times a predetermined period of time at which an amount of brake fluid discharged by each pump reaches a threshold value of brake fluid amount to generate an actual wheel cylinder pressure. During the extended period of time, the value of electric current to be supplied to each first and second motor is maintained at the maximum value.

Abstract: A brake-by-wire braking system including a braking unit, an electro-hydraulic actuator in fluid communication with the braking unit by way of a first fluid path, a master cylinder in fluid communication with the braking unit by way of a second fluid path, a normally open solenoid valve operatively associated with the second fluid path, and a control unit adapted to actuate the normally open solenoid valve, wherein actuation of the normally open solenoid valve generally fluidly isolates the master cylinder from the braking unit.

Abstract: A brake control apparatus for a vehicle includes a controlling device for actuating the pressure modulating device and the motor, calculating a target braking force corresponding to an operation amount, and driving the motor and the pressure modulating device, wherein, in an electric power supply stopped situation, in which electric power is not supplied by the battery, while an operation amount detected by the operation amount sensor increases, the controlling device starts driving the motor by means of electric power supplied by the capacitor, only when a target braking force corresponding to the operation amount reaches memorized target braking force memorized in the memorizing portion.

Abstract: A method for controlling a brake pressure in at least two wheel brakes preferably mounted on one axle of the vehicle, is performed during a braking operation on a road surface having a heterogeneous coefficient of friction. This method works as follows: A low coefficient of friction side and/or a high coefficient of friction side is detected, a stability index representing the driving state of the vehicle is formed, the stability index is evaluated on the basis of the low coefficient of friction side and/or of the high coefficient of friction side and the brake pressure is altered in at least one wheel brake as a function of the value of the stability index and as a function of the result of the evaluation of the stability index on the basis of the low coefficient of friction side and/or the high coefficient of friction side.

Abstract: A control portion stores an actual brake force distribution characteristic line indicating relation between a front brake force allocated to the front wheel and a rear brake force allocated to the rear wheel, wherein the actual brake force distribution characteristic line is determined based on an ideal brake force distribution characteristic line so that, in achieving a given deceleration, a ratio of the front brake force to the rear brake force becomes smaller in the case that the distribution is calculated by using the actual brake force distribution characteristic line than in the case that the distribution is calculated by using the ideal brake force distribution characteristic line. The control portion calculates the distribution by using the actual brake force distribution characteristic line and determines, based on the calculated distribution, the wheel cylinder pressures to be generated at the front wheel cylinder the rear wheel cylinder.

Abstract: An input device enables a user to operate an electronic apparatus in an optimum position for the user. For this purpose, the input device of the present invention includes: a display unit in which images are displayed; an input detection unit that is disposed to be movable back and forth in front of the display unit and optically detects an operation position indicated for an operation screen displayed in the display unit; a control unit that outputs a control signal corresponding to the detected operation position; and an electric driving unit that moves the input detection unit back and forth. By changing the position of the input detection unit to an operation position suitable to a driver, the driver can operate the electronic apparatus in an optimum position for the driver.

Abstract: A modular instrument cluster for a motor vehicle including a self-contained hub adapted to be mounted within the instrument panel. The self-contained hub contains a plurality of displays for displaying information to a driver of the vehicle and further includes a communications interface to allow communication between the self-contained hub and other assemblies within the vehicle. At least one peripheral module is removably mounted to the self-contained hub. The peripheral module also contains at least one display for displaying information to a driver of the vehicle.