Abstract: A vehicle engine warm-up apparatus includes a coolant temperature sensor, an intake temperature sensor, an air intake heater, a heating system and a controller. The intake temperature sensor measures a temperature of combustion air entering the engine. The coolant temperature sensor measures a temperature of engine coolant. The air intake heater is configured to heat the combustion air. The controller is operably coupled to the coolant temperature sensor, the intake temperature sensor and the air intake heater. The controller is configured to operate the air intake heater with the vehicle engine running to increase a rate of heating of the coolant by the engine to more rapidly make heat available to the heating system in response to determining that the air intake temperature is below a first temperature threshold and the coolant temperature is below a second temperature threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle air-conditioning system includes a solar radiation amount detection element configured to detect the amount of solar radiation incident on an instrument panel, a temperature correction element configured to correct a detection signal value output from the solar radiation amount detection element according to a temperature on the instrument panel, a solar radiation sensor configured to output a detection signal in which a temperature is corrected by the temperature correction element, and an air conditioner configured to control air conditioning inside a vehicle based on the detection signal from the solar radiation sensor.

Abstract: A method and device for regulating a stationary climate control system for a vehicle that includes at least one first energy source is provided. A first actual value of a climate parameter is determined from the interior of the parked vehicle, and a difference value is generated from the actual value and a reference value. In addition, a projected usage time is determined for the vehicle, wherein a time interval is determined from the current time and the determined projected usage time. A quantity of energy that is required to set to a desired value for the climate parameter is determined here based on the length of the time interval and the difference value, and the actual value for the climate parameter within the time interval is set to the desired value based on the required quantity of energy and the quantity of energy available from the first energy source.

Abstract: The present invention is aimed to provide a working machine provided with: a condenser unit including a condenser of an air conditioner and a cooling fan for cooling the condenser, the condenser unit being disposed in a side of a cabin; and a protection cover covering above the condenser unit, capable of reducing propagation to an operator side of an air intake sound caused by inhalation of air in the protection cover through an air intake vent when the cooling fan causes a wind. In this working machine, each of air intake vents for taking cooling air into the protection cover is formed in an upper surface side of the protection cover and in each of wall parts oriented in a direction opposite to a direction visible from an operator in the cabin.

Abstract: An actuation assembly for a cover extendable over an open-topped container body from a stowed position to a deployed position includes two actuator mechanisms on each side of the body, each including at least one torsion spring having a base portion and at least one reaction end and at least one reaction post in contact with a corresponding reaction end of the at least one spring. In a first exterior actuator mechanism, the reaction post is connectable to the bail arm, while in the second interior actuator mechanism the reaction post is mountable to the container body. A common shaft extends between the base portions of the spring(s) of each actuator mechanism to transmit torque from the interior spring(s) to the exterior spring(s), serving as a rotating anchor for the exterior actuator mechanism. In one embodiment, only the exterior actuator mechanism is situated outside the side extent of the container body.

Abstract: A glass run capable of preventing noises from intruding into an automobile compartment from an interior of an automobile door via glass runs during running of an automobile. The glass run includes extruded parts and molded parts. Each of the extruded parts and the molded parts has a bottom wall, an outer side wall, and an inner side wall, which define a generally U-shaped cross-section. An outer seal lip and an inner seal lip respectively extend from open ends of the outer side wall and the inner side wall towards the interior of the glass run. A barrier rib is formed in at least one position of the molded parts between the inner side wall and the inner seal lip or between the outer side wall and the outer seal lip.

Abstract: When a thickest part of a flange is being inserted into an attachment portion of a weather strip, a main body portion of a holding lip having a smaller coefficient of dynamic friction than that of a contact portion firstly contacts with the flange. Therefore, a frictional force of the holding lip (main body portion) with respect to the flange is made small, and the insertion force is made small to that extent. When the attachment portion is attached to a thinnest part of the flange, the contact portion of the holding lip having a greater coefficient of dynamic friction than that of the main body portion contacts with the flange. Therefore, the frictional force of the holding lip (contact portion) is made large, and the holding lip is made difficult to slip with respect to the flange.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an electric motor disposed downward of a battery. The vehicle is provided with a motor control unit configured to receive electrical power from the battery and to supply the electrical power of the battery to the electric motor, and a case that accommodates the motor control unit. The case is positioned downward of the battery and forward of the electric motor, and is arranged in a posture in which the length in the front-rear direction of an accommodating portion in the case is less than the vertical height thereof in a side view of the vehicle body. Accordingly, a compact longitudinal layout of the electric motor and the motor control unit that controls the electric motor is achieved.

Abstract: A recreational off-highway vehicle includes side-by-side passenger and driver seats held within a chassis that is approximately 50 inches wide. The seats sit low in the chassis and are covered by a roll cage. Grab handles are positioned on the sides of the passenger seat. Select large round tubing protects the vehicle, while rectangular tubing frames the portions of the vehicle beneath body panels. The vehicle is powered by an engine rearward of the seats that is connected to a transaxle. The engine and transaxle are isolation mounted together with a portion of the air intake assembly. The vehicle is suited for rough terrain travel.

Abstract: A method of controlling a drive system includes receiving a machine travel speed request, and determining an output speed of a variator, associated with the drive system, required to satisfy the travel speed request at a current power source speed. The method also includes determining that a storage device operably connected to the variator has an amount of stored energy sufficient to operate the variator at the variator output speed, and providing torque to a machine transmission with a machine power source and the variator. The variator is operated at the variator output speed using stored energy from the storage device to provide torque to the transmission. The torque provided to the transmission with the power source and the variator is sufficient to satisfy the travel speed request at the current power source speed.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain for propelling a vehicle includes an engine and an energy storage system operatively connected to the engine. Both the engine and the energy storage system are operable for providing power to propel the vehicle. A control system is operatively connected to the engine and the energy storage system and is configured to execute a stored algorithm that determines required energy reserve, remaining energy, and power capability of the energy storage system. The control system commands operation in one of a first operating mode, a second operating mode, and a third operating mode based on the required energy reserve, the remaining energy, and the power capability of the energy storage system.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine, a front module, a drive wheel, a transmission, a case, an oil inlet, a return passage, and a bypass passage. The case has a first chamber accommodating the front module, and a second chamber accommodating the transmission. The second chamber includes an oil pan. The oil inlet is arranged inside the oil pan. The return passage communicates the first chamber with the second chamber. The return passage keeps a first oil level inside the first chamber higher than a second oil level inside the oil pan by applying flow resistance to oil. The bypass passage is arranged at a position higher than the first oil level when the hybrid vehicle is in a horizontal position and lower than the first oil level when the hybrid vehicle is leaning forward at a predetermined angle.

Abstract: The SOC of a power storage device provided in an electrically powered vehicle is controlled not to fall out of a SOC control range. When a SOC estimate value reaches a control lower limit value during vehicle traveling, a power generating structure provided in the vehicle starts to charge the power storage device. In the case of low temperature and/or deterioration of the power storage device, i.e., in the case where decrease of performance of the power storage device is concerned, the control lower limit value is increased as compared with that in a normal state. As a result, decrease of driveability and decrease of startability of an engine in the hybrid vehicle, both otherwise caused by insufficient output electric power from the power storage device, can be avoided.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body that extends along a longitudinal axis, between a forward end and a rearward end. A front bumper assembly is disposed at the forward end of the body. The front bumper assembly includes a B-shaped structure that defines a channel that extends transversely across the body, relative to the longitudinal axis. A heat exchanger is disposed within the channel of the bumper structure. The heat exchanger is operable to transfer heat from a fluid circulating through the heat exchanger to a flow of air passing across the heat exchanger. The fluid may include, but is not limited to, engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, or an engine coolant from a low temperature coolant loop.

Abstract: A fuel housing assembly for a vehicle includes a fuel door. A primary fuel door lock system includes a locking shaft having a locked configuration where a locking end of the locking shaft engages a locking member of the fuel door to inhibit opening of the fuel door and an unlocked configuration where the locking end of the locking shaft is removed from the locking member to allow opening of the fuel door. A secondary fuel door lock system is connected to the locking shaft by a decoupling structure that allows movement of the locking shaft between the locked and unlocked configurations relative to the secondary fuel door lock system.

Abstract: An access system for a vehicle energy storage device includes a housing and an access port in the housing configured for operative communication with the energy storage device. An access door is operatively connected to the housing and is movable between a closed position in which the access door closes the housing, and an open position in which the access door opens the housing. The access door prevents access to the access port in the closed position and permits access to the access port in the open position. A magnet is operatively connected to one of the housing and the access door. A magnetic sensor is operatively connected to the other one of the housing and the access door and detects the proximity of the magnet relative to the sensor. The sensor is operable to provide a signal indicative of whether the access door is in the closed position.

Abstract: A fixing structure of a resin tank for stably keeping the resin tank being fixed includes: a first holder having a predetermined length and being disposed corresponding to a pressed portion of a resin tank; a biasing member that is disposed in the first holder; a pressing member that is supported by the first holder and projects toward the pressed portion by a biasing force of the biasing member; and a pair of rods respectively having first ends attached to both ends of the first holder in a longitudinal direction and second ends attached to a frame.

Abstract: A fuel tank for a hybrid vehicle is disclosed. In one example approach, a fuel tank for a vehicle comprises a wave catcher extending through an interior of the fuel tank and coupled to a front wall and a first side wall of the fuel tank.

Abstract: A solar battery mounting structure including a solar battery module which frame includes a light transmissive plate member, an adhesive portion by which a lower surface of a side end portion of the light transmissive plate member is adhered to an adhesive surface of a vehicle body frame member, and a fixation portion which is fixed to a lower surface of the light transmissive plate member through a sealing material layer, and is fixed to a fixation surface of the vehicle body frame member facing the lower surface, a protrusion portion in contact with the lower surface of the light transmissive plate member through the sealing material layer is fainted in the fixation portion, and frame a step portion is formed between the adhesive surface and the fixation surface.

Abstract: A transmission has four planetary gear sets, four interconnecting members and six torque-transmitting mechanisms selectively engageable in different combinations of four to establish ten forward speed ratios. One of the six torque-transmitting mechanisms is a mechanical on-off clutch that engages to prevent rotation of a first member of a first of the planetary gear sets rotates in a first direction, and freewheels when the first member rotates in an opposing second direction. When engaged, the first member is grounded to a stationary member.

Abstract: The present example provides aircraft integrated aircraft utility management and power distribution systems. Included are three exemplary implementations of aircraft power management systems (a DC power distribution system, a utility management system, and a combined system) that may utilize the like architecture, technologies, and components advantageously. A DC power distribution system can include two parts: primary DC power distribution and secondary DC power distribution systems. The utility management system integrates aircraft sub functions and utilities into one fault tolerant system. The systems described makes use of secondary power distribution units of a modularized design, including standard I/O modules, power modules, and aircraft computing modules.

Abstract: A high-voltage (“HV”) system for a vehicle is provided, and includes a HV source providing HV power, a low-voltage source, a high-voltage interlock loop (“HVIL”) switch, and at least one control module. The low-voltage source provides a low-voltage power that is less than the HV power. The HVIL switch is in communication with the low-voltage source. The HVIL switch includes a reed relay and a magnetic element. The magnetic element is selectively positioned within an actuation distance from the reed relay. The HVIL switch is in a closed circuit condition when the magnetic element is positioned within the actuation distance from the reed relay, and is in an open circuit condition when the magnetic element is positioned outside of the actuation distance from the reed relay. The at least one control module is in communication with and monitors the HVIL switch.

Abstract: A system for transferring electric energy to a vehicle, including an electric conductor arrangement for producing an alternating electromagnetic field and for thereby transferring electric energy to a vehicle. The conductor arrangement includes a plurality of consecutive segments. Each segment is combined with an assigned controller adapted to control the operation of the segment independently of the other segments. The controllers of at least two consecutive segments are connected to each other and/or to a central controlling device so that the at least two consecutive segments can operate at the same time. Each segment includes at least three alternating current lines for carrying phases of a multi-phase alternating current. The consecutive segments are electrically connected in parallel to each other to a current supply. The alternating current lines of each segment include a plurality of sections which extend transversely to the direction of travel of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a power storage unit, a regenerative generator, and an electronic control unit. The regenerative generator is connected to the power storage unit and is configured to perform regenerative power generation. The electronic control unit is configured to perform regeneration amount enlargement control in which positions of stopping and deceleration of the vehicle by input of driver's operations are predicted or set based on route information, regenerative power generation by the regenerative generator is controlled, and a regeneration power amount charged into the power storage unit is enlarged.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electric vehicle control apparatus is provided with a converter having a diode and a switching device which convert an AC voltage or a DC voltage supplied from an input side into a DC voltage, whose output side is connected to a main motor through an inverter, a battery connected to the converter through a reactor, to provide a power source for the main motor, and a boosting chopper circuit composed the diode and the switching device which the converter has, so as to boost a voltage of the battery.

Abstract: The present method relates to a method of charging a traction battery of a vehicle from an external AC power supply system. The traction battery is coupled, via an inverter, to an electric alternating-field machine such that the AC power supply can be connected to the phase windings of the alternating-field machine. The method includes a step of synchronizing the rotational speed of the alternating-field machine with the frequency of the AC power supply. Then the AC power supply is connected to the phase windings of the alternating-field machine and the inverter, which is electrically coupled to the alternating-field machine, is operated as a step-up converter.

Abstract: A charging apparatus includes a fixed member to be fixed to a fixed object, a charging cable unit including a cable, a connecting portion connected to the cable and to be connected to a charging unit provided for a vehicle, a control unit controlling electric power to be supplied to the charging unit, and a case housing the control unit, a cable holder including a case housing section housing the case so as to be pulled out, the charging cable unit being arranged in the cable holder and the cable holder being attachable/detachable to/from the fixed member, and a restricting portion restricting exiting of the case housed in the case housing section from the case housing section when the cable holder is fitted to the fixed member.

Abstract: An automated recharging system includes an electric vehicle and a charging apparatus. The electric vehicle includes a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), a charging receptacle, and a first controller configured to monitor the status of the electric vehicle and the charge level of the RESS. The charging apparatus includes a charging plug configured to mate with the charging receptacle to recharge the RESS, and a movement mechanism to substantially align the charging plug with and insert it into the charging receptacle. The charging apparatus also includes a second controller to control the movement mechanism and to communicate with the first controller. The electric vehicle further includes an array of radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags arranged around the charging receptacle, and the charging apparatus further includes a RFID reader configured to read the RFID tags to determine the location of the charging plug in relation to the charging receptacle.

Abstract: A subsurface mounted inductive charging coil system for electric vehicles accommodates the gap distance between primary charging coil and secondary coil on the vehicle with an extendable primary coil carrier. The system protects the primary coil when exposed by mounting on a deformable and elastic structure. By keeping the primary coil normally hidden in a deformable and elastic structure several advantages are obtained. The extendable structure is preferably a low pressure inflatable bladder or membrane in the floor for carrying, protecting, and extending the primary coil.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle controller controls a start or a stop of an engine according to a heating requirement or an engine-warming requirement. When at least one of the heating requirement and the engine-warming requirement is generated and a state of charge (SOC) of a main battery is higher than a specified threshold, the controller performs an SOC-fall-control to drop an SOC of a main battery. When the SOC of the main battery falls to a specified value, the engine is restarted. Since the engine can be started in a state where the SOC is lower enough than the upper limit by performing the SOC-fall-control, the engine output power can be converted into the heat for heating the passenger compartment or warming-up the engine.

Abstract: A system and method for individually discharging battery cells in a high voltage vehicle battery. The system includes a battery controller that monitors and controls the state-of-charge of each of the battery cells and a cell balancing circuit for maintaining the charge of the cells substantially equal. The controller receives a signal from a vehicle crash detector indicating that the vehicle has been in a crash, and in response instructs the cell balancing circuit to discharge all of the battery cells.

Abstract: A temperature elevating apparatus of a secondary battery includes a ripple generator and a controller. Ripple generator is connected to secondary battery, and is configured to actively generate ripple current of a predetermined frequency in secondary battery. Controller controls ripple generator to elevate a temperature of the secondary battery by generating ripple current in secondary battery. Here, the predetermined frequency is set to be a frequency in a frequency region where an absolute value of an impedance of secondary battery relatively decreases based on frequency characteristics of the impedance of secondary battery.

Abstract: An emergency power supply system for a fuel cell-powered vehicle is provided. In particular, the system includes a low voltage DC-DC converter (LDC) designed to convert an output voltage from either a fuel cell stack, or a bi-directional high voltage DC-DC converter into a low voltage and supply the low voltage to a low voltage battery, a DC-DC converter designed to convert an output voltage from either the fuel cell stack or the bi-directional high voltage DC-DC converter into a low voltage, and a fuel cell controller designed to determine whether to supply an output voltage from the DC-DC converter to an output voltage supply line of the low voltage battery.

Abstract: An arrangement structure of an inverter in a fuel cell vehicle, capable of protecting the inverter from an impact during a vehicle collision with a simple configuration, is provided. The inverter is arranged on a frame in an inclined posture so that an outer side surface faces the power control unit and so that a hydrogen side output connector is directed downward of the power control unit, and the hydrogen side output connector and a hydrogen side wire are connected through below the power control unit.

Abstract: A system and a method of controlling a motor for reducing vibration of an electric vehicle are provided that maximize an output torque of the motor by applying a vibration reduction torque gain based on a position value of the accelerator pedal. The system includes a driving motor as a power source and an accelerator pedal position sensor configured to detect a position value of an accelerator pedal. In addition, a controller is configured to calculate a virtual position value of the accelerator pedal limited to an increasing slope or a descending slope based on the position value of the accelerator pedal, and output a final torque of the driving motor by applying a vibration reduction torque gain based on the virtual position value of the accelerator pedal.

Abstract: A seat slide device for a vehicle includes a first rail, which includes a first horizontal wall, a first vertical wall, and a first flange, and a second rail, which includes a second vertical wall and a second flange. A joining was connects the second vertical wall with the second flange. The coupling portion between the first horizontal and vertical walls includes a first ball guide. The basal end portion of the second flange includes a second ball guide. A first ball is arranged between the first and second ball guides. A restricting member that projects on the first horizontal wall functions to reduce a vertical space between the joining wall and the first horizontal wall and is contactable to the joining wall when the second vertical wall is deformed due to a load that is applied to produce pushing force between the first ball and the second rail.

Abstract: A vehicle seat sliding apparatus includes: a first rail fixed to one of a vehicle floor and a seat and having first vertical wall portions, a first connection wall portion, and flanges; and a second rail fixed to the other one of the vehicle floor and the seat and having second vertical wall portions, a second connection wall portion, outward extending wall portions, and extending wall portions, wherein locking claws are aligned side by side at tip ends of the flanges of the first rail; the second rail is provided with through-holes; the vehicle seat sliding apparatus further includes, a locking member having locking portions, and a biasing member; and the outward extending wall portions are provided with flat portions.

Abstract: An adjustment apparatus for a wheelchair back that can be used with various backs, that can be adjusted in a plurality of ways using a single adjustment point, and that can be adjusted without the use of tools. In another aspect, includes a support mechanism for mounting an adjustment apparatus for a wheelchair back that can be engaged using gravity, that provides at least one support point, and that can be utilized without the use of tools. Still another aspect of the wheelchair back assembly includes a mounting clamp that is simple in construction, that provides at least one support point, and that can be easily disassembled and adjusted to accommodate upright frame members of various diameters without the use of a tool.

Abstract: A disc recliner for a seat assembly includes a fixed plate secured to a seat cushion and a rotatable plate secured to a seat back. Each of the fixed and rotatable plates has a plurality of teeth, the number of teeth not being equal. A flex spline has a plurality of teeth, the number of teeth being equal to the number of teeth on the fixed plate. A wave generator causes a portion of the teeth on the flex spline to meshingly engage with the teeth on the fixed and rotatable plates. Rotation of the wave generator causes the teeth on the flex spline which meshingly engage with the teeth on the fixed and rotatable plates to change, thereby causing the rotatable plate to rotate relative to the fixed plate, which in turn causes the seat back to pivot relative to the seat cushion.

Abstract: A child safety seat includes a seat body, a reclining foot, and a force-generating member. The reclining foot is connected to a lower portion of the seat body such that the reclining foot is capable of rotating and sliding relative to the seat body to be selectively located at a first position or a second position relative to the seat body. The force-generating member is connected to the seat body and the reclining foot for applying a force to the reclining foot for urging the reclining foot to move toward the first position. When at the first position, the reclining foot can be rotated relative to the seat body and slid relative to the seat body in a distance to be blocked by a blocking structure at the lower portion from rotating reversely under the force so as to be located at the second position.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat cushion and seat back for pivotal movement between an upright position, a plurality of reclined positions, a fold flat position, and a dumped position. A recliner assembly is coupled between the seat cushion and seat back for actuation between locked and unlocked conditions allowing pivotal movement of the seat back. A seat track is coupled to the seat cushion for actuation between locked and unlocked conditions allowing fore and aft sliding movement of the seat assembly. An easy-entry mechanism is coupled to the recliner assembly and the seat track for actuating the recliner assembly and the seat track to the unlocked conditions and providing movement of the seat assembly to an easy-entry position defined by the seat back pivoted to the dumped position and the seat track sliding the seat assembly to a full-forward position allowing access behind the seat assembly.

Abstract: A storage structure of an off-road vehicle includes a front row seat, a back row seat capable of switching between a usage position where a passenger sits, and a stowed position, a back row floor where a passenger seated in the back row seat places his feet when the back row seat is in the usage position or forms a portion of the storage structure, creating a storage space when the back row seat is in the stowed position, and rear doors. In the stowed position, the back row seat covers an upper part of the upper space of the back row floor, and the rear doors cover a side part of the upper space of the back row floor forming a rear storage section and the back row seat concurrently provide a load-carrying platform.

Abstract: A load transfer structure includes a seatback frame, and a load receiving member disposed on the seatback frame to contact with a side wall of a vehicle body when the side wall is moved toward a vehicle cabin by a side impact. The load receiving member includes a horizontal portion extending laterally, an inclined portion extended obliquely outward and upward from an outer end of the horizontal portion, and a curved portion provided between the horizontal portion and the inclined portion and having inner and outer concave edges. A bisector of an angle between straight edges continued from both ends of the outer concave edge and a bisector of an angle between straight edges continued from both ends of the inner concave edge intersect with each other in the curved portion. Accordingly, an absorbed energy amount by the load receiving member increases.

Abstract: A system includes a shear member and an energy absorber. The shear member is configured to couple a seat portion to a base structure of a vehicle. The shear member is configured to sustain a first load without fracture and configured to inelastically deform under a second load. The second load is greater than the first load. The energy absorber is coupled to the seat portion and coupled to the base structure. The energy absorber is configured to absorb the energy following deformation of the shear member.

Abstract: A vehicle safety device for reducing whiplash in a vehicle includes a curved guide configured to allow a seat to slide thereon, an impact sensor that can detect an impact on a rear end of the vehicle; and a locking mechanism that can allow the seat to slide on the curved guide when an impact is detected by the impact sensor. The locking mechanism can prevent the seat from moving relative to the curved guide when there is no impact detected by the impact sensor.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes: a seat back which has a backrest support surface for a seat occupant that is variable in shape; a plurality of air bags that are located behind a support surface portion of the seat back and change the shape of the support surface upon introduction or discharge of air thereinto or therefrom; and a control device that is configured to control the introduction and discharge of air into and from the air bags. The control device controls the introduction and discharge of air into and from each air bag based on a state of change in the air in each air bag that occurs when the seat occupant sits on the vehicle seat with the air bags in the set state to change the shape of the backrest support surface to a shape that conforms to the seat occupant's unique sitting position.

Abstract: Adjustable boat seat handles are described. A described apparatus comprises an elongated lever having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end having a hand grip and the second end having a first flange extending away from the first end, the first flange having a first bore extending through the first flange, a rocker arm having a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end, the third end having a second flange extending away from the third end, the second flange having a second bore extending through the second flange and a pin extending through the first and second bores rotatably coupling the first and second flanges, wherein rotation of the lever in a first direction relative to the rocker arm causes the lever to rotate the rocker arm to enable adjustment of a seat and rotation of the lever in a second direction opposite the first direction causes the lever to fold relative to the rocker arm to be in a stowed position under the seat.

Abstract: An unlocking mechanism of inclinable headrest includes a push button having a connecting element and an internal frame having a cylindrical element defining a through-bore in which the push button is slidably accommodated. Provided within the internal frame is a slidable lever element having one end operatively connected with a lock gear for locking the headrest and another end having a connecting hole in which the connecting element of the push button is resiliently inserted and engaged. The slidable lever element is slidably supported by a guide element so that the connecting hole thereof is retained at a location corresponding to the through-bore of the cylindrical element. Hence, in assembly, simple insertion by a worker of the push button in the cylindrical element results in quick and precise connection of the push button's connecting element with the slidable lever element's connecting hole invisibly disposed in the headrest.

Abstract: An automobile headrest includes a main body portion having a front surface arranged to support a back of a head of a user. The main body portion includes first and second speakers which are disposed within the main body portion, and a core that is configured to support the speakers. The automobile headrest also includes a pair of support rods that are connected to the core. The core is configured such that at least a portion of the speakers is disposed directly behind the head of the user when the back of the user's head rests against the front surface of the main body portion and is centered relative to the main body portion. The core defines a portion of one or more acoustic chambers for the first and second speakers.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat and a seatback pivotally coupled with the seat. A seatcover assembly is disposed below the seat. The seatcover assembly is operable between a stored position and a deployed position. A spring-biased spindle is coupled with an attachment end of the seatcover assembly. A seatcover is configured to be wrapped around the spindle in the stored position and withdrawn from the spring-biased spindle in the deployed position. An engagement rod is coupled with an intermediate portion of the seatcover and is configured to securely engage a biteline disposed between the seat and the seatback. A plurality of engagement features removably secure side edges of the seatcover with the seat.