Abstract: A seat back cushion for a vehicle includes a back surface including a plurality of indentations, the plurality of indentations including a plurality of generally vertical indentations and a plurality of generally horizontal indentations.

Abstract: A seat cushion frame for a vehicle includes a composite material containing reinforcing fibers which extend in at least the frame extension direction is integrated with an injection molded thermoplastic resin. The weight of the entire seat cushion frame can be greatly reduced, the rigidity and strength required for each section of the frame can be readily secured, required functions such as submarine prevention or the like, can be fulfilled, the number of components can be greatly reduced, and the overall structure can be greatly simplified.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle frame, a plurality of wheels and a cargo bed assembly. A cargo bed translation mechanism is operable between the vehicle frame and the cargo bed to translate the cargo bed between a range of positions including a first transport position, a plurality of raised position a variety of loading positions. A cargo bed dumping mechanism is operable for tipping the cargo bed to dump the contents of the cargo bed at least from the transport position and the raised positions.

Abstract: An equipment storage and retrieval system retrieves equipment from the back of pick-up trucks and other cargo carrying vehicles. A guide rail and a frame with attached rollers and equipment hold-downs, platforms or carts allow for easy access, retrieval, and storage of equipment in the bed of a vehicle. A frame extends out the back of a pickup for access to equipment, and folds into a vertical position for improved use of the pickup bed. A brake system prevents locks the sliding frame in place until the brake is released by a brake lever.

Abstract: A dunnage device for securing a load to a cargo deck includes an elongated tubular body having an interior space. A transverse wall is positioned within the interior space of the tubular body. The elongated tubular body is adapted to be positioned on the cargo deck.

Abstract: A switch for activating the turn signals (blinkers) of a vehicle is actuated by a lever movable from a central position in opposite first and second directions to respective first and second switching positions. A first electromagnet is located such that movement of the lever to the first switching position brings a portion of the lever closer thereto. A second electromagnet is located such that movement of the lever to the second switching position brings the portion of the lever closer thereto. A control unit controls energization of the first and second electromagnets in a manner to attract and/or repel the lever to alternatively: a) hold the lever in the first switching position; b) hold the lever in the second switching position; and c) release the lever to return to the central position from the first switching position and from the second switching position.

Abstract: A vehicle light apparatus includes a low-beam headlight unit, and a composite headlight unit that includes a plurality of light-emitting modules and a control module. Each light-emitting module includes a high-beam light element and a turn signal light element. The control module is electrically coupled to the light-emitting modules and the low-beam headlight unit so as to simultaneously turn off the high-beam light elements and turn on the low-beam headlight unit when the turn signal light elements are switched on.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting unit can have an aiming mechanism with a pivot holder structure such that a pivot attached to a reflector that holds a bulb is supported by a pivot holder integrally formed with a housing while the pivot is rotatable and an adjustment bolt is provided, so that the rotation of the adjustment bolt can achieve adjustment of an optical axis by inclining the reflector. The pivot holder can include a reception seat extending in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the pivot is inserted and having an arc-like curved surface for receiving a ball of the pivot, and a pair of claws extending in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the pivot is inserted so as to be parallel with each other and configured to support the ball, the pair of claws being coupled to each other by an arc-shaped bridge.

Abstract: A vehicle headlamp includes a first lamp unit having a first irradiation range, the first lamp unit being configured such that the first irradiation range is adjustable in a horizontal direction, and a second lamp unit having a second irradiation range, the second lamp unit being configured such that the second irradiation range is adjustable in a vertical direction. A resolution of the second lamp unit with respect to the second irradiation range is higher than a resolution of the first lamp unit with respect to the first irradiation range.

Abstract: A fog lamp for use in an automobile includes a plurality of reflectors each sharing a common focus point, a light emitting diode array positioned at the common focus point, and a circular, non-optic window. The window fits through a standard-sized opening in an automobile fascia substantially two inches in diameter. The reflectors include a central reflector, a pair of lateral reflectors surrounding the central reflector and angled toward a center axis of the fog lamp, and a pair of converging reflectors surrounding the lateral reflectors and angled more sharply toward the center axis of the fog lamp. The central reflector and lateral reflectors produce beams of reflected light through the outer circumference of the window. The converging reflectors produce beams of reflected light converging at a secondary focus point within the fog lamp and transmitting through the window.

Abstract: A vehicle-roof mounting-base, for supporting sign or light elements, that uses vacuum evacuation to adhere the vehicle-roof mounting-base to a vehicle roof. The vacuum evacuation is accomplished by using a continuous, gas impermeable seal between the lower surface of the vehicle-roof mounting-base and the vehicle roof. A vacuum pump then partially evacuates the volume enclosed by the continuous seal, the vehicle roof, and the lower surface of the vehicle-roof mounting-base, providing sufficient retention force to hold the vehicle-roof mounting-base to the vehicle roof.

Abstract: A deceleration-triggered stop lamp installable into for vehicles includes a support frame to which is mounted: a plurality of LEDs; a deceleration sensor; microcontroller; an energy storage component; and power circuitry configured to detect when the vehicle brake pedal has been depressed and to divert power from the vehicles power system to charge the energy storage component. In the event the vehicle decelerates at a rate greater than a predefined threshold, the power circuitry is configured to illuminate the LEDs with power from the energy storage component.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The illumination device comprises a photoluminescent portion disposed on a moveable vehicle closure. The photoluminescent portion is operable to be directed in a substantially downward direction. The device further comprises a light source disposed proximate the photoluminescent portion and configured to emit light at a first wavelength. The photoluminescent portion is configured to convert the first wavelength to at least a second wavelength longer than the first wavelength to illuminate a surface beneath the vehicle.

Abstract: Provided is a sound generating device (20) for a vehicle, including: a plurality of pressure sensors (21a to 21d) for detecting air pressures of an air intake sound of an engine (12) and outputting the air pressures as sound pressure signals; a signal processing unit (24) for performing processing of changing the sound pressure signals in accordance with a driving condition of a vehicle (10); and loudspeakers (28a and 28b) for outputting the sound pressure signals as the air intake sound of the engine (12). Then, the plurality of pressure sensors (21a to 21d) are provided at an interval in a circumferential direction of an outer periphery of an air intake duct (15) at positions in a vicinity of an air flow meter (18) on an air cleaner (16) side with respect to a center of the air intake duct (15), the air intake duct (15) connecting the air cleaner (16) to a throttle body (17).

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for a method of alerting a user to the presence of a mobile device in a vehicle. In some example embodiments, a method includes identifying, via an in-vehicle computing system of a vehicle, presence of a mobile device. The method further includes providing an alert responsive to the user exiting the vehicle when the mobile device is still located in the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for illumination brightness of a head up display for a vehicle are provided. The method includes turning on, by a controller, the vehicle and the head up display and determining whether an auto light is operated. The head up display is illuminated when the auto light is normally operated. The controller determines whether a tail lamp mounted within the vehicle is operated when the auto light is abnormally operated. The head up display is illuminated as a night condition when an exterior night condition is detected and the tail lamp is normally operated. Additionally, the controller determines whether a tail switch is operated when the tail lamp is abnormally operated. The head up display is illuminated as a daytime condition when an exterior daytime condition is detected and the tail switch is abnormally operated.

Abstract: A clamp is for mounting on an arm. The clamp comprises a frame, a gripping element and a moveable clamping member. The frame comprises an upright portion and a lip located at a lower end of the upright portion and extending substantially perpendicularly to the upright portion. The gripping element is connected to the frame, and is arranged to mount on the arm, and comprises a first component and a second component connected together at one end and spaced apart at the other end, the arm to be located between the first component and a second component in a hole. The moveable clamping member is mounted through a hole in the second component, and comprises a shaft and an engaging portion arranged to be moved towards the lip of the frame.

Abstract: A rearview assembly for a vehicle includes a rearview device having a peripheral edge. A carrier plate is operably coupled to the rearview device. The carrier plate includes a peripheral wall with a forward edge and a rearward edge. The forward edge is substantially aligned with the peripheral edge of the rearview device. A housing includes a forward lip configured to abut the rearward edge of the peripheral wall to provide a substantially smooth exterior transition from the housing to the peripheral wall to the rearview device.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror reflective element having at least one glass substrate and a mirror reflector established at a surface of said at least one glass substrate. The mirror assembly includes a display element disposed at the rear of the mirror reflective element and operable to emit light that is viewable through the mirror reflective element. The display element includes a printable light emitting diode. The mirror assembly may include at least one of (a) a printable electrically conductive layer at a surface of the at least one glass substrate, (b) a printable heater pad established at a rear surface of the at least one glass substrate, (c) a printable touch sensor and (d) a moldable light emitting diode element.

Abstract: A cup holder assembly and an instrument panel assembly for use in an automotive vehicle. The cup holder assembly includes a catch configured to assist with the blind installation of the cup holder assembly into an opening of the instrument panel. The catch is further configured to provide cantilevered support so as to help maintain the cup holder in a fixed relationship when a cup is mounted therein. The catch engages an elongated portion of a reinforcement bracket so as to limit the advancement of the cup holder assembly during installation.

Abstract: A watercraft drain plug holder has a holder body defining a shell operative to receive and retain a watercraft drain plug therein. A coupler is affixed to the holder body and defines a perimeter and a hole inside the perimeter. The perimeter operatively passes through a boat hook eye or other similar boating component and around an eye circumference. The holder body passes through the coupler hole, thereby operatively wrapping around a boat hook eye and suspending the holder body from the eye. Several embodiments are shown, including a preferred version that incorporates resilient and non-marring materials and alternative solid and non-marring embodiments. In addition, several methods are described for storing a drain plug, launching a boat, and trailering a boat.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a vehicle configured to hold a tool. The toolholder assembly includes a ring and a collar. The ring and collar are both attached to the vehicle adjacent a passenger compartment portion of the vehicle and the ring and collar are spaced apart from each other on the vehicle.

Abstract: A roof rail (1) for a motor vehicle, having at least one rack bar (3) and having at least one support element (24) which is fixed to the rack bar (3) for bridging a spacing which is formed between the rack bar (3) and the roof of the motor vehicle and for fixing the roof rail (1) to the roof of the motor vehicle, and having at least one cover (11) for the support element (24), wherein the rack bar (3), support element (24) and cover (11) are formed as separate components. There is provision for at least one end region (6) of the rack bar (3) to be in the form of a bent portion (7) whose front end (8) forms a roof application end (9), for the support element (24) to be in the form of an extrusion component (56) and for the support element (24) and cover (11) to be located at least partially in the region of the bent portion (7).

Abstract: A ladder rack for supporting a ladder in a stowage position and for moving the ladder between the stowage position and a loading/unloading position at which the ladder can be loaded onto the rack or unloaded from the rack. The ladder rack includes a frame assembly which is mounted on a support structure such as a vehicle roof and a bed platform having opposite ends that are coupled to the frame assembly for sliding and hinged movement with respect to the frame assembly. At least one of the ends of the bed platform is configured to be extendible when pivoted downward into a loading or unloading position.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes an optical system and an image sensor to capture images of a close object and distant object. The optical system includes a convex lens as a first optical member and a glass plate as a second optical member with a refractive index higher than that of air. The second optical member is located in between the first optical member and a first image point at which a real image of the close object is formed, to absorb a positional difference between the first image point and a second image point at which a real image of the distant object is formed. The image sensor includes multiple light reception elements to generate a single picture frame that contains simultaneously a real image of the close object and a real image of the distant object.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a vehicle interior material that is integrally formed, the vehicle interior material comprising an impact absorbing rib that is extended from a counter surface facing a vehicle body panel, an insertion portion that is inserted into a hole formed on the vehicle body panel; and a base portion that has a thick portion that is thicker than the impact absorbing rib, is extended from the counter surface, and is integrated with the insertion portion at a tip portion of the base portion.

Abstract: A bus bar module has a bus bar housing portion housing a plurality of bus bars placed side by side in a first direction, and a plurality of voltage detecting lines extending in the first direction and each connected electrically to a different one of the bus bars through a conductive member. The plurality of voltage detecting lines are placed adjacently to the bus bar housing portion and are placed diagonally in a second direction inclined relative to an in-plane direction including the bus bar such that a first region in the plurality of voltage detecting lines separate from the bus bar housing portion is located below a second region in the plurality of voltage detecting lines closer to the bus bar housing portion.

Abstract: A power conversion device in an electric vehicle that uses a short-circuit capacitor and is capable of detecting a short circuit of the capacitor by using a simple structure. The power conversion device includes an inductor connected on a main battery side with a switching member provided between the inductor and a power line. The power line connects a first capacitor and a second capacitor as well as an electric load in parallel. A controller is provided for controlling the on/off of the switching member. The first capacitor and the second capacitor are each a small capacitor configured to be short-circuited upon application of an excess voltage. The power conversion device is provided with a detection member for detecting a short circuit of any one of the first capacitor and the second capacitor. The detection member is connected in series to the first capacitor and the second capacitor.

Abstract: A console assembly for an automotive vehicle and use with a mobile device. The console assembly including a storage compartment having a floor, a pair of sidewalls, and a pair of end walls. An opening permits access into the storage area and a slidable top wall is operable to move between a covered position and a retracted position relative to the opening. An anti-slip surface is provided on the top wall and configured to receive the mobile device thereon. A wireless charging unit is also incorporated into and moveable with the top wall. The wireless charging unit is located immediately below the anti-slip surface. When the mobile device is placed on the anti-slip surface, the device is moveable with the top wall, between the covered position and retracted position, while being charged.

Abstract: A wiring harness (1) includes a housing (2) for holding protected parts each including a connected part of an insulated wire (90) and a terminal fitting (91) in a plurality of terminal-provided wires (9) at intervals inside. The housing (2) has a double structure including an inner wire protecting member (30) and an outer wire protecting member (10). The inner wire protecting member (30) holds the protected parts of the plurality of terminal-provided wires (9), each in a pivotable state, at intervals. The outer wire protecting member (10) is formed by insert molding a thermoplastic material with the inner wire protecting member (30) holding the plurality of terminal-provided wires (9) as an insert part.

Abstract: It is an object of the exemplary embodiments to obtain a long electric-wire protection pipe having a flat outer shape, using a simple press working process, while preventing warping problems. An electric-wire protection pipe is a metal pipe that surrounds an electric wire, and has a reinforced section and a flat pipe section. The reinforced section is a section that is located at a part in the circumferential direction of the electric-wire protection pipe, and constitutes a protrusion forming, on either the internal or external surface of the electric-wire protection pipe, a ridge line extending along the longitudinal direction of the electric-wire protection pipe, and a groove extending along the longitudinal direction of the electric-wire protection pipe on the other surface. The flat pipe section is a section that constitutes at least a part in the longitudinal direction of the electric-wire protection pipe, and that is flattened by press working.

Abstract: A bumper assembly includes a bumper fascia and a bumper reinforcement beam covered by the bumper fascia providing an upper projecting bumper portion. A lower reinforcement member is below the bumper reinforcement beam in a vehicle vertical direction and is covered by the bumper fascia providing a lower projecting bumper portion. The lower reinforcement member includes a reinforcement body having a front end and a rear end. The bumper fascia is connected to the lower reinforcement member at a fastening location that is located below reinforcement body.

Abstract: An energy absorption system comprises a vehicle bumper, an energy absorption member attached to the vehicle bumper, and a plurality of ribs having respective first ends that are hingedly attached to the energy absorption member. The ribs extend between the energy absorption member and the bumper. The ribs may be actuated based on the speed information from the onboard vehicle communication network.

Abstract: An end of a stay material made of a tubular aluminum alloy extruded material is expanded by electromagnetic molding to form a flange for producing a bumper stay. The flange width is increased without cracking and a decrease in the thickness. A stay material having a circumferential wall undulating in a waveform pattern is used. A circumferential length L (one round length along waveform pattern) of the outer periphery wall along the circumferential direction of the stay material is longer than a circumferential length L0 of a simple cylindrical circumferential wall having the same outer diameter (circumscribed circle) (L>L0). L?L0 is an excessive line length. Since the circumferential wall has the excessive line length, when the end of the circumferential wall is expanded to form the flange, the flange having a large diameter can be formed.

Abstract: A collision energy absorption apparatus and a vehicle front end structure including the apparatus. The apparatus is welded to a bumper beam and is laterally adjacent a longitudinally extending member disposed behind the bumper beam. The apparatus has a central body having a front edge attached to the bumper beam and a rear edge that is spaced from the bumper beam and the longitudinally extending member. Upper and lower triangular walls extend between the central body and the longitudinally extending member. A rib extends laterally outwardly from the central body.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a floor structure and one or more tubular rocker structures. Each rocker structure includes an outer cladding and/or an inner structure extending across an interior space of the rocker structure. At least one acceleration sensor is connected to a central portion of the floor structure to detect acceleration resulting from a crash event. The vehicle may also include pressure sensors that detect changes in pressure in the door cavities that result from side impacts. The cladding and/or inner structure of the rockers reduce the time required to detect acceleration due to a side impact on the rocker structures.

Abstract: An active bolster mounts at an interior trim surface of a passenger compartment. A plastic-molded front wall deploys to receive an impacting passenger in the passenger compartment. A plastic-molded back wall is joined around a substantially sealed perimeter with the front wall to form an inflatable bladder, wherein the back wall includes at least one substantially circumferential pleated baffle for unfolding during inflation of the bladder to deploy the front wall. An inflator delivers an inflation gas into the inflatable bladder in response to a crash event of the vehicle. An absorber member is disposed along the front wall in the bladder prior to inflation and is configured to deploy transversely to the front wall and into fixed abutment with the back wall upon inflation of the bladder to mechanically resist post-inflation movement of the front wall toward the back wall and to dissipate energy of the impacting passenger.

Abstract: An active bolster is provided for an interior trim surface of an automotive vehicle. A plastic-molded outer trim panel has a welding track on an inside surface. A plastic-molded expandable bladder member has a central attachment section configured to attach to a support structure of the vehicle, a welding flange along a peripheral edge with a first surface facing the trim panel inside surface and a second opposed surface, and a pleated region between the central attachment section and the welding flange. The welding track and the welding flange are joined by a closed-loop hot weld seam to form a sealed chamber. The welding track and welding flange comprise complementary surfaces having a plurality of corrugations making the weld seam at least partially shaped as an undulating ribbon. As a result, a majority of the forces on the weld seam during inflation are in shear instead of peel.

Abstract: A vehicle curtain system comprises a curtain having at least a front wall and two side walls, at least one pretensioner having a corresponding pretensioner cable, and a plurality of tethers, each having a first end attached to the curtain.

Abstract: A rollover protection apparatus unlocks and lowers from a raised position to a lowered position suitable for clearing a low hanging obstacle when an operator applies a force to an operator lever or pedal. The rollover protection apparatus returns to the raised position when the operator ceases applying force to the operator lever or pedal.

Abstract: A vehicle seat according the disclosure includes a support structure, an airbag module attached to the support structure and including a deployable airbag, and a cover assembly positioned over the airbag module and attached to the support structure. The cover assembly includes a cover portion that covers the airbag module, and a support being made separately from the cover portion and being attached to the cover portion and the support structure. The support is configured to facilitate movement of the cover portion with respect to the support structure during deployment of the airbag.

Abstract: An active bolster for an automotive vehicle includes a plastic-molded trim wall that deploys outwardly during a crash. A plastic-molded reaction plate is mounted as a deployment base. A plastic-molded bladder member is joined around a substantially sealed perimeter with the trim wall to form an inflatable bladder. The bladder member includes at least one substantially circumferential pleated baffle around a central attachment region. The central attachment region includes an attachment boss projecting toward an attachment pad on the reaction plate to form a hot weld. The attachment boss has an arched cross section defining a weld surface with an apex. The weld surface is hot welded to the attachment pad such that the apex makes first contact with the attachment pad, wherein compression of the bladder member with the reaction plate creates a contact edge moving radially outward from the apex to expel gas from the hot weld.

Abstract: A vehicle side airbag device with a decreased load on the chest of passenger and an increased initial restraining performance resulting from a side airbag. In the side airbag device, a vent hole portion is formed from the stitching portion between a main panel and a side face panel being interrupted at a portion thereof. Flaps provided to the main panel and the side face panel are inserted from the vent hole portion into the chest chamber. The flaps close off the vent hole portion by means of the internal pressure of the chest chamber until the side airbag inflated and deployed between an occupant and a door trim. When the internal pressure of the chest chamber rise by means of chest chamber being compressed between the occupant and the door trim, the flaps are pushed out of an airbag main body portion, and the vent hole portion is opened.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant (20) of a vehicle (12) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) inflatable between a vehicle surface (36) and the vehicle occupant. A vent (110) has at least one opening (114) for releasing inflation fluid from the protection device (14). The vent (110) has an actuated condition and a non-actuated condition. A guide tether (113) is connected to the vent door (120). A vent tether (112) is connected to the protection device (14) and includes a guide (123) connected to the guide tether (113) such that the guide (123) and guide tether (113) are slidable relative to one another. Tension on the vent tether (112) applies tension to the guide tether (113) for actuating the vent (110).

Abstract: A pair of right-and-left brackets which extend obliquely downward and forward from respective front portions of a pair of right-and-left side frames are provided. A stiffener which extends in a vehicle width direction below a bumper beam is attached to respective front ends of the pair of right-and-left brackets. The stiffener is configured such that its front end portion slants downward and forward and has an open cross section, and its rear end portion thereof has a closed cross section. An obstacle can be prevented from coming in below a vehicle-body front portion, and also the sufficient energy absorption in a collision and the prompt flicking-up of an obstacle can properly achieved.

Abstract: A method for deploying a safety mechanism of a vehicle includes detecting an object or person within a predetermined vicinity of the vehicle, transitioning a transitioning assembly of the safety mechanism from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation when an object or person is detected within the predetermined vicinity, detecting whether the object or person enters into a danger zone in front of a rear wheel of the vehicle, deploying a first airbag in front of the rear wheel of the vehicle when the object or person enters into the space in front of the rear wheel, and deploying a second airbag and extending a blocking plate in front of the rear wheel of the vehicle. The second airbag is positioned in front of the blocking plate and causes the blocking plate to extend.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an arrangement comprising a pyrotechnical device and a first mechanical structure. The pyrotechnical device is adapted to, directly, or indirectly, influence the first mechanical structure at a first location, such that the first mechanical structure is exposed to a deformation and/or a displacement. The deformation and/or displacement of the first mechanical structure at the first location is adapted to at a second location, being different from the first location, change a functional mode of the first mechanical structure and/or of a second mechanical structure connected to the first mechanical structure by means of direct mechanical influence. The disclosure further relates to a vehicle comprising such an arrangement.

Abstract: A vehicular seat belt assembly includes a pair of lateral webbing strips that extend laterally across the passenger's lap, proximal ends being manually connectable and dis-connectable from each other. A vertically extending webbing strip includes a pair of upper body strips that are configured to contact opposite sides of a front of the passenger's upper body. A sensor is configured to provide data indicative of whether the proximal ends of the pair of lateral webbing strips are connected together. A harness assembly includes a harness webbing that is attached to one of the pair of lateral webbing strips, and a wire harness that is connectable to the sensor, the wire harness extending along the harness webbing.

Abstract: A safety belt buffering device and a related vehicle safety seat are provided. The safety belt buffering device is applied to a shoulder belt. The safety belt buffering device includes a buffering component, a blocking component and an actuating component. The buffering component includes an accommodating space, and the accommodating space is formed through the buffering component. The blocking component is disposed inside the accommodating space. The actuating component is disposed on the shoulder belt. The shoulder belt movably passes through the accommodating space. The actuating component is driven to move into the accommodating space to contact the blocking component when the shoulder belt is pulled by external impact, and the blocking component is structurally deformed to reduce the external impact. The present invention can obviously decrease the impact energy transmitted from the vehicle safety seat to the passenger, so as to protect safety of the passenger.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor (10) comprises a frame (12), a belt reel (14) which is rotatably mounted in the frame (12), and a blocking pawl (22) which is provided at the belt reel (14) and is capable of engaging with a blocking teeth system (20). The blocking teeth system (20) is provided at a blocking ring (18) which is mounted at the frame (14) in a rotationally limited manner.