Abstract: A motor vehicle charging inlet structure includes: a first charging socket disposed in a recess portion of a vehicle body and connected to an electricity storage unit of a motor vehicle, the first charging socket being configured to be connected to a charging connector which supplies electric power from an external power supply to the electricity storage unit; a lid configured to open and close the recess portion; and a lock member configured to, when the lid is closed, come into engagement with the lid to fix the lid in a closed state and configured to, when the charging connector is connected to the first charging socket in a state in which the engagement of the lock member with the lid is released, come into press-contact with the charging connector to fix the charging connector in a connected state.

Abstract: A charging device is provided with a charger, a charging time setting unit and a usage latency calculation unit. The charger is configured to charge a vehicle battery. The charging time setting unit sets a charging time for charging the vehicle battery. The usage latency calculation unit calculates a latency of usage of the charger. The usage latency is a time between an end time of charging of a first vehicle connected to the charger and a start time of charging of a second vehicle connected to the charger and charged after the first vehicle. The charging time setting unit compares the usage latency with a first threshold time and a second threshold time shorter than the first threshold time. The charging time setting unit sets the charging time in accordance with whether or not the usage latency is between the first and second threshold times.

Abstract: A system for detecting an abnormality of an automated guided vehicle that travels on a circulation route includes: a history recording unit for recording a change history of a current of a battery of the automated guided vehicle with respect to each circulation; and an abnormality determining unit for determining presence or absence of an abnormality of the automated guided vehicle on the basis of the change history of the current of the battery recorded for each circulation.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide a transport system powered by short block Linear Synchronous Motors (LSMs). The use of short blocks allows vehicles to move under precise control even when they are in close proximity to each other. The design allows the vehicles to be propelled and guided while negotiating sharp turns and negotiating merge and diverge switches. A coreless LSM can be used to create propulsive force without attractive force so as to allow a relatively high drag vehicle suspension, such as a vehicle sliding on a smooth surface.

Abstract: A gear shifting control device is provided with a driving motor-generator, an automatic transmission provided in a drivetrain and a gear shifting controller. The automatic transmission has a P range, an N range and a D range as selectable range positions. The gear shifting controller changes the gears in the automatic transmission. The gear shifting controller sets the N range of the automatic transmission to be a range over which the driving motor-generator is not caused to generate torque even when a operation for depressing an accelerator pedal has been performed, and places a coupling clutch in an engaged state in first gear when the N range is selected.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a vehicle seatback stabilization device includes a seatback stabilization portion to be connected to a seatback, and a vehicle body connection portion including an aperture to receive a connector of a vehicle body load-bearing structure. The seatback stabilization portion may include first and second stabilization panels positioned with an angle relative to each other. The vehicle body connection portion may extend away from the second stabilization panel such that the second stabilization panel is positioned between the first stabilization panel and the vehicle body connection portion.

Abstract: A latching device (1) for vehicles capable of engaging with and disengaging from a rod-like portion (P1) to lock and unlock the latching device (1) includes: a casing (2) at least partly formed by a first member made of a first material and having an insertion groove (2A) for allowing the rod-like portion to be inserted thereinto; and a second member (latch (30) or reinforcement plate (20)) made of a second material and configured to contact the rod-like portion (P1). The second material has a higher specific gravity and a higher modulus of elasticity than the first material. For example, the first material is resin, whereas the second material is metal.

Abstract: A cargo management system including a vehicle load floor and a pair of opposing cargo trim panels supported above the load floor at opposite sides of the load floor within the interior of the vehicle is provided. The load floor has a wood grain finish. The load floor includes a first outer layer, a second outer layer and a core of cellulose-based material positioned between the outer layers and having a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by press molding. The trim panels are compression-molded, composite cargo trim panels supported above the vehicle load floor at opposite sides of the load floor. Each panel includes a base layer and a coverstock sheet bonded to the base layer by press molding. Each coverstock sheet provides its respective trim panel with a wood grain finish.

Abstract: A recliner mechanism for use in connection with reclining a vehicle seat and a unitary cam and cam spring mount member.

Abstract: A child safety seat is provided with a backrest including parallel first and second recesses; a head rest including first and second projections slidable in the first and second recesses respectively, and top first and second holes; an adjustment plate including side slots; a pressing plate on bottom ends of the first and second recesses; first and second trigger rods between the backrest and the head rest wherein the first trigger rod includes a bottom tab member moveable in one slot, and a top finger tab; the second trigger rod includes a bottom tab member moveable in the other opposite slot, and a top finger tab; and the finger tab of the first trigger rod projects out of the first hole and the finger tab of the second trigger rod projects out of the second hole; and a biasing member.

Abstract: An infant care device includes a casing, a latch member, a driving member and a first resilient member. The casing has an insertion space permitting an insertion portion of a mounting seat to be inserted thereinto. The latch member is mounted movably to the casing. The first resilient member biases the latch member to engage the insertion portion so as to prevent relative movement between the infant care device and the insertion portion. The driving member is mounted to the casing, and is able to be pushed to move a cam portion thereof to disengage the latch member from the insertion portion against the biasing action of the first resilient member, so as to permit the relative movement between the infant care device and the insertion portion.

Abstract: A seat back pad 70 has a groove 73 for tucking a skin material therein, formed at borders between a central portion 71 and side portions 72. A hole (slot hole 74) is formed in a bottom of the groove 73 along the groove 73. A tuck-in wire 76 for tucking the skin material in includes a plurality of tuck-in portions 76A provided along the groove 73, and a connecting portion (detour portion 76B) detouring around the hole and connecting the tuck-in portions 76A. With this configuration, when an upper body of an occupant P subsides into a seat back S2 in a rear-end collision of a vehicle, the central portion 71, defined by the groove 73 as a border, is easily and sufficiently moved rearward relative to the left and right side portions 72. Furthermore, the tuck-in wire 76 is not exposed through the hole, and thus adhesion between the seat back pad 70 and the tuck-in wire 76 can be improved.

Abstract: A vehicle seat, has a seat part, a backrest, and at least one fitting, by which the back rest is attached pivotably to the seat part. The fitting has a first fitting part connected to the backrest and a second fitting part connected to the seat part. The fittings are normally located in the force flux between the backrest and seat part. The seat has at least one deformation zone which is deformed in the event of a crash. A supporting element is mounted on the backrest and a supporting element is mounted on the seat part, the supporting elements normally being spaced apart from each other and, in the event of a crash, coming into contact with each other because of the deformation of the deformation zone to provide a further force flux path lying parallel to the fitting.

Abstract: A vehicle seat has a carriage that moves linearly with respect to a base, and a locking apparatus for preventing unwanted movement of the carriage in the event of an emergency. The locking apparatus has first and second toothed components which inter-engage such that, during movement of the carriage with respect to the base, one of the first and second toothed components imparts movement to the other. A locking gear is engaged with the teeth of the first component for rotation thereby, and is movable into a locking state where it also engages with the teeth of the second component to prevent relative movement between the first and second components. The locking gear moves into the locking state in response to a decelerating force above a threshold level.

Abstract: An armrest for a vehicle door that is removable and versatile for either a left or right vehicle door is a horizontal support having a support bracket attached to its bottom surface at an outer edge disposed to be inserted into the space between an automobile window and an inner door surface thereby allowing said horizontal support to rest upon an inner door sill for support. The horizontal support also has apertures for installing a stability bracket onto its underside that is adjustable and complements the support bracket by using a secured frictional force against an interior automobile door wall thereby allowing a user to rest their arm in comfort thereupon. A removable cushion can be installed onto the horizontal support to increase comfort to a user.

Abstract: A locking device for a headrest has a headrest rod, a guide sleeve for the headrest rod and a blocking element. The blocking element is displaceable relative to the guide sleeve between a locking position, in which the blocking element is in engagement with a recess in the headrest rod, and a unlocking position, in which the blocking element is not in engagement with recesses in the headrest rod. The blocking element is pivotable in relation to the guide sleeve about an axis of rotation parallel to the headrest rod. The blocking element is mounted in the guide sleeve such that, when there is a relative rotational movement between the guide sleeve and the headrest rod, the blocking element rotates at least partially jointly in conjunction with the headrest rod about the axis of rotation.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to a ventilating apparatus for a body supporting means, comprising: at least one air conveying means, at least one air guiding means, and at least one outlet opening in an area of the body supporting means, which is associated with the neck of a user.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seating surface. A plurality of polymeric mats each include a memory metal encased therein, a first side operably coupled with an underlying support structure, and a second side proximate the seating surface. An electrical source is operably coupled to the memory metal in each polymeric mat and is configured to supply energy to the plurality of memory metals in each polymeric mat. A controller is in communication with the plurality of polymeric mats and is configured to deliver a predetermined electrical input to the memory metal of each polymeric mat. The predetermined electrical input manipulates each polymeric mat to a deformed state, which operates a cushion between a multitude of comfort positions. An air bladder is disposed below the plurality of polymeric mats. The air bladder is operable between an inflated condition and a deflated condition.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle floor mat reducing a load on a mat main body. The vehicle floor mat includes at least one fastening device for fastening the mat main body to a vehicle. The fastening device includes a first fastening member fixed to the vehicle and a second fastening member fixed to the mat main body. The first fastening member includes a vertical rotating knob, and the second fastening member includes: an insertion receiving section for the rotating knob to be inserted thereinto and engaged therewith; and upper and lower half bodies sandwiching the mat main body and being connected to each other through a half body connecting portion for the rotating knob to be inserted thereinto and at least one outer connecting portion disposed outside the half body connecting portion provided around the insertion receiving section, thus improving a connecting strength between the upper and lower half bodies.

Abstract: A cup holder assembly includes a housing having a track member, wherein an insert, having first and second sides, is adjustably received on the track member in a vertical manner. The insert is adapted to be positioned within the housing in either an upright or inverted position. The insert thereby provides first and second storage configurations relative to the upright and inverted configuration of the insert within the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods relating to an adaptable boat trailer for safely and gently storing, transporting, launching, and recovering a boat. The boat may be a wooden pleasure boat from 18 to 34 feet in length. The adaptable boat trailer comprises a trailer frame, a cover assembly, a rear suspension assembly having wheels, and a front suspension assembly. The cover assembly may include a fixed cabin and a retractable tarp assembly rearward of the fixed cabin. The front suspension assembly is configured for independently raising and lowering the front end of the adaptable boat trailer to clear a hump on a ramp, for example. The rear suspension assembly is configured for raising and lowering the rear end of the trailer frame to launch or recover the boat and escape a washout. A rescue flange may be included forward of the wheels to assist in rescue.

Abstract: A cargo handling system includes a guide assembly, a lower extendable assembly, and an upper extendable assembly. The cargo handling system can be placed on a cargo bed of a transport vehicle. The cargo handling system allows a vehicle operator easy access to portions of a cargo bed that are difficult to reach, and facilitates unloading of cargo.

Abstract: This invention discloses a vehicle ramp assembly for secure attachment to a tailgate of a vehicle, which may include a vehicle attachment apparatus with one or more tailgate striker bolts configured attach to and detach from a tailgate latch of the vehicle. This may include a single securement bar attached at opposite ends to the first and second tailgate striker bolts, sized and configured such that the first tailgate striker bolt and the second tailgate striker bolt may be simultaneously attached respectively to the first and second tailgate latches of the vehicle. This invention may further include a ramp configured at a first end to rest on a surface and configured at a second end to be secured to the securement bar.

Abstract: A modular shelving assembly for use in a vehicle, including a cargo space at least partially defined by a floor and a side wall of the vehicle, includes at least two interconnected upright assemblies. Each of the upright assemblies includes a first panel, a second panel, and a coupler member unitizing the first and second panels. The modular shelving assembly further includes a rail secured to one of the floor and the side wall to which at least one of the interconnected upright assemblies is anchored.

Abstract: A mounting adapter for use with E-track modular cargo track comprises a face plate and a jaw member. The jaw member comprises a generally cuboid body with two steps in the front face near each end and a bevel in the back face at each end. The steps and bevel cooperate to enable the jaw member to be inserted through the rectangular opening of the E-track into the narrow confines between the web of the E-track and the side or floor of the cargo bed. Once inserted, the steps center the jaw member vertically within the rectangular opening so that the face plate can be attached without the jaw member dropping into the space behind the E-track. The raised portions of the jaws include female threads adapted to receive a threaded fastener for fastening an object to the E-track while simultaneously capturing the E-track between the jaw and the face plate.

Abstract: A saddle-ride vehicle blinker device includes an elastic support member elastically supports the blinker main body at a blinker support part provided on a vehicle body. An electric wire outlet port is disposed at or in a vicinity of the elastic support member. The electric wire is drawn from the electric wire outlet port. A water avoiding part is to cover the electric wire outlet port. A hinge part couples the water avoiding part and the elastic support member both of which are molded integrally with the hinge part. The water avoiding part includes an engagement part which is configured to engage with at least one of a part of the blinker main body, the electric wire, and the blinker support part to maintain the water avoiding part in a position to cover the electric wire outlet port while the hinge part is bent.

Abstract: An auxiliary lighting system using a vehicle's electric plug is disclosed. A signal may be transmitted from the plug to an auxiliary implement attached to a vehicle. The signal may be sent through a wire bundle (wiring harness). The auxiliary lighting system does not require rewiring of the vehicle's wiring harness.

Abstract: A headlamp (1) includes a semiconductor laser (3); a light-emitting element (7) that emits light in response to laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser (3); a heat-conducting member (13) that receives heat generated by the light-emitting element (7) through a light-emitting-element facing surface (13a); and a gap layer (15) that is disposed between the light-emitting element (7) and the light-emitting-element facing surface (13a) and that conducts the heat generated by the light-emitting element (7) to the light-emitting-element facing surface (13a). The gap layer (15) contains at least an inorganic amorphous material.

Abstract: A supplemental vehicle lighting system that is responsive to a trailer backup assist system is provided. The system includes a rear vehicle fixture defining a keylock hole customarily used in conjunction with a corresponding keylock cylinder. A light assembly is provided in the place of a keylock cylinder and operably coupled to the keylock hole. The light assembly includes a housing having a barrel that is concentrically aligned with the keylock hole and includes a distal end and a proximal end. A lighting device is disposed inside the housing and operable to emit light through the barrel beginning from the proximal end. A lens is coupled to the distal end of the barrel and is disposed to at least partially coincide with the keylock hole, wherein the lens is configured to disperse light emitted from the lighting device to illuminate a rear vehicle area.

Abstract: An emergency system for a vehicle integrates many disparate equipment into single housing, including the power supply for the equipment. In one embodiment of the invention, the emergency system is a light bar. The light bar houses a power source comprising solar cell panels, a Lithium-Ion battery pack and a connection to an external supply such as the vehicle's electrical power. Energy for operating the light bar is provided by one or more of the power sources, depending on operating conditions of the light bar and each of the power sources.

Abstract: A vehicle turn signal canceling system with means to recognize that a quantified turn has been made in order to deactivate the signaling condition. The system includes a microcontroller and an inertia sensor which measures the lateral or side force created when the vehicle turns left or right. The automatic function cancels the turn based on the side force as follows: at the time the turn signal is activated, the system records the referenced lateral or side force (the “reference point”); second, when the side force exceeds the reference point, plus a pre-determined side force, the unit accumulates exceedance time; and third, when the exceedance time reaches a pre-determined period of time, the turn signal status is then changed to “cancel” and the signaling condition is deactivated.

Abstract: A method and device for setting at least one parameter of at least one light source, wherein the light source is disposed in a vehicle, wherein the at least one parameter of the at least one light source and at least one parameter of at least one audio source are set by means of activation of a first functional profile, wherein the at least one audio source is disposed in the vehicle.

Abstract: Data may be collected relating to autonomous operation of a vehicle. A first confidence assessment concerning whether the vehicle should operate autonomously may then be generated, and it may be determined whether the first confidence assessment meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold. An alert may be provided via a user interface in the vehicle relating to ending autonomous operation of the vehicle if the first confidence assessment meets or exceeds the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Motor vehicle with at least one control device, a thermal imaging camera and an image processing device, wherein the image processing device is designed to recognize objects on a thermal image from the thermal imaging camera, wherein the image processing device is designed to ascertain at least one object property of at least one recognized object, particularly of a recognized vehicle, by evaluating the thermal distribution in the thermal image in a region that includes the recognized object, wherein the control device is designed to use the object property for operation of a vehicle system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same, including processes for making such elements and assemblies.

Abstract: A vehicular rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflective element and a touch sensor device disposed behind a portion of the reflective element and operable to sense the presence of a person's finger at a touch zone of the reflective element proximate to the touch sensor device. A backlighting device is disposed behind the touch sensor device and is operable to backlight a portion of the touch sensor device. The touch sensor device includes a touch sensor substrate having a conductive trace established at a patterned conductive zone of the touch sensor substrate. When the backlighting device is activated, light emanating from the backlighting device passes through the patterned conductive zone of the touch sensor substrate and illuminates an icon so that the icon is viewable through the reflective element by a driver of the vehicle when the rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted at the vehicle.

Abstract: A side bar made according to this invention includes a rail that forms a channel which receives mounting means such as a clip for securing the rail to a desired mounting point. The clip is moveable along the channel to any vehicle or step mounting point desired. Once in its desired location, the clip helps to secure the rail to the mounting bracket. When the rail is secured to a vehicle frame, the rail hides the vehicle mounting brackets from view and, when fully assembled with a step, hides any step mounting bracket from view. Because the mounting brackets are not visible, and because the step is complementary in shape to the rail, the rail gives the appearance of supporting the step.

Abstract: A retractable vehicle step is attachable to a vehicle or truck. The vehicle step facilitates access to a cargo hold, interior, or roof of the vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle step may provide clearance space relative to a tailgate of the vehicle by displacing a stepping member of the vehicle step in a generally lateral direction. The vehicle step desirably has a covered and protected biasing mechanism for transitioning between retracted and extended positions of the stepping member. Advantageously, the vehicle step may be pulled out from under the vehicle by the foot of a user. Another advantage is that the vehicle step is readily attachable to the vehicle using already existing connection members, thereby generally eliminating or mitigating the need for customized retrofitting and avoiding undesirable installation cost and time. Finally, the vehicle step may be configured into at least two different arrangements for attachment to a vehicle utilizing the same components.

Abstract: A vehicle incorporates a storage area with a dynamic floor section. That dynamic floor section includes a plurality of interconnected panels that slide and fold so as to be displaceable between a home position and a shifted position. Advantageously, the movement of the panels allows better access to objects resting on the dynamic floor section.

Abstract: A vehicle console includes a first console member, a second console member and a snap-fit mechanism that secures the first console member and the second console member together in a self-supporting structure. The console members define a portion of a storage compartment.

Abstract: A device to arrange a high-visibility vest device, enclosing a high visibility vest at least in sections, to the side door of a motor vehicle includes fixing elements provided on the door and the vest device that interact with each other so that the vest device is moveable into and out of operative engagement with the door side fixing element.

Abstract: There is provided a foldable roof rack assembly. The roof rack assembly includes a mounting assembly connectable to a roof of a vehicle. The roof rack assembly includes a foldable arm having a pair of pivotable rigid portions one of which pivotally connects to the mounting assembly. The foldable arm is moveable from a folded position, in which the portions of the arm are folded together laterally along the roof, to an unfolded position in which the portions of the arm extend outward for receiving and at least partially extending around an object.

Abstract: A spoiler for a vehicle, the vehicle having a cabin defining a cabin outer surface and a bed located behind the cabin, the spoiler being usable with an object, the spoiler comprising: a main portion and a utility portion extending from the main portion; the main portion being mountable to the cabin and defining substantially opposed main portion top and bottom surfaces; the utility portion being configured and sized for supporting at least part of the object; the main and utility portions being together configured and sized for deflecting air to reduce turbulence when the spoiler is operatively mounted to the cabin and the vehicle moves forward.

Abstract: A hitch mounted rack system having a lower base unit that includes a hitch beam and a hitch beam vertical support extending from the hitch beam; a cantilevered upper base unit that includes a support beam and a support beam vertical support extending from the support beam, and wherein the support beam vertical support is at least partially received within the hitch beam vertical support; a center-point adjustable sleeve that is adjusted in relation to the hitch beam vertical support and the support beam vertical support; and one or more crossbar assemblies positioned along the support beam.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier apparatus for a vehicle may include guide rails disposed at a lower portion of a bumper back beam while being symmetrical to each other and extendely formed in front and rear directions, a carrier part provided with a panel part and side portions extending from both sides of the panel part to the guide rails to slidably move along the guide rails, a first driving part installed at a front end portion of the carrier part and connected to the guide rails to move the carrier part in the front and rear directions along the guide rails, an expansion support part installed between the side portions of the carrier part to be expandably deployed laterally and support a loaded bicycle, and a second driving part installed at the carrier part to be connected to the expansion support part and expandably deploy the expansion support part.

Abstract: The saddle-ride vehicle includes: a front fork that rotatably supports a front wheel; a steering shaft that is coupled to the front fork and is steerably supported by a vehicle body frame; a steering handlebar holder that includes a lower holder and an upper holder and is provided above the steering shaft, the upper holder being in contact with the lower holder from above and fastened to the lower holder; a portable terminal holder that is fastened to the upper holder or the lower holder and capable of holding a personal digital assistance; and a steering system in which a steering handlebar pipe sandwiched between the lower holder and the upper holder is fixed to the steering handlebar holder.

Abstract: A GPS/sonar display mounting assembly is provided which is mountable to a dashboard console of a vehicle, which may include but is not limited to boat, automobile, aircraft or the like. The mounting structure provides that mounting assembly may be utilized with displays and GPS/sonar equipment of various manufacturers while being adjustable in at least three directions to allow for comfortable use of the display by a user. Further, the mounting assembly provides for retention of the display in a desired position once set by the user despite choppy conditions which typically cause prior art mounting assemblies to slip and move from a preferred position.

Abstract: A camera for mounting on a vehicle includes a front housing member, a rear housing member, a lens member mounted to the front housing member and an imaging element positioned to receive images from the lens member. A circuit board is mounted to the front housing member and is configured to send to another component signals relating to images received by the imaging element. The circuit board has at least one front electrical connector thereon. The rear housing member has at least one rear electrical connector extending therefrom, with the rear electrical connector electrically connected to the front electrical connector. The rear housing member has a rear alignment structure that aligns the rear electrical connector with respect to the front electrical connector. The rear housing member and the front housing member are unaligned and the rear housing member mates with the front housing member.

Abstract: An apparatus is for a vehicle having a vehicle section. The apparatus includes a vehicle cargo liner assembly configured to be received in the vehicle section of the vehicle, and the vehicle cargo liner assembly having oppositely-facing liner side walls. The apparatus also includes a movable liner panel pivotally mountable to the oppositely-facing liner side walls in such a way that the movable liner panel is pivotally movable, at least in part, between a panel-storage position and a panel-deployed position.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a roof structure, a pillar structure extending below the roof structure, and an airbag mounted to and extending along the roof structure. The airbag is deployable from a stowed orientation to a deployed orientation. A trim panel is mounted to and extends along the pillar structure. The trim panel is disposed beneath the airbag when the airbag is in the stowed orientation, and the airbag overlays the trim panel when the airbag is in the deployed orientation. A trim deployment structure is connected to the pillar structure and is configured to pivot a trim panel about a pivot structure after deployment of the airbag to the deployed orientation such that the trim panel engages the deployed airbag to move the deployed airbag in an inboard direction.