Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for securing items with respect to a fixed location using an elongate cord-member include a mounting assembly, a first cylindrical coil having a first radius from a central axis, a second cylindrical coil having a second radius from the central axis and oriented coaxially at least partially around the first cylindrical coil, and the first and second cylindrical coils are each coupled to a surface of the mounting assembly.

Abstract: An improved system for anchoring objects to a flatbed area of a vehicle is provided. The system includes a deck surface comprised of plurality of elongated guide rails and a plurality of slotted rails disposed on the flatbed area. The guide rails and the slotted rails can be interchangeable. The system can include a storage receptacle having opposing sidewalls. At least one of the opposing sidewalls has a channel. A clamp assembly can include a first locking member and a second locking member configured to anchor the storage receptacle to the deck surface. The first locking member can be disposed within the slot of the slotted rails and the second locking member can be disposed within the channel of the one of the opposing sidewalls of the storage receptacle. The clamp assembly can be selectively orientable.

Abstract: A light assembly includes a housing defining separate first and second cavities, an illuminable outer lens constructed from a homogenous multi-polymer material, and a first lighting source within the first cavity. A second lighting source may be positioned in the second cavity. An opaque portion of the housing separates the first and second cavities and prevents an influx into the second cavity of light emitted by the first lighting source. The multi-polymer material, when irradiated by the first lighting source, illuminates with a light transmittance level of about 50% or more and a haze level of less than about 30%. A vehicle includes a body having a front end, a hood positioned at the front end, and the light assembly positioned adjacent to the hood. A controller may transmit a lighting control signal to the first lighting source to command a turn signal, daytime running light, park, or position function.

Abstract: A signaling and/or lighting device for a motor vehicle, notably a stop light for a rear window of a motor vehicle, including a printed circuit received by a support. The printed circuit includes at least one light source an emitting face of which is oriented toward an optical lens of the device, the emitting face being generally perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens. The printed circuit support makes it possible to receive the latter at a plurality of predetermined distances relative to the optical lens, thereby assuring the focusing of the light emitted by different types of light sources that can be used in the device.

Abstract: A trailer signal converter includes a plurality of inputs, including a first towing vehicle turn light signal, a second towing vehicle turn light signal, and a trailer brake signal. The trailer brake signal is a pulse-width modulated signal. The trailer signal converter selectively drives the turn and stop light signals on the trailer based on the input signals. In a three-wire system, the signal converter is configured to receive a brake signal input and a brake light input and selectively drive the trailer stop light signals.

Abstract: A control unit for a vehicle is set up to receive environment data from one or more ambient sensors of the vehicle. The control unit is additionally set up to take the environment data as a basis for detecting at least one road user in an environment of the vehicle, and to take the environment data and a driving strategy as a basis for determining whether there is a need for communication between road user and vehicle and what content needs to be communicated in what way. The control unit is set up, when it has been determined that there is a need for communication between road user and vehicle, to prompt one or more acoustic communication devices of the vehicle to generate an acoustic output in order to communicate with the road user.

Abstract: A child safety seat and temperature warning system includes a child restraint including a seat and a backrest that is attached to and extends upwardly from the seat. A processor is mounted in the child restraint. A weight sensor is mounted within the seat and detects when a weight is positioned on the seat. A heat sensor is mounted in the child restraint and detects an ambient temperature adjacent to the child restraint. The weight sensor and the heat sensor are electrically coupled to the processor. A vehicle includes an alarm system that is in communication with the processor. The vehicle alarm system is turned on when the vehicle alarm system receives a warning signal. The warning signal is sent by the heat sensor to the processor when the weight sensor detects a weight and the heat sensor detects an unsuitable temperature which is greater than an upper threshold temperature.

Abstract: This child safety device, Love Steps, could be produced easily using conventional and readily available materials and manufacturing processes. No new technology would be required. The housing for the car seat buckle skirt and the key fob could be molded polycarbonate, polypropylene, or any rigid plastic.

Abstract: A method for maintaining vehicle speeds and distances between vehicles travelling in a convoy along a convoy route. The method includes determining locations and speeds of the vehicles; transmitting the locations and speeds of the vehicles by radio transmission to any of the other vehicles of the convoy within radio communication range; providing an automated speed alert to a driver of an individual vehicle of the vehicles if the speed of the individual vehicle violates a speed limit for a segment of the convoy route; and providing an automated distance alert to the driver of the individual vehicle if the individual vehicle violates a distance limit for a segment of the convoy route with respect to leading and/or trailing vehicles of the fleet of vehicles.

Abstract: A system for evaluating performance of a vehicle window defrosting apparatus includes at least one computing device having at least a processor and a memory, and one or more imagers configured for obtaining images of one or more windows of a vehicle. The processor is configured to execute instructions for analyzing the images to determine a defrosted portion of the one or more windows at predetermined time intervals, including controlling illumination to optimize the system's ability to distinguish cleared window areas. A graphical user interface is configured for displaying and/or manipulating at least one of the one or more images, digital data of the one or more images, and a predetermined template for determining the defrosted portion of the one or more windows. The system includes instructions for aligning the one or more images with the predetermined template, including processing the images to correct for window taper, curvature, and size.

Abstract: Disclosed are a driver assistance apparatus and a control method for the same. The driver assistance apparatus includes at least one camera configured to generate a main image by capturing an image of a periphery of a vehicle, a communication unit configured to receive a plurality of sub images generated by at least one other vehicle, and a processor configured to: select at least one of the sub images based on a predetermined condition or user input; and to generate an expanded image using the main image and the selected sub image.

Abstract: A dispenser for, e.g., hand sanitizer or perfume mounted within a rear view mirror of a vehicle. The dispenser has a manual or automated mechanism that expels a small amount of hand sanitizer at a time, preferably when a person places his or her hand under the mirror. The dispenser includes a replaceable reservoir, dispensing mechanism, power source and control circuitry within a cavity in the mirror. A front mirror panel may be hinged to enable access to the operational components.

Abstract: Support devices and their components are disclosed, including an optional lighting element mountable on the support device for emitting light. The support device facilitates access to a vehicle and includes an elongate extruded support member, brackets for mounting the elongate extruded support member to a vehicle, and a step affixed to the elongate extruded support member. A mount can be provided and coupled to the lighting element and to the step to secure the lighting element to the step when the lighting element is incorporated.

Abstract: Rack systems are disclosed for coupling accessories to crossbars on top of a vehicle. A coupling device may include a flexible strap member adjustably anchored at one end of a body. The strap member may be connected to the other end of the body and tightened. A mounting assembly may be provided on the top side of the body for connection to a cargo-specific carrier or accessory. A coupling device may also include a flexible fitting member configured to grip a round or rectangular crossbar. A cap member may be configured to be mounted on the fitting member and have one or more ramp surfaces which form a sliding interface with a corresponding surface on the fitting member, thereby providing a closing or tightening effect on the fitting member with respect to the crossbar. Other coupling devices are configured to grip or clamp a t-slot in the crossbar.

Abstract: A fastening assembly is provided for a roof add-on part of a motor vehicle, which has a roof skin element, an outer roof side frame, and a roof-add-on-part fastening element, which has a thread for detachably fastening the roof add-on part. The roof-add-on-part fastening element is fastened to a support plate. The support plate is arranged on a flange of the outer roof side frame and is fixed by a blind rivet only to the flange of the outer roof side frame, in such a way that the support plate and the flange of the outer roof side frame are jammed, in particular against each other.

Abstract: A slotted crossbar may include an upper slot and a lower slot running continuously across the entire length of the crossbar. Internal channels associated with the upper and lower slots may be structurally independent, such that a floor of the upper channel is spaced from a ceiling of the lower channel. An illustrative slotted crossbar may be manufactured using an aluminum extrusion process.

Abstract: A crossbar assembly for a roof rack configured to be selectively attached to a vehicle, the crossbar assembly is shown and described. The crossbar includes a body having a length and cross-sectional profile with a generally aerofoil shape. The cross-sectional profile may include a base portion attached to a nose portion. The nose portion may include a leading edge having a rounded profile. A first plane surface may extend rearwardly from the leading edge at an upward angle and terminate at a first shoulder. A second plane surface may extend rearwardly from the leading edge at a downward angle and terminate at a second shoulder. The crossbar may be configured to be mounted to an associated vehicle and reduce wind noise across the nose portion and base portion of the body.

Abstract: A crossbar clamp actuator of a crossbar-to-vehicle coupler may include a horizontally traveling wedge block having a ramped, downward-facing first slide surface, and a wedge follower having a second slide surface in frictional contact with the first slide surface of the traveling wedge block. Substantially horizontal repositioning of the traveling wedge block may cause the ramped first slide surface to urge the wedge follower downward, thereby actuating a crossbar clamp.

Abstract: A selectable pitch crossbar-to-vehicle coupler may include a crossbar clamp having a first mating surface that is selectively receivable on a second mating surface of the coupler in a plurality of discrete orientations. Each of the discrete orientations may correspond to a respective angle of the crossbar relative to the coupler. The angle may be a pitch angle.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for connecting a rooftop cargo carrying system to a vehicle may include a coupler body including a crossbar clamp configured to be coupled to a crossbar. The crossbar may have a long axis oriented transverse to a direction of vehicle travel. The coupling assembly may include a base portion configured to abut a roof of the vehicle and a clip retention and adjustment assembly. The clip retention and adjustment assembly may include (a) a carriage pivotally mounted to the coupler body and configured to rotate around a rotation axis oriented parallel to the direction of vehicle travel, the carriage having a slot for receiving a clip along a translation axis perpendicular to the rotation axis, (b) a catch configured to releasably engage an aperture in the clip, (c) a first actuator configured to rotate the carriage around the rotation axis, and (d) a second actuator configured to move the catch and the clip relative to the coupler body along the translation axis.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for connecting a rooftop cargo carrying system to a vehicle may include a coupler body. The coupler body may include a crossbar clamp configured to be coupled to a crossbar, the crossbar oriented transverse to a direction of vehicle travel. The coupling assembly may include a base connected to the coupler body configured to sit on a flush rail of a vehicle roof. The flush rail may be oriented generally parallel to the direction of vehicle travel. The coupling assembly may include a clip retention and adjustment mechanism connected to the coupler body with the clip retention and adjustment mechanism having an adjustment member. The clip retention and adjustment mechanism may be configured to interchangeably receive an inner clip and interchangeably receive an outer clip.

Abstract: A rack for carrying cargo on top of a vehicle that may include a crossbar and a pair of coupler assemblies for connecting opposing ends of the crossbar to raised rails on top of the vehicle. Each coupler assembly may include a body, a securing assembly to secure the body to the raised roof rail, and a crossbar clamp, where the securing assembly and the crossbar clamp are independently adjustable.

Abstract: A crossbar-to-vehicle coupler may include an intra-coupler toe adjustment mechanism. The toe adjustment mechanism may include a pair of structural frames connected at a pivot joint. In some examples, the frames may be secured by a securement mechanism and/or limited in rotation by a mechanical stop. In some examples, an outer housing of the coupler may be fixed to only one of the two frames. A detent mechanism may be provided, including the outer housing and one of the two frames.

Abstract: A crossbar-to-vehicle coupler may include one or more locking pins operatively connected to a pivoting cover, such that moving the cover from an open to a closed position causes the locking pins to engage corresponding recesses in a base portion fixed to a vehicle rooftop. The coupler may include a selectable pitch interface for adjusting the pitch angle of the crossbar with respect to the coupler and/or a vehicle on which the coupler is mounted. An actuator of the coupler may convert motion of a tightening screw oriented parallel to the crossbar axis into a clamp tightening force oriented orthogonal to the crossbar axis. The tightening screw may be inaccessible when the cover of the coupler is in the closed position.

Abstract: A carrying system for a SUV hardtop, which includes a carrier that allows the hardtop and doors to be detached from the vehicle but still kept with the vehicle while removed. The carrying system allows for easy attachment and securing of the hardtop and doors to the carrier. In some exemplary embodiments, the carrier attaches to the hitch and to the rear-mounted spare tire carrier of the SUV. In other exemplary embodiments, the carrier attaches to the vehicle only at the hitch. Conveying the doors and hardtop with the SUV allows the SUV, at any time and in any place, to be converted quickly between convertible and non-convertible modes, depending on weather conditions and other factors.

Abstract: A selectively openable and closable, outdoor storage bag includes a body portion made of a flexible, waterproof, plastic coated fabric bag material, the bag material comprising a plurality of waterproof welded seams that define a predetermined shape of the body portion and an opening, the body portion defining an interior space within the body portion; a closure mechanism joined to the body portion by a welded seam proximate a periphery of the opening, the closure mechanism configured to selectively open and close the opening and provide a seal that is at least water-resistant when the opening is closed; a flap of the plastic coated fabric bag material that extends from the body portion and covers the closure mechanism; and a plurality of anchor points attached to an exterior surface of the body portion, wherein the body portion of the bag is waterproof and the seal is at least water-resistant.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting cellular telephones and similar portable devices to vehicle mounts is provided in which the portable devices may be manipulated to different angular orientations relative to the vehicle without altering the connection of the vehicle mount thereto, and wherein the support is easily laterally adjustable to accommodate portable devices of different size.

Abstract: A support is provided for attachment to an internal rear-view mirror made from plastic material or lightweight metal for a portable device having a telephone or GPS display screen or for generally electronic, electrical or other devices. The support includes a hooking member shaped to engage with another part of the rear-view mirror, the upper edge thereof, via two hooks, located to either side of a ball pin attaching the rear-view mirror to the windscreen. The hooking member is formed in part from a plurality of links articulated by hinges, in the manner of a metal watch strap. The hooking member is started by a hook-shaped link that secures to the upper edge of the rear-view mirror, followed by a series of links, varying in number, so as to match and constrain the shape of the rear-view mirror, and is finished by two leg feet that form a slide.

Abstract: A motor vehicle tailgate assembly is provided. That tailgate assembly includes a tailgate body and a magnetic element inside the tailgate body forming a magnetic parts holder on an outer surface of the tailgate body.

Abstract: A storage rack provides convenient and secure storage of vehicle roof panels or “T-tops”. The storage rack can be used both in a rear compartment of the vehicle during travel or outside the vehicle such as in a garage. The storage rack has two sets of arms to store the T-tops at an angle in the rear compartment of the vehicle to give the driver full visibility out the rear window. The storage rack arms can be put into a flat stow position to reduce the space taken by the storage rack when not being used for storage of the T-tops. The storage rack may be secured to the vehicle to prevent movement during operation of the vehicle. A hook may be incorporated into the storage rack to secure a hatch or glove box lid in the open position.

Abstract: A pickup truck toolbox can be mounted to the bed side rails by a variety of interchangeable feet rather than arms and may sit above the bed, thus allowing use of the full volume of the bed, for example for 4?×8? sheets of building material. It may have a rear view tunnel through it either top or bottom, whereby the driver may use normally the rear view mirror, and may have a Liddy light valley across the top, whereby the brake light will remain visible. A bed light or rear view camera may be employed as well. A fairing may be employed to improve fuel efficiency.

Abstract: A multi-part fastener cover comprises an attachment insert having a plate that is over-moldable into a component, with an axially extending annular attachment ring and a retainer ledge extending from a side thereof, that extends about a through-bore for receiving a fastener. A closure comprises an outwardly facing surface having a retainer that extends from an inner surface opposite the outwardly facing surface, wherein the retainer is configured to engage the retainer ledge extending from the side of the axially extending annular attachment ring of the plate to thereby move with the component.

Abstract: The present invention, in one or more embodiments, provides a cover assembly to detachably contact an interior trim. The cover assembly includes a cover, having along a longitudinal direction, head and tail portions and a middle portion positioned there-between. The middle portion has, along the longitudinal direction, first and second middle portions and a bridge portion positioned there-between. The first middle portion has an elevation along a transverse direction over the second middle portion via the bridge portion, where the cover is to disengage the interior trim when a pre-determined force is exerted onto the bridge portion in an exertion direction from the second middle portion toward the first middle portion.

Abstract: A wire harness includes a wire portion formed by arranging three wires in the same direction, the respective wires having conductors and insulators coating outer circumferences of the conductors, and a braided wire. The three wires of the wire portion and the braided wire are disposed such that the braided wire is interposed between two wires of the wire portion adjacent to each other along a circumferential direction around a central axial line of the wire portion on a cross section of the wire harness when viewed from an axial direction along the central axial line, on a side of the central axial line from outer circumferential-side tangents connecting the conductors of the two wires.

Abstract: A wire harness includes a wire portion having three wires arranged in the same direction, connectors connected to both end portions of the wire portion, a middle portion installed in an intermediate position of the wire portion between the connectors, a wire-side surge reducing section provided in the wire portion, a connector-side surge reducing section provided in each of the connectors, and a middle portion-side surge reducing section provided in the middle portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for impact detection in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, a vehicle impact detection system includes an acceleration sensor, a storage device storing an impact detection application, and a processor, where the impact detection application directs the processor to receive acceleration information using the acceleration sensor, filter the acceleration information to attenuate noise, determine an occurrence of an impact by detecting an acceleration from the acceleration information that exceeds a threshold for a time period, detect an angle of the impact with respect to a forward direction using the acceleration information, and trigger an impact detector signal.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to characterizing vehicle mass. As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments, one or more operating parameters of the vehicle are obtained, and at least one qualifying period of time is identified in which the operating parameter or parameters are within a range of values associated with the parameter. A value that provides an estimate of the mass is then generated based on the one or more operating parameters.

Abstract: A sensor system is disclosed for detecting positions of two at least partially ferritic components that can move relative to one another, namely a stationary component and a component that can move lengthwise along a longitudinal extension of the stationary component, which are mounted right next to one another. The sensor system can include a Hall sensor and a preloaded magnet, eliminating flux concentrators and shielding sheets. The Hall sensor and the preloaded magnet are arranged along a longitudinal extension of the movable component such that relative movement of the two components is detected by monitoring a free longitudinal end of the stationary component.

Abstract: An ECU includes a boosting circuit that boosts an input power supply voltage, a backup capacitor that charges a backup power supply in accordance with a boosted voltage boosted by the boosting circuit, an airbag ignition circuit that drives an airbag with the backup power supply charged by the backup capacitor as a driving power supply, and a bidirectional current limiting unit that limits a charging current flowing from the boosting circuit to the backup capacitor and limits a backflow current flowing from the backup capacitor to the boosting circuit.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and vehicles are provided for controlling an angle of a wheel assembly for vehicle events. In accordance with one embodiment, the vehicle includes a wheel assembly, a structural member, a detection unit, an actuator, and a processor. The detection unit is configured to detect an event for a vehicle that has a wheel assembly. The processor is coupled to the detection unit, and is configured to utilize an actuator to adjust an angle of the wheel assembly in a manner that guides energy absorption or transference from the event toward the structural member.

Abstract: A driver assistance apparatus for a vehicle includes an object detection sensor that acquires data in a driving direction of the vehicle or around the vehicle. The driver assistance apparatus also includes a processor that detects, based on the acquired data, an object and determines, based on the acquired data, at least one attribute of the detected object. The processor detects that the vehicle has collided with the object and determines, based on detecting that the object has collided with the vehicle and based on the at least one attribute of the object, whether to perform a hood lift-up or pedestrian protection airbag deployment. The processor further provides a control signal for the hood lift-up or the pedestrian protection airbag deployment based on determining whether to perform the hood lift-up or the pedestrian protection airbag deployment.

Abstract: A curtain airbag device of the present invention includes an airbag body including a bend-facilitating portion which is formed of a non-inflating portion of the airbag body in at least one chamber disposed at a lower end portion of the airbag body and which facilitates bending of the airbag body during inflation and deployment of the airbag body. In the curtain airbag device, the chamber including the bend-facilitating portion includes a passage for distributing the gas such that the gas comes around the bend-facilitating portion in one direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator including, inside a housing, an ignition device chamber accommodating a transfer charge and an igniter in which an igniter main body is surrounded by an igniter collar, the ignition device chamber being formed such that an inner circumferential wall surface on an opening side of an ignition device chamber cup, which is charged with the transfer charge, is press-fitted to and in close contact with an outer circumferential wall surface of the igniter collar of the igniter, the ratio (Vh2/Vh1) of an average Vickers hardness (Vh1) of the igniter collar, which is measured by a method described in Examples, and an average Vickers hardness (Vh2) of the ignition device chamber cup, which is measured by a method described in Examples, being within a range of 0.25 to 0.65.

Abstract: A vehicle safety belt webbing and tongue/latch plate stowage assembly includes a safety belt webbing retractor disposed in a compartment and a pocket disposed adjacent to the compartment and configured for receiving the safety belt tongue/latch plate therein. The pocket is defined by at least a divider and a door configured for translation between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The closed configuration defines a gap between the wall and the door sufficient for passage therethrough of a safety belt webbing. A damper controls the rate of translation of the door between the open configuration and the closed configuration, providing a soft touch opening/closing feature. The door may be configured for pivoting between the open and closed configurations, or for sliding between the open and closed configurations.

Abstract: A destination request may specify a destination location for an autonomous vehicle identified by a vehicle identifier. The request may be for uniqueness of a timestamp of the destination request. An encrypted payload of the request may be decrypted to identify the destination location using a long key associated with the vehicle identifier and indexed to a key offset determined using the timestamp. A driving command may be sent to the autonomous vehicle specifying the destination location.

Abstract: A system controls use of a mobile device in a vehicle where the mobile device includes, a hands-on user interface and a wireless communication interface. The system includes a docking station that couples to the mobile device using a hardwired connection, and a controller that couples to the docking station and a vehicle-start system. The hands-on interface is inaccessible with the mobile device received in the docking station. The system allows operation of the vehicle with the mobile device coupled to the docking station via the hardwired connection and prevents a vehicle start when the mobile device is not coupled to the docking station. The wireless communication interface is operational with the mobile device coupled to the docking station via the hardwired connection, and the controller permits, once the vehicle is started, a continued operation of the vehicle following removal of the mobile device from the docking station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device for a windscreen wiping device, comprising an electric drive motor and a transmission for driving an output shaft shaft, said output shaft supporting the first wiper arm and drives a transmission rod assembly which actuates a second wiper arm.

Abstract: A windscreen wiper device is provided including a longitudinally extending wiper strip of a flexible material. At least one carrier of a spring-like material operatively supports and biases the wiper strip into a predetermined configuration. The windscreen wiper device further includes a connecting device for connection with a wiper arm. The flexible material is formed of flexible material, such as rubber, with a friction reducing agent consisting of at least one amide distributed homogeneously throughout the flexible material. Upon vulcanization, a portion of the friction reducing agent migrates to an outer surface of the flexible material to form a friction reducing film having hydrophobic properties. The friction reducing film provides a low friction interface between the flexible material and a windshield under wet and dry conditions. The low friction minimizes the load on the wiper device and thus extends the life of the wiper device.

Abstract: A windshield wiper blade is provided, which includes a long elastic member extended longitudinally, a wiping lever member, a spoiler supported longitudinally by the elastic member, and having a deflection portion, on the upper side of the elastic member, which bends due to the wind pressure received when a vehicle is traveling, and a base portion, on the lower side of the elastic member, for fixing the wiping lever member, and an outer plug coupled to the longitudinal end of the spoiler. A part of the outer plug is attached to the deflection portion by being inserted longitudinally thereinto, and another part of the outer plug is attached to the base portion by being hooked to the longitudinal side thereof.

Abstract: A position determination unit determines whether a position of the vehicle is in proximity to a carwash. A shift determination unit determines a shift position of a transmission device of the vehicle. A brake determination unit determines activation of a brake device of the vehicle. A control unit determines that a condition to implement a carwash preparation is satisfied when the position determination unit determines that the position of the vehicle is in proximity to the carwash, when the shift determination unit determines that the shift position is in a neutral position, and when the brake determination unit determines that the brake device is deactivated.