Patents Issued in May 4, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170120803
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods may be configured to implement actively-controlled light emission from a robotic vehicle. A light emitter(s) of the robotic vehicle may be configurable to indicate a direction of travel of the robotic vehicle and/or display information (e.g., a greeting, a notice, a message, a graphic, passenger/customer/client content, vehicle livery, customized livery) using one or more colors of emitted light (e.g., orange for a first direction and purple for a second direction), one or more sequences of emitted light (e.g., a moving image/graphic), or positions of light emitter(s) on the robotic vehicle (e.g., symmetrically positioned light emitters). The robotic vehicle may not have a front or a back (e.g., a trunk/a hood) and may be configured to travel bi-directionally, in a first direction or a second direction (e.g., opposite the first direction), with the direction of travel being indicated by one or more of the light emitters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: Zoox Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy David Kentley, Rachad Youssef Gamara
  • Publication number: 20170120804
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods implemented in algorithms, software, firmware, logic, or circuitry may be configured to process data and sensory input to determine whether an object external to an autonomous vehicle (e.g., another vehicle, a pedestrian, a bicyclist, etc.) may be a potential collision threat to the autonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle may include a light emitter positioned external to a surface of the autonomous vehicle and being configured to implement a visual alert by emitting light from the light emitter. Data representing a light pattern may be received by the light emitter and the light emitted by the display may be indicative of the light pattern. The light pattern may be selected to gain the attention of the object (e.g., a pedestrian, a driver of a car, a bicyclists, etc.) in order to avoid the potential collision or to alert the object to the presence of the autonomous vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: Zoox, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy David Kentley, Rachad Youssef Gamara
  • Publication number: 20170120805
    Abstract: A system for mounting a light to a vehicle and methods for making and using same is disclosed herein. The system allows for a mounting assembly to be coupled to a front, a rear, or both the front and the rear of the roof of a vehicle. Lights can be mounting via light mounting brackets at various angles using a plurality of detents. The mounting assembly includes hollowed mounting fasteners for routing a light cable through the mounting fastener thereby requiring fewer holes through the roof of the vehicle to prevent water intrusion into the vehicle. The mounting fastener can be covered by a boot for preventing water intrusion into the vehicle. The mounting assembly advantageously can include a diffuser for reducing noise and vibration levels resulting from the coupling between the mounting assembly and the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: ZRoadz LED, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel S. Marchese
  • Publication number: 20170120806
    Abstract: A hazard alert system includes a vehicle that has a back side and at least one door that is hingedly coupled to the vehicle. The at least one door is positionable in an open position having the at least one door extending outwardly from the vehicle. An alert is coupled to the at least one door. The alert issues a visual alert when the at least one door is in the open position. Thus, oncoming traffic is alerted to avoid the at least one door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Barbara Brady
  • Publication number: 20170120807
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, systems, and computer program products for generating a linear projection of a route. In one embodiment, route information is received and parsed. Supplementary route data is received. A linear route is generated and provided to a user, the linear route comprising a straight line and one or more segments extending form the straight line, where ends of the straight line represent a starting point and destination of the linear route, and the one or more segments represent turns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Rajesh Kalyanaraman, Senthil K. Venkatesan
  • Publication number: 20170120808
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle lighting device intended to improve convenience and safety. A vehicle lighting device includes a light disposed in a vehicle interior, a controller controlling the light, and a detecting unit detecting position or motion of a detecting object by detecting a detection object at a plurality of positions, and the controller controls the light when the position or motion of the detection object is detected by the detecting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Makoto ABE, Satoshi SUZUKI, Kenji KAWAMURA, Shingo TSUJI
  • Publication number: 20170120809
    Abstract: An illumination device includes a housing portion having an opening for inserting an object to be housed, and a bottom face capable of supporting the object to be housed; a light source; and a light-guide plate having a light-emitting face and guiding a light of the light source to emit light from the light-emitting face. The light-guide plate is disposed between the opening of the housing portion and the bottom face, and at least one portion of the light-emitting face of the light-guide plate is arranged to form an acute angle with respect to the bottom face so as to directly irradiate the bottom face from a diagonal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Sachiko KOYAMA, Taeko UENO
  • Publication number: 20170120810
    Abstract: A vehicle interior panel can be constructed to include accent lighting in the form of an electroluminescent element that includes a thin multi-layer film disposed over a substrate. The multi-layer film is sufficiently thin to conform to the shape of the substrate surface over which it is disposed, making it possible to integrate accent lighting with the panel in a manner that gives the impression that the light is produced at the visible outer surface of the panel. The substrate plays a dual role, providing both the overall shape, contour, and structure for the panel while additionally functioning as one of the electrodes of the electroluminescent element. The substrate includes an electrically active material that is integrated into a plastic material either by blending an additive with the plastic material prior to molding the substrate, or by insert molding and embedding electrically conductive material into the plastic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Michael TWORK, Daniel R. VANDER SLUIS
  • Publication number: 20170120811
    Abstract: A storage system for a vehicle cargo area includes at least one floor-mounted storage compartment including an interior photoluminescent material that luminesces in response to a light emitted by an overlying light source. The system further includes at least one cooperating deployable shelf or bin carrying the overlying light source and configured to deploy from the at least one storage compartment. At least one other deployable shelf or bin may be included carrying a light source. The light sources may be disposed behind a front edge of the at least one cooperating deployable shelf or bin and/or the at least one other deployable shelf or bin to emit light above and below the deployable shelfs or bins. A controller is provided to control an intensity and/or a color of light emitted by the light sources according to one or more inputs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Annette Lynn Huebner, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Pietro Buttolo
  • Publication number: 20170120812
    Abstract: An apparatus related to a contactless sound device, such as a horn, which may be configured to output different and/or multiple pitches using a replaceable, or interchangeable, electronic integrated circuit (“IC”) module is disclosed. The electronic IC module may include one or more sequencers electrically connected via one or more relays to at least one signal generator which is electrically connected to an output driver. Each signal generator is configured to generate at least one frequency signal, and optionally multiple frequency signals. The electronic IC module may be physically attached to an IC connection interface located on the exterior of the contactless horn body. The IC connection interface electrically connects the electronic IC module to an electro-magnet that drives the diaphragm of the contactless horn to create the selected preconfigured frequency sound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Patel Sanjiv
  • Publication number: 20170120813
    Abstract: Systems and methods to safely transport passengers are described. The system broadcasts over a network, to at least one forward operating base, (FOB) a request for linkage. The system is located in a vehicle that travels on land and is utilized for bidirectional communication with a first system unit type for detecting the presence of a passenger in the vehicle and a second system unit type for communicating different alert types. The first system unit type includes a first child seat control unit and the second system unit type includes at least one FOB including a first FOB. The system receives and registers the first FOB as being linked and receives an occupant present message from the first child seat. The system identifies a temperature inside the vehicle as exceeding a predetermined threshold and communicates a temperature alert message to the first FOB.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: George Wilson, Dinesh Amin
  • Publication number: 20170120814
    Abstract: Systems and methods implemented in algorithms, software, firmware, logic, or circuitry may be configured to process data to determine whether an object external to an autonomous vehicle is a person (e.g., such as a pedestrian) or other classification (e.g., such as a vehicle), and may be further configured to determine a position of the person relative to the autonomous vehicle. Logic may be configured to direct acoustic energy (e.g., via vehicular acoustic beam-forming) to an object external to the autonomous vehicle as an audible acoustic alert. The vehicle-related acoustic beam may be directed to a driver in another vehicle. Logic may be configured to track the motion of external objects, such as a pedestrian crossing from one side of the street to the other, and may correspondingly steer the direction of the vehicle-related acoustic beam(s) to track the person's movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: Zoox, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy David Kentley, Amanda Blair Lind, Jesse Sol Levinson
  • Publication number: 20170120815
    Abstract: A method and system for correcting misrecognized information of a lane are provided. The method includes extracting lane information of a vehicle information and guard rail information and extracting reference points from each of the lane information and the guard rail information. The reference points are then connected to extract linear lanes and a guard rail and areas and tilts of the lanes and the guard rail are compared to correct the lanes and the guard rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Jong Chul Kim, Jeong Jae Yoo, Sung Min Ji, Hyung Jun Lim, Yon Jun Jang
  • Publication number: 20170120816
    Abstract: Personnel and vehicle collision avoidance devices configured to be used in collision avoidance systems are disclosed. The collision avoidance devices are configured to be aware of the context (e.g. position, location, state, status, etc.) in which the person or vehicle is. This awareness allows the devices to avoid transmitting non-hazardous proximity warnings when the context does not warrant the transmission of proximity warnings, and to transmit special critical proximity warnings when the context warrants the transmission of such proximity warnings. To detect the context, the devices comprise one or more context-awareness mechanisms (e.g. user input interfaces, sensors, infra-red receivers, etc.), each of which being capable of detecting one or more particular contexts. A collision avoidance system comprising these personnel and vehicle collision avoidance devices is also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Serge Croteau, Alexandre BUIST, Alexandre Cervinka
  • Publication number: 20170120817
    Abstract: An imaging system, method, and computer readable medium filling in blind spot regions in images of peripheral areas of a vehicle. Intrinsic or extrinsic blind spot data is used together with vehicle movement data including vehicle speed and steering angle information to determine one or more portions of a series of images of the peripheral areas that include or will include one or more blind spot obstructions in the images. Portions of the images predicted to be obstructed at a future time, portions of overlapping images obtained concurrently from plural sources, or both, are obtained and used as an image patch. A blind spot region restoration unit operates to stitch together a restored image without the blind spot obstruction by merging one or more image patches into portions of the images that include the one or more blind spot obstructions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Andreas U. Kuehnle, Cathy L. Boon, Zheng LI, Hans M. Molin, Márton G. Gyori
  • Publication number: 20170120818
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a parking auxiliary system and a parking method. Wherein the system comprise: a communication module, an image collection module, and an image processing module; The present disclosure achieves real-time image transmission, so that a driver can park according to the transmitted images, without need of image stitching, which is of low cost and easy to implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Yu ZOU, Yong XU, Wenrui LI, Kunsheng CHEN, Dan LI, Wei LIN, Peng LIU
  • Publication number: 20170120819
    Abstract: An information display control system includes: a display controller that makes a display unit of an own vehicle display an image; an own vehicle position acquiring part that acquires position information about the own vehicle; a feature data acquiring part that acquires feature data including position information about a feature; and a difficult-to-visually-recognize feature detector that detects a difficult-to-visually-recognize feature that is a feature existing in a position where the feature is visually recognizable from the own vehicle but in a state of being difficult to recognize visually. The display controller makes the display unit display an image indicating the position of a difficult-to-visually-recognize feature based on the position information about the feature included in the feature data and the position information about the own vehicle acquired by the own vehicle position acquiring part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hidekazu ARITA, Mitsuo SHIMOTANI
  • Publication number: 20170120820
    Abstract: Device and method for providing a vehicle surround view for a vehicle, which is located on a driving plane, comprising vehicle cameras, which provide camera images of a vehicle environment of the vehicle, a location-detection unit, which detects a change in location of at least one vehicle camera relative to the driving plane of the vehicle, and comprising an image data processing unit which projects the camera images provided by the vehicle cameras onto a projection surface to generate the vehicle surround view, which projection surface is adapted according to the detected change in location of the vehicle camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Johannes Petzold, Kilian Wolff, Denis Selensky, Wolfram Haiges
  • Publication number: 20170120821
    Abstract: A detection apparatus includes a camera, a recognizer, and a first detector. The camera is configured to acquire image data around a vehicle. The recognizer is configured to recognize an area indicating a light of a traffic signal from the image data. The first detector is configured to detect that the vehicle runs through the light when a size of the area indicating the light is larger than a first threshold, a distance between the area indicating the light and an end of the image data is shorter than a second threshold, and velocity data of the vehicle is higher than a third threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Haike GUAN
  • Publication number: 20170120822
    Abstract: A device for providing a vehicle environment view for a vehicle includes a plurality of vehicle cameras configured to provide camera images of a vehicle environment of the vehicle, and an image data processing unit configured, based on a detected movement space of at least one vehicle component of the vehicle and/or of the entire vehicle, to adapt a projection surface onto which the camera images provided by the vehicle cameras are projected to generate the vehicle environment view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Johannes Petzold, Kilian Wolff
  • Publication number: 20170120823
    Abstract: A dump truck having a periphery monitoring apparatus is adapted to display an image of surroundings of the dump truck on a display apparatus. A rearward camera is attached to a vehicle body of the dump truck underneath a vessel of the dump truck and positioned forward of a rear edge portion of the vessel. A rearward camera image captured by the rearward camera includes the rear edge portion of the vessel, an area below the vessel, and an area rearward of the vehicle body. A display control section is configured to display the rear edge portion of the vessel in an upper region of the rearward camera image, to display a ground surface below the vessel in a lower region of the rearward camera image, and to display a vehicle body outer edge line obtained by vertically projecting an outer edge of the vessel onto the ground surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Shinji MITSUTA, Shigeru HARADA, Tomikazu TANUKI, Eishin MASUTANI, Yukihiro NAKANISHI, Takeshi KURIHARA, Dai TSUBONE, Masaomi MACHIDA
  • Publication number: 20170120824
    Abstract: A display mirror assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly comprises a display device defining a display surface having a display perimeter elongated along a length. The display device is in communication with a primary PCB. The primary PCB comprises a first side and an opposing second side. The first side is directed toward the display device. The assembly also comprises a heat sink in connection with the second side of the primary PCB and extending substantially coextensive with the length display perimeter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Jason D. Hallack, Danny L. Minikey, JR., Michael F. Lisowski, Richard T. Fish, JR.
  • Publication number: 20170120825
    Abstract: A rear-view mirror assembly comprises a fixed base member, a mirror housing that can be rotated relative to the base member, a shaft, an elastic element for applying a force on the base member and the mirror housing through the shaft, shaft axially retaining means, and safety means for preventing the shaft from being released comprising a first and second stop portions formed in the mirror housing and the shaft respectively and arranged such that in different shaft angular positions the first and the second stop portions do not interfere with one another such that the shaft can be inserted in the shaft housing, or the first and second stop portions interfere with one another preventing the shaft from being released from the shaft housing by the action of the elastic element in case of failure of the shaft retaining means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Jose Mendoza Viciosa
  • Publication number: 20170120826
    Abstract: A rearview device includes a housing that includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side. An electro-optic element is operably coupled with the first side of the housing. A rear trim bezel is disposed on the second side of the housing. A rear trim plate is operably coupled with the second side of the housing. A peripheral gap is defined between the rear trim plate and the second side of the housing. A spacing truss is disposed in the peripheral gap. The spacing truss includes first and second lateral walls extending to the rear trim bezel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Danny L. Minikey, JR., Mark R. Roth, Nigel T. Lock, Michael F. Lisowski
  • Publication number: 20170120827
    Abstract: A mirror reflective element assembly for a vehicle includes an electrically variable reflectance mirror reflective element that includes front and rear substrates with an electrochromic medium disposed therebetween and bounded by a perimeter seal. A perimeter layer is disposed at a second surface of the front substrate proximate a perimeter edge of the front substrate that conceals the perimeter seal from view by a driver of a vehicle. At least a portion of the mirror reflector extends from under the perimeter seal outward towards at least a portion of the perimeter edge of the rear substrate. The mirror reflective element includes a more curved outboard region and a less curved inboard region. A laser-etched demarcation may demarcate the more curved outboard region of the mirror reflective element from the less curved inboard region of the mirror reflective element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Ian A. McCabe, Desaraju V. Varaprasad, Hamid Habibi, Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20170120828
    Abstract: A side mirror assembly of a vehicle is provided herein. The side mirror assembly includes a body portion and a camera mounted to the body portion for capturing images of a rear and a side-vehicle operating environment. The camera includes a horizontal field of view angle defined by a first horizontal extent intersecting a centerline longitudinal axis of the vehicle and a second horizontal extent making an angle with a lateral axis of the vehicle that intersects the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Maher Ghneim, Yasmin Jawad, Jennifer Danielle Shaw
  • Publication number: 20170120829
    Abstract: An electronic mirror apparatus includes: a display unit having a display screen, a mirror disposed over the screen, a drive mechanism for changing an angle of the mirror, and a controller. The controller is electrically coupled with the display unit, the drive mechanism, an illuminance sensor for monitoring illuminance of light incident from a vehicle's rearward direction, and a camera for shooting a rearward view. The controller, when the display unit is OFF and the vehicle is in a dark environment, monitors the illuminance of the light incident from the rearward direction, based on an output of the sensor. The controller, when the illuminance of the light becomes equal to or larger than a threshold value, instructs the drive mechanism to adjust the angle of the mirror to an antiglare angle and instructs the display unit to display an image that is shot by the camera and regulated in luminance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: YUSUKE HASEGAWA, YUJI MATSUMOTO
  • Publication number: 20170120830
    Abstract: A receiver hitch mountable platform that may be configured to a variety of uses, such as a step, carrier, ramp, or other purposes. The platform provides an attachment plate that may receive a plurality of accessories attached thereto via fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Hugo Baeza
  • Publication number: 20170120831
    Abstract: A cargo space cover for vehicles including a roller blind which is fixated with a first edge at a winding shaft and which includes a tension rod at a second edge that is remote from the winding shaft; a winding shaft drive which acts against a pull out movement of the roller blind and which moves the roller blind from a pulled out position into a pulled in position; and a support device which cooperates with the tension rod and by which the roller blind is movable into an intermediary position that releases a vehicle cargo space at least partially, wherein a positioning drive is provided in addition to the winding shaft drive, wherein the positioning drive moves the tension rod which moves the roller blind into at least one intermediary position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Holger Seel
  • Publication number: 20170120832
    Abstract: A compartment housing defines a compartment opening. A pivoting structure is disposed within the compartment housing for pivoting movement about a pivot axis that extends through the compartment housing. The pivoting structure has first, second and third walls that extend away from the pivot axis. Distal edges thereof are spaced apart from one another relative to a circumferential direction about the pivot axis. The pivoting structure pivots between a first orientation and a second orientation. In the first orientation: the first and second walls are exposed thru the compartment opening; the third wall is concealed within the compartment housing; and a storage space between the second and third walls is concealed within the compartment housing. In the second orientation: the second and third walls, and the storage space are exposed thru the compartment opening; and the first wall is concealed within the compartment housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Sandra CANO
  • Publication number: 20170120833
    Abstract: A cargo carrier device supports cargo thereon for movement relative to a truck box between a loading position substantially at ground level rearward of the truck box and a transport position above the vehicle. The device includes a cargo frame defining a planar rack for supporting cargo thereon above a passenger cab of the truck in the transport position. A cargo supporting crossbar can be selectively positioned above the planar rack which is adapted to suspend cargo therefrom. A four bar linkage which pivots through an intermediate over-center position between the loading and transport positions is adapted to support the crossbar i) centrally above the truck box in the transport position and ii) rearward of the truck box and lower in elevation in the loading position for use in hoisting suspended cargo into the truck box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Michael Rudnicki
  • Publication number: 20170120834
    Abstract: A cover and personnel safety barrier for a fire truck hose bed comprises left and right door panels each coupled to the hose bed by at least one rotatable connector and configured to cover openings to the hose bed in the closed position, left and right locking retractable reels coupled to the left and right door panels, respectively, and a cable connecting the left and right locking retractable reels coupled to the left and right door panels to form a safety barrier over the hose bed when the left and right door panels are in the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: John E. MCLOUGHLIN
  • Publication number: 20170120835
    Abstract: An improved a roof system is operably connected to a roof structure of a utility terrain vehicle. The roof system is comprised of a roof body having an elongated front portion, a rear portion, and a front lip portion. The rear portion is generally positioned rearwardly from the roof structure of the UTV and has a compartment configured to store objects. A compartment can also be associated with an underside of the front lip portion. The roof system can be removably connected to the UTV. A lockable door can be operably connected to the rear portion and associated with the compartment. The UTV can further include a railing system with a plurality of rails having T-slots, a container having lower portions with T-slots, and a quick-release clamping assembly. The clamping assembly secures the container to at least one of the plurality of rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: MARK E. DEJONG, WALTER W. OLIVER
  • Publication number: 20170120836
    Abstract: Generally described, aspects of the disclosed subject matter are directed to systems and method of attaching a roof rack to a vehicle having a removable hard top and a space frame. In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the roof rack generally includes an elongate rail, an upper mounting pad, a lower mounting pad, and fasteners which couple the elongate rail to the vehicle. During assembly of the roof rack components, a main fastener is captured by the geometry of the components. The main fastener is used to couple the roof rack assembly to a bracket mounted to the space frame of the vehicle. In this regard, various loads acting on the roof rack are generally transferred to the space frame as opposed to the vehicle hardtop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: TERAFLEX, INC.
    Inventor: Bryce A. Calvin
  • Publication number: 20170120837
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a cargo area at least partially defined by a first sidewall, a second sidewall disposed opposite the first sidewall and a floor cooperating with and extending between the first and second sidewalls. At least one tie down member is disposed on at least one of the first and second sidewalls. An auxiliary storage unit having a housing and a mounting bracket extending from the housing is removably secured to the at least one tie down member. The auxiliary storage unit is adjustable about the mounting bracket between at least a first position and a second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Cheryl A. Garrison, Nicole T. Bickley, Michael J. Briskey
  • Publication number: 20170120838
    Abstract: A universal accessory mount having bracket mounting portions and spacing segments that are configurable together to match the shape or curve of the vehicle exterior or other aftermarket vehicle accessory. Right-side and left-side and U-shaped brackets are each attachable to the bracket mounting portions to accommodate vehicle accessories of varying dimensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Jared A. Hare
  • Publication number: 20170120839
    Abstract: An accessory assembly operatively connected to vehicle seat includes a housing having a front surface and an opposing rear surface. A screen is disposed on the rear surface of the housing. A hanger cooperates with and is removably connected to the housing. The hanger includes a central portion having a cavity at least partially formed therein and first and second shoulder portions extending from opposing ends of the central portion. An insert is removably connected to the cavity in the central portion of the hanger and defines a channel configured to receive and releasably engage an object therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Victor Harris
  • Publication number: 20170120840
    Abstract: An accessory assembly includes a support structure configured to attach to a seat of a vehicle. The accessory assembly also includes an electronic device supported by the support structure. The electronic device includes a screen. The accessory assembly further includes a hanger coupled to the support structure and spaced from the screen such that the hanger does not obstruct the screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Victor Harris
  • Publication number: 20170120841
    Abstract: A rear view camera system includes a vehicle that has an ignition. The vehicle has a first lateral side, a second lateral side and a back side. A pair of cameras is provided and each of the cameras is coupled to the vehicle. Each of the cameras is positioned on an associated one of the first lateral side and the second lateral side. Each of the cameras is oriented to face the back side. Thus, each of the cameras may monitor an associated one of a pair of blind spots with respect to the vehicle. A monitor is positioned within the vehicle and the monitor may be observed while the vehicle is being driven. The monitor is in communication with each of the cameras. Thus, the monitor may display each of the pair of blind spots thereby enhancing safe operation of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Terry Knoblock
  • Publication number: 20170120842
    Abstract: An imaging system includes: a light source; a first circular polarization filter that converts light from the light source into first circularly polarized light; a light emission unit that emits the first circularly polarized light converted by the first circular polarization filter into an external space; a second circular polarization filter that transmits second circularly polarized light of light from the external space, the second circularly polarized light rotating in a direction opposite to a rotation direction of the first circularly polarized light; and an imaging unit that captures an image by using the light transmitted through the second circular polarization filter of the light from the external space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Tsubasa TANAKA, Haruhiko KONDO, Natsumi ITO
  • Publication number: 20170120843
    Abstract: A replacement locator tab is provided for a headliner. That replacement locator tab includes a locator portion and a headliner mounting portion. An adhesive film is provided on a face of the headliner mounting portion. A removable protective film overlies the adhesive film. A headliner incorporating the locator tab is also disclosed as is a method of repairing a headliner in a motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Marc David Nedelman
  • Publication number: 20170120844
    Abstract: A side door trim for a vehicle includes an armrest and a wall component. The armrest includes a top wall for supporting an arm of an occupant of the vehicle. The wall component is for forming a portion of a sidewall of a vehicle compartment. The wall component includes a lower wall portion located below the armrest and a supporting portion for supporting the top wall of the armrest from below. The supporting portion extends from an upper end of the lower wall portion of the wall component adjacent to a lower end of the armrest toward a lower surface of the top wall of the armrest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shin INAMI, Shigeo ICHITSUKA, Koya YABUTA, Sunao KINOSHITA, Tsuyoshi YAMAGUCHI, Takanori ISAKA
  • Publication number: 20170120845
    Abstract: A disposable steering wheel cover for protecting the driver from transfer of germs, viruses and/or bacteria on a steering wheel while also allowing the driver to safely operate the vehicle without risk of slipping of the cover, having an annular member of a water-impermeable, light weight and disposable material with at least one elastic element running along at least a portion of an edge of the annular member for securing the cover in place around the rim of the steering wheel, and one or more gripping elements on the inner surface of the member for providing a non-slip grip on the wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Ann D. Coley
  • Publication number: 20170120846
    Abstract: Various aspects of a system and method to facilitate communication via an electronic interface of a vehicle are disclosed herein. In accordance with an embodiment, the method includes receipt of information from a first electronic device by an electronic control unit (ECU) via the electronic interface of the vehicle. The information is received by use of a first communication protocol. The first electronic device is in a first proximity range of the electronic interface of the vehicle. One or more correspondent actions is performed by the ECU based on the received information and a preference of a user associated with the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: MANISH GUPTA, SAMIRAN SARKAR, PRAMOD CHINTALAPOODI, SHO TANAKA
  • Publication number: 20170120847
    Abstract: A vehicle illumination apparatus includes: a start switch that is provided in a vehicle interior, is operated by a vehicle user, and is used to start a vehicle system; a plurality of light sources arranged on a curved line that extends in a direction or in a plurality of directions from the start switch as an origin; and a control unit that turns on, when receiving a first signal indicating that the start switch is operated from an OFF state to an ON state, the plurality of light sources from the operated start switch as an origin, in the order of a light source close to the origin to a light source far from the origin of the plurality of light sources along the curved line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Katsuyasu YAMANE, Taichi SOGO, Norio TERUI, Yuji TSUCHIYA, Yasuhiro KONISHI, Junichi YAMAGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20170120848
    Abstract: A cowl trim assembly is provided. That cowl trim assembly includes a panel and a sliding cover carried on the panel. More specifically, the panel includes a slide track and the sliding cover includes a follower for engaging the slide track. A finger hold is provided in a face of the sliding cover to provide a point of engagement for opening the sliding cover from the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Luis Alberto Duran Hernandez, Ramiro Chable Hernandez, Hallin Sinai Hernandez Moreno
  • Publication number: 20170120849
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to electrical systems in general and embodiments of the teachings may include stabilization circuits for a vehicle electrical system comprising: a first connection for a first electrical system branch; a second connection for a pole of a first energy store of the first electrical system branch; a third connection for a second electrical system branch; a fourth connection for a third electrical system branch; a grounding connection for connection of the stabilization circuit to ground; a second energy store; a third energy store; a serial disconnection switch element between the second connection and the grounding connection; and a decoupling switch element connecting the first connection to the fourth connection. The second energy store is connected between the grounding connection and the third connection. The third connection is connected via the third energy store and a first converter to the fourth connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Dirk Reichow
  • Publication number: 20170120850
    Abstract: A vehicle front portion structure includes: a suspension member, first and second crash boxes, a front cross member and braces. The braces extends obliquely outward in a vehicle width direction and toward a vehicle rearward direction, with front end portions of the braces being fastened to the front cross member and rear end portions of the braces being fastened to arm portions. The braces are equipped with radiator support portions that support a radiator provided at a vehicle front side of a power unit, and with easily deformed portions which, when a crash load has been input, become deformation origins that enable the braces to deform in such a way that the rear end portions move closer to the front cross member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Chitoshi SUGANO, Tatsuya KOMAMURA
  • Publication number: 20170120851
    Abstract: A method for the operation of a safety system of a motor vehicle in the event of a collision with a collision object, the acceleration of the motor vehicle being recorded by a plurality of collision sensors of the motor vehicle in various sensor data describing directions within the horizontal plane and being evaluated with regard to the triggering and/or an adaptation of an operating parameter as actions of restraint systems for occupants of the motor vehicle, wherein, of the sensor data, two motion values are determined which describe the motion of at least one occupant, especially all occupants, of the motor vehicle along at least one longitudinal direction and at least one transverse direction of the motor vehicle and which span a two-dimensional decision space, the ranges of action assigned to the actions being defined in the decision space and an action being carried out if the point in the decision space described by the motion values is within the range of action assigned to the action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Raul GARCIA GOMEZ, Markus GEISS
  • Publication number: 20170120852
    Abstract: The present invention provides a steering wheel. Among respective hooks of a module, the hooks being adapted to engage with wires which are disposed in respective opening portions of a steering wheel main body, an adjustment rib which is provided so as to be protrusive to an outer circumferential face of one side hook comes into contact with an inside face of one side opening portion, and restrains a position of such one side hook in such one side opening portion. An adjustment pin which is protrusively provided at a position different from that of the adjustment rib on the outer circumferential face of such one side hook elastically comes into contact with the inside face of such one side opening portion by the adjustment rib coming into contact with the inside face of such one side opening portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Hideaki SAITO, Tsuyoshi WATANABE, Mamoru TAKAGI, Takashi MITOBE, Yohei KIUCHI