Abstract: The window-hanging vehicle-locating device is configured for use with a vehicle. The window-hanging vehicle-locating device is removably attached to a window of the vehicle. The window-hanging vehicle-locating device is an optical signaling device that is attached to the vehicle for the purpose of visually locating the position of the vehicle. The window-hanging vehicle-locating device is remotely controlled in a manner that allows for the identification of a specific vehicle within parking lot. The window-hanging vehicle-locating device comprises a clip, a telescopic pole, a flag, a lamp, a remote interface circuit, and a user control. The flag and the lamp attach to the telescopic pole. The telescopic pole and the remote interface circuit attach to the clip. The clip attaches the window-hanging vehicle-locating device to the superior edge of the window. The user control remotely controls the operation of the window-hanging vehicle-locating device.

Abstract: A vehicle notification system is disclosed. The system comprises a light generating layer conforming to a surface of a decklid configured to enclose a storage compartment. The light generating layer comprises a plurality of LEDs in a semiconductor ink operable to emit a first emission. The system further comprises a controller configured to selectively activate the plurality of LEDs in response to a first signal from a decklid ajar indicator and a second signal from an emergency lighting module.

Abstract: A lighting system for a motor vehicle includes a printed circuit board equipped with light emitting diodes for emitting light beams in lighting directions and an optical module formed to propagate and transmit the light beams. The optical module has a reception surface to receive the light beams and an emission surface for retransmitting the light beams. The lighting system also includes at least one element for masking the light beams emitted by the light emitting diodes. The element for masking which extends from at least one of the light emitting diodes toward the reception surface and substantially parallel to the lighting direction of the at least one light emitting diode, over at least a part of the periphery of the at least one light emitting diode and over at least a part of a distance separating the at least one light emitting diode and the reception surface.

Abstract: A vehicle interior lighting device according to an embodiment includes a housing, a cover provided on one end portion side of the housing, a light-emitting section provided on the inside of the housing, and a detecting section provided on the inside of the housing and configured to detect, via the cover, a change in energy involved in a motion of an operator and convert the detected change in the energy into an electric signal.

Abstract: The invention uses the backlight of a display monitor such as LCD monitor or OLED monitor as the lighting to replace dome light lamp in a vehicle. The in-vehicle lighting device has an input circuit for inputting commands to generate the dome light, a control circuit for receiving the commands and outputting an equivalent panel signal, and a display monitor for receiving the equivalent panel signal and emitting the dome light based on the equivalent panel signal.

Abstract: A light assembly for a school bus. The light assembly includes a housing having a front side and a rear side, wherein the rear side is mountable to a school bus. The front side of the housing includes a perimeter light, a stop light, and a platform light, wherein the lights can alert vehicles approaching a stopping school bus. The perimeter light is disposed around a perimeter of the housing and can produce an amber color. The stop light includes the word ‘stop’ in a non-colored transparent material and the platform light, disposed between the perimeter light and the stop light, can produce a red color. In one embodiment, the light assembly is operably connected to a control, speedometer, and door assembly of a school bus, allowing the light assembly to automatically activate when the school bus stops and automatically deactivate when the school bus door closes.

Abstract: A retractable catwalk and railing device facilitates movement of a catwalk and rail between a storage position to a use position. The device includes a first and second mounting brackets in a spaced horizontally aligned relationship on a vertical surface. A catwalk is pivotable between a stored position and a deployed position between the first and second mounting brackets. A lip extends upwardly from the first mounting bracket. A flange is movably coupled to the catwalk to abut the lip when the catwalk is in the stored position retaining the catwalk in the stored position. The flange is movable relative to the catwalk to disengage from the lip allowing the catwalk to be pivoted into the deployed position. A rail is pivotally coupled to the catwalk.

Abstract: The tire-mounted step stool is a step is adapted for use with a tire of a vehicle. When the tire-mounted step stool is secured to the tire, the tire-mounted step stool forms a platform upon which a person can step to gain access to the roof or engine compartment of the vehicle. The tire-mounted step stool comprises a first panel, a second panel, a first steel bar, a second steel bar, and a plurality of hinges. The first steel bar and the second steel bar are used to attach the first panel to the second panel. The plurality of hinges is used to make the stated attachments in such a manner that the tire-mounted step stool is collapsible.

Abstract: A step assembly of a vehicle is provided herein. The step assembly includes a box step having a release button that luminesces in response to excitation light and continues to luminesce for a period of time after the excitation light cease to be provided. A drive mechanism is configured to move the step pad from a stowed position to a deployed position when the release button is pressed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding step for a public transit vehicle, which sliding step comprises a tread plate that can be horizontally extended or retracted by means of a drive, with two lateral arms and a tread surface arranged between the lateral arms, whereby the tread plate is provided with at least two rollers associated with the lateral arms, which rollers run on a track attached to the vehicle. At least one of the lateral arms in the area of the rollers is provided with an offset section arranged between the two rollers and comprising a strain gauge element for detecting deformations.

Abstract: In order to create a movable roof rack for motor vehicles, wherein the roof rack has a support device for receiving a load, in particular for receiving a roof box, and wherein the support device is movable between a travel position and a loading position, at least one profiled support section (115, 116, 215, 216) is provided in order to move the support device between the travel position and the loading position, and the at least one profiled support section (115, 116, 215, 216) is arranged on a vehicle pillar (101, 102, 201, 202) of a motor vehicle and is designed to support the support device.

Abstract: A slideout truck bed cover and shelving assembly for storing and easily accessing items kept in a truck bed. The slideout truck bed cover and shelving assembly includes a cover assembly including a cover member adapted to slide upon and extend from a truck bed; a shelving assembly depending from the cover member; and a storage assembly adapted to be disposed in the truck bed for holding and storing items with the cover member removably disposed over the storage assembly.

Abstract: A carrier system for a vehicle having a pair of vacuum devices shaped and sized to mate and secure to a recreational article. Each vacuum device includes a pad shaped and sized to detachably seat with a vehicle to form a vacuum cavity. The vacuum device includes a plunger attached to the pad and in fluid communication with the vacuum cavity, and an indicator positioned on the plunger to indicate the level of vacuum pressure within the vacuum cavity.

Abstract: A unitary item holder enabling the cooling and solidification of items within a vehicle having an air conditioning system and an associated air vent, especially those which have melted within the vehicle. The item holder includes a plate having a plate axis, a pocket, and a directly opposing hook end configured for sliding within the air vent and anchoring around a slat horizontally extending therein, such that the cool air from the conditioning system can be used to cool and solidify the items. The hook end is defined via the plate extending downwardly away from the plate axis. The pocket includes a pocket defined via the plate extending upwardly away from the plate axis for holding the melted items. In an example embodiment, the pocket further includes a cooling component for retaining coolness such that items can also remain cool and solidified when the vehicle is not running.

Abstract: A mobile device holder having a front face, an integral fixed jaw, and a movable jaw positioned facing the fixed jaw and movable in translational motion on the front face. The movable jaw receives a bottom edge of the mobile device and can be moved between a released position for inserting or removing the mobile device, and a holding position in which the mobile device is held clamped against the fixed jaw. The movable jaw includes a protuberance extending along a plane parallel to the front face of the holder and defining a clamping tab for clamping the bottom edge of the mobile device. In use, the tab maintains a space between the rear face of the mobile device and the front face of the holder in order to limit the frictional contact of the rear face of the mobile device with the front face of the holder when mounted.

Abstract: Described herein is a mounting apparatus, comprising a magnetic component, and a mount; wherein the magnetic component comprises one or more permanent magnet; wherein the mounting apparatus is configured to attach to a surface through a magnetic interaction between the magnetic component and a material that is ferromagnetic or ferromagnetic in the surface; wherein the mount comprises a plurality of clips which are configured to be mounted on an air vent in a vehicle. The mounting apparatus provides mounting of any appropriately sized electronic device in a vehicle, to allow convenient viewing and access to the device. The presently disclosed mounting apparatus also realizes a continuous rotation and continuous movement of the portable electronic device while it is held by the mounting apparatus, therefore facilitating user control of the device.

Abstract: A holder for an electronic device is mounted on a golf cart steering wheel. The holder preferably is rotatable relative to the golf cart steering wheel. The holder may include a weatherproof cover to protect the electronic device from the elements. The holder may also include a lock to releaseably secure the electronic device within the holder.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly includes a panel and a projector assembly. The panel is connected to a steering wheel body and has a first surface disposed opposite a second surface. The projector is connected to the steering wheel body and displays a virtual input device on at least one of the first surface and the second surface, while the steering wheel is in a non-rotational condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly module on a mobile part (1) of a motor vehicle, especially on a tailgate (1), comprising a housing (10) having a camera (11) which serves to record images of the exterior surrounding a motor vehicle, an actuating element (13) for activating a mechanical lock (2) of the mobile part (1), and a mobile protective element (12) which can be displaced between a closed position (3) and an open position (4). In the open position (4), the actuating element (13) is freely accessible for the user and images can be recorded of the surrounding exterior (5). In the closed position (3), the protective element (12) covers the actuating element (13) and the camera (11) at the same time.

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: The present invention, in one or more embodiments, provides a jack-positioning device of jack including a seating bottom and a loading table, where the jack-positioning device includes a base portion to support the seating bottom of the jack, an arm portion to connect the base portion, and a top portion to press against the loading table of the jack, and where the top portion along with the arm portion is to position the jack at a holding position, and the arm portion is rotatable relative to the base portion and the top portion. The jack-positioning device of the present invention may be employed to position the jack within a tight space in a relatively time efficient manner.

Abstract: The ditch molding clip can include a single piece body. The single piece body can include (1) an outer frame surrounding an interior opening, (2) a clip-to-molding retention coupling including a plurality of resilient arm members extending from the outer frame and designed to engage and retain a corresponding edge of the molding, (3) a clip-to-weld-stud retention coupling positioned within the interior opening and including an aperture designed to receive and retain the weld stud, and (4) an extensible member extending between the outer frame and the clip-to-molding retention coupling. A longitudinal length of the extensible member can be designed to lengthen to allow the clip-to-weld stud retention coupling to move within the interior opening to accommodate for variations in the positioning of the weld stud relative to the ditch. The extensible member can have a corrugated configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle floor having a lower floor made from a composite material; and an upper floor made from a composite material, extending opposite at least part of the lower floor, the lower and upper floors being connected to one another. The floor includes at least one cavity at least partially delimited by the lower or upper floor and communicating with the exhaust line of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A cover is provided for placement in a front/rear compartment of a motor vehicle. The cover is substantially made up of a frame and a covering attached to the frame. The covering is formed from a thin, flexible, in particular, skin-like material. The cover can be mounted in the front/rear compartment such that the covering covers at least one section of the front/rear compartment and/or one component situated therein.

Abstract: A wire harness includes a tubular shaped exterior member, a conductive path protected by the exterior member, and a vibration suppression member post-fitted to the conductive path and disposed inside the exterior member. The exterior member is formed into a shape having no slit. Ribs are formed in an outer circumferential surface of the vibration suppression member so as to be disposed at circumferential intervals. The rib is formed into a shape in which a front end surface thereof in a protruding direction thereof protrudes to a position near an inner surface of the exterior member or to a position contacting the inner surface.

Abstract: Electronic circuitry for mounting on articles, such as vehicles, is concealed by embedding the circuitry using at least an overlying polymeric material within a concealed embedded circuitry structure. The concealed embedded circuitry is capable of ready and effective application to an article and is capable of being retrofitted to articles after their fabrication.

Abstract: A system for connecting an external device to a vehicle includes: an external device connection terminal configured to be connected to an external device; an electronic instrument cluster configured to pop-up a user setting mode and provide a kind of power, a cutting time, or rated capacity using the user setting mode; a controller configured to receive power selected by a user from the electronic instrument cluster and control a switching element to protect the external device, the switching element being configured to adjust whether or not power is applied from a battery of the vehicle based on a type of power in the vehicle; and an intelligent power switch (IPS) element configured to sense a current supplied to the external device connection terminal.

Abstract: A device for ventilating and electrically powering a computer of an engine of an aircraft, the device including a feed mechanism feeding air to a proximity of the computer and a fan connected to a drive mechanism and configured to generate a stream of air for ventilating the computer. The fan is mounted in the air feed mechanism, and the drive mechanism includes an electrical machine configured to operate as a motor for driving the fan, and as a generator for powering the computer, a rotor of the machine when operating as a generator being driven by the fan, which is itself driven by a stream of air flowing in or leaving the air feed mechanism.

Abstract: A battery combiner may be used to electrically isolate first and second batteries during conditions in which a first battery required for a mechanical drive system may experience excessive power draw. The second battery may be used to provide a switched and/or continuous power source to a control system and/or other electrical devices for reliable operation, and the combiner may join the first and second batteries together such that both are electrically charged by a single alternator during conditions when it is safe.

Abstract: A battery power management apparatus, including a first battery capable of providing electrical power to a first load of a vehicle at a selected time, wherein the first load does not draw current when an ignition system is not operating; a second battery capable of providing electrical power to a second load which draws current when the ignition system is not operating; a first switch capable of disconnecting the first battery from a first circuit containing the ignition system; a second switch capable of connecting the first battery to the first circuit containing the ignition system and is capable of connecting the first battery to a second circuit containing the first load; and an alternator which recharges both the first battery and second battery simultaneously when the ignition system is operating. The second battery provides electrical power to the second load when the alternator ceases to operate.

Abstract: An automobile bumper is provided in which the bumper beam includes a middle curved part that curves concavely rearwards and a pair of left and right curved parts that curve convexly rearwards, and the left and right curved parts includes a rear side frame connecting part and a load input part projecting rearwards the most among the bumper beam parts. Since the bumper beam includes a compression-resistant reinforcing part provided along the inner face in the fore-and-aft direction of the load input part, and an extension line of the compression-resistant reinforcing part is directed toward the vicinity of the load input point of the load input part, supporting the compressive load by the compression-resistant reinforcing part to thus prevent the bumper beam from being destroyed enables the strength toward bending deformation to be enhanced without reinforcement by increasing the plate thickness of the bumper beam.

Abstract: A bumper assembly includes a bumper beam, an inner extension, an outer extension, and a reinforcing element. The bumper beam extends longitudinally from a first end to a second end. The inner extension is welded to the first end of the bumper beam, and the outer extension is welded to the inner extension. The inner extension and the outer extension are elongated from the bumper beam and define an elongated cavity therebetween. The reinforcing element is fastened to the inner extension and disposed in and elongated along the cavity.

Abstract: In a vehicle body front structure, a left shock absorbing member is provided at a front end portion of a left front side frame and a bumper beam is provided at a front end portion of the left shock absorbing member. A left recessed angle portion is formed by the left shock absorbing member and the bumper beam. An inner coupling member is disposed in the left recessed angle portion. The inner coupling member includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is connected to the inner wall front portion with a spacing set between an intersection and the first end portion. Also, the second end portion is connected to the rear wall left portion with a spacing set between the intersection and the second end portion.

Abstract: A radiator grille includes: an inner grille arranged on a front ventilation opening of a vehicle body; an outer grille arranged in front of the inner grille; a coupling part which couples the inner grille to the outer grille; and an attachment part which attaches the inner grille and the outer grille to the vehicle body. Also, the coupling part and the attachment part are arranged close to each other.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a door-opening alert system of a vehicle includes a light-emitting unit to be connected and at least partially external to the vehicle at a light-emitting position, a sensing unit to signal a door-opening event at the vehicle, and a control unit to communicate between the sensing unit and the light-emitting unit such that the light-emitting unit is to emit a light pattern indicative of a dimension of a side door of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system for operating restraint devices in a vehicle during a fast roll event or a slow roll event includes a lateral acceleration sensor and an angular rate sensor. When the angular rate and a vertical acceleration of the vehicle predict a vehicle rollover, the system integrates the lateral acceleration from the lateral acceleration sensor to obtain a roll rate velocity. When the lateral acceleration is greater than a fast lateral acceleration threshold and the roll rate velocity is greater than a fast roll rate velocity threshold, the system provides a fast roll event output. When the lateral acceleration is less than the fast lateral acceleration threshold and greater than a slow lateral acceleration threshold while the roll rate velocity is greater than a slow roll rate velocity threshold, the system provides a slow roll event output. The system operates restraint devices based on the roll event.

Abstract: A seatbelt device is provided with a webbing and a bag body. The webbing is applied to the body of a vehicle occupant. The bag body includes a first layer at a webbing side and a second layer at an opposite side from the webbing, with the first layer disposed therebetween. The bag body is provided along a length direction of the webbing, fixed to one side of a thickness direction of the webbing and supported by the webbing, and disposed between the webbing and the body of the vehicle occupant in a state in which the webbing is applied to the body of the vehicle occupant. The bag body is inflated by fluid being supplied thereinside. A joined portion at which the first layer and second layer are locally joined together is formed in the bag body. The inflation of the bag body is controlled by the joined portion.

Abstract: An instrument-panel assembly includes an instrument panel, an airbag housing supported by the instrument panel, an airbag supported by the airbag housing, and a rotatable connection rotatably supporting the airbag housing on the instrument panel. The instrument panel extends along a longitudinal axis. The rotatable connection is rotatable about a rotational axis transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A plastic body includes first and second connector ends coupled together via an elongate tether. A frangible strap can extend from a first to a second point along the longitudinal length of the tether. The length of the frangible strap can be less than the tether length between the first and second points. A metal clip can be non-releasably coupled to the second connector end by being retained within a cage housing. The connector ends can be releasably coupled to each other by cooperating elongate rails, and with the frangible strap in a non-extended configuration with the first and second connector ends non-releasably coupled associated automobile components. The frangible strap can deform or separate as a result of a tensile force acting on the frangible strap as the tether extends when an airbag deploys separating the automobile components and the connector ends.

Abstract: An instrument panel of an automobile includes a base and a covering bonded to a surface of the base. A cleavage groove is formed on the back of the base. When the base is cleaved by inflation pressure of an airbag, the cleavage groove serves as a starting point of the cleavage. The covering is formed by a ground fabric layer made of knitted fabric and a covering layer bonded the surface of the ground fabric layer. The ground fabric layer is formed of an original fabric in which the tensile strength in directions along its surface is anisotropic. The cleavage groove includes a first groove section, which is cleaved first. The covering is oriented with respect to the base such that the direction of the smallest tensile strength of the ground fabric layer matches with a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first groove section extends.

Abstract: A lateral partition of a side airbag apparatus extends in a front-rear direction to divide the interior of an airbag into an upper inflation chamber and a lower inflation chamber. A vertical partition extends vertically and includes a communication portion. The vertical partition divides the upper inflation chamber into an upper-rear inflation chamber, to which inflation gas from a gas generator is supplied, and an upper-front inflation chamber, to which the inflation gas is supplied via the communication portion. An inner tube regulates the flow of the inflation gas to direct to the upper-rear inflation chamber and the lower inflation chamber. The rear ends of two first fabric portions of the vertical partition are joined to the upper parts of the front ends of two second fabric portions of the inner tube by a first vertical joint portion.

Abstract: An airbag includes a mounting region, a protection inflatable region and an intermediate region disposed between the mounting region and the protection inflatable region. An area of the airbag from the protection inflatable region to the intermediate region is formed of two panels that are continuous with each other at leading end regions of the panels apart from the mounting region and the two panels in that area are connected at opposite edges by a joint. The protection inflatable region includes at the leading end a folded region that is formed by bringing the leading end regions of the two panels closer to the mounting region so as to form four or more layers of the panels, such that the folded region includes at least two inflatable spaces between the layers and a crease that is continuous with the joint.

Abstract: An airbag module for protecting an occupant of a vehicle. The airbag includes first and second inflatable chambers. Each of the first and second inflatable chambers is formed by separate front and back panels. Each of the front panels is connected to one of the back panels along a peripheral seam. The airbag is assembled by overlaying the panels on top of each other creating a simple two-dimensional structure for assembly. An inflator is provided for supplying inflation gas to the first chamber of the airbag. The first and second inflatable chambers are connected by a gas flow passage so that gas for inflating the second chamber can flow from the first chamber through the gas flow passage into the second chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid inflator (10) including a burst cap (20) including a bottom (21) and a sleeve-like side wall (22), the bottom (21) and the side wall (22) delimiting an igniter compartment (23), and the burst cap (20) in the idle mode being pressurized on the outer peripheral side with compressed gas having a filling pressure (PF) which at a functional maximum temperature of the hybrid inflator (10) has a maximum filling pressure (PFmax), and wherein the burst cap (20) can be destroyed by an igniter compartment side bursting pressure in the case of operation. In accordance with the invention, a transitional portion (24) is formed from the side wall (22) of the burst cap (20) to the bottom (21) so that the igniter compartment side bursting pressure required to destroy the burst cap (20) is lower than the sum of the maximum filling pressure (PFmax) and the filling pressure (PF).

Abstract: In some embodiments, an energy absorber element can comprise: a first support wall and a second support wall, a crush wall joining the first and second support walls together to define a deformable zone; a connection mechanism configured to connect the first and/or second support wall to a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method for using an energy absorber element in a vehicle can comprise: detachably connecting an energy absorber element to a vehicle at a support location for a vehicle component, once the energy absorber element has absorbed energy, detaching the energy absorber element from the vehicle; and separately replacing the energy absorber element from the vehicle component. In some embodiments, the vehicle component is not replaced.

Abstract: A vehicle front-end stiffener includes a hinge bracket pivotally coupled to a support bracket. The hinge bracket supports a stiffener beam. A spring engages the support bracket and the hinge bracket biasing the stiffener beam in a deployed position. A moving element in a locking mechanism can retractably interlock the hinge bracket when a vehicle exceeds a threshold speed to maintain the stiffener beam in the deployed position.

Abstract: A hinge for a hood of a vehicle includes a first bracket, a member coupled to and rotatable relative to the first bracket, and a second bracket coupled to and rotatable relative to the member. An actuator includes a base connected to the first bracket and a rod moveable relative to the base. The rod moves from a retracted position to an extended position in contact with the second bracket.

Abstract: A buckle device includes: a buckle body that retains a tongue through which a webbing worn across an occupant is inserted; a fixing plate that is fixed to a vehicle seat; a wire harness that is connected to the buckle body; and a coupling webbing that is formed in a belt shape and that couples the buckle body and the fixing plate together. The buckle device further includes a boot that covers the coupling webbing in a state in which a part of the wire harness is disposed inside the boot, and that includes a projection shaped portion that restricts movement of the wire harness in the width direction of the coupling webbing.

Abstract: A belt fitting for a safety belt device in a vehicle that includes a base segment and an insertion tongue connected thereto, in which base segment a belt eye is provided, through which a belt webbing is guided and divides the belt webbing into a shoulder belt segment and a lap belt segment when the safety belt is worn. The belt fitting has a clamping element movable between a release position, such that the belt webbing is freely movable in sliding contact over at least one belt running surface, and a clamping position, in which the belt webbing is tightly clamped between a clamping stop on the base segment and the clamping element in the event of a load or crash. The belt running surface of the belt fitting has a surface contour, which ensures stable transverse guidance of the belt webbing in the event of a load.

Abstract: A seat belt assembly for a vehicle includes a pretensioner, and a cable connected to the pretensioner. The seat belt assembly includes a torsion bar having a plurality of teeth. The cable has slots interlocking with the teeth. During a sensed impact of the vehicle, the pretensioner is activated to retract the cable to pretension the seat belt assembly relative to an occupant of the vehicle. The interlocking of the slots with the teeth exerts torsional forces on the torsion bar, which yields to reduce forces on a chest of the occupant.