Patents Issued in March 8, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180065520
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes an armrest having a retention pin and operable about a first pivot. An inertial lock is operable about a second pivot to define an idle position defined by the inertial lock biased distal from the retention pin and a deployed position defined by an opposing directional force biasing the inertial lock into selective engagement with the retention pin and holding the armrest in a predetermined rotational position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Macit Aktas, Joseph Michael Kish
  • Publication number: 20180065521
    Abstract: An electronically-activated support positioning system for a passenger seat can include a sensor capable of detecting a tactile input from a passenger and sending a signal, optionally through a controller, to a lock actuator coupled to a lockable hydraulic spring to either lock or unlock the lockable hydraulic spring. The lockable hydraulic spring can control movement of a support of the passenger seat, such as reclining of a seatback. In an example, when tactile input is detected, the lock actuator can unlock the lockable hydraulic spring, allowing an attached seatback to be adjusted. When tactile input is no longer detected, the lock actuator can lock the lockable hydraulic spring, securing the seatback from adjustment. The sensor can be sufficiently small to fit within the confines of an armrest. The sensor can be a microswitch positioned to detect deflection of a tab formed in the wall of the armrest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Applicant: Zodiac Seats US LLC
    Inventors: Merardo Vela, Patricia Luevano
  • Publication number: 20180065522
    Abstract: An apparatus is for providing seating in a vehicle passenger compartment. A vehicle seat includes a headrest for forming at least a portion of a seating surface of the vehicle seat in a stowed position and a panel for forming the portion of the seating surface in a deployed position of the headrest. The stowed headrest may be positioned in a cavity formed in the seat. The panel may be connected to the headrest, and at least partially sandwiched between an inner surface of the cavity and the headrest in the stowed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventor: Phillip Kerry Muldowney
  • Publication number: 20180065523
    Abstract: A headrest assembly for a vehicle seat includes two pins each extending along an adjustment direction between a lower end and an upper end, each of the two pins having a mounting portion comprising the lower end and adapted to be fixed to a backrest of a seat, an adjustment portion comprising the upper end, and an intermediate portion between the mounting portion and the adjustment portion. The seat further includes a support structure adapted to support the head of a user, and an interface made of overmolded plastic and interconnecting the intermediate portions of the two pins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Stephane SOLTNER, Francois LELIEVRE, David GAYON
  • Publication number: 20180065524
    Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises a seat cushion part, having a cushion element, and a backrest part, at least one of which has an air conditioning device with a fan unit and an air conditioning insert. The air conditioning insert has an air distribution space, which is delimited on one side by at least one top layer. The air distribution space supplies air through the fan unit via the bottom layer located opposite the top layer and the air from the air distribution space is dispersed via the top layer. The air distribution space is separated by at least one separating element extending between the top layer and the bottom side, such that one air outlet plate is associated with the fan unit. At least one air outlet opening rests on the plane of the separation element that is associated with the bottom side of the air distribution space such that the at least one air outlet opening supplies air to both the one and the other partial region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Stefan Bauer, Thorsten Schleucher
  • Publication number: 20180065525
    Abstract: A vehicle seat has: a seatback that supports a back portion of a vehicle occupant and at which back-side ventilating holes are formed in a surface seat layer, a ventilating foam layer and a back net layer; a seat cushion that supports a thigh region of the vehicle occupant from a lower side and at which cushion-side ventilating holes are formed in a surface seat layer, a ventilating foam layer and a cushion net layer; a rear hollow, an intermediate flow path portion and a lower hollow that communicate the back-side ventilating holes and the cushion-side ventilating holes; and a blower device that sends air, which has been sucked-in from one of the back-side ventilating holes and the cushion-side ventilating holes, out from another of the cushion-side ventilating holes and the back-side ventilating holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shota HIGASHIHARA
  • Publication number: 20180065526
    Abstract: A heating device for a motor vehicle seat includes a mat having first and second resistors which can be controlled independently of one another. The first and second resistors respectively form a loop between their two terminals, the two loops thus formed being wholly or partly inscribed one inside the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Florent LONGATTE, Elise BEAUREPAIRE, Mathieu CLUET
  • Publication number: 20180065527
    Abstract: An adjustable support system for a seat having a fixed frame includes a support movable from a first position to a second position relative to the frame. An actuator is coupled to only the support and is configured to move the support between the first and second positions. A member is operatively associated with and movable by the actuator. A flexible cable has a first end coupled to the member for travel along the length of the member and a second end coupled to the fixed frame such that movement of the member by the actuator causes the flexible cable to move the support between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Robert J. McMillen, Horia Blendea, Paul Tindall
  • Publication number: 20180065528
    Abstract: A pump assembly for a vehicle seatback includes a plurality of air bladders defining a lumbar support and a pneumatic cylinder that has a sealed head slidably disposed within a cylindrical cavity coupled defining an outlet. A selection device operably engages the outlet with a select one of the plurality of air bladders for inflating the select one of the plurality of air bladders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christian J. Hosbach, Adam Sachs, Marc Kondrad, Johnathan Andrew Line, Jason Nisbett, Mandeep Singh Sidhu
  • Publication number: 20180065529
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat. An attachment bracket is coupled to an underside of the seat and includes forwardly-extending hook features. Each hook feature defines a receiving aperture to receive a front cross-tube. A polymeric overmold is disposed over each hook feature. A downwardly-extending retention member is disposed between the hook features. Rear support hooks are configured to engage a rear cross-tube of the seat as a seat carrier is rotated downwardly into position during manufacture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Marcos Silva Kondrad, S. M. Akbar Berry, Christian J. Hosbach, Carol Casey
  • Publication number: 20180065530
    Abstract: A bracket for attaching an actuator is easily bonded to a side frame while avoiding interference with a shaft for driving a reclining mechanism. In a seat side frame which is provided at each of both ends of a seat back frame in the width direction, a reclining mechanism, and an actuator, the reclining mechanism is attached to a side wall of the side frame, and the actuator is fixed to an attachment bracket bonded to an inner surface of a portion to which the reclining mechanism is attached in the side wall in the width direction. An upper portion which is disposed above the attachment portion of the reclining mechanism and a lower portion which is disposed below the attachment portion thereof are connected to each other at the rear ends thereof and are separated from each other at the front ends thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventor: Masayuki Hoshi
  • Publication number: 20180065531
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a fastener for a vehicle carpet. The fastener includes a receiving portion having a first open end and a second open end, a flange connected at the first open end of the receiving portion, and a plurality of engaging parts disposed on an inner wall of the receiving portion and spaced apart along a perimeter of the inner wall. Each of the engaging parts has two flexible end sections connected with the inner wall of the receiving portion and a threaded section between the two flexible end sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Jason Zhang, Cliff Ruan, Peter Zhang, Yoyo Ma
  • Publication number: 20180065532
    Abstract: A motor vehicle, such as a narrow motor vehicle, e.g., a left-hand drive motor vehicle, has a driver's seat and a driver's footwell, in which a footrest having a fixed tread surface is mounted. The transverse axis of the tread surface extends at an angle to a horizontal plane in which the front wheel axis of the motor vehicle is situated. In this arrangement, the tread surface slopes downward away from the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle, wherein the angle is chosen in accordance with the distance between the center of the tread surface of the footrest and an outer side wall of the driver's footwell and is in a range of 1-5 degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventor: Igor Fischbein
  • Publication number: 20180065533
    Abstract: A system for and method of operating a tipper comprising a tipper body pivotably movable with respect to a frame with a hydraulic cylinder disposed therebetween and actuatable to pivot the tipper body. A loading parameter relating to the load through the hydraulic cylinder is monitored during tipping. Based on at least the loading parameter, it is determined whether the hydraulic cylinder is at risk of buckling and, if it is determined that the hydraulic cylinder is at risk of buckling, an output is generated in response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventor: Maarten Hertog
  • Publication number: 20180065534
    Abstract: A removable chock for securing coolers, storage bins, and tool boxes on boats, and cargo areas of vehicles and trailers and the like. The low-profile base mounts to any flat surface, and allows the chock to be installed and uninstalled from the base without the use of any tools. The chock can be removed from the base when not being used and the base remains installed. The low-profile design of the base greatly reduces the potential trip hazard, as well as offers an aesthetically pleasing appearance than a permanently installed chock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventor: Jeffrey Brawner
  • Publication number: 20180065535
    Abstract: A container-securing device is provided. A main body of the container-securing device is detachably/attachably supported on a cargo bed yet movement of the main body is restricted in any direction within the horizontal plane. The container-securing device 1 includes a socket 3 which is fixed onto the cargo bed; and a main body 2 which is fixed into the socket 3 to fix a container: The main body 2 has its lower region formed with projections 22b extending horizontally; and the socket 3 has a storage space 31 to store the projections 22b, a first restrictor 32 around the storage space 31 which allows rotation of the projections 22b within a horizontal plane but restricts other movement thereof in any direction within the horizontal plane, an opening 33 which communicates with the storage space 31 and allows the projections 22b to be inserted through, and a second restrictor 34 around the opening 33 which restricts movement of the projections 22b in the vertical direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventor: Hiroyuki TAKAGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20180065536
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lighting and/or signaling system for motor vehicles, including a light source and a lens configured for receiving light rays coming directly or indirectly from the source through an input surface and for emitting a first output beam providing a first regulatory lighting and/or signaling function through an output surface. A waveguide is configured for directly or indirectly receiving light rays coming from the source through an input surface and for emitting a second output beam through an output surface, wherein a coupling zone of the waveguide is located opposite a portion of either the input surface of the lens or the output surface of the lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Applicant: VALEO VISION BELGIQUE
    Inventors: Christophe VALOIS, Beny GRIGORESCU, Dirkie SACCHET
  • Publication number: 20180065537
    Abstract: A lighting system of a vehicle is provided herein. A projector is coupled to a side structure of the vehicle. A sensor detects a remote device carried on a person approaching the vehicle. Based on a detected location of the remote device relative to the vehicle, the projector projects a light pattern onto a ground surface to define an illuminated path leading up to the vehicle and pointing towards the person.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Nathan Jamar Abrams, David Randolph Roberts
  • Publication number: 20180065538
    Abstract: A vehicle accessory control component includes a first circuit board substrate and a second circuit board substrate. The first circuit board substrate has a plurality of circuit elements and an overall perimeter shape including an outer edge profile and a plurality of first deviations along the outer edge profile. The second circuit board substrate has a plurality of circuit elements an outer edge profile and a plurality of second deviations along the outer edge profile, at least one of the second deviations being different than the first deviations. The first circuit board substrate and the second circuit board substrate are arranged in a plane and selectively movable relative to each other to form the overall perimeter shape of the substrate. The outer edge profile of the first and second circuit board substrates are received in a housing having a correspondingly shaped perimeter that generally conforms to the outer edge profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventor: David W. Shank
  • Publication number: 20180065539
    Abstract: A control unit of an optical axis control device for a headlight calculates a first vehicle angle (??) and a second vehicle angle (??) at different timings in traveling of a vehicle, and calculates a third vehicle angle (?s) at which a difference between acceleration signals in a front-rear direction (?X) is zero. The control unit calculates a representative value (?S) based on a distribution of a plurality of third vehicle angles (?s), and generates a signal for operating an optical axis of the headlight based on the representative value (?S).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi OHSAWA, Wataru TSUJITA
  • Publication number: 20180065540
    Abstract: A deployable vehicle backup light for providing substantial illumination behind a vehicle. The deployable vehicle backup light includes a light assembly having a housing portion and a lighting portion and a switching assembly that controls the operation of the lighting portion. The housing portion is mountable to the interior of bumper of a host vehicle so as to be obscured from view. The lighting portion is movably attached to the housing portion so as to slide from a base position to a deployed position, in which it is visible, upon receipt of a first signal from the switching assembly and then either automatically or slide back to the base position upon receipt of a second signal from the switching assembly. When in the deployed position, a plurality of lighting elements on the lighting portion energized so as to illuminate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventor: Gary Click
  • Publication number: 20180065541
    Abstract: An aerial light projection system is provided for locating a motor vehicle. That system includes a light projector configured to project a light beam above the motor vehicle, a transmitting device for transmitting an operator identification signal specific to the motor vehicle, and a controller configured to activate the light projector when an operator of the motor vehicle is within a predetermined proximity of the motor vehicle as indicated by receipt of the operator identification signal specific to the motor vehicle. A related method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventor: Andrew John Augusty
  • Publication number: 20180065542
    Abstract: An exterior door handle assembly includes a strap-handle portion pivotally movable to open a vehicle door, a circuit element, a light emitting diode, a light pipe, and an elongated light-transmitting cover. The light emitting diode is disposed proximate an end region of the strap-handle portion and proximate an end region of the light pipe. The strap-handle portion includes structure configured to receive the light emitting diode and the circuit element thereat. The light-transmitting cover is attached to the strap-handle portion and covers the light pipe. The strap-handle portion includes a user input that is actuatable by a person to lock or unlock the vehicle door. When the light emitting diode is electrically powered, light emitted by the light emitting diode passes along the light pipe and passes through the light-transmitting cover so as to be viewable by a person viewing the door handle assembly from outside of the vehicle door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: David A. Dingman, Brett A. Gorby, Keith D. Foote
  • Publication number: 20180065543
    Abstract: A motor vehicle jack positioning system includes a light source located adjacent a jack point for the motor vehicle and a controller configured to activate the light source in response to a data signal representative of a triggering event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Jose Abinadi Badillo Gutierrez, Pedro Garcia Zarco, Victor Negrete Cortes
  • Publication number: 20180065544
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes a battery and a power indicator system. The power indicator system includes an external indicator visible on an outer surface of a vehicle that shows a battery condition. The system includes a sensor that detects the battery condition, and a processor that receives a first signal from the sensor indicative of the battery condition. The processer controls the external indicator in response to the first signal to visually display the battery condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Applicant: Thunder Power New Energy Vehicle Development Company Limited
    Inventor: Massimiliano Brusco
  • Publication number: 20180065545
    Abstract: A user-activated, non-contact power closure member system and method of operating a closure member of a vehicle are provided. The system includes at least one sensor for sensing an object or motion. An indicator is located on the vehicle to inform the user of the appropriate location to make an activation gesture, which initiates opening of the closure member. The indicator is located adjacent the at least one sensor. The indicator also informs the user if the system is activated, in motion, and/or waiting for the activation gesture. An electronic control unit is connected to the at least one sensor and the indicator. When the object or motion is detected by the at least one sensor, the control unit notifies the user with the indicator, determines if the object or motion is the correct activation gesture, and initiates movement of the closure member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Gerard McMahon, Liviu Bolbocianu, Samuel Ricardo Baruco, Pratibha Jagdish Pose
  • Publication number: 20180065546
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus for a vehicle accessory is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a lighting device disposed proximate the vehicle accessory comprising a persistent luminescent portion. The persistent luminescent portion is configured to charge in response to an excitation emission from a light source. The apparatus further comprises a detection sensor configured to detect a device proximate the vehicle and a controller configured to activate the light source in response to the detection. The light source is configured to charge the persistent luminescent portion to emit an output emission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Anthony Dwayne Cooprider
  • Publication number: 20180065547
    Abstract: A display device (100) for displaying at least one symbol has a translucent cover layer (210), a symbol layer (213) having a translucent symbol panel (216) for a symbol that is to be displayed by the display device (100), and an opaque surface (214) encompassing the symbol panel (216). The symbol panel (216) is disposed such that it is spaced apart from the cover layer (210) by a gap (226). A waveguide assembly (228) is formed in order to conduct light (232) onto a side of the symbol panel (216) facing away from the cover layer (210).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Alexander Kirilenko, Ludger Rake, Karsten Strassburg
  • Publication number: 20180065548
    Abstract: A light guide (1) for a motor vehicle, wherein the light guide (1) has a light-guiding body (10) made of transparent plastics material, wherein the light-guiding body (10) has at least one light-entrance surface (11) and at least one light-exit surface (12) and wherein the light-guiding body (10) is covered in a region by means of a substantially light-opaque cover material (20), wherein the cover material (20) is applied onto the region by means of an injection molding method. The use of such a light guide (1) in a motor vehicle and a method for producing such a light guide (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Elmar FRIES, Heiko Lüders
  • Publication number: 20180065549
    Abstract: A communications control unit and external sensors acquire external environment information including information on the vicinity of a vehicle. An autonomous driving control ECU calculates a warning level relating to continuing autonomous driving on the basis of the vicinity information. A speech generation section generates speech information on the basis of the external environment information acquired by the communications control unit and the external sensors. A control section controls speaking equipment so as to change at least one of speech information to be announced by the speaking equipment, a frequency of announcement of the speech information, and vocalization, in accordance with the warning level calculated by the autonomous driving control ECU. When autonomous driving is continuing, the control section controls the speaking equipment so as to repeat announcements of the speech information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masaya WATANABE, Yoshinori YAMADA, Chikashi TAKEICHI, Satoshi ARIKURA
  • Publication number: 20180065550
    Abstract: A vehicle collision warning system includes a first sensor that generates a first signal indicating a traffic condition. The system includes an external warning signal system that emits an external warning signal to warn nearby traffic about a hazard condition. The external warning signal system includes a warning device configured to emit the external warning signal, and a processor. The processor receives the first signal from the first sensor, detects the hazard condition based on the first signal, and generates a control signal to cause the warning device to emit the external warning signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Applicant: Thunder Power New Energy Vehicle Development Compa ny Limited
    Inventor: Massimiliano Brusco
  • Publication number: 20180065551
    Abstract: The embodiments herein describe a feedback system for an electric motorcycle. The feedback system notifies a user of the electric motorcycle of various conditions of the electric motorcycle via one or more output devices. In one embodiment, the feedback system causes the left and right grips of the handlebar of the electric motorcycle to vibrate to communicate information to the rider of the electric motorcycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Robert Wayne Sweney, Harry Charles Leeming
  • Publication number: 20180065552
    Abstract: A system for presenting information to an occupant of a vehicle mounted with an autonomous driving system, includes: a display unit configured to display the information; a display control unit configured to cause the display unit to display information in any one of display modes among a setting status display mode in which setting information is displayed, an operation status display mode in which travel information is displayed, and a recognition status display mode in which recognition result information of the autonomous driving system is displayed; and an acquisition unit configured to acquire an occupant's display mode switching instruction for switching the display mode, wherein the display control unit configured to switch the display mode of the display unit when the acquisition unit acquires the occupant's display mode switching instruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroki MORI, Ryuji Funayama, Jun Sato, Ayako Shimizu, Yuichi Kumai, Yuma Kawamori, Takeshi Matsumura, Tsukasa Shimizu, Yasuo Sakaguchi
  • Publication number: 20180065553
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for a stopped vehicle traffic resumption alert. An example disclosed vehicle includes a collision detection unit and a traffic monitor. The example collision detection unit detects an object in front of the vehicle. The example traffic monitor, when a transmission of the vehicle is in drive and a speed of the vehicle is zero, tracks a gaze of a driver with a camera. Additionally, in response to detecting the object transition from being stationary to moving, and the gaze of the driver not being forward, the traffic monitor provides an alert to the driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventor: Charles Everett Badger, II
  • Publication number: 20180065554
    Abstract: A rearview vision system for a vehicle includes a camera module disposed at a side portion of the vehicle. The camera module includes a casing, a reflective element disposed in the casing, and a camera disposed in the casing and having a field of view that encompasses at least a portion of the reflective element. The camera module is disposed at the side portion of the vehicle so that images of the exterior scene occurring to the side and rear of the vehicle are reflected off of the reflective element and image data representative of the reflected images is captured by the camera. A display device displays images derived from the captured image data representative of the reflected images so as to provide a sideward and rearward field of view to the driver when the driver is viewing the display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventor: Michael J. Baur
  • Publication number: 20180065555
    Abstract: A rearview assembly includes a mount configured to be operably coupled with a vehicle. A first support includes a generally linear body and extends downward from the mount. The first support defines a first axis of rotation. A second support defines a second axis of rotation and extends from a side of the first support in a direction generally orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the first support. A brace is coupled with the second support and extends below the second support. A spring clip extends around and is in abutting contact with the second support. A housing is operably coupled with the second support. The housing is rotatable about both the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Filipiak, Christopher J. Koleszar, Ulrich A. Kuester, Mark R. Roth
  • Publication number: 20180065556
    Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle is provided including a camera for capturing images within a field of view; a display device movably mounted relative to the vehicle for displaying a portion of the field of view of the camera; a movement sensor for sensing movement of the display device; and a processing circuit in communication with the movement sensor, the display device, and the camera for selecting the portion of the field of view to be displayed on the display device in response to movement of the display device as sensed by the movement sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventor: Neil J. Boehm
  • Publication number: 20180065557
    Abstract: An electrochromic rearview mirror contains a connection assembly, and the connection assembly includes: a first substrate, a first coating layer, a second coating layer, a packaging frame, an electrochromic layer, a first conductive glue, a second conductive glue, at least one third coating layer, at least one fourth coating layer, and a second substrate. The first substrate has a first face and a second face, and the second substrate has a third face and a fourth face. The second coating layer conducts electricity, each of the at least one fourth coating layer is fixed on the third face, and each of the at least one third coating layer is disposed on the third face. Furthermore, the packaging frame and the electrochromic layer are defined among the second coating layer, the fourth coating layer and the third coating layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Wen-Li Chen, Wen-Yi Chen
  • Publication number: 20180065558
    Abstract: To ensure the safety of the driver and offer an improved operability at the same time, a rear-view mirror (200) includes a half mirror (150) configured to reflect light incident on its reflecting surface and transmit light incident on its transmitting surface and a side-surface touch sensor (121) configured to detect a touch by the user on the side surface of a casing that houses a display (130) having a display surface and disposed on or over the half mirror (150) in such a manner that the transmitting surface faces the display surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: SATORU MATSUYAMA, YOSHIMITSU INAMORI, KEISAKU NAKAGAWA, MITSUO UENO, JUMPEI NISHIMURA
  • Publication number: 20180065559
    Abstract: An accessory component for a vehicle is disclosed which may incorporate an elongated frame element having an elongated channel formed there along. The elongated frame element is adapted to be fixedly secured to a portion of the vehicle. A resilient metallic applique having a contour generally in accordance with at least a portion of the elongated frame element may be incorporated. The applique may have a feature adjacent a first end for engaging with the elongated channel, and a second end of the applique may be shaped to engage with a different portion of the elongated frame element such that the applique is secured to the elongated frame element without adhesives or mechanical fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Gordon MICHIE, Michael F. WOOD
  • Publication number: 20180065560
    Abstract: A tailgate assembly includes a tailgate and a step subassembly having a rail, a step carried on the rail and a pivot subassembly connecting the rail to the tailgate. That pivot subassembly includes two pivot pins. A molding is also carried on the rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Venkatesh Krishnan, Thomas Michael Herline
  • Publication number: 20180065561
    Abstract: A structure of a vehicle luggage compartment of the present invention can be produced at a low cost; secure a luggage placing base; and prevent breakage of a partition member, and includes a luggage base on which a luggage is placed; and a partition having a belt shape configured to separate the luggage base from other luggage placing bases, wherein both ends of the partition are detachably engaged with a pair of hooks attached to a vehicle body; and at least one of the pair of hooks is deformed to disengage from the partition if a load equal to or bigger than a predetermined magnitude is applied to the partition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Yujiro GOTO, Koji SAIDO
  • Publication number: 20180065562
    Abstract: A cargo space divider net configured to be arranged in a vehicle in a first mounting position or a second mounting position, the cargo space divider net including a winding shaft; a winding shaft housing in which the winding shaft is rotatably supported; a pull out profile; a web shaped net contexture which is arranged with a first edge at the winding shaft and with an edge that is remote from the winding shaft at the pull out profile; a retrieval drive which causes a wind up of the net contexture onto the winding shaft and against whose winding force the net contexture is pullable from the winding shaft into a first functional position or a second functional position as a function of a mounting position of the cargo space divider net in the motor vehicle; a pull out limiter which prevents a pull out travel of the net contexture beyond an amount that is necessary for reaching a functional position, wherein the cargo space divider net includes a detection device configured to detect the mounting position, wher
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventor: HOLGER SEEL
  • Publication number: 20180065563
    Abstract: A storage area for an electric vehicle includes a rigid tunnel positioned within a passenger compartment of the electric vehicle. The tunnel covers a portion of a battery assembly that extends above a floor structure of the vehicle such that the passenger compartment is sealed from the battery assembly. A center console is positioned within the passenger compartment. The center console is disposed on top of the tunnel such that a medial portion of the center console is spaced a vertical distance above a top surface of the rigid tunnel. A first end and a second end of the center console are coupled with the top surface of the rigid tunnel. A thickness of the medial portion is less than that of the first end and the second end. A space between the top surface of the tunnel and a bottom surface of the medial portion defines the storage area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Applicant: Thunder Power New Energy Vehicle Development Company Limited
    Inventor: Jens Maier
  • Publication number: 20180065564
    Abstract: A shelving system includes side members that each define a first channel having a slide disposed therein. A cross member extends between and connects the slides. The cross member defines a second channel having a guide member disposed therein. The guide member defines a third channel and a flange. A container includes side walls having a rail. One of the rails is movably disposed in the third channel. The rails include a first locking element and a second locking element. The handle includes a third locking element that engages the first locking element. The handle is movable between a first position in which the second locking element engages the flange and the container is fixed relative to the guide member and a second position in which the second locking element is spaced apart from the flange and the container can translate relative to the guide member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Applicant: DEJANA TRUCK & UTILITY EQUIPMENT COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Charles L. Hanley
  • Publication number: 20180065565
    Abstract: A storage compartment for an interior trim of a vehicle, comprising a storage-compartment bottom, which transitions at an inner corner region into a side wall raised up from the storage-compartment bottom and which is lined with an insertion mat, which forms a support surface for at least one small object, in particular coins. The insertion mat at least partially bounds at least one free deformation chamber. In the event of manual application of pressure to the support surface, for example by means of fingertips, the insertion mat is deformed with curvature into the deformation chamber and an undercut, accessible to the fingertips, for reaching below the object is formed between the deformed support surface and the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Applicant: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Peter REHLING
  • Publication number: 20180065566
    Abstract: An attachment for mounting onto a hitch receiver on a vehicle. The attachment is used for transporting a snow blower. The snow blower has wheels, an engine, a front housing and a pair of arms. The attachment comprises a drawbar. A base is supported by the drawbar. An elongate member is supported by the drawbar and has a support surface disposed above and in spaced apart relation to the base. The base is configured and arranged to support the front housing of the snow blower. The base also is configured and arranged to establish a fulcrum as the arms of the snow blower are rotated forward until the snow blower makes contact with the support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventor: Thomas M. Hanley
  • Publication number: 20180065567
    Abstract: A device holder is provided for a motor vehicle seat. The device holder includes a housing, a support and a hook. The support and the hook are displaceable between a stowed position in the housing and a deployed position to hold the device therebetween. A seat incorporating a built-in, integrated device holder is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Daniel Jay Osterhoff, Derek Williams
  • Publication number: 20180065568
    Abstract: A video display apparatus includes a base, a video display installed on the base, and a fixing frame for fastening the base on a vehicle roof The base has an elongated case. The case has a first end portion and an opposite second end portion. The fixing frame is pivotally connected to the first end portion, so the base is rotatable between a first position and a second position with respect to the fixing frame. When the fixing frame is fastened to the vehicle roof, a distance between the vehicle roof and the second end portion at the first position is more than that at the second position. The fixing frame has a mating surface for abutting against the vehicle roof The area of the cross-section of the first end portion is less than three quarters of the area defined by the outer edge of the mating surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Szu-Han Tsao, TAI-HAO WEN
  • Publication number: 20180065569
    Abstract: A media system for a vehicle comprises a housing mounted to an overhead portion of the vehicle, and a media unit that is capable of being coupled to the housing, wherein the housing includes a receiving portion that pivots with respect to the housing and receives the media unit in the receiving portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: DAVID M. SHALAM, Joseph C. Caltabiano, George C. Schedivy, James R. Tranchina