Abstract: A vibration damping device comprises: a spindle member through which a shaft portion is inserted, the spindle member being movable along a length direction of the shaft portion; a first coil spring disposed between the spindle member and one end portion of the shaft portion in the length direction, the one end portion of the shaft portion being inserted through the first coil spring, and the first coil spring urging the spindle member toward a side of another end portion of the shaft portion in the length direction; and a second coil spring disposed between the another end portion of the shaft portion and the spindle member, the another end portion of the shaft portion being inserted through the second coil spring, and the second coil spring urging the spindle member toward a side of the one end portion of the shaft portion.

Abstract: A vehicle seat according to the present invention includes: a seat back frame constituting a framework of a seat back; a blower disposed in the seat back; a bracket to which the blower is fixed; and a cover member provided on the rear side of the seat back frame. Herein, the bracket is fixed to the cover member with the seat back frame being held between the bracket and the cover member.

Abstract: An occupant support adapted for use in a vehicle includes a cushion, a cushion cover, and a thermoelectric unit. The cushion is adapted to support an occupant on the occupant support. The cushion cover is arranged around at least a portion the cushion. The thermoelectric unit is configured to selectively heat and cool the occupant of the occupant support with conductive heat transfer through the cushion cover.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes an ISOFIX anchor for fixing a child seat which is provided in a through-hole that extends in a front and rear direction and is formed in a seat body. The vehicle seat further includes: a cover member which covers an opening on a seat front side of the through-hole in an openable and closable manner; and a plug member which is capable of being pushed into the opening on the seat front side of the through-hole in a drawable manner, wherein the plug member is configured to block an air-flowing channel of an air which flows in from an opening on a seat back side of the through-hole and flows out from the opening on the seat front side of the through-hole in a state where the plug member is pushed into the opening.

Abstract: A vehicle seat that ensures improving appearance. A vehicle seat includes a first cover member to which a terminal of a first skin is stitched and a second cover member to which a terminal of a second skin is stitched. The first cover member and the second cover member are joined together. This ensures reducing a displacement of the first skin and the second skin relative to the first cover member and the second cover member. This ensures reducing the first skin and the second skin being turned up at an outer edge of a flange portion of the first cover member and an end portion of the second cover member on the second skin side. This ensures improving appearance of the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat back frame, a support and a bracket subassembly. The bracket subassembly connects the seat back frame to the support. The bracket subassembly includes a first bracket having a first attachment feature and a second bracket having a second attachment feature wherein the first and second attachment features engage to lock the bracket assembly around the support. A method of securing a seat back frame to a support is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cushion pan for a seat cushion is formed from a metal sheet and the cushion pan incudes: an outer frame section that is formed in a frame shape in a seat plan view, a pair of mutually opposing sides of the outer frame section each including a horizontal portion with a respective thickness direction along a seat up-down direction; a pair of side plate portions that extend toward one side in the seat up-down direction from facing end portions of the pair of horizontal portions; and a plate spring portion having a flat plate shape bridging between ends of the pair of side plate portions on an opposite side of the side plate portions from the pair of horizontal portions.

Abstract: A seat leveler device is configured for use with a vehicle seating assembly having a rearwardly inclined seating surface. The seat leveler device includes a support portion having a conformable outer casing with a seat engaging surface arranged at an angle complimentary to an angle of the inclined seating surface. A support surface is supported by the support portion in a substantially horizontal manner. One or more anchor members having engagement features are tethered to either the support surface or the support portion, and are configured to couple to anchoring locations disposed on the vehicle seating assembly to retain the seat leveler device on the vehicle seating assembly. The seat leveler device may include retaining straps and a cage assembly for assisting in controlled transport of items.

Abstract: A food tray system includes a vehicle that has at least one seat. A supporting unit is removably supported on the at least one seat. The supporting unit may support food items thereby facilitating the food items to be consumed in the vehicle. A pair of straps is provided and each of the straps is coupled to the supporting unit. Each of the straps removably engages the at least one seat such that the supporting unit is removably supported on the seat.

Abstract: The 4 Cup Carrier Tray Holder is an invention designed to Level and Secure a common 4 Cup Carrier Tray with Beverages on a Car, SUV, or Truck seat. This is accomplished from the wedge shape and pocket design that levels and holds these commonplace beverage carrier trays provided at multiple convenience stores to hold multiple beverages. The Invention reduces dangerous driver distraction and captures any spillage.

Abstract: An automotive beverage container interconnected with an automotive air conditioning system and power supply to heat and cool a contained beverage to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a haulage vehicle that enables precisely confirming that work for dumping a load is completed. The present invention is based upon a haulage vehicle provided with a vehicle frame (2), a vessel (7) tiltably mounted on the vehicle frame and a hoist cylinder (9) which is provided between the vehicle frame and the vessel and which tilts the vessel, and has a characteristic that a load detector (39A, 39B, 23a) that detects force that acts in an extended or a contracted direction of the hoist cylinder and an empty load determination unit (23b) that determines whether the vessel is empty on the basis of a detection signal from the load detector or not are provided.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of operating a tipper vehicle, the tipper vehicle comprising a tipper body pivotably moveable with respect to a frame with a hydraulic cylinder disposed therebetween and actuatable to pivot the tipper body. The method comprises monitoring at least one of (i) a pressure parameter relating to the hydraulic pressure within the hydraulic cylinder and (ii) an angular positional parameter relating to the angular position of the tipper body; determining a maximum permissible vehicle speed based on at least one of the monitored (i) pressure parameter and (ii) angular positional parameter; and displaying the maximum permissible vehicle speed.

Abstract: A salt delivery system for remotely delivering water softening salt from a salt source outside a structure to a brine tank or salt bin located inside the structure. The salt delivery system includes a fluid moving apparatus that creates a positive pressure in the system for moving salt from the salt source into the brine tank while also creating a nominal or negative pressure inside the brine tank. The salt delivery system brine tank also includes one or more sensors to provide near real-time monitoring of salt levels in the tank.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for advertising, promoting, marketing and/or selling products and services. The inventions include a mobile vehicle and moving showroom for advertising, promotion, marketing, and sales of products and services. The products and services may be promoted for direct sale from the moving showroom, or for sale from other outlets, such as retail stores and internet sales.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a multimodal transportation apparatus for passenger transportation. The multimodal transportation apparatus comprises a passenger car. According to the disclosure, the multimodal transportation apparatus contains a motorcycle that is equipped with, and can be driven by an electric motor, and a securing apparatus to releasably fixedly secure the motorcycle to the passenger car. The motorcycle is arranged between a driver seat and a passenger seat, as seen in a direction of travel, in a secured operating state. At least a portion of a center console serves to support at least one body part of a rider of the motorcycle in an operating state, wherein the motorcycle is detached from the passenger car.

Abstract: A load-strapping device including at least two frame parts connected by a pivotable joint, where one frame part is attacked to a strap, where the joint between the pivotable parts is provided with a spindle extending between parallel flanges of the frame parts, the pivotable joint between the pivotable parts provided at opposite ends of the spindle with a pawl-and-ratchet mechanism which provides one-way rotation of the spindle when the pivotable basic parts are pivoted repeatedly in opposing directions, characterised in that the spindle is provided with two recesses arranged at respective different oblique angles relative to the rotation axis of the spindle and that the recesses are mutually spaced, and in opposite orientations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for transporting cargo over a cargo bed. The apparatus includes a first rail, having a first key and a second key, and a first track member including (a) a first keyway having a first end and a second end, (b) a second keyway axially aligned with the first end and (c) a third keyway axially aligned with the second end.

Abstract: A mechanically actuated cargo restraint system for a vehicle includes a rotatable reel in a frame, a first flexible tether, a base and a pawl. The frame includes a cog having a single tooth. The first flexible tether has a first end coupled to the rotatable reel and a second end capable of being coupled to one of a vehicle and a cargo item. The first flexible tether is windable around the rotatable reel. The base rotate with the reel. The pawl is pivotally connected to the base, and is biased in a first position that allows rotation of the pawl with respect to the cog. The pawl moves to a second position responsive to centrifugal force associated with a velocity of rotation of the rotatable reel exceeding a threshold. The pawl engages the cog in the second position to inhibit relative movement of the pawl with respect to the cog.

Abstract: A lighting device control system (1, 101, 201) includes an instruction signal generation unit (3) that generates an instruction signal for the control of the states of a lighting device (13, 15) mounted to a vehicle, and a control unit (5, 7) that controls the state of the lighting device according to the instruction signal. The instruction signal generation unit generates a plurality of instruction signals. The control unit controls the state of the lighting device according to the states of the plurality instruction signals.

Abstract: An apparatus for illuminating a rotating element of the apparatus with as few as a single light source and a method for assembling such apparatus are disclosed herein. The apparatus comprises a center, a clear substrate element that may rotate about the center, and a light source for evenly illuminating the clear substrate element. The light source is configured to emit light toward the clear substrate element at an angle, which is predetermined based on one or more attributes of the clear substrate element, such as the geometry and the index of refraction.

Abstract: A vehicle switch is provided herein. The vehicle switch includes a housing including an output window. A first light source and a second light source are disposed within the housing. The first light source emits excitation light of a first wavelength. The second light source emits excitation light of a second wavelength. A proximity switch assembly is positioned within the housing and is configured to control a vehicle feature. A first luminescent structure is disposed rearwardly of the output window and luminesces in response to excitation light of the first wavelength when the feature is in a first state. A second luminescent structure is disposed rearwardly of the output window and is configured to luminesce in response to excitation light of the second wavelength when the feature is in a second state.

Abstract: A carrier assembly for a light includes a main housing having a first end, a second end, and a main axis extending between the first end and the second end. The carrier assembly also includes an extension member slidably coupled to the main housing for movement along the main axis between a retracted position and an extended position. The extension member is biased toward the retracted position. The carrier assembly further includes a wireform hook extending from the first end of the main housing. The wireform hook includes two legs coupled to the extension member for movement with the extension member. The carrier assembly also includes a bracket member coupled to the wireform hook. The bracket member includes a base material extending between the two legs of the wireform hook and a second material overlaying a portion of the base material. The second material is softer than the base material.

Abstract: A display device includes: a transparent plate-shaped substrate capable of blocking light transmission in its partial region; a planar light-emitting body disposed on a back surface side of the substrate; a light-shielding plate capable of blocking light transmission in its partial region and disposed between the substrate and the light-emitting body; and a design part displayed on the substrate, having a predetermined shape formed from a character or graphic. A first light-shielding region formed from a recess with a same shape as an outline of the design part, and a second light-shielding region having a shape enlarged outward from an outline of the recess by a first dimension are respectively provided on the back surface side of the substrate and a front or back surface side of the plate. First and second light-shielding layers blocking light from the light-emitting body are formed in the first and second light-shielding regions, respectively.

Abstract: A method for illuminating a passenger compartment of a vehicle with lighting devices which each contain one or more diffuse and/or indirect light sources. The intensity and color of the light emitted by the light sources being set automatically as a function of specific operating parameters which are influenced by a vehicle occupant. The lighting devices which are respectively spatially assigned to an area of the passenger compartment of the vehicle in which there is a vehicle component with an operating parameter which can be set separately by the driver and which can act on a general operating mode selected by the driver, are actuated in such a way that their intensity and color indicate to the driver whether the current setting of the separately settable operating parameter has a positive or negative effect on the general operating mode selected by the driver.

Abstract: A car seat with a warning function includes a seat body having a seat cushion, plural adjusting posts, a wireless transmission module, a control unit and a warning element. The wireless transmission module is in wireless communication with an electronic device. When the adjusting posts are pushed by the seat cushion, the lengths of the adjusting posts are changed. If the control unit receives a body curve data from the electronic device and judges that the body curve data complies with a predetermined body data, the control unit changes the lengths of the adjusting posts according to the body curve information. Consequently, the shape of the seat cushion fits the body shape of the user. If the control unit judges that the body curve data does not comply with the predetermined body data, the control unit controls the warning element to output a warning signal.

Abstract: A drive assisting apparatus includes a running state detection unit which detects a running state of a vehicle, a manipulation detection unit which detects a drive manipulation of a driver on the vehicle, a line-of-sight direction detection unit which detects a line-of-sight direction of the driver, a pattern storage unit which is stored in advance with data indicating combinations of a vehicle running state and a driver drive manipulation and a driver line-of-sight direction pattern, and a warning signal output unit. The warning signal output unit outputs a warning signal if a combination of the running direction detected by the running state detection unit, the drive manipulation detected by the manipulation detection unit, and the line-of-sight direction detected by the line-of-sight direction detection unit is different from any of the combinations of the data stored in the pattern storage unit.

Abstract: In one example, a computing device includes one or more user input detection components, and one or more processors configured to receive an indication of a first user input detected by the one or more user input detection components, responsive to receiving the indication of the first user input, adjust a level of an attention buffer at a defined rate; responsive to determining that the level of the attention buffer satisfies a first threshold, prevent further interaction with a user interface of the computing device, responsive to determining that an indication of a second user input has not been received within a time period, adjust a level of the attention buffer, and responsive to determining that the level of the attention buffer satisfies a second threshold, allow further interaction with the user interface.

Abstract: A periphery monitoring device according the embodiment comprising: a first storage that stores therein road surface information in a moving direction of a vehicle including a plurality of wheels; a controller that generates underfloor information on an underfloor region of the vehicle from the road surface information, the underfloor region including at least part of a region of all the wheels; a second storage that is nonvolatile and stores therein the underfloor information when the vehicle ends driving; and a display that displays the underfloor information when the vehicle starts driving.

Abstract: A communication and image projection system in a vehicle of a fleet comprises an image sensor unit configured to capture images surrounding the vehicle; a processing unit configured to receive and process the images and an outside image captured by an outside vehicle; and a projection unit configured to receive the outside image from the processing unit and project the outside image to a surface viewable by an occupant of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is an auto-adjustable display mount. The present invention can be used in a system that auto-adjusts the position and angle of a display based on the identity of the user, the position of the user, the type of display, the environment, and the application. The present invention is comprised of two adjustment modules, connected to a bracket with which to retain a display. The two adjustment modules are comprised of a housing, a brushless direct current motor, a worm gear, and a rotational axle. The two adjustment modules are connected, with the lower adjustment module connected to the rotational axle of the upper adjustment module. Each adjustment module is capable of rotating through at least 120°.

Abstract: A vehicular visual recognition control device including an in-out motor configured to change a visual recognition range of vehicle surroundings for an occupant, sensors (a vehicle speed sensor, turning switches, and a steering angle sensor) configured to detect conditions for changing including a start condition to start changing the visual recognition range and a reversion condition to revert to the original visual recognition range prior to changing, and an ECU. When the condition for changing has been detected in the detection results of the sensors, the ECU controls the in-out motor according to the detected condition for changing. When an intent of the occupant is detected from at least one of a change amount of vehicle speed or a change amount of steering angle, the ECU controls the in-out motor according to the detected intent of the occupant, unrelated to the condition for changing.

Abstract: This invention intends to enhance space efficiency in an electric retractable view device for a vehicle. A motor drives a view device rotating section to rotate in a direction around an axis of a shaft. A circuit board supplies electric drive power to the motor. The circuit board is disposed vertically between the shaft and the motor. The circuit board includes motor connection terminals and a connector connection terminal. The motor connection terminals are connected to motor terminals of the motor. A connector of an external electric power supply wiring is connected to the connector connection terminal. In a state in which the motor connection terminals are connected to the motor terminals, the connector connection terminal is disposed below the motor connection terminals between the circuit board and the motor.

Abstract: This invention intends to enhance motor holding performance of a motor holding member in an electric retractable view device for a vehicle. An electric retracting unit includes a rotating body. The rotating body includes an outer plate (motor holding member) that holds a motor body of a motor. The outer plate includes a barrel and a claw engagement piece. The barrel receives the motor body in an inner space. The claw engagement piece engages with a rear end face (engaged portion) of the motor body received in the barrel and locks the motor so as to prevent axial movement. An engagement surface of the engagement claw of the claw engagement piece is disposed at a position on a deeper side of the inner space relative to an open end of the inner space of the barrel.

Abstract: A vehicle having a cargo area accessible through a liftgate opening frame and partially defined by a floor, side quarter trims, and pillar covers is provided. The vehicle includes an articulated fence movable between a stowed position and an elevated position, and a guide formed in at least one of the pillar covers for guiding the articulated fence between the stowed position and the elevated position. A motor is positioned behind one of the side quarter trims for moving a belt attached to the articulated fence. The articulated fence is transparent and positioned within a recess beneath the floor in the stowed position. A cover may be attached to the articulated fence and is substantially flush with the floor when the articulated fence is in the stowed position.

Abstract: A gap cover assembly in a vehicle comprises a gap cover, a first magnetic connection part disposed on a first end of the gap cover and a second magnetic connection part disposed on a seatback of a rear seat of the vehicle. The first end of the gap cover is adjacent to the seatback of the rear seat and the gap cover is connected with the seatback via a magnetic field between the first and second magnetic connection parts and is moveable relative to a front end of the package tray.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback and a seat base including a first section and a second section where the first and second sections independently pivot between a raised position and a lowered position. An internal storage compartment is defined between the first and second sections of the seat base. An interior bin is coupled to the second section of the internal storage compartment where the interior bin independently pivots between the raised and lowered positions. A partition is coupled to a first section of the internal storage compartment.

Abstract: A modular support system for a vehicle with multi-component support structures that include a pair of side supports, a pair of base supports, and a horizontal support suspended between the pair of side supports. Each side support can include a vertical portion, a base portion extending from the vertical portion and coupled, directly or indirectly, to the base support.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a bicycle having wheels and a frame relative to a cargo bed of a pickup truck having a tailgate, spaced sidewalls and a front wall. The apparatus comprises holders for associating with the spaced sidewalls and adapted for engaging one of the wheels of the bicycle. The apparatus further includes a support for associating with the front wall to support the frame of the bicycle. The holders and support may be height-adjustable to accommodate a variety of bicycle shapes and sizes.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a bicycle having wheels and a frame relative to a cargo bed of a pickup truck having a tailgate, spaced sidewalls and a front wall. The apparatus comprises a carrier adapted for receiving and supporting the bicycle frame and a guide for mounting to the sidewall for guiding movement of the carrier in the travel direction. The guide may comprise parallel rails for slidably engaging a connector of the carrier.

Abstract: A sport bar is disclosed. The sport bar includes a mounting bracket on either side of the sport bar. Each mounting bracket has a substantially squared C shaped cross section, with parts, a top plate, a side wall, and a base plate. The top plate is cantilevered over the base plate and attaches to the bars. The base plate attaches to a top rail of the side walls of the pickup bed.

Abstract: Described herein is a seat attachment for covering at least part of a seat back. The seat attachment comprises a body for positioning against a seat back and a support removably attached to the body and/or removably attachable to the seat back. The support is for supporting literature between the support and the seat back. Also described is a kit comprising the seat attachment and one or more additional supports. Further described is a seat comprising a seat attachment.

Abstract: A portable personal electronic device mounting apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a vertical strip comprised of vertical fasteners, a support bracket attached to a bottom portion of the vertical strip. In this embodiment, the support bracket is configured to receive a personal electronic device. The apparatus further includes a first support strap comprised of first strap fasteners and two ends. Each of the two ends is selectively fastenable to each other and at least one of the two ends is selectively fastenable in relation to the vertical strip.

Abstract: A support for holding electronic devices in vehicles, with a single piece made of an elastic material which is easily manually deformable such that it can be pressure-fitted between the windscreen and the instrument panel. A cavity is made in the support, the size of said cavity being slightly smaller than that of the electronic device to be held, such that the device is held by pressure.

Abstract: A panel for a vehicle interior including a cover layer and a mask layer, wherein the cover layer has a frontside and a backside, and the mask layer is disposed at the backside of the cover layer. The cover layer includes a semi-transparent layer. The cover layer has a light transmittance of at most 90 percent in a direction perpendicular to the frontside, wherein the mask layer comprises a transparent display region and an opaque region, wherein the opaque region is located adjacent to the display region.

Abstract: A method of making an iridescent, vehicular trim assembly is provided that includes: molding a polymeric base comprising an exterior surface; and over-molding an element over at least a portion of the exterior surface. The element comprises a polymeric, translucent material and an exterior surface with an integral diffraction grating having a thickness from 250 to 1000 nm and a period from 50 nanometers to 5 microns. Further, the molding can be conducted such that the polymeric base is molded with a tint. The method can also include forming a plated region over the exterior surface of the base. In addition, the method can also include cleaning the plated region with a plasma-etching process before the over-molding.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an integrally press-molded vehicular undercover. The undercover includes a needle-punched first fiber layer containing a first inorganic fiber and a first solidified thermoplastic binder and a needle-punched second fiber layer containing a second inorganic fiber and a second solidified thermoplastic binder. The first fiber layer and the second fiber layer are adhered to each other in a state that the undercover has a weak layer between the first fiber layer and the second fiber layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a crash detection circuit for detecting a crash of a vehicle and including a transformer including a first inductor as a part of a crash signal generation circuit, and a second inductor as a part of a crash signal evaluation circuit, and galvanically isolated from the first inductor, a first comparator including an output, an inverting input coupled to a first terminal of the second inductor, and a non-inverting input electrically coupled to a second terminal of the second inductor, and a window comparator including a first input terminal electrically connected to the output of the first comparator for an input voltage to be evaluated, and two second input terminals for receiving reference voltages.

Abstract: A clip-on spacer includes a retainer having a receiver and a resilient clip and a spacer element having a tang and a bolt guide. A front end module includes a bolster carrier, a grille carried on the bolster carrier and a clip-on spacer fixed to the bolster carrier.

Abstract: An occupant protection device capable of protecting occupants at a higher level is provided. An occupant protection device comprises a first sensor for detecting a value concerning a rotation angle of a vehicle, a second sensor for detecting an acceleration in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and a collision determination section adapted to determinate whether or not a collision has occurred to the vehicle based on the detection result of the first sensor and to determinate whether or not the collision has occurred to the vehicle also based on the detection result of the second sensor.