Abstract: Embodiments include an intelligent electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) unit. The intelligent EVSE unit includes a communication port to receive an active power load value and a maximum installed power load value from an external power meter. The intelligent EVSE unit includes a buffer-reduced maximum installed power logic section to receive a safety buffer value, to receive the maximum installed power load value from the communication port, and to generate a buffer-reduced maximum installed power value dependent on the safety buffer value and the maximum installed power load value. The intelligent EVSE unit includes a real-time power availability logic section to generate an available power value dependent on the buffer-reduced maximum installed power value and the active power load value. The intelligent EVSE unit includes a power regulator to control an amount of power made available to charge one or more electric vehicles dependent on the available power value.

Abstract: A method of optimizing electricity use from an electric grid is disclosed. The method includes formulating a target load using a cost function for the electric grid, broadcasting a cost signal to the electric device based on the target load, receiving a charging profile from the electric device based on the cost signal, aggregating a demand profile for the electricity use based on the charging profile, determining an updated cost signal based on the demand profile, and broadcasting the updated cost signal to another electric device. The electric device is chargeable electric device, such as a plug-in electric vehicle (PEV). The electric device determines the charging profile only once based on the cost signal, and is charged at maximum power.

Abstract: In one method of using solar power as a supplemental power source in a DC system of a vehicle, the voltage of a vehicle battery is measured to determine if an alternator is operating. Upon determining that the alternator is running, a solar charge controller sets the voltage set-point to be about 0.1 Volts higher than the voltage produced by the alternator. This allows the solar panel to contribute up to the full power capability of the solar panel to the DC power system, even though the battery may be fully charged, which reduces the load on the alternator, thereby improving fuel economy.

Abstract: Provided are a charging device and a vehicle capable of reducing the amount of noise flowing into a quick-charging facility. The pair of charging lines connecting the quick-charging facility (20) to an onboard battery (30) are referred to as quick-charging lines, and each of these quick-charging lines is provided with a relay (16-1, 16-2). Each relay (16-1, 16-2) is used to switch the current flowing in the respective quick-charging line on and off, the current being switched on during quick-charge and being switched off during normal charging. Each quick-charging line has a Y-capacitor (17) connected thereto closer to a QC port (15) than the respective relay (16-1, 16-2).

Abstract: An Engine Start and Battery Support Module for a vehicle is provided that utilizes a bank of Ultra Capacitors (UCs) charged with or without running the vehicle's alternator to levels that support both engine starting assistance and hotel load support. The UCs' per-cell charge can be adjured and raided during periods of low temperatures and even higher during ultralow temperatures. The adjustment, which can be dynamic and/or automatic, increases the UC energy storage capability. Further, the release of energy from the UCs is controlled by a pulse width modulation (PWM) controller based on the DC bus voltage. The UCs can be charged either from an onboard DC/DC converter, an AC hook up, or from smartly switching the banks of UCs between parallel and serial configurations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling output of a fuel cell are provided. The apparatus includes a communicator that is configured to receive state information of a fuel cell and a controller that is configured to terminate charge of a battery by a power converting apparatus when a first voltage of the fuel cell is less than a preset second voltage as air supply of the fuel cell is stopped. Additionally, the controller is configured to activate a relay between the fuel cell and the battery to charge the battery when the first voltage is less than the second voltage.

Abstract: Electric vehicles such as scooters are reliant upon one or more electrical energy storage devices to not only provide motive power but also power some or all vehicular systems. An electrical energy storage device can be equipped with a number of thermal sensors that provide data indicative of overall and/or localized electrical energy storage device temperature(s) to a controller. In order to maintain the electrical energy storage device in a desired thermal operating range or profile, the controller can selectively alter or control the power distributed or allocated to one or more vehicular systems. Such alteration or control of power allocation may be performed by the controller based upon an assessed degree of vehicular system criticality.

Abstract: An electrical system is usable with an offboard charging station and configured to dynamically adjust a power limit of the electrical system during a battery charging process. The system includes a battery pack, charge coupler, power electronic components, temperature sensor(s), and a controller. The components include a most-limiting component, and are electrically connected to the battery pack with corresponding temperature-based operating performance information. The information describes a maximum allowed charging current over different time intervals. The most-limiting component has a lowest allowed charging current. The controller executes a method by determining a component temperature using the measured temperature(s), and requests increased charging current from the power supply over one or more of the time intervals to supply the battery pack with the maximum allowed charging current of the most-limiting component.

Abstract: In a control system and control method for a driving device, opposite distribution control is performed (e.g., steps 1, 4 to 7), whereby a left driving force and a right driving force are controlled such that a yaw moment in a direction opposite to a turning direction of the vehicle acts on the vehicle, whereby a left-right driving force difference is generated which is a difference between the left driving force and the right driving force. During performance of the opposite distribution control, when deceleration of the vehicle is obtained, limit control is performed (e.g., step 8), whereby the left driving force and the right driving force are controlled such that a change in the left-right driving force difference becomes smaller than a change in a left-right driving force sum, which is the sum of the left driving force and the right driving force.

Abstract: A pantograph configuration for a vehicle has at least one pantograph embodied for at least temporary contact with an electrical network located externally outside the vehicle. The pantograph is movable from a contact position into a rest position. A first electrical network is located internally within the vehicle, which in the contact position is connected to the pantograph. A second electrical network located internally within the vehicle is connected to a ground or mass potential of the vehicle and in the rest position to the pantograph. In order to ensure that the pantograph is voltage-free in the rest position, the pantograph is connected to the first electrical network and the second electrical network in the rest position.

Abstract: The problem of a front seat occupant moving the front seatback so far so as to interfere with the proper positioning of a rear-facing child safety seat or to touch a child's legs while sitting in a front-facing child safety seat is solved by transforming the lower anchor into a segment of an electrical circuit with a normally open switch that is forced to the closed position when a child safety seat attachment system has attached to the lower anchor and the vehicle prevents the front seat from moving beyond a present distance toward the rear seat. The closing of the electrical circuit can be used to supply an input signal to a controller in the vehicle programmed to notify the operator that a child safety seat has been attached to prevent the front seat from moving beyond a fixed distance from the rear seat.

Abstract: A method for configuring a controller to operate a motor to position a seat, in which the controller includes an integrated current sensor and the seat includes a latch operatively coupled to the motor, includes determining an operating profile of the motor under one or more operating conditions, wherein the operating profile represents motor current values during activation of the latch, and wherein the activation of the latch includes at least one latch pulling condition and one latch release condition. The method further includes analyzing the operating profile in order to correlate the profile to the position of the latch. The method also includes loading the controller with instructions to enable comparison of a real-time current measured by the integrated current sensor to the stored operating profile, wherein the analysis enables determination of the latch condition in real-time.

Abstract: A vehicle seat and method for adjusting the vehicle seat uses a hinge mechanism (18), a guide mechanism (20), and a single actuation device (22) designed to function selectively either in a backrest control mode, acting on the blocking device (28) in order to move the blocking device (28) towards the release position, or in a track (30) control mode, acting on the locking device (36) in order to move the locking device (36) towards the unlocking position. The actuation device (22) is controlled by a user to cause the actuation device to function either in backrest control mode or in track (30) control mode.

Abstract: A longitudinally adjustable vehicle seat comprises a seat frame, a backrest pivotally mounted on the seat frame and foldable down in the direction of a seat surface of the seat frame, a longitudinal rail guide having a guide rail pair 2 including a lower guide rail 21 and an upper guide rail 22, a seat adjuster mechanism including a releasable locking device 3 for locking and unlocking the position of the upper guide rail 22 relative to the lower guide rail 21 in a design position P between an internal full rear limit stop and a comfort full forward limit stop 62 defining a functional comfort adjustment range D, an easy-entry mechanism for displacing the vehicle seat to an extended travel full forward position C upon folding down the backrest onto the seat surface, and a pivotable over-travel and limit stop bracket 5 which is adapted to rotate to bypass the comfort full forward limit stop 62 upon activation of the easy-entry mechanism for entering an extended travel range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle cab or a vehicle seat comprising an upper part and a lower part which are vertically spring-mounted relative to one another by means of at least one height-adjustable scissor-action frame comprising two scissor arms which are pivotable about a common axis, and at least one air spring having a variable air volume, it being possible for movements of the scissor-action frame to be transmitted to a switching element, by means of a transmission element that is mechanically operatively connected to the scissor-action frame, in order to control the air volume of the air spring, wherein a height-adjustment device for the scissor-action frame, comprising a manually actuable control lever element and a guide element that is mechanically operatively connected thereto, the switching element being able to be pivoted about a first axis of rotation and the transmission element being able to be pivoted about the first axis of rotation in the opposite direction to the switching element by me

Abstract: A vehicle includes a seatback defining a loading surface and operable between deployed and undeployed positions. A seat base is positioned proximate the seatback. A bladder is operable between inflated and deflated states. A valve is fluidly coupled with the bladder. Foam is positioned within the bladder. The loading surface is substantially horizontal when the bladder is deflated and the seatback is in the deployed position.

Abstract: A motor vehicle comprises an upper back support comprising a substantially U-shaped tubular member pivotally attached at a first end to one of a pair of opposed lateral seatback frame members and pivotally attached at a second end to the other of the pair of opposed lateral seatback frame members, a substantially rigid planar base attached to a central portion of the tubular member, a latch operably coupling the first end of the tubular member to the one of a pair of opposed lateral seatback members to restrain the tubular member in one of a plurality of positions between a stowed position and a fully raised position, and a cushion disposed above the upper back support to form a movable exposed surface.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a track latch assembly having a lower track configured to couple to a vehicle floor, an upper track coupled to a seat base, a recline handle rotatably coupled to a seat bottom, and a track release mechanism configured to move between a disengaged position that enables relative sliding movement between the lower track and the upper track, and an engaged position that facilitates preventing relative sliding movement between the lower track and the upper track. Rotation of the recline handle is configured to move the track release mechanism from the engaged position to the disengaged position, and movement of the seat bottom from a lowered position to a raised position is configured to move the track release mechanism from the engaged position to the disengaged position. A pivot latch assembly prevents movement of the seat bottom to and from the lowered and raised positions.

Abstract: A seat reclining device includes: a reclining unit that includes a fixing member fixed to a seat cushion side and a rotating member fixed to the seat cushion side and supported by the fixing member to rotate freely, and that switches freely between a locked state and an unlocked state; a transmission lever supported by the fixing member to rotate freely on the same center as the fixing member; a release operation lever supported on the seat cushion side to rotate freely between lock operation and unlocking operation positions; a link which includes a protruding portion, in which each end portion of the link is supported by one of the transmission and release operation levers to rotate freely, and which switches the reclining unit from the locked state to the unlocked state; and a holding plate that includes an unlock holding portion.

Abstract: An articulation mechanism comprising first and second frames mounted in a rotatable manner with respect to one another and connected together by a gear controlled by an input member (11) actuating an eccentric cam mounted in a rotatable manner in a cylindrical housing integral with the first frame. The cam is formed of two cam parts that are elastically urged towards a position of maximum eccentricity and are movable towards a position of minimum eccentricity during actuation of the input member. A load-spreading washer is mounted in a rotatable manner with play in the cylindrical housing, parallel to the eccentric cam.

Abstract: A seat dump assembly includes an actuator, a seat dump mechanism remote from the actuator, a mechanical seat adjustment accommodation device, a first cable connecting the actuator to the mechanical seat adjustment accommodation device and a second cable connecting the mechanical seat adjustment accommodation device to the seat dump mechanism.

Abstract: A seating assembly includes a seatback operably coupled to a support structure. A seatbase is pivotably coupled to the seatback. The seating assembly is configured to slide along a slide rail in a floor to a stowed position. The slide rail has an arcuate portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a horizontal vibration device for a vehicle seat, comprising a damper module which damps horizontal vibrations between a seat-side upper part and a body-side lower part in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and/or in the width direction of the vehicle, and comprising a regulating/control module for regulating and/or controlling the damper module, said damper module being arranged in an interspace between the seat-side upper part and the body-side lower part. The horizontal vibration device is further characterized in that the damper module comprises at least one hydraulic vibration damper, said at least one hydraulic vibration damper being fluidically connected to a volume equalizing module.

Abstract: A seat for a vehicle is provided includes a padding member and at least one phase change material element supported in a passage formed within the padding member. The at least one phase change material element is supported in the passage so as to be movable between a first location in which the at least one phase change material element is spaced apart from an occupant support side of the padding member when the seat is unoccupied, and a second location in which at least a portion of the at least one phase change material element is at least level with the occupant support side of the at least one padding member when the seat is unoccupied. The at least one phase change material element is structured to absorb heat from a vehicle occupant, thereby cooling the occupant.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a heating and ventilation inlay for a vehicle seat that is adapted to be placed in a recess in a seat cushion or backrest of the vehicle seat underneath a seat trim. The heating and ventilation inlay comprises an arrangement of layers including an air permeable heating mat having a heating conductor running on the heating mat. Underneath the heating mat an air permeable layer of spacer material is connectable to a fan or suction fan for transporting air through the heating and ventilation inlay. The heating mat and the layer of spacer material are connected to each other and form a composite that can be handled as a unitary component, by a plurality of rivets which are distributed over the area of the heating and ventilation inlay. The rivets are pierced through the heating mat and the spacer material layer.

Abstract: A passenger restraint includes a vehicle seat and a foundation adapted to couple the seat to a vehicle frame included in a vehicle. The vehicle seat is adapted to support a passenger sitting thereon. The foundation couples the vehicle seat in spaced-apart relation to the vehicle frame to allow the vehicle seat to move back and forth relative to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A foam part (5, 105, 205, 305), in particular for a vehicle seat, includes several comfort tubes (50, 150, 250, 350) facing a user. Several of the comfort tubes (50, 150, 250, 350) respectively comprise a hole (55, 155, 255, 355, 60, 160, 260, 360) or several holes (55, 155, 255, 355, 60, 160, 260, 360). At least one of the holes (55, 155, 255, 355, 60, 160, 260, 360) is embodied as a blind hole (60, 160, 260, 360).

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat base. First and second independent thigh supports are pivotally coupled to the seat base. A support rod extends below the first and second independent thigh supports and is operably coupled to each of the first and second independent thigh supports by a gasket member and a bracket. A first spring member includes a body portion in abutting contact with an underside of the first independent thigh support and includes legs engaged with the support rod. The first spring member biases the first independent thigh support to a raised position. A second spring member includes a body portion in abutting contact with an underside of the second independent thigh support and includes legs engaged with the support rod. The second spring member biases the second independent thigh support to a raised position.

Abstract: An armrest assembly for a vehicle includes an armrest substrate having a vehicle-outboard substrate member, a vehicle-inboard substrate member, and at least one end member holding the vehicle-outboard substrate member and the vehicle-inboard substrate member at a spaced distance from one another. At least one support bridge member is disposed laterally across the spaced distance. The vehicle-outboard substrate member holds an end of the at least one support bridge member without imposing an outboard restriction on the at least one support bridge member. The armrest assembly may further include a fabric member attached to the armrest substrate, a cushion member extending over the fabric member, and a cover member extending over the cushion member, the fabric member, and the armrest substrate.

Abstract: A seat control system is used with a seat of a vehicle and includes a housing, a first pulley rotatable between first, second, and third positions, and a second pulley rotatable between first and second positions. The seat control system includes a first input cable rotating a first pulley when tensioned, a first output cable tensioned by the first pulley, and a second output cable tensioned by the second pulley. A pawl is coupled to and movable with the first pulley between the first, second, and third positions and selectively rotatable relative to the first pulley. The pawl engages the second pulley to couple and rotate the first and second pulleys from the first positions to the second positions. The pawl disengages the second pulley as the first pulley rotates from the second position to the third position to permit rotation of the second pulley to the first position.

Abstract: A device for locking a folding element in position for a vehicle seat including: a fixed element, designed to be fixed to the vehicle seat, a rotating element, designed to be fixed to the folding element, installed free to rotate relative to the fixed element about a rotation axis (X), the rotating element comprising at least a first locking structure, and a locking element, installed on the fixed element and that can be moved between a locking position in which it locks the rotating element in rotation relative to the fixed element by at least partial engagement of the locking element in the at least one first locking structure of the rotating element, and a release position in which it allows free rotation of the rotating element from the fixed element by release of the locking element in the at least one first locking structure of the rotating element.

Abstract: Tow apparatuses are described herein. For example, in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure a tow apparatus includes a platform having a plurality supports for maintaining at least one wheel of a vehicle to be towed on the platform, at least one ground interface mechanism connected to the bottom of the platform, a tongue having a first portion for attachment to a tow vehicle, a second portion attached to the platform, and a hinge between the first and second portions to allow the first portion to tilt with respect to the second portion, and a mechanism to allow the ground interface mechanism on the platform to change direction with respect to the tow vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer comprising a frame, wheels rotatably attached to the frame, opposing side panels having a lower edge, opposing first and second vertical edges and a top edge. The trailer includes a front panel having a front panel upper edge, the front panel attached at opposite front panel vertical edges to the first edge of the side panels. The trailer includes a floor disposed on top of the trailer frame and a boat removably attached to the top edge of the opposing side panels. The trailer may include bunkers extending along the trailer length, the bunkers retractable from a position above the trailer floor to a position wherein the bunkers are disposed in or below the trailer floor. The trailer may include an upper frame pivotally attached to the front panel upper edge wherein the boat is removably attached to the upper frame.

Abstract: The present system is directed in one embodiment to a vehicle with a cargo tank or reservoir and a pumping system, comprising a centralized controlled area network (CAN) in operative communication with a programmed computing device, e.g., a programmed logic controller (PLC) that may automate the pumping process output to automatically adjust based on demand and may further enable a pump flow rate that is infinitely adjustable to match output requirements. In other embodiments, the pump speed is no longer dependent upon engine speed or RPM. In other embodiments, the CAN may monitor for vapor at the pump inlet and automatically slow the pump speed until the vapor problem is resolved. Other embodiments may comprise the CAN integrating various vehicle and pumping systems to maximize safety and safety issue annunciations.

Abstract: A continuous snap in track system (200) is used with a residential vehicle (202) equipped with a slide-out room (204) protruding through at least one side wall of the residential vehicle (202). The slide-out room (204) includes an outer room wall (206). As the slide-out room (204) is extended, a gap (208) is formed between the room wall (206) and the residential vehicle sidewall (207). The system (200) includes a vertical seal assembly (210) and a horizontal seal assembly (212). The horizontal seal assembly (212) runs along the top wall or ceiling. The vertical seal assembly (210) and horizontal seal assembly (212) are coupled together through the use of a corner seal assembly (214). The system (200) includes a pair of jacket assemblies (220) coupled together through the use of a flexible hinge assembly (226). Each assembly (220) includes a leg (230) having a main body (232) and a straight edge (234).

Abstract: An adjustable tie-down ratchet includes a mainframe and a binding strap, wherein the mainframe includes an adjusting buckle, a handle and a transmission mechanism; a fixed shaft and a movable shaft are arranged on the rear part of the adjusting buckle for connecting the binding strap; an adjusting groove is formed at the rear part of the adjusting buckle; each adjusting groove defines a locking position and a adjusting position; the movable shaft can movably sliding in the adjusting grooves, and the fixed shaft is fixed below the adjusting grooves. In the present invention, the binding strap is movably connected with the mainframe, so that the position of the mainframe can be adjusted according to needs under different usage conditions, the operation is convenient, and the overall device is simple and practical.

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.

Abstract: A warning system for a vehicle includes a vehicle door-mounted exterior illuminable signal, a door-open indicator associated with the vehicle door, and a controller configured to actuate the exterior illuminable signal to emit light in a selected one of multiple operating modes. The operating modes may include an increased visibility operating mode differing from other operating modes in an intensity and/or pattern and/or color of light emitted by the door-mounted exterior illuminable signal. The vehicle door may be a rear-hinged door and the illuminable signal may be associated with a handle of the door. The controller may actuate the exterior illuminable signal in a different operating mode on receiving both of a signal from the door-open indicator and a signal from a vehicle navigational system.

Abstract: A rear-road surface illumination apparatus is provided which includes: an avoidance determiner 30 to determine whether to provide a display to induce a following vehicle to avoid a vehicle, on the basis of vehicle information; and a controller 9 to cause an illumination light 10 to illuminate a rear road surface with light having illumination information that induces the following vehicle to avoid the vehicle when the avoidance determiner 30 determines to provide a display to induce the following vehicle to avoid the vehicle. Therefore, the rear-road surface illumination apparatus can indicate the existence of the vehicle to the following vehicle, to give the existence of the vehicle prominence, and can also make it easy to notify the driver of the following vehicle about what the driver of the vehicle desires the driver of the following vehicle to do.

Abstract: An illumination device projects light in a predetermined illumination pattern on a surface. The illumination device includes a housing having a cavity and an aperture. The illumination device includes a light module for selectively emitting the light and a screen at least partially disposed in the cavity between the light module and the aperture. The screen has at least one opening defining a base pattern configuration corresponding to the predetermined illumination pattern for aligning the light through the opening into the base pattern configuration and subsequently projecting the light through the aperture onto the surface in the predetermined illumination pattern. The illumination device includes a condensing lens disposed between the light module and the screen for collimating the light toward the screen and an objective lens arrangement disposed between the screen and the aperture for transforming the light from the base pattern configuration into the predetermined illumination pattern.

Abstract: An attachment structure of a lighting device has: a holder provided on a top surface of a door pocket that constitutes a door lining, the lighting device being placed in the holder; walls for fixing the lighting device placed in the holder; a light source supporting part; and a connector supporting part. In this case, the attachment structure and the top surface of the door pocket are configured integrally.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for lighting the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The device includes a variable light-emitting element adapted to generate selectively a light beam having at least one variable characteristic, and a device for measuring the ambient temperature in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. A device for controlling the variable light-emitting element is configured to control the emission of the light beam and to vary the variable characteristic of the light-emitting element as a function of the ambient temperature measured by the device for measuring.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for generating masking sounds in a vehicle, such as an at least partially electric vehicle. An example sound generation system in a vehicle includes a speaker, a processor, and a storage device holding instructions executable by the processor to modulate a sound characteristic of a first frequency range of a synthetic sound to generate a modulated synthetic sound portion while maintaining the sound characteristic of a second frequency range of the synthetic sound that is lower than the first frequency range to generate an unmodulated synthetic sound portion. The instructions are further executable to output a combined synthetic sound including both the modulated synthetic sound portion and the unmodulated synthetic sound portion. The sound characteristic of the first frequency range may be modulated as a function of a vehicle operating parameter.

Abstract: A monitoring area may be defined for a monitoring device attached to a first object, wherein the monitoring area moves with the monitoring device. The monitoring device may detect a second object in the monitoring area. A collision awareness factor may be determined in relation to the monitoring area, and a warning zone may be defined in relation to the monitoring area based on the collision awareness factor. A warning may be generated based on detecting the second object within the warning zone and based on the collision awareness factor.

Abstract: A light failure detection system for use in a vehicle having a plurality of light emitting diode lighting devices includes a plurality of voltage level monitoring circuits and plurality of current monitoring circuits for measuring the voltage and current draw of a plurality of lighting circuits. A voltage drop circuit enabling the plurality of voltage level monitoring circuits and the plurality of current monitoring circuits to measure current and voltage at an adjusted input voltage is also provided. The system a learn mode for monitoring the lighting circuits with the plurality of voltage level monitoring circuits and the plurality of current monitoring circuits to determine threshold voltage and current levels for the lighting circuits. An adjusted threshold current, based on a voltage sensitivity and a sensed temperature, is calculated and a fault is indicated when a measured current is above or below the adjusted threshold current by a predetermined value.

Abstract: A system comprises a hinge assembly and an anchor. The anchor has a base, a head, and a pin connecting the base and the head. The hinge assembly has an aperture and a notch narrower than the aperture extending from the aperture. The head fits through the aperture, and the notch is configured to receive the pin when the hinge assembly is translated toward the pin with the head through the aperture. The hinge assembly releasably clips to the pin to retain the hinge assembly in an engaged position when the notch receives the pin. The system may be a cargo system in a vehicle, with the lid serving as a vehicle load floor. A method of securing a lid to a cargo bin in a vehicle utilizes the system.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat and a seatback. A retainer assembly is positioned in a rearward portion of the seatback. The retainer assembly includes a linear-travel hanger assembly that engages with the retainer assembly in a substantially continuous manner when in a stowed position.

Abstract: A carrier attachment method which allows a user to easily and quickly attach and detach a carrier wagon to and from a vehicle. The method includes a tubular mounting hitch, a vertical rail, a motorized linear actuator, an L-shaped mounting beam, an interconnecting plate, and the carrier wagon. The motorized linear actuator raises and lowers the carrier wagon. The vertical rail is terminally and perpendicularly connected to the tubular mounting hitch. The tubular mounting hitch is attached to a vehicle hitch. The motorized linear actuator is positioned parallel and offset to the vertical rail. A foot of the motorized linear actuator is attached to the tubular mounting hitch. The L-shaped mounting beam attaches to the carrier wagon and is positioned adjacent to the vertical rail. The interconnecting plate is mounted in between the L-shaped mounting beam and the motorized linear actuator, and further is slidably mounted along the vertical rail.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a cargo area at least partially defined by a first sidewall, a second sidewall disposed opposite the first sidewall and a floor cooperating with and extending between the first and second sidewalls. At least one tie down member is disposed on at least one of the first and second sidewalls. An auxiliary storage unit having a housing and a mounting bracket extending from the housing is removably secured to the at least one tie down member. The auxiliary storage unit is adjustable about the mounting bracket between at least a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A bike carrier on a drawbar for a trailer hitch receiver has two trays for the wheels of a bike. The trays pivot between an operational lateral position and a compact forward position for shipping and storage. A tray lock bar mounted in the carrier is urged by a spring into a position that automatically releasably locks the trays in the operational position. Pivoting wheel retention arms on the trays have cross members that contact the bike tires and are adjustable along the retention arms for different wheel diameters. Each cross member is held against a tire by a retention arm pivot ratchet that is releasable to allow the retention arms to pivot outward to release the bike from the carrier.