Abstract: A seating assembly for a vehicle includes a seat having an extendable leg support. A seatback is operably coupled with the seat. The seating assembly includes an occupant detection system. A rear seat lift device is disposed in the seat and operable between a lowered position and a heightened position. A rear portion of the seat is elevated relative to the seatback to minimize a height difference between the rear portion of the seat and a bottom portion of the seatback when the seatback is in a fully reclined position. A control module is in communication with the occupant detection system, the seat, and the seatback. The control module is configured to activate an actuation assembly of the seatback to rotate the seatback rearward, extend the extendable leg support forward, and raise the rear seat lift device to provide optimal rest conditions for the occupant.

Abstract: A vehicle slide rail device including: a memory mechanism which includes a memory member configured to define a default seat position by engagement; a release operation mechanism which is configured to release a lock mechanism from a locked state and slide together with the memory member in a slide direction by removing the memory member from a state of defining the default seat position; a memory operation mechanism which is configured to release the lock mechanism from the locked state while leaving the memory member in the state of defining the default seat position; a cancel mechanism which is pressed against the memory member to cancel the releasing of the lock mechanism by the memory operation mechanism and return the lock mechanism to the locked state when the seat position is returned to the default seat position defined while an operated state of a memory operation member is maintained.

Abstract: A method of moving a vehicle seat between a forward-facing orientation and a rear-facing orientation includes the steps of: translating the vehicle seat within the vehicle along a track, the track extending in a direction having a component in a lengthwise direction of the vehicle and in a width-wise direction of the vehicle; and rotating the vehicle seat relative to the track.

Abstract: A juvenile vehicle seat includes a seat bottom and a seat back extending upwardly from the seat bottom. The juvenile vehicle seat is adapted to be used in a harness mode in which a seated child is restrained by a harness coupled to the seat bottom and back. The juvenile vehicle seat is also adapted to be used in a booster mode in which a seated child is restrained by lap and shoulder portions of a vehicle seat belt.

Abstract: The child safety seat (1) for use in a vehicle in accordance with the invention comprises a seat member (3) configured to hold a child (2), a base member (4) adapted to be attached to a seat (15) of the vehicle, and a deformable energy absorbing element (20), wherein the seat member (3) is slidably mounted to the base member (4) in such a way that the seat member (3) is displaceable from an initial position to a shifted position by sliding the seat member (3) relative to the base member (4) and in such a way that crash-induced inertial forces acting on the child safety seat (1) during a frontal collision of the vehicle tend to slide the seat member (3) from the initial position to the shifted position, wherein the deformable energy absorbing element (20) is arranged to be deformed when the seat member (3) is slid from the initial position to the shifted position.

Abstract: An auxiliary seating system for a light weight utility vehicle that comprises a seat support cage attachable to a rear portion of the vehicle, and a pair of seat assemblies mounted to the cage structure such that each seat assembly is oriented to be facing at least partially inward toward a longitudinal center line of the vehicle. Each seat assembly comprises a seat bottom that is pivotal between a down position and an up position. Each seat assembly can include a golf bag yoke disposed on an underside of the seat bottom, and a seat belt that retains a passenger within the seat assembly when the seat bottom is in the down position, and retains a golf bag within the respective golf bag yoke when the seat bottom is in the up position.

Abstract: An attachment member allowing a connected state between the attachment member and a guide member to be more easily checked is provided. The attachment member for attaching a stay cloth, which guides a deployment direction of an airbag module, to a seat back frame has a holding portion which includes a holding space for housing an attachment portion of the stay cloth. The holding portion is inserted into an attachment hole to be fitted into the attachment hole that is formed in the seat back frame. A through-hole which allows the attachment portion of the stay cloth in the holding space to be exposed in a penetrating direction of the attachment hole is formed in the holding portion.

Abstract: A trim cover for covering a pad, includes a hook and a skin, wherein: the hook includes: a base portion to which a first end portion of the skin is fixed; and a lock portion that is connected to the base portion and into which a second end portion of the skin is inserted; the first end portion includes: a fixed portion that is fixed to the base portion to be overlapped with a front surface of the base portion; and a folded portion that is folded toward a rear surface of the base portion along an edge of the base portion on a side opposite to the lock portion; and both side portions of the folded portion are arranged to protrude toward the lock portion and arranged to be overlapped with the lock portion and protrude to the outside in the width direction from the lock portion.

Abstract: A rear seat cover article including a portion that allows for a stowable seat arm to pass through and completely cover with full coverage of all points on the rear seat simultaneously is provided. Such an article includes a versatile middle access panel with a stowed inner cover that unfolds on demand to provide coverage of the subject extended seat arm as well as possible draping downward or fitting around the lower edges of such an arm. The overall configuration includes a complete middle panel to fold from the rear back portion to place on the seat portion, thereby allowing for the seat arm to be unstowed to full extension. The middle panel then returns to its original position with a middle opening provided for the arm to extend through. A middle flap then unfolds and extends to provide top cover and at least side cover for the unstowed arm.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat frame, a first extendable member disposed on a forward portion of the seat frame and operable between an extended position and a retracted position. Each of the first and second extendable members comprises a movable housing, a trim cover stock disposed above an upper surface of housing and having a first fixed upper edge, an integrated track disposed on a lower surface of the housing, a trim payout slider operably coupled with the integrated track, a trim payout attachment operably coupled with the trim payout slider and operably coupled with a second lower movable edge of the trim cover stock, and a linkage system operatively coupling the movable housing to the trim payout attachment to maintain tension on the trim cover stock as either of the first and second extendable members is operated between the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A vehicle seat that can reduce the mass of a side frame without significantly reducing the mechanical strength of the side frame is provided. The vehicle seat comprises a back frame that comprises a side frame that extends substantially vertically, and a recliner that is coupled to a lower end of the side frame and configured so that the back frame is pivotable. The side frame comprises a side frame body that comprises a closed cross-section portion and extends from an upper end of the side frame to the recliner, and a reinforcing member that extends to the recliner from a point between a first and a second end of the side frame body along an extension axis of the side frame body and is fixed to the side frame body with at least a part of the reinforcing member being inserted into the closed cross-section portion.

Abstract: Seat pan for fastening to a seat frame of a vehicle seat. The seat pan has a profile structure made up of multiple profiles, and on its bottom side has crossbeam receptacles, preferably tube receptacles which are open at the bottom, for placement on a crossbeam, in particular a transverse tube of the seat frame, which extends in the transverse direction. The seat pan is preferably injection-molded from a plastic material, wherein through holes which extend through the profile structure in the vertical direction are formed between the profiles, preferably between all profiles.

Abstract: A seatback assembly includes an inner carrier module having an upper cross member. The upper cross member includes first and second mounting slots and first and second access apertures disposed therethrough. A seatback frame assembly includes an upper frame member with access apertures disposed therethrough. The inner carrier module is located to a front side of the seatback frame assembly when a locator member of the inner carrier module is received in a locating aperture of the seatback frame assembly. The access apertures of the inner carrier module are aligned with the access apertures of the seatback frame assembly when the two components are coupled together. Guide sleeves are received though the access apertures. A back panel module mounts to a rear side of the seatback frame assembly, wherein upper hook members of the back panel are partially received in the mounting slots of the inner carrier module.

Abstract: A vehicle armrest includes a unitary frame defining a horizontal portion having a thinner pliable body and a thicker stiffer perimeter surrounding the body, and first and second vertical portions extending in opposite directions from ends of the horizontal portion. The first vertical portion abuts an inner doorframe, and the horizontal and first vertical portions define a cavity configured to retain a cushion over the body. The vehicle armrest further includes a cover layer over the cushion and frame.

Abstract: A vehicle armrest includes an armrest base having a pivot axle that extends along a pivot axis. The armrest also includes a release mechanism that includes a pair of latch extensions that are supported on the armrest base for relative movement along a latch axis. The latch axis is substantially parallel to the pivot axis. The release mechanism also includes a latch spring that biases the latch extensions apart from each other.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a main part that forms a center portion of a front surface of a seatback; bolster parts that form side parts of the front surface of the seatback; and a reclining adjuster configured to adjust a backrest angle of the seatback, and to move a lower area of the main part toward a front side relative to the bolster parts as the main part is reclined.

Abstract: A storage container is disclosed. A storage container according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: at least one accommodation portion for accommodating goods; and a contact portion formed at the inner lateral surface of the accommodation portion and transferring heat to the goods by making contact with the inner lateral surface of the goods, wherein the inner lateral surface of the accommodation portion is formed in any one of a non-circular shape, a combined shape of a circle and a non-circle, a combined shape of circles having different radii of curvature, a combined shape of a non-circle and a non-circle, a combined shape of a circle or a non-circle and a polygon, a combined shape of a circle or a non-circle and a plane, a combined shape of different shapes of polygons, and a polygonal shape.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lift gate system. In one embodiment, the lift gate system comprises a lift platform, a lifting mechanism, and at least one stop member. The lifting mechanism moves the lift platform between a raised position and a lowered position. The lift platform is substantially aligned with an extension plate when the lift platform is in the raised position. The stop members are positioned relative to the lift platform to provide a gap between the extension plate and the lift platform when the lift platform is in the raised position.

Abstract: A utility vehicle is configured for use in emergency situations. The utility vehicle includes a base, a set of tracks, and a set of outriggers. The set of tracks is secured to the base configured to move the base through rough terrain. The set of outrigger is configured to be disposed in a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. The outrigger is disposed above the deck level in the stowed configuration. The outrigger also remains outside the set of tracks in both the stowed configuration and the deployed configuration. The outrigger comprises an upper leg, a lower leg, and an actuator.

Abstract: A solar-thermal powered recreational vehicle featuring a solar-thermal air conditioning system integrated with a solar clean energy system to provide a recreational vehicle having improved energy efficiency. In an embodiment employing the principles of the present invention, the solar-thermal powered recreational vehicle can comprise a clean energy system for providing electrical power to the recreational vehicle, whereby the clean energy system features one or more solar photovoltaic panels, a batter bank, and a generator operatively coupled to a hybrid inverter. The solar-thermal air conditioning system is powered by the clean energy system, with the solar-thermal air conditioning system featuring a solar-thermal collector panel functioning to superheat compressed refrigerant prior to the compressed refrigerant being transmitted to the condenser.

Abstract: A utility vehicle has a frame that is separable at a location passing through an operator compartment of the vehicle into front and rear sections with the seat base and seat assembly of the operator compartment remaining with the rear section and the rest of the operator compartment remaining with the front section. A seat extension kit is provided having a frame extension, a seat module, and a floorboard module that may be inserted between the split front and rear sections with the frame extension being fastened to such sections using pre-existing fastener holes in the vehicle frame and the frame extension. When so inserted, the seat module forms a new front row of seating with the floorboard module extending between the seat module and the original seat base and seat assembly, which now form a rear row of seating. This expands the vehicle seating capacity from two people to four people.

Abstract: An anchor plate attached to a base wall of a recess in a sidewall or inner surface of a tail gate. The anchor plate includes a connection wall that defines an E-clip opening or receptacle. A tie-down bar is attached to or formed as a part of the connection wall.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided herein. The vehicle includes a tailgate adapted to pivotally latch to a vehicle cargo box. A tie-down member having a base portion is coupled to a lateral side of the tailgate assembly. The tie-down member further includes a retaining portion extending from the base portion. The retaining portion may include first and second substantially parallel channels.

Abstract: A headlight beam adjustment system for a vehicle includes a first bracket attached to the vehicle and supporting a headlamp assembly, a second bracket attached to the headlamp assembly and supported by the first bracket, and a switch positioned in the passenger compartment for actuating a servomotor causing the second bracket and the headlamp assembly to rotate about an axis and the light beam to move in a first or a second direction depending on the direction of rotation of the second bracket. The headlight beam adjustment system may further include a ball joint connected at a first end to the servomotor and a second end to the second bracket. The ball joint may include a bearing stud connected to the servomotor at a first end, and a socket, positioned within a housing, for receiving a second end of the bearing stud. A related method of adjusting the headlight beams is disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a lighting apparatus for a vehicle that makes information images to be shown in a low-beam area clear by showing information on a road with high visibility using light for a high beam and that has a small layout by showing information on a road using the function of a high beam and is manufactured at a low manufacturing cost with a small weight.

Abstract: A badge is provided herein. The badge includes a housing having an integrally formed first layer and second layer. A light source is disposed within the badge. A first photoluminescent structure is disposed between the light source and housing. The first photoluminescent structure is configured to emit outputted light in response to inputted light emitted from the light source. The outputted light exits the housing through a light transmissive portion. A substrate is attached to the housing.

Abstract: A light strip for a vehicle panel is provided herein. The light strip includes a light-producing assembly. A photoluminescent structure is disposed on the light-producing assembly and is configured to luminesce in response to excitation by a light source of the light-producing assembly. An adhesive layer having one or more retroreflective beads embedded therein is disposed on the photoluminescent structure. An overmold material is disposed over a portion of the retroreflective beads.

Abstract: A variable brake light system that is within a vehicle with a brake pedal and includes a static brake light, multiple variable brake lights, and a control system. The control system is configured to turn on the static brake light when the brake pedal is activated. The control system is configured to change a display of the multiple variable brake lights according to an amount of activation of the brake pedal.

Abstract: One variation of a method for renting a vehicle includes: receiving a signal from a fleet manager, the signal specifying a current availability of the vehicle for rent; updating a visual indicator arranged on the vehicle according to the signal, the visual indicator visually detectable from outside the vehicle; receiving identification information of a user proximal the vehicle; enabling access to the vehicle for the user in response to verification of the user as a driver of the vehicle; determining, through a sensor arranged within the vehicle, that the user is seated in a driver's seat within the vehicle; and enabling ignition of the vehicle for the user in response to determination that the user is seated in the driver's seat.

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.

Abstract: To provide an improved guiding of visually impaired passengers on-board a vehicle, a vehicle guidance system for guiding visually impaired passengers on-board a vehicle includes an interior space on-board the vehicle with at least one cabin zone at least one movement area and at least one seating zone located in the cabin interior space, and at least one guiding handrail. The guiding handrail is mounted at least along a part of the cabin zone in the vicinity of the movement area. The guiding handrail is a tactile guide, along which a passenger can be guided for movement within the cabin zone by a touching contact with the guiding handrail. The guiding handrail is provided with visually highlighted information and manually touchable information, both related to cabin information. The guiding handrail is mounted above the seating zone, and within reach of a passenger present in the adjacent movement area.

Abstract: A lighting circuit for blinking a light-emitting unit having plural light sources is equipped with an abnormality detection unit which generates abnormality information when detecting an abnormality in even one of the plural light sources, and a holding circuit which holds the abnormality information during a period when the lighting circuit is supplied with a blinking signal. The lighting circuit supplies a drive current(s) to the plural light sources according to the blinking signal and stops supplying a drive current(s) to all of the plural light sources according to the abnormality information being held by the holding circuit.

Abstract: An adjustable vehicle running board includes a step moveable between a step position, a retracted position and an aero position. A first support bracket has a first end coupled to the step and an opposite second end connected to a mounting bracket. A slide link has a first end slideably connected to the first support bracket and an opposite second end pivotally connected to the step. The first end of the slide link is moveable along a length of the first support bracket and positionable at a first slide link distance from the second end of the first support bracket when the step is arranged in the step position and a second slide link distance from the second end of the first support bracket when the step is arranged in the aero position. The first slide link distance being greater than the second slide link distance.

Abstract: An apparatus, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a rail assembly supported by a vehicle body, a tailgate coupled to the rail assembly and configured to slide on rails to an extended position relative to the vehicle body, and a pivot associated with the rails to allow the tailgate to pivot downwardly from the extended position to provide a step. A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, sliding a tailgate to an extended position relative to a vehicle body and selectively pivoting the tailgate between a closed position, a tailgate deployed position, and a step position.

Abstract: A rear space arrangement for a vehicle includes a trunk and with a tailgate, which is transferrable from a closed state into an opened state, a backseat bench, a trunk wall and a trunk cover. The tailgate, the backseat bench, the trunk wall and the trunk cover jointly enclose the trunk. The trunk cover includes a front cover portion that is directed forward towards the backseat bench and a rear cover portion which is directed rearward towards the tailgate. The rear space arrangement includes at least one front coupling portion, to which the front cover portion is coupled in a coupled state. The front cover portion can be decoupled from the at least one front coupling region and transferrable into a decoupled state when the tailgate assumes the closed state.

Abstract: An accessory mounting system for a vehicle, comprising an accessory support including a first wall portion defining an outer support surface and an inner support surface; and a fastening device for fastening an accessory to the accessory support; wherein the fastening device includes a first structure and a clamping formation arranged to engage with the inner support surface so as to clamp the accessory support between the clamping formation and the first structure of the fastening device. A further aspect of the invention relates to an accessory for use in the system.

Abstract: A hanger mounting assembly for mounting one or more hangers onto a surface for convenient organized mounting of the hangers, the hanger mounting assembly comprising a flexible strap configured to be selectively mounted onto a surface, and one or more mounting members flexibly mounted on the strap for receiving one or more hangers, such that one or more hangers can be selectively and conveniently mounted on the hanger mounting assembly and such that the hanger mounting assembly can be selectively repositioned to a different location selected by the user.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle assembly component and a personal weather protector device holder having a device entrance opening provided in the vehicle assembly component. The personal weather protector device holder providing a device holding volume that receives a personal weather protector device through the device entrance opening. The device entrance opening includes an enlarged opening portion and a bridge opening portion that intersects the enlarged opening portion. The enlarged opening portion of the device entrance opening having a width that is greater than a width of the bridge opening portion.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, an image based vehicle detection and measuring apparatus that employs an accelerated, structured, search method is described for quickly finding the extrema of a multivariable function. The input domain of the function is determined. The method exploits information as it becomes available, calculating a best possible value with the information available so far, and terminating further evaluation when the best possible value does not exceed the extreme value found so far. Ordering and best guess schemes are added to the best possible value idea to accelerate it further. The method is applied to speed up an image processing problem, an example of which is given, but has general application, for example, in fields such as vehicle detection.

Abstract: The invention is a combined air freshener and portable device mount which diffuses aromatic fragrance compounds contained in the main cavity of the invention and at the same time engages a fastener mounted on a personal device. The fastener can be but is not limited to ferromagnetic, detent based, or hook and loop fasteners. An elastic member wraps around the main cavity wall at the proximal end and provides friction and cushion for the personal device when it is held by the fastener. Helical threading on the main body engages compatible helical threading on a support structure, allowing the invention to be mounted in a variety of locations in a vehicle interior.

Abstract: A sensor bracket includes a bracket on which a camera (a sensor) that detects a state around a vehicle is mounted, a flat spring that abuts against the camera in a direction that maintains a mounted state of the camera when the camera is mounted on the bracket, and a stopper restricting, in between a space where a tool is positioned and an inner surface of a piece of glass, a displacement range of the tool from the space to the inner surface of the piece of glass when the flat spring is dismounted from a projection for the spring of the bracket with the tool.

Abstract: A system for minimizing movement of ice or snow along a surface of a vehicle. The system can include a plurality of stops configured to be individually mounted to the surface in a spaced apart manner, the surface comprising at least one of a roof, a trunk, or a hood of the vehicle. Each stop may include a base for mounting to the vehicle and a fin extending upwardly from the base, the fin having a substantially upright edge to at least partially define an abutment plane configured to face toward a center of the surface and limit motion of ice or snow remaining on the surface.

Abstract: A black plated resin part includes a resin base material, an underlying plating layer including a copper plating layer and a nickel plating layer formed in this order on the resin base material, a black chromium plating layer formed on the nickel plating layer, formed of trivalent chromium, and having a film thickness of not less than 0.15 ?m, and a corrosion resistant film formed on the black chromium plating layer, formed of chromic phosphate or molybdenum phosphate, and having a film thickness of not less than 7 nm. A brightness of the black chromium plating layer seen through the corrosion resistant film is expressed by an L* value of not more than 54 based on the L*a*b* color system.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle panel and a cup holder assembly that is located at the vehicle panel. The cup holder assembly includes an outer housing connected to the panel. A cup holder body has a holder portion that provides at least one receptacle and a drainage portion located adjacent the holder portion moveably connected to the outer housing. The cup holder body is moveable relative to the outer housing between a retracted configuration with the holder portion retracted into the outer housing and an extended configuration with the holder portion extended out of the outer housing to expose the at least one receptacle. The drainage portion includes an upper surface and a liquid relief drain formed in the upper surface that includes a drainage floor that slopes downwardly away from the vehicle panel in a vehicle vertical direction.

Abstract: Retroreflective articles comprise a substrate and a bar code provided on the substrate. The bar code comprises at least one human-readable information which provides framing information and a machine-readable information which provides variable information. The human-readable information is visible under a first condition and invisible under a second condition, and the machine-readable information is invisible under the first condition and visible under the second condition.

Abstract: A positioning device for fixing a vehicle registration plate in an affix hole of a vehicle contains: a connection member, at least one fitting sleeve, a flexible bushing, an operation sheath, and a screw rod. The connection member includes an arcuate section and two flat sections, and the arcuate section has an elongated orifice. Each of the at least one fitting sleeve includes a first through orifice, a first protrusion, and an indentation. The flexible bushing includes a peripheral rib, a second through orifice, multiple slits, and a second protrusion. The operation sheath includes a taper, multiple retaining ribs, and a threaded orifice. The screw rod inserts through the first through orifice of each fitting sleeve and the second through orifice of the flexible bushing to screw with the threaded orifice of the operation sheath, and positioned on the screw rod are a washer and a nut.

Abstract: A wire harness includes a conductive path and an exterior member with a tubular shape which covers the conductive path. The exterior member includes a straight tubular portion in which a pair of one wall and the other wall are formed, and the straight tubular portion includes a concave portion in at least the one wall, with the concave portion being positioned close to the conductive path.

Abstract: According to one aspect of one embodiment of the present invention, a safety control system for using applications in vehicles, includes, a communication device having at least one of an input accessible from within the vehicle and an output communicated within the vehicle, at least one sensor operable to sense at least one condition related to vehicle operation, and data about distraction features of a running application, to and a controller communicated with the sensor and the communication device to selectively suppress at least one of said input and said output in response to a sensed parameter of said at least one condition being outside of a threshold. When an input is suppressed, the driver is prevented from accessing or inputting information into the communication device.

Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle includes receiving measurement signals which include information relating to a temporal current and/or volt profile of an electronic control unit of the motor vehicle. The method also provides vehicle information which includes information relating to a desired state of the electronic control unit. The method also determines a discrepancy between the received measurement signals and the vehicle information provided. If the discrepancy determined is greater than a predefined tolerance value, a manipulated state of the electronic control unit is determined as part of the method.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided capable of minimizing inconvenience due to power limitation. The vehicle includes a generator that generates power, a plurality of electric components that receive the power from the generator, and a battery that stores part of the power generated by the generator. A body control module calculates power availability from an amount of power generation of the generator, an amount of charge of the battery, and an amount of power consumption of the plurality of electric components, and limits the operations of the plurality of electric components in a first order when the power availability is less than predetermined reference availability.