Abstract: An integrated comfort item for a vehicle seat. Such comfort items include but are not limited to a blanket, pajamas or onesie stored on a roller that is mounted within an enclosure of the vehicle seat arm. The comfort item such as a blanket may be unrolled by the user when sitting in the vehicle seat. Upon conclusion of the journey, the user may then actuate the spring in the roller and roll the comfort item back onto the roller to store in the vehicle seat arm enclosure for future use.

Abstract: A cup holder for connecting to a cup and holding the cup. The cup holder comprises a retractable coupling that moves between a retracted position in a housing and an extended position where the coupling projects from the housing. In the extended position, the coupling is configured to attach to a cup or to a receptor associated with the cup.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo management system includes a screw drive and lock system that allows the user to extend or retract a loaded tray with ease on un-level ground without the use of a power source (i.e., hydraulic or electrical assistance). The lock prawl system allows for locking positions at very short intervals which are helpful when a vehicle is backed up close to objects or buildings. The screw drive lock prawl system is actuated by a locking handle. Therefore, if the locking handle is locked in place, the tray cannot be extended from the bed, and the tray itself or any toolboxes or items bolted to the tray cannot be stolen from the vehicle (i.e., the bolts holding the frame of the cargo system to the vehicle cannot be accessed for removal).

Abstract: A machine having a work implement includes a sensor connected to the work implement, the sensor providing a signal indicative of a change in acceleration of the work implement. A cycle controller associated with the sensor, the cycle controller disposed to receive the signal and operating to monitor the signal. The cycle controller is programmed and operates to analyze the signal to determine at least a presence and a duration of a change in acceleration of the work implement of the machine with respect to time, compile an actual time trace of the change in acceleration of the work implement, compare the actual time trace with a predefined time trace that represents a work cycle segment, and catalog presence and duration of a work cycle segment when the actual time trace is consistent with the predefined time trace.

Abstract: A utility trailer with a movable bed floor includes a trailer frame supported by a plurality of wheel assemblies. A bed panel is coupled with the trailer frame and defines an upper support surface. A live-bed flexible member spans the length and width of the upper support surface. A load chain is coupled between forward and rearward ends of the live-bed flexible member and span the length of the bed panel below the bed panel. A drive system is supported by the trailer frame. The drive system has a sprocket engaged with the load chain and is operable to drive the live-bed flexible member in forward and rearward directions over the upper support surface for loading and unloading items from the utility trailer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a caddy system for personal vehicle. As a two or three-wheeled vehicle. The term “personal vehicle” as used herein is intended as a broad classification for two and three wheeled motorcycles. It further includes three and four wheeled all-terrain (ATV) vehicles. In broad terms, the caddy includes a platform that is supported by a series of wheels. The caddy is designed to be tipped forwardly or rearwardly as needed to allow the vehicle to enter onto and exit off the platform. Once upon the caddy, a single user can easily move, maneuver, or manipulate the vehicle. This is ideal for storing and/or maintaining the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint system for an auto-rack railroad car which includes an active chock and an anchor chock configured to co-act to secure a vehicle in the auto-rack railroad car. In various embodiments, each chock has a chock body including a substantially diamond shaped elongated tube which includes four integrally connected elongated walls. In various embodiments, for each chock, various components of that chock extend substantially along longitudinal axis that lie in the same or substantially the same vertical plane as the apex and trough of the substantially diamond shaped elongated tube of the chock body.

Abstract: An intermodal chassis for highway transportation of shipping containers, the chassis having a forward axle and a rear axle, and incorporating an air bag suspension that automatically deflate the air bags when the brakes are locked, preventing damage when loading a container onto the chassis. Large 53 foot long box/high cube type shipping containers may be loaded along their entire length with the chassis having a rear axle positioned under the chassis frame so that the kingpin-to-rear-axle length is no more than 40 feet, and a forward axle positioned under the frame between the gooseneck and the rear axle so that a forward-to-rear-axle length is at least 12 feet. Other features include self-scaling and load-leveling, and other weight savings include use of smaller sized aluminum wheels.

Abstract: A cargo carrying vehicle (10, 130) includes a load supporting deck (24, 132). Cargo supported on the deck may be secured through releasible engaging anchors (32, 110). The anchor includes a base (34, 112) and a cap (36, 114). The base and cap are relatively rotatable about a pivot (64, 116). The base includes a claw end (40) configured for engaging a ledge projection (58) of a cargo bed (60). The cap includes a post (68, 122) and a cleat (70, 128) which bound a tie engaging recess (104). The cleat (70) also includes an aperture (90) suitable for accepting further ties therein.

Abstract: A chain binder to connect and apply tension to chains used to secure cargo on a truck bed. The chain binder includes a center body; a first side assembly; a second side assembly; and a power coupling provided on the center body. The first side assembly engages a first chain section and the second side assembly engages a second chain section. The power coupling couples a gear mechanism in the center body to an external power source. Operation of the power coupling moves the first and second side assemblies toward each other when operated in a first direction and moves the first and second side assemblies away from each other when operated in a second direction. As the first and second side assemblies move toward each other, tension in the chains increases and as the side assemblies move away from each other tension in the chain decreases.

Abstract: There is provided a mobile object including an imaging unit configured to capture a perimeter of the mobile object, a speaker configured to be capable of controlling directivity, a determination unit configured to determine whether the mobile object is in a driving mode, and a speaker control unit configured to control the speaker in the driving mode in a manner that predetermined audio is output toward a warning target that is recognized based on a captured image captured by the imaging unit, and to control the speaker in a non-driving mode in a manner that the predetermined audio is output in a non-directional way.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling a light emission of a rear lamp of a vehicle. The rear lamp includes optical components having emission surfaces having at least three partial emission surfaces. At least a first and a second light function can be produced by the light emission of the emission surfaces. After a switchover process from the first to the second light function, the first partial emission surface, which emits light for the first light function, emits no light, the second partial emission surface, which emits light for the first light function, continues to emit light, and the third partial emission surface, which emits no light for the first light function, emits light.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a head lamp which irradiates a head lamp irradiation region set in front of a vehicle body; an auxiliary lamp which irradiates an auxiliary lamp irradiation region set in front of the head lamp irradiation region; a bank state detecting section which detects a bank state of the vehicle body; and a lighting control section which lights the auxiliary lamp depending on the bank state, the lighting control section causes the auxiliary lamp to be lighted in a set lighting state when the bank state detecting section detects a predetermined set bank state, and the lighting control section causes the auxiliary lamp to be lighted in a preceding lighting state at luminosity lower than that of the set lighting state, when the bank state detecting section detects a preceding bank state which occurs before the vehicle body reaches the set bank state.

Abstract: A vehicle defining an opening with a closure panel adapted to cover the opening generally includes a window in the closure panel. Furthermore, a rear window defrosting wire is often mounted to the window. A user interface system is disclosed to include a capacitive switch wire having a portion mounted to the window proximate to, and overlapping with, the rear window defrosting wire, and a capacitive switch control unit connected to the capacitive switch wire and adapted to interpret a change a capacitance near the terminus of the capacitive switch wire as a command request. The system includes a projector and a controller adapted to control the projector to project an image onto the window proximate to the terminus of the capacitive switch wire, receive an indication of receipt of the command request and transmit a command to cause a state change in an element of the vehicle.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle includes a vehicle body and an illuminated stripe assembly mounted to the vehicle body. The illuminated stripe assembly is adapted to emit a plurality of stripe patterns that are visually distinctive from one another for indicating different operating states of the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: The auxiliary vehicle direction light is an optical signaling system. The auxiliary vehicle direction light is adapted for use with an emergency vehicle. The auxiliary vehicle direction light is a visual display that indicates the intended direction of the emergency vehicle when the emergency vehicle is in route to its dispatched destination. The auxiliary vehicle direction light comprises one or more displays, a logical device, and a plurality of inputs. The emergency device provides the plurality of inputs to the logical device. The logical device converts the plurality of inputs into a plurality of control signals that are used to control the plurality of display. Each of the plurality of control signals instructs a display selected from the one or more displays to illuminate a directional signal selected from a plurality of directional signals.

Abstract: An auxiliary apparatus may be used with a vehicle having an electric plug. The apparatus may include an auxiliary lighting system having a front facing auxiliary light, a controller, and auxiliary wiring that transmits an electric signal from the electric plug. The controller may be programmed to operate the auxiliary light based directly or indirectly on an electric signal from the electric plug.

Abstract: The set of auxiliary vehicle lights includes auxiliary hazard lights in combination with additional lights for non-verbal communication with drivers of other vehicles. The set of auxiliary vehicle lights includes a housing having opposed upper and lower ends, defining first and second chambers. Each of the first and second chambers has an open front end and an open rear end. First and second sets of light sources are mounted within the first and second chambers, respectively, of the housing. Each of the first and second sets of light sources includes a hazard light and a communication light. A hook is provided for releasably attaching the housing to a rearview mirror of the vehicle.

Abstract: An image display device includes an illuminator and a detector. The illuminator is configured to send out light on a road surface around a first vehicle as an own vehicle, to display a first notification image that notifies information to surroundings of the first vehicle. The detector is configured to detect an image displayed on the road surface or information indicated by the image. The illuminator is configured to display the first notification image on the basis of the image detected by the detector or the information indicated by the image.

Abstract: An illuminated plate for motor vehicles includes: a base sheet; an electroluminescent sheet; a background sheet which is transparent, translucent, or reflective, and which has a cutout section constituted by openings shaped in characters for display; character inserts which are transparent or translucent and shaped in the characters, which character inserts are infixed in the corresponding openings of the characters in the cutout section; and a clear cover sheet.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a truck bed and a lighting assembly configured to illuminate the truck bed. The lighting assembly includes a light source, a collimator positioned in front of the light source, and an outer lens positioned in front of the collimator. The collimator and the outer lens establish a lens arrangement having a unitary body. The light generated by the light source is collected within the collimator and is directed at a downward angle toward a floor of the truck bed by the outer lens.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for a vehicle accessory is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a lighting device disposed proximate the vehicle accessory comprising a persistent luminescent portion. The persistent luminescent portion is configured to charge in response to an excitation emission from a light source. The apparatus further comprises a detection sensor configured to detect a device proximate the vehicle and a controller configured to activate the light source in response to the detection. The light source is configured to charge the persistent luminescent portion to emit an output emission.

Abstract: Disclosed are a vehicle and a control method thereof, and more particularly, a technique for imaging a pedestrian near a vehicle, acquiring location information of the pedestrian in real time, and outputting warning sounds in a direction in which the pedestrian is located on the basis of the acquired location information of the pedestrian. The vehicle includes an imaging device configured to capture an image of a pedestrian and acquire location information of the pedestrian, a controller configured to generate a control signal for outputting warning sounds in a direction in which the pedestrian is located based on the acquired location information of the pedestrian when the pedestrian is located within a predetermined distance from the vehicle, and a speaker array configured to output the warning sounds in the direction in which the pedestrian is located based on the generated control signal.

Abstract: A component for the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle includes a rigid supporting body, made of plastic material, an outer upholstery skin, made of plastic material, and a padding body made of foamed plastic material, which is set between the rigid body and the outer upholstery skin. The rigid body and the outer skin have portions formed by a polymeric material with carbon-based nanofillers, which have respective inner surfaces facing the padding body, which include one or more paths where said polymeric material with carbon-based nanofillers has been rendered electrically conductive by laser irradiation to define one or more electrical circuits, and one or more piezoresistive areas where the polymeric material has been rendered piezoresistive by laser irradiation to define one or more electrical switches, which can be activated by exerting a localized pressure on the outer upholstery skin.

Abstract: An electric power supply device for a plurality of light sources on a motor vehicle. The device includes a plurality of control units configured to control electric power supply of at least one respective light source. The control units each include a diagnostic unit configured to deliver a diagnostic signal for the respective light source. According to the invention, the device is designed to deliver two binary signals for the identification of a partial failure and for the identification of a total failure of light sources.

Abstract: Device and method for providing a vehicle surround view for a vehicle, which is located on a driving plane, comprising vehicle cameras, which provide camera images of a vehicle environment of the vehicle, a location-detection unit, which detects a change in location of at least one vehicle camera relative to the driving plane of the vehicle, and comprising an image data processing unit which projects the camera images provided by the vehicle cameras onto a projection surface to generate the vehicle surround view, which projection surface is adapted according to the detected change in location of the vehicle camera.

Abstract: A rear backup system for a vehicle includes a rear backup video camera and a display device including a video display screen operable to display video images viewable by a driver of the vehicle. When a transmission of the vehicle is shifted into reverse gear to commence a backup event, video backup images derived from image data captured by the rear backup video camera are displayed at the video display screen of the display device. Display of the video backup images continues after shifting of the transmission out of reverse gear. Display of the video backup images at the video display screen ceases once a threshold condition is met. The threshold condition may include a threshold period of time elapsing after the transmission has been shifted out of reverse gear. The rear backup video camera continues to capture image data at least until the threshold condition is met.

Abstract: A vehicular event recording system suitable includes a camera and an event recorder having memory. An image processor processes image data captured by the camera for detecting objects. Based at least in part on processing by the image processor of captured image data, a potential lane leaving event or potential collision event or automatic braking event is determined. The event recorder receives vehicle data via a vehicle data bus of the vehicle. Captured image data and received vehicle data during a pre-event time period immediately preceding the determined event beginning is stored in memory of the event recorder. Captured image data and received vehicle data during a first post-event time period immediately following the determined event beginning is stored in memory of the event recorder.

Abstract: A folding device to move a mirror head relative to a mirror foot of a motor vehicle exterior mirror. The folding device includes a carrier operatively connected to one of the mirror head or the mirror foot, a motor attached to the carrier, the motor having a motor shaft, an output drive operatively connected to one of the mirror head or the mirror foot, a gear mechanism to operatively connect the output drive to the motor shaft, and a pressure device operatively connected to the carrier to engage and press the motor shaft against the motor.

Abstract: A door mirror control device supplies drive voltages to respective lock detection sections in left and right door mirrors. If motors are driven in accordance with the drive voltages, the door mirrors are operated from one of a retracted position or a deployed position toward the other of the retracted position or the deployed position, and the motors stop after the door mirrors reach either the retracted position or the deployed position. Operating time determination sections determine operating times of the door mirrors from changes in values of operating currents. Voltage setting sections change settings for the drive voltages supplied to lock detection circuits of the door mirrors based on the operating times of the left and right door mirrors such that the operating times of the left and right door mirrors match each other.

Abstract: A vehicle mirror with an image display function including, in this order: an image display device; a circular polarization reflection layer; and a front surface plate made of glass or plastic, in which the circular polarization reflection layer includes a linear polarization reflection plate and a ¼ wavelength plate from the image display device side. The vehicle mirror with an image display function of the invention is capable of displaying a bright image.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle equipped with a blind spot monitoring system includes a mirror reflective element sub-assembly having a mirror reflective element, a mirror back plate and a heater pad disposed between the mirror reflective element and the mirror back plate. A light transmitting aperture of the heater pad is juxtaposed with a light transmitting aperture of the mirror reflector of the reflective element and with a light transmitting aperture of the mirror back plate. The mirror back plate includes first structure that is configured to attach at an actuator. A blind spot indicator is disposed at the light transmitting aperture of the mirror back plate, and, when activated responsive to a blind spot monitoring system of the vehicle, emits light through the light transmitting apertures, forming an illuminated icon viewable by a driver of the vehicle viewing the mirror reflective element.

Abstract: A storage compartment including a roll top, which is trapezoidal from the front, and pivotable panels disposed next to the roll top. The panels are driven mechanically by way of radial cams, which are rotationally fixed to drive wheels around which the roll top runs.

Abstract: A storage assembly comprises a first cover having a first foot portion, a second cover having a second cover and a housing. The housing includes a first rail extending at a height direction and having a first end, a second rail extending at the height direction and having a second end, and a cavity forming a storage space. The first cover is moveable between a first stowed position and a first middle position when the first foot portion moves in the first rail, and pivotable via the first end from the first middle position to a first use position to cover the cavity, and the second cover is moveable between a second stowed position and a second middle position when the second foot portion moves in the second rail, and pivotable via the second end from the second middle position to a second use position to cover the cavity.

Abstract: A vehicle attached wallet to keep a plurality of cards in a convenient location within a vehicle. A housing body for storing the cards, formed of a single, integral sheet of material. The integral sheet of material is folded at the center section of the sheet of material between first and second outer ends of the sheet of material to form a first rectangular shaped side wall and a second rectangular shaped side wall. Side edges of the first side wall and the side edges of the second side wall are aligned and attached to each other. An opening extends between the first and second outer ends to provide access to an otherwise closed interior cavity defined by the first side wall, the second side wall and the side edges. A Velcro strip is secured to a first side wall of the housing body.

Abstract: A mobile device holder for a rear-view mirror of a vehicle may include a mirror housing, a mobile device bracket arranged on a support, the support arranged at least partially within the mirror housing in a stored position, and a deployment mechanism connected to the support and including a pin configured to rotatedly hinge the support from the stored position to a deployed position extending out of the housing.

Abstract: A ventilation-mounted holder for attachment on a ventilation lamella assembly in vehicles for mounting electronic devices or other articles includes a carrier body onto which a holding bracket for engagement over a ventilation lamella is arranged on the backside, and a holding device for a smartphone or a tablet is arranged on the front side. The carrier body is configured as an elongated carrier arm. The holding bracket and at least one further holding bracket are each arranged rotatably and spaced apart from one another on an end region of the carrier arm, and the holding device is arranged on the opposite end region of the carrier arm.

Abstract: A method of supporting a mobile computing device in a vehicle comprising: providing a seating assembly disposed in an interior of a vehicle, the seating assembly comprising a seatback and a headrest adjustably coupled to the seatback; placing a mobile computing device between the seatback and the headrest; and adjusting the headrest relative to the seatback such that the seatback and the headrest support the mobile computing device. The seatback can further comprise a first lower support member including an upward extension, wherein, placing a mobile computing device between the seatback and the headrest includes placing the mobile computing device adjacent and forward the upward extension of the first lower support member; and wherein, the upward extension of the first lower support member further supports the mobile computing device. The method can further comprise connecting the mobile computing device to a connection port on the seating assembly.

Abstract: A universal camera apparatus for attachment to a surface includes a dome cover having a central aperture, a camera unit having a body portion and a lens, the body portion mounted to the dome cover and covered by the dome cover, the lens disposed within the central aperture, a base unit supporting the dome cover, the base unit having a central opening extending through the base unit from a universal attachment portion to a flared collar portion, the universal attachment portion forming a seal at an interface with the surface, wherein wiring from the camera unit extends through the central opening, the flared collar portion at least partially surrounds the camera unit, and wherein the dome cover is adjustable about an axis of rotation relative to the base unit, and the camera mount is rotatable about an axis of rotation.

Abstract: An attachment structure for a decorative vehicle component includes a base having a recess therein, a skin covering the base, and an ornament coupled to the base over a portion of the skin. The ornament includes a boss structured to engage with the recess so as to be inserted within the recess. A fastener couples the boss to the recess. An upper surface of the ornament is substantially flush with an upper surface of the skin. The recess and the boss are configured to locate the ornament relative to the base.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for an interior trim part in a vehicle is provided. The fastener assembly includes a fixed element and a movable element. The fixed element includes a base panel with a through hole and a plurality of engaging parts extending from a surface of the base panel, and the engaging parts are flexible and deformable towards or away from a central axis of the through hole. The movable element includes a flange and an engaging shaft extending from a surface of the flange, and the engaging shaft passes through the through hole of the fixed element to be engaged with the engaging parts at a fixed position.

Abstract: A method for transmitting measured values from a sensor, wherein the measured values are transmitted cyclically, wherein at least two communication slots are provided in one communication cycle, wherein a first measured value, which represents a first physical effect detected by the sensor, is transmitted in a first communication slot, and a second measured value, which represents a second physical effect detected by the sensor, is transmitted in a second communication slot, characterized in that the measured value is transmitted in a communication cycle according to a defined relevance of the currently detected physical effect and/or of the measured value.

Abstract: An electric distribution box includes a substrate, a first connector fitting part which includes first terminals, wherein one end portions of the first terminals are electrically connected to the substrate and the other end portions of the first terminals are disposed above the substrate so as to fit with the first connectors in a fitting direction parallel to the substrate, a second connector fitting part which includes a second terminal, wherein one end portion of the second terminal is electrically connected to the substrate and the other end portion of the second terminal is disposed above the substrate so as to fit with the second connector in a direction opposite to the fitting direction, electronic components on the substrate, a case body, and a cover which closes an opening part of the case body.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided which includes a first communicator configured to communicate with a server, wherein the server matches and stores vehicle setting information and physical information of a user, a second communicator configured to communicate with a vehicle, and a processor configured to control the first communicator to transmit user identification information to the server and receive the vehicle setting information and the physical information corresponding to the user identification information from the server, generate a vehicle setting corresponding to the vehicle based on the vehicle setting information and the physical information received from the server, and vehicle information received from the vehicle, and transmit the generated vehicle setting to the vehicle through the second communicator.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body, a bumper and a plurality of self-tapping fasteners. The body defines mounting orifices. The bumper has an exterior shell that includes an interior wall. The interior wall has receiving portions that protrude inward relative to the shell such that the receiving portions are thicker than adjacent portions of the interior wall. Each of the plurality of self-tapping fasteners extend through one of the orifices and into one of the receiving portions to secure the bumper to the body.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body structure, a push bar, and a damper connecting the push bar to the body structure. The damper includes a base and a rod that are movable relative to each other. The rod is attached to one of the push bar and the body structure, and the base is attached to the other of the push bar and the body structure. The damper is controllable to adjust a damping ratio of the damper and/or adjust a resting position of the rod relative to the base to axially move the push bar.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis rail includes a tubular structure and an insert, both co-extending along a centerline. The insert is disposed, at least in-part, in the tubular structure, and includes a first wall, a second wall opposed to the first wall, and a corrugated mid-wall spanning laterally between, and attached to, the first and second walls.

Abstract: An assembly for a motor vehicle includes an instrument panel and a restraining device which is configured to limit a relative movement between at least a panel section of the instrument panel and a vehicle component of the motor vehicle to a predefined maximum value in a movement direction towards an interior space of a passenger cell of the motor vehicle, when a force is transmitted between the instrument panel and the vehicle component as a result of an accident that causes deformation of the instrument panel.

Abstract: A seating assembly includes a seat and a seatback. The seatback is operably coupled with the seat. A back panel is disposed on a backside of the seat and includes a metal insert. An injection molded polymeric panel is formed around the metal insert. The metal insert is retained by the polymeric panel by a ribbon style mechanical lock. Peripheral attachment features are disposed about an outer perimeter of the back panel for securing the back panel with a frame of the seatback.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a knee air bag apparatus, and a method of manufacturing a knee air bag apparatus, including an air bag to be inflated by gas introduced thereinto, an air bag housing accommodating the air bag therein, and an inflator for generating the gas, the inflator having a first portion received in the air bag, and a remaining portion disposed outside the air bag within the air bag housing for connection of signal wiring.