Abstract: A seat back assembly and method of manufacture is provided. The seat back includes a foam cushion layer. A support sub-assembly is formed including a rigid support layer with a plurality of cavities and channels defined on a rear surface for receiving components and a generally smooth front surface. At least one component is retained in one of the cavities and a second component is secured on the front surface of the support layer. A trim material covers the cushion layer and secures the sub-assembly to the seat back.

Abstract: A vehicle seating arrangement includes a seat and a seatback. One or more bolsters are integrated with at least one of the seat and the seatback. The one or more bolsters are deployable for use as an armrest.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that adjust audio output are provided. The method includes detecting a position of a wing of a headrest, adjusting an audio signal based on the detected position of the wing of the headrest, and outputting the adjusted audio signal.

Abstract: A vibration generator includes a vibration transmission member and an exciter. The vibration transmission member is disposed in a seat beneath a seat surface of the seat so as to extend longitudinally in a horizontal direction of the seat surface and is able to transmit a vibration in an extending direction of the vibration transmission member in which the vibration transmission member extends longitudinally. The exciter includes a voice coil, a permanent magnet disposed in the vicinity of the voice coil, a yoke supporting the permanent magnet. The exciter transmits the vibration to the vibration transmission member as the yoke and the voice coil approach or leave to each other. The yoke and the voice coil approach or leave in the same direction as the extending direction of the vibration transmission member.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a massage system having first and second frame members spaced-apart from one another. One or more wires interconnect the first and second frame members to define a wire array. The individual wires of the wire array are operable between at-rest and contracted conditions. One or more leads are operably coupled to the one or more wires. The leads supply a current to the one or more wires to heat the wires and move the wires from the at-rest condition to the contracted condition. The wire array can be divided into sections that contract and expand together to provide a massage sequence controlled by a controller in a preprogrammed massage feature.

Abstract: A vehicle seating arrangement includes a first seat and a first seatback. A side-wing seat extends from the first seat. A surface of the side-wing seat is vertically displaced from a surface of the first seat.

Abstract: A stowable table assembly, for a vehicle, includes a cavity providable beneath a floor of the vehicle, an elongate carrier coupled to the cavity, and a table top coupled to the carrier. A first end of the table top is configured to translate and rotate relative to the carrier between an aligned position, in which the table top is aligned with the carrier, and an extended position, in which the table top is at an angle relative to the carrier. The stowable table assembly is in a deployed configuration when the carrier is in the upright position and the table top is in the extended position. The stowable table assembly is in a stowed configuration when the table top is in the aligned position and the carrier is in the stowed position.

Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a base comprising an opening and first and second layers extending through the opening. The first and second layers may form a structure extending through the opening to an extended position. The first layer may engage the second layer to form the structure. The first layer may separate from the second layer when retracted into the base. The structure may comprise a protrusion formed by the first layer with the second layer to move from a retracted position to the extended position. The protrusion may extend beyond the base by a first distance when the protrusion is retracted and by a second distance greater than the first when the protrusion is extended. The second layer may comprise a bottom; the first layer may comprise a top to couple to the bottom to form the structure as the structure extends.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body, a handle, and at least one connection site for the handle at which the handle is selectively connectable to the vehicle. The body defines a passenger compartment and a door opening, and includes a door over the door opening. The at least one connection site includes a home connection site on the door. When connected to vehicle at the home connection site, the handle, from its corresponding location on the door, is subject to being operated by a user to allow the door to open.

Abstract: A sliding-type footrest device for a vehicle includes: a guide rail mounted on a floor panel and extending in a forward-and-backward direction; a footrest housing engaged with the guide rail to slide along the guide rail in the forward-and-backward direction, the footrest housing having a door configured to be opened or closed; and a footrest box disposed inside the footrest housing and allowing a backseat passenger to place feet into the footrest while the door is open.

Abstract: This shaft-support structure for a rotary body is provided with a bearing portion disposed to a base panel and a fulcrum shaft that is disposed to a cup holder and is supported by the bearing portion in a rotatable manner. The bearing portion has slits on the side apart from the base panel. A center cover is disposed at a position facing the slits. The cup holder is configured in such a way that, when a load exceeding a predetermined level is exerted in the direction away from the base panel, the fulcrum shaft moves in a direction in which the fulcrum shaft disengages from the bearing portion through the slits and, therewith, by pressing the center cover from the inside and causing the center cover to move in the direction separating from the bearing portion, the fulcrum shaft disengages from the bearing portion.

Abstract: A vehicle for transporting cargo includes a front end unit having a front wheel, a rear end unit having a rear wheel, and a carrying unit on which the cargo is loaded and which is interposed between the front end unit and the rear end unit so that the front end unit and the rear end unit are coupled to each other via the carrying unit. The carrying unit is configured to be separated from the front end unit and the rear end unit in a direction intersecting a direction in which the vehicle travels and to be coupled to the front end unit and the rear end unit while the front end unit and the rear end unit are stationary.

Abstract: A hitch attachment for dragging logs from a vehicle. The hitch attachment includes a base having a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end of the base is configured to fit within a tow receiver of the vehicle. A vertical frame extends from the base in between the proximal end and the distal end. A log cradle is coupled to the distal end of the base. The log cradle includes a plurality of vertically extending teeth.

Abstract: A cargo assist can help a user in loading, unloading, and/or transporting items in a vehicle. The cargo assist can include a cargo assist arm. A cargo carrier can be operatively connected to the cargo assist arm and can be selectively disconnected therefrom. The cargo assist arm can be selectively movable between at least a stowed position and a deployed position. In the stowed position, the cargo assist arm can be located entirely within a cargo space of the vehicle. At least a portion of the cargo assist arm and at least a portion of the cargo carrier can be received within a recess defined within a first lateral side wall of the cargo space. In the deployed position, the cargo carrier and a portion of the cargo assist arm can extend through an access opening to the cargo space and can be located outside of the vehicle.

Abstract: An agricultural implement for mounting on a U-shaped foundation frame supported on wheels for travel over a ground surface where the foundation frame includes first and second laterally spaced mounting beams fixed to and extending from a base. The implement is configured to perform an agricultural operation, to rest on the ground surface when in an idle position, and to attach to the foundation frame when in an operating position. The implement comprises a rigid implement portion configured to be attached to the first and second mounting beams at first and second beam locations remote from the base such that the first and second mounting beams are prevented from moving laterally with respect to each other.

Abstract: A system includes a trailer frame, a lifting mechanism coupled to the trailer frame, wherein the lifting mechanism is configured to raise or lower a coil of pipe or a reel of pipe, a braking mechanism configured to apply pressure to the pipe while the pipe is being deployed by the system, and a hydraulic power unit configured to hydraulically power the system.

Abstract: A vehicle rack for hauling one or more personal recreational vehicles is provided. A vehicle rack may be adjustable to allow one or more personal recreation vehicles to be stored above a vehicle's cargo area allowing the vehicle to also tow a trailer.

Abstract: A combine header transport device includes a header support member. A frame is in mechanical communication with the header support member. The frame includes a first frame member and a second frame member. The frame members are in a parallel relationship with each other. A first pair of wheel assemblies are rotatably connected to a first axle assembly. The first axle assembly is attached to the frame adjacent a first end thereof. A connector assembly is attached to the frame adjacent a second end thereof. The connector assembly provides an axis about which the combine header transport device is rotatable. The connector assembly includes a first connector and is configured so that a position of the first connector is adjustable in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A novel method of repairing and modifying a heavy-duty industrial rack includes: a) providing an enclosed trailer having: 1) a forklift compartment; 2) a ramp for the loading and unloading a forklift and its payload to and from the trailer; 3) a forklift for moving a rack to and from the trailer; 4) a rack repair compartment; 5) rack repair raw materials; 6) at least one rack component bonding apparatus for bonding components of the rack; 7) at least one rack component bending apparatus; 8) at least one rack machining apparatus; and 9) a hitch for coupling the trailer to a truck for moving the trailer to a new location when desired; and b) moving the trailer to an onsite location having a rack targeted for repair or modification.

Abstract: The cargo system secures at least one steel coil for transport on a flatbed carrier. Each coil sits on movable cargo supports coupled on top of a base with support beams. Support brackets couple the support beams to anchoring beams that are coupled to the flatbed carrier. Once a coil is loaded, arms with adjacent upper and lower segments connected by cross members pivot on arm mounts to make contact with the coil. The arms adjust by lengthening or shortening based on the size of the coil. Tethers pass through anchor brackets and over the coil to hold the coil to the base. The arms apply pressure to the coil based on the tension of tethers that extend from the ends of the arms and couple to tethering brackets coupled to the frame of the carrier.

Abstract: In the counter-top fabrication business, the biggest and most serious problem is the movement of material. The biggest reason for concern is that kitchen countertop pieces, on average, weigh 200 to 400 pounds while islands can weigh up to 1200 pounds. The racks used to transport pieces are normally 4 to 8 inches tall off the ground which is just enough room for the forks of a forklift to raise the rack. Therefore, installers must squat all the way to the ground to lift the pieces. The invention we created is an easy lift kit raising the height of the countertop material as high as possible on the rack while still being able to travel safe. We are lifting the rack as high as possible to get reach what OSHA calls the “power zone” for lifting. We have invented six different designs to accomplish this goal.

Abstract: A cargo restraining system for use in a trunk or cargo area of a vehicle includes at least one restraining unit. The restraining unit comprises a bottom panel, a face panel, and a back panel. The bottom panel and the face panel are hingedly attached together along adjacent edges. The back panel is hingedly attached to face panel along the edge opposite that to which the bottom panel is hingedly attached. The restraining unit can be erected from a flat configuration wherein the three panels are substantially coplanar with each other to an upstanding operational or functional configuration. In the upstanding configuration, the bottom panel sits on a surface, the face panel is pivoted upwardly to extend vertically from the surface, and the back panel is hinged downwardly at an angle and its free edge is attached to the free edge of the bottom panel. The erected restraining unit thus forms a right triangular shape when viewed from an end.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for real time visual based taxi vehicle authentication for customers and drivers for smartphone application based taxi services. The method includes providing a visible display on a taxi vehicle in a conspicuously visible location. The display is configured for real time selective displaying changeable unique visual identification signals. The method includes selecting a specific visual identification signal by the smartphone application for a given customer, driver and vehicle for a specific use and sending this visual identification signal to the customer and to the driver via the smartphone application, wherein the visual identification signal is selectively viewable by the customer and displayed on the customer's smartphone; and displaying the visual identification signal on the display at least at a time when the vehicle is in proximity to the customer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handle device (1) for a movable part (100), in particular a motor vehicle door (100), of a motor vehicle, which is designed with a carrier element (10), a holder (11) being formed on the carrier element (10), which receptacle can be arranged at an opening (101) in the movable part (100), wherein a door handle (20), in particular a level door handle, for actuating the movable part (100) is movably mounted on the carrier element (10), and wherein the door handle (20) is designed such that a front gap (S) can be set between the opening (101) in the movable part (100) and the door handle (20). For this purpose, it is provided in accordance with the invention that a light conductor (30) is arranged on the carrier element (10) in order to indirectly illuminate the door handle (20) through the gap (S).

Abstract: A driving evaluation system includes an acquirer configured to acquire an operation state of a direction indicator and a relative position of a vehicle with respect to a traveling lane along, and an evaluator configured to refer to the relative position acquired and thereby evaluate a driver's skill in driving as higher as the vehicle travels at a position closer to the center of the traveling lane, the evaluator reducing an influence of the relative position of the vehicle on an evaluation during a first period from when the direction indicator is operated to be in an on state on the basis of the operation state of the direction indicator, and gradually reducing the influence during a second period shorter than the first period from when the direction indicator is operated to be in an on state.

Abstract: Vehicle systems for providing alerts of opening doors are disclosed. A system includes a camera configured to output image data of a vehicle occupant, an external environment sensor configured to output an external environment sensor output signal, one or more processors communicatively coupled to the camera and the external environment sensor, one or more memory modules communicatively coupled to the one or more processors, and machine readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules. The system receives the image data of the vehicle occupant, predicts whether a door of the vehicle is going to be opened based on the image data of the vehicle occupant, determines whether an object is present based on the external environmental sensor output signal, and generates an alert in response to predicting that the door of the vehicle is going to be opened and determining that the object is present.

Abstract: There is provided a display device (1) including a display (30), a protective member (40) which covers at least a part of the display and is formed of a member different from a display surface of the display, and a light detector (50) which is provided in contact with or in proximity to the protective member and is configured to detect an amount of light guided by the protective member.

Abstract: There is provided a display device (1) including a display (30), a decorative portion (50) which covers an outer circumferential portion of the display, and a light detector (70) which is provided in contact with or in proximity to the decorative portion and is configured to detect an amount of light guided by the decorative portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sun visor (1) for a vehicle (100). The sun visor comprises a light source (6, 7) for providing illumination within the vehicle, and a printed electronic circuit (4) located within the sun visor for controlling operation of the light source. The sun visor may include a light dispersion device (10) for dispersing light emitted by the light source, which may include a body portion (11) extending over the printed electronic circuit and a light emission portion (12) extending around the body portion and arranged to transmit light from the light source to the outside of the sun visor.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a multi-purpose automotive sound device for alerting pedestrians. The vehicle includes front and rear wheels, side mirrors, a sound device, and a controller. The sound device operates in a first mode and a second mode to generate an audio signal. The sound device is disposed adjacent to the front wheel and one of the side mirrors. The controller activates the sound device in the first mode or the second mode based on a state of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system to provide alerts to guide visually-impaired passengers to a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a passenger identification module that is configured to identify a passenger based upon sensor data received at an autonomous vehicle and a passenger proximity module that is configured to determine a distance between the passenger and the autonomous vehicle. The system also includes an alert module that is configured to generate an alert having an alert characteristic corresponding to the distance.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an information system with at least one pattern generator having a plurality of light nodes, each light node including at least one light emitting element, such as an LED. The at least one pattern generator is positioned with regard to a user of the apparatus such that it is located in the peripheral view of the user. A controller is operatively coupled to the pattern generator and configured to selectively initiate the generation of a visual light pattern on the pattern generator, the visual light pattern being indicative of information which is to be provided to the user of the apparatus.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a vehicle can use one or more sensors to monitor a condition external to a vehicle while a driver is operating the vehicle and the vehicle is temporarily stopped. The system can detect a change in the condition external to the vehicle and transmit a signal wirelessly to a computing device of the driver, which can cause the computing device to output an alert indicating the change in the condition external to the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are multiple embodiments of apparatus and method for providing an operator of a vehicle with output from at least one detector associated with the vehicle. According to one embodiment, at least one detector is operatively associated with a vehicle. At least one parameter of the vehicle is monitored with the at least one detector operatively associated with the vehicle. Output is generated with the at least one detector. The operator of the vehicle is provided with the output of the at least one detector such that operator distraction is not increased.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes mating features in a sheet metal of the motor vehicle, an exterior rearview device assembly fixedly secured to the motor vehicle, where the exterior rearview device assembly includes a structural base frame that mates to the mating features of the sheet metal at a mounting plane, and a tuned mass damper secured to the structural base frame adjacent to the mounting plane. In an example, a primary axis of movement of the tuned mass damper is at least one of substantially parallel with or substantially perpendicular to the mounting plane. In another example, the tuned mass damper is configured to dampen resonant vibrations being generated by the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A mirror assembly includes a housing, a reflective element, a display, a light sensor, a controller, and an interface. The reflective element is adapted to change beween high and low reflection states. The display is positioned behind, and visible through, the reflective element when activated and the switchable reflective element is in the low reflection state. The sensor is configured to output a light signal. The controller is configured to receive the signal, compare the signal to a threshold, and output a signal to the switchable reflective element to facilitate changing between the high and low reflection states and based on the comparison. The controller outputs a signal to activate the display when the switchable reflective element is in the low reflection state. The interface outputs a signal to the controller to activate the display and place the reflective element in the low reflection state regardless of the light signal.

Abstract: An image processing device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires a first image based on captured image data output from an image capturing unit that captures a surrounding situation of a vehicle; an intermediate image generating unit that generates a second image by executing an intermediate image generating process of executing a viewpoint converting process of converting the first image from a viewpoint of the first image into a viewpoint of a final image displayed on a display area of a display device and changing a number of pixels of the converted image to a second number of pixels larger than a final number of pixels of the final image; and a final image generating unit that executes a reduction process such that the second number of pixels is set to the final number of pixels.

Abstract: A cargo area storage system including: a foldable cover assembly including: first and second substantially rectangular panels in a parallel relationship and being pivotally connected such that the panels can fold in relation to one another to form the cover assembly into an erect configuration or to have a common plane configuration; a storage container affixed to the second panel, the storage container having one or more storage compartments, the storage container being a foldable, top open container; and where, when the first and second panels are in the erect configuration, the storage container can be made into an unfolded configuration to establish the one or more storage compartments to store one or more items, and where, when the first and second panels are in the common plane configuration, the storage container can be made into a folded configuration and concealed from the cargo area.

Abstract: Security devices may include a side panel movably coupled to an attachment mechanism and to a top panel. The side panel may be positioned at least substantially transverse to the top panel with the at least one extension structure extending laterally outward from the top panel when in a secured position, and at least substantially parallel to the top panel with the at least one extension structure positioned laterally inward when in a storage position. Vehicles may include a trunk space with an attachment mechanism positioned within at least one slot in a floor of the trunk space. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also included.

Abstract: A vehicle headliner assembly includes a headliner, a handle, a housing, and a pivotable coupling. The pivotable coupling defines an axis. The handle and the housing are operably coupled to the pivotable coupling. The handle is selectively rotatable about the pivotable coupling from a stowed position to a deployed position. The housing is selectively rotatable about the pivotable coupling from a closed position to an open position.

Abstract: A vehicle seating arrangement includes first and second seating assemblies that are each equipped with a seat and a seatback. A surface of the seat of the first seating assembly is vertically above a surface of the seat of the second seating assembly. A forward extreme of the first seating assembly is displaced rearward of a forward extreme of the second seating assembly.

Abstract: A collapsible storage compartment includes an inner bin with an inner side wall and an inner base wall. The inner side wall is connected to a periphery of the inner base wall to define a cavity. The collapsible storage compartment further includes an outer bin connected to the inner bin. The outer bin includes an outer base wall and a flexible hinge. The flexible hinge is movably connected to the outer base wall and is configured to move the outer base wall between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein at least a portion of the hinge flexes into the cavity to move the outer base wall toward the inner base wall when the outer base wall is moved from the deployed position to the stowed position.

Abstract: A weapon mounting system including a base and an upright for supporting a weapon holder. The weapon holder is supported for sliding movement along the upright.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle article carrier system for supporting articles above an outer body surface of a vehicle. The system makes use of a pair of support rails fixedly secured generally parallel to one another on the outer body surface, and at least one cross bar assembly clampable to the support rails, and having a cross bar element having opposing ends. First and second end supports are secured at the opposing ends and able to engage the support rails to secure the cross bar against movement on the support rails. At least one of the end supports includes fixed and movable jaw portions, an actuating lever, and a pivot component pivotally coupled to the actuating lever and including a bore. A barrel nut is positioned in a bore of the movable jaw portion.

Abstract: A portable organizer used for storing personal items in vehicles to prevent belonging from being transported in a disorganized manner. Additionally, the organizer is designed to provide various storage options, as well as a charging platform. To achieve this the organizer has a back plate, a collection of receptacles, and a base plate. The receptacles are serially distributed across the base plate. Additionally, the receptacles are delineated by sidewalls and a shelf that is inclined relative to the back plate. This enables the stored items to remain within the receptacles when the vehicle is motion, and sudden maneuvers occur. Similarly, the base plate is positioned in between an edge of the back plate and the receptacles to provide another option for storing or dividing the personal items.

Abstract: A loudspeaker system for vehicle has a wall of a frame of a vehicle that separates an exterior from an interior and has a through hole, a box mounted in the wall in correspondence of the through hole, a loudspeaker mounted in the box, a back resonance chamber formed between the membrane of the loudspeaker and the walls of the box, a through hole obtained in a wall of the box and disposed in register with the hole of the wall of the frame of the vehicle and a partition of sound-absorbing material that closes the through hole of the wall of the box.

Abstract: A display holder includes a display mounting stand. The display mounting stand includes a holder, a rail, an arm, a first gear, a second gear, and a third gear. The second gear and the third gear are located between the arm and a first linear moving part. The second gear is coaxially coupled to the first gear through a hole extending through the first linear moving part. The third gear meshes with the second gear and a second rack so as to interlock movement in one direction of the rail relative to the holder with movement in the one direction of the arm relative to the rail. A first rack is located on a side wall extending in the one direction of the first support part. The second rack is located on a side wall extending in the one direction of the arm.

Abstract: A display holder includes a display mounting stand that includes a pair of upper and lower holding parts configured to hold a display in a stand-up posture therebetween. Each of the holding parts has a cut-out in a portion of the holding part. An accommodating part includes an aperture through which the display mounting stand passes, and which is filled with one of the holding parts when the display mounting stand is accommodated. A portion of the aperture includes a projection projecting inward of the aperture. The projection located at a position through which the cut-outs pass while the display mounting stand is in the laid-down posture. The projection fills the cut-out of one of the holding parts when the display mounting stand is accommodated.

Abstract: A vehicle decorative part includes a decorative main body and a heater. The decorative main body is configured to be attached to a vehicle at a front side in a transmission direction of millimeter waves from a millimeter wave radar and has a millimeter wave transparency. The heater has a heating element that emits heat when energized. At least a part of the heating element is located in an irradiation region of the millimeter waves in the heater. As a millimeter wave attenuation reducing configuration that reduces attenuation of the millimeter waves passing through the heater, the heating element is incorporated in the heater in a condition where an area proportion of an area of a section of the heating element that occupies the irradiation region to an area of the irradiation region is set such that an attenuation amount of the millimeter waves is less than or equal to a permissible value.

Abstract: A vehicle trim includes a support, a display screen fixed on the support, and a covering that covers the screen, the covering having a visible front face and a back face turned toward the screen. An image generated by the screen is visible on the front face of the covering. The covering has an optical layer applied on the screen with no empty space between the optical layer and the screen.