Abstract: Provided is a simple and compact headrest support device. The headrest support device (20) comprises a support member (22) coupled to a frame (2) of a seatback (1), and a headrest pillar structure including a pillar base portion (25) extending laterally and supported by the support member so as to be rotatable around an axial line of the pillar base portion, and a pair of pillar main body portions (26) extending substantially vertically from the pillar base portion substantially in parallel to each other in a laterally spaced apart relationship and connected to a headrest (24), wherein the support member is coupled to the frame at at least one coupling portion (34) disposed between the two pillar main body portions in front view in a headrest upright condition where the headrest is positioned above the seatback.

Abstract: A head rest is illustrated and described that has a head box (11) by which at least one support rod (12) can be secured to a vehicle seat, wherein at least one end of the support rod (12) is received in a bearing (14) carried on the head box (11) or the vehicle seat, wherein the support rod (12) can be latched releasably to at least one bearing (14) by a latch (15) movable between a latching position and a release position, wherein the latch (15) has at least one notch (16) that extends over a region of the circumference of the support rod (12) and has a latch element (17) carried by the bearing (14). The special feature is that the latch element (17) is movably mounted, so that in the latching position, in the event of a relative rotation between the support rod (12) and the bearing (14), it is movable out of a starting position into at least one crash position.

Abstract: A head restraint for a motor vehicle has devices such as a fan and a heating element such that heated air can flow out of a front side of the head restraint if necessary. The head restraint enables heating of a head by way of outflowing heated air. A passage opening is formed in the cushion body of the head restraint, which passage opening extends from a back side of the cushion body to a front side of the cushion body. A cavity is formed in the passage opening at a distance from the back side and at a distance from the front side of the cushion body, in which cavity at least one fan is arranged. An air-permeable, electrically operated heating mat is provided on the back side of the cushion body in order to heat the suctioned air, and the pre-heated air is additionally heated by an air-permeable, electrically operated heating mat located on the front side of the cushion body.

Abstract: A seating assembly includes a seat. A front assembly bracket is coupled to an underside of the seat. A rearward retention member defines a receiving aperture to receive a front cross-tube. A polymeric overmold is disposed over the rearward retention member. A forward retention member is operable between open and closed positions and is disposed proximate the rearward retention member. A rear assembly bracket includes a tab end operably coupled with the seat. A rounded body is configured to close engage a rear cross-tube. A fastener end is configured to secure the rear assembly bracket against the cross-tube.

Abstract: A composite seat core material is configured from: a base portion that is formed by fusing thermoplastic resin foamed particles having no through-hole to each other; and a connecting portion that is provided on the upper side of the base portion, and is formed by fusing foamed particles having through-holes to each other, the connecting portion having interconnected void spaces that communicates with the outside. With the outer surface of the connection portion partially exposed at the top surface of the composite seat core material, the base portion and the connecting portion are fixed and integrated with each other. A seat member is formed by laminating a polyurethane foam pad on the top surface of the composite seat core material.

Abstract: A bladder unit includes upper and lower sheets defining opposed portions of a first bladder. The bladder unit further includes a first extruded element having upper and lower faces respectively coupled with the upper sheet and the lower sheet at a portion of a first boundary of the first bladder. A first capillary extends through the element and across the portion of the first boundary.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a motor vehicle seat includes receiving pressure signals from pressure sensors disposed in a grid network on outside surfaces of edge bladders of the seat. The method further includes raising or lowering a fluid pressure within the edge bladders using the pressure signals, including lowering of the bladder pressure on the door side on recognizing an entry or exit situation only if a load-related pressure rise in bladders on the door side has occurred.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly latch is provided herein. The vehicle seating assembly latch includes an elongated member fixedly attached to a rear portion of a vehicle seatback. A bracket is disposed on a rear wall of a passenger compartment and includes a striker. The elongated member includes an integrally defined hook portion that retains the elongated member on the striker in an engaged condition.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed which prevent structural damage to a chair footrest in an aircraft. Aircraft typically include release pins which when pulled out of apertures at different angular positions on arms existing on each side of the seat frame enable a user to set the footrest at different angular positions. To avoid overloading, the pin has been included in a pivotable housing on an axle. Resistance against rotation of the pin is provided using a torsion spring. This enables the resistance to be set at a level that allows the pin to break out to prevent overloading.

Abstract: Improvements to U.S. Pat. No. 9,346,389, Cargo Handling System, are desirable in order to tilt either the lower or upper extendable assembly independently or together to facilitate proper cleaning and to increase options for tilting, hauling, loading, and unloading purposes. The Extendable Tilt Assembly System is created by adding a tailgate guide assembly and modifying the guide assembly, the lower extendable assembly and the upper extendable assembly of U.S. Pat. No. 9,346,389.

Abstract: A transition dock is disclosed allowing palletized product to be loaded into transport conveyors at a worksite. The product may be produce and the worksite may be a field where the produce is harvested. Where operating at a field where produce is harvested, the loading dock facilitates loading of the produce into a reefer to begin the cold chain at the field.

Abstract: A cargo restraint system having a load bearing perimeter rail and a tie-down ring assembly. The load bearing perimeter rail further comprised of a plurality of protruding bosses with a hole within each boss. Further, a tie-down ring assembly comprised of a tie-down ring and a pin wherein the tie-down ring is inserted through the hole in the plurality of protruding bosses of the load bearing perimeter rail. Protruding bosses and/or recessed load bearing features within a load bearing rail are capable of accepting additional components beyond a tie-down ring assembly to increase interchangeability of load bearing platforms.

Abstract: An E-track system includes a longitudinally extending track, a keyed protuberance, and a clamp. The longitudinally extending track defines an array of slots that are configured to receive accessory attachments. The keyed protuberance extends from the track and is configured to engage a keyway defined by a docking plate in order to secure the E-track system to the docking plate. The clamp extends from the track and is configured to engage an overhang of a truck bed side panel to secure the E-track system to the side panel.

Abstract: A device configured to secure a load to a supporting structure and a method of using the device to secure the load to the supporting structure are provided. The device includes a strap fixed onto itself so as to form a first loop and a pair of free ends. An attachment member includes a body with a pair of support arms disposed on opposite ends of the body. Each of the pair of free ends of the strap are attached to a corresponding support arm, laterally spacing the free ends from each other, giving the device a generally figure 8 dimension. The strap is wrapped around the load and the attachment member is pulled through the first loop and the strap is cinched by pulling on the attachment member. The attachment member is then secured to the supporting structure.

Abstract: An apparatus, a vehicle and a method for securing intermodal cargo containers is provided. Couplers include pins and bottom supports to engage apertures and bottom surfaces of corner fittings for intermodal cargo containers. The couplers may also include sidewall supports to engage forward facing side surfaces of the corner fittings. The pins, bottom supports, and sidewall supports hold an intermodal cargo container in place through a relatively large range of acceleration forces without damaging the corner fittings of the intermodal cargo containers. The couplers are selectively movable from a retracted position to an extended position to engage the corner fittings of the intermodal cargo containers.

Abstract: Techniques for drone device control are provided. In one example, the technique includes monitoring, by a drone device operatively coupled to a processor and allocated to a vehicle in operation, one or more conditions associated with the vehicle. The technique also includes, in response to identifying, by the drone device, a defined condition of the one or more conditions: moving, by the drone device, to a position relative to the vehicle and determined based on the defined condition; and performing, by the drone device, an indication operation determined based on the defined condition.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a battery charger and an exterior lamp assembly. The assembly includes a housing defining a cavity, and an electrical port including at least one electrical terminal disposed within the cavity, electrically connected with the battery charger, and configured to be electrically connected with an electrical power grid remote from the vehicle.

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

Abstract: A headlight includes a housing, a low-beam light source and a high-beam light source, a board, and an upper inner lens and a lower inner lens. The low-beam light source and the high-beam light source are each formed of an LED that is housed in the housing and radiates light. The board controls light beams emitted from the low-beam light source and the high-beam light source. The upper inner lens and the lower inner lens are provided in the housing and allow each of the light beams emitted from the low-beam light source and the high-beam light source to be transmitted through the upper inner lens and the lower inner lens toward the vehicle front side. At least part of the board is disposed to overlap with the rear side of the upper inner lens for the low-beam light source.

Abstract: Provided is a lane adaptive lamp control apparatus including a lane sensor configured to sense lane information of a road being traveled on, a lane determiner configured to determine information of a lane being traveled on from the lane information sensed through the lane sensor, and a lamp controller configured to control turning-on of a lamp according to the lane information determined by the lane determiner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle headlight (1) comprising a light source (2), a primary optical system (3), a projection optical system (4), a control device, an output unit and an optoelectronic component (7) having a controllable arrangement of several, individually adjustable optoelectronic elements (8) in the form of a two-dimensional matrix. Said vehicle headlight (1) is designed to emit light from at least one light source (2) in the direction of the optoelectronic component (7) and to modulate by means of the optoelectronic component (7), and to radiate at least partially in the direction of the projection optical system (4) and to form a light image in front of the vehicle. The control device is connected to the output unit. The output unit is connected to the optoelectronic component (7) and can control the optoelectronic elements (8).

Abstract: A lighting tool for a vehicle that radiates light from a vehicle toward a road surface, the lighting tool for a vehicle including a light source device, a light modulation device that modulates light emitted from the light source device to form multi-gradation light including a high gradation part, a low gradation part and a zero gradation part, a projection unit that projects the multi-gradation light emitted from the light modulation device to the road surface as a light distribution pattern, and a control unit that controls the light source device and the light modulation device, wherein the light modulation device forms a drawing pattern as the high gradation part which is surrounded by the low gradation part in the light distribution pattern.

Abstract: A vehicle illumination system for illuminating a path to a vehicle may include a light mechanism arranged on the vehicle, at least one antenna configured to detect a unique device of an approaching user; and at least one controller. The controller may be configured to determine a user location based on the detected unique device, predict the path based at least in part on the user location, and instruct the light mechanism to illuminate an area along the path.

Abstract: A vehicular lamp includes a light guide body configured with a two-color molded article of a light-transmitting member and a non-translucent member, and a light source configured to introduce light to the translucent member. The light guide body has a curved portion. The translucent member has a reflective step formed on a first surface thereof, which is in contact with the non-translucent member, so as to emit the light of the light source from a second surface, which is opposite the first surface. The second surface is exposed to an outside of a vehicle body on which the vehicular lamp is mounted.

Abstract: Methods are provided for managing a passenger's interaction with an autonomous vehicle. The method identifies a passenger approaching an autonomous vehicle and activates a recognition signal that indicates pairing the passenger with the vehicle. As the passenger approaches, and entry point for the vehicle is identified. A recognition signal for the entry point is activated and the passenger is notified. As the exit point for the bride approaches, it is identified by the vehicle and in exit indicator is activated for the passenger. Any exit obstacles are identified by the vehicle and the passenger is notified. And exit indicator is activated for the passenger to provide notification of a safe to exit status from the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: An illumination unit for a vehicle component of a vehicle includes a housing and at least one light source that emits light through a light diffusion component and a light-deflecting film. The light-deflecting film is adapted to conform to an exterior contour of a vehicle component. The light-deflecting film closes the housing and has an inner side and an outer side, with the inner side closer to the light source than the outer side. The light-deflecting film has a microstructure on the outer side that deflects light emitted by the light source in a direction that differs from the angle of incidence of the emitted light at the inner side of the light-deflecting film.

Abstract: An illumination device includes at least one illuminant for emitting light, and an optical reflection unit, including at least one reflective surface, and at least one surface including at least one mask, where the optical reflection unit is configured to receive the light emitted from the at least one illuminant and project at least one of an image, a symbol, a logo, and a legend on a projection surface.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for generating a horn actuation signal. A load cell is placed inside a steering wheel, which changes its resistance when being stressed or deformed by a force transmitting part of the steering wheel. An actual voltage (Va) depending on the resistance of the load cell is measured and the horn actuation signal is generated based on the measurement of the actual voltage (Va). The actual voltage (Va) depends additionally to the resistance of the load cell and on an adjustable voltage (Vad) generated by an adjustable voltage generation unit. Additionally, the result of the measurement of the actual voltage (Va) is permanently compared to a defined value, and the adjustable voltage (Vad) is adjusted in response to the difference between the result of the measurement of the actual voltage (Va) and the defined value at least as long as no horn actuation signal is generated, such that closed circuit for controlling the actual voltage (Va) is provided.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle approach notification device that can easily output a warning sound in which a discomfort feeling brought to an occupant is reduced while ensuring a necessary sound pressure. A vehicle approach notification device includes: a sound source; first and second amplifiers; a first speaker system including a first speaker and a second speaker that outputs a sound having an opposite phase to a sound output from the first speaker; and a second speaker system including a third speaker that outputs a sound having a same phase as the sound output from the first speaker and a fourth speaker that outputs a sound having an opposite phase to the sound output from the third speaker, wherein the first speaker system and the second speaker system are disposed so that the first speaker and the third speaker are located closer to a longitudinal center plane of the vehicle than the second speaker and the fourth speaker.

Abstract: A first photosensor is sensitive to the wavelength of excitation light, insensitive to the wavelength of fluorescent light, and receives a portion of the output light to generate a first current corresponding to the amount of light received. A second photosensor is sensitive to the fluorescent light wavelength, insensitive to excitation light wavelength, and receives a portion of the output light to generate a second current corresponding to the received light amount. A first current/voltage conversion circuit outputs a first detection voltage corresponding to the voltage drop across a first resistor. A second current/voltage conversion circuit outputs a second detection voltage corresponding to the voltage drop across a second resistor. If (i) a relation between the magnitudes of the first detection voltage and the second detection voltage has reversed, or (ii) if the first detection voltage deviates from a normal voltage range, a judgment unit asserts an abnormality detection signal.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting a pedestrian by a vehicle during night driving are provided, in which the apparatus includes: a first camera configured to take a first image including color information of a vicinity of the vehicle during night driving; a second camera configured to take a second image including thermal distribution information of the vicinity of the vehicle; a pedestrian detector configured to detect a non-pedestrian area by using the color information from the first image and detect a pedestrian area by excluding the non-pedestrian area from the second image; and a display configured to match and display the pedestrian area on the second image.

Abstract: Electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles include a rechargeable traction battery. An automated vehicle charging system is configured to charge the traction battery with minimal operator intervention. The vehicle charging system includes at least one tire pad including a plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors arranged at known locations of the tire pad and outputting signals having a magnitude indicative of a pressure applied by a tire at the known locations. The vehicle charging system also includes at least one controller programmed to receive the signals and control movement of a transmit coil according to a position of the tire on the tire pad that is derived from the signals. The known locations may be generally equally spaced or unevenly spaced across the tire pad. The tire pad may include a tire stop to limit motion of the tire in one direction.

Abstract: A system and method to determine trailer pose includes imaging first and second telltales affixed to a trailer to provide trailer image data. A controller is operable to determine trailer pose from the trailer image data. The trailer pose information may be provided to one or more controllers of a vehicle towing the trailer.

Abstract: A construction machine includes a lower-part traveling body that performs a traveling operation, an upper-part turning body turnably mounted on the lower-part traveling body, an operator's cab mounted on the upper-part turning body, multiple image capturing devices mounted on the upper-part turning body, and a display unit mounted in the operator's cab to simultaneously display an image and operating information regarding an operating condition. The image includes at least one of multiple images captured with the image capturing devices. The display unit is configured to change at least one of the displayed image and a display position of the operating information, in response to an operation of a single changeover switch.

Abstract: In a vehicular door mirror device, a main body section of a motor is supported by an assembly tube of a case in a horizontal direction, and a gear plate is supported by a support tube of the case in the horizontal direction. Therefore, dimensional variation in the horizontal direction between central axis lines of an output shaft of the motor and the gear plate can be suppressed, and variation in meshing amount of a worm gear of the output shaft and the gear plate, and a worm shaft, can be suppressed.

Abstract: An electronic mirror apparatus includes a display unit to display the image taken by an imaging unit mounted on a vehicle, a light control filter disposed at a side of the display unit nearer to a driver's seat, and a controller. The light control filter shifts between the light reflection state to reflect light and the light transmission state to transmit light in response to a state of voltage applied to the light control filter. The controller causes the display unit to display an image when the light control filter is in the light transmission state or in the period of transition from the light reflection state to the light transmission state. The controller performs control such that at least part of the image displayed on the display unit is brighter when the light control filter is in the period of transition than is in the light transmission state.

Abstract: A vehicle mirror assembly is provided herein. The vehicle mirror assembly includes a housing operable between a deployed position and a folded position. A lamp assembly is coupled to the housing and has a first light source configured to direct light rearwardly of the housing and a second light source configured to direct light forwardly of the housing. The housing is configured to move from the deployed position to the folded position when an object is detected.

Abstract: A modular side rail and removable step system for a vehicle is disclosed. In one aspect, the kit includes first, second, and third removable steps that may be mounted to the side rail. In one aspect, the side rail main body has a channel-shape defining a longitudinal opening between an adjacent first side and an adjacent second side. A plurality of step attachment arrangements may be provided on the first side of the side rail main body to allow the first, second, and third steps to be mounted to the side rail main body in various configurations. For example the plurality of step attachment arrangements may be arranged and configured to provide attachment locations for mounting the first and third removable steps in a first step assembly configuration and for mounting the second removable step in a second step assembly configuration.

Abstract: A ramp bracket assembly for selectively storing a ramp in a rear of the vehicle is disclosed. The ramp bracket includes a mounting plate, a support plate, and a retaining channel. The mounting plate is spaced away from and fixedly connected to the support plate. The mounting plate further includes a key member that engages with a mounting bracket connectable to the vehicle sidewall. The retaining channel, which selectively receives a ramp, is fixedly connected to the support plate.

Abstract: A roof rack kit includes at least a first and a second load carrying bar attachable to a vehicle and adapted to extend across the roof of the vehicle. The roof rack kit further includes a first load strip with a first height protruding vertically from the outer periphery of the first load carrying bar and a second load strip having a second height protruding vertically from the outer periphery of the second load carrying bar. The first height of the first load strip is different from the second height of the second load strip, so as to compensate for a height difference between the first and the second load carrying bar when the first and the second load carrying bars are mounted on the vehicle.

Abstract: A semi-rigid rooftop cargo carrier and method employing straightfront and streamlined steps for its assembly and disassembly provided by its innovative configuration of a collapsible frame including at least two elongate side members preferably equipped with extendible push bars (“EPB”) each having a first and second side arm member and EPB securing mechanism engagable for abutted lengthwise alignment whereby extending the elongate member exerts opposing pressure onto end members to simultaneously push the collapsible frame and mount the external waterproof pliable shell thereon in an assembled position and also readily disaasembled without tools or loose components into a light, compact, easy-to-store configuration.

Abstract: A selectable pitch crossbar-to-vehicle coupler may include a crossbar clamp having a first mating surface that is selectively receivable on a second mating surface of the coupler in a plurality of discrete orientations. Each of the discrete orientations may correspond to a respective angle of the crossbar relative to the coupler. The angle may be a pitch angle.

Abstract: A stackable container assembly is disclosed, the assembly having a base container having a container body having a top surface and a bottom surface, an attachment base adapted for connecting the base container to a vehicle, and a fixture assembly attached to the top surface; and an accessory container having an accessory body having an accessory bottom surface, and an accessory base on the accessory bottom surface selectively connecting the accessory container to the fixture assembly of the base container such that the accessory container is stacked on top of the base container. A container and a vehicle provided with the stackable container assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stowable docking module includes a translation housing received within a housing sub-assembly for translation between a first, stowed position and a second, deployed position. A docking station sub-assembly is mounted to the translation housing and is pivotably mounted to the translation housing to pivot between a stowed position and a deployed position. The docking station sub-assembly includes a first hook member having a first gripping position and a second gripping position. The first hook member is moveable on the docking station between the first gripping position and the second gripping position. A second hook member is secured to the docking station and arranged to oppose the first hook member. An electronic device may be docked in the stowable docking module by securing the device between the first hook member and the second hook member.

Abstract: Described are passenger seats that include a system for storing objects disposed on a rear side of the passenger seat. The system may include a cavity and a divider wall disposed within the cavity, wherein the divider wall separates a lower portion of the cavity into at least two compartments including a personal electronic device compartment on a rear side of the cavity and a secondary compartment on a forward side of the cavity.

Abstract: A camera module, which is mounted on an inside of a front windshield of a vehicle and configured to image an external environment of the vehicle, includes multiple lens units on which an optical image of the external environment is incident, individually, and an imaging system to generate an outside image of the external environment by imaging through each of the lens units, individually.

Abstract: A skin-covered interior trim pad according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a main portion, eaves portion 39 extending out from an outer edge of the main portion, and skin 36 covering the main portion and eaves portion 36, in which: skin 36 includes end edge portion 36d curving along an end portion of eaves portion 39, eaves-front-surface portion 36a covering front surface 39b of eaves portion 39 on a side of front surface 39b of eaves portion 39, and eaves-back-surface portion 36b which extends on a side of back surface 39c of eaves portion 39 toward the outer edge to cover back surface 39c of eaves portion 39, eaves-back-surface portion 36b having the same thermal shrinkage rate as the eaves-front-surface portion, and eaves-front-surface portion 36a being located across end edge portion 36d from eaves-back-surface portion 36b.

Abstract: A vehicle trim portion connection bracket is provided. The bracket includes a first flange having a connecting portion configured to be coupled to a trim portion and a second flange configured to be coupled to a support member of the vehicle. The support member is configured to be coupled to a body of the vehicle. A relief slot is provided in the first flange and configured to reduce a load required to deform the connecting portion relative to a remaining portion of the first flange, such that the connecting portion may be deformed without disrupting the coupling between the bracket and the support member.

Abstract: Provided is an electrical junction box including a main body casing accommodating a circuit, an electric-wire mounting section is disposed on the outer side of the main body casing, a terminal section of an electric wire is mounted thereto. The electric-wire mounting section includes: an accommodation section that can be opened so as to accommodate the terminal section of the electric wire, wherein a connection section is electrically connected to the terminal section; an electric-wire holding cover that can be opened and closed covers the accommodation section. When closed, the electric-wire holding cover engages the electric wire yet to be connected to the connection section, keeping the electric wire from being dislodged from the accommodation section and forming an opening area for accommodating the connection of the terminal section of the electric wire to the connection section. The main cover is configured to cover the opening area.

Abstract: In a method for securing a high voltage on-board electric grid of a motor vehicle for repair and/or maintenance of the motor vehicle, the energy inflow of an energy supply unit into the onboard electric grid is blocked during or after a voltage disconnection of the high-voltage on-board electric grid, in which an energy inflow of the energy supply unit to the high-voltage on-board electric grid is interrupted. Additionally or alternatively, the energy inflow of at least one other energy supply device is blocked, wherein the at least one other energy inflow is designed in order to supply energy from a further energy source to the high-voltage on-board electric grid.