Patents Issued in September 28, 2023
  • Publication number: 20230302967
    Abstract: A vehicle seat (20) has a first seat base (21), a first backrest (22), a first hinge assembly (31) defining a first axis of rotation (41), and a second hinge assembly (32) defining a second axis of rotation (42). The first backrest (22) is rotatable via the first hinge assembly (31) and via the second hinge assembly (32) relative to the seat base (22). The second axis of rotation (42) is spaced apart from the first axis of rotation (41). The first backrest (22) extends between a top end (112) and a bottom end (111) in a first spatial situation (P1) provided for driving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventor: Jan Bela
  • Publication number: 20230302968
    Abstract: A space for installing a seat mechanism can be reduced as compared with a prior art when a seatback is supported by support members. A rear panel is provided upright to partition an inside and an outside of a vehicle cabin. A seat support body includes support columns that are fixtures and seat crosses that are support members. The support columns are fixed to a rear panel. The seat crosses are supported by the rear panel with a gap therebetween via the support columns. Each seatback is supported on a back face thereof by the seat crosses. A belt path through which a webbing extends from a retractor to a shoulder anchor is formed in the gap between the seat crosses and the rear panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Norimasa KOREISHI, Hideo Takeda, Hitoshi Takezoe
  • Publication number: 20230302969
    Abstract: A conveyance seat includes a cover member protecting an anchor member extending from the seat main body so that a child safety seat is connected. The cover member includes an outside cover, and an inside cover accommodated in the outside cover and having an anchor engaging portion. The cover member sandwiches an extending part of the anchor member with the outside cover and the inside cover. The cover member is attached to the seat main body such that an outer periphery portion of a skin opening hole is sandwiched by the outside cover and the inside cover. A skin locking member is accommodated in a flange accommodating recess of the outside cover together with an outer peripheral flange of the inside cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Kotaro TOMIOKA, Sadahiro KINOSHITA, Tsubasa HITOMI, Masaaki YAMAGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20230302970
    Abstract: A support base for a child safety seat includes a shell, a belt clamp and a latching mechanism. The shell is adapted to receive a child seat thereon, and has a belt anchoring region including a first surface and a second surface. The belt clamp is pivotally connected with the shell, and is operable to clamp a first belt portion and a second belt portion respectively adjacent to the first surface and the second surface. The latching mechanism is operable to lock the belt clamp in a clamping state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Robert Scott ANDERSON, Curtis M. HARTENSTINE, Patrick J.G. BOWERS
  • Publication number: 20230302971
    Abstract: An attachment member allowing a connected state between the attachment member and a guide member to be more easily checked is provided. The attachment member for attaching a stay cloth, which guides a deployment direction of an airbag module, to a seat back frame has a holding portion which includes a holding space for housing an attachment portion of the stay cloth. The holding portion is inserted into an attachment hole to be fitted into the attachment hole that is formed in the seat back frame. A through-hole which allows the attachment portion of the stay cloth in the holding space to be exposed in a penetrating direction of the attachment hole is formed in the holding portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Jinichi TANABE, Hiroshi BABA, Makoto TAKEUCHI, Hiroshi IZAWA, Yoshihisa KUROSAKI
  • Publication number: 20230302972
    Abstract: A system and method for delivering an axial compression load to a passenger during a frontal deceleration event is disclosed. The system includes a seat frame, a seat pan, and an impulse generator coupled to the seat pan configured to provide an axial compression load onto a spine of a sitting passenger during a forward deceleration event. The system further includes a controller configured to receive a forward deceleration signal from the inertial sensor and activate the impulse generator based on the forward deceleration signal. The impulse generator may generate a compressive force via a chemical reaction, via a mechanically stored energy, a solenoid switch, or via a rotating cam assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2022
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventor: Mark B. Dowty
  • Publication number: 20230302973
    Abstract: A driver's seat for a rail vehicle includes a seat, a frame, a support, a fastening unit and a compressed air line, ensuring compressed-air-assisted functionalities of the driver's seat. The frame supporting the seat is mounted rotatably and connected to a first end of the support permitting the seat to rotate about an axis of the support. A second end of the support is connected to the fastening unit, fastening the seat in a vehicle control console. The air line ensures compressed-air-assisted seat functionalities and has a first region with partial coils running around the support at a predefined distance. The partial coils are formed and fastened such that rotational movement of the seat effects a change in distance of the partial coils relative to the support. The partial coils of the air line form a spiral, wound around the support at a predefined distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Roland Plabst, Josef Denk
  • Publication number: 20230302974
    Abstract: A seat temperature regulator includes a control device capable of controlling a temperature of a seat for heating and cooling. The control device continuously repeats the heating and cooling within a temperature width range of 10° C. or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke WAKUDA, Shinichi SHIKII, Yoshihiro SHIMOMURA, Yali XIA
  • Publication number: 20230302975
    Abstract: A support element for a vehicle seat, the support element including: a shell, a cover mounted on the shell, the cover defining a front surface for receiving a passenger, and a rear surface opposite the front surface, and a padding arranged between the shell and the cover. The cover has a plurality of fastening loops fastened on the rear surface of the cover. The shell has a plurality of through-openings arranged substantially facing the fastening loops, the fastening loops passing through the through-openings and mechanically cooperating with the shell so as to keep the cover rigidly connected to the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Mathieu CLUET, Fabrice CHARRAS, Cesar KNUSMANN, Marc THIEL
  • Publication number: 20230302976
    Abstract: A blanket for covering a child in a car seat. The blanket comprises one or more coupling elements through which straps of a harness may be passed, thus enabling the blanket and the harness to be fastened tightly around the child, thereby, safely restraining the child.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2022
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventor: Ivana MISKIC
  • Publication number: 20230302977
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an armrest for a vehicle which can be opened and closed bidirectionally. Release buttons (14a) are mounted at both end portions of a center lid (10). Hinge pins (12a) are mounted at both sides of the front and the rear of the center lid in pairs, and are coupled to or released from hinge holes (13a) by linear movement in a transverse direction. When the release button (14a) moves inward, the hinge pin is released from the neighboring hinge hole through an elbow bracket (15) and an interlocking member (19). And the hinge pin getting out of the hinge hole cannot move outward by a hinge stopper (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2022
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Kyoung Sik KIM, Sang Jin JOUNG, Hong Kil NOH
  • Publication number: 20230302978
    Abstract: An interior structure for vehicle includes a first member and a second member that can be superimposed on the first member and that is elastically deformable. A second superimposed surface of the second member includes a plurality of recesses that are open toward a first superimposed surface of the first member, and that are independent of each other without communicating with each other. The plurality of recesses include a plurality of large recesses having a large volume, and a plurality of small recesses having a smaller volume than the volume of the plurality of large recesses. Portions in which the plurality of large recesses are located form a low-elasticity portion of the second member. Portions in which the plurality of small recesses are located form a high-elasticity portion of the second member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventor: Jungo Horiyama
  • Publication number: 20230302979
    Abstract: A headrest includes a first configuration section comprising a hard urethane and formed with an indentation in a front face, the indentation enabling entry of a supported portion, and the supported portion being a location corresponding to an occipital bone of the head of the seated occupant; and a second configuration section comprising a soft urethane having a lower rigidity than the hard urethane, the second configuration section being provided at the indentation so as to be deformed by the supported portion. Part of the first configuration section, which is a bottom face of the indentation, is configured by a left-right pair of head support faces that support the supported portion and that are connected together at a connection location having a straight line shape. An angle formed between cross-sections of the left and right head support faces when sectioned along a plane perpendicular to the connection location is a first angle that is from 37.2° to 143°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Chikanori HONDA, Kousuke SUZUKI
  • Publication number: 20230302980
    Abstract: A vehicle seat including a seatback, and headrest including a shell member. A release mechanism is mounted to the shell member. The release mechanism selectively locks the headrest relative to the seatback. An actuator system extends between the seatback and the headrest. The actuator system includes a sleeve having a first end fixedly connected relative to the seatback, a second end fixedly connected relative to the headrest shell, and an intermediate portion defining a longitudinal length of the sleeve, and a cable extending through the sleeve. The cable has a first end section arranged in the seatback and a second end section coupled to the release mechanism. The longitudinal length of the sleeve includes a first dimension when the seatback is in an upright position and the longitudinal length has a second, longer dimension, when the seatback is in a folded configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2022
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventor: Edeena Alicia Reader
  • Publication number: 20230302981
    Abstract: An ergonomic headrest assembly which can be used by a user such as a passenger on an airplane or other vehicle to prevent or restrict side-to-side head movements of the user to enhance comfort of the user may include a lower portion. A headrest portion may be provided on the lower portion. The headrest portion may include a middle headrest section. A pair of side headrest sections may extend from the middle headrest section. The side headrest sections may be adjustable at selected angles with respect to the middle headrest section to support and prevent or restrict side-to-side movement of the head of a user as the middle headrest section of the headrest portion supports the user's head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2022
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventor: Stephanie Joyner
  • Publication number: 20230302982
    Abstract: A side wing adjustment mechanism and an adjustable sitting device, the side wing adjustment mechanism includes: a pin arranged on the headrest; and an inclined grooves arranged on the side wing, a distance between a portion of the inclined grooves and the longitudinal center axis gradually decreases in a direction extending from bottom to top toward the headrest along a longitudinal center axis of the backrest, and the pin is slidable along the inclined grooves. According to the application, the side wing can be folded and opened at will, and the structure of the application is more inclusive. During the opening and folding process, puling of the headrest or pushing of the side wing can be performed more smoothly and labor-savingly, and the phenomenon of deflection and jamming can be avoided, such that the opening and folding process of the side wings is smoother.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventor: Zujian LIU
  • Publication number: 20230302983
    Abstract: Headrest (1) for a racing vehicle (10) comprising a cockpit (11) wherein a driver (20) wearing a helmet (30) can sit, comprising a flexible casing (2) configured to be anchored to a vehicle body (12) and at least one energy-absorbing member (3) comprising at least one honeycomb cellular structure (9) arranged inside said casing (2). The energy-absorbing member (3) further comprising a foam pad (8) shaped so as to hold the at least one honeycomb cellular structure (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: John George Lloyd, Piers Christian Storey
  • Publication number: 20230302984
    Abstract: A transport system has a transport vehicle comprising a load area having a load surface on which a plurality of rack units of the transport system can be arranged one behind the other in a vehicle longitudinal direction and can be either locked in position or displaced in the vehicle longitudinal direction, whereby an accessible intermediate space can be produced between two adjacent rack units. In order to enhance improve the effective usability of a load space of a commercial vehicle, the transport vehicle is configured such that the intermediate space can be accessed regardless of the position thereof from an access side arranged laterally in the vehicle transverse direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Bas van den Heuvel
  • Publication number: 20230302985
    Abstract: A securing apparatus configured to provide automated tensioning and loosening of a strap being utilized to secure an object to a flatbed trailer. The present invention includes a first plate member that is movably mounted proximate the bottom surface of the flatbed trailer. The first plate member includes an aperture proximate the first end thereof. A cylinder bracket member is present on the bottom surface of the first plate member and is surroundably present to the aperture. A cylinder is releasably secured to the cylinder bracket member and the piston thereof is configured to pass through the aperture and engage the bottom of the flatbed trailer. A hook member is formed on the first end of the first plate member and is configured to have an end of strap secured thereto. The first plate member is movable with respect to the trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2022
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventor: Hiromi Higo
  • Publication number: 20230302986
    Abstract: The invention relates, inter alia, to a vehicle headlight having a lens arrangement, wherein the lens arrangement includes a first lens (input lens), a second lens (first middle lens), at least a third lens (second middle lens), and a front lens, wherein the second lens (first middle lens) is arranged in the light path between the first lens (input lens) and the front lens, and wherein the at least third lens (second middle lens) is arranged in the light path between the second lens (first middle lens) and the front lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: Docter Optics SE
    Inventors: Hagen SCHWEITZER, Sebastian ERBES, Markus WINKLER
  • Publication number: 20230302987
    Abstract: A method for tracking an object. A first coordinated control of a lighting device and an optical sensor is assigned to a first visible distance range. A first recording of the first visible distance range while illuminated by the lighting device is recorded with the optical sensor. If the object is detected in the first recording within the first visible distance range, a distance between the detected object and the optical sensor is determined. A second coordinated control of the lighting device and the optical sensor and an assigned, second visible distance range are determined such that the object detected in the first recording is located in a center of the second visible distance range. A second recording of the second visible distance range while illuminated by the lighting device is recorded with the optical sensor by the second coordinated control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventor: Fridtjof STEIN
  • Publication number: 20230302988
    Abstract: A full display mirror assembly for a vehicle includes an electro-optic assembly containing an electro-optic medium, a display module, and at least one imager module configured to capture a blind spot. A processor and a memory including instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to, in response to a detection of an object in the blind spot, generate a first warning indicia in a first region of the full display mirror assembly. The processor is further caused to, in response to a detection that a vehicle containing the full display mirror assembly is turning or about to turn towards the blind spot with the object, generate a second warning indicia in a second region of the full display mirror assembly by enlarging the first region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Daryl A. Wiseman
  • Publication number: 20230302989
    Abstract: A vehicular front structure includes: a left front pillar disposed at a left front face of a body of a vehicle; a right front pillar disposed at a right front face of the body; an upper front crossing member extending along a lateral direction of the vehicle, the upper front crossing member having respective ends coupled one-to-one with the left front pillar and the right front pillar; a lower front crossing member extending along the lateral direction of the vehicle, the lower front crossing member having respective ends coupled one-to-one with the left front pillar and the right front pillar; and an external display coupled with the upper front crossing member and the lower front crossing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hirotaka ISHIOKA, Hideo TAKEDA, Norimasa KOREISHI
  • Publication number: 20230302990
    Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a control method of a vehicle including a communication circuit capable of communicating with a computer via a network includes: acquiring, from the computer via the communication circuit, first reservation information including first boarding area information indicating a first boarding area, first seat information indicating a first seat, and first color information indicating a first color; causing the vehicle to travel to the first boarding area based on the first boarding area information; and causing, in the first boarding area, at least two lighting devices to emit light of the first color based on the first color information, the at least two lighting devices being selected from a group consisting of a first door light indicating a first door, a first seat light indicating the first seat, and a first baggage light indicating an installation position or a lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi YAHATA, Tomoyuki HIROTA, Takahiro NISHI, Tadamasa TOMA, Toshiyasu SUGIO
  • Publication number: 20230302991
    Abstract: Vehicle ambient lighting may be provided utilizing a touchscreen, a lighting system, a memory, and a processor. The lighting system may include a direct lighting system and an indirect lighting system. The memory may store one or more instructions and the processor may execute one or more of the instructions stored on the memory to perform one or more acts or actions, such as rendering a vehicle ambient lighting interface via the touchscreen or implementing a currently selected vehicle ambient lighting mode via the lighting system. The vehicle ambient lighting interface may include two or more vehicle ambient lighting modes and the currently selected vehicle ambient lighting mode from the two or more vehicle ambient lighting modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2022
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Cody D. GREBE, Cooper Koo SHIN, Tony Da-Tung WANG, Ross Cameron MILLER
  • Publication number: 20230302992
    Abstract: An occupant state monitoring apparatus includes an imager, a storage, and a calculation controller. The imager is configured to capture an image of an occupant who is in a vehicle. The storage is configured to store vehicle member coordinates that are position information of a vehicle member of the vehicle. The calculation controller is configured to calculate, based on the image, gaze coordinates representing a position at which the occupant gazes, and determine a state of the occupant based on the gaze coordinates and the vehicle member coordinates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventor: Satoru IWATA
  • Publication number: 20230302993
    Abstract: Infant observation mirror assembly with temperature display for attachment to a top portion of a rear vehicle seat includes a main panel having opposed front and rear surfaces and a mirror embedded in the front surface thereof. The mirror assembly further includes a temperature display section defined on the front surface of the main panel. A positioning base is coupled to the rear surface of the main panel. The main panel is pivotably attached to the positioning base for allowing rotation about a horizontal axis and a vertical axis. A mounting harness attaches to the positioning base. The mounting harness removably attaches to the top portion of the rear vehicle seat to hold the mirror assembly in a selected lateral and vertical position on the rear vehicle seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Kareem Karmous, Maged Atia
  • Publication number: 20230302994
    Abstract: A vehicular cabin monitoring system includes a mirror head adjustably attached at a mounting structure configured to attach at an interior portion of a vehicle. The mirror head accommodates a camera and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) connected in series with each other. A switch is operable in an open state, where current provided by a current driver passes through each individual LED of the plurality of LEDs, and a closed state, where current provided by the current driver passes through a first subset of LEDs of the plurality of LEDs and bypasses a second subset of LEDs of the plurality of LEDs. The switch operates in the open state when the camera captures image data for a first vehicular function, such as occupant monitoring, and operates in the closed state when the camera captures image data for a second vehicular function, such as driver monitoring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2022
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Patrick A. MILLER, Yuesheng LU
  • Publication number: 20230302995
    Abstract: The present disclosure refers to a rear-view system for a vehicle which includes a bracket mountable to the vehicle and a rear-view head telescopically mounted to the bracket. The rear-view system further includes at least one of a reflective element or a camera mounted on the rear-view head such that the at least one of the reflective element or the camera is movable with the rear-view head. The rear-view system further includes a position sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a telescopic position of the rear-view head with respect to the bracket. A processor is configured to receive at least one image from the camera and the signal from the position sensor. The display is configured to receive at least one modified image from the processor. The present disclosure also refers to a vehicle with such a rear-view system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventor: Paul R. HENION
  • Publication number: 20230302996
    Abstract: A full display mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing and a partially reflective, partially transmissive element is located in the housing. A bezel assembly includes at least one localized region that is substantially opaque to a visible spectrum of light and substantially transmissive to an infrared spectrum of light. At least one illumination element is located in the housing and oriented to project infrared illumination through the at least one localized region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Danny L. Minikey, JR., Steven J. Veenman, Eric S. Sloterbeek, Nigel T. Lock, Michael G. Hendricks, Eric S. Lundy
  • Publication number: 20230302997
    Abstract: A mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing and a partially reflective, partially transmissive element is located in the housing. A bezel assembly includes at least one localized region that is substantially opaque to a visible spectrum of light and substantially transmissive to an infrared spectrum of light. At least one illumination element is located in the housing and oriented to project infrared illumination through the at least one localized region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Danny L. Minikey, JR., Steven J. Veenman, Eric S. Sloterbeek, Nigel T. Lock, Michael G. Hendricks, Eric S. Lundy
  • Publication number: 20230302998
    Abstract: The present disclosure refers to a base assembly of an exterior rear view device to be mounted to a vehicle, comprising a base frame and at least one camera sub-assembly attached to the base frame, wherein the camera sub-assembly comprises at least one camera, a camera cradle and a camera holder designed to provide clamping force and datum onto the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Callum SCOTT-COLLINS, Steve HORNE
  • Publication number: 20230302999
    Abstract: A vehicle rearward monitoring system configured to monitor an object located behind and above a truck, the vehicle rearward monitoring system including: an object detection unit installed in the truck and configured to detect the object located behind and above an upper end of a rear end of the truck; an object specifying unit configured to specify a position, a size and a velocity vector with respect to the truck of the object detected by the object detection unit; and a collision possibility determination unit configured to determine a possibility of collision of the truck with the object detected by the object detection unit from the position, the size and the velocity vector of the object specified by the object specifying unit, and make a driver of the truck recognize the possibility of collision when it is determined that there is the possibility of collision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventors: Ryuta TSUDA, Yasuhiro ONO
  • Publication number: 20230303000
    Abstract: A vehicle rearward monitoring system includes: a lower camera that captures a road surface behind the truck; an upper camera disposed above the lower camera in the truck to capture the road surface behind the truck; a conversion unit that converts lower and upper camera images G1 and G2 captured by the lower and upper cameras into lower and upper bird's-eye views T1 and T2; an object detection unit that compares upper and lower bird's-eye views T2 and T1 to detect the object on the road surface from a difference of a corrected portion hidden by the object on the road surface in upper and lower camera images G2 and G1; and a collision possibility determination unit that makes a driver of the truck recognize a possibility of collision when there is a possibility of collision with the object detected by the object detection unit with the truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventor: Ryuta TSUDA
  • Publication number: 20230303001
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a rear-view assembly comprising a housing, a frame, wherein the frame is secured to a vehicle and the housing is secured to the frame, and at least one camera, having at least one lens is secured to the frame to improve image stability. The rear-view assembly may also include a bezel and a reflective element. The bezel has a bezel aperture which allows the at least one lens to view a rearward direction with respect to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Alan FRALEY, Andrea CLIFTON
  • Publication number: 20230303002
    Abstract: A technique is provided for facilitating access into a truck bed. The technique utilizes a step assembly which is foldable between an operational configuration and a folded, transport configuration. The foldable step assembly may comprise a support structure having an attachment end which may be sized for receipt in a hitch receiver of a vehicle, e.g. a truck. The foldable step assembly also may comprise an upper step structure having an upper step mounted to an upper step frame pivotably coupled with the support structure for pivoting movement between a lateral position and an upright transport position. Additionally, a handrail may be pivotably coupled with the upper step structure for pivoting movement between an upright use position and a folded transport position. Furthermore, the step assembly may comprise a lower step structure having a lower step and a lower step frame constructed for pivoting movement between a lower lateral position and a position folded over the upper step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2021
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventor: James Alton KANE
  • Publication number: 20230303003
    Abstract: An interior accessory for a vehicle includes a pouch. A pre-formed accessory fastener opening of the interior accessory receives a fastener that is received in a pre-formed fastener opening of an interior component of the vehicle to fasten the interior component to the vehicle. In this way, the interior accessory is attached to the interior accessory is attached to the interior component. The interior component may be a door panel or a center console, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventor: Mitch P. Walk
  • Publication number: 20230303004
    Abstract: A hat mount configured to attached to a dashboard withing an interior compartment of a vehicle is presented. The hat mount includes a first surface configured for support of a hat. The hat mount having a planar second surface. The second surface is configured for engagement with a dashboard. The second surface includes a silicone material configured to resist and/or prevent sliding of the hat mount relative to the dashboard. The second surface is configured to withstand high temperatures to resist and/or prevent melting of the second surface during hot weather and ruining the dashboard. The second surface avoids the need to use damaging adhesives or glue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2022
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: David Avery, Loretta Padilla
  • Publication number: 20230303005
    Abstract: The invention involves a cargo carrier for vehicles that facilitates loading and unloading of items onto an enclosure; the cargo carrier may be automated and self-loading via actuators and a motorized mechanism that may be remotely controlled. The actuators may be configured to tilt the enclosure or a component thereof and deploy a deployable tray housed within the enclosure, which minimizes user loading or unloading labor. Typically, on a front end of the enclosure, one or more actuators may couple the enclosure to a portion of a vehicle support structure. The deployable tray may include a tiltable mechanism to further facilitate loading or unloading. In some embodiments, at least one actuator is adapted to lift or tilt at least a portion of the enclosure and move the enclosure over an airfoil of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Frank Louis Carbone, Dominique Carbone
  • Publication number: 20230303006
    Abstract: An apparatus for fixing a device, in particular in the form of a display device, to an element, in particular to a handlebar of a single-lane vehicle, is disclosed. The apparatus includes a holding device, which is fixed to the element in a closed state. The apparatus further includes a fixing device, which is arranged on the holding device and which is configured to fix the device. And by way of a fixing element which is arranged jointly, in particular releasably, the holding device can be held in a closed state and the device is fixed to the fixing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Matthias Penzkofer, Ute Luetze
  • Publication number: 20230303007
    Abstract: The present disclosure refers to a camera pod stabilization assembly, comprising an intermediate attachment; wherein the intermediate attachment comprises a first end and a second end, a first protruding member, and a second receiving cavity; a camera arm pivotably coupled to the intermediate attachment at a first end to form a first axis, wherein the camera arm includes a first receiving cavity to receive the first protruding member; and a base pivotably coupled to the intermediate attachment at the second end forms a second axis, wherein the base includes a second protruding member that is received by the second receiving cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Arne SCHMIERER, Volker ERHART, Csaba SZILÁGYI, Hans-Dieter POMPAREW
  • Publication number: 20230303008
    Abstract: The technology includes a roof pod system for a vehicle configured to operate in one or more partly or fully autonomous self-driving modes. The roof pod system is arranged to sit above the roof of the vehicle, for instance at least 10-50 mm above the roof surface. The roof pod may be supported by a set of legs such as cross-rails. The roof pod systems incorporates various sensors and related equipment to assist with self-driving operation Some sensors may be arranged in the main housing of the roof pod, while others can be located in a dome-type structure extending above the main housing. A cabling harness assembly runs wiring and other links between the roof pod and the vehicle chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: WAYMO LLC
    Inventors: Albert Shane, Andreas Bauer, Scott Cardimen, James Bellis, Jonathan Sive, Miklos Szentkiralyi, Joshua Newby
  • Publication number: 20230303009
    Abstract: A driver's cab is located at the front end portion of a vehicle. A sensor unit is provided on the front face of a body of the vehicle and is located at the same height as the driver's-cab floor of the driver's cab. A floor crossing member extends along the lateral direction of the vehicle on the driver's-cab floor between the sensor unit and an accelerator pedal. The floor crossing member has both sides coupled one-to-one with a left front side member and a right front side member extending along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, respectively, at the left front portion and right front portion of the vehicle. After entering the driver's cab due to a frontal collision, the sensor unit abuts on the floor crossing member, leading to suppression of the distance of entry of the sensor unit into the driver's cab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hirotaka Ishioka, Hideo Takeda, Norimasa Koreishi
  • Publication number: 20230303010
    Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a camera module configured for mounting at an in-cabin portion of a windshield of a vehicle and including a circuit board and a camera that views forward of the vehicle and through the windshield. The camera includes a CMOS imaging sensor array. A data processor is operable to process image data captured by the CMOS imaging sensor array. Image data captured by the CMOS imaging sensor array is encoded by a data encoder chip. Image data captured by the CMOS imaging sensor array that is encoded at the data encoder chip is carried as a data stream from the camera module to the data processor via a cable. Communication via the cable between the camera and the data processor is bidirectional. The data processor is located in the vehicle remote from the camera module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Ove J. Salomonsson, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen
  • Publication number: 20230303011
    Abstract: A vehicle trim element and method for manufacturing the trim element. The method includes the steps of: supplying a substrate comprising natural fibers and thermoplastic fibers entangled together, supplying a first layer comprising a base layer and provided with at least one reinforcing and/or decorative element, and compressing the first layer against the substrate. The method also includes, prior to compression, aligning the first layer and the substrate by aligning a first positioning element of the substrate and a second positioning element of the first layer arranged outside the at least one reinforcing and/or decorative element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventor: Benjamin QUESNEL
  • Publication number: 20230303012
    Abstract: A door assembly for a vehicle that includes a support part and a top part mounted on the support part. One of the support part and of the upper part has a welding hole, and the other has a welding boss inserted into the welding hole along a direction of welding. The support part has at least one snap-fit slot. The upper part has at least one clip inserted into the snap-fit slot. The or each snap-fit slot and the or each clip are arranged so as to lock the upper part along a direction of immobilization perpendicular to the direction of welding and in position along the direction of welding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Vicente MALLENT BERTOLIN, Pramod Mathew JOHN
  • Publication number: 20230303013
    Abstract: A vehicle interior or exterior member includes a base material layer laminated with a sound-absorbing layer. The base material layer is a fiber molded body containing a thermoplastic synthetic resin. The sound-absorbing layer includes a fiber web and a cover layer. The cover layer is a nonwoven fabric containing a thermoplastic synthetic fibers and covers the fiber web. The vehicle interior or exterior member includes a bonding portion, a sound-absorbing portion, and a crimped portion. The bonding portion includes the thermoplastic synthetic fibers on the surface of the sound-absorbing layer in contact with the thermoplastic synthetic resin in the base material layer thermally being bonded to each other. At a position separated from the base material layer, the sound-absorbing portion remains in a fiber web state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: Howa Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuichiro INAGAKI
  • Publication number: 20230303014
    Abstract: A fender liner that is to be placed in a curved shape along a periphery of a tire of a vehicle includes: a first foam layer that is formed by a first foam body; and a mixed layer that includes a first non-woven fabric and a second foam body that is foamed inside the first non-woven fabric, wherein the first foam body forming the first foam layer is seamless with the second foam body included in the mixed layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: AGC Inc.
    Inventors: Takamichi SHIMOSAKA, Takashi TAKADA, Kotaro KODAMA, Yukihiro FUJIWARA
  • Publication number: 20230303015
    Abstract: A subassembly (200) for a holding tank (202) in combination with a holding tank (202). The subassembly (200) includes a bucket shaped part (206), a seal (214), and a pump arrangement (32). The bucket shaped part (206) defines an inner cavity (212) plus an outer wall (208) and extends through an aperture on the top of the holding tank (202). The seal (214) is disposed at a top portion of the bucket shaped part (206) and enables a leak free seal between the outer wall (208) of the bucket shaped part (206) and the holding tank (202). The pump arrangement (32) is located at a lowest portion of the bucket shaped part (206).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2021
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventor: Tijs SLEZAK
  • Publication number: 20230303016
    Abstract: A wire harness unit including: a plurality of conductive paths; and a cooling tube through which a coolant is able to flow for cooling the plurality of conductive paths, wherein: the plurality of conductive paths include a first conductive path and a second conductive path parallel with the first conductive path, the first conductive path includes a first tubular conductor that is conductive and hollow, the second conductive path includes a second tubular conductor that is conductive and hollow, the cooling tube is separate from the first tubular conductor and the second tubular conductor, the first tubular conductor and the second tubular conductor are more rigid than the cooling tube, and the cooling tube includes a first section extending through the first tubular conductor, a second section extending through the second tubular conductor, and a turnback portion that links the first section and the second section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2021
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventor: Takeo MARUCHI