Abstract: A lighting apparatus for illuminating of objects or equipment including, for example, vehicles, retail and/or store shelving and/or equipment, bars, desks, counters, walls, railings, steps, and/or any other object or surface, as desired. In some embodiments, the lighting apparatus includes a bumper to help provide a level of protection to the objects and/or surfaces that are subject to bumping, sliding or other abuse.

Abstract: The recreational vehicle bumper device is an elongated tube having an outside, cross-sectional shape sized smaller than the inside cross-sectional shape of a recreational vehicle's bumper where the elongated tube fits inside the recreational vehicle bumper, and having an inside diameter sized large enough to receive and store a recreational vehicle's waste disposal hose.

Abstract: A device for reducing air resistance of a vehicle includes a front bumper, a bumper spoiler, and a mounting piece. The bumper spoiler includes a main body section and a mounting base section which protrudes from a reverse side of the main body section. The mounting base section is made of rigid material capable of being elastically deformed and harder than the main body section. The main body section and the mounting base section are integrally joined to each other. The mounting base section has a first mounting section and a second mounting section. The first mounting section is inserted into and elastically engaged with a first mounting hole of the bumper, thereby being temporarily fixed to the bumper. The second mounting section is inserted into the second mounting hole of the bumper to be finally fixed to the bumper by the mounting piece.

Abstract: The safety bumper includes: (a) a bumper basic body (4) having a forward surface; (b) a bumper bar (5); (c) a mounting member (11); (d) a cross-bar (10) of the vehicle, (e) at least one of a deployable energy-absorbing element (9; 32, 33, 39, 41; 52, 60) positioned above the mounting member (11) and a deployable energy-absorbing element (17, 20; 38, 46; 64) positioned below mounting member (11); and (f) an impact sensor (6) located in bumper bar (5). The bumper bar (5) is connected to bumper basic body (4) and extends through to the forward surface of bumper basic body (4), bumper bar (5) is also connected to mounting member (11), and mounting member (11) is located behind bumper basic body (4) and bumper bar (5). The mounting member (11) is connected to cross-bar (10), which is located behind mounting member (11).

Abstract: A grille guard for an automobile has a footstep for facilitating safe and easy access to the hood and engine compartment thereof. The footstep is defined by a generally tubular horizontal member having a flattened portion formed along the upper surface thereof and preferably having a non-skid surface formed thereupon.

Abstract: An aerodynamic front bumper storage assembly for use with trucks, sports utility vehicles and recreational vehicles which can be adapted for specific recreational use. The bumper storage assembly includes a bumper shell secured to the frame of the vehicle. The bumper shell is constructed from molded plastic which has a top surface, a front surface, a rear surface, a bottom surface, and opposing left and right surfaces which define an interior cavity. The rear surface is configured to be coextensive with the front end engine components of the vehicle. The bumper shell includes a center storage compartment and left and right side compartments which are molded into the bumper shell. The storage compartments are defined by bottom walls supported by four side walls and are respectively accessible from the top surface through center, left and right apertures disposed in the top surface. The center aperture and left and right side apertures each have lids hingedly attached to one of the side edges of the apertures.

Abstract: A device for reducing air resistance of a vehicle. The device includes a front bumper, a bumper spoiler, and amounting piece. The bumper spoiler includes a main body section and a mounting base section which protrudes from a reverse side of the main body portion. The mounting base section is made of rigid material capable of being elastically deformed and harder than the main body section. The main body section and the mounting base section are integrally joined to each other. The mounting base section has a first mounting section and a second mounting section. The first mounting section is inserted into and elastically engaged with a first mounting hole of the bumper, thereby being temporarily fixed to the bumper. The second mounting section is inserted into the second mounting hole of the bumper to be finally fixed to the bumper by the mounting piece.

Abstract: The bumpers of motor vehicles nowadays are being used to an increasing extent to carry components of small size in which their position on a bumper is especially advantageous for their operation due to its exposed location. For example, it is known to build into the bumpers of vehicles flashers, parking lights and especially distance sensors (parktronic sensors, abbreviated PTS) which detect the distance from other vehicles or obstructions and are designed as parking aids. The components must be mounted such that when the bumpers are affected, especially by mechanical shock, any loosening or dropping out will be impossible. At the same time the mountings must be able to be made simply and inexpensively. It is therefore proposed according to the invention that the tongues be affixed by feet to the bumper, or in case of a bumper of modular design, to one of its modules, and be positioned opposite the opening.

Abstract: A side stop arm for school buses in various embodiments, each embodiment having the common element of an extendable arm on the side of a bus that contains the STOP sign or moves in concert with the arm. The extendable arm acts as both a deterrent to vehicles that may wish to pass the bus on the driver's side but more importantly acts as warning as to the bus being stopped for loading or discharge of passengers. The first extendable arm is a separate element engaged to the side of the bus. In this embodiment, the extendable arm has a breakaway portion in the event a passing vehicle comes into contact with the arm. In a second embodiment of the invention, the STOP sign is engaged to the end of the extendable arm and it extends outwards with the arm to a position displaced from the side of the bus. In a third embodiment, that is a combination of the first two, the STOP sign is engaged to the end of a first extendable arm that moves in conjunction with a second extendable arm.

Abstract: A receiver assembly includes a central frame member including a hitch receiver box, a pair of mounting brackets carried on the central frame member, a pair of accessory receivers carried on said central frame member and a vehicle body guard mounted in the pair of accessory receivers. The vehicle body guard is a continuous tube shaped so as to project above the hitch receiver box so as not to interfere with hitch bar or draw bar connection in that box.

Abstract: A tailgate limiter for restricting a pickup truck tailgate from being opened. A vertical post is removably mounted in a base which is mounted to the truck. The post impedes the tailgate from opening, thereby preventing theft of objects in the truck bed.

Abstract: A safety attachment for utility pole transport having a mid bracket and an end bracket that attach around a utility pole. The mid bracket is situated along the unsupported length of the pole, and the end bracket is positioned at the rear end of the pole. A plate is attached to the end bracket, covering the end of the utility pole. A horizontal impact beam is situated below the pole, and is attached to the plate with a plurality of vertical members. A pair of diagonal arms extend from the mid bracket to the impact beam and help distribute impact forces on the utility pole. Accordingly, if a vehicle were to collide with the pole, the bumper of the vehicle would strike the impact beam, reducing the severity of damage. Reflectors or lighting devices are positioned along the impact beam to help reduce the chance of a collision.

Abstract: A body structure for a vehicle having a toe board opposite to a rear section of a front wheel, a side frame extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and a bumper beam extending in a widthwise direction of the vehicle and connected with a front end of the side frame, includes an impact absorbing component provided in the side frame for absorbing an impact applied from the front side of the vehicle and a front wheel rotation guiding component provided at the bumper beam for guiding a front section of the front wheel so as to rotate inwardly when an impact is applied to the bumper beam.

Abstract: A crossing arm assembly that includes either one or two hollow, tapered fishing rod bodies cantilevered at their butt ends to a beam-mounting portion of a combined pivot/bracket. A crosspiece connects the tips of the rods. The combined pivot/bracket pivotally attaches to a support at the front end of a bus to block pedestrian traffic from crossing immediately in front of the bus when the bus is stopped. The rods are tapered in mass and cross-sectional area from their butt ends to their tips. The taper concentrates rod mass closer to the support to reduce the tendency of cantilevered rods to sag under their own weight and/or to swing forward as the bus decelerates. The taper also increases rod flexibility to prevent plastic rod deformation and to reduce loads on the support when external forces are applied to the rods. A flap is pivotally attached to one of the rods to increase beam visibility without adding significant wind resistance.

Abstract: The bumpers of motor vehicles nowadays are being used to an increasing extent to carry components of small size in which their position on a bumper is especially advantageous for their operation due to its exposed location. For example, it is known to build into the bumpers of vehicles flashers, parking lights and especially distance sensors (parktronic sensors, abbreviated PTS) which detect the distance from other vehicles or obstructions and are designed as parking aids. The components must be mounted such that when the bumpers are affected, especially by mechanical shock, any loosening or dropping out will be impossible. At the same time the mountings must be able to be made simply and inexpensively.

Abstract: A hoist is collapsible into a storage box which is preferably mounted in place of a rear bumper on a pickup truck. The hoist has a tubular base which houses the swing arm of the hoist in the collapsed mode. The base of the storage box is reinforced to support the forces of the hoist and allow it to rotate 360 degrees.

Abstract: A straddle type four-wheeled all-terrain vehicle includes: a body frame having a front end part; a front guard joined to the front end part of the body frame; and a winch unit including an electric winch and a guide roller mechanism for guiding a tow rope. The electric winch and the guide roller mechanism are arranged longitudinally from a rear toward a front in that order in a lower part of a space in the front guard.

Abstract: An external vehicle airbag system (10), a method of its use and a principal vehicle (10) on which it is mounted involves mounting an airbag (16) at a bottom side (24) of the principal vehicle at a position spaced substantially laterally inwardly from a lateral-side periphery (27) of the principal vehicle. Also involved is a sensor (20) for being mounted on the principal vehicle at a position more laterally outwardly, in a direction toward the lateral-side periphery, than is the airbag. The sensor senses a collision of the principal vehicle with a colliding vehicle and, in response thereto, inflates the airbag below the principal vehicle, along the bottom thereof toward the lateral-side periphery, to thereby absorb energy from the colliding vehicle and prevent under-riding. In one embodiment, the sensor is positioned approximately at the lateral-side periphery and it can be mounted on a rigid under-ride guard.

Abstract: A pedestrian protective front body structure for a vehicle includes a front spoiler provided with desired aerodynamic characteristics and disposed with a separation above from a nose front end of the vehicle body and is provided with a buffer which buffers an impact against the front spoiler from above upon an occurrence of a frontal clash with a pedestrian.

Abstract: A concrete buggy operator protector consisting of a “U” bracket having a rearward end, a left arm, and a right arm, the left and right arms each having a forward end, the rearward end of the “U” bracket in combination with the left and right arms defining an operator protection space; cowl mounting slip pins fixedly attached to the forward ends of the left and right arms of the “U” bracket; an impact column fixedly attached to and extending downwardly from the rearward end of the “U” bracket; and a step mounting slip pin fixedly attached to a lower end of the impact column.

Abstract: A brush guard attachment equipped with a centrally disposed, forwardly disposed pivotally mounted tote rack mounted to a front end of a vehicle protects the vehicle front end against brush damage. The attachment protects the vehicle against impacting damage when the tote rack is used in a toting position. The tote rack is positioned forwardly from protective brush rails and pivots from a pair of projecting vertical support members to a toting position when in use and non-toting position when not in use.

Abstract: A transverse-member module for a front or rear end of a motor vehicle has a box-shaped flexible member from which protrude two deformation units which are spaced apart and parallel to each other and are intended for connection to a respective longitudinal member of a body-supporting structure of the motor vehicle. The flexible member is formed by two vertical profiles arranged spaced apart and parallel one behind the other in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and by at least two horizontal profiles which extend between the vertical profiles and are arranged spaced apart and parallel one above another in the vertical direction of the vehicle, the horizontal profiles being of structurally identical design.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper system is shown to include a vehicle bumper component, a main electrical connector integrated with the vehicle bumper component, a second electrical connector integrated with the vehicle bumper component, and an electrical communication path integrated with the vehicle bumper component. The electrical communication path extends between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector. The vehicle bumper component is designed to permit mounting of an electrically controlled device at a mounting area. The second electrical connector is at or in close proximity to the mounting area to permit the electrically controlled device to electrically couple therewith when it is mounted at the mounting area of said vehicle bumper component. Another electrical communication path electrically couples the second electrical connector with bumper mounting holes used to permit mounting of the bumper component with a vehicle chassis/frame.

Abstract: This invention refers to a road block which is mounted at the rear end of a road vehicle (1) and comprises a vertical warning panel (7) for protecting a site of road works, and a crash attenuator (4), the latter being tiltable about a transversal axis (6) from a horizontal operative position into a vertical rest position suited for transportation, whereas the warning panel (7) can be moved between guidance means (9) substantially in a translational motion from an upper operational position and to a lower rest position. The tilting movement of the attenuator (4) is coupled to the translational motion of the warning panel (7) via cables or chains (11) in such a way that the attenuator and the warning panels move synchronously to the rest or operational position.

Abstract: A receiver assembly includes a central frame member including a hitch receiver box, a pair of mounting brackets carried on the central frame member, a pair of accessory receivers carried on said central frame member and a vehicle body guard mounted in the pair of accessory receivers. The vehicle body guard is a continuous tube shaped so as to project above the hitch receiver box so as not to interfere with hitch bar or draw bar connection in that box.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fixing an accessory such as a positioning sensor to a bodywork part of a motor vehicle, said accessory being found on the side of the bodywork part that faces towards the inside of the vehicle and in register with an orifice made through said bodywork part. It comprises a jacket suitable for containing the accessory, and a support suitable for being secured to the bodywork part on the side of said bodywork part that faces towards the inside of the vehicle, the jacket containing the accessory being suitable for being received inside the support by being inserted from the outside of the vehicle through the orifice formed in the bodywork part, said jacket containing the accessory also being suitable for being withdrawn from the support from the outside of the vehicle by being extracted through the orifice formed in the bodywork part.

Abstract: An arrangement having a module for installation in a bumper of a motor vehicle and having a retaining part for attaching the module to the bumper. The retaining part, in this context, is fixedly attached on the interior side of the bumper blade, so that the module can be inserted from the interior side. Provision is made in the bumper for a corresponding bore, through which the head piece of the module can be plugged in until the surface is roughly flush with the exterior surface of the bumper. As the module, an ultrasonic sensor is preferably proposed, which can be used for measuring distance in a motor vehicle. Since only the head piece of the module is visible from the outside but not its attachment parts, the resulting appearance is particularly advantageous since it is not disruptive from a design point of view.

Abstract: A vehicle having a brush and grill guard fabricated to blend with the contour of the vehicle so that the design features of the vehicle are not compromised. Frame extensions are mounted to the frame and support a pair of vertical support plates. A winch carrier and winch mounted thereon are optionally mounted to the support plates or directly to the vehicle frame. A fascia configured as a compound curve is fitted to the vertical plates and has a removable cover to hide the winch from view when not in use. An exposed edge of the vertical plates and/or the fascia are provided with a protective and visual enhancing elastomer strip molded to the edge.

Abstract: A crossing arm assembly that pivotally attaches to a bumper at the front end of a vehicle such as a bus to block pedestrian traffic from crossing immediately in front of the vehicle when the vehicle is stopped. The assembly includes a mounting bracket configured to fixedly mount to the front bumper of a vehicle, the front bumper having a front surface having a profile common to the bumpers of other vehicles of the same make and model. The assembly also includes an elongated beam having an inner end pivotally supported on the mounting bracket. The bracket includes a back surface having a non-planar profile contoured to complement the profile of the front surface of the bumper. The assembly is made by providing a mounting bracket having a back surface profile contoured to complement the non-planar front surface profile of the bumper of the make and model of vehicle the assembly is to be mounted to.

Abstract: A device for preventing over-articulation of a trailer towed by a towing vehicle. The device includes a bracket and a pair of opposed shock absorbing members affixed to and extending outwardly from the bracket. The bracket includes a horizontally oriented upper portion, a pair of side portions extending downwardly from the upper portion, and at least one opening defined in at least one of the side portions for connecting the device to a trailer tongue.

Abstract: A crossing arm assembly that includes either one or two hollow, tapered fishing rod bodies cantilevered at their butt ends to a beam-mounting portion of a combined pivot/bracket. A crosspiece connects the tips of the rods. The combined pivot/bracket pivotally attaches to a support at the front end of a bus to block pedestrian traffic from crossing immediately in front of the bus when the bus is stopped. The rods are tapered in mass and cross-sectional area from their butt ends to their tips. The taper concentrates rod mass closer to the support to reduce the tendency of cantilevered rods to sag under their own weight and/or to swing forward as the bus decelerates. The taper also increases rod flexibility to prevent plastic rod deformation and to reduce loads on the support when external forces are applied to the rods. A flap is pivotally attached to one of the rods to increase beam visibility without adding significant wind resistance.

Abstract: A school bus crossing or a mounting system that more fully integrates the crossing arm and the bumper. To achieve this, the primary mounting brackets for the crossing arm drive system may be mounted to the bus chassis and an opening is formed in the bumper itself. The crossing arm is mounted to the drive system such that the arm projects through the opening in the bumper. Alternatively, the primary mounting brackets may be mounted to an inner surface of the bumper. A recess may be formed into an outer surface of the bumper such that the crossing arm is at least partially tucked into the recess when retracted. In one embodiment, there is no recess in the bumper. The crossing arm is contoured to follow the outer surface of the bumper.

Abstract: An automotive seat assembly (10, 10′) including a platform (18, 18′) supported on an automotive vehicle (12, 12′). The platform (18, 18′) is movable through a storage compartment opening (22, 22′) in an exterior shell (14, 14′) of the vehicle (12, 12′) between an interior stowed position and a horizontal exterior use position. A platform support structure (24, 24′) secures the platform (18, 18′) in the use position. The platform support structure (24, 24′) includes a bumper (26, 26′) supported on the vehicle (12, 12′) below the storage compartment opening (22, 22′). The bumper (26, 26′) supports the platform (18, 18′) when the platform (18, 18′) is in the use position. A spacer pad (36) fixed to a bottom surface (62) of the platform (18) protects the finish of the bumper (26).

Abstract: An attachment structure for free-axle air pumps in differentials positions the free-axle air pump in the dead space behind the front bumper. This simplifies the harness arrangement by removing the free-axle air pump from inside the bonnet, and prevents flying pebbles, water and the like from damaging the free-axle air pump. A rearward extension from the bottom of the front bumper passes below the free-axle air pump to provide additional protection from flying objects and splashing water.

Abstract: An integrated bumper and hitch assembly is disclosed that integrates a bumper and a weight distributing hitch into a single unit. The integrated assembly includes a square, tubular socket for supporting and receiving a weight distributing hitch. A pair of outer struts are secured to a transverse arm at the corners of the bumper and hitch assembly. The outer struts support the corners of the bumper against vertical deflection and provide corner impact resistance. The bumper and hitch assembly includes three degree-of-freedom adjustability when attaching to a vehicle, thereby allowing the assembly to be properly aligned with the vehicle in three different directions. A cover over the hitch and another cover over the top of the bumper conceal the fasteners used to secure the assembly together and provide an overall pleasing exterior.

Abstract: A horizontal impact member for use with a rear impact guard on a semi-trailer truck is disclosed. The horizontal impact member is connected to a standard rear impact guard by a hinge. This design is for use with a liftgate that is mounted to the rear of the semi-trailer truck. As the liftgate travels in a downwardly vertical direction it contacts the horizontal member which rotates along its hinge point. The addition of a roller to the horizontal member reduces the amount of wear upon the horizontal member and the liftgate.

Abstract: A protective bumper assembly for a refrigeration unit of the type adapted to be mounted on the front wall of a trailer. The refrigeration unit includes an outer cover, and a structural framework which includes a pair of vertically extending structural elements located at opposite rear corners of the refrigeration unit adjacent to the front wall of the trailer. The bumper assembly includes two vertically extending structural members, each of which is adapted to be structurally coupled to one of the vertically extending structural elements of the refrigeration unit. A portion of the vertically extending structural member extends above the outer cover of the unit. A pair of horizontally extending structural members also located outside the outer cover of the refrigeration unit are attached to the ends of the vertically extending members at one end thereof and the other ends extend forwardly towards the front of the refrigeration unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bumper that features holders suitable for the acceptance of ultrasound transducers. The objective of the invention is to improve the coating properties of such a holder by avoiding mold seams. The invention essentially consists in providing the holder with an integrally cast panel which covers mold seams on the transducer and/or divides the holder into two holder segments, with the first holder segment being integrally cast onto the bumper.

Abstract: A cooling device is disclosed with an air guiding device for guiding of air to cooling devices connected with inlet openings in lower and lateral areas of a motor vehicle front. The air guiding device is constructed as a flow duct which adjoins the cooling device by means of a fan hood and which extends to the inlet opening and is provided there with an elastic wall whose ends are constructed as a surrounding sealing profile and are placed directly against the contour of the inlet opening under an elastic prestressing.

Abstract: A cargo anchoring and protection system particularly is provided for pickup trucks. The system includes six basic contributing components that operate individually or together to multiply their usefulness. These include: a pair of extruded anchor rails are provided to be removably attached to the top surface of the truck bed side walls; a bed liner with an optional separate floor section; a universal anchor beam; a cab guard with optional cargo access doors; a cargo bed enclosure; and a rear bumper.

Abstract: A fresh air duct system for a vehicle that includes an engine air cleaner with an attached conduit for passing fresh air into the air cleaner. The system includes a bumper beam that has elongated upper and lower air passageways that can be in fluid flow communication with the conduit for defining an air flow path between the air cleaner and the passageways. Fresh air can be introduced into the air duct system such that at least one of the air flow passageways can simultaneously act as a sound resonator and a resonator tuner.

Abstract: A spare tire is mounted on a hoist having a hoist shaft. A rear bumper has a vertical portion with a hole providing access to the hoist shaft, a horizontal portion attached to the vertical portion and extending forward, and a lip extending downward from the horizontal portion, wherein the lip of the bumper has a arcuate notch aligned with the hole in the vertical portion of the bumper and the hoist shaft. A forward connector is attached to the forward end of a winch tube cover and adapted to cover one end of the hoist shaft, and has an open bore to provide access to the hoist shaft. A rear connector is attached to the rearward end of the winch tube cover and adapted to extend through the opening in the rear bumper, and has an open bore to provide access to the hoist shaft. A lock is temporary attached to the rear connector to prevent access to the hoist shaft through the rear connector.

Abstract: An accessory mounting unit for attachment to the rear end of a truck having an elongate substantially rigid mounting member which is coupled through a spring connection to a truck frame rail. Front and rear bumper shells having convex curvilinear external configurations are sealingly secured to front and rear faces of the mounting member. A depending portion of the mounting member is adapted to have a mudflap attached thereto, and apertures formed in the rear bumper shell are adapted to receive accessories such as vehicle lights.

Abstract: A combination removable bumper and hitch apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus contains a removable bumper that may be releasably coupled to a hitch located in the rear portion of a vehicle, for concealing the hitch from view and for providing a step support for a user of the vehicle.

Abstract: The skid plate/winch mount allows a vehicle to be equipped with a winch that is readily available for use, and it eliminates many of the problems normally associated with having a vehicle mounted winch. By concealing the winch behind the front bumper and above the skid plate the winch is kept out of the weather, and it is much less susceptible to damage by rocks and other road hazards. This location also aids in theft prevention by keeping the winch out of view. The winch mount also acts as a skid plate, protecting the front underside of the vehicle. The license adapter plate and adapter plate receiver make the winch readily available for use without the need for accessory tools.

Abstract: A new Air Bag System For Vehicle Bumpers for absorbing the impact of a collision, thus minimizing damage and preventing serious injuries. The inventive device includes a containment member having a hollow interior and being securable to the front or the rear of a vehicle, and an air bag enclosed within the hollow interior of the containment member, wherein the air bag is inflatable and deployable when the containment member is impacted by an object, such as another vehicle. An inflation system is provided for inflating and deploying the air bag outwardly from the containment member and a triggering system is provided for triggering the inflation system when the containment member is impacted. A control system is operably connected to the triggering system, the inflation system, and the air bag for controlling inflation and deployment of the air bag.

Abstract: A unitary flexible information presentation board having self-suction is disclosed. The board comprises a unitary flexible sheet having an exterior convex surface, an interior concave surface and a beveled periphery. Each surface is uniquely tapered to allow the interior concave surface, when placed against a substrate, to form a vacuum seal against said substrate, upon application of pressure from the exterior convex surface and thereby adhere to the substrate by self-suction action, without the need for an extraneous suction cup member. It thereby resembles an oversized suction plate upon which information can be prominently displayed. The board can be removed, attached and reattached to substrates without damaging these substrates. The board can be lifted off the attached substrate by lifting of the beveled periphery of the board. Lifting of the periphery of the board releases the vacuum seal formed.

Abstract: A tailgate for a truck that may be opened about two different axes at the same time is disclosed. A first tailgate portion of the gate rotates about a horizontal axis onto which heavy or long materials may be more readily loaded while a second tailgate portion rotates about a vertical axis for easy access to the forward-most portion of the bed. Additionally, the tailgate addition may include an extended step plate to allow the operator to step into the bed of the truck more readily.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle with a vehicle body surrounding a storage area and a storage surface has a bumper with a concealable step side and a fascia side. The bumper is mounted to the vehicle for movement between a fascia position and a step position. In the fascia position, the fascia side is substantially vertical and rearwardly facing, and the step side is substantially concealed from view with respect to the vehicle body. In the step position, the step side is presented substantially horizontal and vertically below the storage area surface to permit step access to the storage surface. The bumper is releasably latched to the vehicle when in the fascia position.

Abstract: A thin, flexible, waterproof cocoon cover encloses the vehicle bottom, sides, front and back, may extend over the top of the vehicle, and buoys the vehicle up by displacement of water. Openings through the cover seal around the wheel support assembly and prevent entrance of the water through the cover to the brakes and other operational mechanisms of the vehicle.