Abstract: A support structure for a spare tire on a vehicle. A shell is attached to the vehicle and includes first and second end portions and a bottom portion extending at least partially between the first and second end portions. The shell at least partially defines a spare tire storage chamber and includes an opening providing access to the storage chamber, wherein the opening is adjacent to the first end portion. The support member is slidably positioned above the bottom portion and is movable back and forth along a movement path from a first position in which the support member is substantially disposed within the shell and a second position in which the support member is at least partially disposed outside the shell. In certain embodiments, a retention member can be fixedly attached to the shell. In further embodiments, the support member and the shell have a cooperative locking configuration.

Abstract: A vehicle trunk internal storage compartment structure including a floor portion formed with a storage recess open toward the vehicle top; a lid body covering the storage recess opening; and a link member connecting the lid body with the storage recess inside. First and second end portions of the link member are connected to the lid body and the storage recess inside, respectively, so as to be relatively rotatably and relatively moveable with respect thereto. A first end portion guide member is provided to the lid body enabling guiding of the first end portion of the link member in a direction orthogonal to the link member relative rotation axis with respect to the lid body. When stowing the vehicle seat, a coupling mechanism couples the lid body to the movement of the vehicle seat and opens the lid body by the seat stowing operation alone.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cargo space arrangement (1) for a vehicle (5), said cargo space arrangement (1) comprising a main cargo space (3) positioned inside a vehicle door (7), a load floor (9) forming a lower area of the main cargo space (3), and a floor lid (10) arranged in the load floor (9), said floor lid (10) being arranged to conceal a storage compartment (19) located below the floor lid (10), wherein the floor lid (10) comprises a first, upwardly openable end (10a) that faces the vehicle door (7) and a second, opposite end (10b) that, at least when the floor lid (10) is in a closed position, is firmly attached to the vehicle (5). The invention is characterized in that the first end (10a) of the floor lid (10) extends below at least a part of the vehicle door (7) when both the floor lid (10) and the vehicle door (7) is in a closed position such that the floor lid (10) is prevented from being opened when the vehicle door (7) is closed.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo storage system includes a plurality of bins, trays, tracks, and covers. The tray is received within one of the bins and is movable from a normal retracted position into an extended loading/unloading position so as to place the tray in a more convenient location for access by the user. The tracks and associated slide arms connect the bin to the tray and guide the tray for movement between the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A retention cable arrangement for retaining a cargo closure assembly in association with a storage compartment of a vehicle includes a cargo lid door having at least one hinge for pivotally connecting the cargo door to the vehicle. A retention cable is connected to the at least one hinge and to the cargo door distal to the at least one hinge.

Abstract: A storage apparatus for a motor vehicle includes a stationary platform connectible to a floor of the motor vehicle. A lid connects to the platform and moves between opened and closed positions. The lid engages with the platform when in the lowered position and includes an upper surface defining a reinforced ramp extending between two second row seats of the motor vehicle toward an elevated rear floor area. The platform includes an upwardly extending wall defining a reinforced support for the lid. The lid and the support being of sufficient strength to support foot traffic of vehicle occupants moving to and from the rear area of the motor vehicle. A reciprocal tray connects to the platform for movement between a raised position, and a lower stowed position. An articulated drive connects between the tray and the platform for moving the tray between raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: A locking hinge (10) includes a first hinge panel (12a) and a second hinge panel (12b) pivotably connected by a pivot pin (14) about a pivoting axis (P). A locking rod (16) is slidably received by one of the first or second hinge panels (12a, 12b) along a sliding axis (S). The sliding axis (S) is substantially parallel the pivoting axis (P). A vehicle door structure (50) includes a first panel (102a) pivotably connected relative a second panel (102b) by a first hinge (104a). A third panel (102c) is pivotably connected relative the second panel (102b) by the locking hinge (10). Pivotable movement of the second panel (102b) relative the third panel (102c) is prevented when the locking hinge (10) is in a locked state. The third panel (102c) is pivotably connected to a vehicle floor (106) by a second hinge (104c) to permit unobstructed access to a stowage cavity (125) under the vehicle floor (106) for stowing a collapsible stow-to-floor seat (150).

Abstract: A motor vehicle having a module box that is securable against theft. For this purpose, a manually actuatable lock is provided. The lock can be contained either in the module box or in the motor vehicle. Elements in the module box or the mounting arrangement that ensure that the opening mechanism of the module box and also the box's removal from the mounting arrangement are blocked are moved with the aid of a cylinder core of the lock.

Abstract: A collapsible storage container is provided for a vehicle, wherein the vehicle includes a floor and a seat assembly having a seat back frame pivotally coupled to a seat bottom frame. The seat assembly is capable of being pivoted between a deployed position where the seat bottom frame is substantially perpendicular to the seat back frame and a stowed position wherein the seat bottom frame is substantially parallel to the seat back frame. A collapsible storage container having an attachment mechanism is provided which is capable of being moved from a collapsed position to an operative position. The floor includes a receiving mechanism located beneath the seat bottom frame in its deployed position arranged to removably secure the container to the floor.

Abstract: A gaseous fuel storage system for a vehicle is disclosed. The fuel storage system can be installed as a modular unit in the vehicle. The fuel storage system is pivotable relative to the vehicle to allow easy accessibility to the storage tanks without requiring the storage tanks to be unmounted from the vehicle. The fuel storage system also provides protection for the storage tanks through the use of shielding and energy absorbing material.

Abstract: A retractable seat device includes a seat body having first and second ends rotatably connected to rear and front legs, respectively, first and second arms, and a link. When the first arm is rotated in a second direction, the rear leg and the front leg connected to the rear leg with the link are unfolded, a rear lock mechanism provided on the rear leg becomes engaged with a first striker provided on the vehicle floor, and then a front lock mechanism provided on the front leg becomes engaged with a second striker provided on the vehicle floor, so that the seat body is supported on the vehicle floor by the rear leg and the front leg. The rear lock mechanism has an interlock structure including a ratchet and a pawl, and the front lock mechanism has a hook lock structure including a hook.

Abstract: An equipment console for use in a vehicle having a driver compartment including a dashboard, floor and driver seat. The equipment console has a console body for supporting equipment in a location accessible to a person seated in the driver seat. The front of the console body includes a front portion configured to receive and support the equipment. The console body also has a back generally opposite the front of the console body. The back of the console body may be integrated with the dashboard by providing the back with a profile that conforms at least partially to a contour of the dashboard. In addition, the console body may be adapted to cover an area of the dashboard in which climate controls were originally installed, with an upper portion of the console body being adapted to receive and secure the climate controls in a relocated position so that they may be operated from the front of the console body.

Abstract: A raised floor sleeper for an over the road tractor for pulling a trailer. In order to effectively utilize the upper space in a sky-rise sleeper cab, one must first be able to reach it, which is the fundamental reason for the raised floor. Beyond bringing the upper space to the driver, raising the floor offers many other advantages. A combination stool and coffee table provides options that are enabled by the raised floor. The stool offers additional seating for socializing. The stool also functions as a freestanding table leg for the coffee table. The coffee table has a female indent on the bottom that mate with the stool. Two legs fold out supporting the other side of the table.

Abstract: A vehicle storage assembly for a vehicle cargo area includes a base defining a floor of the storage assembly and a storage panel attached to said base. At least a portion of the storage panel is movable relative to the base by a living hinge. The storage panel is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position for dividing at least a portion of the vehicle cargo area.

Abstract: An underfloor storage structure for a vehicle comprises a floor panel (5) which includes a concave portion as a storage space (6), and which partially covers a port (7) of the storage space, a rotatable tray (36) disposed in the storage space (6), and at least one lid (8) for selectively closing the remaining portion of the port (7) of the storage space (6). A passenger seated in one of seats (2, 3) of the vehicle can freely and easily access pieces of luggage stored in the storage space (6) by rotating the rotatable tray (36).

Abstract: The resin-made floor panel structure including a trunk floor F1 made of resin integrally forming a spare tire storage space S1, and a trunk board B1 made of resin disposed so as to cover the floor panel, fitting parts Sw1, Bk1 for achieving the closure of the spare tire storage space are integrally formed respectively in the trunk floor and trunk board. Thereby, in using resin materials for a floor panel, transmission of noise in the floor section to the compartment side can be suppressed by a relatively simple structure without increasing the weight.

Abstract: A console for vehicle, which has an improved usefulness with respect to the accommodation of goods or the like, is disclosed. The console comprises: a first concave portion arranged to accommodate goods, the first concave portion having a first opening on a top side opened or closed by a first cover; and a second concave portion arranged to accommodate goods and provided downwardly of the first concave portion having a second opening in the same plane as a bottom of the first concave portion, the second opening being opened or closed by a second lid. The console is structured thus way, whereby it can be moved to an appropriate location in the inside of a vehicle and placed thereon, while it has enlarged spaces for accommodating goods, and thus it has an improved usefulness.

Abstract: A television stand in accordance with the principles of the present invention is retained in place by the front seats. In a preferred embodiment, a television stand in accordance with the principles of the present invention fits snugly between the front bucket seats of a vehicle. A television stand in accordance with the principles of the present invention is further retained by the positioning of the bottom plate in between the front bucket seat inner mounting rails. A television stand in accordance with the principles of the present invention is low enough for the vehicle's driver to see over it.

Abstract: A load floor (22) for a motor vehicle (20) has a foamed substrate layer (34) having a peripheral edge (42) and a facing layer (32), formed from hardboard or other sheet material. An adhesive layer (36) adheres the substrate layer (34) to the facing layer (32). Grooves (68, 70) are formed on a top surface (40) of the substrate layer (34) and extend to the peripheral edge (42) to provide an egress for fluids at the peripheral edge (42) during curing of the adhesive layer (36). The grooves (68, 70) are curved to prevent cracking of the substrate layer (34) under an applied load (74).

Abstract: A console for a vehicle is disclosed. The console includes a body defining an opening and also includes a lid that is configured to cover the opening and a panel that is movably mounted relative to the body. The panel is movable between a retracted position within the opening and an extended position away from the opening. The panel also has at least one receptacle formed therein. The receptacle is configured to receive an object therein.

Abstract: A combination storage and tread unit has a housing which is installed beneath a second row of seating in an automotive vehicle body. The housing has a tread pad at each end which a person can step on to reach a third row of seating when a seat in the second row is tumbled forwardly. The housing has two module-receiving compartments for storing electrical control modules and related wiring. The compartments are covered and protected by the second row of seating when the seats in the second row are in a normal occupant-supporting position, but are readily accessible when the seats are tumbled forwardly, so that the modules may be removed and serviced without removing the seats.

Abstract: An integrated storage arrangement for a vehicle having a cargo bed with a load floor positioned external to a passenger cab of the vehicle is provided. The storage arrangement includes an access opening positioned in the load floor of the cargo bed. A storage recess is positioned in relation to and accessible through the access opening. The storage recess includes a drain assembly and a container retention mechanism. A panel is moveably attached to the load floor of the cargo bed and is arranged to cover the access opening such that in a closed position, the cover is positioned substantially parallel to and flush with the cargo bed load floor.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing items within a vehicle compartment that can be operated single-handedly, are provided. A cover is pivotally attached to a vehicle compartment floor (or to a base secured to a vehicle compartment floor) and is movable between a closed position in overlying, face-to-face relation with the floor and an open position wherein the cover is disposed substantially transverse to the floor. A wall is pivotally attached to the cover front side and is movable between a stored position in face-to-face relation with the cover front side and an operative position disposed substantially transverse to the base and to the cover. A spring is configured to urge the wall to a predetermined position when the cover is moved from a closed position to an open position. An elastic strap is secured to the cover and is configured to secure articles placed between the elastic strap and the cover.

Abstract: A load bearing floor mat for vehicle cargo compartments includes a pliable layer configured to overlie a defined area of a vehicle floor and also includes a rigid member that is associated with a portion of the pliable layer. The rigid member has a width that is sufficient to span a gap or opening in the vehicle floor, such as a spare tire well or other storage compartment. The rigid member renders the pliable layer substantially non-pliable above the opening such that the floor mat can support a load placed thereon.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a storage box installed in a location within the vehicle that is originally arranged and configured to receive a rear passenger's seat. The storage box has an upper opening and a cargo cavity that extends downwardly from the upper opening below an upper surface of the vehicle floor. A storage cover overlies the upper opening of the storage box. The storage cover has first and second lids. The first lid is arranged to move between a closed position covering a forward area of the cargo cavity and an open position exposing the forward area of the cargo cavity to the side access opening. The second lid is arranged to move between a closed position covering a rearward area of the cargo cavity and an open position exposing the rearward area of the cargo cavity to the rear access opening.

Abstract: A fold-in-floor vehicle seat is supported in a use position on a generally flat load floor. To move the seat into a storage position, the seat is lowered onto a portion of the load floor that acts as an articulated base for the seat. The base approximates the footprint of the seat, and covers a storage cavity directly below the seat and configured to closely receive the seat. The base is free floating with respect to the remainder of the load floor, but is pivotally connected to the vehicle by an articulating arm that allows the base to rotate about a pivot point through an arcuate section of guide track in the storage cavity, and the arm then articulates to allow the base to travel through a straight portion of track. The arm then returns to its starting position as the base traverses a second arcuate section of track, having now inverted so that the seat is lodged within the storage cavity.

Abstract: An ultrathin covered structural panel includes a panel body made from a relatively lightweight moldable material such as expanded polypropylene (EPP), expanded polystyrene (EPS), expanded polypropylene with added strengtheners (XPP), polystyrene/polyphenylene ether (GECET®) foam, polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam, fiberglass materials, glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene (Azdel® composites), or treated reclaimed cellulose. The structural panel also includes one or more rigid high-strength structural inserts in the interior of the panel body. The structural panel further includes a covering on at least one side of the panel body. The structural panel is not more than about 20 mm thick. In a method of making the structural panel, one or more rigid high-strength structural inserts are placed into the cavity of a mold. The mold cavity has the shape of the structural panel and has a thickness of not more than about 20 mm. The mold is closed.

Abstract: A cargo management system for a vehicle includes a substantially rigid load floor panel pivotally connected along a first edge to a base to provide a load floor substantially flush with a vehicle floor when stowed, and pivotally connected along an opposite edge to a rigid grid that may be deployed in a first position above and generally parallel to the base, and a second position generally transverse to the base to extend above any vehicle seats and generally separate a cargo area from a passenger area. The cargo management system may also include a secondary door, panel, or other device to cover a storage well or compartment of the base and to support additional cargo when the load floor panel is deployed.

Abstract: A high-voltage electrical equipment case is arranged between a driver's seat and a front passenger's seat which are placed in parallel in a transverse direction, whereby in the event that the battery which is a heavy article is accommodated in this high-voltage electrical equipment case, a necessity is obviated of disposing the battery underneath a rear seat. Moreover, the high-voltage electrical equipment case can be disposed near an air conditioner that is installed in a front part of a vehicle.

Abstract: A rear load floor is formed with a first recessed storage well for holding cargo within the rear cargo area of the automobile. A second recessed storage well is formed in the floor of the first recessed storage well to store the spare tire and jack assembly. A removable panel is provided to cover the spare tire recessed well and maintain the integrity of the bottom of the first recessed storage well for the loading of cargo thereon. The second recessed storage well is positioned off center with respect to the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle to accommodate the mounting of the vehicle exhaust system. The first recessed storage well includes a flange located at the conventional load floor position and supported from the rear side rails of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A sled system for mounting a parking brake hand lever assembly and a gear shift assembly to a vehicle floor pan, the sled system having a predetermined configuration to mount on a vehicle floor pan.

Abstract: A load floor (14) for attachment to a rear portion (18) of a vehicle floorpan (20). The load floor (14) includes a one-piece body (42) that has a panel portion (44) with reinforcement members (84), support members (46?, 46?), and containers (52) extending therefrom. The support members (46?, 46?) are configured for supporting the one-piece body (42) on the floorpan (20) and minimizing a load span (32–36) across said panel portion (44). Also, the reinforcement members (84) are utilized for sufficiently reinforcing the panel portion (44).

Abstract: A vehicle under floor storage compartment is proposed which includes a rotating tray provided in a concave storage portion formed underneath a floor panel, and a first lid which opens and closes this storage portion. An engagement portion is provided upon the rotating tray, while a locking unit which engages to this engagement portion and stops the rotation of the rotating tray is provided to the storage portion; and this locking unit is arranged to be engaged to the engagement portion of the rotating tray along with the closing action of the first lid. Even small items of baggage can be simply extracted, baggage therein does not shift during vehicle operation, efficient use of available space can be ensured, and items of baggage can be removed smoothly.

Abstract: A stanchion cover having an upholstered cover for providing a flat cargo surface in a sport utility vehicle or minivan in the area of removable or stowable seats. The cover also includes improvements in providing cargo storage compartments for common and safety accessories as well as providing ways to utilize the seat stanchions to provide cargo anchor for specific applications.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a load floor (14) for attachment to a rear portion (18) of a vehicle floorpan (20). The load floor (14) includes a one-piece injection-molded body (42) that has a panel portion (44), one or more reinforcement members (84) coupled to the panel portion (44), and one or more support members (46) extending from the panel portion (44). The support members (46) are configured for supporting the one-piece injection-molded body (42) on the floorpan (20) and minimizing a load span (32–36) across said panel portion (44). Also, the reinforcement members (84) are utilized for sufficiently reinforcing the panel portion (44) for supporting a predetermined load and minimizing deflection of the panel portion (44).

Abstract: A vehicle includes an enclosed cargo area having a floor with a recessed area. A reversible load floor covers the recess, and includes a first, substantially flat surface and a second surface with a perimetric wall projecting therefrom. The reversible load floor is configured to cover the recess in a first position wherein the first surface is substantially flush with the surrounding floor, and in a second inverted position wherein the second surface is substantially flush with the surrounding floor. In the second position, the perimetric wall projects upwardly to form a basin for receiving cargo in a fluid tight manner to prevent spillage in the rest of the vehicle.

Abstract: A console system which may translate longitudinally in a vehicle includes a forward end which is capable of being at least partially nested with a vehicle instrument panel. The range of movement may extend to the front seats or further toward the rear of the vehicle to provide functionality for occupants of second or even third row seats. The translation mechanism preferably includes a track similar to those employed in the vehicle art for manual seat adjustment. In the most preferred embodiment, a storage drawer is included in the instrument panel which may be used when the console is in any position, including its nested position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a station wagon, having a rear loading space which has a floor trough and having an additional seat which is arranged foldably in the rear loading space and has a pivotably held seat and backrest part, the rear sides of which, in the folded-over not-in-use position of the additional seat, form a flat loading floor which covers the floor trough. In order to realize a footrest for the vehicle occupant sitting on the additional seat counter to the direction of travel, a covering module is inserted into the floor trough, said covering module having a self-supporting, flat plate which is used for the footrest and a strip-shaped, narrow limb which is angled on one longitudinal side of the plate. The plate is supported at the edges at a distance from the bottom of the floor trough, and the limb extends vertically until it reaches or is close to the front edge of the seat part of the additional seat.

Abstract: A loading compartment in a vehicle having a recess in the floor of the vehicle and a cover. The cover covers the recess in a closed position and allows access to a storage space defined by the recess in an open position. The cover is mounted to the floor of the vehicle. A load-receiving element having the shape of the recess is detachably disposed in the recess. The load-receiving element has load-receiving surfaces for supporting goods place on the load-receiving element. The cover also includes at least one supporting member to secure goods in the storage space.

Abstract: A truck bed for a pickup truck includes a metal support structure that is in a fixed position relative to a pickup truck. A shell is fixedly supported by the metal support structure and is configured to integrally define a portion of a first chamber and a portion of a second chamber. The first chamber is adjacent to the second chamber at an interface, and the first and second chambers are disposed substantially beneath a plane. The plane is defined by a cargo carrying floor that is integrally provided by the truck bed. A first closure member includes a first support surface and is associated with the shell. The first closure member is moveable between a first position in which the first support surface is substantially coplanar with the plane and is configured to support cargo directly above the first chamber, and a second position in which the first closure member is at least partially removed to provide access to the first chamber from above the plane.

Abstract: A cargo protecting system for a pickup truck includes a metal support structure that is in a fixed position relative to a pickup truck. A bed floor is fixedly supported by the metal support structure, and the bed floor includes a first support surface for directly supporting cargo, wherein the first support surface is substantially coplanar with a plane. A first chamber is disposed substantially beneath the plane and can be defined by a first shell having first and second openings. The first chamber is accessible from above the plane through the first opening, and the first and second openings can be of sufficient size and dimension to allow the passage of a spare tire. Exemplary embodiments can include a second chamber disposed substantially directly beneath the bed floor and adjacent to the second opening, wherein the second chamber is separate from the first chamber and accessible from the first chamber through the second opening.

Abstract: A cargo management system of this invention includes a deep well storage area beneath a cargo floor, which well may be horizontally and/or vertically divided and which preferably includes a plurality of doors to access the well. In the illustrated embodiment, the management system also includes a panel which may be placed into three positions: a first storage position in which the panel is flush against the back of the rear seat; a second shelf position in which the panel is horizontal and spaced from the cargo floor by a first distance; and a third privacy shield position in which the panel is also horizontal but is spaced from the cargo floor a second distance, the second distance exceeding the first distance.

Abstract: A passenger vehicle is equipped with a rear seat bench which has a backrest and a seat cushion. The backrest and seat cushion are divided, in each case, into a ⅓ part and a ⅔ part. The backrest parts can be deposited in a storage space of the respective, assigned seat cushion part. The ⅔ seat cushion part is of removable design. Arranged behind the rear seat bench is a loading space having a height-adjustable loading floor which can be adjusted between a lower position in which the loading floor is situated approximately level with a vehicle floor, and an upper position in which an auxiliary storage space is formed between the loading floor and the vehicle floor. This auxiliary loading space is dimensioned in such a manner that the removed ⅔ seat cushion part can be accommodated therein.

Abstract: A device for the fixation of dimensionally stable suitcases, for example, for the cargo space of a motor vehicle. Receiving tracks are provided in a cargo space floor, which tracts are associated with securing means for the suitcases, corresponding securing elements are provided on the suitcases, which can be engaged with positive lock with securing means in the cargo space, and actuation means are provided, in the cargo space or on the suitcase, for the manual separation of the securing means and the securing elements from each other, for use, for example, in station wagons.

Abstract: An assembly for storing a compact spare tire in a motor vehicle in which a second tire of regular size (larger than the compact spare) is secured at a predetermined space adjacent or within the vehicle on a second plane distal from the plane of the storage location of the compact spare, after the compact spare tire is removed and the regular tire is replaced, for example, in the event of a flat. The assembly includes first and second brackets cooperatively oriented to secure the tires in first and second separated planes.

Abstract: A removable storage tray frame (20) which is insertable into a storage compartment (16) in the floor (14) of a vehicle (10) is provided. The storage tray frame (20) has at least one door (24) which is capable of being rotated from a first horizontal position to a second generally vertical position. The door (24) is capable of being inserted into a pair of slots (28) formed in the storage tray frame (20) to act as a divider of the storage compartment (16).

Abstract: A cargo bin lid hinge includes a body member, a first hinge arm, and a second hinge arm. The first hinge arm extends from the body member and is generally aligned with the body member. The second hinge arm extends from the body member, and is curved and extends away from a plane of the body member. The first and second hinge arms cooperate to define an elongated hinge pin-receiving receptacle. A hinge pin has a flat surface that facilitates snap-fitting assembly of the hinge thereon.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing items within vehicle compartments that can be manipulated into an operative position and a closed position with a single hand are provided. Apparatus includes a base having a surface, a rear panel pivotally attached to the base, and a locking member configured to releasably secure the rear panel in an open position, wherein the locking member is configured to move independently relative to the rear panel and upwardly and downwardly relative to the base, and wherein the rear panel is allowed to pivot when the locking member is moved upwardly and wherein the rear panel is maintained in the open position when the locking member is moved downwardly.

Abstract: A center console of a vehicle installed on its floor as if extending along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle has a bottle holder for holding drinking vessels, an accessory storage for holding small articles, a first lid for covering and uncovering the top of the bottle holder, and a second lid for covering and uncovering the top of the accessory storage. The first lid can be slid from a position where the top of the bottle holder is covered by the first lid to a position where the top of the bottle holder is uncovered and, with the first and second lids joined into a single structure, the first and second lids can be swung up together about fixed parts of hinges from a position where the top of the accessory storage is covered to a position where the top of the accessory storage is uncovered.

Abstract: A covering for use with a motor vehicle. The covering has a channel and multiple sloped grooves. The grooves slope toward the channel for directing fluid toward the channel.