Abstract: A load cover arrangement for an interior luggage compartment of a vehicle. The load cover arrangement comprises a load cover having a fixed end attached to a tailgate of the vehicle, and a front portion having fastening members for releasably attaching to a front side of the luggage compartment. When attached, the load cover extends a distance Dclosed in a closed tailgate position, and a distance Dopen in an open tailgate position, measured from an opening in the tailgate and across the luggage compartment. The fixed end of the load cover is arranged inside of the tailgate and the load cover extends an internal distance Dinternal and projects out through the opening in the tailgate, wherein at least a portion of the load cover is resiliently elastic so that it is stretchable between a retracted position with a length of Dretracted, the closed tailgate position and the open tailgate position.

Abstract: A motor vehicle hybrid shelf assembly includes a body formed of a metallic panel. Multiple modules attached to the body each molded of a polymeric material. At least one of the modules spans a component relief aperture created in the body. The at least one module spanning the component relief aperture defines a load bearing portion of the body replacing a load bearing capability of a body portion removed to define the component relief aperture. Each of the modules defines a first portion of an enclosure and includes at least one fastener receiving aperture for mechanical attachment of an independently provided second portion.

Abstract: A trim cover fixing structure used in a vehicle seat 1 comprising a cushion body 16 having elasticity and a trim cover 17 covering the cushion body 16. This structure comprises engagement members 19a, 19b and 19c anchored near the edge of the trim cover 17, and an fixing member 23 provided with an engaging member (periphery 32) that engages with the engagement members 19a, 19b and 19c existing on the trim cover 17 in a state covering the cushion body 16. The fixing member 23 can apply tension to the trim cover 17 covering the cushion body 16 by engaging with the engagement members 19a, 19b and 19c, and in this state with tension applied, the trim cover 17 is anchored to the surface of the cushion body 16. This trim cover fixing structure has a simple structure and low cost and can apply desirable tension to the trim cover, and furthermore is easily applied to a vehicle seat having a split rear seat structure.

Abstract: A package tray supporting structure includes: a first hinge portion; a second hinge portion provided separately above the first hinge portion; a first hinge receiving portion provided at a side surface on a vehicle front side of the package tray, and held between a first surface of the second hinge portion and an outer peripheral surface of the first hinge portion when the package tray is in a horizontal position; and a second hinge receiving portion provided at the side surface on the vehicle front side of the package tray separately from the first hinge receiving portion toward a vehicle rear side and contacts the second surface of the second hinge portion when the package tray is in the horizontal position.

Abstract: A rotatable and stowable parcel shelf assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The parcel shelf assembly may include a parcel shelf body having a first edge and at least one attachment feature configured to attach the parcel shelf body to the vehicle within a cargo area. The parcel shelf body first edge is disposed proximate a partition, which is disposed between the cargo area and a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The parcel shelf body may occupy one of a deployed position and a stowed position, and may be rotatable about the at least one attachment feature in a first direction from the deployed position to the stowed position and in a second direction from the stowed position to the deployed position. The parcel shelf body may be secured in the stowed position to prevent further rotation in the first direction from the stowed position into the cargo area.

Abstract: A battery system for driving an electric motor of a hybrid vehicle or of an electric vehicle has an exchangeable auxiliary battery to improve the comfort, performance and/or the range of the vehicle. The auxiliary battery can be placed from below into a space beneath the trunk compartment floor. The trunk compartment floor is vertically movable to increase the size of the trunk compartment when the auxiliary battery is not being used.

Abstract: A folding seat assembly includes a pair of seats each of which has a backrest and a seat cushion. A luggage compartment cover housing is attached to each backrest so as to cover substantially the entire rear face of each backrest for stowing an individual flexible luggage compartment cover for each seat. This enables each backrest to be folded into a stowed position without the need to remove the respective flexible luggage compartment cover or the respective luggage compartment cover housing and produces a substantially flat obstruction free load surface when so folded.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a product including a tray comprising at least one face, at least one edge, and at least one female attachment, and a frame comprising an outline comprising a plurality of sides and at least one male attachment, wherein the male attachment of the frame attaches to the female attachment along the edge of the tray, wherein the female attachment comprises a deformable spring assembly constructed and arranged to both rotate the tray about the male attachment, and hold or maintain the tray face in a parallel or perpendicular direction with respect to the outline of the frame.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a shelf and a removable member. The shelf is removably positioned in a shelf retention location between a first side wall structure and a second side wall structure within a vehicle cargo area. The shelf includes an upper surface having a first fastening structure and a lower surface having a second fastening structure. The removable member has a bar section and a fastener structure fixed to the bar section. The fastener structure is removably attachable to the first fastening structure or the second fastening structure such that with the fastener structure attached to the first fastening structure the bar section is positioned in a cargo movement restricting orientation along the upper surface of the shelf and with the fastener structure attached to the second fastening structure the removable member is in a stowed orientation adjacent to the lower surface of the shelf.

Abstract: A cargo floor for a vehicle having a first section and at least one second section, which is arranged behind the first section in the direction of travel, whereby the second section is connected to the first section in an articulated manner and pivotable about an axis, and a closure member, whereby at least one part of the cargo floor can be fastened releasably via the closure member to the vehicle. The cargo floor in an unlocked state of the closure member can be removed from the vehicle, whereby the first section and the second section in the fastened state are arranged in the same plane, and whereby the first section of the cargo floor can be locked via the closure member.

Abstract: A rear seat assembly within an automotive vehicle is provided. The seat assembly including a seat bottom portion and a seat back portion where the seat back portion includes a fold down arm rest movable from a closed position to an open position. The fold down arm rest is pivotable about a first pivot point. A generally vertical wall separates a cab portion of the vehicle from a trunk portion of the vehicle. The wall is connected to the seat back portion and is generally parallel with the seat back portion. A passageway or pass through portion connects the cab portion of the vehicle with the trunk portion of the vehicle. A power supply portion is mounted to the generally vertical wall and is mounted adjacent to or within the passageway. The power supply portion is accessible when the fold down arm rest is in the open position.

Abstract: A motor vehicle with a cargo space situated behind a seat arrangement and an adjustable loading panel arranged inside the cargo space is provided. Guides for adjustably accommodating the loading panel are located in the cargo space. Mounted in the loading panel is an actuating handle, which can be moved through exposure to a spring action for swiveling at least one eccentric mounted in the loading panel out of a position that fixes the loading panel in place into a position that releases the loading panel for adjustment purposes, and for adjusting the loading panel. The configuration makes it possible to ergonomically load the cargo space with the continuous adjustment and automatic braking of the loading panel.

Abstract: A luggage compartment cover is disclosed for covering a luggage compartment of a vehicle. The luggage compartment cover features a rigid frame configured to be supported on a supporting surface of the vehicle. The luggage compartment cover includes a flexible sheet material fixed on and stretched by the frame.

Abstract: A movement mechanism of a luggage board for dividing a vehicle luggage compartment into upper and lower parts. Sidewalls on either side of the luggage compartment are each provided with a guide part for guiding guide protrusions when a luggage board moves between the upper and lower positions and a support part for supporting the luggage board. The guide part has a lower guide section inclined such that a vehicle rear side thereof is positioned above a vehicle front side thereof and an upper guide section extending toward the front of the vehicle from the end of the lower guide section on the vehicle rear side. The support part is provided on each sidewall of the luggage compartment more toward the rear of the vehicle than an intersection part between the lower guide section and the upper guide section on the vehicle rear side.

Abstract: A motor vehicle luggage compartment covering device has a parcel shelf defined by a panel hinged to two sides of the luggage compartment about a horizontal axis and having two rear holes; the device also has two ties provided with respective ropes which extend through said holes; the lower ends of the ropes are fixed to two weights; the upper ends, however, are attached to two hooking elements that are hung in a releasable manner to a tailgate of the luggage compartment; for each rope, the upper ends are provided with respective protrusions, which are integral with the ropes and engage respective retaining seats obtained in the hooking elements; the holes of the parcel shelf have a diameter which is higher than that of the protrusions and is lower than the size of the hooking elements.

Abstract: A vehicle load floor assembly includes a vehicle seat that has a seatback that pivots between upright and stowed positions. A cargo floor extends rearward from the seat. A first panel pivotally couples with a rear portion of the seatback and pivots to a raised position away from the seatback in the stowed position. A second panel couples with the first panel and is deployable rearward to engage the cargo floor with the first panel in the raised position to define a support surface.

Abstract: Protection device for a storage space of a motor vehicle. Such a protection device having a cartridge housing, in which at least one flexible planar formation is supported so as to be able to be wound and unwound, wherein the cartridge housing is able to be positioned so as to be secured to the storage space in vehicle-side retention receiving members, wherein the retention receiving members can be displaced inside the storage space by means of a kinematic displacement system, is known. According to the invention, the kinematic displacement system has vehicle-side linear guides, which extend with a main direction component in the vertical direction of the vehicle and in which the retention receiving members are guided, and there is provided a storage-space-base-side recess in which the cartridge housing is arranged in a recessed manner in a rest position. Use in private motor vehicles.

Abstract: A loading shelf for a luggage compartment of a vehicle has one rear panel and at least one front panel coupled by means of a guide-and-slide device, which has two longitudinal channels, fixed relative to the rear panel, and two front slides and two rear slides, which are carried by the front panel and engage the channels; the rear slides are coaxial along an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal direction in which the front panel may slide; channels have respective openings having position, shape and size so as to let the front slides coming out of the channels; when the front slides are outside of the channels, the front panel is rotatable about the axis of the rear slides.

Abstract: A cargo organiser for a vehicle includes a frame at least partially forming a floor of a cargo area of the vehicle. The cargo organizer includes one or more elongate elements extendable across an opening defined by the frame. The elongate elements are slidable with respect to the frame.

Abstract: A load floor assembly for a vehicle includes a seatback that pivots between an upright position and a stowed position. A cargo floor extends rearward of the seatback, and a load panel is coupled with the cargo floor. The load panel moves between a rearward position and a forward position. In the forward position, the load panel extends over at least a lower portion of the seatback in the stowed position.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes a traction battery housing located rearward of a rear seat. The rear seat is foldable between a seating position and a storage position. A package tray is provided that is attachable to the vehicle in a first position generally vertically spaced from the battery housing, and a second position generally abutting and forward of the battery housing. The package tray includes a pair of rotatable posts and a net connecting the posts. The package tray further includes receptacles formed on the package tray for receiving the posts when the posts are rotated downward towards the package tray.

Abstract: A tonneau cover device includes a tonneau cover coupled to a hatchback door. A movable guide arranged on the tonneau cover is guided by a fixed guide arranged in the vehicle to guide the tonneau cover. The movable guide is separated from the fixed guide when the hatchback door opens. A controller moves the tonneau cover to an extension position when the hatchback door closes and a storage position when the hatchback door opens. A detector detects whether movement of the tonneau cover is obstructed due to contact with an object. The controller temporarily interrupts movement of the tonneau cover when the detector detects that the movement of the tonneau cover to the storage position has been obstructed and restarts the movement of the tonneau cover to the storage position when determining that the movable guide has been separated from the fixed guide as the hatchback door opens.

Abstract: A reinforced vehicle trim assembly includes a trim panel and a reinforcement member. The trim panel is mounted to a vehicle body member inside a vehicle storage compartment such that a trim panel free edge extends cantilevered toward a vehicle body panel surface that faces inside the vehicle storage compartment. The reinforcement member is mounted in the vehicle storage compartment proximate to the trim panel between the trim panel and the vehicle body member, and has a reinforcement member free edge that extends cantilevered toward the vehicle body panel surface. The trim panel and the reinforcement member are spaced at first and second distances, respectively, from the vehicle body panel surface and configured to deflect in response to a force applied to the trim panel such that the trim panel free edge and the reinforcement member free edge move toward the vehicle body panel surface.

Abstract: A load floor assembly for a vehicle includes a seatback that pivots between an upright position and a stowed position. A cargo floor extends rearward of the seatback, and a load panel is coupled with the cargo floor. The load panel moves between a rearward position and a forward position. In the forward position, the load panel extends over at least a lower portion of the seatback in the stowed position.

Abstract: In a vehicle package tray (100) disposed in the back of a rear seat of a vehicle, a sheet-shaped glass fiber mats (108), in which urethane resin (110) is impregnated, are overlapped on both surfaces of a semi-hard urethane foam layer (102), a front surface material (104) is overlapped on the surface of one glass fiber mat (108), in which the urethane resin (110) is impregnated, via a first adhesive film (106), back material (114) is overlapped on the surface of the other glass fiber mat (108), in which the urethane resin (110) is impregnated, via a second adhesive film (112), and the multi-overlapped object obtains a sound absorbing performance by being formed into a three-dimensional shape by being pinched and fixed by a press die, heated, pressurized, and thereby fused.

Abstract: A multi-tier vehicular storage system comprises a medial platform operable between lower and upper positions. A rear seat is configured to horizontally receive the medial platform in the upper position. A bottom bin is disposed below and behind the rear seat and at least partially covered by the medial platform in the lower position. An upper bin coupled with the rear seat and rotationally operable between stowed and accessible positions.

Abstract: A motor vehicle luggage retention system for a motor vehicle is disclosed. A foldable seat back separates the occupant compartment from the trunk and has an upright position and a folded position that allows pass-through accessibility from the trunk into the occupant compartment. A pivotable bar assembly in the trunk has a lowered position and a raised position. Pivoting the pivotable bar assembly to the lowered position moves the foldable seat back to the upright position and creates a structural safety barrier against objects in the trunk impacting a rear surface of the seat back. Pivoting the pivotable bar assembly to the raised position moves the seat back to the folded position to provide uninterrupted access to the occupant compartment from the trunk. A latch assembly latches the pivotable bar assembly in at least the lowered position. A movable parcel shelf and collapsible storage bin are also disclosed.

Abstract: A motor vehicle luggage retention system for a motor vehicle is disclosed. A foldable seat back separates the occupant compartment from the trunk and has an upright position and a folded position that allows pass-through accessibility from the trunk into the occupant compartment. A pivotable bar assembly in the trunk has a lowered position and a raised position. Pivoting the pivotable bar assembly to the lowered position moves the foldable seat back to the upright position and creates a structural safety barrier against objects in the trunk impacting a rear surface of the seat back. Pivoting the pivotable bar assembly to the raised position moves the seat back to the folded position to provide uninterrupted access to the occupant compartment from the trunk. A latch assembly latches the pivotable bar assembly in at least the lowered position. A movable parcel shelf and collapsible storage bin are also disclosed.

Abstract: A headrest hat hook hanger that mounts to the side of headrest post with a clamp bracket that stand up and holds the double hat coat hook on the side wall of the headrest to hang hats, caps, and coats from the side of the headrest seat inside a vehicle.

Abstract: A cargo cover assembly selectively covers a cargo compartment formed behind the rear seat and between spaced interior sidewalls vehicle. The cover assembly includes a housing pivotally connected to a rear seat and movable between storage and deployed positions. A cover, and preferably first and second cover portions, extend(s) in a lateral direction from the housing toward at least one of the interior sidewalls of the vehicle to a deployed position(s). Retaining members are formed in the sidewalls for securing the cover portions in the deployed positions. First and second rails may also be pivotally secured to the housing to receive perimeter portions of the respective cover portions and thereby add additional support and improving the aesthetics of the cover assembly.

Abstract: A battery 4 and a toolbox storage portion 5 are provided in a laterally arranged state on a reverse side of a seatback 2 of a vehicle, a toolbox 9 stored in the toolbox storage portion 5 is exposed when the seatback 2 is tilted forward, and an emergency stop switch 10 of the battery 4 is exposed so as to be operable when the toolbox 9 is removed from the above toolbox storage portion 5.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to reduce impact of external forces on a power supply apparatus by placing the power supply apparatus close to a peripheral component inside a vehicle and as far away as possible from ends of the vehicle, which are susceptible to the impact of the external forces from outside the vehicle.

Abstract: A cargo area assembly for a movable seat in an automotive vehicle includes a configurable panel covering at least a portion of a storage compartment located rearwardly of the seat. The configurable panel and a removable panel cooperate to cover the storage compartment, if desired, in a full forward and full rearward position of the seat. The configurable panel incorporates hinges to allow various positioning of panel portions and storage alternatives, and the removable panel is dimensioned for storage in the tailgate.

Abstract: A cargo screen of a vehicle luggage room, the cargo screen may include a housing mounted at an upper portion of the vehicle luggage room in a horizontal direction and having a central portion to be foldable, a roller rotatably installed in the housing and having a cut central portion to be foldable, and a screen wound around an outer peripheral surface of the roller in the housing through a cut hole thereof or selectively unwound to the outside of the housing to cover the vehicle luggage room, and having a cut central portion to be foldable.

Abstract: A panel assembly includes at least one reinforcing assembly made of a high strength material having a low yield to tensile strength ratio for energy absorption and reduced weight and profile. The panel assembly may be light-weight with a low profile to minimize protrusion into an opening or compartment enclosed by the panel. The panel assembly may be a floor panel assembly for a vehicle floor. The reinforcing assembly may traverse the panel such that the reinforcing assembly extends laterally, e.g., cross-vehicle, relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle body. A method of making the panel assembly may include forming the reinforcing assembly by joining a plurality of metal channel members in a nested arrangement with a plurality of welds to provide a structural assembly with good bending resistance loads imposed on the panel assembly including knee loads. The channel members may be made of a dual phase steel.

Abstract: A cargo cover assembly selectively covers a cargo compartment formed behind the rear seat and between spaced interior sidewalls vehicle. The cover assembly includes a housing pivotally connected to a rear seat and movable between storage and deployed positions. A cover, and preferably first and second cover portions, extend(s) in a lateral direction from the housing toward at least one of the interior sidewalls of the vehicle to a deployed position(s). Retaining members are formed in the sidewalls for securing the cover portions in the deployed positions. First and second rails may also be pivotally secured to the housing to receive perimeter portions of the respective cover portions and thereby add additional support and improving the aesthetics of the cover assembly.

Abstract: A tonneau cover device includes a tonneau cover coupled to a hatchback door. A movable guide arranged on the tonneau cover is guided by a fixed guide arranged in the vehicle to guide the tonneau cover. The movable guide is separated from the fixed guide when the hatchback door opens. A controller moves the tonneau cover to an extension position when the hatchback door closes and a storage position when the hatchback door opens. A detector detects whether movement of the tonneau cover is obstructed due to contact with an object. The controller temporarily interrupts movement of the tonneau cover when the detector detects that the movement of the tonneau cover to the storage position has been obstructed and restarts the movement of the tonneau cover to the storage position when determining that the movable guide has been separated from the fixed guide as the hatchback door opens.

Abstract: A tonneau cover device includes a tonneau cover attached to a hatchback door. A movable guide is arranged on the tonneau cover and is guided by a fixed guide, which is arranged in a vehicle. The tonneau cover moves to an extension position when the hatchback door closes and a storage position when the hatchback door opens. A detector detects whether movement of the tonneau cover is obstructed due to contact with an object. A controller moves the tonneau cover to where the movable guide can come into contact with the fixed guide in a state in which the hatchback door is open when the detector detects that the movement of the tonneau cover to the storage position has been obstructed.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body defining an interior space, and a plurality of trim panels coupled to the body within the interior space of the body and cooperating to define a cargo area therebetween. A collapsible container system is integrated into the plurality of trim panels within the cargo area. The collapsible container system is collapsible into a stowed position disposed between a first one of the plurality of trim panels and the body to conceal the collapsible storage system when not required for storing objects, and is expandable into a storage position extending at least partially across the cargo area to present at least one storage vessel for receiving and storing an object therein.

Abstract: A cargo shade or cover for a vehicle includes a thin flexible member that winds onto an elongated roller. The elongated roller may be mounted on a movable vehicle component such as a liftgate of an SUV. An elongated rod assembly is attached to the thin flexible member, and includes extending and retracting end portions that can be received in cavities or other connectors of the vehicle interior to retain the cover in an extended position. The rod assembly may include center housing and a pulley that can be rotated to generate tension on cables that pull the opposite ends of the rod inwardly whereby the rod assembly can be positioned between vehicle interior components when the cover assembly is in the retracted position.

Abstract: A vehicle package tray having a horizontal member extending across a back portion of a vehicle. A tray cover is operably coupled with and slidable relative to the horizontal member. The tray cover includes a rear substrate that extends over the horizontal member. A front substrate is slidably engaged with the rear substrate and adapted for abutment with a seat back. A spring-biased member is disposed between the horizontal member and the front substrate.

Abstract: A cargo lid system for a vehicle includes a cargo lid body, a leg member and at least one support surface. The cargo lid body has a substantially planer upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface. The leg member is movable relative to the lid body. The leg member is movable between an extended position wherein the leg member depends from the lid body to support the cargo lid assembly in an elevated position and a retracted positioned wherein the leg member folds against the lid body to arrange the lid body in a collapsed position. The at least one support surface is defined by a surrounding vehicle structure for supporting the lid body in the elevated position together with the leg member in the extended position.

Abstract: A trunk of a motor vehicle having an opening providing access from the outside, a floor, two side walls substantially transversal to the floor, a load platform, which is defined by a first edge facing the opening, by a second edge substantially parallel to the first edge and by two side edges substantially transversal to the first and second edge; the trunk being further equipped with two shelves, each of which is integral with a respective side wall and has a respective groove overlooking the groove of the other first shelf and adapted to be slidingly engaged by a respective said side edge in order to arrange and keep the load platform stable in a tilted position with respect to the floor.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a seat oriented in a passenger compartment forward of a storage compartment. The seat has a seat back that is pivotally connected to a body of the vehicle. The seat back is pivotable between a seating position and a storage position. A battery is disposed within the storage compartment. A tray is removably connected to the vehicle body in either one of a first and a second position. The tray is elevated from the battery within the storage compartment in the first position. The tray is connected to the vehicle body such that it is contiguous with and forward of the battery in the second position. A flat load floor is formed by the top surface of a housing of the battery together with the tray.

Abstract: A device and method for creating a storage enclosure in a vehicle having a cargo area is disclosed. The device includes a locking mechanism includes a forward aperture of a length and an aft aperture of that is shorter than the forward aperture. The arrangement allows removal of the top panel from the locking mechanism by moving the top panel aft until the aft bushing moves out of the aft aperture, allowing the aft edge to be lifted from the aft aperture, and thus allowing the top panel to be positioned where the forward bushing may be removed from forward aperture in the forward plate or simply held at an angle to the cargo area.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes a traction battery housing located rearward of a rear seat. The rear seat is foldable between a seating position and a storage position. A package tray is provided that is attachable to the vehicle in a first position generally vertically spaced from the battery housing, and a second position generally abutting and forward of the battery housing. The package tray includes a pair of rotatable posts and a net connecting the posts. The package tray further includes receptacles formed on the package tray for receiving the posts when the posts are rotated downward towards the package tray.

Abstract: A tonneau cover device of a vehicle equipped with a rear opening portion formed at a rear portion of a vehicle body, a back door to open and close the rear opening portion, and a rear baggage compartment formed in front of the rear opening portion, comprises a tonneau board provided so as to extend substantially horizontally over the rear baggage compartment, the tonneau board comprising plural split boards which are split in a vehicle longitudinal direction, longitudinally-adjacent split boards being coupled to each other via a hinge portion extending in a vehicle width direction, and first and second connecting members as a folding mechanism pulling upwardly the split boards when the back door is opened so that the split boards bend around the hinge portion.

Abstract: A storage assembly for use in a vehicle is provided. The storage assembly includes a body that includes at least one surface, at least one sidewall, and at least one recess portion defined within the surface. The recess portion is sized to contain at least one object therein. At least one holder is coupled to the sidewall, wherein the holder includes at least one opening defined therein that is sized to receive a container therein. At least two legs extend from the body for supporting the body a predefined distance above a floor of the rear portion of the vehicle. The two legs are spaced a predefined distance apart such that a passageway is defined therebetween. A receptacle is removably coupled within the passageway such that at least a portion of at least one item transported within the vehicle may extend through the passageway when the receptacle is removed.

Abstract: A center-of-gravity detection system includes a vehicle capable of carrying cargo and adapted to be towed by a towing vehicle, a shake detector configured to detect shakes in the directions of the self-weight and width of the towed vehicle during travel of the towed vehicle, and an arithmetic unit. The arithmetic unit is configured to derive, based upon physical quantities that correlate with the shakes, the location of the center of gravity, in three-dimensional space, of the towed vehicle.

Abstract: A cargo shade or cover for a vehicle includes a thin flexible member that winds onto an elongated roller. The elongated roller may be mounted on a movable vehicle component such as a liftgate of an SUV. An elongated rod assembly is attached to the thin flexible member, and includes extending and retracting end portions that can be received in cavities or other connectors of the vehicle interior to retain the cover in an extended position. The rod assembly may include center housing and a pulley that can be rotated to generate tension on cables that pull the opposite ends of the rod inwardly whereby the rod assembly can be positioned between vehicle interior components when the cover assembly is in the retracted position.