NISSAN TECHNICAL CENTER NORTH AMERICA, INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20130216326 | TRACK SYSTEM - A fastener assembly secures loads to a track in a truck bed and is retainable within a track slot of the track. The fastener assembly may include a retainer adapted to fit at least partly within a track slot and a handle operating on the retainer, the handle being moveable between at least an engagement position and a release position. A pressure applicator is positioned between the track and the handle, the pressure applicator having a bottom surface for applying a pressure on a top surface of the track in response to the position of the handle. The pressure applicator includes at least one projection projecting from the bottom surface and adapted to engage a positioning cutout of the track. | 08-22-2013 |
20120119533 | VEHICLE INTERIOR TRIM PANEL - A vehicle interior trim panel is provided with a rigid trim portion, a first flexible trim portion and a second flexible trim portion. The rigid trim portion includes a first opening and a second opening. The first flexible trim portion is attached to the rigid trim portion along an edge of the first opening. The first flexible trim portion at least partially covers the first opening. The second flexible trim portion is attached to the rigid trim portion along an edge of the second opening. The second flexible trim portion at least partially covers the second opening. | 05-17-2012 |
20120043778 | SECUREMENT APPARATUS FOR A VEHICLE STORAGE COMPARTMENT - A securement apparatus for a vehicle storage compartment includes a closure panel and a body portion. The securement apparatus includes a base portion, a handle, a tumbler and a lock. The base portion is configured to couple to the closure panel. The handle is pivotally coupled to the base portion to move between latched and unlatched positions, and includes a latch that is configured to engage the body portion while the handle is in the latched position. The tumbler is moveably disposed with respect to the base portion between locked and unlocked positions, and is configured to restrict movement of the handle from the latched position to the unlatched position while the tumbler is in the locked position. The lock is configured to move the tumbler between the locked and unlocked positions. | 02-23-2012 |
20120036785 | VEHICLE DOOR LATCH STRUCTURE - A vehicle door latch structure is basically provided with a door latch mechanism and a door latch engagement bracket. The door latch mechanism includes a latch release lever that is movably arranged between a rest position and a release position. The door latch engagement bracket defines an opening that is aligned with the latch release lever while the latch release lever is in the rest position such that the latch release lever extends through the opening upon movement of the door latch engagement bracket toward the latch mechanism while the latch release lever is in the rest position, and such that the door latch engagement bracket prevents movement of the latch release lever from the rest position to the release position while the latch release lever is extending through the opening in the door latch engagement bracket. | 02-16-2012 |
20120017635 | AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM - An air conditioning system is provided with mainly an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser and an energy recovery device. The compressor is fluidly connected to the evaporator to compress low-pressure refrigerant exiting the evaporator to high-pressure refrigerant. The condenser is fluidly connected to the compressor to receive the high pressure refrigerant and dissipate heat therefrom. The energy recovery device is configured to extract work from refrigerant flowing therethrough. The energy recovery device includes a movable expander and a valve. The movable expander has an inlet fluidly connected to the condenser to receive high pressure refrigerant exiting the condenser, an outlet fluidly connected to the evaporator to deliver low pressure refrigerant thereto and a chamber fluidly connected between the inlet and the outlet. The valve is configured to control a flow rate of high pressure refrigerant flowing from the inlet to the chamber. | 01-26-2012 |
20120003516 | VEHICLE BATTERY TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A vehicle battery temperature control system includes a battery, a heating device, a housing, a heat exchanger and a sensor. The battery has a heat sink that transfers thermal energy to the battery. The heating device is selectively operable to provide thermal energy. The housing includes a chamber that contains the battery and a saturated liquid coolant that substantially immerses the heat sink, and the coolant receives the thermal energy from the heating device to cause a phase change of the coolant from liquid to vapor to heat the heat sink which heats the battery. The heat exchanger removes thermal energy from the vapor to change the vapor to liquid and returns the liquid to the chamber. The sensor detects a characteristic of the vapor and signals operation of the heating device to provide the thermal energy based on a relationship between the characteristic and a threshold. | 01-05-2012 |
20120003515 | VEHICLE BATTERY TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A vehicle battery temperature control system includes a battery, a housing, a heat exchanger, a valve and a sensor. The battery has a heat sink that transfers thermal energy. The housing has a chamber that contains the battery and saturated liquid coolant that substantially immerses the heat sink to receive the thermal energy to cause a phase change of the coolant from a liquid to a vapor. The heat exchanger removes thermal energy from the vapor to change the vapor to liquid, and returns the liquid to the chamber. The valve selectively fluidly couples the chamber to an air-conditioning system to enhance cooling of the coolant. The sensor detects a characteristic of the coolant and signals operation of the valve to fluidly couple the chamber to the air-conditioning refrigeration system to increase removal of thermal energy from the coolant based on a relationship between the characteristic of the coolant and a threshold. | 01-05-2012 |
20120003510 | VEHICLE BATTERY TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A vehicle battery temperature control system includes a battery, a housing and a heat exchanger. The battery is operable to discharge thermal energy, and has a heat sink configured to transfer the thermal energy from the battery. The housing has a chamber that is configured to receive the battery and contain a saturated liquid coolant that substantially immerses the heat sink so that the coolant receives the thermal energy from operation of the battery to cause a phase change of the coolant from a liquid phase to a vapor phase. The heat exchanger is configured to receive vapor phase coolant from the chamber and remove thermal energy from the vapor phase coolant to change the coolant from the vapor phase to the liquid phase, and is further configured to return the liquid phase coolant to the chamber. | 01-05-2012 |
20120000954 | COLLAPSIBLE STORAGE CONTAINER - A collapsible container includes a bottom wall and a plurality of sidewalls. At least two of the side walls include a rigid first segment and a rigid second segment coupled to the first segment by a pivot to permit the side wall to fold so that the first segment and second segment form an acute angle or are parallel when the container is collapsed. The collapsible container can be configured in a storage configuration for containing objects or a collapsed configuration occupying less volume than the storage configuration for stowing the container. | 01-05-2012 |
20110264325 | IMPAIRED OPERATION DETECTION METHOD - An impaired operation detection method is basically performed by sensing a yaw rate of a vehicle over a time period. Then time points are identified in which the yaw rate changes direction. A linear rate of change in the yaw rate is determined between two of the time points that are sequential in time. An actual rate of change is examined between the two time points. A difference between the actual rate of change and the linear rate of change to obtain a difference value. Then, the operator's impairment condition is determined based on the difference value. | 10-27-2011 |
20110224897 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELECTIVE CANCELLATION OF NAVIGATION LOCKOUT - Disclosed herein is a navigation system for a vehicle. The navigation system includes a user interface configured to receive input from and output information to a user, and a controller configured to perform a plurality of functions based on the user input, the controller further configured to disable performance of at least one of the plurality of functions based on a vehicle condition and provide a warning to the user indicating that performance of the plurality of functions is to be performed by a passenger other than a driver, wherein the controller enables performance of the at least one of the plurality of functions upon receiving input signifying that the user is a passenger other than the driver. | 09-15-2011 |
20110224894 | VEHICLE INFORMATION SYSTEM - A vehicle information system operating method performs operations comprising determining an operational period, determining a movement period, determining a modification factor, determining a fuel economy value and determining an adjusted fuel economy value. The determining of the operational period determines the operational period during which a vehicle is running. The determining of the movement period determines the movement period during which the vehicle is in motion. The determining of the modification factor determines the modification factor based on respective durations of the operational period and the movement period. The determining of the fuel economy value determines the fuel economy value associated with the operational period. The determining of the adjusted fuel economy value determines the adjusted fuel economy value based on the fuel economy value and the modification factor. | 09-15-2011 |
20110224870 | POSITION DETECTION FOR ACTIVATION OF DEVICE AND METHODS THEREOF - Disclosed herein are embodiments of position detection devices for vehicles and methods of position detection. One embodiment of a detection device comprises a wireless device inside a vehicle, a mobile communication device paired to the wireless device, such that the wireless device automatically activates when it senses the mobile communication device within an operable range of the wireless device, a position sensing system configured to generate an output indicative of the mobile communication device's presence within the vehicle and a controller responsive to the output and configured to deactivate the wireless device when the output indicates that the mobile communication device's presence is not within the vehicle but is still within the operable range. | 09-15-2011 |
20110222705 | AUDIO BROADCAST COLLECTING METHOD - An audio broadcast collecting method includes a plurality of steps. In one step, an audio broadcast collecting system simultaneously receives a single audio broadcast in a plurality of audio systems. In another step, the audio broadcast collecting system outputs from each of the plurality of audio systems separate audio performances corresponding to the single audio broadcast. In yet another step, the audio broadcast collecting system records an audio sample of the separate audio performances outputted by the plurality of audio systems simultaneously to obtain recorded samples from the plurality of audio systems. | 09-15-2011 |
20110222704 | AUDIO BROADCAST PROCESSING METHOD - An audio broadcast processing method includes a plurality of steps. One step involves processing an audio broadcast having at least one occurrence of signal degradation that adversely affects audio quality of a corresponding segment of the audio performance. Another step involves modifying the segment of the audio performance with a plurality of differing signal degradation compensation factors to selectively compensate for the at least one occurrence of signal degradation to produce a plurality of compensated audio performances. Another step involves evaluating the compensated audio performances. Still another step involves determining at least one preferred signal degradation compensation factor based on data from the evaluating of the compensated audio performances. Yet another step includes configuring an audio device with the at least one preferred processing factor. | 09-15-2011 |
20110221236 | VEHICLE INTERIOR TRIM PANEL - A vehicle interior trim panel is provided with a rigid trim portion, a first flexible trim portion and a second flexible trim portion. The rigid trim portion includes a first assist grip opening and a second assist grip opening. The first flexible trim portion is attached to the rigid trim portion along an edge of the first assist grip opening. The first flexible trim portion at least partially covers the first assist grip opening of the rigid trim portion. The second flexible trim portion is attached to the rigid trim portion along an edge of the second assist grip opening. The second flexible trim portion at least partially covers the second assist grip opening of the rigid trim portion. | 09-15-2011 |
20110221172 | VEHICLE INTERIOR TRIM PANEL - A vehicle interior trim panel is provided with a rigid trim portion and a flexible trim portion. The rigid trim portion includes an assist grip opening. The flexible trim portion is attached to the rigid trim portion along an edge of the assist grip opening with the flexible trim portion at least partially covering the assist grip opening of the rigid trim portion. | 09-15-2011 |
20110221170 | VEHICLE INTERIOR TRIM PANEL - A vehicle interior trim panel is provided with a rigid trim portion and a first flexible trim portion. The rigid trim portion includes a first assist grip opening. The first flexible trim portion is attached to the rigid trim portion along an edge of the first assist grip opening with the first flexible trim portion at least partially covering the first assist grip opening of the rigid trim portion. | 09-15-2011 |
20110215606 | CONSOLE LID FRICTION HINGE - Embodiments of vehicle consoles and hinges for vehicle consoles are disclosed herein. One embodiment of a hinge for a vehicle console has a fixed component attached to the base structure of the console, a movable component attached to the lid of the console and a shaft connecting the fixed component to the movable component. A spacer is positioned on the shaft between and in contact with at least a portion of both the fixed and movable components and a securing member is positioned on the shaft to apply pressure against at least one of the fixed component and the movable component to produce friction between the movable component and the spacer and to resist rotational movement of the lid about an axis of the shaft. | 09-08-2011 |
20110215605 | CONSOLE STORAGE RETENTION STRUCTURE - A console for use in a vehicle includes a compartment that is defined by a first wall and a second wall that are spaced apart from one another in a first direction. A first channel is disposed adjacent to the first wall and defines an opening that is oriented in an upward direction. First and second pairs of laterally spaced-apart retainer structures are disposed within the first channel. A tray member has a first pair of spaced-apart engagement structures that are configured to be received within the first channel and are configured to engage the retainer structures. The tray member is positionable within the compartment in a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first pair of engagement structures are disposed within the first channel and engaged with the first pair of retainer structures. In the second position, the first pair of engagement structures are disposed within the first channel and are engaged with the second pair of engagement structures. | 09-08-2011 |
20110211362 | SECURITY LIGHTING FOR A VEHICLE - Disclosed herein is a security vehicle lighting system. The system includes a rocker panel trim member arranged to conceal at least a portion of a vehicle rocker panel, the trim member having a lower wall portion having at least one aperture formed therein, the lower wall portion defining an interior surface and an opposing ground-facing surface and extending inboard toward the rocker panel, and at least one light member disposed between the rocker panel and the interior surface and adjacent the at least one aperture, wherein the at least one light member is mounted on the interior surface of the trim member and operable to illuminate a portion of the ground proximate the trim member. | 09-01-2011 |
20110209935 | VEHICLE RADIATOR STRUCTURE - A vehicle radiator structure includes a radiator core, a first fluid tank, a second fluid tank, a first lift assist contact member and a second lift assist contact member. The radiator core has a cooling fin portion. The first and second fluid tanks are fluidly coupled to the radiator core. The first lift assist contact member extends from the first fluid tank with at least a portion of the first lift assist contact member being disposed directly vertically beneath the first fluid tank in a vehicle installed position of the vehicle radiator structure. The second lift assist contact member is separate and spaced apart from the first lift assist contact member, and extends from the second fluid tank with at least a portion of the second lift assist contact member being in lateral alignment with the first lift assist contact member and the radiator core. | 09-01-2011 |
20110204680 | VEHICLE END STRUCTURE - A vehicle end structure mainly includes a vehicle bumper fascia and a grille assembly. The vehicle bumper fascia includes a sill portion and a receiving member extending from the sill portion. The receiving member defines a channel with an opening extending in a forward vehicle facing direction. The grille assembly includes inner grille and outer grille members that are coupled together. The inner grille member has a support member formed at a periphery of the inner grille member. The support member is disposed in the channel of the receiving member to limit movement of the inner grille member in a direction normal to the forward vehicle facing direction. The outer grille member is disposed on a forward vehicle facing side of the inner grille member to conceal the support member from view in the first direction. | 08-25-2011 |
20110196600 | VEHICLE OCCUPANT INFORMATION SYSTEM - A vehicle occupant information controller includes a fuel volume determining section, a fuel economy determining section, a first distance determining section, a traveled distance determining section and a second distance determining section. The first distance determining section determines a first obtainable travel distance based on a remaining fuel volume from the fuel volume determining section and a fuel consumption rate from the fuel economy determining section. The traveled distance determining section determines a vehicle traveled distance between two locations. The second distance determining section determines a second obtainable travel distance based on a difference between a previous obtainable travel distance value and an adjusted vehicle traveled distance value, with the adjusted vehicle traveled distance value being equal to a product of the vehicle traveled distance and a distance adjustment factor that is selectively adjusted based on a ratio of the second obtainable travel distance to the first obtainable travel distance. | 08-11-2011 |
20110193378 | IMPACT ABSORPTION BLOCK FOR VEHICLE SEATBACK ASSEMBLY - Disclosed herein are embodiments of impact absorption blocks and vehicle seatbacks and seats comprising impact absorption blocks. One embodiment of a vehicle seatback assembly comprises a seatback frame, a seat pad and an impact absorption block. The seatback frame comprises a first side member having an upper end and a lower end, a second side member spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the first side member and having an upper end and a lower end and a cross-member extending between the first and second side members. The seat pad overlies the seatback frame to define a forward surface. The impact absorption block is positioned between the seat pad and the cross member. | 08-11-2011 |
20110187155 | VEHICLE BODY SIDE STRUCTURE - A vehicle body side structure includes an outer side panel and an inner side panel. The outer side panel has an outer window area and a window sash formed adjacent to and surrounding the outer window area. The outer window area includes a removable portion that spans the outer window area. The inner side panel has an inner window area and an attachment flange formed adjacent to and surrounding the inner window area. The attachment flange is rigidly attached to the window sash along a connection area to prevent movement of the inner side panel relative to the outer side panel. The removable portion of the outer window area is located adjacent to the connection area. | 08-04-2011 |
20110187144 | VEHICLE INTERIOR STRUCTURAL ASSEMBLY - A vehicle interior structural assembly includes an instrument panel that is dimensioned to extend laterally between opposing interior side walls of a passenger compartment of a vehicle. A structural member extends between first and second ends of the instrument panel such that the structural member is substantially concealed by the instrument panel. A stay bracket is connected to the structural member and extends downward from the structural member. The stay bracket is located forward of a rearmost extent of the instrument panel. A reinforcement member is connected to the stay bracket at a first point and a second point that are vertically spaced from one another. The reinforcement member includes a support portion cantilevered from and extending rearward of the rearmost extent of the instrument panel such that forces applied to the reinforcement member are directed to the stay bracket and the structural member. | 08-04-2011 |
20110176689 | Interior Structural Assembly for a Vehicle - Disclosed herein is an interior structural assembly for a vehicle. The assembly includes a defrost panel forming at least a portion of a defrost duct, the defrost panel has first and second panel extensions laterally extending at opposite ends of a defrost base and an instrument panel overlaying the defrost panel, the instrument panel having at least one defrost aperture and first and second ends generally horizontally extending across the interior width of the vehicle, wherein the first and second panel extensions extend to the first and second ends of the instrument panel, respectively. | 07-21-2011 |
20110150665 | FAN ASSEMBLY - A fan assembly is mainly provided with a center hub and a plurality of fan blades. The center hub has a center rotational axis. The fan blades extend from the center hub. Each of the fan blades has a leading surface and a trailing surface. The trailing surface of at least one of the fan blades includes an intake opening disposed at a first radial distance from the center rotational axis and a jet disposed at a second radial distance from the center rotational axis. The jet is in direct fluid communication with the intake opening such that during operation of the fan assembly airflow is directed from the intake opening to the jet for reducing power required to operate the fan assembly. | 06-23-2011 |
20110148148 | COWL COVER ASSEMBLY FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - A cowl cover assembly for a vehicle includes a first fender and a cowl cover having a first lateral end and a second lateral end. A first coupling structure disposed on the first lateral end of the cowl cover. The first coupling structure has a groove that is engageable with the first fender for rigidly connecting the cowl cover to the first fender. | 06-23-2011 |
20110146337 | AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM - An air conditioning system is mainly provided with comprises an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, a valve and an energy recovery device. The compressor is fluidly connected to the evaporator to compress low-pressure refrigerant exiting the evaporator to high-pressure refrigerant. The condenser is fluidly connected to the compressor to receive the high pressure refrigerant and dissipate heat therefrom. The valve controls flow of high pressure refrigerant exiting the condenser. The energy recovery device includes a movable expander having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is fluidly connected to the valve to receive the high pressure refrigerant. The movable expander phase changes the refrigerant from high pressure refrigerant at the inlet to low pressure refrigerant at the outlet. The energy recovery device extracts work from movement of the movable expander due to the phase change of the refrigerant from the high pressure refrigerant to the low pressure refrigerant. | 06-23-2011 |
20110140475 | Console Lid Slide Rail Attachment - Embodiments of a vehicle console comprise a base structure defining a cavity and having an opening permitting access to the cavity, a lid having a surface area sufficient to cover at least a portion of the opening when the lid is in a closed position at the base structure, a hinge member connected between the base structure and the lid and configured to allow rotational movement of the lid between the closed position and an open position, a slide coupled to the lid and configured to allow translational movement of at least a portion of the lid between a retracted position and an extended position spaced apart from the retracted position and a slide mounting member including a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion, the first mounting portion coupled to the hinge member and the second mounting portion coupled to the slide. | 06-16-2011 |
20110132731 | STEERING WHEEL SWITCH ASSEMBLY - Embodiments of steering wheels with switches for sunroofs or convertible tops and vehicles having the same are disclosed herein. One embodiment disclosed herein is of a steering wheel assembly for a vehicle having a sunroof located in an aperture of a roof of the vehicle having a panel movable with respect to the roof to open and close the aperture. The assembly comprises a steering wheel disposed in the vehicle and a sunroof switch disposed on the steering wheel and electrically connectible to the sunroof to move the sunroof panel. | 06-09-2011 |
20110132014 | VEHICLE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM - A vehicle air conditioning system includes a controller that initially controls operation of a compressor to switch between inactive and active states in response to detecting that an operating condition is equal to or surpasses a first operation threshold. The controller determines a first time delay occurring between initiating the switch from one of the inactive and active states to the other of the compressor, and an actual change in the operating condition. The controller subsequently defines a first limit that is offset from the first operation threshold such that the controller controls the operation of the compressor to subsequently switch from the one of inactive and active states to the other in response to detecting that the operating condition is equal to or surpasses the first limit. | 06-09-2011 |
20110127246 | VEHICLE RADIANT HEATING CONTROL SYSTEM - A vehicle radiant heating control system is provided that comprises a radiant heating element, a power source and a controller. The power source is operatively connected to the radiant heating element. The controller operatively controls the radiant heating element and the power source. The controller operates the radiant heating element by intermittently supplying power generated by the power source to the radiant heating element. | 06-02-2011 |
20110121630 | VEHICLE SEATING APPARATUS - A vehicle seating apparatus is provided with a seat assembly and a seat belt buckle assembly. The seat assembly includes a seat bottom and a seat back. The seat back is foldable between a seating configuration and a non-seating configuration in which the seat back is folded onto the seat bottom. The seat belt buckle assembly includes a seat belt buckle bracket and a buckle head. The seat belt buckle bracket has a first end movably coupled to a lateral side of the seat bottom. The buckle head is movably arranged with respect to the seat assembly between a usage position and a stowed position. The buckle head is arranged with respect to the seat assembly such that movement of the seat back from the seating configuration to the non-seating configuration does not contact the buckle head while the buckle head is in the stowed position. | 05-26-2011 |
20110101733 | VEHICLE SLIDING DOOR STRUCTURE - A vehicle sliding door structure includes an inner door panel, an outer door panel, a reinforcing bracket and a first bulkhead. The inner door panel has a vertically oriented reinforced section extending along an outboard facing surface thereof adjacent to a rearward side of an outer peripheral edge thereof. The reinforced section has a latch mechanism supporting part proximate a mid-region of the rearward side of the outer peripheral edge. The outer door panel is fixed to the outer peripheral edge of the inner door panel. The reinforcing bracket is fixedly attached to the outboard facing surface of the inner door panel along a region of the reinforced section that extends from below the latch mechanism supporting part to above the latch mechanism supporting part. The first bulkhead is fixedly attached to the reinforcing bracket and extends from the reinforcing bracket toward the outer door panel. | 05-05-2011 |
20110099913 | VEHICLE SLIDING DOOR STRUCTURE - A vehicle sliding door structure includes an inner door panel, an outer door panel, a reinforcing bracket and a first bulkhead. The inner door panel has a vertically oriented sash section extending along an outboard facing surface thereof adjacent to a rearward side of an outer peripheral edge thereof. The sash section has a latch mechanism supporting part proximate a mid-region of the rearward side of the outer peripheral edge. The outer door panel is fixed to the outer peripheral edge of the inner door panel. The reinforcing bracket is fixedly attached to the outboard facing surface of the inner door panel along a region of the sash section that extends from below the latch mechanism supporting part to above the latch mechanism supporting part. The first bulkhead is fixedly attached to the reinforcing bracket and extends from the reinforcing bracket toward the outer door panel. | 05-05-2011 |
20110074184 | INTERIOR BODY TRIM WITH INTEGRATED HVAC DUCT - An interior body trim arrangement is basically provided with an interior body trim panel and a back closure member. The interior body trim panel has an interior facing surface and an outboard facing surface opposite the interior facing surface. The back closure member is fixed to the outboard facing surface of the interior body trim panel. The inboard facing surface of the back closure member and the outbound side surface of the interior body trim panel define an integrated HVAC duct having a first opening end and a second open end. | 03-31-2011 |
20110067206 | Trim Panel Attachment Assembly With Anti-Rotation Flange - An attachment assembly for connecting an interior trim panel to a structural pillar of a vehicle includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion. The first connecting portion is connectable to the second connecting portion such that a first engagement structure of the first engagement portion is in engagement with a second engagement structure of the second engagement portion to secure the first connecting portion with respect to the second connecting portion. When the first and second connecting portions are connected, a base surface of the first connecting portion is in engagement with a shoulder of the second connecting portion, and a flange of the first connecting portion is in engagement with an upstanding wall of the second connecting portion to restrain movement of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion with respect to one another. | 03-24-2011 |
20110025099 | VEHICLE SLIDING DOOR STRUCTURE - A vehicle body structure has a first structural member that at least partially defines an upper side of a door opening and a second structural member that extends downward from the first structural member and at least partially defines one side of the door opening. An elongated track member is attached on the first structural member. A sliding door is movably supported on the track member for movement along the track member between a closed position and an open position. A stopper bracket is rigidly attached on the second structural member. The stopper bracket is dimensioned and configured to absorb impacting forces of the sliding door as the sliding door moves from the closed position to the open position. The stopper bracket is rigidly attached to the track member such that the impacting forces are at least partially transmitted to the track member. | 02-03-2011 |
20110016902 | VEHICLE AIR HANDLING SYSTEM - A vehicle air handling system includes an air handler, a desiccant assembly and a regeneration mechanism. The air handler has an air inlet configured to receive airflow into the air handler and an air outlet configured to direct the airflow from the air handler to a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The desiccant assembly is installed in a fixed non-movable orientation within the air handler. The desiccant assembly is configured to absorb moisture from the airflow and is disposed between the air inlet and the air outlet. The desiccant assembly includes a first flow path and a second flow path separated from one another such that the airflow passes through the first flow path. The regeneration mechanism is in fluid communication with the second air flow path of the desiccant assembly and is configured to remove moisture from the airflow passing through the desiccant assembly. | 01-27-2011 |
20100320733 | TRIM PANEL BREAKAWAY FEATURE - A trim panel overlaying a pillar includes a first trim portion and a second trim portion separable from one another. A handle attaches to the pillar at first and second points by fasteners extending through the second trim portion, the first and second points being vertically spaced apart from one another. An airbag disposed between the trim panel and the pillar deploys such that the first trim portion completely separates from the pillar and the second trim portion along a predetermined separation line. The airbag extends along the pillar alongside at least one of the first and second points and alongside an area between the first point and the second point. The first trim portion and the handle are configured such that the first trim portion is restrained to a limited distance of movement away from the pillar by the handle in response to deployment of the airbag. | 12-23-2010 |
20100282536 | Apparatus and Method for Attaching Covering Material to Interior Components of a Vehicle - Disclosed herein are apparatus for attaching covering material to interior components of a vehicle. One embodiment is a speaker grille for concealing a speaker in the interior of a vehicle. The speaker grill comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. At least one projection extends from the second surface. The projection has a base at the second surface and a distal end opposite the base and a retention member extending directly from the projection at a location proximate to the base and spaced apart from the distal end. The retention member has a retention surface spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the second surface. A covering overlies the first surface and defines an aperture through which the projection extends. A portion of the covering is positioned between the second surface of the substrate and the retention member. | 11-11-2010 |
20100237597 | Tether Guided Inflatable Sail Panel - An airbag assembly can include a side curtain airbag having an inflatable curtain portion and an inflatable sail portion, and a first fold of the sail portion with respect to the curtain portion prior to folding the side curtain airbag into a stowed condition for installation in the vehicle. The curtain portion is disposed rearward of the first fold and the sail portion is disposed at least partially forward of the first fold. A tether has a first end attached to the side curtain airbag rearward of the first fold and a second end attachable to a structural pillar of the vehicle for guiding a direction of expansion of the sail portion during inflation. | 09-23-2010 |
20100222972 | Method and Apparatus for Shift-by-Wire in a Motor Vehicle - A vehicle includes a motor responsive to a first electronic control signal to transition between an active state and an inactive state and a transmission responsive to a second electronic control signal to transition between at least a reverse state, a neutral state and a drive state. A user-actuated control is mounted to an interior surface in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The control has at least one contact surface that contacts the user when the user operates the control, wherein the contact surface is integrated with a logo. A circuit is coupled to the control to generate at least one of the first electronic control signal and the second electronic control signal in response to user actuation of the control. | 09-02-2010 |
20100220021 | VEHICLE ANTENNA ASSEMBLY - A vehicle antenna assembly is provided with an antenna and a mounting bracket. The antenna includes an elongated mast section and a base section. The mounting bracket includes a first end with an antenna attachment section fixed to the base section of the antenna, a middle section extending downwardly from the antenna attachment section, and a second end with a vehicle attachment section extending from the middle section in a radial direction with respect to a center longitudinal axis of the elongated mast section as viewed along the center longitudinal axis of the elongated mast section. The middle section includes a fulcrum point arranged to engage a portion of the vehicle for pivoting the mounting bracket about the fulcrum point to move the vehicle facing support surface towards the vehicle. | 09-02-2010 |
20100219653 | VEHICLE INTERIOR ASSEMBLY - A vehicle interior assembly that includes a first component and a second component fixedly installed within the vehicle interior assembly at spaced apart locations. A trim panel is fixedly attached to the first component in a fixed positional orientation relative to the first component and is attached to the second component in a predetermined range of orientations in order to compensate for minor alignment variations resulting from the manufacturing and assembly tolerances of the first and second components. | 09-02-2010 |
20100219648 | Door gap adjustment for a motor vehicle - A vehicle includes a vehicle body defining an opening, a door, and an adjustable wedge assembly. The door is mounted to the body for movement between an open position, wherein doors are disposed within the opening, and an open position, wherein the doors are at least partially outside of the opening. The adjustable wedge assembly includes a base portion fixed to one of the vehicle body and the door, and a wedge portion movable relative to the base portion between a plurality of positions including an outboard position, an inboard position and at least one intermediate position between the outboard position and the inboard position. A contact surface os disposed on one of the vehicle body and the door opposite the wedge portion. A spacer is removably attached to one of the wedge portion and the contact surface during assembly of the vehicle, wherein the wedge portion and the contact surface are positioned so that the spacer is interposed between and in engagement with the contact surface and the wedge when the door is moved from the open position to the closed position during assembly of the vehicle. A mechanism is provided to fix the position of the wedge portion relative to the base portion after the door moves from the open to the closed position during assembly of the vehicle. | 09-02-2010 |
20100219620 | Inflatable Ramp for Inflatable Curtain Side Impact Restraint - A curtain airbag for use in a vehicle having an interstitial volume includes a primary inflatable portion and an inflatable guide pocket. The primary inflatable portion has an aperture, and the inflatable guide pocket is attached to the primary inflatable portion by at least a first seam that at least partially circumscribes the aperture. The guide pocket is sized and configured to define a localized projection into the interstitial volume when the guide pocket and the primary inflatable portion are at least partially inflated. | 09-02-2010 |
20100219305 | CLIP DESIGN FOR ATTACHING A BRACKET TO AN EXISTING BRACKET OR PANEL - A bracket for coupling a component to a vehicle including a mounting structure defining an aperture is disclosed. The bracket has a first portion including at least one mounting structure clip configured to engage the mounting structure about a periphery of the aperture. The bracket also has a second portion including a component clip configured to engage the component. | 09-02-2010 |
20100218602 | Sender Card Contamination Reduction due to Current Application to Sender Card - Disclosed herein is a system for use in a tank containing a contaminative fluid. The system includes an electrically conductive resistive material in fluid communication with the contents of the tank, a controller configured to periodically generate a control signal, and a variable power supply coupled to the electrically conductive material to provide a current within a normal operating range and to supply current at an elevated level in response to a control signal, wherein the elevated level is selected to heat the electrically conductive material to a temperature sufficient to remove contamination building thereon. | 09-02-2010 |
20100218466 | VEHICLE FILTER ASSEMBLY - A vehicle filter assembly includes a housing, a cyclone-inducing structure and a self-cleaning trap mechanism. The housing has an inlet, an outlet and a trap aperture. The cyclone-inducing structure is disposed within the housing between the inlet and the outlet to separate particulate from gases passing through the housing from the inlet to the outlet. The self-cleaning trap mechanism is movably arranged with respect to the trap aperture to move between a closed orientation sealing the trap aperture and an opened orientation exposing the trap aperture to release particulate from the housing. | 09-02-2010 |
20100217494 | ADAPTIVE SPEED CONTROL DEVICE - An adaptive speed control device includes a posted speed change detecting section, a notification section, a set speed signal receiving section, and an adaptive speed control section. The posted speed change detecting section is configured to detect an upcoming change to a posted speed limit at. The notification section is configured to control a user interface device to notify a new posted speed limit at a prescribed notification timing before the vehicle reaches a transition point. The set speed signal receiving section is configured to accept a set speed signal from a user input device. The adaptive speed control section is configured to change a set speed of the vehicle according to the new posted speed limit and to automatically change a speed to the set speed upon receiving the set speed signal at or after a prescribed activation timing that occurs simultaneously with or after the prescribed notification timing. | 08-26-2010 |
20100217490 | Retractable Wheel Covers - Disclosed herein are embodiments of wheel covers and vehicles having at least one wheel cover. One embodiment of a vehicle having at least one wheel mounted for rotation about an axle comprises a body structure having a portion of which is adjacent to the wheel, a mounting structure fixed to the portion of the body structure that is adjacent to the wheel and a wheel cover attached to the body structure via the mounting structure. The mounting structure is configured to permit movement of the wheel cover between an extended position in which the wheel cover overlays at least a first portion of the wheel and a retracted position in which the wheel cover does not overlay the first portion of the wheel. Also disclosed are methods of selectively covering a vehicle wheel. | 08-26-2010 |
20100214680 | Forward Folding Mirror Assemblies - Disclosed herein are embodiments of vehicles having forward folding door mirror assemblies. One such embodiment of a vehicle comprises a mirror assembly mounted to a vehicle door and configured to rotate about a substantially vertical axis between at least a first position in which the mirror assembly is extended away from the vehicle door for use while driving and a second position in which the mirror assembly is folded forward toward a front end of the vehicle. The vehicle also comprises a mechanism coupled to the mirror assembly and to a vehicle body and responsive to an opening of the vehicle door to rotate the mirror assembly about the substantially vertical axis from the second position to the first position when the door is opened. Also disclosed herein are mirror assemblies and methods of protecting door-mounted mirrors on vehicles. | 08-26-2010 |
20100213730 | VEHICLE INTERIOR ASSEMBLY - A vehicle interior assembly includes an interior panel and trim panel. The interior panel includes an opening and a mating part. The trim panel is snap-fitted into the opening of the interior panel and includes a main body. An accessory opening is provided in the main body adjacent to a first end thereof. The accessory opening is configured to receive an accessory adaptor that is insertable and removable perpendicularly to the first direction of the main body. A retention tab extends away from the first end of the main body along a section of a concealed surface of the interior panel adjacent to the opening and prevents movement of the trim panel perpendicularly to the first direction of the main body. A snap-fit part is releasably secured to the mating part of the interior panel portion. | 08-26-2010 |
20100213729 | VEHICLE INTERIOR TRIM ASSEMBLY - A vehicle interior trim assembly includes a vehicle structure and a trim member. The vehicle structure defines an interior compartment having at least one trim supporting portion. The trim member is coupled to the trim supporting portion. The trim member has an interior trim surface exposed within the interior compartment and a recessed portion defining a clip receiving lip. The clip receiving lip has a thickness that is less than the overall thickness of the trim member and is dimensioned to support a removable clip. The clip receiving lip includes a first clip engagement surface formed by the interior trim surface, a second clip engagement surface that forms a part of the recessed portion and an edge surface that connects the first and second engagement surfaces. | 08-26-2010 |
20100212798 | TIRE PRESSURE INFLATION SYSTEM - A tire pressure inflation system includes an inflation device having a communication portion and an inflation portion. The communication portion is configured to receive tire pressure signals wirelessly transmitted from a tire pressure sensor disposed within a vehicle tire cavity. The inflation portion is configured to change pressure within the pressurized vehicle tire cavity in response to signals from the tire pressure sensor. | 08-26-2010 |
20100212767 | Exhaust Finisher Retention Operation - An exhaust system for a vehicle features a pipe finisher including an inner sleeve. The inner sleeve has a reduced diameter portion spaced upstream from a downstream end of the inner sleeve. An exhaust pipe disposed in the inner sleeve, the exhaust pipe including a radially outward extending projection downstream of the reduced diameter portion of the inner sleeve. | 08-26-2010 |
20100206083 | LASER DEFLECTION VIBRATION TEST OF DOOR MIRROR - Disclosed herein is a method for measuring the vibration of a mirror in a vehicle. The method includes attaching a source of electromagnetic radiation to the vehicle, attaching a detector of electromagnetic radiation to the vehicle, positioning the source so that radiation emitted thereby strikes the mirror and reflects therefrom to strike the detector, driving the vehicle while emitting radiation from the source, recording the positions on the detector where the radiation strikes, and determining a vibration index based on the spatial distribution of the positions on the detector where the radiation strikes, | 08-19-2010 |
20100187211 | VEHICLE CABIN HEATING SYSTEM - A vehicle cabin heating system is provided basically with an infrared heater, a temperature sensor and a controller. The infrared heater is aimed to heat a target surface in front of the infrared heater within a vehicle cabin interior space. The temperature sensor is disposed in front of the first infrared heater to detect a measured temperature in front of the first infrared heater. The controller is operatively coupled to the first infrared heater to selectively operate the first infrared heater to a target surface temperature within the vehicle cabin interior space whenever an estimated surface temperature of a target surface is determined based on the measured temperature by the temperature sensor falls below a prescribed temperature range below the target surface temperature. | 07-29-2010 |
20100183841 | VEHICLE PANEL - A vehicle panel basically includes a skin layer, a substrate layer and a foam material. The skin layer includes an inbound facing side and an outbound facing side. The substrate layer includes an inbound facing side and an outbound facing side, with the inbound facing side of the substrate layer overlying and spaced from the outbound facing side of the skin layer to form a space therebetween. The foam material includes a first foam layer disposed in the space between the skin layer and the substrate layer and a second foam layer overlying the outbound facing side of the substrate layer, with the first and second foam layers being interconnected as a unitary member through at least one opening in the substrate layer. | 07-22-2010 |
20100181050 | VEHICLE HEAT EXCHANGER ARRANGEMENT - A vehicle heat exchanger arrangement is provided basically with a heat exchanger, a pusher fan and a power recovery device. The heat exchanger has a first side and a second side. The pusher fan is disposed on the first side of the heat exchanger to push air through the heat exchanger to the second side. The power recovery device is disposed on the second side of the heat exchanger to receive the air pushed through the heat exchanger by the pusher fan such that the power recovery device generates electricity. | 07-22-2010 |
20100148536 | CARGO BED STORAGE STRUCTURE FOR A VEHICLE - A cargo bed storage structure is provided for a vehicle. The cargo bed storage structure includes a cargo bed having a floor and a wall. The wall has a first portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the floor and a second portion extending inboard from the first portion. An attachment member is fixed to a lower surface of the second portion of the wall. A tie-down device has a first end that is fixed to the first portion of the wall. The tie-down device is operative in a stowed configuration and a usage configuration. The second end of the tie-down device is releasably engaged with the attachment member when the tie-down device is in the stowed configuration such that the tie-down device is disposed entirely outboard of an inboard distal end of the second portion of the wall. | 06-17-2010 |
20100129070 | REAR VIEW CAMERA MOUNTING ON A VEHICLE - A vehicle camera system includes a vehicle rear end body structure. The vehicle rear end body structure includes a license plate receiving area and a lamp receiving portion proximal to the license plate receiving area. A lamp assembly is coupled to the lamp receiving portion. The lamp assembly includes a lamp that is configured and arranged to illuminate at least a portion of the license plate receiving area. A camera is coupled to the lamp assembly. The camera is configured and arranged to capture an image of an area proximal to the vehicle rear end body structure. | 05-27-2010 |
20100123329 | FINISHING PANEL STRUCTURE - A finishing panel structure for an automobile comprising a trim panel, a deformable panel and a retainer bracket. The trim panel is connectable to the automobile and defines a panel opening. The deformable panel at least partially covers the panel opening, and defines a latch opening and at least one mounting apertures proximate to the latch opening. The retainer bracket defines a retainer bracket opening. At least one projection extends from at least one of the trim panel or the retainer bracket, and extends through the mounting aperture of the deformable panel. At least one engaging structure is formed on the other of the trim panel or the retainer bracket to engage the projection. | 05-20-2010 |
20100090499 | VEHICLE BODY STRUCTURE - A vehicle body stricture includes a vehicle frame having a pair of longitudinally extending first frame members spaced apart from one another supporting opposite lower side portions of a vehicle and a laterally extending second frame member extending between respective front portions of the first frame members. A vehicle body is supported on the vehicle frame. A bumper assembly is supported by at least one of the first frame members and the second frame member having a front bumper facia member with a lower edge that extends downward toward an underside of the second frame member. A compatibility member extends laterally between the first frame members, with at least a portion of the compatibility member extending below the second frame member. The compatibility member has at least one attachment point fixed to the second frame member. | 04-15-2010 |
20100077846 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TESTING ROAD LOAD DURABILITY OF TRUCK REAR BED - A method for testing road load durability of a truck rear bed includes calculating road pseudo fatigue damage on the rear bed based on road load data indicative of loads imparted on the rear bed while the truck is traveling on a proving road, determining a cyclic input applied to a rear bed assembly mounted on a bench test stand with the rear bed assembly being separated from at least a cab of the truck so that bench test pseudo fatigue damage on the rear bed that is substantially equivalent to the road pseudo fatigue damage is achieved by the cyclic input, and performing a durability bench test of the rear bed by applying the cyclic input to the rear bed assembly mounted on the bench test stand with the rear bed assembly being separated from at least the cab. | 04-01-2010 |
20100070932 | VEHICLE ON-BOARD DEVICE - A vehicle on-board device includes a user interface device and a processing section. The user interface device is mounted inside of a vehicle, and configured and arranged to output information to a user and to receive a user input. The processing section is operatively coupled to the user interface device, and configured to perform a prescribed function in response to a prescribed user operation received by the user input interface device. The processing section is further configured to perform an interactive tutorial control to provide the user with at least one interactive instruction for the prescribed function in which the processing section prompts the user to input the prescribed user operation, determines whether the user input received by the user interface device matches the prescribed user operation, and completes the interactive learning control when the user input matches the prescribed user operation. | 03-18-2010 |
20100067246 | VEHICLE STRUCTURE - A vehicle body includes a lamp housing receiving portion, a access opening adjacent to the lamp housing receiving portion, a vehicle closure member, a lamp housing and a lamp lens. The vehicle closure member is movable between an open position exposing the access opening and a closed position covering the door opening. The lamp housing is removably disposed within the lamp housing receiving portion having at least one lamp receiving portion and an inboard lens attachment portion. The lamp lens is configured to allow transmission of light therethrough having an inboard housing attachment portion that is fixedly attached to the inboard lens attachment portion. The inboard housing attachment portion and the inboard lens attachment portion are disposed inboard of an outboard lateral edge of the vehicle closure member and concealed by the vehicle closure member when the vehicle closure member is in the closed position. | 03-18-2010 |
20100065298 | VEHICLE GROMMET - A grommet is attached between a body panel and a trunk lid at a location spaced from a hinge that movably supports the trunk lid. The grommet is located inboard of the hinge and is attached only to the body panel and trunk lid and free from connection to the hinge. The grommet includes a body mounting end attached to the body panel, a trunk lid mounting end, a first flexible section extending from the body mounting end, a second flexible section extending from the trunk lid mounting end and a middle section extending between the first and second flexible sections. The first flexible section and the second flexible section are configured and arranged to bend as the trunk lid moves between the open position and the closed position to prevent contact of the grommet to the hinge. | 03-18-2010 |
20100057308 | ADAPTIVE INSTRUCTION SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - Disclosed herein are instruction systems for a vehicle. One system comprises a condition sensor configured to detect and generate an output indicative of at least one vehicle condition, a user interface device and a position sensing system configured to detect and generate an output indicative of a user's position relative to a vehicle component. Each instruction is associated with a state of the at least one vehicle condition and the user's position relative to the vehicle component. A controller is programmed and configured to select one of the plurality of instructions based upon the vehicle condition as indicated by the condition sensor output and the user's position as indicated by the position sensing system. The instructions are provided to the user through the user interface device. Methods for using the system are also disclosed. | 03-04-2010 |
20100052848 | REMOTE VEHICLE OPERATING SYSTEM - A remote vehicle operating system is provided that basically comprises a vehicle and a portable hand held electronic terminal for remotely operating the vehicle. The vehicle includes a vehicle exterior body, an onboard terminal and at least one onboard device operatively connected to the onboard terminal. The portable hand held electronic terminal includes a miniature vehicle shaped casing with a transmitter that communicates with the onboard terminal of the vehicle to transmit a command to the onboard device. In accordance with one aspect, an operating element is disposed on the casing in a position of the casing such that touching a miniature vehicle component corresponding to the vehicle component of the vehicle results in the operation of the vehicle component. In accordance with one aspect, the miniature vehicle shaped casing corresponds in general appearance to the vehicle exterior body of the vehicle. | 03-04-2010 |
20100052404 | VEHICLE SEAT BELT GUIDING DEVICE - A vehicle seat belt guiding device is basically provided with a support portion and a seat belt guiding portion. The seat belt guiding portion includes a first seat belt guide surface extending for a prescribed length that is equal to or greater than a vehicle seat belt width, and a second guide portion includes a second seat belt guide surface extending for a prescribed length that is equal to or greater than half of the vehicle seat belt width. The second seat belt guide surface is angled upwardly with respect to the first seat belt guide surface to form a first acute angle and angled laterally with respect to the first seat belt guide surface to form a second acute angle, when the vehicle seat belt guiding device is in a seat belt in-use position. | 03-04-2010 |
20100052364 | VEHICLE COWL BOX STRUCTURE - A vehicle cowl box structure is provided basically with an air inlet, an air outlet, an air passageway and a flow restriction device. The air inlet is arranged to receive outside air. The air outlet is arranged to convey the outside air to a vehicle HVAC system. The air passageway extends between the air inlet and the air outlet to convey the outside air from the air inlet to the air outlet. The flow restriction device is disposed in the air passageway at a point between the air inlet and the air outlet. The flow restriction device is configured and arranged to automatically decrease airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet as the airflow through the air inlet increases. | 03-04-2010 |
20100052353 | VEHICLE CONTAINER INTERFACE - A storage assembly for a vehicle includes a vehicle structure, a removable storage container and a container attachment member. The removable storage container is moveable between a retained position and a release position. The container attachment member is coupled to the vehicle structure, and the container attachment member is moveable between a first position and a second position. The container attachment member is configured to engage the storage container and retain the storage container in the retained position when the container attachment member is in the first position. The container attachment member is configured to be disengaged from the storage container for movement of the storage container between the retained and released positions when the container attachment member is in the second position. | 03-04-2010 |
20100051712 | Variable Air Intake Opening for a Vehicle - An air intake for a climate control system of a vehicle. The air intake includes an inlet having a cover with holes to permit a flow of air into a chamber when the vehicle is moving. The chamber is adjacent to the inlet and has an outlet that channels the flow of air from the cover through the chamber and to the climate control system. The chamber is positioned in the vehicle to absorb heat from the engine. An adjustable baffle regulates the flow of air through the cover into the chamber. A thermally-responsive actuator is exposed to the ambient air. The actuator is configured to move the baffle to reduce the flow of air into the chamber in response to lower ambient air temperature and increase the flow in response to higher ambient air temperature. The cover can be a cowl and the chamber a cowl box. | 03-04-2010 |
20100051711 | REVERSIBLE COOLING FAN FOR VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING DIRECTION OF ROTATION - An apparatus for heating a passenger compartment of a vehicle having an engine room defining a ram airflow path, an engine located in the engine room, and a cooling pack located in the ram airflow path for dissipating waste heat generated by the engine is described. The apparatus includes a fan positioned in the ram airflow path, the fan responsive to a control signal to operate in at least two modes relative to the ram airflow path. The apparatus also includes a controller responsive to at least one sensor and configured to generate the control signal to operate the fan in a first mode when the detected one or more operating conditions are in a first state and to operate the fan in a second mode when the detected one or more operating conditions are in a second state. | 03-04-2010 |
20100051616 | COLLAPSIBLE STORAGE CONTAINER - A collapsible container includes a bottom wall and a plurality of sidewalls. At least two of the side walls include a rigid first segment and a rigid second segment coupled to the first segment by a pivot to permit the side wall to fold so that the first segment and second segment form an acute angle or are parallel when the container is collapsed. The collapsible container can be configured in a storage configuration for containing objects or a collapsed configuration occupying less volume than the storage configuration for stowing the container. | 03-04-2010 |
20100051393 | BRAKE PAD CLIP WITH INTEGRATED PAD RETURN SPRING AND WEAR INDICATOR - A brake pad assembly for use with a disc brake for a wheel of a vehicle, the disc brake having a caliper and a rotor, is disclosed herein. First and second brake pads are positioned on opposing sides of the rotor and configured to engage the rotor when urged together by the caliper. Each of the first and second brake pads includes a rotor-engaging pad element and a mounting plate having a rotor facing surface. A first clip is coupled to each of the brake pads and includes a first biasing mechanism configured to urge the first brake pad away from the rotor. The first biasing mechanism has a flange positioned to engage the rotor-facing surface of the mounting plate of the first brake pad. A wear indicator extends from the flange toward the rotor. | 03-04-2010 |
20100031680 | VEHICLE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM - A vehicle air conditioning system includes a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, a humidity sensor and a controller. The compressor is configured to compress refrigerant and the condenser is fluidly coupled to the compressor to receive the refrigerant from the compressor. The evaporator is fluidly coupled to the condenser to receive the refrigerant from the condenser and fluidly coupled to the compressor to supply the refrigerant to the compressor. The humidity sensor is positioned proximate the evaporator to detect moisture density of air passing through the evaporator towards a vehicle passenger compartment. The controller is operatively coupled to the humidity sensor and the compressor to cycle the compressor on and off to maintain the moisture density in the air being cooled by the evaporator and sensed by the humidity sensor below a predetermined moisture density threshold. | 02-11-2010 |
20100014687 | AUTOMATIC INPUT SENSITIVITY SELECTOR FOR AUXILIARY DEVICES - An audiovisual system including a circuit coupled to the first input and having an adjustable sensitivity control and a detector configured to detect the presence of a signal from the second input. The sensitivity control is responsive to the detector to set the sensitivity for a first input sensitivity level when the detector detects the presence of the signal from the second input and to set the sensitivity for a second input sensitivity level when the detector does not detect the signal from the second input. | 01-21-2010 |
20100013260 | COVERING FOR INTERIOR VEHICLE SURFACES AND METHOD OF APPLYING COVERING - Disclosed herein are interior vehicle surfaces having a substrate and a covering having imposed thereon a decorative pattern. The covering is applied to the substrate oriented so that a segment of the decorative pattern forms an angle of less than ninety degrees with a visual reference line. Application of the covering includes determining a visual reference line with respect to the interior vehicle surface to be covered, rotating the covering less than ninety degrees such that a segment of the pattern originally parallel to the visual reference line is now angled with respect to the visual reference line and applying the rotated covering to the interior vehicle surface. | 01-21-2010 |
20100007175 | INTERIOR VEHICLE BODY STRUCTURE - A vehicle body structure includes an interior cargo area having an interior wall, a track and a cargo accessory. The track is fixedly attached to the interior wall. The track also includes a pair of parallel spaced apart wall portions defining a track slot therebetween. The cargo accessory includes a cargo supporting portion and an attachment portion connected to one another in a non-threaded manner. The cargo supporting portion is operable to attach the attachment portion to the spaced apart wall portions of the track retaining the cargo accessory in position in a tool-less manner. | 01-14-2010 |
20100001554 | VEHICLE BODY PASS-THROUGH STRUCTURE - A vehicle body pass-through structure is basically provided with a seal member, a rigid mounting member and a grommet. The seal member includes a first side, a second side and an access opening extending through the seal member between the first side and the second side. The rigid mounting member overlies the second side of the seal member so that the access opening of the seal member aligns with an attachment aperture of the mounting member. The grommet includes a first open end portion, a second open end portion, and a passageway extending between the first open end portion and the second open end portion. The first open end portion is disposed in the attachment aperture of the mounting member. | 01-07-2010 |
20090318069 | CONTACT-FREE VEHICLE AIR VENT - A contact-free air vent flow direction control device includes an air vent, a positioning mechanism, a touch-less motion sensor and a control unit. The air vent has at least one flow control blade configured to move between a plurality of predetermined orientations each corresponding to a direction of air flow from the air vent. The positioning mechanism is operably coupled to the flow control blade. The touch-less motion sensor is configured to detect relative movement of objects proximate the touch-less motion sensor. The control unit is operably connected to the touch-less motion sensor and the positioning mechanism to control operation of the positioning mechanism in order to position the flow control blade in a selected one of the predetermined orientations in response to a corresponding one of a plurality of predetermined movements detected by the touch-less motion sensor. | 12-24-2009 |
20090289470 | PANEL ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE - A panel assembly for a vehicle door has trim panel coupled to the door and having at least a portion thereof that is spaced from the door's outboard frame. The trim panel has first and second impact areas. A plurality of energy absorbing structures is arranged in an array between the trim panel and the door frame. Each energy absorbing structure has a base end, an outboard end, and at least one sidewall. The base end is adjacent to the trim panel. The outboard end engages the vehicle door. The sidewall may include either or both of a reinforcement structure and a weakening structure that are sized and configured so that the energy absorbing structure has a predetermined range of energy absorption against the occupant during a side-impact collision. Energy absorbing structures having different energy absorption characteristics are located adjacent to the first and second impact areas. | 11-26-2009 |
20090267364 | VEHICLE FRONT END ASSEMBLY - A vehicle front end assembly is provided with a vehicle bumper fascia panel, a headlamp, a headlamp support bracket and a bumper fascia reinforcement bracket. The vehicle bumper fascia panel has an inbound facing surface and an exterior surface. The headlamp is disposed above the vehicle bumper fascia panel. The headlamp support bracket is disposed below the headlamp. The headlamp support bracket has a first locating structure. The bumper fascia reinforcement bracket is fixed to the vehicle bumper fascia panel to overlie an end section of the inbound facing surface of the vehicle bumper fascia panel to reinforce the end section. The bumper fascia reinforcement bracket includes a second locating structure mating with the first locating structure to position the headlamp with respect to the vehicle bumper fascia panel. | 10-29-2009 |
20090243342 | PASSENGER VEHICLE REAR END STRUCTURE - A passenger vehicle rear end structure is provided with a vehicle body, a rear body panel and connection arrangement. The vehicle body includes an interior cargo area having a rear exterior trunk access opening and a rear exterior body surface. The rear body panel is movably with respect to the vehicle body between an upright orientation and a horizontal orientation with the rear body panel forming a rear exterior panel surface that mates with the rear exterior body surface. The connection arrangement couples the rear body panel to the vehicle body for movement of the rear body panel between the upright orientation and the horizontal orientation. The rear exterior surface of the rear body panel is disposed rearward of a portion of the rear exterior body surface that mates with a bottom ledge of the rear body panel when the rear body panel is in the horizontal orientation. | 10-01-2009 |
20090243333 | PASSENGER VEHICLE REAR END STRUCTURE - A passenger vehicle rear end structure is provided with a vehicle body and a rear window. The vehicle body includes a vehicle interior area, a roof portion overlying the vehicle interior area, a pair of rear pillars and a rear body portion adjoined to a rear part of the roof portion by the rear pillars, at least one of the rear pillars, the rear body portion and the roof portion defining a rear window opening. The rear window is movably with respect to the vehicle body between a closed position that covers the rear window opening and an open position that exposes the rear window opening, with a majority of the rear window overlapping the roof portion when the rear window is in the open position. | 10-01-2009 |
20090243329 | PASSENGER VEHICLE TRUNK STRUCTURE - A passenger vehicle trunk structure is provided with a trunk lid, a vehicle body, a hinge arrangement and a tool free hinge release mechanism. The vehicle body defines an interior cargo area with an exterior trunk access opening. The hinge arrangement is pivotally coupling the trunk lid to the vehicle body with the trunk lid being movable between a closed position that covers the exterior trunk access opening and an open position that exposes the exterior trunk access opening to provide access to the interior cargo area through the exterior trunk access opening. The tool free hinge release mechanism is operatively coupled to the hinge arrangement to release the trunk lid from the vehicle body. | 10-01-2009 |
20090231872 | FENDER TAB AND LOCATING CRADLE - A light assembly for a vehicle includes a light unit having a housing and a lens attached to the housing. A cradle is disposed on the housing, and the cradle includes a first guide surface. A body panel includes a cantilevered portion, and the cantilevered portion includes a tab projecting from an interior side of the cantilevered portion. The tab is configured to be slidably disposed adjacent the first guide surface to locate the cantilevered portion relative to the light unit. | 09-17-2009 |
20090231870 | WRAPAROUND LIGHT ASSEMBLY - A wraparound light assembly for a vehicle. A lens is attached to a housing. A body panel defines an interior vehicle space, and the body panel includes a recessed portion defining an aperture. The housing overlays at least part of the recess. A grommet is disposed in the aperture and extends through the body panel into the interior vehicle space. The grommet defines a receptacle having an opening facing the housing. A projection extends from the housing. The projection is configured to be slidably engaged in the receptacle along an installation axis and to extend into a portion of the receptacle in the interior vehicle space. | 09-17-2009 |
20090230745 | ADJUSTABLE SEAT FOR USE IN A VEHICLE - An adjustable seat for use in a passenger compartment of a vehicle. A seat cushion is slidably mounted for movement between an aft position and a fore position, and a seat back is connected to the seat cushion. A latch connected to the seat back, and a mounting member is connected to the vehicle that releasably engages the latch to limit fore-aft movement of the seat back with respect to the mounting member so that movement of the seat cushion from the aft position to the fore position moves the seat back from an upright position to a reclined position. | 09-17-2009 |
20090218852 | Modular Vehicle Front End With Resin Overmold Bracket And Vehicle Comprising Same - Disclosed herein is a modular vehicle front end comprising a frame, a cooling unit mounted to the frame, a conduit running through the cooling unit, and a bracket for securing the conduit to the frame. The bracket can comprise an attachment portion configured for attachment to the frame and a retainer overmolded on the conduit. The bracket can further comprise at least one flexible clamp portion configured to receive and retain a second conduit. A vehicle comprising an engine and the modular front end taught herein is also disclosed. | 09-03-2009 |
20090218840 | Console Lid Dual Latch Differentiation - Disclosed herein are a vehicle console and a latching system for a vehicle console with dual latch differentiation. The latching system comprises at least one lid pivotally attached to the console to move between a closed position and an open position relative to the opening. First and second latches are mounted to the lid. The first latch is configured to detach the lid from the first coupling to permit the lid to move to the open position while still attached to the secondary compartment, thereby exposing the primary compartment. The second latch is configured to detach the lid from both the first coupling and second coupling to permit the lid to move to the open position, detached from the secondary compartment. The first and second latches each comprise a hand engageable contact surface and the contact surface of one of the first and second latches comprises a tactile differentiator. | 09-03-2009 |
20090218834 | VEHICLE BUMPER FASCIA RETAINER - A vehicle bumper fascia retainer is provided with a laterally extending fascia support portion, first and second front end attachment structures and first and second lamp attachment structures. The first and second front end attachment structures are disposed on opposite lateral ends of the fascia support portion for attachment to a vehicle front end. The first and second lamp attachment structures are disposed on opposite lateral ends of the fascia support portion for supporting first and second head lamp housings. | 09-03-2009 |
20090218160 | Adjustable Vehicle Transmission Shifters - Disclosed herein are embodiments of a vehicle transmission shifter and methods of adjusting the vehicle transmission shifter. The vehicle transmission shifter comprises a stalk, a paddle extending from the stalk, and an adjustment mechanism responsive to a driver input to position the paddle in relation to the steering wheel. The paddle is configured to receive a driver's fingers while manually engaging the steering wheel. The method comprises providing driver input to the adjustment mechanism through a user control and adjusting the adjustment mechanism in response to the driver input to position the paddle in relation to the steering wheel. | 09-03-2009 |
20090206636 | VEHICLE ROOF BOW ASSEMBLY - A vehicle roof bow assembly includes a roof bow member and a pair of telescoping mounting brackets. The roof bow member is configured to extend in a lateral side-to-side direction along an underside of a vehicle roof panel. The telescoping mounting brackets each have a first end and a second end with the first end having a side rail attachment flange configured for rigid attachment to a first vehicle roof side rail and a roof panel attachment flange configured for rigid attachment to the vehicle roof panel and the second end being attached to the roof bow member. The telescoping mounting brackets are disposed at opposite ends of the roof bow member. | 08-20-2009 |
20090206635 | VEHICLE BODY STRUCTURE - A vehicle body structure includes a roof panel, a front structural support member and an optional extension member. The front structural support member includes a first A-pillar attachment end, a second A-pillar attachment end, a front edge extending between the first and second A-pillar attachment ends and a rear edge extending between the first and second A-pillar attachment ends. In a first configuration, the roof panel attaches to the front edge and also to another region of the front structural support member. In a second vehicle configuration, the extension member is attached a rear edge of the front structural support member and extends to a position on the roof panel that is located vertically above the front structural support member when the front structural support member is in an installed orientation. | 08-20-2009 |
20090206615 | Cancel Lever For Clam Shell Vehicle Doors - A door assembly for a vehicle body including a portal having a first end and a second end. A first door and a second door are pivotably coupled to the first end and the second end, respectively, of the portal. The first door includes an end panel opposite the first end of the portal, and a pivot is fixed to the end panel. A cancel lever is rotatably coupled to the pivot, and the cancel lever is arranged to be contacted by the second door at any location within a zone of contact determined by the relative positions of the first and second doors such that a force applied to the cancel lever by the second door includes a component perpendicular to a radius of the cancel lever at the point of contact. | 08-20-2009 |
20090189418 | HEADLINER RETAINER CLIP - A retainer assembly for connecting a headliner panel to a support structure. A retainer clip is configured to connect the support structure to the headliner panel. A slot is defined in the support structure and configured to receive s stem portion of the retainer clip. The slot and the stem portion cooperate to define a float length and a float width, which define a range of motion over which the headliner panel is longitudinally and transversely moveable with respect to the support structure. | 07-30-2009 |
20090189404 | VEHICLE CARGO SIDEWALL STRUCTURE - A vehicle cargo sidewall structure includes a vertical inboard wall panel, a vertical outboard wall panel, door panel and a storage bin. The inboard wall panel includes an access opening. The outboard wall panel extends along side the inboard wall panel to define a side wall structure with a concealed storage space located between the inboard and outboard wall panels. The storage space is accessible via the access opening. The door panel moves between a closed position overlaying the access opening concealing the storage space and an opened position exposing the storage space. The storage bin is coupled to the door panel for movement therewith such that with the door panel in the closed position the storage bin is disposed within the storage space and with the door panel in the opened position the storage bin at least partially extends out of the storage space. | 07-30-2009 |
20090167052 | Door Assembly for Motor Vehicle Having Magnetized Door Bumper and Methods for Making Same - Door assemblies having magnetized bumpers for use with vehicles are disclosed. The door assemblies comprise a bumper assembly for use in a vehicle having a door that when fully opens contacts an adjacent body panel. The bumper assembly includes a bumper having a base and a distal end opposite the base. The base is configured for fixed attachment to the first exterior surface of a vehicle. The bumper is made of an elastomer and/or plastic and is configured for removable engagement with a second exterior surface. A magnet is provided with at least a portion of the magnet embedded in the body between the distal end and the base. The magnet is located within the bumper sufficiently close to the distal end to exert an attractive magnetic force sufficient to retain a door in contact with the bumper but without the magnet directly touching the door. | 07-02-2009 |
20090152838 | AIRBAG INFLATOR DEVICE AND METHOD OF INSTALLATION - A vehicle having and airbag inflator device and method of installation is disclosed. The airbag inflator device is positioned in a recess in a body structure roof rail or enclosed in an interior cavity defined by the roof rail member. The airbag inflator is mounted to the roof rail directly or to a cover plate that when installed forms a part of the roof rail substantially covering an aperture in the roof rail. | 06-18-2009 |
20090143943 | VEHICLE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM - A vehicle seat pressure sensor includes a light source, a non-fiber optical polymer sheet, a boundary layer and a detection unit. The non-fiber optical polymer sheet is composed of non-woven flexible optical polymer material and has a first surface with a peripheral edge surrounding the first surface. The peripheral edge of the optical polymer sheet is aligned with the light source such that light emitted from the light source projects into the optical polymer sheet through the peripheral edge. The boundary layer is disposed along the first surface of the optical polymer sheet. The detection unit is disposed relative to the optical polymer sheet to detect changes in attenuation of light emitted from the peripheral edge of the optical polymer sheet in response to elastic deformation of the boundary layer and the optical polymer sheet. | 06-04-2009 |
20090100654 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ATTACHING COVERING MATERIAL TO INTERIOR COMPONENTS OF A VEHCILE - Apparatus and method for attaching a covering material to interior components of a vehicle, such as a speaker grille, seat or other substrate. The interior component has a first side configured to face the interior of the vehicle and second side facing away from the interior of the vehicle. One or more anchor members project from the second side of the substrate, each of the anchor members having at least one retention member. The covering material has apertures disposed about a central portion. The covering material is wrapped around the substrate so that the central portion of the covering material overlays at least a portion of the first side, and each of the anchor members and its retention member are inserted through one of the apertures to secure the covering material to the substrate. | 04-23-2009 |
20090096598 | FORWARD VEHICLE BRAKE WARNING SYSTEM - A forward vehicle brake warning system includes an incoming message receiving component, an adverse driving condition obtaining component, an incoming message relevancy component, a relevancy adjustment component and a driver warning component. The incoming message receiving component is configured to receive hard brake messages from neighboring vehicles located within a prescribed communication region around a host vehicle. The adverse driving condition obtaining component is configured to receive driving condition information affecting drivability of the host vehicle. The incoming message relevancy component is configured to perform a relevancy determination of the hard brake messages. The relevancy adjustment component is configured to adjust the relevancy determination to selectively filter the hard brake messages received depending upon the driving condition information. The driver warning component configured to alert a driver of the host vehicle. | 04-16-2009 |
20090096193 | INTEGRATED AIRBAG PANEL - A moveable integrated airbag panel and method of assembly is presented. In the exemplary application, a vehicular expandable airbag is attached to the inside of an A-pillar trim panel along with the inflator to form an integrated airbag panel that is attached as a preassembled unit to the vehicle body structure. On deployment of the airbag, the integrated airbag panel as a unit moves away from the A-pillar structure while a portion of the airbag remains attached to the A-pillar structure to limit movement of the airbag. The moveable integrated airbag panel provides increased coverage and protection of the occupant in the A-pillar area. | 04-16-2009 |
20090091103 | TRIM PANEL BREAKAWAY FEATURE - A vehicle body structure includes a pillar, a trim panel, a handle and an airbag. The trim panel is configured to overlay a portion of the pillar and conceal the airbag. The trim panel includes a first trim portion and a second trim portion that is separable from the first trim portion along a predetermined separation line. The handle is rigidly attached to the pillar by at least one fastener that extends through the second trim portion of the trim panel. The airbag is disposed between the trim panel and the pillar such that in response to deployment of the airbag at least a portion of the first trim portion separates from the second trim portion along the predetermined separation line. | 04-09-2009 |
20090080995 | VEHICLE CARGO ARRANGEMENT - A vehicle cargo arrangement has a track with an elongated slot and a tie-down assembly. The tie-down assembly includes a tie-down fitting, a retainer coupled to the tie-down fitting to selectively retain the tie-down fitting to the track, and a blocking part. The blocking part is movably coupled with respect to the tie-down fitting between a blocked orientation and an unblocked orientation. The tie-down assembly is removable from the track by rotational movement when the blocking part is in the unblocked orientation. However, the tie-down assembly is not removable from the track by the rotational movement when the blocking part is in the blocked orientation. | 03-26-2009 |
20090079230 | CARGO BOX FOR PICKUP TRUCK AND METHOD FOR MAKING SAME - A cargo box for a pickup truck having a header panel with integral welding braces or struts. The cargo box has left and right sidewalls defining the left and right sides of the cargo box, respectively, a tailgate attached to the rear end of at least one of the left and right sidewalls, a cargo box floor spanning the left and right sidewalls, and a header panel having a main body spanning the front ends of the left and right sidewalls to form a front side of the cargo box. The header panel has integral left and right lateral sides extending from and integral with its main body and these are welded directly to the left and right sidewalls without any intervening brace above the level of the cargo bed floor, Left and right braces are welded to the lower end of the header panel and the left and right sidewalls at and below the cargo bed floor, so that a majority of the mass of the brace is below the lower edge of the header panel. | 03-26-2009 |
20090079171 | SIDE AIRBAG APPARATUS AND METHOD - An inflatable side airbag restraint for use in passenger vehicles. The airbag includes a relief portion providing clearance for the arm and elbow of an occupant or test device which reduces or eliminates lateral compression of the arm on the chest and abdomen regions of an occupant or test device. | 03-26-2009 |
20090058154 | VEHICLE SEAT ASSEMBLY - A vehicle seat assembly includes a first seat section, a second seat section, and a portioning panel. The first seat section has a first cushion portion and a first seatback portion that define a first seating area. The second seat section has a second cushion portion and a second seatback portion that define a second seating area disposed laterally adjacent the first seating area. The second seatback portion is movably mounted between an upwardly extending in-use orientation and a retracted non-use orientation. The partitioning panel is movably arranged between a stowed position in which the partitioning panel is disposed outside of the first and second seating areas and a partitioning position in which the partitioning panel extends upwardly along a lateral side of the first seat section in a forward to aft direction of the first seat section. | 03-05-2009 |
20090058053 | INFLATABLE CURTAIN AIRBAG INTEGRATED TETHER - An inflatable curtain airbag integrated tether and method of manufacture can include forming an inflatable curtain from at least one panel of material defining at least one expandable chamber, forming a tether integrally from a salvage area of the at one panel of material, and attaching the tether at an attachment point to the inflatable curtain at one end and having opposite end attachable to a structural pillar of the vehicle for anchoring the inflatable curtain during inflation. The side curtain airbag can be for installation in a stowed condition proximate a roof rail of a vehicle and adapted to be inflated to a deployed condition extending downward along an inner side surface of a passenger compartment of a vehicle. | 03-05-2009 |
20090051148 | Side Airbag Seat Reinforcement Pocket - A side airbag seat reinforcement pocket is defined by at least one sheet of material having a peripheral edge and being divided into at least three major surface portions along first, second and third fold lines. The first major surface portion includes at least one first aperture adjacent a first edge and an edge to be sewn into a seat trim cover seam along a second edge opposite from the first edge. The second major surface portion has at least one second aperture formed adjacent peripheral edge. The third major surface portion has at least one third aperture formed adjacent the peripheral edge. The first, second and third apertures are located in coaxial alignment with respect to one another when the second and third major surface portions are folded to define an enclosed pocket in five directions with an opening in a sixth direction. | 02-26-2009 |
20090014203 | VEHICLE GROMMET - A grommet is attached between a body panel and a trunk lid at a location spaced from a hinge structure that movably supports the trunk lid. The grommet forms a wiring passageway between an opening in the body panel and an opening in the trunk lid. The grommet includes a body mounting end, a closure panel mounting end, a first flexible section, a second flexible section and a middle flexible section. The first flexible section extends from the body mounting end and the second flexible section extends from the closure panel mounting end. The middle flexible section extends between the first and second flexible sections in a free floating configuration with respect to the hinge structure, with the first and second flexible sections having a more bendable configuration than the middle flexible section. | 01-15-2009 |
20080310668 | SPEAKER RETENTION BRACKET AND METHOD - An audio speaker bracket for use in passenger vehicles and a method for installing the speaker to a mounting panel using at feast one suspension member. The method permits the speaker to be temporarily supported by a mounting panel while secure attachment of the bracket to the mounting panel is completed. | 12-18-2008 |
20080298923 | VEHICLE CARGO BED - A vehicle cargo bed includes a cargo bed floor, a wall structure and an attachment member. The cargo bed floor has an approximately horizontal cargo bed surface. The wall structure at least partially surrounds the cargo bed surface. At least a portion of the wall structure has an upper end. The attachment member is secured to the upper end of the portion of the wall structure defining an approximately horizontal first surface disposed above the cargo bed surface. The first surface has a linearly extending scalar demarcations formed thereon. | 12-04-2008 |
20080265607 | AUDIO BRACKET FORE AND AFT SLIP PLANE - An automotive audio bracket for mounting a vehicle component to an interior surface of the vehicle includes a first mounting surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the interior surface and adapted for attachment to a rigid support structure of the vehicle, and a second mounting surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the interior surface and adapted for attachment to the vehicle component. An elongated aperture extends through one of the first and second mounting surfaces, the aperture being elongated along an axis substantially perpendicular to the interior surface. A fastening mechanism is positioned within the aperture and connects the first mounting surface to the second mounting surface. | 10-30-2008 |
20080265605 | RETRACTABLE CUP HOLDER ASSEMBLY - A retractable cup holder assembly includes an interior trim panel, a support housing and a retractable cup holder. The support housing is releasably retained in a cup holder receiving opening of the interior trim panel by a reusable breakaway connection such that the breakaway connection at least partially releases the support housing from the interior trim panel for movement between an installed orientation and a breakaway orientation upon application of a prescribed force being applied to the breakaway connection. The retractable cup holder is pivotally supported to the support housing about a pivot axis between a stowed position in which the cup holder is retracted and a deployed position in which the cup holder extends outwardly from the support housing. The cup holder moves with the support housing when the support housing moves from the installed orientation to the breakaway orientation. | 10-30-2008 |
20080259619 | VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system controls an auxiliary light for a vehicle. The system includes a cockpit button to activate the auxiliary light, a Hall sensor operable to detect the installation and removal of a magnetized cover for the auxiliary light; a warning indicator; and a controller. The controller activates the warning indicator in response to the output of the sensor and the on/off state of the cockpit button. | 10-23-2008 |
20080259618 | VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM AND METHOD - An exterior auxiliary lighting system is provided including a light source for generating a beam of visible light, the light source having an aperture through which the beam of light is projected. A cover can be detachably connected to the light source to overlay at least a portion of the aperture. A sensor is provided for detecting whether the cover is attached to the light source. A switch responsive to an output signal from the sensor is adapted to selectively decouple the light source from a power supply when the sensor detects that the cover is attached to the light source. | 10-23-2008 |
20080245504 | VEHICLE AIR RECIRCULATION CONTROL DEVICE - An air recirculation control system is basically provided with a thermal sensing arrangement, a blower speed sensing arrangement, a recirculation door actuator and a control device. The thermal sensing arrangement detects a prescribed temperature condition. The blower speed sensing arrangement provides a prescribed blower signal indicative of a prescribed blower speed condition. The recirculation door actuator operates a recirculation door. The control device selectively activates the recirculation door actuator to switch between a normal air intake mode and a recirculation override mode based on the prescribed temperature condition detected by the thermal sensing arrangement and the prescribed blower signal received from the blower speed sensing arrangement. | 10-09-2008 |
20080243373 | PORTABLE VEHICLE NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD - A portable vehicle navigation device and method for use in a passenger vehicle. The navigation device is portable and calculates the vehicle speed rate from external global positioning signals and includes selected lock out of features and automatic volume adjustment. | 10-02-2008 |
20080243337 | LANE DEPARTURE AVOIDANCE SYSTEM - A lane departure avoidance system is provided with a rumble strip sensing device and a lateral lane departure rate determining component. The rumble strip sensing device is configured to detect an input from a rumble strip to a vehicle wheel that is indicative of a rumble strip engagement amount. The lateral lane departure rate determining component is configured to determine a lateral rate of lane departure of a vehicle based on a detection result of the rumble strip sensing device. | 10-02-2008 |
20080238112 | TRIM PANEL TETHER AND METHOD - A trim panel cover tether and method for use with interior trim cover panels or audio speakers grilles. A deformable tether strap is engaged with the trim panel substrate and the cover panel to deter undesirable rattles of the speaker grille and to prevent complete detachment of the cover panel from the trim panel substrate in the event the cover panel is dislodged from the substrate. | 10-02-2008 |
20080238069 | VEHICLE STEERING COLUMN STRUCTURE - A vehicle steering column structure includes a movable steering column portion, a tilting mechanism and a telescoping mechanism. The tilting mechanism is configured to selectively adjust an angle of inclination of a tilting part. The telescoping mechanism adjusts the telescopic position of a telescoping part. The telescoping mechanism includes a hand operated release member, an actuation member and a biasing member. The hand operated release member has an actuating end pivotal about first pivot axis between a locking orientation and a releasing orientation. The actuation member has a contact section. The biasing member urges the actuation member to apply an approximately constant return force from the contact section to the actuating end biasing the hand operated release member to return to the locking orientation regardless of the tilt angle of the tilting mechanism. | 10-02-2008 |
20080238068 | VEHICLE STEERING COLUMN STRUCTURE - A vehicle steering column structure includes a fixed steering column portion, a movable steering column portion movably coupled to the fixed steering column portion and a steering column positioning mechanism. The steering column positioning mechanism is operably coupled between the fixed and movable steering column portions for adjusting a relative position therebetween. The steering column positioning mechanism includes a release member and a biasing member. The biasing member biases the release member to a locking orientation such that the biasing force of the biasing member applied to the release member changes with corresponding movement of the release member along a first movement portion of a prescribed movement range and the biasing force of the biasing member is generally constant with movement of the release member along a second movement portion of the prescribed movement range. | 10-02-2008 |
20080238054 | SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG DIRECTIONAL DEPLOYMENT APPARATUS - At least one guide member extends longitudinally along at least a portion of a stowed side curtain airbag. At least one guide ramp directs deployment of the side curtain airbag toward the openable passage defined at least in part by one or more trim pieces. The guide member surrounds the side curtain airbag on three sides to define an airbag deployment opening facing a rear surface of the one or more trim pieces adjacent the openable passage. The interior trim structure covers the stowed side curtain airbag and allows deployment of the side curtain airbag through an interface joint to a position along a sidewall of a passenger compartment adjacent a rear seat location of a two-door coupe style vehicle. The interface joint defines an openable passage along the first and second abutting edges allowing deployment of a side curtain airbag through the interface joint. | 10-02-2008 |
20080238053 | SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG DIRECTIONAL DEPLOYMENT APPARATUS - At least one guide member extends longitudinally along at least a portion of a stowed side curtain airbag. At least one guide ramp directs deployment of the side curtain airbag toward the openable passage defined at least in part by one or more trim pieces. The guide member surrounds the side curtain airbag on three sides to define an airbag deployment opening facing a rear surface of the one or more trim pieces adjacent the openable passage. The interior trim structure covers the stowed side curtain airbag and allows deployment of the side curtain airbag through an interface joint to a position along a sidewall of a passenger compartment adjacent a rear seat location of a two-door coupe style vehicle. The interface joint defines an openable passage along the first and second abutting edges allowing deployment of a side curtain airbag through the interface joint. | 10-02-2008 |
20080238049 | Rear Pillar to Center Pillar Trim Joint Connection for Rear Seat Passenger Airbag Side Curtain Deployment - An interior trim structure covers a stowed side curtain airbag and allows deployment of the side curtain airbag through an interface joint to a position along a sidewall of a passenger compartment adjacent a rear seat location of a two-door coupe style vehicle. A center pillar trim piece and a rear pillar trim piece can be assembled to one another with at least one projection releasably interlocking with a corresponding aperture formed along adjacent edges of the trim pieces. Each projection is located in a complementary position with respect to a corresponding aperture formed along the adjacent edge to temporarily secure an interface joint defined between first and second edges when in an abutting relationship with respect to one another in a closed position. The interface joint defines an openable passage along the first and second abutting edges allowing deployment of a side curtain airbag through the interface joint. | 10-02-2008 |
20080238043 | One Piece Horn Cover - A horn assembly for a motor vehicle includes a sound generating member, a housing having a first opening connected to the sound generating member and a second opening to disperse sound from the sound generating member, and a deflector to restrict ingress of liquid into the second opening, while allowing egress of sound from the second opening. The deflector includes a base member having a first end coupled to the housing and a second end defining a portion of a primary opening to direct dispersement of sound from the sound generating member. The deflector includes a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall, where each lateral wall is coupled to the base member and extends toward the housing. A distal edge of each of the first and second lateral walls is spaced apart from the housing to form secondary openings allowing dispersement of sound from the housing. | 10-02-2008 |
20080224453 | Front Pillar Trim Panel with Tether - A vehicular interior trim piece with a tether for use with a side curtain airbag. The tether is attached to an integral first panel portion and a second panel portion which rotates about a hinge out of the path of the airbag. The tether prevents complete detachment of the second panel from the first panel. | 09-18-2008 |
20080219801 | Screw Fastener - A screw fastener includes a head portion, a shaft portion extending from the head portion, and at least one locking serration. The shaft portion has a helical thread structure defining a thread part and a root part. The locking serration protrudes from the root part of the helical thread structure. The locking serration is configured and arranged to allow rotation of the shaft portion in a fastening direction and to restrict rotation of the shaft portion in a non-fastening direction upon engaging with a workpiece. | 09-11-2008 |
20080203744 | VEHICLE BUMPER ASSEMBLY - A vehicle bumper assembly includes a bumper reinforcement member, a corner bracket and a biasing member. The bumper reinforcement member has a first lateral end section, a second lateral end section, an outboard facing side extending between the first and second lateral end sections and an inboard facing side with a vehicle mounting structure. The corner bracket is pivotally supported to the first lateral end section of the bumper reinforcement member proximate the inboard facing side. The biasing member extends between the outboard facing side of the bumper reinforcement member and an outboard side of the corner bracket. The biasing member biases the corner bracket outwardly relative to the vehicle mounting structure to a normal rest position for absorption of low speed impact energy. | 08-28-2008 |
20080197661 | COMBINATION HARNESS PROTECTOR AND CARPET - A floor covering product, process, and product by process provides protection for an electrical wiring harness of a motor vehicle routed through a passenger compartment on top of an interior surface of a contoured floor pan area with an adjacent kick plate body area portion extending generally upwardly along at least a portion of the interior contoured floor pan area. An aesthetic floor covering material is adapted to be sufficiently coextensive with the contoured floor pan area to be covered, and a contoured reinforcement member is associated with a portion of the aesthetic floor covering material, such that after installation, the contoured reinforcement member extends generally upwardly from the exposed floor pan area and extends generally towards the adjacent kick plate body area to define a crush resistant open conduit for receiving an electrical wire harness or duct work to be routed therethrough. | 08-21-2008 |
20080197610 | Side Airbag Curtain Directional Deployment Bracket - An inflatable passenger protection system for a vehicle having a structural front pillar frame member to be covered by a separate interior trim component, and a side curtain airbag to be positioned in a stowed condition between the front pillar frame member and the interior trim component the interior trim component having at least a portion movable between a covered position enclosing the side curtain airbag in the stowed condition and an opened position in response to inflation of the side curtain airbag to the deployed condition, includes an extruded support bracket extending between the front pillar frame member and the interior trim component. The bracket has a primary attachment point and a secondary attachment point for supporting the interior trim component. | 08-21-2008 |
20080197609 | Vehicle Pillar Trim Panel Assembly - A trim panel attachable to a structural pillar of an automotive vehicle for covering an expandable side-curtain air bag. The trim panel can also be part of a vehicular pillar structure or a vehicle subassembly. The trim panel is composed of a unitary molded body having first and second body portions connected to each other. The first body portion is formed of a first material and the second body portion is formed of a second polymeric material that is more flexible than the first material. The second body portion is configured as a deflectable flap movable between a first position in overlying relationship with the side-curtain airbag in a non-deployed state and a second deflected position upon deployment of the side-curtain airbag. | 08-21-2008 |