Some embodiments are directed to a crossbar structure for use with a vehicle having a front bumper assembly, the crossbar structure being configured to extend across an opening in the front bumper assembly. The crossbar structure can include a hollow bar defining a front face and a rear face, the hollow bar being configured to extend across the opening. The crossbar structure can also include ribs extending between opposing interior surfaces of the hollow bar, the ribs being formed in a zig-zag pattern along a direction of elongation of the hollow bar and exposed from the rear face thereof.

A shutter system for controlling a flow of an incident airstream through a grille opening in a vehicle includes a track arranged transverse to the airstream. The shutter system also includes a plurality of louvers configured to shift along the track and be guided thereby. The shutter system additionally includes a mechanism configured to select a position for the shutter system between and inclusive of fully-opened and fully-closed to regulate the flow of the incident airstream through the grille opening by shifting the plurality of louvers along the track. Each of the plurality of louvers is arranged along a plane transverse to the incident airstream and remains therein as the position of the shutter system is selected between and inclusive of fully-opened and fully-closed.

A shutter system for controlling a flow of an incident airstream through a grille opening in a vehicle includes a track arranged transverse to the airstream. The shutter system also includes a plurality of louvers configured to shift along the track and be guided thereby. The shutter system additionally includes a mechanism configured to select a position for the shutter system between and inclusive of fully-opened and fully-closed to regulate the flow of the incident airstream through the grille opening by shifting the plurality of louvers along the track. Each of the plurality of louvers is arranged along a plane transverse to the incident airstream and remains therein as the position of the shutter system is selected between and inclusive of fully-opened and fully-closed.

A convertible snow plow system attachable to frame of a light duty truck, SUV or other suitable vehicle. The blade portion of the plow system is movable between deployed and retracted positions. In the retracted position the blade is positioned in front of the radiator and headlights of the vehicle functioning as a brush guard. To permit air to pass through the plow blade to the radiator, the blade comprises a plurality of movable louvers that can be opened when the plow is in the retracted position.

A virtual engine sound system includes a cooling module air guard, a virtual noise speaker generating a virtual noise inside the cooling module air guard, a radiator mounted inside the cooling module air guard, and an active air flap emitting the virtual noise between the cooling module air guard and the radiator to the outside.

A virtual engine sound system includes a cooling module air guard, a virtual noise speaker generating a virtual noise inside the cooling module air guard, a radiator mounted inside the cooling module air guard, and an active air flap emitting the virtual noise between the cooling module air guard and the radiator to the outside.

The truck bug deflector is a structure that is adapted for use with vehicles. The truck bug deflector comprises a primary shield and an auxiliary shield. The truck bug deflector is a structure that is attached to the front of a vehicle to protect the vehicle from damage caused by insects and debris that would otherwise hit the vehicle while the vehicle is in motion. The primary shield is adapted to be mounted on the grill guard of a vehicle and is designed to deflect insects and debris both away from the vehicle and away from the windshield of the vehicle. The auxiliary shield is adapted to be mounted to the grill guard of the vehicle and is designed to protect the lower portions of the vehicle from insects and debris.

A component for a vehicle comprises two or more first members each formed of a plateable resin and defining a front surface, wherein the front surfaces of the first members (i) are spaced apart from each other such that they appear discontinuous and (ii) collectively correspond to an outer surface of the component, a second member formed of a non-plateable resin and connected to each of the first members and a chrome plating applied to one or more exposed surfaces of each of the first members. A method of manufacturing the component involves utilizing one or more molds and removing a non-plated component comprising the first members and the second member from one of the one or more molds, attaching the non-plated component to a plating rack, such as via a permanent or temporary conductive circuit, and then performing the chrome plating.

A component for a vehicle comprises two or more first members each formed of a plateable resin and defining a front surface, wherein the front surfaces of the first members (i) are spaced apart from each other such that they appear discontinuous and (ii) collectively correspond to an outer surface of the component, a second member formed of a non-plateable resin and connected to each of the first members and a chrome plating applied to one or more exposed surfaces of each of the first members. A method of manufacturing the component involves utilizing one or more molds and removing a non-plated component comprising the first members and the second member from one of the one or more molds, attaching the non-plated component to a plating rack, such as via a permanent or temporary conductive circuit, and then performing the chrome plating.

An ornamental grille arranged for attachment to a peripheral frame of a motor vehicle radiator grille includes a grille structure having respective grille elements. Domes are formed on points of intersection of the grille elements of the grille structure.