A cover unit for selectively covering an opening in a structure, including: at least a first cover element having a first axial end coupled to a first driving mechanism, and a second axial end coupled to a second driving mechanism; the first driving mechanism and the second driving mechanism configured to move the first cover element between a closed position and an opened position; each including: an arm configured to be rotatively coupled to the structure, at least one drive unit configured to drive a movement of the arm, and a joint configured to couple the arm to the axial end of the first cover element, the joint configured to allow a two-axis rotation and one linear axis movement, wherein the joint is configured to allow the first axial end and the second axial end of the first cover element to be moved differently during an opening movement and/or a closing movement.

An external cladding component of or for a vehicle, by which information can be displayed, is disclosed. The cladding component has a base body with a first surface and a second surface, the second surface facing to the exterior of the cladding component, and an aperture running through the base body, and a light source providing a beam of light, wherein the light source is at least partially arranged within the aperture and protrudes the second surface, or the beam of light is running through the aperture, wherein the beam of light at least partially impinges on an illumination section provided by the second surface.

The present invention relates to a vehicle locating device that enables vehicle owners to locate their vehicles quickly and easily in a large or crowded parking area. The device features an indicator portion having a basic shape such as a hand, circle, triangle, star, crescent moon and more in a neon color having an integrally attached elongated stem. In use, the stem is secured between the vehicle's car door and vehicle body, between the trunk and vehicle body, or between the window and door window frame, wherein the indicator portion is extended in the air above or away from the vehicle for ease of visually locating a vehicle. In some embodiments, the device is attached to an inner surface of the roof of the vehicle and has a plurality of LEDs disposed therein. The device saves an individual time and reduces the stress often associated with searching for one's vehicle.

Method and apparatus for a laterally extendable backup light system for placement on the trailer of the 18-wheeler tractor trailer truck. The backup light would be mounted underneath an outer edge of the trailer of the tractor-trailer so that it would be extendable laterally away from the edge of the trailer so that the light portion would extend far enough outwardly to travel beyond the outer edge of the trailer so that the beam of light emanating therefrom would illuminate the area behind the rear of the trailer. A linear actuator controlled wirelessly or via hardwire by the driver of the truck would actuate the light portion of the device so that the light portion would extend from an enclosure beyond the edge of the trailer of the truck-trailer or would be retracted back into the enclosure.

A door handle for a vehicle door of a motor vehicle includes a carrier plate, a handle part, and at least one lighting device arranged in/on the carrier plate with at least one lighting element and/or a light guide element. The lighting element and/or the light guide element are adjustable between an extended position of use and a retracted non-use position. The at least one lighting element and/or the at least one light guide element projects, in its extended position of use, into a recess of the handle part and thus illuminates at least parts of the handle part and/or of an area surrounding the handle part.

The disclosure provides a vehicle approach notification device and a picking truck. The vehicle approach notification device includes a first illumination portion provided on a cab capable of elevation; a second and a third illumination portion provided on a vehicle body incapable of elevation; and a control unit that (1) turns on the first illumination portion and off other illumination portions when a travel state of the vehicle body is backward travel and an elevation position is lower than a predetermined threshold value; (2) turns on the second illumination portion and off other illumination portions when the travel state is backward travel and the elevation position is equal to or higher than the threshold value; (3) turns on the third illumination portion and off other illumination portions when the travel state of vehicle is forward travel; and (4) turns off all illumination portions when the travel state is travel stop.

Methods and systems are provided for autonomously operating a retractable lighting arrangement. One method involves obtaining a current speed of the vehicle when the lighting arrangement is in an extended state, and when the current speed is greater than a threshold when the lighting arrangement is in the extended state, verifying one or more illumination elements associated with the lighting arrangement are in a deactivated state and thereafter automatically signaling an actuation arrangement associated with the lighting arrangement to transition the lighting arrangement from the extended state to a retracted state.

A school bus stop arm and drive unit therefor are disclosed. The stop arm includes a stop sign and a drive unit for moving the stop sign between a retracted position and a deployed position. In some embodiments the stop sign is illuminated. In some embodiments the drive unit includes a controller.

A safety sign device is for a vehicle. The safety sign device may include a hinge being coupled a side of the vehicle, and an arm. The arm may include an elongate base, an electric motor coupled to the elongate base, an elongate housing coupled to the elongate base, and visual indicators carried by the elongate housing. The safety sign device may also include a sign coupled to the arm and being parallel to the arm. The hinge may include a pin, and a link assembly coupled between the pin and the electric motor and being rotatable about the pin. The electric motor may be configured to extend and retract the arm between a retracted position and an extended position.

A deployable safety zone system includes at least a first arm mounted on a support member and being movable between stored and operating positions relative to the support member. The support member and first arm define a safety zone between then when the first arm is in the operating position. The safety system may include reflective mechanisms, light sources, and an alarming system. The alarming system may include a transmitter positioned on one part of the safety system, a receiver positioned on another part of the safety system and an alarm mechanism. A signal may be sent between the transmitter and receiver and if that signal is interrupted, a visual or audible alarm may be generated. Alternatively, the deployable safety zone system may comprise a sensor assembly disposed adjacent the support member. The alarmed safety zone is defined between the support member and the sensor assembly.