Patents Examined by D. Glenn Dayoan
  • Patent number: 11535304
    Abstract: A front vehicle-body structure of a vehicle ensures good vehicle appearance and ease in operating a bonnet without increasing the vehicle body weight. The front vehicle-body structure includes a bonnet including outer and inner panels, a hinge supporting the bonnet such that the bonnet can open and close, and a damper member urging the bonnet. The inner panel includes front and rear frame portions, and a pair of side frame portions respectively connecting left and right ends of the front and rear frame portions and each including a hinge mounting portion and a damper mounting portion for mounting the damper member frontward of the hinge mounting portion. The side frame portion includes a convex first bead portion formed partially in a curved shape between the hinge mounting portion and the damper mounting portion and extending back and forth from the hinge mounting portion to the damper mounting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Onaka, Shogo Okada, Yutaka Mitoma
  • Patent number: 11535163
    Abstract: A closure unit for a storage compartment, in particular of a motor vehicle, with a frame that forms an access opening for the storage compartment, with two closure elements arranged displaceable on the frame, wherein the closure elements each close a different part of the access opening in a closed position and together close the entire access opening in their respective closed position, and wherein a handle for manually moving the closure elements is disposed at the mutually facing ends of the closure elements. It is provided that the closure elements each have an off-center projection at their mutually facing ends, on which the respective handle is disposed, such that the handles in the closed position of both closure elements are arranged in a line transverse to the sliding direction of the closure elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Christian Stock, Christopher Neumann, Burkhard Gis
  • Patent number: 11535161
    Abstract: The deployable steps for a tailgate includes a mounting plate, a plurality of risers, a plurality of treads, and a plurality of hinges. The deployable steps for a tailgate may attach to a tailgate of a truck via the mounting plate. The plurality of risers and the plurality of treads may fold and unfold at the plurality of hinges. The plurality of risers and the plurality of treads may form steps when unfolded into a deployed position. When folded into a stowed position, the plurality of risers and the plurality of treads may be parallel to each other and may be parallel to the tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Inventor: Ernest Walker
  • Patent number: 11535140
    Abstract: A floor mat for placement on a vehicle floor, where the floor mat includes a body having a bottom wall, an upper surface, and a bottom surface, and a front wall extending from the bottom wall. The upper surface and the bottom surface extending along the bottom wall and the front wall. A first portion of the bottom surface of the bottom wall having a support structure provided with a variable height such that the shape of the support structure complements the irregularities in the vehicle floor, where the support structure extends from the bottom surface of the bottom wall, and a second portion of the bottom surface of the bottom wall has a flat surface, where upon the vehicle floor mat being placed on the vehicle floor, the support structure engages the irregularities in the vehicle floor so that the upper surface of the bottom wall is generally level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: THERMOFLEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: David A. Reband, Robert Price
  • Patent number: 11535302
    Abstract: There are provided a cowl provided to support a front windshield in an inclined state where a rear side of the front windshield is located at a higher level than a front side of the front windshield and forming a lower edge of an opening portion for arranging the front windshield and a bonnet provided in front of and above the cowl. An upper portion of the cowl comprises a first face portion to which the front windshield adheres and an inclined second face portion which extends obliquely rearwardly-and-downwardly from the first face portion, and a front end of the first face portion is positioned on a rearward side, in a vehicle longitudinal direction, of a rear end of the bonnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Susumu Kuroda, Hiroshi Sogabe, Shunsuke Hirai, Kazuki Yamauchi, Minoru Sunada, Ryo Asahi
  • Patent number: 11535176
    Abstract: A module trim element having a body defining an upper bearing surface, at least one first covering element defining a first upper bearing surface, mounted rotating about a first axis of rotation between a retracted position and at least one deployed position, and at least one second covering element defining a second upper bearing surface and mounted rotating about a second axis of rotation between a retracted position and at least one deployed position. The first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation are substantially parallel and extend at different heights relative to the body, with at least one of the upper bearing surfaces being a flexible surface and at least another one of the upper bearing surfaces being a rigid surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: FAURECIA INTERIEUR INDUSTRIE
    Inventors: Benjamin Quesnel, Ludovic Bouldron, Cedric Habert, Stephane Snoeck, Edouard Da Silva, Stevenn Bideau
  • Patent number: 11529909
    Abstract: A collapsible trunk for use with a vehicle having a wheel well. The trunk comprises a base wall and a side wall pivotally connected thereto. The side wall extends from the base wall and terminates at an upper edge. The side wall and base wall collectively define a storage cavity. The base wall and the side wall each have an expandable portion conformable to the wheel well in response to placement of the base wall and the side wall over the wheel well. The trunk is selectively transitional between a collapsed configuration and a deployed configuration. In the collapsed configuration, the base panels overlap each other, and in the deployed configuration, the plurality of base panels are co-planar to each other. The upper edge of the side wall moves away from the base wall as the trunk transitions from the collapsed configuration toward the deployed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Singer
  • Patent number: 11532970
    Abstract: Energy conversion systems and methods are disclosed. In one aspect, the system is for converting or redirecting energy received by an impact to an automobile in a proximal direction into another type of energy. The system includes a body having a first engagement structure and an impact member configured to be installed within an outer perimeter compartment of the automobile to receive an impulse. The impact member having a second engagement structure and a third engagement structure. The second engagement structure being configured to engage with the first engagement structure of the body to facilitate the impact member translating in the direction relative to the body. The system further includes a converter having a fourth engagement structure, the fourth engagement structure being configured to engage with the third engagement structure of the impact member and convert the energy received by the impact member into another type of energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Inventor: Richard A. Schulman
  • Patent number: 11530010
    Abstract: In a vehicle including a windshield (7) and a support structure for supporting the windshield, the support structure includes a pair of stays (11) that support the windshield movably in a rising and lowering direction, and a holder (20) that is provided in a different position from the pair of stays, and fixes a position of the windshield, and the holder includes a base portion (21) fixed to a vehicle body, a stopper (22) that is provided to face the base portion, capable of moving along the rising and lowering direction to the base portion, and moving in a direction to approach and separate from the base portion, and brings the windshield into a fixed state when approaching the base portion, and an operation member (23) that causes the stopper to move to contact and separate from the base portion, according to an operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Fujimi Sawada, Yuki Tomida
  • Patent number: 11529903
    Abstract: A transportation vessel includes a sidewall having a vertically oriented track on an interior side of the sidewall. The track extends upwardly to a top of the sidewall. A load bar has end(s) coupled to the track such that the end of the load bar is vertically slidable along the track. A stop bracket is positioned at a top of the track. The stop bracket includes a track extension and a stop piece. The track extension accommodates sliding of the load bar upwardly above the track. The stop piece blocks upward sliding of the load bar above the track extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Strick Trailers, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin Seitz
  • Patent number: 11529997
    Abstract: A frame of a work vehicle includes an upper plate that has a plate shape and that forms an upper surface of the frame extending along a front-rear direction; a lower plate that has a plate shape and that is opposite to the upper plate in an up-down direction and forms a lower surface of the frame; a vertical wall that is disposed between the upper plate and the lower plate in the up-down direction and connects the upper plate to the lower plate; and an attachment portion to which an actuator that moves work equipment in the up-down direction is attached, in which at least one of the upper plate and the lower plate includes a center portion, a first extension portion extending from the center portion, a second extension portion extending from the center portion, and a continuous portion connecting the first extension portion to the second extension portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuki Arai, Muneo Harada
  • Patent number: 11529996
    Abstract: A front vehicle-body structure of a vehicle is provided that allows for lower deceleration (so-called G) for occupants in the event of an oblique collision, which involves the largest load input, while restraining a load in a shear direction from being input to connecting portions of frames. A front vehicle-body structure of a vehicle includes a suspension housing formed with a suspension damper supporting portion, an upper arm supporting portion, and a lower arm supporting portion. A plurality of frames connecting the suspension housing and a vehicle cabin structural member are provided, and at least one frame of the plurality of frames is configured to be facilitated to break in a Z-shape in vehicle plan view in the event of an oblique collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryo Shimoda, Taiki Yotsuyanagi
  • Patent number: 11524557
    Abstract: An antiglare system and method and a vehicle comprising the antiglare system. The antiglare system comprises a light transmittance adjustment plate, which includes at least one light transmittance adjustment portion, which in turn includes at least one first light transmittance adjustment region. The antiglare method comprises: capturing, from one side of a light transmittance adjustment plate, an image in a direction facing the light transmittance adjustment plate; determining a bright region in the image, and acquiring a position of the bright region in the image; determining, according to the position of the bright region, a first light transmittance adjustment region in the light transmittance adjustment plate; and if a bright region is present, adjusting light transmittance of the first light transmittance adjustment region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: BEIJING BOE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xitong Ma, Tianyue Zhao
  • Patent number: 11524726
    Abstract: The rear frame includes an inclined part that is inclined inward in, a vehicle width direction in going rearward and a horizontal part that extends rearward from a rear end of the inclined part. A rear part of the side sill includes a first enlarged width portion that increases in width inwardly in the vehicle width direction via a bent portion. A front part of the rear frame inclined part includes a second enlarged width portion that increases in width outwardly in the vehicle width direction. A rear end of the first enlarged width portion and a front end of the second enlarged width portion are connected. An inner wall in the vehicle width direction of the first enlarged width portion and an inner wall in the vehicle width direction of the inclined part are linearly continuous in plan view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kota Fujisawa, Takashi Yamada, Kanji Kaneko
  • Patent number: 11524619
    Abstract: A tie-down loop assembly is configured to attach to a mounting surface and includes a mounting bracket, a biasing member, and a loop-isolator assembly. The mounting bracket has at least one carrier feature that has a carrier articulation axis. The loop-isolator assembly includes a loop having a substantially straight portion with a loop articulation axis and an isolator coupled to the loop straight portion. The isolator has a contact element and a loop-isolator articulation axis located coincidentally with the carrier articulation axis. When an articulation force is applied to the loop-isolator assembly, it causes the loop-isolator assembly to articulate relative to the mounting bracket, while the isolator contact element slippingly engages the biasing member movable portion. The engagement applies a biasing force to the contact element causing resistance to articulate the loop-isolator assembly relative to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventor: Brian P McCormack
  • Patent number: 11524620
    Abstract: A tie down strap assembly includes a strap and first and second hook assemblies disposed at respective opposing ends of the strap. The strap is formed of an elastic material. The strap defines a plurality of bores arranged along a length of the strap. Each of the first and second hook assemblies includes an engaging portion and a hook portion extending from the engaging portion. The engaging portion includes first and second sides. The engaging portion defines an opening extending through the first and second sides. The first side includes a mouth defining an aperture to receive a portion of the strap therethrough. The second side includes a boss configured to securely engage one bore of the plurality of bores of the strap. The hook portion is detachably couplable to the engaging portion of the other one of the first and second hook assemblies to interlock the first and second hook assemblies together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Inventors: Armanda Hughes, Cameron Hughes
  • Patent number: 11524615
    Abstract: A center console for a motor vehicle, having a base portion and an armrest arranged on the base portion in a backrest position and which has a support face for an arm. In order to provide an adequate storage surface for the driver of a motor vehicle, there is provision for the armrest to have a pivot element which has an upper side which at least partially forms the support face in the backrest position and which can be pivoted forward with respect to the base portion about a front pivot axis which extends in the transverse vehicle direction into a storage position, in which a lower side of the pivot element forms a storage surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Nora Johnen-Nelki
  • Patent number: 11524729
    Abstract: A removable spoiler or vehicle stabilizing apparatus for a pickup truck having a truck bed is provided. The spoiler comprises a spoiler shell constructed and arranged to fit securely on the truck bed, an interior spoiler frame, at least one mounting support configured to securely support the spoiler on the truck bed, and a plurality of spoiler securement and lifting elements. The spoiler may easily be installed or removed from the truck even while the truck is hitched to a travel trailer, camper trailer or the like. The spoiler may be installed or removed with any suitable device, such as a crane, jack, jack stands, cherry picker, auto cherry picker, travel trailer tongue-mounted lift/crane, lifts, roll on/off platform or the like. The spoiler may also be used as a multipurpose device, and may provide a golf cart enclosure, and may further comprise at least one utility shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Inventor: Darrell Eugene Gaughf, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11518326
    Abstract: A bumper assembly of a motor vehicle includes a cross-member which extends in the motor vehicle transverse direction and a front section which is arranged in front of the cross-member in the motor vehicle longitudinal direction. The front section is supported on the cross-member in the motor vehicle vertical direction via a support element. The support element is produced in one piece with the front section and is pivotable between a production position and a mounted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Sebastian Harter
  • Patent number: 11518451
    Abstract: An airflow adjusting apparatus includes two or more airflow generators and a controller. The airflow generators are arranged in first and second directions along a surface of an object. The airflow generators are configured to generate respective airflows in parallel directions parallel along the surface of the object. The second direction intersects with the first direction. The controller is configured to control outputs from the respective airflow generators independently of each other. The controller is configured to cause a total output from the airflow generators in a first group to be greater than a total output of the airflow generators in a second group. The airflow generators in the first and the second groups are arranged side by side in an airflow generation direction. The airflow generators in the second group are adjacent to those in the first group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoto Watanabe, Yusaku Dogahira