Patents Examined by Dennis Pedder
  • Patent number: 8641124
    Abstract: A hinge for a foldable tonneau cover is provided and has two pivotal members, a base member and two detachable screwing assemblies. Each of the pivotal members is connected to at least one frame member of a frame section and has at least one first through hole. The base member has at least two second through holes, each of which is corresponding to the first through hole of each of the pivotal members. Each of the detachable screwing assemblies has a bolt member and a nut member. The bolt member has a thread rod, the nut member has a thread hole provided with a tight fitting member inserted therein, and the thread rod of the bolt member is screw-connected to the thread hole of the nut member and tightly fitted with the tight fitting member in the thread hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: CYC Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Shiawdar Shaun Yue
  • Patent number: 8641127
    Abstract: A plasma spoiler is mounted in a rear portion of a vehicle for exerting a force on a passing air flow. The plasma spoiler has a dielectric substrate formed of a dielectric material, a first electrode mounted on a bottom surface of the dielectric substrate and insulated by the dielectric substrate, a second electrode mounted on an upper, exposed surface of the dielectric substrate, and a power source connected to the first and second electrodes. The first electrode is disposed in a rearward direction relative to the second electrode. A switch is disposed between the power source and one of the first electrode and the second electrode. The switch is controlled by a controller that is in communication with a speed sensor, so as to activate the plasma spoiler only when the vehicle exceeds a trigger speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas Ramsay
  • Patent number: 8636316
    Abstract: A cover for a sliding roof system comprises at least one reinforcing element which has a U-shaped cross-section and has its center leg attached to the cover such that the two side legs extend away from the cover. A sliding roof system provided with a cover of this type is distinguished in that it comprises a sliding/tilting mechanism including a fold-out sliding piece, the sliding piece being movably arranged on the guide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Roof Systems Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Grimm, Claudia Riess, Horst Boehm, Juergen Schrader
  • Patent number: 8636315
    Abstract: A roller blind arrangement, in particular for a vehicle, with a roller blind web. The roller blind web can be wound up at least at one end by a winding device to form a roller blind winding having a geometrical center axis. The roller blind web can be unwound in an unwinding direction. The winding device has a guide element arranged with respect to the geometrical center axis of the roller blind winding in a direction essentially opposite to the unwinding direction and is designed to limit a movement of the roller blind winding in the direction opposite to the unwinding direction. The invention also relates to a roof arrangement with a roof opening, a roof opening frame that bounds the roof opening, and a roller blind arrangement. The roller blind arrangement is arranged in the roof opening and is mechanically coupled to the roof opening frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Webasto AG
    Inventors: Andreas Rockelmann, Marco Thalhammer, Martin Walser, Erwin Steiner
  • Patent number: 8632137
    Abstract: A debris guard includes a plurality of fasteners and an outer cover including two or more sections that when assembled form an annular inner wall. Each of the two or more sections includes at least one mounting feature shaped to receive at least one of the plurality of fasteners. An inner guard includes a mounting portion and a seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Richard G. Auch, Daniel P. Vertenten, Michael P. Larson, Daniel J. Marquette, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8622466
    Abstract: The invention relates to a front module for a motor vehicle, wherein the front module is in one piece and is composed exclusively of plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Faurecia Kunststoffe Automobilsysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Pascal Joly-Pottuz, Raphael Mary
  • Patent number: 8622453
    Abstract: A vehicle useful for catering, vending and food service normally has service windows on the passenger side of the vehicle to accommodate pedestrian patrons. Disclosed herein is such a vehicle fitted with an auxiliary service window on the driver's side of the vehicle to accommodate vehicular occupants. An auxiliary service platform is installed below interior floor level to place a server in closer proximity to an adjacent vehicle. Steps are provided to enable access to the auxiliary platform from the interior vehicle floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: Vahe Nick Karapetian, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8616623
    Abstract: A vehicle sunroof device includes a movable panel, guide rails, rear slide members, an electrical drive source, and check mechanisms. When the rear slide members are moved toward the front of the vehicle along the guide rails when the movable panel is in a totally closed state, the movable panel is changed to a tilt-up state. Check release mechanisms provided to the rear slide members are changed to an engaged state when the rear slide members are further moved toward the front of the vehicle with the movable panel in the tilt-up state and without involving operation of the movable panel. In the engaged state, when the rear slide members are moved toward the rear of the vehicle afterward, the check release mechanisms move the entire check mechanisms while switching the check mechanisms to a movable state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuki Sawada
  • Patent number: 8616611
    Abstract: A door assembly for a vehicle includes a door frame and a door lock. A force transmitting mechanism has one end connected to the door lock and another end is premounted on a door module housing. The door module housing is mounted to the door frame and a trim panel secured to the door frame. A method includes the steps of premounting the door module to the door frame, securing the door panel to the door frame and connecting an door opening mechanism to the force transmitting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Alexander Schidan, Milan Skultety, Thorsten Meyer, Hans-Helmut Mieglitz, Frank Zagromski
  • Patent number: 8616619
    Abstract: A suction duct (19) provided in a floor member (9) comprises an internal air duct portion (20) connected to the internal air inlet port (10A3), an external air duct portion (21) connected to an external air inlet port (10E3), and a common duct portion (22) for connecting the internal air duct portion (20) and the external air duct portion (21) to a blower fan 18B suction side of an air conditioner unit (18). The suction duct is constructed to form a hollow column (23) having a hollow closed section structure with the internal air duct portion and the common duct portion formed integrally in the upper and lower directions. Therefore, the hollow column formed of the hollow closed section structure can increase strength of the floor member as a strong column while circulating internal air between the internal air inlet port and the air conditioner unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shougo Kimura, Hajime Ishii, Hiroshi Tabeta
  • Patent number: 8616605
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle floor console is provided that includes a support structure and a retaining feature pivotally biased toward the support structure. The retaining feature is configured to secure cargo between the support structure and the retaining feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Jason M. Hipshier, Jacob Maki, David J. McCarthy, Craig D. Flowerday
  • Patent number: 8616607
    Abstract: The instrument panel assembly for an automotive vehicle includes an instrument panel and a component. The instrument panel includes an exterior surface and a cutout portion having a base which is recessed from the exterior surface. The cutout portion includes an inner wall extending between the base and the exterior surface of the instrument panel. The component attaches to the instrument panel. The component includes an engagement portion located at a distal end. The distal end of the engagement portion is at least partially received within the cutout portion of the instrument panel. The engagement of the distal end of the engagement portion of the component within the cutout portion of the instrument panel provides a continuous contact between the outer surface of the engagement portion and the inner wall of the cutout portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kerry Scott Zellner, Jr., Benjamin Warren Penner
  • Patent number: 8615852
    Abstract: A magnetic fastener clip includes a base and an umbrella positioned on the base. A boss is attached to the umbrella and extends outwardly from the umbrella and away from the base. The magnetic fastener has a hole with a diameter to receive the boss. The boss is welded to hold the magnetic fastener against the umbrella. An optional carrier is attached to the base to provide additional height for suitable applications. The umbrella is positioned on the base or is attached to the carrier and positioned opposite the base. The boss is attached to the magnetic fastener such that the umbrella flexes to permit the magnetic fastener to pivot about the boss. The magnetic fastener clip adapts to different surface curvatures and thicknesses. The magnetic fastener clip is operative for blind attachment into a structure, such as a vehicle chassis i.e. roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Termax Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Walter Smith, Daniel James Dickenson, Mark Fleydervish, John Clasen
  • Patent number: 8613476
    Abstract: Device for inserting into an opening of a component of an automobile, comprising a shaft body and a surrounding flange provided on one end of the shaft body, and at least one fastening element provided on the shaft body, wherein the device is insertable into the opening in axial direction of the shaft body such that the shaft body extends through the opening and the flange abuts on a first component surface and the device is fastened to the opening by the fastening element wherein an annular surrounding hollow space is delimited between at least a surface of the shaft body, an interior surface of the flange and the first component surface, further comprising a hot melt adhesive material provided surroundingly on the flange, which hot melt adhesive material adheres sealingly on the first component surface upon heating the flange, characterized in that the hot melt adhesive material is an expanding hot melt adhesive material, which compensates for a pressure change in the hollow space caused by changing tempera
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: David Dominguez, Albert Pares Isanta
  • Patent number: 8608221
    Abstract: A counterbalanced hinge system rotatably attaches a closure panel to a body for rotation about a rotation axis. The counterbalanced hinge system applies an assist torque to the closure panel to bias the closure panel about the rotation axis from a closed position into an open position. A pop-up system is moveable from an un-sprung position into a sprung position to apply an opening force to the closure panel. A reset system includes a connecting cable interconnecting the counterbalanced hinge system and the pop-up system. The reset system converts a portion of the assist torque applied by the counterbalanced hinge system into linear motion of the connecting cable to move the pop-up system from the sprung position into the un-sprung position automatically upon the closure panel moving from the closed position into the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gary W. Krajenke, Alvin N. Standard, Stephen W. Krajenke
  • Patent number: 8608238
    Abstract: A space between the trailing edge of a front fender and the outer surface of a front pillar lower in the vehicle width direction is covered with a synthetic resin enclosure inserted from the wheel housing side. The upper end of a main body of the enclosure is provided with an upper extending portion extending toward the lower end of the front pillar upper, and a reinforcing rib is formed on the outer surface of the upper extending portion so as to make the reinforcing rib in contact with the inner surface of a projecting portion of the front fender. A pressure applied to the projecting portion of the front fender is transmitted to the front pillar lower via the reinforcing rib, and thus the surface stiffness of the projecting portion of the front fender can be improved without adding a particular reinforcing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Tanaka, Satoru Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8608236
    Abstract: The invention relates to a front module for a motor vehicle, wherein the front module is in one piece and is composed exclusively of plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Faurecia Kunststoffe Automobilsysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Pascal Joly-Pottuz, Raphael Mary
  • Patent number: 8608222
    Abstract: A tank inlet cover module is provided, which is installable in a motor vehicle, and a tank inlet cover mounted so it is pivotable thereon. The tank inlet cover module has a groove body having an end stop for limiting a pivot movement of the tank inlet cover. The tank inlet cover itself has a tank inlet cover body and a counter stop element, which interacts with the stop of the tank groove via a counter stop surface, furthermore, means being provided for damping a structure-borne noise propagation between counter stop element and the tank inlet cover body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Kiefer
  • Patent number: 8608230
    Abstract: An impact protection structure for a vehicle impacting a blunt-object barrier includes a support structure of the vehicle, an energy absorbing rail coupled to the support structure, and a localized energy dissipation structure. The energy absorbing rail extends an energy absorbing rail length and includes a plurality of lumens. The localized energy dissipation structure extends a localized energy dissipation structure length less than the energy absorbing rail length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Tesla Motor, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Richard Young, Donald James Robert Parr, Ernest Matthew Villanueva, Derek Paul
  • Patent number: 8608227
    Abstract: A slideout room leveling device for supporting and leveling a slideout room floor of a recreation vehicle. The device may have a base mounted to a threshold of the trailer frame and a support arm that has a friction reducing member mounted to the support arm. A spring member may be mounted on the base to assist in supporting and leveling the slideout room floor. The support arm of the slideout room supporting and leveling device may remain in continuous contact with the floor of a slideout room during extension and retraction in order to support and level the slideout room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Norco Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard F. Garceau