Patents by Inventor Andrew K. Swayne
Andrew K. Swayne has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20220081042Abstract: A method of making a roof assembly includes bringing first and second adhesive beads into contact with a roof panel and a roof stiffener to thereby define a chamber. The first adhesive bead forms a continuous perimeter around a first vacuum aperture in the roof stiffener to thereby define a first vacuum chamber. The second adhesive bead defines a second continuous perimeter around a second vacuum aperture in the roof stiffener to thereby define a second vacuum chamber. A vacuum is created in each of the first and second vacuum chambers. An outer periphery of each of the first and second adhesive beads is in direct fluid communication with the surrounding atmosphere through a perimeter opening of the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2020Publication date: March 17, 2022Inventors: Andrew K. Swayne, Eric J. Boettcher
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Patent number: 11124241Abstract: A vehicle roof stiffener includes a metal or metal alloy frame defining a central opening and at least one corner. The vehicle roof stiffener also includes a fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) portion including at least one transition structure comprising a metal or a metal alloy. At least some of the fibers of the FRP portion are embedded in the transition structure. The FRP portion is located in the at least one corner. In some examples, the frame includes an opening in the at least one corner, and the FRP portion spans the opening. In other examples, the FRP portion overlaps the frame at the at least one corner. The FRP portion located at the corner may improve rigidity of the roof stiffener to increase resistance to a racking motion and increase the overall stiffness of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2019Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Andrew K. Swayne, Ryan M. Hahnlen
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Publication number: 20200010121Abstract: A vehicle roof stiffener includes a metal or metal alloy frame defining a central opening and at least one corner. The vehicle roof stiffener also includes a fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) portion including at least one transition structure comprising a metal or a metal alloy. At least some of the fibers of the FRP portion are embedded in the transition structure. The FRP portion is located in the at least one corner. In some examples, the frame includes an opening in the at least one corner, and the FRP portion spans the opening. In other examples, the FRP portion overlaps the frame at the at least one corner. The FRP portion located at the corner may improve rigidity of the roof stiffener to increase resistance to a racking motion and increase the overall stiffness of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2019Publication date: January 9, 2020Inventors: Andrew K. SWAYNE, Ryan M. HAHNLEN
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Patent number: 10421496Abstract: A vehicle roof stiffener includes a metal or metal alloy frame defining a central opening and at least one corner. The vehicle roof stiffener also includes a fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) portion including at least one transition structure comprising a metal or a metal alloy. At least some of the fibers of the FRP portion are embedded in the transition structure. The FRP portion is located in the at least one corner. In some examples, the frame includes an opening in the at least one corner, and the FRP portion spans the opening. In other examples, the FRP portion overlaps the frame at the at least one corner. The FRP portion located at the corner may improve rigidity of the roof stiffener to increase resistance to a racking motion and increase the overall stiffness of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2017Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Andrew K. Swayne, Ryan M. Hahnlen
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Publication number: 20190084621Abstract: A vehicle roof stiffener includes a metal or metal alloy frame defining a central opening and at least one corner. The vehicle roof stiffener also includes a fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) portion including at least one transition structure comprising a metal or a metal alloy. At least some of the fibers of the FRP portion are embedded in the transition structure. The FRP portion is located in the at least one corner. In some examples, the frame includes an opening in the at least one corner, and the FRP portion spans the opening. In other examples, the FRP portion overlaps the frame at the at least one corner. The FRP portion located at the corner may improve rigidity of the roof stiffener to increase resistance to a racking motion and increase the overall stiffness of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2017Publication date: March 21, 2019Inventors: Andrew K. SWAYNE, Ryan M. HAHNLEN
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Patent number: 9776664Abstract: The present disclosure provides a vehicle including a frame having a side sill reinforcement, the side sill reinforcement running along a length of a side of the frame, and an impact transmission structure mounted to and extending laterally outward from an exterior surface of the side sill reinforcement, the impact transmission structure having a stiffness approximately equal to a stiffness of the side sill reinforcement and being configured to communicate an impact force resulting from a side impact into the vehicle into the frame and not absorb the impact force.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Siyang Yang, Shuo Fang, Lando C. Hamlett, Anthony Ordonio, Jr., Ryan Matthew Stokes, Yoshihisa Sugamata, Andrew K. Swayne
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Publication number: 20160272249Abstract: The present disclosure provides a vehicle including a frame having a side sill reinforcement, the side sill reinforcement running along a length of a side of the frame, and an impact transmission structure mounted to and extending laterally outward from an exterior surface of the side sill reinforcement, the impact transmission structure having a stiffness approximately equal to a stiffness of the side sill reinforcement and being configured to communicate an impact force resulting from a side impact into the vehicle into the frame and not absorb the impact force.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2015Publication date: September 22, 2016Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Siyang Yang, Shuo Fang, Lando C. Hamlett, Anthony Ordonio, JR., Ryan Matthew Stokes, Yoshihisa Sugamata, Andrew K. Swayne
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Patent number: 9409463Abstract: A vehicle structural member includes an outer member and an inner member secured to the outer member with a hollow cavity defined between the inner member and the outer member. The vehicle structural member further includes a bracket disposed in the hollow cavity and fixedly secured to the inner member for mounting an auxiliary component to the inner member. The bracket includes a main portion and at least one leg fixedly connecting the main portion to the inner member. The at least one leg includes a bulging portion enabling deformation of the bracket when a force is applied to the main portion of the bracket.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2014Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nathaniel Taylor Brodoway, Timothy J. Palesano, Bradley J. Smith, Andrew K. Swayne, Nick A. Massaro
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Publication number: 20160167489Abstract: A vehicle structural member includes an outer member and an inner member secured to the outer member with a hollow cavity defined between the inner member and the outer member. The vehicle structural member further includes a bracket disposed in the hollow cavity and fixedly secured to the inner member for mounting an auxiliary component to the inner member. The bracket includes a main portion and at least one leg fixedly connecting the main portion to the inner member. The at least one leg includes a bulging portion enabling deformation of the bracket when a force is applied to the main portion of the bracket.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2014Publication date: June 16, 2016Inventors: Nathaniel Taylor Brodoway, Timothy J. Palesano, Bradley J. Smith, Andrew K. Swayne, Nick A. Massaro
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Patent number: 9174591Abstract: A vehicle roof molding to be fitted into a roof groove of a roof panel of a vehicle is provided. The molding has a main body for filling at least a portion of a the roof groove in a groove width direction and a latching portion on a back side of the main body to secure the roof molding within the roof groove. The main body includes a first segment and a second segment, the first and second segments resides in different planes and are joined by a wall oriented generally transverse to both segments. A pair of protruding portions are provided on opposed edges of the first and second segments, respectively. Each protruding portion includes an elastic deforming region engaging an opposed side wall of the roof groove when the latching portion is fitted in the roof groove.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2014Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Edward William Bach, Jeremy J. Weinandy, Andrew K. Swayne, Anthony Ordonio, Jr.
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Publication number: 20150210228Abstract: A vehicle roof molding to be fitted into a roof groove of a roof panel of a vehicle is provided. The molding has a main body for filling at least a portion of a the roof groove in a groove width direction and a latching portion on a back side of the main body to secure the roof molding within the roof groove. The main body includes a first segment and a second segment, the first and second segments resides in different planes and are joined by a wall oriented generally transverse to both segments. A pair of protruding portions are provided on opposed edges of the first and second segments, respectively. Each protruding portion includes an elastic deforming region engaging an opposed side wall of the roof groove when the latching portion is fitted in the roof groove.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2014Publication date: July 30, 2015Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Edward William Bach, Jeremy J. Weinandy, Andrew K. Swayne, Anthony Ordonio, JR.
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Publication number: 20140265453Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes a body including a pair of laterally spaced body members and a front roof rail and a rear roof rail spanning between the body members. The body members together with the front and rear roof rails support a roof structure. The body is formed of a steel or steel alloy. The roof structure includes a roof panel, a roof stiffener, a forward connecting member and a rearward connecting member. The roof structure is formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The roof structure is bonded to the body via an adhesive. A plurality of bolts is installed along adhesive application areas between the body and the roof structure. At least one bolt connects the forward connecting member to the front roof rail and at least one bolt connects the rearward connecting member to the rear roof rail.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Christopher Hinz, Masahiro Ishikawa, Andrew K. Swayne
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Patent number: 8820824Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes a body including a pair of laterally spaced body members and a front roof rail and a rear roof rail spanning between the body members. The body members together with the front and rear roof rails support a roof structure. The body is formed of a steel or steel alloy. The roof structure includes a roof panel, a roof stiffener, a forward connecting member and a rearward connecting member. The roof structure is formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The roof structure is bonded to the body via an adhesive. A plurality of bolts is installed along adhesive application areas between the body and the roof structure. At least one bolt connects the forward connecting member to the front roof rail and at least one bolt connects the rearward connecting member to the rear roof rail.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Christopher Hinz, Masahiro Ishikawa, Andrew K. Swayne
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Patent number: 7854101Abstract: A system for attaching a component to a substrate, such as a vehicle. The system comprises a bracket. At least one fastener is coupled to the bracket and is engageable to the vehicle. A component is assembled to the bracket such that a lip of the component contacts a tab of the bracket, and the bracket at least partially engages a gap defined by the lip and an interior surface of the component. The component is attached to the vehicle when the fastener is engaged with the vehicle. A method employs the system.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2007Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., LtdInventors: Andrew K. Swayne, Jeremy J. Weinandy
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Patent number: 7644975Abstract: A mounting arrangement for securing a cladding to a vehicle body includes a vehicle body defining at least one aperture and a cladding having a body portion and at least one integral attachment structure extending from the body portion. The attachment structure includes a retaining portion received through the at least one aperture for securing the body portion to the vehicle body and a plurality of spaced apart ribs connecting the retaining portion to the body portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2007Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: James P. Ryan, Andrew K. Swayne, Jeremy J. Weinandy, Jason B. Ruminski
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Publication number: 20080286067Abstract: A fastener for mounting an automobile body accessory to an automobile body. The fastener includes a doghouse formed in the accessory. The doghouse includes a first wall having a slot formed therein forming two opposing slot faces. A second wall extends transversely from the first wall at an intersection. A bolt includes a shaft and means, such as threads and a nut, at a first shaft end for fastening to the automobile body. A bolt head is formed near an opposite, second shaft end. A washer is mounted to the shaft and spaced from the head to form a recessed collar between the washer and the head. The collar has at least first and second opposing collar faces for disposing adjacent the slot faces. The contact between the faces prevents rotation of the bolt during installation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2007Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventor: Andrew K. Swayne
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Publication number: 20080251667Abstract: A system for attaching a component to a substrate, such as a vehicle. The system comprises a bracket. At least one fastener is coupled to the bracket and is engageable to the vehicle. A component is assembled to the bracket such that a lip of the component contacts a tab of the bracket, and the bracket at least partially engages a gap defined by the lip and an interior surface of the component. The component is attached to the vehicle when the fastener is engaged with the vehicle. A method employs the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2007Publication date: October 16, 2008Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Andrew K. Swayne, Jeremy J. Weinandy
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Publication number: 20080246303Abstract: A mounting arrangement for securing a cladding to a vehicle body includes a vehicle body defining at least one aperture and a cladding having a body portion and at least one interval attachment structure extending from the body portion. The attachment structure includes a retaining portion received through the at least one aperture for securing the body portion to the vehicle body and a plurality of spaced apart ribs connecting the retaining portion to the body portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2007Publication date: October 9, 2008Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: James P. Ryan, Andrew K. Swayne, Jeremy J. Weinandy, Jason B. Ruminski
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Patent number: 7080868Abstract: A rear pillar structure of a vehicle frame is provided for supporting a dual mode tailgate including a pillar member having a first leg and a second leg. The first leg extends generally vertically along a side wall of the vehicle frame which partially defines a load carrying bed. The second leg extends along a cross member connecting a pair of frame rails of the vehicle frame. A support member is mounted inside the first leg for reinforcing the first leg at a location at which the dual mode tailgate connects to the pillar.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2005Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kerry S. McClure, Anthony Ordonio, Jr., Andrew K. Swayne
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Patent number: 6749253Abstract: A hook and catch assembly for use in securing a door to a body of a vehicle. The hook and catch assembly includes a hook that is secured to the door, a rocker panel that the door engages, a catch that is secured to the rocker panel upper surface, and a rocker panel garnish that is disposed over the rocker panel upper surface and the catch. The hook is positioned such that, when the door is in a closed position, the hook extends through a slot in the rocker panel garnish and is received between the catch and said rocker panel upper surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2003Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Robert G. Zummallen, Shawn L. Tarr, Andrew K. Swayne, Masahiro Ishikawa, Pete Cardimen, Skye Malcom, Henry Dicato, Matt Wolfe, Kenichi Kitayama, Matthew Plett, Kris Lemmon