Patents by Inventor Daniel T. Sellars

Daniel T. Sellars 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).

  • Publication number: 20190375463
    Abstract: A front frame assembly for mounting a front suspension and wheel assembly of a vehicle can include a pair of longitudinally extending frame members, a pair of upwardly extending frame members, and a transverse bracket frame member extending transversely from and connected to each of the upwardly extending frame members. The transverse bracket can include mount structures for connecting to various vehicle components, such as a pair of dampers, a radiator, hood cushions, and a headlight assembly. The transverse bracket can be locate in an upper portion of the vehicle engine compartment, and extending above a top most position of the radiator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Publication date: December 12, 2019
    Inventors: Luke M. UPAH, Dakota D. KIRTLAND, Daniel T. SELLARS
  • Patent number: 10479408
    Abstract: A front frame assembly for mounting a front suspension and wheel assembly of a vehicle can include lower frame members, first frame members, second frame members, a cross frame member and a plate. The pair of first and second frame members can be connected to and can extend upwardly from a respective one of the lower frame members. The pair of second frame members can be connected to the respective one of the lower frame members and a respective one of the first frame members. The cross frame member can be connected to and extend from each of the first frame members. The plate can be connected to and can extend from the each of the first frame and second members and the cross frame member. The plate can include a ridge configured to cause the plate to buckle in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle under predetermined conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Luke M. Upah, Daniel T. Sellars, Dakota D. Kirtland
  • Publication number: 20190299737
    Abstract: A frame and suspension assembly for a vehicle can include a pair of frame members configured to support a load input thereto, a final drive structure connected to each of the frame members such that the final drive assembly is configured to input a load to the frame members, and a stabilizer bar mounted to each of the frame members and extending in a traverse direction of the vehicle over a top of the final drive structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Inventors: Daniel T. SELLARS, Dustin M. SCHROEDER, Dakota D. KIRTLAND
  • Publication number: 20190225042
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for a suspension and wheel assembly of a vehicle can include a pair of frame members, a final drive assembly, and a pair of suspension brackets. The frame members can be spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction of the vehicle and can extend upwardly along a vertical direction of the vehicle. The final drive assembly can extend between the frame members. Each of the suspension brackets can connect a respective suspension member to a respective one of the frame members. The suspension brackets can be connected to the frame members and to the final drive assembly such that a lateral load input to one of the suspension brackets is transferred to a different one of the suspension brackets through the final drive housing, and then to the respective one of the frame members to which the different one of the suspension brackets is connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Inventors: Luke M. UPAH, Daniel T. SELLARS, Dakota D. KIRTLAND
  • Publication number: 20190225270
    Abstract: A frame assembly for a vehicle can include a main frame assembly defining a passenger compartment, and a front frame assembly. The front frame assembly can include a pair of front frame members extending upwardly, and a pair of intermediate frame members spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction of the vehicle. Each of the intermediate frame members can be connected to a respective one of the front frame members. Each of the intermediate frame members also can be connected to a cross member of the main frame assembly, and can include a bend such that each of the intermediate frame members buckles in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle if a load or kinetic energy applied to each of the intermediate frame members in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Inventors: Luke M. UPAH, Daniel T. SELLARS, Dakota D. KIRTLAND, Matthew L. TARACKO
  • Publication number: 20190225041
    Abstract: A front frame assembly for mounting a front suspension and wheel assembly of a vehicle can include lower frame members, first frame members, second frame members, a cross frame member, a plate, and a steering rack assembly. The pair of first and second frame members can be connected to and can extend upwardly from a respective one of the lower frame members. The pair of second frame members can be connected to the respective one of the lower frame members and a respective one of the first frame members. The cross frame member can be connected to and extend from each of the first frame members. The plate can be connected to and can extend from the each of the first frame and second members and the cross frame member. The plate can include a ridge. The steering rack housing can be mounted to the bottom surface of the plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Inventors: Luke M. UPAH, Daniel T. SELLARS, Dakota D. KIRTLAND
  • Publication number: 20190217894
    Abstract: A front frame assembly for mounting a front suspension and wheel assembly of a vehicle can include lower frame members, first frame members, second frame members, a cross frame member and a plate. The pair of first and second frame members can be connected to and can extend upwardly from a respective one of the lower frame members. The pair of second frame members can be connected to the respective one of the lower frame members and a respective one of the first frame members. The cross frame member can be connected to and extend from each of the first frame members. The plate can be connected to and can extend from the each of the first frame and second members and the cross frame member. The plate can include a ridge configured to cause the plate to buckle in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle under predetermined conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: Luke M. UPAH, Daniel T. SELLARS, Dakota D. KIRTLAND
  • Patent number: 10336372
    Abstract: A frame assembly for a vehicle can include a main frame assembly defining a passenger compartment, and a front frame assembly. The front frame assembly can include a pair of front frame members extending upwardly, and a pair of intermediate frame members spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction of the vehicle. Each of the intermediate frame members can be connected to a respective one of the front frame members. Each of the intermediate frame members also can be connected to a cross member of the main frame assembly, and can include a bend such that each of the intermediate frame members buckles in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle if a load or kinetic energy applied to each of the intermediate frame members in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Luke M. Upah, Daniel T. Sellars, Dakota D. Kirtland, Matthew L. Taracko
  • Publication number: 20190186614
    Abstract: A bracket for a powertrain component in a vehicle includes a base with a sidewall extending upward and outward from the base, the sidewall including gaps at an upper edge to support frame members of the vehicle upwards from the powertrain component. The sidewall also extends downward from the base to attachment points for suspension members of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Inventors: Dakota D. KIRTLAND, Daniel T. SELLARS
  • Publication number: 20190185058
    Abstract: A two pillar mount for a vehicle powertrain component wherein each pillar has two mirrored side walls formed on opposite ends of a joining wall. The side walls have mirrored recesses at a lower end to receive a lower frame member, and mirrored recesses at an upper end to receive upper frame members of a vehicle. Each pillar further includes attachment points to suspension members of the vehicle, and attachment points to the vehicle's powertrain component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Inventors: Dakota D. KIRTLAND, Daniel T. SELLARS
  • Patent number: 10279849
    Abstract: A skid plate for a powertrain component of a vehicle includes a base and first and second flanges at opposing edges of the base. The base includes a notch to form a tow point when attached to a V shaped tow frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dakota D. Kirtland, Daniel T. Sellars
  • Patent number: 10189428
    Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a mounting assembly for connecting a bumper assembly and radiator assembly to a vehicle. The mounting assembly can include a first frame member extending along a vertical direction of the vehicle, a transverse frame member extending in a transverse direction of the vehicle and connected to the first frame member, a bumper bracket configured to connect the connector member of the bumper assembly to each of the first frame member and the transverse frame member. The bumper bracket can include a flange extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle, and the flange can be configured to engage the radiator assembly if the radiator assembly is mounted on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel T. Sellars, Luke M. Upah, Dakota D. Kirtland
  • Publication number: 20180251173
    Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a frame body defining a cabin area and an engine area. The engine area is primarily accessible from the cabin area during installation of the engine assembly. A seat frame is removably attached to the frame body in the cabin area, and a seat assembly is removably attached to the seat frame. A method of installing the engine assembly during the assembly of the motor vehicle includes the steps of lowering the engine assembly into the cabin area of the frame body, moving the engine assembly along a longitudinal axis into the engine area of the frame body, lowering the engine assembly onto an engine mount in the engine area of the frame body, attaching the seat frame to the frame body in the cabin area, and attaching the seat assembly to the seat frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Inventors: Dakota D KIRTLAND, Jason M OWENS, Dustin L HINDERS, Daniel T SELLARS, Travis BARKEY
  • Patent number: 9988116
    Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a frame body defining a cabin area and an engine area. The engine area is primarily accessible from the cabin area during installation of the engine assembly. A seat frame is removably attached to the frame body in the cabin area, and a seat assembly is removably attached to the seat frame. A method of installing the engine assembly during the assembly of the motor vehicle includes the steps of lowering the engine assembly into the cabin area of the frame body, moving the engine assembly along a longitudinal axis into the engine area of the frame body, lowering the engine assembly onto an engine mount in the engine area of the frame body, attaching the seat frame to the frame body in the cabin area, and attaching the seat assembly to the seat frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dakota D Kirtland, Jason M Owens, Dustin L Hinders, Daniel T Sellars, Travis Barkey
  • Publication number: 20180057084
    Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a frame body defining a cabin area and an engine area. The engine area is primarily accessible from the cabin area during installation of the engine assembly. A seat frame is removably attached to the frame body in the cabin area, and a seat assembly is removably attached to the seat frame. A method of installing the engine assembly during the assembly of the motor vehicle includes the steps of lowering the engine assembly into the cabin area of the frame body, moving the engine assembly along a longitudinal axis into the engine area of the frame body, lowering the engine assembly onto an engine mount in the engine area of the frame body, attaching the seat frame to the frame body in the cabin area, and attaching the seat assembly to the seat frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Dakota D. KIRTLAND, Jason M. OWENS, Dustin L. HINDERS, Daniel T. SELLARS, Travis BARKEY
  • Patent number: 8152672
    Abstract: A differential assembly includes an axle, a differential, a differential lock, a blocking member, and a pump. The differential is coupled with the axle and configured to facilitate operation of the axle at an axle speed. The differential lock is associated with the differential and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The blocking member is associated with the differential lock and is movable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position. When the blocking member is in the blocking position, the differential lock is inhibited from moving to the locked position. The pump includes an outlet in fluid communication with the blocking member. The pump is operably coupled with the axle and is configured to facilitate movement of the blocking member into the blocking position when the axle speed is above a threshold speed. Vehicles including a differential assembly are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Darin D. King, Daniel T. Sellars, Ryan J. Holoweiko, Jason W. Grundey
  • Patent number: 8029011
    Abstract: An adjustable handlebar assembly for a saddle-type vehicle includes a base member, a support member, a left handlebar and a right handlebar. The support member is rotatably coupled to the base member and each of the left handlebar and the right handlebar is attached to the support member. The support member is configured to permit the left handlebar and the right handlebar to be selectively moved relative to the support member and the base member, independently of one another, to selectively adjust each of the left handlebar and the right handlebar in respective, generally longitudinal directions along a saddle-type vehicle, when the adjustable handlebar assembly is pivotally coupled to a frame of the saddle-type vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Darin D. King, Robert S. Zimmerman, Daniel T. Sellars, Scott D. Batdorf
  • Publication number: 20110100741
    Abstract: An adjustable handlebar assembly for a saddle-type vehicle includes a base member, a support member, a left handlebar and a right handlebar. The support member is rotatably coupled to the base member and each of the left handlebar and the right handlebar is attached to the support member. The support member is configured to permit the left handlebar and the right handlebar to be selectively moved relative to the support member and the base member, independently of one another, to selectively adjust each of the left handlebar and the right handlebar in respective, generally longitudinal directions along a saddle-type vehicle, when the adjustable handlebar assembly is pivotally coupled to a frame of the saddle-type vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Darin D. King, Robert S. Zimmerman, Daniel T. Sellars, Scott D. Batdorf
  • Publication number: 20110017540
    Abstract: A differential assembly includes an axle, a differential, a differential lock, a blocking member, and a pump. The differential is coupled with the axle and configured to facilitate operation of the axle at an axle speed. The differential lock is associated with the differential and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The blocking member is associated with the differential lock and is movable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position. When the blocking member is in the blocking position, the differential lock is inhibited from moving to the locked position. The pump includes an outlet in fluid communication with the blocking member. The pump is operably coupled with the axle and is configured to facilitate movement of the blocking member into the blocking position when the axle speed is above a threshold speed. Vehicles including a differential assembly are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Darin D. King, Daniel T. Sellars, Ryan J. Holoweiko, Jason W. Grundey