Patents by Inventor Lewis C. Smith

Lewis C. Smith 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).

  • Pedestrian protection assembly
    Patent number: 6755459
    Abstract: A pedestrian protection assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a bumper support beam rigidly secured to the frame of the vehicle. A bumper is supported on the support beam and spaced forwardly thereof by a resilient foam pad. The bumper includes a ramped rib engaged with the support beam for moving the bumper from a normal position to an impact position. A grill portion extends downwardly from the bumper and supports a facia chin below the bumper. A lower tubular support beam further supports the facia chin on the frame of the vehicle. The bumper moves rearwardly against the bumper support beam in response to front impact of the vehicle and the ramped rib forces the bumper downwardly to force the facia chin and lower tubular support beam downward and forward of the bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Decoma E.S.E. Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Thelen, Lewis C. Smith
  • Pedestrian protection assembly
    Publication number: 20030184122
    Abstract: A pedestrian protection assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a bumper support beam rigidly secured to the frame of the vehicle. A bumper is supported on the support beam and spaced forwardly thereof by a resilient foam pad. The bumper includes a ramped rib engaged with the support beam for moving the bumper from a normal position to an impact position. A grill portion extends downwardly from the bumper and supports a facia chin below the bumper. A lower tubular support beam further supports the facia chin on the frame of the vehicle. The bumper moves rearwardly against the bumper support beam in response to front impact of the vehicle and the ramped rib forces the bumper downwardly to force the facia chin and lower tubular support beam downward and forward of the bumper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: John L Thelen, Lewis C Smith