Bumper Extends Along Side Of Vehicle Patents (Class 293/126)
  • Patent number: 11584263
    Abstract: A track system for providing a movable component in a vehicle interior may comprise a track assembly comprising a track for the movable component and a base comprising a chassis for the movable component to be movable along the track. The track assembly may comprise a track cover. The chassis may move the track cover to uncover the track under the chassis. The track cover may comprise a front section, a rear section and a middle section. The front section and the rear section may cover the track. The chassis may comprise a ramp configured to raise the front section as the chassis moves in a forward direction. The middle section may extend below the front section, the rear section and the chassis. The track cover may slide along a pulley between the front section and the middle section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: SHANGHAI YANFENG JINQIAO AUTOMOTIVE TRIM SYSTEMS CO. LTD.
    Inventor: David John McCarthy
  • Patent number: 11433838
    Abstract: A front guard includes: a lower frame; and an upper frame and is configured to be swung to change a posture between a standing posture and a forward-leaning posture with respect to the lower frame. The lower frame has: a first lower member; and a second lower member. The upper frame has: a first stretching portion; a second stretching portion; and a connector portion. The connector portion has: a first portion; a second portion; and a middle portion. The first portion shifts forward as extending from the first stretching portion side to the middle portion side. The second portion shifts forward as extending from the second stretching portion side to the middle portion side. The middle portion extends in the vehicle width direction to connect the first portion and the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zachary Thompson, Carlos Cabrera, Junta Kuwae, Taiki Furuki
  • Patent number: 11117627
    Abstract: This disclosure details overmolded vehicle sheet metal structures that included integrated attachments for achieving part integration. An exemplary sheet metal structure includes a sheet metal panel, a reinforcing structure molded on the sheet metal panel, and an integrally molded attachment structure formed within the reinforcing structure. In some embodiments, the integrally molded attachment structure may include a nut, a bracket, or both. An additional vehicle component may be attached to the sheet metal panel via the integrally molded attachment structure. The sheet metal structure may be formed in a single shot injection molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Edward Andrew Pleet, Jason Scott Balzer, Todd John Mueller, Rohit Telukunta
  • Patent number: 11066028
    Abstract: A side barrier for a truck or trailer, the side barrier comprising at least one barrier member and at least two support arms between which the at least one barrier member hingedly extends, the at least two support arms being provided with hinges one for connection to the at least one barrier member and the other for connecting the side barrier to the vehicle in a position lying parallel to the longitudinal length of the vehicle, wherein all the said hinges are arranged with respectively parallel axes. Usually a second barrier member is present via which the other hinges connect the support arms to the truck or trailer. The side barrier is for lowering the window below pre-existing side barriers for preventing or reducing accidents involving vulnerable people such as pedestrians or cyclists and vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Inventor: Ronan Anthony Byrne
  • Patent number: 10946735
    Abstract: A belt assembly for an associated vehicle has a body that includes a substantially planar region dimensioned for abutting engagement with the vehicle. At least one seal lip extends outwardly from a first face of the body to engage an associated surface of a vehicle window. A first hook is provided on the body for receipt over a terminal tip of the vehicle structural assembly, and a second hook is dimensioned for at least partial receipt through an associated opening around the door window opening. The first hook is positioned over the terminal tip and then the second hook is rotated until the second hook elastically deforms outwardly and subsequently snap fits into an associated opening and the substantially planar region abuts along the associated structural assembly of the door to preclude movement of the belt assembly upwardly, cross-car, and fore-and-aft relative to the associated vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
    Inventor: Aaron Robinson
  • Patent number: 10814803
    Abstract: The invention relates to a component (1) comprising a planar decorative element (4) with a front side (5) and a rear side (6). A cover layer (9, 10) is arranged on each of at least two regions of the front side (5) of the planar decorative element (4), these at least two cover layers (9, 10) being spaced completely apart from one another, and said at least two cover layers (9, 10) and at least one region (12, 14) of the front side (5) of the planar decorative element (4) together forming a visible side (2) of the component (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: WEIDPLAS GMBH
    Inventor: Daniel Schelter
  • Patent number: 10150436
    Abstract: An attachment for connection to a body of a motor vehicle. The attachment having a cover member composed of plastic, a reinforcement member composed of plastic, and a stiffening member composed of metal inserted therebetween. The reinforcement member is fastened to the cover member such that at least one of the reinforcement member and the cover member at least partially engage around the stiffening member at least sectionally. As a result, the stiffening member is surrounded at least sectionally on at least three sides by the cover member and the reinforcement member. In this way, the stiffening member is thereby fixed in a locationally and positionally accurate manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: MAGNA Exteriors GmbH
    Inventor: Joerg Sader
  • Patent number: 9981447
    Abstract: There is provided a fiber-reinforced resin joined body, including: a fiber-reinforced resin shaped product A containing reinforcing fibers and a thermoplastic resin, and including at least one a protrusion part with a buckling strength of 80 MPa to 450 MPa; and a member B including at least one through hole, wherein the protrusion part of the fiber-reinforced resin shaped product A is inserted into the through hole of the member B, and a caulked part is provided in a portion of the protrusion part, protruding from the through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Teijin Limited
    Inventors: Hiroki Sano, Takumi Kato, Takeru Ohki
  • Patent number: 9908574
    Abstract: An assembly of a vehicle fixed bodywork panel and a support part for this fixed bodywork panel, comprising one adjustment means in translation of the fixed bodywork panel comprising: a translation member engaging said support part along a member translation axis; a through hole arranged into a first portion of the bodywork panel, the member translation axis being offset from the through-hole, and; a translation coupling element for the translation member and the fixed bodywork panel engaging the through hole, so that moving the translation member along the member translation axis causes a translation of the fixed bodywork panel relative to the support part in a translation direction allowing the fixed bodywork panel to be in a desired position, e.g. flush with a mobile bodywork panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Compagnie Plastic Omnium
    Inventors: Ondrej Salamon, Luzian Gawellek, Andreas Langer
  • Patent number: 9650004
    Abstract: The invention relates to an outer panel component of a motor vehicle, particularly a bumper for connection to sheet metal of the outer panel of a motor vehicle, the body shell of which has a mounting surface for connecting the outer panel component. The mounting surface runs from the outer side (A) of the motor vehicle to the inner side (I) and a leg, likewise running to the inner side (I), of the outer panel component run approximately in a parallel direction to the mounting surface. From the outside (A) at least to the inner end of the first region, the adjacent surface is free of burrs, caused by tool parting (W) for example, and following the first region, the adjacent surface assuming an increasing distance from the mounting surface in a second region, and runs downwards with clearance to a separation region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: SMP DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Rieser
  • Patent number: 8702136
    Abstract: A vehicle door protector that includes a lightweight single unit construction shell member configured to overlie and superimpose substantially the entire exterior of a sole vehicle door, said shell member having a durable exterior surface and a pliable interior surface, wherein the shell member is releasably securable to the vehicle door by means of a plurality of securing straps, whereby the finish and paintwork of the vehicle door to which the device is attached is protected from dings, dents, scratches and other blemishes rendered thereto by the opening of doors of adjacently parked vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: Muthukumaran Azhagesan
  • Publication number: 20140103669
    Abstract: An automotive bumper assembly and compression member for use therein. The assembly including a compression member having a first compressible region proximate to an outwardly oriented facing surface of a bodyside outer element and an second compressible region composed of a foamed polymeric material that is oriented proximate to an inwardly oriented surface of an outer bumper cover member with the compressibility value of the second compressible region being greater than the compressibility value of the first compressible region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing, North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing, North America, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20140008923
    Abstract: A bumper assembly for vehicle may include a first side member disposed in each of both sides of a vehicle body in a longitudinal direction thereof, a second side member coupled to an external surface of the first side member, a fender member having one side coupled to an external side of the second side member, a member flange connected to front ends of the first and second side members respectively, a mounting flange coupled with the member flange, a first crash box having a rear end connected to the mounting flange, a second crash box having a rear end connected to the mounting flange, and a bumper beam having both distal sides, each of which may be coupled to front ends of the first and second crash boxes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicants: Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Min Uke HAN, Chang Ho Park, Hae Woong Kim, Jun Hyoung Kim, Soo Heung Eom
  • Patent number: 8590951
    Abstract: A retractable impact protection system for use with a vehicle body having two cylindrical housings with telescopic extensions concentrically located at the ends of each housing that are able to secure the housings in a vertical position within the trunk of an automobile. A retractable protector-band is wound onto and off of a spool located inside the housing, and is rewound via a spring rewinder. The protector band is a resilient material and when in an extended position is able to protect the vehicle body from impact damage by creating a barrier. The left side retractable impact protection belt assembly and the right side retractable impact protection belt assembly extend from the trunk, down the sides of the automobile, and attach either to points on the vehicle front or attach to each other via hooks attached to the ends of the protector-bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Calabro
  • Patent number: 8550510
    Abstract: A vehicle bumper is provided that can increase the rigidity while ensuring a superior drainage capability in the vicinity of the location where the bumper is attached to a side face member. A vehicle bumper includes a middle portion extending in vehicle width direction, two lateral portions extending from the two ends of the middle portion towards side face members (front fender panels), an upper flange protruding inward, with respect to a vehicle body, from an upper edge of the lateral portions, an attachment flange that is continuous with the upper flange near an end of the lateral portions and protruding further inside the vehicle body than the upper flange, a long groove formed by a depression in an upper face of the upper flange, at least one rib that partitions the long groove in vehicle width direction into depressions, and water drainage holes formed in the depressions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroo Mizoguchi, Yusuke Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20130076050
    Abstract: A rear bumper includes a bumper central part configured to cover a rear end portion of a vehicle, a pair of bumper side parts configured to extend from both ends of the bumper central part toward respective wheel housings, a wheel arch portion disposed at an end of each of the bumper side parts, a flange formed integrally with an inner surface of each of the bumper side parts, and a wheel arch bracket disposed on the flange and configured to support fender components. The wheel arch bracket includes a component supporting portion configured to support the fender components, a flange mount portion disposed opposite to the component supporting portion and attached to the flange, and a plurality of vertical walls configured to extend from the component supporting portion toward the flange mount portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Hirose
  • Patent number: 8403402
    Abstract: The device of the present invention is an magnetic band to be applied to vehicles such as car, boats, race cars, passengers or cargo cars of railroad trains as well as in trucks and all other kind of land vehicles. The magnetic band is such to cause repulsion between cars as they approach one to the other one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Mario Placido Portela
  • Patent number: 8398132
    Abstract: A vehicle protection device includes a strip of resilient, impact-absorbing material in the form of a band. The strip of material extends around the entire vehicle: front, rear, and both sides. The band may be held in place, for example, by the resiliency of the impact-absorbing of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventor: Desmond Wilfred Sturdee
  • Patent number: 8303005
    Abstract: A motor vehicle door protection assembly for protecting a motor vehicle door from fingerprints and impact damage includes a panel that has a front side, a back side, an upper edge, a lower edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. A securing flange is attached to the first lateral edge and is configured to engage an edge of a vehicle door. A mounting strip is attached to the panel. The mounting strip is comprised of a magnetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: James O. Hill
  • Publication number: 20110163557
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to an injury protection accessory for a riding vehicle (e.g., motorcycle), the accessory comprising: at least one shield (4), disposed at the side(s) of the riding vehicle, the shield comprising: a substantially vertical hinge (12), attached to the body or the chassis of the riding vehicle; and one or more substantially horizontal bars (10), attached to the hinge; the shield having an open state, in which one edge of the shield is separated from the body of the vehicle, thereby allowing the rider thereof to get off the vehicle, and a closed state, in which both sides of the shield are engaged with the body of the vehicle, thereby protecting the rider from injury.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: Elad Oved, Meir Gitelis
  • Patent number: 7857366
    Abstract: A removable vehicle protection assembly for installation between first and second edges of a vehicle includes a resilient strip, a first resilient clamping member with a first clamp hook element, and a second hook element. The resilient strip is extendible along its longitudinal axis and is designed to protect the surface of the vehicle. The first resilient clamping member is used to protect a portion of the first vehicle edge and for securely receiving one end of the resilient strip portion. The resilient strip has a first clamp hook element for engaging a portion of the first vehicle edge and a second hook element coupled to the other end of the resilient strip for engaging a portion of the second vehicle edge. When installed on a vehicle, vehicle protection assembly protects the surface of a vehicle from damage when said vehicle is in transit, parked, or being towed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventors: Kenneth Michael, Vernon Michael
  • Publication number: 20100306932
    Abstract: A device (1) comprises at least a body (2) and a bumper (6) which is movably attached to the body so as to protect the body from shock caused by collision with an obstacle during movement of the device across a surface. The bumper is attached to the body by means of at least one spring (9) extending in a direction which is at least substantially perpendicular to the direction into which the bumper is movable with respect to the body. Furthermore,a robot cleaner comprising such a device is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Ronald Maarten Schneider, Jan Willem Bruggers, Robertus Mathijs Gerardus Rijs, Jeroen Dekkers
  • Patent number: 7699347
    Abstract: A system for absorbing impact energy includes a container formed with a plurality of faces. An energy absorbing material is substantially contained within the container. A first elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a first face of the container. A long axis of the first elongated member intersects the first face. A first bumper is connected to the distal end of the first elongated member. A second elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a second face of the container. A long axis of the second elongated member intersects the second face. The second elongated member is approximately perpendicular to the first elongated member. A second bumper connected to the distal end of the second elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
  • Patent number: 7695018
    Abstract: A system for absorbing impact energy includes a container formed with a plurality of faces. An energy absorbing material is substantially contained within the container. A first elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a first face of the container. A long axis of the first elongated member intersects the first face. A first bumper is connected to the distal end of the first elongated member. A second elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a second face of the container. A long axis of the second elongated member intersects the second face. The second elongated member is approximately perpendicular to the first elongated member. A second bumper connected to the distal end of the second elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
  • Patent number: 7635152
    Abstract: A damage prevention device for a car door or car body includes an elongated moulding that is attached to an outer surface of a car door to prevent damage from doors of adjacent cars when opened rapidly. The moulding can be extruded or can be molded. The moulding has flattened ends that can be pushed or wedged into a space created between the hinged door body end and the car body, and the other space between the other end of the door body and the car body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Inventor: Ronald E. Janus
  • Publication number: 20090184485
    Abstract: A running board assembly is provided that has structural tubing mounted to one of the spaced, longitudinally-extending frame rails. The structural tubing is configured to bear side impact loads in part by providing a continuous load-bearing path to direct the load to the frame rail. Additionally, because the structural tubing is of a higher strength than materials typically used for running boards, the structural tubing itself absorbs some of the side impact load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Brian V. Castillo, Robert E. Zeweke
  • Publication number: 20090140533
    Abstract: A removable device magnetically attached to a vehicle exterior to guard against dings, dents and scuffs imposed by doors of adjacent vehicles in parking lot environments. The guard incorporates a vinyl covering for added durability and customization potential as well as beveled, ergonomic end caps for improved design aesthetics and efficient placement of the device on the vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Robert Frank Keough, James Douglas Keough
  • Patent number: 7354083
    Abstract: A protective guard assembly for the protection of vehicles from parking lot damage is provided. The protective apparatus may comprise a pair of extendable rotator arms with a tensioned cable extended therebetween. In its non-deployed position, the present invention may be mounted underneath the vehicle to maintain the outer appearance of the vehicle. In its deployed position, the present invention may provide a pair of fore and aft canted arms with the tensioned cable therebetween, such arms having extended from underneath said vehicle and rotated upward to extend said cable at approximately the height of the outermost portion of the generally curved vehicle body. Alternatively, the present invention may comprise a pair of shorter extendable arms rotated in an upward manner and extended from each of the front and rear bumpers, or extended from and retracted into the front and rear bumpers, along the side of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventor: Stuart W. Obermann
  • Publication number: 20080061568
    Abstract: A damage prevention device for a car door or car body includes an elongated moulding that is attached to an outer surface of a car door to prevent damage from doors of adjacent cars when opened rapidly. The moulding can be extruded or can be molded. The moulding has flattened ends that can be pushed or wedged into a space created between the hinged door body end and the car body, and the other space between the other end of the door body and the car body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventor: Ronald E. Janus
  • Publication number: 20070273167
    Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus, the apparatus including, in some embodiments, a first elongate member having a resilient front surface, a first clamp located at a first end of the first elongate member, a second elongate member coupled to and adjustably engaged with said first elongate member, the second elongate member having a resilient front surface, a second clamp located at a first end of the second elongate member, a magnetic material connected to a rear surface of the first elongate member and the second elongate member, and a lock mechanism integrated into at least one of the first and the second elongate members to selectively secure a relative position of the coupled and adjustably engaged first and second elongate members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: Gail Alexander, Craig Alexander
  • Patent number: 7222895
    Abstract: An article that is mounted for protecting an automobile body is stored within the automobile body by electric power when the automobile body does not need to be protected. A device stores within the automobile body by electric power an article (2) having an article (1) for protecting the automobile body mounted thereto and being of the same material as the automobile body. The device installs by electric power the article for protecting the automobile body into a state in which it protects the automobile body, primarily, when the automobile is parked. The device stores by electric power the article for protecting the automobile body when the automobile is running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Ohara
  • Patent number: 7073830
    Abstract: A bumper protection device for automobile bumpers to shield the bumpers from impact attaches to the automobile by a fabric shroud which attaches around the hood and trunk latch and suspends an impact resisting padded guard portion, adapted to the vehicle bumper, covering the entire front or rear bumper, the padded guard portion being drawn partially around the sides of the bumper and anchored by at least one elastic strap attached to opposing ends of the bumper guard portion, each elastic strap being further attached to the tires or wheel wells of the automobile retaining the bumper protection device over the entire rear bumper surface and around the sides of the bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Inventors: Jian Chen, Dennis Q. Chen
  • Patent number: 7051667
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a protection and finish structure of the border of a boat hull with simplified assembly, of the type comprising a profile being extended in a longitudinal direction and a plurality of fixing means for fixing the profile to the hull, distributed along said profile. The fixing means of the structure comprise at least a fast clutch with a tenon and mortise joint wherein a tenon element, fixed to the profile, and a mortise element, intended for being fixed to the hull, have respective tenons and mortise being mutually engaged in a longitudinally sliding way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Douglas Marine S.r.L.
    Inventor: Marino Douglas Scotti
  • Patent number: 6962380
    Abstract: A rear bumper assembly structure for a vehicle is adapted for the securing of a rear bumper to a rear side part of the vehicle via a mounting bracket integrally formed at the rear bumper. A mounting boss is integrally formed to a rear side outer panel, thereby reducing a vehicle's weight and improving the assembly process and maintenance of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jeong-Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 6929842
    Abstract: Disclosed is a removable edge guard (10) for installation close to an edge of a vehicle door or the like. The edge guard is made of polymeric material for removable installation on a vehicle door having a trim. The edge guard (10) comprises:—a bumper (12) section and—two planar sections (14), each adjoining said bumper section,—said bumper section (12) comprising a U-shaped portion conceived to bridge said trim of said vehicle door and extending laterally over said edge of said vehicle door,—said planar sections (14) comprising means to removably install said guard on said edge of said vehicle door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: NMC, S.A.
    Inventors: Rene Dujardin, Jean-Pierre Mayeres
  • Patent number: 6928351
    Abstract: Control over school bus warning lights and its cross over arm are implemented through pre-existing steering wheel mounted speed control switches with minimum modification of vehicle hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventor: Darrell S. Bowman
  • Patent number: 6908128
    Abstract: An external protection system for a vehicle includes a plurality of external guards in communication with a passenger compartment. The plurality of guards are spaced a distance away from the passenger compartment such that a crush zone exists between each of the plurality of guards and the passenger compartment. This provides a lightweight vehicle with an increased level of protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Inventor: Russell W. Strong
  • Patent number: 6843192
    Abstract: Personal watercraft having extruded rigid rub rails that can be curved in vertical and horizontal dimensions to provide complex geometries in watercraft. One rub rail has a pair of resilient opposed converging wings extending outwardly from the rub rail to form an open channel along the rub rail length. A first bottom lip can extend inwardly to hug the downwardly facing surface of the top deck. A second lip can curve upward and inward beneath the first inwardly extending bottom lip. The second lip can provide an increased ability to hug sharp horizontally curved corners of the watercraft without wrinkling, for example, the rear corners of the watercraft. The rub rail can be both vertically and horizontally curved in the same region and be affixed to a vertical bond flange. In some personal watercraft, the rub rail is formed of a rigid material having a Shore A hardness of at least about 90.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Nugteren, John Thompson
  • Patent number: 6733161
    Abstract: An elongated carrier for receiving a bumper member. In one illustrative embodiment, the elongated carrier includes one or more walls with one or more inner surfaces that define at least part of a cavity, and further includes a slot into the cavity. The slot is preferably defined by at least two terminating ends of the one or more walls, wherein the two terminating ends are defined by terminating end surfaces that are separate from the one or more inner surface of the one or more walls. Preferably, at least one of the inner surfaces of the one or more walls has an inwardly extending nub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Brian N. Tufte
  • Patent number: 6688675
    Abstract: For fixing a rear covering part on a side part with a zero gap, a guide rail is provided in the side part and is locked in place in channel-type supports, into which guide rail the rear covering part is slid. The guide rail is durably held in a precise position with respect to the side part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Patrick Polzer, Wilfried Eberle, Ruediger Jahn
  • Patent number: 6655708
    Abstract: A wheelchair is provided with at least one safety bumper which is mounted to the frame of the wheelchair outwardly of one of the wheels. The outer surface of the bumper functions as a cam surface for contacting a door and maintaining the door open while the wheelchair passes through a doorway. The bumper could be adjustable in length and could be detachably mounted to the wheelchair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Christopher M. G. Handago
  • Patent number: 6651581
    Abstract: A vehicle back-up guide comprised of a lever arm which defines an abutting arm and a spacing arm angled relative to each other. The lever arm is pivotally mounted to a mounting means to the rear side of the vehicle. As the vehicle is backing-up and closing in on an object, the abutting arm, which has a distal end projecting substantially away from the vehicle, makes contact with the object and this automatically moves the spacing arm outwardly thus giving a visual indication of the relative distance of the vehicle to the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Fernand Gauthier
  • Patent number: 6626475
    Abstract: A side entry bar apparatus is provided for mounting on a bottom of a trailer and prevents or bars a motor vehicle from entering the space under the floor of the trailer from the side of the trailer. The apparatus includes a plurality of vertically oriented support bars, a plurality of longitudinally and horizontally oriented support bars, and a plurality of transversely and horizontally oriented support bars. The respective bars are connected together, such as by welding, to form a rigid cage structure. A plurality of trailer attachment plates are connected to the respective top ends of the vertically oriented support bars to attach the cage structure to the bottom of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Neal W. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 6565147
    Abstract: A magnetic repulsion system to prevent collisions of vehicles by use of magnetic forces. The magnetic repulsion system to prevent collisions includes a plurality of mobile vehicles each having a body having an inner surface. Each of a plurality of bars is magnetized and has the same polarity. Each of the bars is coupled to the inner surface of one of the vehicles such that the bars substantially encompass each of the vehicles. The bars on a first of the vehicles are repelled by bars on a second of the vehicles by the magnetic polarity of the bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Walter Beals, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6527318
    Abstract: The Hailo-cover is a truck bed cover system including a pair of side panels and an end panel all having a fastening strip spanning the upper width for removable attachment to the inner rim of a truck flatbed. In addition, the side panels and end panel all have a plurality of fastening straps extending downwardly and with distal fastening means thereon for overlapping attachment to the opposing fastening strap of the other panels. This configuration allows the opposing side panels and tailgate panel to be opened and hung exteriorly of the truck bed to protect the exterior surfaces and prevent scratches. dents and dings. Alternatively, the panels can be draped over a payload and joined via the fastening straps to cover and protect the payload in the truck bed, or they can be secured in a rolled configuration and stowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Michael B. Kolper
  • Patent number: 6416095
    Abstract: There is provided an elongate body side molding suitable for attachment to the side of a vehicle body, which molding comprises: i) one or more stabilising strip(s); ii) one or more layer(s) of a polymeric material with a relatively high coefficient of thermal expansion; and iii) one or more layer(s) of a polymeric material with a relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion; the layers of polymeric material with high and low coefficients of thermal expansion being so arranged that, over a predetermined range of temperatures, the overall shape of the body side molding is substantially maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Cooper Technology Services, LLC
    Inventors: James F. Keys, David S. Harris
  • Publication number: 20020000729
    Abstract: A lower fender extension brace for mounting on truck hood fenders to prevent lower fender breakage and cracking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventors: Geoffrey Lynn Phillips, Michael Dale Rhodes
  • Patent number: 6263996
    Abstract: A wheel retainer for the safety of all motor vehicles, and more particularly for trucks of all types, to prevent wheels or wheel assemblies from flying off moving vehicles in the event of axle breakage or other mechanical failure which would cause a wheel or wheel assembly to fly off. The wheel retainer includes brackets for attachment to a truck frame and a retaining bar which is removably attached to the brackets, the bar and brackets being positioned to prevent the wheel or wheel assembly from flying off of the vehicle. In a further modification of the wheel retainer, a loose wheel indicator is provided. The loose wheel indicator is mounted to a turnable or steerable wheel or wheel assembly such as a front wheel of a vehicle. The loose wheel indicator causes an audible noise, audible to the vehicle driver, by contact created between the indicator assembly and the rim of a tire when the wheel or wheel assembly comes loose thereby warning the driver of the loose wheel hazard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Pebblestone Multi-Services Inc.
    Inventor: Donald William Welch
  • Patent number: 6109676
    Abstract: An rear engine end frame for a compact wheel loader has an engine compartment with open corners behind the rear wheels of the loader. The open corners are closed by wraparound bumper corners made from relatively heavy metal castings that serve as counterweights as well as bumper corners. The bumper corners are detachably mounted to the engine compartment to permit ready access to the ends of the transversely mounted engine and to other components located in the rear corners of the engine compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Scott D. Avis, Jeffrey A. Deneve, Paul J. Staebler, Al C. Wingate
  • Patent number: 6003933
    Abstract: A covering part made of a flexible material for an end area of a vehicle, particularly a passenger car, in sections, forms the outer skin of the vehicle body and, by way of laterally exterior, longitudinally directed sections, extends to adjoining wheel housings of the vehicle body. A simple fastening, which includes few components, for the laterally exterior, longitudinally directed sections of the covering part as well as an improved mounting and a relative insensitivity to tolerances are achieved. On each longitudinal side of the vehicle adjacent to the wheel housing, a holder is provided which is made of plastic. The holder is fastened on the vehicle body side. At the same time, the holder is used for fastening the upper edge area and the lower edge area of the longitudinally directed covering parts. In addition, the holder forms a partial wheel housing shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventor: Gerhard Rinklin