Subassembly Patents (Class 296/193.01)
  • Patent number: 11572104
    Abstract: A vehicle body may include a front pillar including a pillar front plate, a pillar rear plate, a pillar inner plate and a pillar outer plate, wherein the pillar front plate, the pillar rear plate, the pillar inner plate and the pillar outer plate form a tube; and a pillar reinforcement arranged in the front pillar. The pillar reinforcement may be arranged rearward of a front tire. A space may be provided between the pillar reinforcement and the pillar front plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuki Shimizu, Tomoyuki Itoh, Shoichi Saito, Satoshi Ikeda
  • Patent number: 11433747
    Abstract: A vehicle has a door including: a canopy section covering a cabin from above; and a side section bulging outward in a vehicle width direction from the canopy section to cover an upper surface of a body lateral section and formed integrally with the canopy section, in which a front end of the door is attached to a body in a freely rotatable manner, and a rear end of the door is vertically movable to open/close the cabin. The vehicle further has a seat section that supports buttocks of an occupant at the time when the occupant gets in/out and is provided on an upper surface of the body lateral section covered with the side section from above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasunori Hirozawa, Hiroki Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 10384722
    Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle may include a base portion and a modular portion. The base portion may be a four wheel vehicle having an operator area with seating for at least two occupants in a side-by-side arrangement. The modular portion may be coupled to the base portion resulting in a six wheel vehicle. The wheels of the modular portion may be powered by an engine of the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua J. Leonard, Richard R. Maki, Eric D. Bjerketvedt, Michael D. Schneider, Bradley R. Morisch, Brian D. Krosschell
  • Patent number: 9878742
    Abstract: A suspension tower portion structure of a vehicle is configured such that an upper face portion of a suspension tower portion comprises an fastening face portion where plural fastening portions to which an upper-side attached portion of a suspension is fixedly fastened are provided, plural arc-shaped wall portions which are each provided to rise around the fastening portion are provided on the fastening face portion, and the arc-shaped wall portion is configured to be spaced apart from a fastening seat portion of a fastening member to be fastened to the fastening portion 11, having a constant distance therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Miho Kowaki, Sakayu Terada, Takehiro Kamei, Ryotaro Hirata
  • Publication number: 20150115662
    Abstract: A vehicular system is provided with a substantially hollow member having a long axis, a short axis, and an outer surface substantially parallel to the long axis. The outer surface includes a plurality of notched elements configured to reduce strain from bending the member in the direction of the short axis, e.g., by a stretch bending process. The hollow member may also include an outer surface that is curved substantially in the direction of the short axis. A method of making the vehicular assembly includes the steps: providing a substantially hollow member having a long axis, a short axis, and an outer surface substantially parallel to the long axis; cutting a plurality of notched elements into the outer surface; and bending the member such that the portion of the outer surface in proximity to the notched elements is in tension and curved in the short axis direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Joyce, Darrin Neil Wagner
  • Patent number: 8985661
    Abstract: A device, having a plastic molded part (1), in particular an add-on part and/or trim part for a motor vehicle, comprises a cover (2) for closing an opening (3) in a wall (4) of the plastic molded part (1). The cover (2) has a first rim (6) and a second rim (7), substantially opposite of the first rim (6), wherein the cover (2) has at least one retaining hook (9), which engages behind the opening (3) in the closed position of the cover (2), on the inner side (8) facing the opening (3) in the region of the first rim (6), and the cover (2) further has at least one detent element (10) on the inner side (8) in the region of the second rim (7), said detent element being latched in the closed position of the cover (2) to at least one detent counter element (11), fixedly attached to the wall (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Rehau AG + Co
    Inventors: Gerhard Müller, Christian Lemm
  • Patent number: 8955859
    Abstract: A blast resistant vehicle is disclosed that includes a structural frame member, a first frame coupled to the structural frame member and configured to receive a first axle assembly and a first suspension assembly, a second frame coupled to the structural frame member and configured to receive a second axle assembly and a second suspension assembly, and a cab assembly having a front portion and a rear portion and having a floor panel, a front firewall, a rear body panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. The cab assembly is isolated from the structural frame member, the front sub-frame, and the rear sub-frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Micah C. Richmond, Kristopher J. Krueger, David J Pelko
  • Publication number: 20150035245
    Abstract: An automotive component including a composite casting is provided. The composite casting includes a steel member and an end cap fastened to an end portion of the steel member. A cast coupling member is cast about the end portion of the steel member including the end cap, thereby positively and rigidly securing the cast coupling member to the steel member. The automotive component can comprise an engine cradle, a control arm, an instrument panel support structure, a bumper assembly, or a twist axle. The cast coupling member is typically formed by casting-in-place aluminum about the end cap and the end portion of the steel member. The steel member is typically a tubular member, and the end cap typically includes a flange designed to provide a mechanical interlock surface with the cast coupling member. For example, the flange can have a polygonal shape, an outwardly extending member, or notches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Seetarama S. Kotagiri, Timothy W. Skszek, Frank A. Horton, Gregory P. Kiselis
  • Patent number: 8931827
    Abstract: A structural mounting insert for sealing between and/or adhering to surfaces of members is described. The insert includes a base member and activatable material about the base material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Zephyros, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Coon, Steve Zdrojewski, Keith Novak
  • Publication number: 20140370227
    Abstract: A pressure bulkhead may include a bulkhead wall having a radially inner disk and a radially outer compression ring, the outer compression ring being reinforced to balance meridional and hoop stresses sustained by the bulkhead wall in response to a pressure differential across the pressure bulkhead; and the radially inner disk being unitary with the outer compression ring and being made of the same material as the outer compression ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Paul Diep, Bernhard Dopker, Robert W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8899664
    Abstract: A crossmember assembly for a vehicle may include an upper panel; a pair of lower panels assembled at a lower side of both end portions of the upper panel to form a first box, a center lower panel, a middle portion of which is assembled to a lower middle portion of the upper panel, and a front side lower arm mounting panel and a rear side lower arm mounting panel that are disposed at a lower front side and a lower rear side of the crossmember assembly, respectively, and mounted to the both end portions of the upper panel to house a lower arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Un Koo Lee, Sung Bae Jang, Pil Young Jeong
  • Publication number: 20140346745
    Abstract: Provided is a wheelchair having a frame and a wheels mounted thereto, the wheelchair including: a removable seat having a rigid mount portion, a frame mounting element rigidly coupled to the frame and configured for rigidly coupling to the mount portion, and an adjusting mechanism coupled to the mounting element for adjusting the disposition thereof with respect to the mount portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: Ran Ganel
  • Patent number: 8800704
    Abstract: A wheel loader includes a vehicle body frame, an engine, a working unit a fuel tank and a cooling device. The fuel tank is attached to a bottom surface of a rear part of the vehicle body frame, and has a rear end surface slanted obliquely rearwards from up to down. The cooling device is configured to release heat of a coolant flowing through an inside thereof. The cooling device is supported by the rear part of the vehicle body frame. A bottom end portion of the cooling device is opposed to and separated away from a rear end surface of the fuel tank at a predetermined distance in a back-and-forth direction. A bottom surface of the cooling device is positioned lower than a top surface of a rear end portion of the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kitaoka, Ryuutaro Kato
  • Publication number: 20140197664
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a structural support member for a vehicle includes forming a first portion, forming a second portion, and connecting the first portion and the second portion together. The first portion and the second portion may be formed from one of an aluminum material, a magnesium material, a cold-formable steel material, a glass fiber composite material, or a plastic material. The first portion and the second portion are connected together such that the second portion is disposed in a tensile loading condition in response to an impact load applied to the first portion. A laminate layer is attached to the second portion. The laminate layer includes an ultra high strength material having a yield strength equal to or greater than five hundred fifty (550) MPa. The laminate layer may include, for example, an iron based glassy metal foil or an iron based glassy metal foil fabric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicants: NANOSTEEL COMPANY, INC., GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Hesham A. Ezzat, Charles D Tuffile, Marcel R. Cannon
  • Publication number: 20140191536
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle reinforcement includes the step of a) joining a first portion comprising boron steel to a second portion comprising more ductile material than boron steel to form a vehicle reinforcement, and b) heat treating at least one part of the first portion after the joining so that the vehicle reinforcement comprises at least one hardened zone of boron steel and at least one soft zone of more ductile material than boron steel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: VOLVO CAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jens Elfwing, Michael Wehrend, Johan Nedemo, Kristoffer Trana
  • Publication number: 20140175833
    Abstract: A rear wheel is attached to a side of a rear vehicle body. A platform is attached to the side of the rear vehicle body so as to be located above the rear wheel. The platform is provided with an opening formed by a through hole, and the opening is located within a range obtained by projecting the rear wheel upwardly and located on the rear vehicle body side with respect to a center (center line A-A) of a width A1 of the rear wheel when the rear wheel is viewed from above. A plate member extending only in a front-rear direction of the vehicle body in the opening is provided. As a result, there can be obtained a wheel loader having good workability in inspection and maintenance of an engine room front and having good driver's rearward visibility during the operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Hideki Masuda, Shirou Kanamori
  • Publication number: 20140152052
    Abstract: A motor vehicle body is provided with a lateral front wall and a wheel installation strut connected therewith with an inner component and an outer component with an outer side wall. The outer component includes, but is not limited to a front portion with a lower front connecting flange, which is connected to the inner component and forms an angle with the horizontal which amounts to a maximum of approximately 20°, and a rear portion with a lower rear connecting flange, which is connected to the lateral front wall and forms an angle with the vertical which amounts to a maximum of approximately 20°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Udo MILDNER, Lothar TESKE
  • Patent number: 8740289
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has a U-shaped bow which can be simply fastened to a sheet metal component. The U-shaped bow is developed at each free end as a blind rivet. The U-shaped bow itself forms the pull mandrel for the blind rivets. Such a U-shaped bow can be used, for example, for fastening a child seat in the motor vehicle according to the Isofix standard, for a locking bow for a lock of a door or lid of the motor vehicle and/or for serving cargo in a vehicle trunk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Nikolaus Oancea
  • Publication number: 20140145469
    Abstract: A motor vehicle body includes, but is not limited to a lightweight component of a composite material and a metallic structure, on which the lightweight component is fastened. The metallic structure includes, but is not limited to a first groove, in which a first edge strip of the lightweight component engages. Between two surfaces of the first edge strip facing away from one another and side walls of the first groove located opposite these surfaces, an adhesive layer is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Udo MILDNER, Lothar TESKE
  • Publication number: 20140147617
    Abstract: A unitary structural assembly including a first component having a plateau-receiving aperture and a compression-molded, composite second component having a sandwich structure is provided. The second component includes a first outer layer, a second outer layer, and a core positioned between the outer layers and having a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by a press molding. A portion of the second component including the first layer and the core defines a raised plateau having upper and side surfaces. The plateau has a size and shape corresponding to the size and shape of the plateau-receiving aperture. A height of the plateau corresponds to the depth of the plateau-receiving aperture. The plateau is inserted into the plateau-receiving aperture so that corresponding surfaces of the plateau and the plateau-receiving aperture are in abutting engagement to unitarily connect the components and form the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: GLOBAL IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Darius J. Preisler, Christopher A. Heikkila
  • Publication number: 20140117718
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension strut tower bracing system includes a first suspension strut tower and a second suspension strut tower spaced from the first strut tower. At least one wall extends between and interconnects the first strut tower to the second strut tower. At least one strut tower brace is attached to the wall and spaced from the first and second strut towers. The strut tower brace includes a first support member having a first end and an opposite second end, and a second support member attached to the first support member at location spaced inward from the first and second ends of the first support member. The second support member is arranged at an oblique angle relative to the first support member so as to form a generally Y-shaped configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: George J. Van Kaam
  • Publication number: 20140037414
    Abstract: A mining shovel includes a digging assembly having a generally V-shaped boom including a lower connection point for attachment to the mining shovel. A first portion of the boom extends generally upwardly from the lower connection point, and a second portion of the boom is angled with respect to and extends upwardly and forwardly from the first portion. The second portion includes a distal end defining a sheave support, and a pivot element is positioned generally at a connection area between the first portion and the second portion. The digging assembly also includes a boom attachment having a first end that is pivotally supported by the pivot element and a second end that is supported by the sheave support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: William J. Hren, James M. Hutsick, Patrick M. Severson, Samuel F. Haworth, Jason Knuth
  • Patent number: 8628140
    Abstract: The invention relates to a front end of a motor vehicle, consisting of at least one main body and at least a first thermoplastic part and a second thermoplastic part, which are securely connected by injection molding firstly to the main body and simultaneously the various plastics parts are securely connected to one another, wherein the two plastics parts consist of different plastics materials and these are injection molded according to the bi-injection process and fuse with one another when they encounter one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignees: Faurecia Kunststoffe Automobilsysteme GmbH, Lanxess Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Malek, Vasant Pednekar, Ulrich Dajek, Hans-Walter Weyer, Jens Menke, Bérénice Cottens
  • Publication number: 20130323454
    Abstract: A structurally reinforced blow moulded assembly includes an overmould body bonded to one or more preformed internal stiffening ribs. The reinforcing r ribs are partially encapsulated by o the overmould body in an orientation selected to carry load a forces thereon. The resin mixture used to form the overmould body comprises 10% to 40% by weight short glass having a length less about 15 cm, and 60% to 90% by weight thermoplastic resin. To facilitate recycling the reinforcing ribs comprise 30 to 60% by weight long glass fibers and 40% to 70% of thermoplastic bonding resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: METELIX PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Tim CHAPMAN, Roger Elgner
  • Publication number: 20130249247
    Abstract: An underbody guard is mountable under an underbody of a motor vehicle for extensive covering of regions at risk including at least one of an engine, a transmission unit, an axle, a differential, a gas tank, an exhaust system, or sills. The underbody guard including a recess and a dimensionally stable shaped part configured to be inserted into the recess so as to substantially close the recess. The dimensionally stable shaped part is made from materials that do not block radio signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Dr. lng. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Michael BAUM
  • Publication number: 20130221706
    Abstract: A suspension module for a vehicle and a method of manufacture. The suspension module may include a subframe assembly having at least one unitary side plate that is configured to be mounted to a vehicle. The subframe assembly may facilitate mounting of an axle subassembly and a suspension subsystem to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: ARVINMERITOR TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Gordon Aaron Weeks, Kevin Thomas Paquette, Paul Lawrence Barr
  • Publication number: 20130093214
    Abstract: An operating machine comprises a machine body mounted on a lower propelling body. The machine body comprises an upper frame, and a line member mutually connecting a plurality of devices installed to the upper frame. The upper frame has a bottom plate, a pair of longitudinal plates each provided to stand on the bottom plate and extend in a front-rear direction, while being disposed in spaced-apart relation to each other in a right-left direction, and a transverse plate provided to stand on the bottom plate and extend in the right-left direction, while being joined to each of the longitudinal plates. A specific plate consisting of at least one of the pair of longitudinal plates and the transverse plate has an upper edge on which a pair of protrusions are provided in opposed relation to each other, and the line member is set to pass through between the pair of protrusions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
  • Publication number: 20130093213
    Abstract: An upper frame has a bottom plate, a pair of vertical plates that are provided to stand on the bottom plate so as to face each other in a right-left direction, and a left side frame configuring a part of a rim part of the upper frame. An attachment is supported on a support parts provided in front of the slewing bearing in vertical plates. A left vertical plate has a rear curved part, behind the support part, which is curved forming a convex shape directed toward an opposite side of a right vertical plate in a planar view. The upper slewing body further has a first coupling member for coupling the left side frame and the left vertical plate to each other so as to prevent the left vertical plate from being deformed in a direction in which the rear curved part approaches the right vertical plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
  • Patent number: 8414066
    Abstract: A reinforced vehicle structure includes a vehicle panel, an elongated structural support member, and a support structure. The vehicle panel includes a first panel surface and a second panel surface, and defines a first opening that extends through the vehicle panel between the first and second panel surfaces. The elongated structural support member supports a portion of the first panel surface of the vehicle panel, and defines a first channel extending along the vehicle panel. The support structure is coupled to the structural support member at least partially within the first channel, includes a mounting structure that is aligned with the first opening in the vehicle panel, and defines a second channel extending transversely to the first channel of the structural support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Hustyi, Brian Shepard, Emily Hospodar, Robert Blanchard
  • Publication number: 20130049391
    Abstract: In a frame having a closed-section portion which is formed by joining a first member having a U-shaped section and a second member having a flat-plate shape, a bulkhead is provided in the closed-section portion as a reinforcing member, flanges of the bulkhead and the first and second members are joined with a rigid joint portion where they are joined by a spot welding and a flexible joint portion where they are joined via a damping member. Thereby, transmission of vibrations can be properly restrained, improving the rigidity of the portion having the closed-section portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Osamu KUROGI, Tsuyoshi SUGIHARA, Kohya NAKAGAWA, Kuniaki NAGAO, Sakayu TERADA, Miho KOWAKI, Akira IYOSHI, Shigeaki WATANABE
  • Publication number: 20130038088
    Abstract: A vehicle system allowing for interchangeably attaching different shells to the hull of a vehicle chassis. The shells can be configured for different tasks allowing the vehicle to be easily configured for specific missions and then swapped for new shells based on changing mission requirements. The vehicle system attaches the shell to the support walls of the hull such that the hull can support the shell and withstand use of the equipment integrated into the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Amikran Shmargad
  • Patent number: 8366181
    Abstract: A structural member assembly includes a substantially hollow structural member and a structural reinforcer. The hollow structural member is formed by a plurality of panels. At least one of the panels includes a cut-out region extending from the edge of the panel to the interior of the panel so that the cut-out region is not fully enclosed by the panel. The structural reinforcer includes a rigid carrier and a bonding material. The structural reinforcer is installed in the interior of the structural member across said cut-out region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Sika Technology AG
    Inventors: Vincent Belpaire, Sebastien Delneufcourt, Francois Godillon, Gaetan Lison
  • Publication number: 20130026789
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a revolving deck element for a construction machine, in particular for a mobile excavator, as well as to a construction machine, in particular to a mobile excavator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Stefan Schott, Gerhard Bolz
  • Publication number: 20120313399
    Abstract: A reinforced frame structure for a vehicle is provided. The frame structure includes a frame portion having a first portion and a pair of wall portions extending therefrom. A first reinforcement is rigidly coupled to the wall portions, and the first portion, the wall portions, and first reinforcement combine to define an enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Ari Garo Caliskan, John Edward Huber, Michael M. Azzouz, Satish Ganti
  • Publication number: 20120305322
    Abstract: An electrical or electronic component (3) of a motor vehicle is mounted in an engine compartment of the motor vehicle by suspending the component (3) from a suspension cross-brace (1) and connecting the component (3) on a motor vehicle splashboard that separates the engine compartment from a passenger compartment. Such a mount permits a relatively heavy and relatively large electrical or electronic component to be accommodated in the engine compartment and securely mounted there.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Thomas Schaal
  • Patent number: 8293360
    Abstract: A baffle is provided that includes a body portion having a first layer and a second layer defining a free space therebetween. A sealer is disposed on the body portion in the space between the first layer and the second layer. The space has a predetermined volume and the sealer is expandable in the space. When placed in a cavity, such as a vehicle cavity, the sealer also expands into the cavity to seal the cavity. The baffle is more light-weight and capable of reducing noise and vibration, especially at higher frequencies than traditional baffles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Sika Technology AG
    Inventors: Henri Cousin, Guillaume Lecroart
  • Publication number: 20120242111
    Abstract: A spring strut receptacle is provided that is implemented in two parts, and a vehicle front structure having this spring strut receptacle and a motor vehicle which has this vehicle front structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Udo Mildner, Thomas Enderich
  • Patent number: 8273442
    Abstract: A welding arrangement for plastic components includes a base member, a primary member abutting onto the base member and provided with a first positioning feature that engages a corresponding first positioning feature provided on the base member. A secondary member is vibration welded to the base member so as to at least partly interpose the primary member between the secondary member and base member. Because the welding is performed while the primary member is properly positioned relative to the base member on account of the first positioning feature cooperating with the corresponding first positioning feature, the positional precision of the primary member is ensured. The primary member may be additionally provided with a second positioning feature that engages a corresponding second positioning feature provided on the secondary member, so as to permit positional adjustment between them in a prescribed direction corresponding to a direction of movement of the vibration welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahide Sano, Masamitsu Shiono, Kazuyuki Tateishi
  • Publication number: 20120189409
    Abstract: An autonomous transport vehicle including a frame having a longitudinal axis extending from a front of the frame to a back of the frame, at least one first guide member mounted on one side of the frame and having a first guide member frame of reference, and at least one second guide member mounted to an opposite side of the frame than the at least one first guide member and having a second guide member frame of reference, wherein the first and second guide members are asymmetrically compliant guide members so that a stiffness of the at least one first guide member in response to a force in a predetermined direction relative to the first guide member frame of reference is different than a stiffness of the at least second guide member in response to the force in the predetermined direction relative to the second guide member frame of reference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: CasePick Systems, LLC.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Toebes, Justin Holwell
  • Patent number: 8129035
    Abstract: The invention provides structural component for an automobile, two-wheeled vehicle or railcar excellent in impact-absorption property, shape fixability and flange cuttability, and method for producing the same, which structural component has a hat-like shape including vertical walls and flanges, wherein distal ends of the flanges contain 20 vol % or greater of austenite phase and have a cross-section hardness expressed as Vickers harness of 150˜350, and a center regions of the vertical walls have, in a common cross-section with the flanges, a content of deformation-induced martensite phase exceeding that of the distal ends of the flanges by 10 vol % or greater and a cross-section hardness expressed as Vickers hardness that exceeds that of the distal ends of the flanges by 50 or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Nippon Steel & Sumikin Stainless Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Ken Kimura, Junichi Hamada, Naoto Ono, Haruhiko Kajimura, Toshio Tanoue
  • Publication number: 20120001445
    Abstract: A vehicle interior member that is attached to an interior side of a vehicle body, including an interior member body which is made of an unwoven fabric and exposed to the interior side; and a reinforcement band which is made of a rigid plastic and attached to a behind surface of the interior member body, the reinforcement band being provided with a locking mechanism that fixes the interior member body to the vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: KUMI KASEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Miyuki HAJIRI, Hiroshi KAWAI, Syun YOSHIDA
  • Patent number: 8070216
    Abstract: A vehicle frame includes a plurality of hollow tubular members welded together. An opening in a side wall of the frame which receives a door or window of the vehicle is bordered by at least two hollow tubular members which are interconnected by a non-tubular, reinforcing corner member. The reinforcing corner member includes a pair of solid parallel plates spaced apart by a perpendicular cross-member. Each plate of the reinforcing corner member has integral first and second elongated portions extending on either side of a continuous curve therebetween which has a substantially constant radius of curvature such as to define a smooth transition between the integral first and second elongated portions of the plate. The reinforcing corner member distributes stress away from the curved corner and to the tubular members, thereby preventing stress concentration at a joint between the two tubular members surrounding the opening in the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Nova Bus, Division de Groupe Volvo Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Frédéric Defoy, Stéphane Gagnon
  • Publication number: 20110284297
    Abstract: Children's ride-on vehicles are disclosed. In some embodiments, the vehicle may include first and second mechanical members, with the second mechanical member configured to move between a concealing position, in which the second mechanical member conceals a portion of the first mechanical member, and a revealing position, in which the second mechanical member does not conceal the portion of the first mechanical member. In some embodiments, a biasing member urges the second mechanical member toward the concealing position. In some embodiments, a user input device permits a child to lock the first mechanical member in one of a retracted position and an extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald P. Sitarski, David Grober, Ronald M. Asbach
  • Publication number: 20110245950
    Abstract: A system and method of design and construction of an interlocking vehicle body structure is provided. Each of the braces can be laser or water cut to enhance efficiency, and accuracy, of the design. Additionally, the braces can be equipped with notches, slots or tabs as appropriate so as to effect ease of construction and installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: CVG MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Keith A. Overton
  • Patent number: 8029049
    Abstract: The fender panel structure includes a fender panel formed of resin, disposed above a vehicle's wheel, and forming an outer plate on the side face of the vehicle. The fencer panel has an outer plate part exposed to the side face of the vehicle, and a reinforcement part disposed in the rear face of an adjacent member next to the outer plate part and extending along an edge of the outer plate part, both of which are integrally formed. The fencer plate has a fitting part, into which the adjacent member fits, formed along the interstice between the edge of the outer plate part, and the reinforcement part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigeru Ito, Yasuhide Fukuhara, Koji Nishimura, Yasuyuki Kondo, Yoshiaki Ohhashi
  • Publication number: 20110210581
    Abstract: Through holes 14, which passes through a side wall portion 12b of an outer reinforcement 12, is formed at a lower portion of a center pillar 1. The through hole 14 is formed substantially in a D shape, and includes a linear portion 14a and a circular are portion 14b that is connected to both ends of the linear portion 14a. The length of the circular arc portion 14b is longer than that of the linear portion 14a. The linear portion 14a is disposed close to the inside of a vehicle, and the circular arc portion 14b is disposed close to the outside of a vehicle. If the circular arc portion 14b allows for deformation in length as described above, tensile stress is not easily applied to the circular arc portion when a load F is applied to the center pillar by a side collision. Accordingly, the fracturing of a center pillar 1 does not easily occur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Daichi Kunishi, Takashi Ishihara
  • Publication number: 20110198887
    Abstract: A double-acting piston compressor (1) includes at least one cylinder (3) in which a double-acting piston (4) moves, the cylinder (3) and the piston (4) jointly defining an upper chamber (5) and a lower chamber (6) each provided with at least one intake duct (7) and at least one delivery duct (8), and each duct including at least one valve (90, 91), and a linking rod (10) connecting the double-acting piston (4) to a transmission member (11) collaborating, on the one hand, with a guide roller (12) and, on the other hand, with a pinion (15), at least one anchoring member (22) collaborating with the pinion (15), a connecting rod (25) to which the pinion (15) is articulated by a pivot pin (26), the connecting rod (25) being connected to the crank (28) of a crankshaft (27) housed in bearings formed in the compressor casing (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: Vianney RABHI
  • Patent number: 7950728
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of vehicles having table assemblies. One embodiment of a vehicle comprises a vehicle body structure, a support member, and a table member. The vehicle body structure defines at least a portion of a compartment and has an opening permitting access to the compartment. The support member is coupled to the vehicle body structure to move from an interior position in which the support member is substantially inboard of the compartment, to an exterior position in which at least a portion of the support member moves through the opening to a location outboard of the vehicle body structure. The table member is coupled to the support member to move from a first position in which the table member is located inboard of the vehicle body structure, to a second position in which the table member is located outboard of the vehicle body structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Plavetich
  • Publication number: 20110084520
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and method of joining two metallic components prior to making a full seam weld is disclosed. A first inner structural metallic component has at least one neutral zone, an inner surface, an outer surface and an aperture located in the neutral zone. A second outer structural metallic component has at least one neutral zone, an inner surface, an outer surface and a dimple with a raised portion on the inner surface and a recessed portion on the outer surface. The method uses the steps of joining the first and second metallic components so that the first component outer surface and the second component inner surface are directly adjacent each other, and joining the two structural metallic components by forming a full seam weld between the two components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Timothy D. Stetler, Michael D. Snook, Robert J. Mills, III
  • Publication number: 20110057481
    Abstract: A structural member assembly includes a substantially hollow structural member and a structural reinforcer. The hollow structural member is formed by a plurality of panels. At least one of the panels includes a cut-out region extending from the edge of the panel to the interior of the panel so that the cut-out region is not fully enclosed by the panel. The structural reinforcer includes a rigid carrier and a bonding material. The structural reinforcer is installed in the interior of the structural member across said cut-out region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: VINCENT BELPAIRE, Sebastien Delneufcourt, Francois Godillon, Gaetan Lison