Seats With Body Modifications Patents (Class 296/63)
  • Patent number: 8414053
    Abstract: A seat back assembly including a frame formed of a low density material such as expanded polypropylene (EPP) and a reinforcement structure encapsulated within the frame is provided. The reinforcement structure includes a load transferring surface extending between opposite ends of the seat back. Each end of the reinforcement structure is secured to a vehicle body structure. The reinforcement structure transfers a load placed upon the seat back assembly throughout the frame so as to maintain the structural integrity of the frame under a predetermined load. Specifically, the load transferring surface of the reinforcement structure is in contact with the frame and transfers the load across a predetermined area of the frame and to the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Sweers, Itoh Daisuke, Michael John Ebel, Lindsay Anne-Allor Babian, Gregory Todd Donovan
  • Patent number: 8414049
    Abstract: A tonneau cover assembly provided in a vehicle including a panel hingedly attached to a vehicle seat, and a release assembly with an actuating mechanism provided on the panel. The actuating mechanism is connected to a panel lock assembly and a seat lock assembly which are provided to selectively lock the panel and the vehicle seat in place. Actuation of the actuating mechanism causes the lock assemblies to release, thereby allowing rotation of the panel about the hinged attachment and folding of the vehicle seat from a seating position to a folded-forward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Grey B. Parker
  • Publication number: 20130082478
    Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle includes a support base. A seat is supported on the support base and cantilevered forwardly therefrom. The support base includes a first brace operably connecting the frame with a first slide assembly disposed on a rocker panel of the vehicle. A second brace operably connects the frame with a second slide assembly disposed on a transmission tunnel of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Kendrick Alden Harper, John W. Jaranson, Michael John Kitti, Daniel Ferretti
  • Patent number: 8333420
    Abstract: A sling seat includes a seat back and a seat bottom cushion connected by resilient arms. Flexible supports and emergency release connectors suspend the seat from an overhead structure. The height of the seat, and the position of the seat back relative to the seat bottom cushion, are adjustable. The seat may be used in a military vehicle, for example as a gunner sling seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: BAE Systems Safety Products Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Alan Mehl, Andrew Walker, Norman Raul Shimizu, Jorge Cuervo, Michael Duncan, Marianne Kump
  • Publication number: 20120248867
    Abstract: An electric component (electric-power convertor) and a pair of air-conditioning ducts are arranged side by side in a vehicle width direction. In case in which a rear end portion of the electric component is located in back of an outlet of the air-conditioning duct, the electric component is formed in a notch shape such that a duct-side edge portion thereof extends obliquely rearward and in a specified direction, in the vehicle width direction, away from the air-conditioning duct. Accordingly, it can be properly prevented that a conditioning air toward a passenger seated in a rear seat is blocked with the electric component arranged between a seat cushion of a front seat and a floor panel and receives any improper influence of heat emitted by the electric component, or the electric component receives any damage from the conditioning air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuki YOSHIDA
  • Patent number: 8267291
    Abstract: An apparatus for obstructing gaps present between front seats and dividing consoles of automobiles comprising an elongated member, having a pliable, malleable character, that can accommodate a wide range of automobile makes and models.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventors: Jeffrey Simon, Mark Newburger
  • Patent number: 8251425
    Abstract: A seat frame (1) for a vehicle seat has two seat supports (3, 3) that extend in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and are intended for laterally attaching the seat frame (1) to a vehicle floor (2) or to adjustment rails (16) for the seat frame (1). A seat shell (4) is mounted in and connected to the seat supports (3, 3) and is configured for accommodating a seat cushion. The seat shell (4) is connected to the respective seat support (3) so that the seat shell (4) and the seat support (3) form a closed profile in the connection region. The seat shell (4) is formed from a light metal and combines maximum weight reduction with a high degree of rigidity, in particular high torsional or bending stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dieter Jungert, Tassilo Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20120139282
    Abstract: A new combination vehicle of pickup and SUV which comprising four major parts: sliding roofing back, foldable middle plate, side window glasses, and auto sliding track system. By changing their performances the vehicle is convertible from either pickup truck to SUV or vice versa. It combines features, functions and characteristics of both vehicles, and meets the needs of both vehicle drivers, and furthermore saves the space, energy and protects the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Shuguang Gu
  • Publication number: 20120126565
    Abstract: A seat device for motor-vehicles that allows the displacement of the driver along with the seat from the center of gravity, wherein said device is composed of a driver's seat which is connected to the chassis of the motor-vehicle by a plurality of displacement means. The plurality of displacement means defines a condition of movement in a device of Cartesian coordinate system in relation to the longitudinal axis of the motor-vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Cristian Gustavo González, Hugo Esteban Bianchi
  • Patent number: 8172312
    Abstract: An excavator cab is configured to have an improved field of view for three passengers. Seating is provided for an operator, a trainer, and an trainee. Persons seated in those three seats have substantially similar lines of sight. The excavator cab is arranged such that the operator seat and the trainer seat face a front observation window. The trainee seat is mounted behind the operator seat and is retractable. The points of egress and aisle are wide enough to accommodate a stretcher or a litter in case of an emergency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining LLC
    Inventors: Lane C. Hobenshield, Steven Michael Casey, Mark D. Londborg, Russell J. Kroll
  • Patent number: 8152215
    Abstract: A utility vehicle comprises a vehicle body frame; a seat frame including a seat bottom support member and a seat backrest support member, at least the seat bottom support member and the seat backrest support member being formed by square pipes with rectangular cross-sections; a seat bottom fastened to the seat bottom support member; and a seat backrest fastened to the seat backrest support member; wherein the seat bottom support member and the seat backrest support member of the seat frame are integral with each other to have a bent portion; and the seat bottom support member of the seat frame is fastened to the vehicle body frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshinori Tsumiyama, Hidetoshi Kaku, Tyler Furman, Kazuhiro Maeda
  • Patent number: 8136620
    Abstract: A passenger distinguishing apparatus is provided. The passenger distinguishing apparatus includes: a weight detection sensor that is assembled in a vehicle seat to detect a passenger's weight; and a first bracket and a second bracket that assemble the weight detection sensor in the seat, wherein the weight detection sensor has a length direction in a horizontal direction of the seat, and a first damper for absorbing assembling tolerance of the weight detection sensor is disposed between the first bracket and the weight detection sensor. Therefore, assembling tolerance can be absorbed with minimum parts, production can be improved, contact noise can be reduced, and a weight and cost can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Jae-Ho Hwang, Byung-Hyuk Park, Byung-Yeol Kim
  • Publication number: 20120061988
    Abstract: A seating assembly having a seat and a seat back. A frame assembly is disposed in each of the seat and the seat back. A carrier assembly is operably coupled with the seat and the seat back. The carrier assembly includes a plurality of elongate support tabs proximate the seat. A plurality of apertures and at least one groove are proximate the seat back. A cushion extends over the seat and the seat back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: John W. Jaranson, Marcos S. Kondrad
  • Patent number: 8132838
    Abstract: A soldier restraint system and method secure a soldier in a vehicle. In one embodiment, the soldier restraint system is secured in a military vehicle. The soldier restraint system includes a seat assembly comprising a seat and straps. The soldier restraint system also includes a restraint harness belt. The restraint harness belt is secured to the seat assembly. In addition, the soldier restraint system includes mounting assemblies. The straps attach the seat to the mounting assemblies. The mounting assemblies are securable in the vehicle. Attachment of at least one of the straps to the seat is releasable by a release assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Black Mountain Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle L Greenwood, William J Hartmann
  • Patent number: 8123271
    Abstract: A foldable, thin plate seat frame that is permanently built-in to the tailgate of a pickup truck or sport utility vehicle. The device comprises a foldable bench seat, having a bottom seat plate and a back support plate. The device is built-in to a tailgate along its interior side and folds flush thereagainst, locking into place such that a user does not need to uninstall the device when in a stowed position. Cushions can be attached to the extended seat frame when the device is in a working position for added comfort. The seat frame folds about a hinge that separates the bottom seat plate and the back rest plate of the device. When the seat is in the open configuration, the seat frame hinge rests above the jamb of the open tailgate such as to not interfere with the tailgate's ability to open or close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Brandon Wimberley
  • Patent number: 8126616
    Abstract: A vehicle seating system including a seat and at least one powered seat adjustment actuator for altering the seating position formed by the seat. Additionally, the system includes a vehicle braking system including vehicle brakes and a brake pedal. The system further includes a signal sent in response to application of the vehicle brakes which leads to suspension of movement of the actuator during application of the vehicle brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Innovative Biomechanical Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Paul B. Phipps, Tom D. Epply
  • Patent number: 8096600
    Abstract: A pick-up style utility vehicle has a driver's seat, a seat next to the driver's seat, one or more passenger seats behind the driver's seat, and a cargo bed. Each of all the passenger seats and the seat next to the driver's seat is independently changeable between a first state in which the seat is seatable and a second state in which the seat is retracted so that an occupied space of the seat can be used as part of the cargo bed. Preferably, a screen shield partitioning the cargo bed and a riding space in front of the cargo bed is provided. The screen shield is divided into left and right screen shield members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideaki Shinnoki, Takao Kawabata, Eiji Ihara, Hidekazu Yasui, Shinichi Tamba, Masaki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8091944
    Abstract: A method and suspension apparatus for suspending an object in a vehicle. The vehicle having inner surfaces including a lower surface and an upper surface, comprising an object and a suspension apparatus adapted for holding the object in a suspended position in the vehicle. The suspension apparatus comprising an elongated suspension element, an anchoring arrangement for spacing the object from, and arresting its motion towards, the lower and upper surfaces of the vehicle in the suspended position, and a tensioning mechanism adapted to tension the elongated suspension element. The elongated suspension element comprising a first end portion, a second end portion and a central portion extending therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Plasan Sasa Ltd.
    Inventor: Zohar Elhanany
  • Patent number: 8075040
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicular frame, a utility bed, a seat back, and a seat bottom. The utility bed is coupled with the vehicular frame. The utility bed comprises a bed frame, a bed floor, and an end wall. The bed floor comprises first and second floor portions. The first floor portion is pivotable between an upright position and a cargo support position. The second floor portion is coupled with the frame. The end wall is movably coupled with the bed frame and is moveable between an erected position and a collapsed position. The seat back is coupled with first floor portion. The seat bottom is coupled with the end wall. When the first floor portion is in the upright position with the end wall in the collapsed position, the seat back and the seat bottom cooperate to provide a seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: David W. Arnold
  • Publication number: 20110298189
    Abstract: The present invention relates to all terrain vehicles having at least a pair of laterally spaced apart seating surfaces. More particularly, the present invention relates to side-by-side all terrain vehicles having plural rows of seats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Schneider, Michael J. Hanten, Cal W. Johnson, Kevin Van Bronkhorst
  • Publication number: 20110298240
    Abstract: A monopod seat structure including first and second sides. A back is pivotally connected to the seat. A vertical support column is disposed below the seat and positioned substantially centrally between the first and second sides of the seat. A side support member includes a top portion operably connected to one of the first and second sides. A bottom portion is operably connected to a transmission hump of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: John W. Jaranson, Johnathan Andrew Line, Jerry R. Brown, James Creighton, Daniel Ferretti, Christopher J. Kiehler
  • Publication number: 20110248522
    Abstract: A seat support assembly for supporting a vehicle seat on a floor panel member includes a cross member extending laterally across the floor panel member. Ends of the cross member are spaced laterally inward relative to side edges of the floor panel for providing ingress/egress areas between the ends and the side edges. A foam spacer member is complementarily received inside each of the ends of the cross member. Each of the foam spacer members is secured to the floor panel for transferring load forces from the cross member to the floor panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric C. Wendling, Paul T. Aebker, Hiroaki Taniguchi, Grey B. Parker, Kelly M. Whalen, Eric D. Daume
  • Publication number: 20110241373
    Abstract: A sling seat includes a seat back and a seat bottom cushion connected by resilient arms. Flexible supports and emergency release connectors suspend the seat from an overhead structure. The height of the seat, and the position of the seat back relative to the seat bottom cushion, are adjustable. The seat may be used in a military vehicle, for example as a gunner sling seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: BAE Systems Safety Products Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Alan Mehl, Andrew Walker, Norman Raul Shimizu, Jorge Cuervo, Michael Duncan, Marianne Kump
  • Patent number: 8032284
    Abstract: A seat apparatus for controlling a side support portion on the basis of a road shape includes a control program cooperating with a car navigation system, a self-directed control program, a sensor error detecting program, and a map matching error detecting program, wherein, during the side support portion is executed by the control program cooperating with the car navigation system, when the error is detected, the control program cooperating with the car navigation system is changed to the self-directed control program, and during the side support portion is controlled by the self-directed control program, when the error is not detected, the self-directed control program is changed the control program cooperating with the car navigation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Soichiro Hozumi, Toshiro Maeda, Koji Hattori
  • Patent number: 8029038
    Abstract: A passenger vehicle comprising a vehicle body and at least one seat is provided. The vehicle body includes a front end and a rear end. The seat is mounted within the rear end of the vehicle for translating from a first stowed position within the rear end of the vehicle to a first deployed position which is exterior to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Woodhouse, Andrei Markevich, Christopher Wheeler
  • Patent number: 8025326
    Abstract: A vehicle having an adjustable seating assembly and related method. One member of the seating assembly may be adjusted to provide a backrest to a straddle type seat of the vehicle. As such, when a carrier bed having an accessory platform is located rearward of the straddle type seat, the one member may optionally be used to provide a wall portion of the carrier bed. The one member may also be adjusted to provide an extension to the straddle type seat. As such, when an accessory platform is located rearward of the straddle type seat, the one member may optionally be used to at least partially cover a segment of the accessory platform. When an accessory platform is located rearward of the straddle type seat, an additional member of the seating assembly may be adjusted to provide a backrest to one or more of the straddle type seat or an extended straddle type seat. The additional member may also be adjusted to form a segment of the accessory platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Ostroski, Roy Sunsdahl, Scott Taylor
  • Patent number: 7976092
    Abstract: A vehicle safety seat may comprise, among other things, a vehicle seat having a seat base configured to be mounted to a support surface of a motor vehicle, and a roll sensor mounted to the seat base. The vehicle seat may be a suspension seat. The vehicle seat may have other sensors, event detection systems or the like mounted thereto. The vehicle seat may include a number of vehicle/occupant safety mechanisms integral therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Indiana Mills & Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery W. Meredith, James R. Chinni
  • Publication number: 20110094819
    Abstract: An all terrain vehicle includes a pair of right and left front wheels, at least a pair of right and left rear wheels, a vehicle body frame, a pair of right and left first roof supports, a pair of right and left second roof supports, a pair of right and left roof members, a seat, a front panel, a front upper cover, a meter unit and a cover. The vehicle body frame supports the front wheels and the rear wheels. The first roof supports are provided at lateral sides of the vehicle body frame in a transverse direction of the vehicle, respectively. The second roof supports are provided at the lateral sides of the vehicle body frame in the transverse direction of the vehicle, respectively. The right roof member connects an upper portion of the right first roof support and an upper portion of the right second roof support, whereas the left roof member connects an upper portion of the left first roof support and an upper portion of the left second roof support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuhiro SUZUKI, Motoyuki HARA, Kouji YAMAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20110018329
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle seat frame made of structural foam having an attachment flange for attaching to a vehicle, and vehicle seat assembly, and methods of making the same. In at least one embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly comprises a seat frame made of structural foam and having a main body portion and at least one attachment flange depending from the main body portion. The attachment flange is attachable to a vehicle floor pan via an interference fit. The attachment flange has a first density and the main body portion has a second density, less than the first density. The vehicle seat assembly further comprises a cushion supported on the frame. The cushion is softer than the seat frame. The vehicle seat assembly further comprises a trim material disposed over the cushion and the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Ashford A. Galbreath, Asad S. Ali, Gary Rock
  • Publication number: 20110018300
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle seat assembly securable to a floor pan. In at least one embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly comprises a seat bottom supportable on the floor pan and a trim cover securable over the seat bottom and to the floor pan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ashford A. Galbreath, Asad S. Ali
  • Patent number: 7874605
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a vehicle body frame including a left and right side portion, a front seat affixed to the vehicle body frame, and a rear seat affixed to the vehicle body frame provided to the rear of the front seat. The vehicle also includes a rear roof support structure including a left member and right pipe member that extend generally in the vertical direction from the vehicle body frame, disposed respectively at both the left and right side portions of the vehicle body frame to the rear of the rear seat. At least a downward direction portion of the left pipe member and right pipe member are positioned lower than a seating surface of a seat cushion portion of the rear seat and are angled so as to extend rearward as the left and right pipe members extend upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignees: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha, Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America
    Inventors: Craig Smith, Takashi Yamamura, Akira Inui, Chaitanya Tadipatri
  • Publication number: 20100276960
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle body structure which can prevent a door from entering a vehicle interior by preventing deformation of a beam extending in a vehicle width direction in a seat of a vehicle even when a side collision has occurred in the vehicle. In the vehicle body structure, a seat leg is placed above a cross member and fixed to the cross member. Additionally, a pair of seat legs is arranged on the right and left sides, and the seat legs are interconnected by a rod member. A beam is coupled with an upper end of the seat leg. The side of the beam protrudes to the outer side of the seat leg in the width direction of the vehicle, and a portion protruding outside of the seat leg is a protruding portion. A load transmission member having a length in the vehicle width direction substantially equal to the length of the protruding portion of the beam is arranged on the side of the seat leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Torii
  • Publication number: 20100270822
    Abstract: In a mounting structure of a vehicle seat, a side member and a bracket that support a vehicle seat form an enclosed section. Because the rigidity of the side member and the bracket may be secured, the mounting rigidity of the vehicle seat may be secured and the weight of the side member and the bracket thereby reduced. A pair of sidewalls formed in the side member face each other in the vehicle lateral direction, and a pair of connecting walls formed in the bracket are connected to the pair of sidewalls while facing the pair of sidewalls. If a forward and upward load is applied to the vehicle seat due to a sudden reduction in vehicle speed, a shearing force acts on the sidewall and the connection wall in relation to each other. Thus, sufficient durability of the connecting part may be ensured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuji Fujitsuka
  • Publication number: 20100253109
    Abstract: A method and suspension apparatus for suspending an object in a vehicle. The vehicle having inner surfaces including a lower surface and an upper surface, comprising an object and a suspension apparatus adapted for holding the object in a suspended position in the vehicle. The suspension apparatus comprising an elongated suspension element, an anchoring arrangement for spacing the object from, and arresting its motion towards, the lower and upper surfaces of the vehicle in the suspended position, and a tensioning mechanism adapted to tension the elongated suspension element. The elongated suspension element comprising a first end portion, a second end portion and a central portion extending therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: PLASAN SASA LTD.
    Inventor: Zohar ELHANANY
  • Publication number: 20100253108
    Abstract: Cushioned intermediate system for seat, comprising at least three shock absorbers (C), at least three actuators (M) and at least one accelerometer (A) and/or as many loading cells as shock absorbers and a control unit (E) suitable for controlling said actuators (M), on the basis of the information obtained from said accelerometer (A) and/or from said loading cells, as to oppose the stresses affecting the seat and improve the comfort of the passenger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventor: Franco Bertozzi
  • Publication number: 20100207416
    Abstract: A seat structure for a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, includes a seat arranged rearwardly of a fuel tank mounted on a vehicle body frame. The seat includes a cushion member, and a bottom plate for holding the cushion member. The cushion member is made of an elastic material. The bottom plate is fixed to the vehicle body frame and to the fuel tank. The cushion member includes a bulging portion which bulges forwardly from a front end portion of the bottom plate and onto an upper surface of a stepped portion of the fuel tank. The bulging portion is supported on the upper surface of the fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yusuke Inoue
  • Patent number: 7775576
    Abstract: An air pump assembly includes a pump module having an outer surface and a casing at least partially surrounding the pump module. The casing has an inner surface defining a cavity sized to snugly receive the pump module such that the outer surface of the pump module is in substantial engagement with the inner surface of the casing and is substantially prevented from moving with respect to the casing when the pump module is received within the cavity. At least one airflow passageway is defined between the inner surface of the casing and the outer surface of the pump module. The airflow passageway is configured so that air flowing through the passageway changes direction at least one time to reduce the transmission of noise from the air pump assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel R. Der Marderosian, Heinz Bauer, Stephane Laurent, Peter Bolz
  • Patent number: 7762603
    Abstract: An improved truck bed seating apparatus, wherein a frame is removably attached to a truck bed for supporting seating thereon, and wherein the design allows for easy removal and installation of the frame assembly and provides for a minimal use of space when the apparatus is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Inventor: Carey Hyde
  • Publication number: 20100181796
    Abstract: A vehicle seat cushion composite is provided with a structural layer adapted to be mounted within a vehicle to provide support to an occupant. The structural layer has at least two edge regions provided proximate two edges of the structural layer and an inner region at least partially bound within the at least two edge regions. The at least two edge regions have a plurality of concave channels. A cushion layer is adjacent to the structural layer and has a plurality of concave projections sized to be received within the plurality of concave channels of the structural layer for minimizing lateral movement of the cushion layer relative to the structural layer proximate the edge regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ashford A. Galbreath, Asad S. Ali, Terry O'Bannon
  • Patent number: 7758090
    Abstract: An elastomeric blocker adapted to be inserted between the adjacent surfaces of a front seat of an automobile and a central console of an automobile to block the gap between the seat and the console and prevent articles from accumulating in the gap. The block has a central slit extending between its top and the bottom aligned longitudinally for the reception of the side seatbelt. A smooth sheet surface coating of fabric or plastic is attached to the section of the elastomer which contacts the central console, so that the blocker slides with the seat as it moves forwardly and rearwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventor: Russell Gregory
  • Patent number: 7758095
    Abstract: A method and suspension apparatus for suspending an object in a vehicle. The vehicle having inner surfaces including a lower surface and an upper surface, comprising an object and a suspension apparatus adapted for holding the object in a suspended position in the vehicle. The suspension apparatus comprising an elongated suspension element, an anchoring arrangement for spacing the object from, and arresting its motion towards, the lower and upper surfaces of the vehicle in the suspended position, and a tensioning mechanism adapted to tension the elongated suspension element. The elongated suspension element comprising a first end portion, a second end portion and a central portion extending therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Plasan Sasa Ltd.
    Inventor: Zohar Elhanany
  • Publication number: 20100176623
    Abstract: The invention relates to a seat carrier arrangement for a vehicle seat (48) of a utility vehicle, especially a bus, said arrangement comprising a seat carrier (36) supported towards the rear on an energy-absorbing deformation element (52). The seat carrier (36) is embodied as a carrier part of a vehicle structure (10) on the front end of the utility vehicle. The invention also relates to a construction for a utility vehicle, especially a bus, comprising a vehicle structure (10) on the front end, with an upper and a lower absorber plane (12, 14). The invention also relates to at least one front axial bridge (58) of a base frame or a substructure (18) in the region of a front axle formed as a longitudinal deformation element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: DAIMLER AG
    Inventors: Thomas Moennich, Gregor Steinmetz
  • Publication number: 20100176620
    Abstract: A seating system for a vehicle having a cargo bed including a bench assembly for providing seating for personnel. The bench assembly includes a bottom frame assembly having opposing longitudinal edges and a plurality of slats attached to the bottom frame assembly to provide a platform for the seat slats. A back assembly is provided extending from one of the longitudinal edges of the bench assembly. A bracket assembly interconnects the back assembly to the bottom frame assembly. The bracket assembly includes an elongated slot portion and a latch portion permitting the back assembly to translate relative to the bench assembly and pivot relative to the bracket assembly to keep the back assembly erect in a first position and to be disposed in a non-supporting or second position when not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: JOHN MICHELI
  • Patent number: 7753427
    Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle includes a first seat arranged on the vehicle and a second seat arranged behind the first seat. The vehicle includes a first floor arranged in front of the first seat and a second floor arranged between the first seat and the second seat wherein an engine is at least partially arranged between the first floor and the second floor with an exhaust pipe connected to the engine and having a first vertical pipe portion extending downward from a connecting portion to the engine and a horizontal pipe portion extending backward below the second floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Yamamura, Shigehiro Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 7735896
    Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle has a cargo deck provided above rear wheels and a folding rear seat disposed on a front portion of the cargo deck. A seating surface covers an opening portion of an article storage area when the seating surface is set to allow an occupant to be seated on the seating surface. A backrest is rotated forward about rear rotation axes to cover the opening portion when the seating surface is rotated forward about the front rotation axes, thereby covering the opening portion of the article storage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoshi Kubota
  • Patent number: 7735889
    Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle has a folding rear seat. The rear seat has a seating surface disposed between a pair of tire houses, a backrest disposed in a vehicle lateral direction at the rear of a front end portion of the seating surface, and a partition wall coupled with the backrest to define a front wall of the cargo deck. A lower end portion of the backrest supported to be rotatable forward with respect to the all-terrain vehicle about lower rotation axes arranged in the vehicle lateral direction. A partition wall is supported to be rotatable forward with respect to the all-terrain vehicle about upper rotation axes located above the lower rotation axes. The upper rotation axes are rotatably supported by the backrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Yamamura, Kaoru Haruna
  • Patent number: 7717487
    Abstract: A seat holding portion structure has a side member that extends substantially in a vehicle longitudinal direction. The side member has a kick portion whose front and rear end sides are bent and that joins a front portion and a rear portion of the side member that are offset in a vehicle vertical direction. A floor reinforcement is installed within the side member from an opening portion of a vehicle body floor. A rear end portion of an elongated seat holding member is inserted in the floor reinforcement. A connecting body having a closed cross-sectional structure is fixed to a rear end portion of the seat holding member and is disposed at a rear end side bent portion of the kick portion, and, together with the floor reinforcement, is mounted to the side member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 7686121
    Abstract: A refueling operation of an all terrain vehicle can be enhanced, even when a fuel tank is arranged below a seat, without changing an entire length of the vehicle. A fuel tank is arranged below a seat. A seat concave portion with a substantially concave shape when viewed from the top is formed in the seat. A fuel filler of the fuel tank is arranged in the seat concave portion to be seen from the top. It becomes possible to perform refueling from the fuel filler without detaching the seat. Also, an overlap between the seat and the fuel filler when viewed from above is avoided, with a reduction in a seating area of the seat minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Takeshima, Masatoshi Sato
  • Patent number: 7686388
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wire/pipe support device of a motorcycle that can possess a sufficient space for accommodating a wire/pipe without increasing the degree of forming of a vehicle body frame. A wire/pipe support device includes a groove-shaped engaging portion that is engaged with a main frame that constitutes a vehicle body frame of a motorcycle and has a lower surface thereof opened. A groove-shaped accommodating portion receives the wire/pipe thereon and has an upper surface thereof opened. The engaging portion is mounted on the vehicle body frame by engaging the engaging portion with the vehicle body frame from above. The wire/pipe is placed on the accommodating portion. The wire/pipe support device is pushed from above by a fuel tank directly or by way of a cushion member thus preventing the floating of the wire/pipe support device from the vehicle body frame and the rotation of the wire/pipe support device about the vehicle body frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yosuke Hasegawa, Jun Nakajima, Kenta Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7677343
    Abstract: A four-wheeled utility vehicle including an engine unit mounted in the utility vehicle; and a vehicle body frame including a frame member that is disposed in the vicinity of the engine unit and is partially movable relative to the engine unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Haruo Kitai, Toru Minami, Hiroyuki Fujimoto