Hinges Patents (Class 296/92)
  • Patent number: 11318817
    Abstract: An alignment member includes a first body member having a first end and a second end longitudinally opposite the first end, a second body member having a first end and a second end longitudinally opposite the first end, the second body member coupled to the first body member such that the first and second body members define a longitudinal axis of the alignment member, a first base member coupled to the second body member, a second base member rotatably coupled to the first base member, and a locking mechanism configured to engage with the first base member. The first base member rotates relative to the second base member to position the alignment member from a first position to a second position and the locking mechanism engages with the first base member to retain the alignment member in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, AGC Automotive Americas R&D, Inc.
    Inventors: David T. Renke, Lee N. Hiltunen
  • Patent number: 10112757
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an insulation packaging system. The insulation packaging system includes a plurality of insulation packages with first ends and second ends. The plurality of insulation packages defining an axis. A first film wraps around the axis to compress and couple the plurality of insulation packages together, while a second film wraps around the first and second ends of the plurality of insulation packages. The first and second films are different films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Johns Manville
    Inventors: Mark Allan Granger, Bradley Ray Lockwood
  • Patent number: 9243432
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes first and second device units, at least one hinge assembly configured to pivotally connect the second device unit to the first device unit and including a plurality of shaft members, and a plurality of cover units mounted on the at least one hinge assembly to hide the at least one hinge assembly. Each of the cover units includes a first cover member to hide a first side of the at least one hinge assembly and a second cover member to hide a second side of the at least one hinge assembly, a second cover member of each of the cover units is partially overlapped with an adjacent second cover member while the first and second device unit are folded, and a relative position of second cover members is changed according to an angle at which the first and second device units are unfolded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Myoung-ku Lee
  • Patent number: 9126656
    Abstract: A bottom trim member secures a curved sheet element such as a windshield or the like on a surface. The bottom trim member includes a bottom trim extrusion having a connecting leg affixable to the curved sheet element and a gasket receiving leg. A gasket is disposed in engagement with the gasket receiving leg, where the gasket is shaped such that the bottom trim extrusion is positionable in multiple orientations relative to the surface and such that the gasket maintains a sealing engagement in any of the bottom trim extrusion multiple orientations. A securing member is affixable to the surface and cooperable with the bottom trim extrusion to secure the bottom trim extrusion to the surface in any one of the bottom trim extrusion multiple orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: TAYLOR MADE GROUP, LLC
    Inventor: Douglas D. Griffith
  • Patent number: 8720967
    Abstract: A windshield adjusting system for adjusting a windshield of a vehicle includes a rail adapted for connection to the vehicle and a bracket connected to the windshield. The rail includes a position profile and the bracket includes an alignment portion and a latch with a lock profile that is configured to selectively engage the complementary position profile to secure the windshield in a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: National Cycle, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry Alan Willey
  • Patent number: 8656594
    Abstract: A bottom trim member secures a curved sheet element such as a windshield or the like on a surface. The bottom trim member includes a bottom trim extrusion having a connecting leg affixable to the curved sheet element and a gasket receiving leg. A gasket is disposed in engagement with the gasket receiving leg, where the gasket is shaped such that the bottom trim extrusion is positionable in multiple orientations relative to the surface and such that the gasket maintains a sealing engagement in any of the bottom trim extrusion multiple orientations. A securing member is affixable to the surface and cooperable with the bottom trim extrusion to secure the bottom trim extrusion to the surface in any one of the bottom trim extrusion multiple orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Taylor Made Group, LLC
    Inventor: Douglas D. Griffith
  • Patent number: 8641093
    Abstract: A retractable limb guard assembly for a tractor with a pair of opposed loader brackets and a hydraulic system. The assembly includes a pair of opposed removable brackets connected to the pair of loader brackets. One pair of rocker arms is pivotally connected to each one of the pair of removable brackets. A limb shield is pivotally connected to each of the two pairs of the rocker arms. The pair of hydraulic cylinders is actuated by the tractor hydraulic system wherein each of the hydraulic cylinders extends between one of the removable brackets and one of the rocker arms in order to move the limb shield between a retracted position to an angled protection position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel U. Knight
  • Patent number: 8348327
    Abstract: A fold down device for the windscreen of a vehicle and in particular for an armored windscreen, wherein said device incorporates two uprights hinged by a first end to the structure of the cab of said vehicle, each of said uprights being placed in the vicinity of the lateral edge of said windscreen, said windscreen being linked to each of said uprights by a connecting rod that is hinged on one side to the second end of each of said uprights and on the other to said windscreen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Nexter Systems
    Inventors: Olivier Germenot, Bernard Timmer
  • Patent number: 8166725
    Abstract: A bottom trim member secures a curved sheet element such as a windshield or the like on a surface. The bottom trim member includes a bottom trim extrusion having a connecting leg affixable to the curved sheet element and a gasket receiving leg. A gasket is disposed in engagement with the gasket receiving leg, where the gasket is shaped such that the bottom trim extrusion is positionable in multiple orientations relative to the surface and such that the gasket maintains a sealing engagement in any of the bottom trim extrusion multiple orientations. A securing member is affixable to the surface and cooperable with the bottom trim extrusion to secure the bottom trim extrusion to the surface in any one of the bottom trim extrusion multiple orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Taylor Made Group, LLC
    Inventor: Douglas D. Griffith
  • Publication number: 20120098290
    Abstract: The vehicle roof with a retractable windshield provides a retractable windshield for vehicles, such as UTVs, golf carts and the like, which typically do not include a windshield. The vehicle roof with a retractable windshield includes a roof base adapted for mounting on the vehicle in place of the conventional single panel roof. A cover is also provided, with the cover being adapted for mounting on the roof base so that a storage compartment is defined therebetween. A rear edge of the cover is pivotally secured to a rear edge of the roof base by hinges or the like. A windshield having a support frame with opposed upper and lower edges is removably and slidably disposed within the storage compartment defined between the cover and the roof base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: MICHAEL C. MILLER
  • Patent number: 7946642
    Abstract: A motorcycle windshield assembly includes two frame units coupled to a windshield. Each frame unit includes a pair of corresponding adjusting elements jointly enclosing an end of an installation rod. Each pair of the adjusting elements are fitted into receiving spaces of a corresponding pair of left and right covers such that teeth formed on each pair of the adjusting elements mesh with teeth formed in the corresponding pair of left and right covers. Each pair of the left and right covers have a side provided with guide grooves for receiving a sliding element coupled to the windshield. Thus, the windshield coupled to the frame units can be conveniently raised, lowered, or tilted to provide the desired shielding effect. The motorcycle windshield assembly is flexibly adjustable in height and tilt angle and is collapsible when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Yuan-Hwen Cadtool Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-Yuan Wu
  • Patent number: 7845711
    Abstract: Removable cab components and a removable cab assembly for a vehicle. A durable cab assembly is provided, which generally includes a roof, a windshield and a rear panel that is removably attachable to the vehicle. In certain embodiments, the roof, windshield and rear panel are separate components, each separately removably attachable to the vehicle. In certain embodiments, each component of the cab assembly is removably attachable to the roll cage of the vehicle without comprising the integrity of the roll cage. The attachment and detachment of the cab assembly can be carried out manually, by a single person, in a short period of time, without requiring separate tools. The invention is also directed to the windshield, roof and rear panel as individual components adapted for quick attachment/detachment to a vehicle, and a method of attaching or detaching cab components or a cab assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Curtis Industries LLC
    Inventors: Gary N. Orrell, Michael A. Orrell, Martin Robinson, Jeremy Cirota
  • Publication number: 20100225138
    Abstract: A locator pin aligns a glass panel during installation on a vehicle. The locator pin includes a base for affixing to the glass panel in a predetermined position prior to transporting it from a site where the glass panel is formed. A pin body has an elongated portion with a proximal end and a distal end defining a longitudinal axis. A hinge pivotally attaches the pin body to the base at the proximal end so that the pin body pivots between a shipping position wherein the longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to a surface of the glass panel and an alignment position wherein the longitudinal axis is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the glass panel. The folding pin allows glass panels to be stacked closer together in shipping racks when they are transported from the glass fabrication facility to a place of installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: ZELEDYNE, LLC
    Inventor: Michael J. Lesle
  • Patent number: 7673923
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for a vehicle windshield comprises a first holder, a second holder, and a hinge member. The first holder includes a first body and a first receptacle with a first opening and a first closed end, wherein a first axis is defined between the first closed end and the first opening, the first axis being normal to a first plane defined by the first opening. The second holder includes a second body and a second receptacle with a second opening and a second closed end, wherein a second axis is defined between the second closed end and the second opening, the second axis being normal to a second plane defined by the second opening. The hinge member is attached to the first and second holder and has first and second ends and defines a third axis. When the hinge member is in a relaxed condition, the first and second axes form oblique angles relative to the third axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Augusta Coating and Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventor: William Victor Reese
  • Patent number: 7665792
    Abstract: A foldable windshield assembly comprises upper and lower pillar supports, upper and lower windshield members connected thereto, and a hinge disposed between the upper and lower pillar supports. The hinge comprises a first connector rigidly connected to one pillar support, a second connector slidably connected within the other pillar support, and a pivot member pivotally connected to one of the connectors by a pivot connector defining a pivot axis and rigidly connected to the other of the connectors, the pivot member received within a pillar support associated with the second connector. The pivot axis intersects one of the pillar supports to maintain the upper windshield member in a use position, and the upper windshield member is moveable between use and folded positions by separating the upper pillar from the lower pillar to reveal the pivot connector and folding the upper windshield member over the lower windshield member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventor: Daniel J. Flynn
  • Publication number: 20090278373
    Abstract: A windshield hinge system that hinges a foldable golf cart windshield. The upper and lower portions of the windshield are hingedly joined together at an intermediate level with a hinge mechanism that has two opposing spaced-apart C-shaped members joined together by a flexible and foldable intermediate member. The intermediate member serves to hingedly rotate the upper and lower portions of the windshield when desired. The C-shaped members interlockingly engage sides of respective upper and lower portions of the windshield within respective legs of each C-shaped member. The C-shaped members are made of a polyvinyl chloride material while the intermediate member is made from a resilient foldable and flexible polyuoruethane material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: CHINAMERICA INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: James Rouzer, Chan Wah Su, Franky Wan
  • Patent number: 7591231
    Abstract: A multi-piece bottom trim member secures a curved sheet element such as a boat windshield on a surface such as a boat hull. The trim member includes a base member securable to the surface and including a supporting leg, and an upper member including a base member receiving channel that is shaped to receive the supporting leg of the base member. The upper member is positionable relative to the base member to accommodate varying angles of the curved sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Taylor Made Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Shearer, Edward J. Erskine
  • Publication number: 20090230714
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for a vehicle windshield comprises a first holder, a second holder, and a hinge member. The first holder includes a first body and a first receptacle with a first opening and a first closed end, wherein a first axis is defined between the first closed end and the first opening, the first axis being normal to a first plane defined by the first opening. The second holder includes a second body and a second receptacle with a second opening and a second closed end, wherein a second axis is defined between the second closed end and the second opening, the second axis being normal to a second plane defined by the second opening. The hinge member is attached to the first and second holder and has first and second ends and defines a third axis. When the hinge member is in a relaxed condition, the first and second axes form oblique angles relative to the third axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: William Victor Reese
  • Patent number: 7165802
    Abstract: A foldable windshield assembly includes a windshield support having opposing pairs of upper and lower pillar supports, an upper windshield member connected to the upper pillar supports, and a lower windshield member connected to the lower pillar supports. A hinge is disposed between the opposing pairs of upper and lower pillar supports. The hinge includes a first connector adapted to be rigidly connected to one of the upper or lower pillar supports, a second connector adapted to be slidably connected within the other of the upper or lower pillar supports, and a knuckle having ends pivotally connected to the first connector and the second connector and adapted to be received within one of the upper or lower pillar supports associated with the second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventor: Daniel J. Flynn
  • Patent number: 6862851
    Abstract: A mounting assembly comprises a mounting member comprising a base having a first surface; a central portion extending from the base and having a second surface spaced from the base; and a shoulder region located between the base and the central portion. The area of the first surface may be different from the area of the second surface. The shoulder region of the mounting member can include a wall extending from at least in close proximity to the second surface of the central portion to the base. In a nonlimiting embodiment of the assembly, the base is cylindrically shaped with a substantially flat first surface, the second surface of the central portion is substantially flat and substantially circular in plan view and further is concentric with the first surface, and the wall extends from the second surface to a location inboard of the periphery of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip H. Burnside, Julia G. Bernas, William R. Siskos, Robert N. Pinchok, Mark K. McLure
  • Patent number: 6752447
    Abstract: A windshield assembly includes a windshield panel movable between an operative position and an inoperative position, and a coupling assembly coupled to the windshield panel, the coupling assembly including at least one coupling member that enables the windshield panel to move, e.g., between the operative position and the inoperative position. The coupling assembly may include a first end defining a mounting bracket and a second end defining a pivot point about which the windshield panel pivots. An inoperative position may be when the windshield panel is moved forwardly or rearwardly, e.g., approximately 90°. The windshield panel may be configured out of polycarbonate plastic. The windshield assembly may further include a handguard element connected to the windshield panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventor: Maurice Gagné
  • Publication number: 20020074820
    Abstract: A windshield assembly includes a windshield panel movable between an operative position and an inoperative position, and a coupling assembly coupled to the windshield panel, the coupling assembly including at least one coupling member that enables the windshield panel to move, e.g., between the operative position and the inoperative position. The coupling assembly may include a first end defining a mounting bracket and a second end defining a pivot point about which the windshield panel pivots. An inoperative position may be when the windshield panel is moved forwardly or rearwardly, e.g., approximately 90°. The windshield panel may be configured out of polycarbonate plastic. The windshield assembly may further include a handguard element connected to the windshield panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Maurice Gagne
  • Patent number: 6336674
    Abstract: A vehicle and a window system that provides a closed position where a window is positioned within a window opening, and an opened position where the window is moved out of the window opening and then moved to a position remote from the window opening. The window system includes a window connected to the vehicle via one or more connection members. The connection members are connected to a transport system mounted to a roof of the vehicle. The transport system allows the window and the connection members to rotate upward, and slid forward upon the transport system to an open position on the roof of the vehicle. The window can then be locked in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Inventors: Mark Gerisch, Colton Hardison
  • Patent number: 6293606
    Abstract: An adjustable motorcycle windshield includes an actuating assembly including first and second actuating members that are preferably bell cranks mounted for rotation. Each actuating member actuates an upper and a lower extension arm to selectively move the windshield. The upper arms move the windshield farther than the lower arms, resulting in the inclination of the windshield being changed. The actuating assembly also includes connecting members connecting the upper arms to the windshield. A slot is provided in a frame member, and the connecting point between the upper arms and the connecting members translates in the slot as the windshield is being adjusted. Resilient lower windshield mounts are provided that permit limited rotation of the windshield during adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Jarosz, Anthony E. Kopp
  • Patent number: 6123383
    Abstract: An articulating window assembly for a motor vehicle and a method of manufacturing thereof is disclosed, the window assembly comprising a windowpane, a hinge attachment means such as one or more mounting studs for securing the windowpane to a support structure. Preferably the hinge is composed of a unitary elastomeric material such as reaction injection molded polyurethane, having a first surface lying against the inner surface in a closed position. A first portion of such first surface is bonded to the windowpane. A second portion not bonded to the windowpane is spaced therefrom in an open position. Preferably the elastomeric hinge partially encapsulates mounting studs or the like. As the articulating window assembly pivots from a closed position to an open position there is local disengagement of the hinge member from the windowpane at the second surface portion, thereby reducing the stresses on the mounting studs with respect to the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Excel Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael John Doerflinger, Kenneth Max Hermsdorfer
  • Patent number: 5868867
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device to remove moisture from a side view mirror and adjacent side window of a vehicle. The device increases mirror clarity and can be installed on a side view mirror housing at the factory or as an after factory installation. The device prevents moisture from interfering with the operator's visual use of the mirror by utilizing the cleansing effects of existing air flow about the mirror housing during vehicle movement when it redirects the air flow past the mirror surface. The device also uses the air flow to prevent the build up of moisture on the adjacent side window of the vehicle. The device can be adapted to accommodate any existing vehicle mirror design that is incorporated into the door frame or in close proximity. The device is a semi-rigid mirror attachment that mounts on the mirror housing without obstructing the operator's field of vision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: Mark A. Clukey
  • Patent number: 5809706
    Abstract: A device for closing an opening formed through the bodywork of a vehicle, the device comprising a fixed panel and a panel that constitutes a moving panel relative to the fixed panel, the moving panel being connected to the fixed panel by functional elements providing the required mobility, the functional elements being fitted to the face of the fixed panel that is directed towards the inside of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Parnier & Penin SNC
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Neaux
  • Patent number: 4433866
    Abstract: A structure is disclosed which mounts functional parts (2, 2L, 2H), e.g. a lock device, hinge device, etc., on a closable member (1) of a vehicle, e.g. a back door, engine hood, etc. The closable member consists of a sheet material and is formed with an emboss (34, 34L, 34H) which is recessed from the general surface (32) of the closable member (1) toward the rear side thereof. A reinforcing member (4, 4L, 4H) is adhered to the outer surface of the emboss, and the functional parts are mounted on the rear surface of the emboss. The emboss and the reinforcing member are covered by a cover member (42, 42L, 42H) which is coplaner with the general surface (32) of the closable member (1), and are not visible from outside. The cover member consists of a finisher (42) or an extension (46) of a back door window glass whose rear surface is locally applied with a painted masking layer (47).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1984
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Taro Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 4007958
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has a cab that has forward observation windows in the front wall on opposite sides of the main frame below the windshield, and an access door at one side with cab side windows in the door and on the opposite side. A pivoted, outwardly opening window structure may be used in either location. The window structure has a lock to secure it in any desired position between a sealed closed position and a fully open position. The lock operates by clamping onto a hinge pin, and is readily manually manipulated from inside the cab. As used on a forward observation window, the pivot axis is so located that opening the window does not interfere with a windshield wiper arm and blade for the window that occupies a generally upright parked position near the main frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1975
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1977
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Gary S. Peifer, David D. Shulke
  • Patent number: RE41502
    Abstract: A device for closing an opening formed through the bodywork of a vehicle, the device comprising a fixed panel and a panel that constitutes a moving panel relative to the fixed panel, the moving panel being connected to the fixed panel by functional elements providing the required mobility, the functional elements being fitted to the face of the fixed panel that is directed towards the inside of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Advanced Comfort Systems France SAS-ACS
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Neaux