Patents Examined by Emily G. Brown
  • Patent number: 11598130
    Abstract: A concealed handle assembly that includes a handle base and a handle body rotatable about a first axle such that one end of the handle body can extend or return to a concealed state, the first axle being disposed on the handle base, the handle body having a handle body initial position, a handle body first open position, and a handle body second open position. The assembly further includes a rocker arm rotatable about a second axle, the second axle being disposed on the handle base, the rocker arm having a rocker arm initial position, a rocker arm first open position, and a rocker arm second open position, the rocker arm being capable of being rotated away from or returned to the rocker arm initial position as the handle body rotates, the rocker arm being capable of driving a bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Wenquan Sha, Bin Chen
  • Patent number: 11598128
    Abstract: A vehicle door device includes: a latch mechanism configured to be switchable between a latch state and an unlatch state; a door handle configured to be movable between a first position and a second position; a door handle projecting mechanism configured to move the door handle from the first position to the second position when a press portion provided on an outer surface of the door handle or in a peripheral portion of the outer surface of the door handle is pressed; and an electrical unlatch operation mechanism including a switch and an electric actuator, the switch being operated by the door handle or the door handle projecting mechanism when the press portion is pressed, and the electric actuator being configured so that, when the switch is operated, the electric actuator is operated to switch the latch mechanism from a latch state to an unlatch state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuki Murata
  • Patent number: 11594153
    Abstract: Disclosed is a seal assembly for a utility meter enclosure. The seal assembly secures together a front cover and a base of the utility meter enclosure in a way that requires breaking of the seal assembly in order to open the utility meter enclosure. As such, the seal assembly provides an indication if the utility meter enclosure has been opened or tampered with.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: LANDIS+GYR INNOVATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Bahadur Singh Rathore, Sitaram Sunda
  • Patent number: 11549287
    Abstract: A door latch and in particular a motor vehicle door latch, which is equipped with a locking mechanism consisting substantially of a catch and a pawl, further having at least one locking mechanism sensor to determine the closing/opening state of the locking mechanism, further having a control unit for evaluating signals of the locking mechanism sensors, and having a trigger sensor for opening the locking mechanism in an electro-motoric manner. According to the invention, a multiple operation of the trigger sensor regardless of the state of the locking mechanism sensor is implemented for opening the locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventors: Scott Brown, Paolo Dozio, Ralph Bernasconi
  • Patent number: 11519204
    Abstract: An opening control has a case and a handle mounted so as to tilt about an axis relative to the case between at least one rest position and an ejected position, a lever for pivoting the handle in ejection and/or retraction and electrical actuation element of the pivot lever. The lever is configured to pivot about an axis common to the handle and has a member for elastically returning into a return position in which it is adapted to retain the handle in its rest position. The actuation element is configured to make the lever pivot against the return force of the return member so as to drive in its rotational movement the handle from its rest position to its ejected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: AKWEL VIGO SPAIN SL
    Inventors: Delmiro Javier Couto Maquieira, Alberto Diez Estevez, Javier Casal Gomez, Jose Oscar Vazquez Carballo, Julio Garcia Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 11519196
    Abstract: A handle assembly for an access panel is described and includes a center body portion; first and second handles rotatably connected to the center body portion such that the handles are rotatable toward each other to a first position and away from each other to a second position; and a gear assembly for connecting the first and second handles to the center body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventors: William Anthony Amante, Arunkumar Koppa Siddalingappa, Darpan Bansal
  • Patent number: 11512508
    Abstract: The control comprises a handle flush mounted in a support and a kinematic chain for driving the handle in movement, comprising at least one rotary element for driving the handle in angular movement and at least one driving member configured to accumulate mechanical energy by mechanical work during a push-in action of the handle and to restitute mechanical energy to the drive kinematic chain after release of the handle. The handle includes a means for stabilizing the kinematic chain configured to limit the angulation of the rotary element of the chain during the push-in of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: AKWEL VIGO SPAIN SL
    Inventors: Delmiro Javier Couto Maquieira, Alberto Diez Estevez, Javier Casal Gomez, Jose Oscar Vazquez Carballo, Julio Garcia Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 11499352
    Abstract: A control mechanism for controlling a door handle movable between a normal position in which the handle is flush with the door and a working position in which the handle protrudes from the door includes a first lever mounted so as to pivot about a first shaft supported by the handle, a second lever mounted so as to pivot about a second shaft supported by the handle in parallel to the first shaft and at a distance from the first shaft in a longitudinal direction of the handle, and a link rod having ends connected to the first lever and to the second lever by articulated links. At least one of the articulated links has play in a longitudinal direction of the link rod, and the first lever, the second lever, the link rod, and the handle form a deformable quadrilateral, the deformation of which moves of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: U-Shin Italia, S.pA.
    Inventor: Anthony Guerin
  • Patent number: 11486173
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a fluidic elastomer actuator-based handle is provided. A processor determines when a person is approaching a vehicle door and, in response to determining a person is approaching the vehicle door, the processor determines if the door handle is necessary based on a determined intent of the person. If the intent is determined to open the door, the processor manipulates a soft robotics material enclosing the door handle into an in-use state to present the handle to the person through the application of one or more stimuli. When not in a rest state, the soft robotics material provides a smooth surface aligned with a surface of the door panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Frederico Marcolino Quintao Severgnini, Ercan Mehmet Dede
  • Patent number: 11466483
    Abstract: A vehicle door lock device includes: a remote control device that is provided in the middle of an operation transmitting system between a lock device, which binds a door of a vehicle such that the door becomes not able to move, and a door handle, in which a connection member that absorbs an excessive operation force by being elastically deformed in a direction in which the operation force is transmitted is interposed between a transmitting member that transmits an operation force input to the door handle and an input lever on the remote control device side to which the operation force is input via the transmitting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: AISIN COPORATION
    Inventor: Ryohei Yamane
  • Patent number: 11459801
    Abstract: A device for detecting the intention of a user to lock or to unlock a motor vehicle door. The device being incorporated within a handle, including: a capacitive sensor for detecting the approach and/or the contact of a hand of the user toward/with the handle, including at least one electrode, located in proximity to a detection surface of the handle, that is capable of detecting the approach of the hand of a user toward the detection surface; a microcontroller; and a voltage source. At least a portion of the electrode takes a continuous shape of successive arches which allow water to flow away and are connected to one another at their bases by junctions, the junctions being pressed against the detection surface, thus forming a sealtight interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Inventors: Gabriel Spick, Olivier Gerardiere
  • Patent number: 11447987
    Abstract: An actuator for presenting a handless door of a vehicle. The actuator including: an extendable extension bar supporting a pawl/catch system, the pawl/catch system having an actuator catch that cooperates with a dedicated striker; an actuator housing for housing a motor and a gear train operatively coupled to the motor, the gear train comprising a gear that has an integrated wormscrew; a nut located on the integrated wormscrew that translates linearly on the wormscrew as it is rotated by the motor, wherein movement of the nut causes the extendable extension bar to be moved outwardly and inwardly from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: INTEVA FRANCE
    Inventors: Philippe Ottolini, Mathias Barth
  • Patent number: 11441340
    Abstract: A door handle assembly for a vehicle door includes a handle which is to be actuated by an operator, a lever element which supports the handle on a handle housing, and a motor-driven actuating element. The handle is designed to be movable out of an actuation position into a servo-opening position by being actuated by an operator. A detection means is formed on the handle housing in order to detect a movement of the handle out of the actuation position into the servo-opening position so as to produce a movement of the motor-driven actuating element out of the handle extended position into a door opening position. Upon being moved out of the handle extended position into the door opening position, the motor-driven actuating element moves a vehicle door opening lever out of a ready position into an unlocked position, in which the vehicle door can be opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Rhein, Bernd Reifenberg, Jan Heyduck, Jürgen Jooss, Martin Lindmayer
  • Patent number: 11421451
    Abstract: A closure latch assembly for a motor vehicle closure panel is equipped with a common kinematic chain of components for a latch release mechanism utilizing a first range of handle travel to initiate a power release of a latch mechanism and further utilizing a second range of handle travel to initiate a mechanical release of the latch mechanism. An actuation rod may include a magnet that, when moved out of range of a sensor, signals to initiate the power release. In the event that the power release does not occur, further movement of the actuation rod forces the mechanical release. In both the power release and mechanical release, a pawl is rotated from a ratchet holding position to a ratchet release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES INC.
    Inventors: Francesco Patane, Enrico Boeri, Carlo Quartieri
  • Patent number: 11414903
    Abstract: A closure latch assembly for a motor vehicle closure panel includes a common kinematic chain of components for a latch release mechanism utilizing a first range of handle travel to initiate a power release of a latch mechanism and further utilizing a second range of handle travel to initiate a mechanical release of the latch mechanism. An actuation rod may include a magnet that, when moved out of range of a sensor, signals to initiate the power release. In the event that the power release does not occur, further movement of the actuation rod forces the mechanical release. In both the power release and mechanical release, a pawl is rotated from a ratchet holding position to a ratchet release position. The actuation rod may have a first segment connected to a door handle and a second segment connected to a key cylinder, where either segment may provide the mechanical release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES INC.
    Inventors: Francesco Patane, Carlo Quartieri, Enrico Boeri
  • Patent number: 11396764
    Abstract: A door handle assembly is provided in the door of an automobile. The assembly includes an aperture in the outer skin of the door and a cover plate which closes off the aperture. The cover plate is retractable into a pocket behind the aperture, to open the aperture and allow a user to insert his/her fingers into the aperture. The user may then grab a latch release handle which is provided on the inner surface of the skin of the door, which senses the user's touch and releases a door latch, so that the door can be pulled open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: BENTLEY MOTORS LIMITED
    Inventors: John Blount, Russell Beeston
  • Patent number: 11377883
    Abstract: A power closure latch assembly with a manually actuatable release link, vehicle door therewith and method of allowing a power actuatable closure latch assembly to be converted for selective manual actuation is provided. The release link is configured to operably communicate an actuator lever with a release lever for conjoint movement therebetween, to provide power-assisted movement of a pawl between ratchet releasing and ratchet holding positions, when the release link is in a “normal” first operating position. The release link is further configured to allow the release lever to move independently from the actuator lever when the release link is in a manually deployed “override/reset” second position to provide spring-biased movement of the pawl from the ratchet releasing position back to the ratchet holding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES INC.
    Inventors: Marco Taurasi, Dunia Sardelli
  • Patent number: 11371271
    Abstract: A vehicle door control arrangement 10 for permitting opening of a vehicle door 12, the arrangement 10 including a door handle means 14. A control mechanism 16 is locatable in the door 12, and operable by movement of the door handle means 14 to cause door latching means to disengage from the closed position. A door handle movement means 18 is provided, operable to selectively move the door handle means 14 between a rest position in which the door handle means 14 is located substantially within the door 12, and an operable position in which the door handle means 14 extends outwardly from the door 12 such that the door handle means 14 can be manually engaged by a person. Operating means 20 is provided to detect when it is required to open the door, and in response to cause the door handle movement means 18 to move the door handle means 14 from the rest position to the operable position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventors: Arun Manikkath, Rajesh Padmarajan
  • Patent number: 11371267
    Abstract: A motor vehicle lock including a rotary latch and a pawl for latching the rotary latch in a latching position, in particular main latching position, and also a lock plate with a screw-on point for attaching the motor vehicle lock to a vehicle door or vehicle flap, wherein the rotary latch comprises a support which is provided in such a manner that, in the latching position, in particular main latching position, the rotary latch can be supported on the screw-on point via the support in the event of an overload. Opening of a vehicle door or flap can thus be avoided even in the event of a crash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventors: Tobias Steffen, Thomas Heide
  • Patent number: 11326374
    Abstract: An operating arrangement for at least one motor vehicle latch, in particular a flap operating arrangement for two motor vehicle flap latches placed at a distance from one another and provided with a drive train. Furthermore, a lever arrangement interacting with the drive train is provided. Moreover, there is provided at least one transmission attached to the lever arrangement to act upon the at least one motor vehicle latch. The lever arrangement has an operating lever to act upon the transmission and a locking lever that blocks the operating lever at least when in a “locked” position, wherein the drive train works upon the locking lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventors: Stelian Borlodan, Mandya Rajagopal