Patents Examined by H. Gutman
  • Vehicle body lower structure
    Patent number: 8585134
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a crush area disposed in front end part of each side sill, the crush area being crushable under a collision load upon collision in order to absorb the collision load. A bulkhead is disposed on the rear of the crush area inside the side sill. A reinforcing frame is attached to a side surface of the side sill facing a vehicle interior, one end of the reinforcing frame being joined to surface part of a portion, where the bulkhead is disposed, of the side sill such that the reinforcing frame extends rearwardly and inwardly in a vehicle width direction, the other end thereof being joined to a floor frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Ken Yasui, Yuya Furusaki
  • Cowl louver support structure for automobile
    Patent number: 8579365
    Abstract: In an automotive cowl louver support structure, vehicle-widthwise both sides of a cowl louver disposed between a windshield and a hood can be supported by lower portions of right and left rain gutters, and ornamental surfaces of the rain gutters can be continuous with a ornamental surface of the cowl louver. Engaged portions are provided to lower portions of the right and left rain gutters. Engagement portions configured to engage the respective engaged portions are provided to vehicle-widthwise both sides of the cowl louver. Further, the engagement portions of the cowl louver are engaged with the engaged portions of the right and left rain gutters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Shatai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seiichiro Makise, You Kamitamari, Itaru Onishi
  • Padded surface transportation apparatus for construction equipment
    Patent number: 8579565
    Abstract: A transportation rack for construction equipment is provided. The transportation rack includes a pad for supporting a hard, smooth wheel of the concrete equipment. The pad absorbs dynamic loads on the construction equipment during transportation to avoid flat spots developing on the hard, smooth wheel. The transportation rack also includes a rigid guard to protect a precisely aligned element of the equipment, and a rigid bar extending across a portion of the construction equipment to hold it down or apply a containment load to hold the equipment against the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Marriott Construction, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall O. Fell
  • Attachment for air splitter panel
    Patent number: 8579356
    Abstract: An air splitter panel is attached to a vehicle fascia panel. One of the panels has a plurality of longitudinal extending slots and the other of the panels has a plurality of fastener holes that register with the slots. Fasteners are mounted in each of the holes and extend through the slot registered therewith to attach the panels together while permitting sliding movement of the splitter panel relative to the fascia panel. A yieldable detent acts between the fastener and the one of the panels with the slot to block the sliding movement of the splitter panel until a force applied upon the splitter panel overcomes the yieldable detent to permit the sliding movement of the splitter panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Phillip M. Turner, Russell J. Peyerk
  • Sliding lid with object return feature
    Patent number: 8579348
    Abstract: A flexible sliding lid assembly including a guided lid comprised of a plurality of flexibly interconnected lid segments. The lid includes a rib or a plurality of spaced ribs that extend upward from a top surface of the lid along a rear portion thereof. A cover plate overlies at least a portion of the lid when the lid is in an opened position. The cover plate includes one or more grooves in which the rib/ribs travel when the lid is slidably opened and closed. If an object residing on the lid during lid opening passes through a gap between the lid and the cover plate, the object will be caught by the projecting rib(s), trapped between the top of the lid and the cover plate, and returned to an exposed position along the rear of the lid for easy retrieval when the lid is subsequently closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ronald W. Myers
  • Toolbox system for vehicles having flared fenders
    Patent number: 8573671
    Abstract: A toolbox system for vehicles having a flared section with a fender flare extending outwardly from a side of the vehicle, such as dually pickup trucks and the like. The toolbox system has one or more compartments disposed in the flared section and a door, drawer or other mechanism associated with each of the compartments to allow access to a chamber enclosed by the compartment and to close the compartment. Tools, equipment and other materials can be safely and securely placed in the chamber for transport and storage. Preferably, the contour of the door or drawer corresponds to the contour of the outer wall of the fender flare to substantially maintain the original configuration of the flared section. The toolbox system allows the user to transport and store materials in a manner that protects the materials, does not utilize the rear cargo area and maintains the attractiveness of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: Mickey L. Watkins
  • Vehicle trailer with improved aerodynamics
    Patent number: 8573680
    Abstract: Trailers, such as semi-trailers, having configurations that improve the aerodynamic efficiency thereof are provided. In some examples, aerodynamically configured trailers are provided that maintain standard cargo capacity. To improve the aerodynamic efficiency, the rearward end of the trailer in some embodiments include a downward cant or slope. In use, the rearward cant or slope reduces the low-pressure region that trails the end of the trailer, thereby reducing pressure drag. In accordance with another aspect, to accommodate loading and unloading of the downwardly canting or sloping trailer, examples of the trailers may also be equipped with “sliding trailer axle” and/or extended travel landing gear so as to allow the trailer to interface with standard loading dock heights as well as rampless ground loading/unloading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Smith
  • Forward extraction force transfer coupling
    Patent number: 8567724
    Abstract: An extraction force transfer coupling device is particularly adapted for use with certain cargo aircraft systems for aerial delivery of a load. The extraction force transfer coupling device employs a drop arm which prevents inadvertent actuation of the actuator arm. Prior to aerial delivery, the actuator arm is obstructed by the drop arm. When the platform is forwardly extracted from the aircraft, the drop arm slides along and eventually disengages from the aircraft floor which eventually results in actuation of the cable release to provide for opening of a suspension parachute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Capewell Components Company, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen T. Parkinson
  • Cargo lashing fitting
    Patent number: 8568070
    Abstract: A cargo lashing fitting for affixing to the deck of a transportation vehicle. The fitting includes a housing which is formed from material having welding compatibility with the deck of the transportation vehicle, and is sized to fit within an opening in the deck of such vehicle. The fitting further includes a securing plate removably positioned within the housing and configured to transmit load forces to the housing in a closed loop without such load forces being transmitted into the hardware removably retaining the securing plate within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Peck & Hale, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Lajos Meszaros
  • Railcar safety system
    Patent number: 8568071
    Abstract: A railcar safety system utilizes a flexible net system removably secured across an open end of the railcar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventors: Otis D. Dier, Thomas S. Broderick
  • Sun visor for vehicles
    Patent number: 8562061
    Abstract: A sun visor for vehicles, in which a sun visor body can pivot on a support rod, and includes a biasing and holding member that biases and holds the support rod only by three regions in a circumferential direction of the support rod. The biasing and holding member is formed by bending a single leaf spring and integrally includes a support rod holding region and a biasing force generating region. The support rod holding region comprises the three regions that surround an outer surface of the support rod, and the biasing force generating region is formed at a predetermined distance from the support rod holding region in a direction transverse to the axial direction of the support rod. Further, the biasing force generating region is designed as a mounting part for mounting the biasing and holding member to the sun visor body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Kyowa Sangyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Asai
  • Door protection device for a vehicle
    Patent number: 8544938
    Abstract: A vehicle door safety device for a vehicle, especially for an armored vehicle, includes at least one door casing which runs peripherally essentially in the side edges of the vehicle door and which is located on the inside of a vehicle door leaf, and of at least one body casing which is arranged running peripherally on the door frame of the vehicle body. The casings of the inside of the door leaf and of the door frame mutually supplement one another in a complementary manner, each being made with at least one component such that they overlap one another in the closed position of the vehicle door, as a result of which a gap between the casings is covered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Klaus Ackermann
  • Container and container wagon
    Patent number: 8545148
    Abstract: A container for transporting bulk material in combined (multimode) traffic, in particular on railways, roadways and ships, with a rectangular outer structure having standard dimensions and an open steel frame construction, which carries at least one container (hopper) for holding the bulk material. The hopper tapers like a funnel and can be emptied via at least one floor flap. The steel frame structure exhibits two lower longitudinal members, which are free of connecting cross members, so that inside the steel frame structure and beneath the container for holding the bulk material, a downwardly completely open and in the longitudinal direction of the steel frame structure continuously extending open space is available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventors: Peter Wanek-Pusset, Bernhard Grentner
  • Apparatus and method for packing concentrated mass loads for transport by container, box truck and van trailer
    Patent number: 8534969
    Abstract: A load equalizing pallet apparatus for transporting a concentrated load and for use with load binders comprises a load equalizing base and a plurality of shoes. The base is constructed substantially of wood, has a periphery and, in use, receives said load. The shoes are metal and, in use, are arranged about the periphery of the base and rigidly engaged thereto. Each shoe has a plurality of lugs, the lugs, in use, being engaged by said load binders to couple said load to said pallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: CareGo Innovative Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony Guo, Robert A. Edwards
  • Electric swing plug door operator with auxiliary door locking mechanism
    Patent number: 8528961
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an electric swing plug door operator with a remotely powered auxiliary lock mechanism, door striker, catch and manual release system for use on light to medium duty shuttle or utility vehicles. The swing plug door system includes a door operator and base plate assembly, a shaft and arm assembly, a guide rod assembly, a lower shaft pivot, a door panel with a leading edge catch and lock striker assembly, an auxiliary lock and a manual release cable. The auxiliary lock assembly includes a lock bar engaging the lock striker mounted to the trailing edge of the door panel when the door reaches the fully closed position. The door operator includes a manual release lever and gear motor subassembly to drive the door system linkage and to manually disengage the door linkage and lock assembly to gain manual egress from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Wabtec Holding Corp.
    Inventors: Gregory S. Beck, Fotios Golemis, Rodrigo E. Guajardo
  • Tool mounting assembly for motor vehicles
    Patent number: 8523259
    Abstract: A tool mounting assembly for a motor vehicle includes a vehicle body structure, a first storage container portion that is configured to receive at least one jack operation tool, and a second storage container portion that is fixed to the first storage container portion and is configured to receive at least one wheel chock. A first bracket is attached to the vehicle body structure and fully surrounds the first storage container portion in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the first storage container portion. A second bracket is attached to the vehicle body structure and at least partially surrounds the first storage container portion. The second storage container portion is positioned between the first bracket and the second bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Dawe, Ryan Corby
  • Specialized cover for protecting freight while in transit
    Patent number: 8523257
    Abstract: The re-usable cover for protecting freight while in transit includes an upper end for attachment to the rear end opening of a freight container, a pair of side edges adjacent to a respective side of the rear end opening of the freight container when the upper end is attached, and a front surface configured to face the exterior of the freight container when the upper end is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl E. Berger
  • Vehicle body rear structure
    Patent number: 8517460
    Abstract: A vehicle body rear structure comprises a rear wheelhouse inner panel (13) which is provided with a seat striker (38) which disengages from an engagement part (16a) of a folding seat back (16). The rear wheelhouse inner panel (13) includes a wheelhouse extending part (13B) which extends integrally upward from the upper end of a wheelhouse base (13A). A stiffener (36) is attached to the wheelhouse extending part (13B). The wheelhouse extending part (13B) and the stiffener (36) form a dogleg-shaped closed section. The seat striker (38) is attached to a bracket (37) provided on the stiffener (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeo Hoshino, Naoki Hashirayama
  • Adjustable support bracket for a header transport wagon
    Patent number: 8517647
    Abstract: An adjustable support bracket for a transport wagon used to hold and transport a large object. The transport wagon has a frame with a top surface, opposed side surfaces and a bottom surface. The adjustable support bracket has an angled adjustable seat for supporting a portion of a large object. The angled adjustable seat has a top surface and leg members. The top surface includes an inclined plate. The leg members include a rear plate and a front portion. The leg members are connected to a first plate. The angled adjustable seat has at least one side plate connected by a hinge mechanism to permit at least one side plate to be adjusted to a pocket position or a lower position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Company Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Hilvers
  • Vehicle component and method for making a vehicle component
    Patent number: 8506003
    Abstract: The invention is also directed to a method for forming a component for a vehicle. The method comprises forming a substrate in a mold by injecting a first resin into a first cavity, reconfiguring a portion of the mold to form a second cavity, and injecting a second resin into a second cavity; providing a flexible member adjacent at least a portion of the substrate to form a cavity between the substrate and the flexible member; coupling at least a portion of the flexible member to the substrate; and introducing a material into the cavity after securing at least a portion of the flexible member to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Nels R. Smith, Scott A. Hansen, Jeffrey T. Stout, Andy Butz, Bart W. Fox