Patents Examined by Melissa A. Black
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Patent number: 9931906Abstract: A cab for a machine. The machine has a longitudinal axis extending between a front, and a back opposite to the front. The cab includes a roof and a floor extending generally about the longitudinal axis. A vertical seat index axis extends through intermediate portions of the roof and the floor and is associated with a position of the operator disposed to face the front. The vertical seat index axis intersects perpendicular to the longitudinal axis at an intersection. A plurality of support members are disposed between the roof and the floor, including a rear support member disposed at a rear end of the cab. At least an upper portion of the rear support member is positioned at an angle relative to the intersection at an angle along the longitudinal axis and defines a rear view opening to facilitate rear end visibility of the machine.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Brent R Frazier, Alexa Davis, Jeffrey Zurinski
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Patent number: 9919641Abstract: A pickup-truck box includes a bed and a sidewall connected to a longitudinal side of the bed. The sidewall includes an inner panel, an outer panel, and a top rail. The top rail defines a stake-pocket hole and extends between the panels to define a sidewall interior. A stake-pocket bracket includes a tubular body defining an opening. The bracket is disposed within the sidewall interior with a first side of the tubular body secured to the inner panel at a location that vertical aligns the opening with the hole to receive an object within the opening.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jack Marchlewski, Joshua R. Hemphill, Dragan B. Stojkovic, John Comiez
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Patent number: 9919744Abstract: The invention relates to a shell structure having a force transmission point, wherein a force transmission structure is provided on the force transmission point, wherein the force transmission structure has a fitting element comprising a fastening element, wherein the fitting element is connected to the shell structure. According to the invention, the fitting element has a contact surface having the shell structure and the contact surface can be clamped with or is clamped with the shell structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Mihaly Gonda, Thomas Schnaufer, Juergen Lenz, Andreas Beil
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Patent number: 9914399Abstract: A multifunction hook assembly is provided for a motor vehicle. That multifunction hook assembly includes a housing having a recess and first and second pivoting hooks carried on the housing. The two pivoting hooks are displaceable between stowed positions received within the recess and deployed positions projecting from the recess. An improved cargo management system is also provided. That improved cargo management system incorporates the multifunction hook assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2015Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Thomas Matthew Lewis, Eileen Franko, Salvatore Joseph Moceri, George Anthony Hyde, Tariq Ismail, Anna Elizabeth Hill
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Patent number: 9908559Abstract: A metal piece having at least two areas of lower mechanical strength than the body of the piece, said pieces being respectively arranged on one side and the other of a longitudinal central section (PM) of said piece and alternatively located in two locations separated longitudinally along the piece, the areas of lower mechanical strength than the body of the piece being formed by local control of the stamping temperature during a stamping process of the piece, notably a process comprising steps including heating the piece to a temperature range suitable for obtaining an austenitic stage, then stamping this piece in a stamping tool suitable for defining different temperatures in the different areas of the stamped piece, for example by virtue of the voids formed in the stamping tool or by local reheating of the stamping tool.Type: GrantFiled: July 4, 2014Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignees: Autotech Engineering, A.I.E., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Christophe Cazes, Gregory Gatard, Martin Jonsson, Atsushi Hasegawa, Yusuke Miura
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Patent number: 9908560Abstract: A collision countermeasure apparatus for a vehicle includes a longitudinally extending frame rail that defines a transverse opening adjacent a front end. An extension is partially received in a bumper that defines an open end. A pin is received in the transverse opening and has an outer end pivotally connected by a joint to an outboard end of the extension. Collisions outboard of the frame rail drive the extension into the pin and the pin into the rail to laterally displace the vehicle. Collisions inboard of the rail slide the extension outwardly from the bumper and pivot the extension and pin toward each other. Collisions inboard of the rail shift the pin laterally outwardly from the transverse opening.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2016Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Saied Nusier, Mohamed Ridha Baccouche, Jamel E. Belwafa, Saeed David Barbat
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Patent number: 9908478Abstract: A roof-mounted bicycle rack assembly for a motor vehicle includes a deployable bicycle carrier slidably attached to an underside of a roof panel of the motor vehicle. The bicycle carrier includes at least one bicycle support configured to deploy from and retract into a cooperating holder disposed on the roof panel underside. The bicycle support may include at least one tube or rail and the cooperating holder may include at least one sleeve or track configured to receive at least a portion of the at least one tube or rail therein.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2015Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLCInventors: Jonatan Leff Yaffe, Carlos Emilio Merino, Jorge Manuel Rodriguez Vazquez, Luis Manuel Garcia
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Patent number: 9902430Abstract: A baffle assembly includes a body, and a vehicle includes a bumper beam and the baffle assembly. The body includes an edge facing outwardly away from the body. A region of the edge includes a plurality of supports spaced from each other. The baffle assembly further includes a seal member secured to the edge of the body. The seal member includes a plurality of protrusions spaced from each other and interleaved with the plurality of supports such that the protrusions and the supports cooperate with each other in an alternating pattern which creates an area configured to absorb energy when a force is applied in the region.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2016Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Scott A. Sytsma, Ana Isabel Payro Romero, Fulgencio Sergio Mendez Morales
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Patent number: 9896133Abstract: A sill structure for a vehicle comprises an outer member, an inner member located laterally inside the outer member as seen in a transverse direction of the vehicle, and a reinforcement member located laterally between the outer member and the inner member. An upper end portion of the inner member is attached to the reinforcement member in a first connection. An upper end portion of the outer member is attached to the reinforcement member in a second connection being located vertically below and separate from the first connection. A lower end portion of the inner member is attached to the reinforcement member and to a lower end portion of the outer member in a third connection being located vertically below and separate from the first connection and the second connection. The reinforcement member extends in a straight way or substantially straight way between the second connection and the third connection.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2016Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: VOLVO CAR CORPORATIONInventor: Jens Elfwing
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Patent number: 9889893Abstract: A system for suspending a cab frame relative to a base component of a work vehicle may generally include a sensor assembly coupled between the cab frame and the base component. The sensor assembly may include a sensor coupled to the cab frame and a sensor arm configured to pivot relative to the sensor. The sensor assembly may also include a sensor linkage extending lengthwise between a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the sensor linkage may be coupled to the sensor arm. Additionally, the second end portion of the sensor linkage may be coupled to the base component such that the second end portion is rotatable relative to the base component about at least two different axes.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2016Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventor: Shane M. Scott
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Patent number: 9889789Abstract: A tonneau cover assembly with a top cover connected to a cable tensioning system that eliminates the need for side rails to both locate and tension the top cover. The cable tension system seals out environmental elements and holds the tonneau cover and fabric management bows of the assembly in place. The assembly includes a front attachment assembly and rear attachment assembly connected to cables, where the front attachment provides a forward mounting location and seals a front bow to the vehicle. The rear attachment assembly holds the top cover in a closed tensioned state until the cover is opened by an operator. The tonneau cover assembly reduces weight and complexity, while eliminating the need for side rails.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2016Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Michael Beltowski, George C. Stickles, Rick H. Troeger, Richard Essig, Tavis Lutzka
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Patent number: 9889889Abstract: A structure for reinforcing a shock absorber housing includes a shock absorber housing connecting a shock absorber mounting panel and a front side member. A front fender apron inner panel connects the shock absorber mounting panel and the front side member. The front fender apron inner panel is coupled to an outer surface of the shock absorber housing and overlapped with a portion of the shock absorber housing to form a wheel house with the shock absorber housing. An extension panel is connected from a side of the overlapped portion of the shock absorber housing and the front fender apron inner panel to a sub-frame mounting portion of the front side member.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventors: Junyoung Park, Minsoo Kim
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Patent number: 9889804Abstract: A vehicular resin panel structure including: an outer panel that includes an outer panel main body and an outer edge portion formed by bending an edge portion of the outer panel main body toward one side in a plate thickness direction of the outer panel main body; and a resin inner panel that includes an inner panel main body that is joined to the outer panel main body by an adhesive, and an inner edge portion that is formed by bending an edge portion of the inner panel main body toward another side in the plate thickness direction. A leading end portion of the inner edge portion abuts the outer panel main body, and a parting line during molding is formed at a location separated from the leading end portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yoshiyuki Adachi
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Patent number: 9889731Abstract: A protective device for a vehicle includes a flexible cover duplicating the contours of the car, and a container, in which the flexible cover is arranged. The container can be fastened in the rear part of the vehicle with the aid of at least one fastening element. The flexible cover is polymeric, with a light-reflecting material or coating applied to one side and a light-absorbing material or coating applied to the other side. The container can be fastened on the vehicle boot or on the rear part of the vehicle roof or on the vehicle bumper. In another alternative, the container of the protective device can be fastened on the internal side of the vehicle boot lid with the aid of at least one fastening element. The protective device provides reliable and durable protection for the car from overheating in summer and from super cooling in winter.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2012Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Inventors: Igor Iifliyandskyi, Oleg E. Mikhailov, Boris L. Bobrovnikov
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Patent number: 9889730Abstract: Water management for vehicles with an open top cargo bed are described. A plurality of vehicle components can form a portion of the open-top cargo bed. The plurality of vehicle components can define a gap. A seal plug can be received in the gap. The seal plug can sealingly engage the first and/or second lateral side of the gap. The seal plug can be configured to direct water away from the vehicle. For instance, the seal plug can include a deflection surface. The deflection surface can be angled downwardly and away from the gap. The seal plug can include a water drainage channel. The water drainage channel can include a first end opening to an upper surface of the seal plug and the second end opening to the deflection surface and/or other surface that slopes downwardly and away from the gap.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: James J. Chung, Keith O'Brien, Myron D. Bowers, Scott L. Frederick, Matthew A. Jansma
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Patent number: 9884649Abstract: A single cross member extending in a vehicle width direction is provided between a portion of a side sill which is positioned near a center pillar and a tunnel portion. A pair of seat-rail mounting seats are provided at a lower portion of the tunnel portion to be spaced apart from the cross member in a vehicle longitudinal direction. A seat rail is rigidly connected to the pair of seat-rail mounting seats at its bottom face. Thereby, the lightweight, high rigidity, and quietness of the vehicle can be attained.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2015Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Kouichi Nakaya, Munenari Takahashi, Masaki Mori
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Patent number: 9873461Abstract: A plastic fender is provided for coping with thermal deformation. Additionally, an apparatus is provided which makes an effect of allowing the plastic fender to move to cope with thermal deformation, by integrally forming a bellows shape with a mounting portion of the plastic fender. The plastic fender includes a hood line portion, a bumper line portion, and a door line portion. Additionally, mounting portions are formed along an edge of each of the hood line portion, the bumper line portion, and the door line portion, respectively. The plastic fender includes a bellows-shaped portion that is formed on the mounting portions and is moveable to cope with the thermal deformation.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2016Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Suk-Jun Chai, Ji-Yong Shin
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Patent number: 9873466Abstract: A drag reducing device for a vehicle includes an air flow turning component having a curved surface adapted to turn air flow passing over the curved surface, a first mounting component for connecting the air flow turning component to a rear door of the vehicle, and a second mounting component for connecting the air flow turning component to one of the opposite side walls of the vehicle. Vortex generators are provided on one or more surfaces of the drag reducing device to improve the drag reduction characteristics of the device.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2014Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: Aero Industries, Inc.Inventors: James R. Tuerk, John Vogel
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Patent number: 9868411Abstract: A bumper module for a vehicle includes at least one shaped part that is unitarily deep-drawn from a sheet material. The shaped part has two connecting flanges facing a back side for fastening to side members of the vehicle and an arch which is pre-curved towards a front side connecting the connecting flanges. At least in lateral portions of the arch, the sheet material is laid into folds, which are elongated from the back side towards the front side.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2015Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Fabian Fuerst, Tommy Hechtel, Theobald Hock, Torsten Radusch
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Patent number: 9868408Abstract: Embodiments include a protective cover for a control module mounted to a vehicle surface using attachment mechanisms that extend perpendicularly from the vehicle surface. The protective cover comprises a rigid top portion having a top surface and four sidewalls configured to cover the control module and engage the vehicle surface. The protective cover also comprises a plurality of insets molded into at least two of the sidewalls, each inset configured to receive a respective attachment mechanism. Embodiments also include an apparatus for protecting a control module mounted to a vehicular surface using a plurality of attachment mechanisms. The apparatus comprises a rigid top structure configured to completely cover the control module and a flexible gasket coupled to a bottom edge of the top structure and configured to removably engage the vehicular surface surrounding the control module in a fluid-tight seal.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2016Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Jayagopal Appukutty, Jeffery Hammoud, Swadad A. Carremm