Patents by Inventor Elizabeth L. LaRue

Elizabeth L. LaRue has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Underride compatibility apparatus for a vehicle
    Patent number: 7845710
    Abstract: An underride compatibility apparatus is provided for a vehicle structure. The apparatus includes a frame arranged to support the vehicle structure. The frame includes an energy absorption portion arranged for absorption of impact energy. The apparatus also includes a beam arranged substantially transverse to the vehicle structure, below the frame, and remote from the energy absorption portion. The apparatus also includes a flexible member configured to carry a tensile load, but not a substantial compressive load. The flexible member distributes the impact energy between the energy absorption portion and the beam when the member is loaded in tension during an underride impact, but does not affect the impact energy absorption of the energy absorption portion during a direct impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Jenuwine, Elizabeth L. LaRue
  • Underride Compatibility Apparatus for a Vehicle
    Publication number: 20100117385
    Abstract: An underride compatibility apparatus is provided for a vehicle structure. The apparatus includes a frame arranged to support the vehicle structure. The frame includes an energy absorption portion arranged for absorption of impact energy. The apparatus also includes a beam arranged substantially transverse to the vehicle structure, below the frame, and remote from the energy absorption portion. The apparatus also includes a flexible member configured to carry a tensile load, but not a substantial compressive load. The flexible member distributes the impact energy between the energy absorption portion and the beam when the member is loaded in tension during an underride impact, but does not affect the impact energy absorption of the energy absorption portion during a direct impact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: John G. Jenuwine, Elizabeth L. Larue