Patents by Inventor Eric M. Botten

Eric M. Botten 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).

  • Patent number: 11572724
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for absorbing energy in a hinge are provided. An apparatus may include a first portion, a second portion coupled to the first portion to move relative to the first portion, and a tab configured relative to the first and second portions to absorb energy imparted to the second portion during a collision. The tab may be bendable via rotation as the second portion moves towards the first portion during the collision. The first portion may be a hinge bracket securable to a vehicle body. The second portion may be a hinge arm securable to a vehicle hood. The tab may be positioned at least partially between the first portion and the second portion for selective interference of the tab with one of the first portion and the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Charles Steinbrecher, Kimberly A. Strigle, Eric M. Botten, Peter J. Finnie, Prashant K. Deore
  • Publication number: 20210129789
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for absorbing energy in a hinge are provided. An apparatus may include a first portion, a second portion coupled to the first portion to move relative to the first portion, and a tab configured relative to the first and second portions to absorb energy imparted to the second portion during a collision. The tab may be bendable via rotation as the second portion moves towards the first portion during the collision. The first portion may be a hinge bracket securable to a vehicle body. The second portion may be a hinge arm securable to a vehicle hood. The tab may be positioned at least partially between the first portion and the second portion for selective interference of the tab with one of the first portion and the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Robert Charles Steinbrecher, Kimberly A. Strigle, Eric M. Botten, Peter J. Finnie, Prashant K. Deore
  • Patent number: 8328250
    Abstract: A door handle for a door of an automotive vehicle having a first gasket attached at a distal end of the door handle and a second gasket attached at a proximate end of the door handle. The first gasket and second gasket have an inner surface facing the outer surface of the door and an outer surface facing the respective ends of the door handle. The first gasket and the second gasket also include a lip formed of a resilient material, which protrudes outwardly relative to the outer surface of gaskets and extends longitudinally along the edge of the gaskets to sealingly engage the ends of the door handle. The lip is embossed so that it is recessed relative to the inner surface of the gasket to accommodate compression of the lip as the handle is displaced towards the door. A flattened portion extends from an end of the lip on the first gasket to dampen noise due to impact between the distal end of the door handle and an outer surface of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd., Aisin World Corp. of America
    Inventors: Eric M. Botten, Emiko Okuma, Sadayuki Makino, Norio Konomoto, Todd M. Remtema, Brett A. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20100037529
    Abstract: A door handle for a door of an automotive vehicle having a first gasket attached at a distal end of the door handle and a second gasket attached at a proximate end of the door handle. The first gasket and second gasket have an inner surface facing the outer surface of the door and an outer surface facing the respective ends of the door handle. The first gasket and the second gasket also include a lip formed of a resilient material, which protrudes outwardly relative to the outer surface of gaskets and extends longitudinally along the edge of the gaskets to sealingly engage the ends of the door handle. The lip is embossed so that it is recessed relative to the inner surface of the gasket to accommodate compression of the lip as the handle is displaced towards the door. A flattened portion extends from an end of the lip on the first gasket to dampen noise due to impact between the distal end of the door handle and an outer surface of the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Eric M. Botten, Emiko Okuma, Sadayuki Makino, Norio Konomoto, Todd M. Remtema, Brett A. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20080197582
    Abstract: A gasket is used for sealing an interface between an outer surface of a door and a door handle of an automotive vehicle. The gasket includes opposite inner and outer surfaces, wherein the inner surface of the gasket faces the door and the outer surface of the gasket faces the handle. The gasket also includes a lip that protrudes outwardly relative to the outer surface of the gasket and extends longitudinally along an edge of the gasket to sealingly engage the handle. The lip is embossed so that it is recessed relative to the inner surface of the gasket to accommodate compression of the lip as the handle is displaced toward the door. A flattened portion extends from an end of the lip to dampen noise due to impact between the handle and a door outer panel of the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Eric M. Botten, Emilko Okuma, Sadayuki Makino, Norio Konomoto, Todd M. Remtema, Brett A. Campbell