Patents by Inventor Hidekazu Nobata

Hidekazu Nobata 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: 9561718
    Abstract: A fuel filler system for use in a vehicle is provided. The system includes a fuel filler tube, a locking bracket coupled to an inner surface of the fuel filler tube, and a closure device coupleable within the tube end and including an outer wall and a radially movable tab extending from the outer wall. The tab engages the locking bracket after rotation of the closure device from a first rotational position to a second rotational position to prevent rotation of the closure device relative to the locking bracket. The closure device further includes a web flexibly connecting the tab to the outer wall and a region of weakness defined in the web, such that upon forcible rotation of the closure device from the second rotational position to the first rotational position, the region of weakness facilitates separation of the web from the outer wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Kobayashi, Hidekazu Nobata, Masaru Tomimatsu, Hiroyuki Hagano
  • Patent number: 9393866
    Abstract: Systems and methods for assembling a fuel filler system for use in a vehicle are provided. A locking bracket is coupled within an end of a fuel filler tube. At least one passage is defined in the locking bracket for facilitating insertion of a closure device into the fuel filler tube end. At least one anti-removal structure on the closure device passes through the at least one passage during insertion of the closure device. The at least one anti-removal structure precludes removal of the closure device after insertion of the closure device, and rotation of the closure device from a first rotational position relative to the locking bracket to a second rotational position. First and second anti-rotation structures extending from the closure device engage first and second ends of the locking bracket to prevent further rotation of the closure device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Kobayashi, Hidekazu Nobata, Masaru Tomimatsu
  • Patent number: 9370998
    Abstract: Systems and methods for assembling a fuel filler system for use in a vehicle are provided. The fuel filler system includes a closure device assembly and a fuel filler tube. A circumferential rim extends radially outwardly from a first end of the fuel filler tube. The rim has a non-planar cross-sectional shape. The fuel filler system also includes at least one catch member that extends from an inner surface of the closure device assembly. A seal member encircles a portion of the closure device assembly, and is axially spaced apart from the at least one catch member. After the closure device assembly is coupled to the fuel filler tube, the circumferential rim is axially captured between the at least one catch member and the seal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Kobayashi, Hidekazu Nobata, Masaru Tomimatsu, Hiroyuki Hagano
  • Publication number: 20150136768
    Abstract: A fuel filler system for use in a vehicle is provided. The system includes a fuel filler tube, a locking bracket coupled to an inner surface of the fuel filler tube, and a closure device coupleable within the tube end and including an outer wall and a radially movable tab extending from the outer wall. The tab engages the locking bracket after rotation of the closure device from a first rotational position to a second rotational position to prevent rotation of the closure device relative to the locking bracket. The closure device further includes a web flexibly connecting the tab to the outer wall and a region of weakness defined in the web, such that upon forcible rotation of the closure device from the second rotational position to the first rotational position, the region of weakness facilitates separation of the web from the outer wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicants: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD., HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Kobayashi, Hidekazu Nobata, Masaru Tomimatsu, Hiroyuki Hagano
  • Publication number: 20150083721
    Abstract: Systems and methods for assembling a fuel filler system for use in a vehicle are provided. A locking bracket is coupled within an end of a fuel filler tube. At least one passage is defined in the locking bracket for facilitating insertion of a closure device into the fuel filler tube end. At least one anti-removal structure on the closure device passes through the at least one passage during insertion of the closure device. The at least one anti-removal structure precludes removal of the closure device after insertion of the closure device, and rotation of the closure device from a first rotational position relative to the locking bracket to a second rotational position. First and second anti-rotation structures extending from the closure device engage first and second ends of the locking bracket to prevent further rotation of the closure device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Kobayashi, Hidekazu Nobata, Masaru Tomimatsu
  • Publication number: 20150083720
    Abstract: Systems and methods for assembling a fuel filler system for use in a vehicle are provided. The fuel filler system includes a closure device assembly and a fuel filler tube. A circumferential rim extends radially outwardly from a first end of the fuel filler tube. The rim has a non-planar cross-sectional shape. The fuel filler system also includes at least one catch member that extends from an inner surface of the closure device assembly. A seal member encircles a portion of the closure device assembly, and is axially spaced apart from the at least one catch member. After the closure device assembly is coupled to the fuel filler tube, the circumferential rim is axially captured between the at least one catch member and the seal member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Kobayashi, Hidekazu Nobata, Masaru Tomimatsu
  • Patent number: 6915870
    Abstract: In an antistatic structure of a fuel pipe, the fuel pipe to be charged in contact with a fuel, and a brake pipe connected electrically to a vehicle body are coupled to each other through a conductive clamp in at least one portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsuo Sugiyama, Yasuhiro Hasegawa, Toru Ogawa, Hidekazu Nobata
  • Publication number: 20020125378
    Abstract: In an antistatic structure of a fuel pipe, the fuel pipe to be charged in contact with a fuel, and a brake pipe connected electrically to a vehicle body are coupled to each other through a conductive clamp in at least one portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsuo Sugiyama, Yasuhiro Hasegawa, Toru Ogawa, Hidekazu Nobata