Patents by Inventor Nicolas Lapalu

Nicolas Lapalu 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: 5205790
    Abstract: This steering-wheel shaft, having a cylindrical tubular body (1) with a circular cross-section, has a profiled part (8) forming a lock element. In this part (8), longitudinal grooves (10), having a width which corresponds to that of a locking catch, have a depth at least equal to the thickness of the wall of the initial tube and are separated by solid ribs (12). On the inner face of the element (8), projections define between them V-shaped grooves whose peaks correspond substantially to the mid part of the ribs. Each rib (12) thus has a sufficient resistance to counteract the torque exerted when a theft is attempted. Each groove can receive the catch in a locking position. The shaft has at least two grooves (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: ECIA
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Barnabe, Andre Hoblingre, Nicolas Lapalu, Ghislain Passebecq