Patents by Inventor Prashant K. Deore

Prashant K. Deore 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: 12679298
    Abstract: Systems and other embodiments described herein relate bull-bar assemblies with an easy access latch. In one embodiment, a bull-bar assembly for a vehicle includes a panel defining a component aperture through which a vehicle component is accessible. The panel further defines a latch aperture. The bull-bar assembly also includes a cover attached to the panel and movable between a closed position, in which the cover blocks the component aperture, and an open position, in which the cover unblocks the component aperture. The bull-bar assembly further includes a latch accessible through the latch aperture and movable between an actuated position, in which the latch disengages the cover to unblock the component aperture, and an unactuated position, in which the latch engages the cover to block the component aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2024
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2026
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Prashant K. Deore, Christopher P. Sheehy, Nora Arellano
  • Publication number: 20250263036
    Abstract: Systems and other embodiments described herein relate bull-bar assemblies with an easy access latch. In one embodiment, a bull-bar assembly for a vehicle includes a panel defining a component aperture through which a vehicle component is accessible. The panel further defines a latch aperture. The bull-bar assembly also includes a cover attached to the panel and movable between a closed position, in which the cover blocks the component aperture, and an open position, in which the cover unblocks the component aperture. The bull-bar assembly further includes a latch accessible through the latch aperture and movable between an actuated position, in which the latch disengages the cover to unblock the component aperture, and an unactuated position, in which the latch engages the cover to block the component aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2024
    Publication date: August 21, 2025
    Applicants: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Prashant K. Deore, Christopher P. Sheehy, Nora Arellano
  • Publication number: 20250242772
    Abstract: The systems, devices, and methods described herein relate to a mounting system for attaching a bull bar to a vehicle. This mounting system may include bull bar drop-down mounting devices that are attached to a vehicle frame. The bull bar drop-down mounting devices are also attached to a bull bar. In the event of a frontal collision, the bull bar drop-down mounting devices are arranged such that they apply pressure to the bull bar in a downward direction, forcing the bull bar to drop down below the level of the vehicle frame, which may help to avoid damage to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2024
    Publication date: July 31, 2025
    Applicants: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Prashant K. Deore, Chris Sheehy
  • 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