Patents by Inventor Robert L. Bingle
Robert L. Bingle 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).
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Publication number: 20030102688Abstract: A safety sensing and/or release assembly for a trunk or compartment of a vehicle is provided which is positionable within the trunk or compartment space of the vehicle so as to allow for opening of the trunk or compartment lid in response to an occupant detection or a manual actuation of the system from within the trunk or compartment. The safety assembly comprises a handle for activating a release mechanism of the lid in order to open the compartment, a release assist device, at least one illumination source, which is at least occasionally activated to provide illumination of the handle, and a control for activating the assist device or the illumination source in response to an occurrence of at least one activating event, such as when the deck lid is closed, motion is sensed by a sensor within the trunk/compartment, an object having a predetermined temperature is detected within the trunk/compartment, or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2002Publication date: June 5, 2003Applicant: Donnelly Corporation a corporation of the State of MichiganInventors: Robert L. Bingle, Roger L. Koops, Niall R. Lynam, Kevin C. McCarthy, Eric J. Hoekstra, Kenneth Schofield, Eugenie V. Uhlmann, Gimtong Teowee, Brent J. Bos, David W. Taylor
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Patent number: 6550103Abstract: A vehicle door handle assembly for opening a door of a vehicle includes a base which is mountable at the door of the vehicle and a handle portion which is operable to open the door via movement of the handle portion relative to the base. The handle portion includes a first portion having a first material hardness and a second portion having a second material hardness. The first material hardness is greater than the second material hardness, such that the second portion provides a softer feel to a user of the door handle assembly when opening the door of the vehicle. The door handle assembly may further include an illumination source for illuminating the handle portion and/or a heating element for heating the handle portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2002Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Roger L. Koops, Robert L. Bingle
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Publication number: 20030035297Abstract: A safety release assembly for a trunk or compartment of a vehicle is provided which is positionable within the trunk or compartment space of the vehicle so as to allow for opening of the trunk or compartment lid from within the trunk or compartment. The safety assembly comprises a handle for activating a release mechanism of the lid in order to open the compartment, at least one illumination source, which is at least occasionally activated to provide illumination of the handle, and a control circuit for activating the illumination source in response to an occurrence of at least one activating event such as when the deck lid is closed, motion is sensed by a sensor within the trunk/compartment, an object having a predetermined temperature is detected within the trunk/compartment, or the like. The handle is interconnected with the release mechanism of the compartment, such that movement of the handle results in activation of the release mechanism and thus opening of the lid.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2002Publication date: February 20, 2003Applicant: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Robert L. Bingle, Roger L. Koops
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Publication number: 20020196131Abstract: A system for sensing ambient conditions in a compartment, such as the trunk of an automobile, generates a control signal in response to the sensed conditions. This control signal actuates indicators to notify operators of the vehicle that there is a person trapped in the trunk. The control signal is also used to actuate a lamp inside the trunk to provide light for the trapped person. A trunk release is also actuated, by a control module, to free the trapped person. The trunk release of the automobile can be prevented from being actuated if the automobile is moving, which prevents the trunk lid from unexpectedly opening while the vehicle is in motion.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2002Publication date: December 26, 2002Applicant: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Kevin C. McCarthy, Eugenie V.. Uhlmann, Brent J. Bos, Eric J. Hoekstra, Roger Koops, Gimtong Teowee, Kenneth Schofield, David W. Taylor, Niall R. Lynam, Robert L. Bingle
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Patent number: 6485081Abstract: A release system adapted for use in opening a deck lid of a vehicle includes a gas operable assist device and at least one of a manual input device and an occupant detector. The release system is positionable within a compartment at least partially closed by the deck lid. The compartment has a release mechanism for opening the deck lid and the release system is adapted for operation from the interior of the compartment. The gas operable assist device is connectable to the release mechanism and is operable to actuate the release mechanism to open the deck lid in response to a user input to the manual input device or a detection of an occupant within the compartment by the occupant detector. The gas operable assist device includes at least one of a compressed gas container and a pyrotechnic element.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2000Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Robert L. Bingle, Roger L. Koops, Niall R. Lynam, Kevin C. McCarthy, Eric J. Hoekstra, Kenneth Schofield, Eugenie V. Uhlmann, Gimtong Teowee, Brent J. Bos, David W. Taylor
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Patent number: 6480103Abstract: A system for sensing ambient conditions in a compartment, such as the trunk of an automobile, generates a control signal in response to the sensed conditions. This control signal actuates indicators to notify operators of the vehicle that there is a person trapped in the trunk. The control signal is also used to actuate a lamp inside the trunk to provide light for the trapped person. A trunk release is also actuated, by a control module, to free the trapped person. The trunk release of the automobile can be prevented from being actuated if the automobile is moving, which prevents the trunk lid from unexpectedly opening while the vehicle is in motion.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2000Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Kevin C. McCarthy, Eugenie V. Uhlmann, Brent J. Bos, Eric J. Hoekstra, Roger Koops, Gimtong Teowee, Kenneth Schofield, David W. Taylor, Niall R. Lynam, Robert L. Bingle
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Patent number: 6460906Abstract: A safety handle for opening a deck lid of a vehicle from inside the trunk compartment includes a handle and a housing having an outer wall and a perimeter surface. The housing defines a recess therein, which is positioned below or behind a plane defined by the perimeter surface of the housing. The handle is positioned in the recess and includes a handle portion and a shaft portion which defines a pivot axis of the handle. The shaft portion is pivotably mounted to the housing whereby said handle portion is positioned within the recess and below the plane defined by the perimeter surface such that the handle is pivotable within the recess. The handle is connectable to the release mechanism of the deck lid and pivotable to actuate the release mechanism to open the deck lid of the trunk.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2001Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Robert L. Bingle, Roger L. Koops
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Publication number: 20020135196Abstract: A safety release assembly for a trunk or compartment of a vehicle is provided which is positionable within the trunk or compartment space of the vehicle so as to allow for opening of the trunk or compartment lid from within the trunk or compartment. The safety assembly comprises a handle for activating a release mechanism of the lid in order to open the compartment, a release assist device, at least one illumination source, which is at least occasionally activated to provide illumination of the handle, and a control for activating the assist device or the illumination source in response to an occurrence of at least one activating event such as when the deck lid is closed, motion is sensed by a sensor within the trunk/compartment, an object having a predetermined temperature is detected within the trunk/compartment, or the like. The handle is interconnected with the release mechanism of the compartment, such that movement of the handle results in activation of the release mechanism and thus opening of the lid.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2002Publication date: September 26, 2002Applicant: Donnelly Corporation, a corporation of the State of MichiganInventors: Robert L. Bingle, Roger L. Koops, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 6390529Abstract: A safety release assembly for a trunk or compartment of a vehicle is provided which is positionable within the trunk or compartment space of the vehicle so as to allow for opening of the trunk or compartment lid from within the trunk or compartment. The safety assembly comprises a handle for activating a release mechanism of the lid in order to open the compartment, a release assist device, at least one illumination source, which is at least occasionally activated to provide illumination of the handle, and a control for activating the assist device or the illumination source in response to an occurrence of at least one activating event such as when the deck lid is closed, motion is sensed by a sensor within the trunk/compartment, an object having a predetermined temperature is detected within the trunk/compartment, or the like. The handle is interconnected with the release mechanism of the compartment, such that movement of the handle results in activation of the release mechanism and thus opening of the lid.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2000Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Robert L. Bingle, Roger L. Koops, Niall R. Lynam
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Publication number: 20020056173Abstract: A door handle for a door of a vehicle includes a handle portion and a housing or base portion. Preferably, the handle portion is assembled to the base portion by a snap fit of a pair of snap clasps onto a corresponding pair of axles or cross members attached to the housing. The snap clasps engage the cross members via a tapered opening to guide the cross members into the snap clasps, thereby easing the assembly process of the handle assembly. The snap clasps are snapped onto the cross members marked by an audible click to pivotally secure the handle portion to the housing, such that pivotal movement of the handle relative to the housing may be operable to open the door of the vehicle. Preferably, a biasing member is included to bias the handle portion toward its closed position relative to the housing, while the handle and the housing comprise polymeric materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2002Publication date: May 16, 2002Applicant: Donnelly Corporation, a corporation of the State of MichiganInventors: Roger L. Koops, Robert L. Bingle
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Patent number: 6349450Abstract: A door handle for a door of a vehicle includes a handle portion and a housing or base portion. Preferably, the handle portion is assembled to the base portion by a snap fit of a pair of snap clasps onto a corresponding pair of axles or cross members attached to the housing. The snap clasps engage the cross members via a tapered opening to guide the cross members into the snap clasps, thereby easing the assembly process of the handle assembly. The snap clasps are snapped onto the cross members marked by an audible click to pivotally secure the handle portion to the housing, such that pivotal movement of the handle relative to the housing may be operable to open the door of the vehicle. Preferably, a biasing member is included to bias the handle portion toward its closed position relative to the housing, while the handle and the housing comprise polymeric materials.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2000Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Roger L. Koops, Robert L. Bingle
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Publication number: 20020003571Abstract: A vehicular video mirror system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly and a video display assembly. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror casing incorporating a reflective element. The reflective element has a rearward field of view when the interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted in a vehicle. The mirror assembly further includes a mirror-mounting portion, which is adapted to mount the interior rearview mirror assembly at an interior portion of the vehicle, such as a windshield portion or a header portion. The mirror casing is adjustable about the mirror-mounting portion for adjusting the rearward field of view of the reflective element. The video display assembly includes a video screen which is incorporated in a video display housing. The video display assembly also includes a display-mounting portion, which is adapted to mount the video display assembly at the interior portion of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2001Publication date: January 10, 2002Inventors: Kenneth Schofield, Frank O'Brien, Robert L. Bingle, Niall R. Lynam
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Publication number: 20010030873Abstract: A safety handle for opening a deck lid of a vehicle from inside the trunk compartment includes a handle and a housing having an outer wall and a perimeter surface. The housing defines a recess therein, which is positioned below or behind a plane defined by the perimeter surface of the housing. The handle is positioned in the recess and includes a handle portion and a shaft portion which defines a pivot axis of the handle. The shaft portion is pivotably mounted to the housing whereby said handle portion is positioned within the recess and below the plane defined by the perimeter surface such that the handle is pivotable within the recess. The handle is connectable to the release mechanism of the deck lid and pivotable to actuate the release mechanism to open the deck lid of the trunk.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2001Publication date: October 18, 2001Applicant: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Robert L. Bingle, Roger L. Koops
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Patent number: 6254261Abstract: A safety release handle assembly for a trunk of a vehicle is positionable within the trunk or compartment space of the vehicle to allow for opening of the trunk or compartment lid from within the trunk or compartment. The safety release assembly comprises a housing and a handle positioned within a recess of the housing. The handle is connectable to a release mechanism of the trunk lid and is movable to actuate the release mechanism to open the trunk lid from within the trunk space. The handle provides a mechanical advantage such that the release mechanism may be actuated upon exertion of less than or equal to approximately 20 Newtons at the handle. The safety release assembly may further include an illumination source, whereby the handle may be illuminated to assist viewing of the handle when the trunk lid is closed.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2000Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: Donnellly CorporationInventors: Robert L. Bingle, Roger L. Koops
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Patent number: 6086131Abstract: A safety release assembly for a trunk or compartment of a vehicle is provided which is positionable within the trunk or compartment space of the vehicle so as to allow for opening of the trunk or compartment lid from within the trunk or compartment. The safety assembly comprises a handle for activating a release mechanism of the lid in order to open the compartment, at least one illumination source, which is at least occasionally activated to provide illumination of the handle, and a control circuit for activating the illumination source in response to an occurrence of at least one activating event such as when the deck lid is closed, motion is sensed by a sensor within the trunk/compartment, an object having a predetermined temperature is detected within the trunk/compartment, or the like. The handle is interconnected with the release mechanism of the compartment, such that movement of the handle results in activation of the release mechanism and thus opening of the lid.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1999Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Robert L. Bingle, Roger L. Koops
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Patent number: 5100095Abstract: A windshield mounted, vehicular accessory mounting assembly is adapted to be small and compact and to reduce occupant injuries upon impact. The assembly includes a base and a coupling member releasably mounted on the base. The coupling member includes a support for mounting a vehicle accessory such as a rearview mirror. A breakaway fastening assembly extends through an aperture in the base to allow separation of the coupling member and vehicle accessory from the base should an impact occur. A series of projections extend between the periphery of the base aperture and the coupling member and are received in corresponding recesses to position the coupling member, provide a stable, three point connection, and prevent its rotation unless it separates from the base. The assembly may also include a swivel support arm to allow adjustment of the accessory position and to further reduce injuries.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1991Date of Patent: March 31, 1992Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Theodore M. Haan, Wayne Vandenbrink, Larry R. Magnuson, Robert L. Bingle