Patents by Inventor Victor Corona Martinez

Victor Corona Martinez 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: 11975756
    Abstract: An assembly for a steering column assembly including an engagement plate and a telescope plate at least partially disposed within the engagement plate. The engagement plate may be adapted to be located between a column tube of a steering column assembly and the telescope plate. The engagement plate and the telescope plate have one or more features for engaging with or contacting each other to provide energy absorption during an impact exceeding a threshold load. These features may include one or more projections or protrusions, one or more slots, one or more ribs, or a combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: NSK Americas, Inc.
    Inventors: Abhishek Mathur, Gerald Lim, Jonathon Lyte, Victor Corona Martinez, Simon Read, David Ray Hartman
  • Patent number: 11845487
    Abstract: An article for a steering column assembly (10) including a connection member (60) having a base portion (62) adapted to be attached to a column tube (30) of the steering column assembly (10) and opposing side walls (64) extending from the base portion (62). The article further includes an energy absorption member (80) having a first generally flat segment (82), a second generally flat segment (84) generally parallel to the first generally flat segment (82), and a curved portion (86) therebetween. The energy absorption member (80) extends from the base of the connection member (60). The present teachings also envision a telescoping adjustment subassembly and a steering column assembly (10) employing the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: NSK Americas, Inc.
    Inventors: Isabel Chong Hok Yuen, Victor Corona Martinez, David Ray Hartman
  • Patent number: 11697447
    Abstract: A tilt assembly (30) for a steering column assembly (10) including a pair of downwardly disposed plates each having a slot (36); an elongated member adapted to be rotated, wherein the elongated member penetrates the slot (36) of each downwardly disposed plate and extends therebetween; a rotational member (50) located within each slot (36) and having an opening through which the elongated member is received; a biasing member (60) with a first end (62) and a second end (68), where at least one end engages with the rotational member (50). The biasing member (60) is adapted to drive rotation of the rotational member (50). When the tilt assembly (30) is in an unlocked position, the rotational member (50) is adapted to travel with respect to the slot (36), and when the tilt assembly (30) is in a locked position, the rotational member (50) is adapted to rotate and engage with a wail that is fixed with respect to the slot (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Alex Carl, Daniel Gazzerro, David Ray Hartman, Victor Corona Martinez
  • Patent number: 11685420
    Abstract: The present teachings relate to a spacer having a body portion and two or more opposing contact surfaces extending from the body portion, forming an angle with the body portion. The spacer may be adapted to engage with a portion of a steering column assembly to reduce or prevent rotation of a column tube during a telescoping adjustment. The teachings also include an adjustable steering column assembly having a column tube with a portion extending therefrom; a steering shaft supported for rotation at least in part by the column tube; a column housing for at least partially supporting the column tube; and the spacer. The spacer may be secured to the column tube to reduce or prevent rotation of the column tube. The teachings further contemplate a method of limiting rotational travel of a column tube during telescoping adjustment using the spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Victor Corona Martinez, Logananth Chinniah, David Ray Hartman
  • Patent number: 11661096
    Abstract: A device for assembling a column tube in an adjustable steering column assembly, comprising a spacer portion adapted to provide rotational damping; provide damping during adjustment of the steering column assembly (e.g., telescope adjustment); and assist in centering the column tube when in an unlocked position and assist in resisting lash. The device may further comprise a stop bracket portion adapted to limit rotational travel of the column tube when in an unlocked position; and retain the column tube longitudinally within the steering column assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: NSK Americas, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Lewis Strong, Victor Corona Martinez, Jun Yamada, Dale E. Estes
  • Publication number: 20230150567
    Abstract: An assembly for a steering column assembly including an engagement plate and a telescope plate at least partially disposed within the engagement plate. The engagement plate may be adapted to be located between a column tube of a steering column assembly and the telescope plate. The engagement plate and the telescope plate have one or more features for engaging with or contacting each other to provide energy absorption during an impact exceeding a threshold load. These features may include one or more projections or protrusions, one or more slots, one or more ribs, or a combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2023
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventors: Abhishek Mathur, Gerald Lim, Jonathon Lyte, Victor Corona Martinez, Simon Read, David Ray Hartman
  • Patent number: 11623677
    Abstract: An electrically adjustable steering device includes a top bracket fixed to a vehicle body, a steering shaft to which a steering wheel is connected, a steering jacket which is held by the top bracket and rotatably supports the steering shaft inside, a tilt actuator which adjusts a tilt of the steering jacket, and a link member which is pivotably supported by the top bracket, the steering jacket, and the tilt actuator. The tilt of the steering jacket can be adjusted by transmitting power of the tilt actuator to the steering jacket via the link member. The link member is placed only on one side of the steering jacket in a vehicle left-right direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshifumi Kurokawa, Victor Corona Martinez
  • Publication number: 20230053406
    Abstract: An article for a steering column assembly (10) including a connection member (60) having a base portion (62) adapted to be attached to a column tube (30) of the steering column assembly (10) and opposing side walls (64) extending from the base portion (62). The article further includes an energy absorption member (80) having a first generally flat segment (82), a second generally flat segment (84) generally parallel to the first generally flat segment (82), and a curved portion (86) therebetween. The energy absorption member (80) extends from the base of the connection member (60). The present teachings also envision a telescoping adjustment subassembly and a steering column assembly (10) employing the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2022
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Inventors: Isabel Chong Hok Yuen, Victor Corona Martinez, David Ray Hartman
  • Patent number: 11572094
    Abstract: An assembly for a steering column assembly including an engagement plate and a telescope plate at least partially disposed within the engagement plate. The engagement plate may be adapted to be located between a column tube of a steering column assembly and the telescope plate. The engagement plate and the telescope plate have one or more features for engaging with or contacting each other to provide energy absorption during an impact exceeding a threshold load. These features may include one or more projections or protrusions, one or more slots, one or more ribs, or a combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: NSK Americas, Inc.
    Inventors: Abhishek Mathur, Gerald Lim, Jonathon Lyte, Victor Corona Martinez, Simon Read, David Ray Hartman
  • Patent number: 11518428
    Abstract: An article for a steering column assembly (10) including a connection member (60) having a base portion (62) adapted to be attached to a column tube (30) of the steering column assembly (10) and opposing side walls (64) extending from the base portion (62). The article further includes an energy absorption member (80) having a first generally flat segment (82), a second generally flat segment (84) generally parallel to the first generally flat segment (82), and a curved portion (86) therebetween. The energy absorption member (80) extends from the base of the connection member (60). The present teachings also envision a telescoping adjustment subassembly and a steering column assembly (10) employing the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: NSK Americas, Inc.
    Inventors: Isabel Chong Hok Yuen, Victor Corona Martinez, David Ray Hartman
  • Publication number: 20220227409
    Abstract: A tilt assembly (30) for a steering column assembly (10) including a pair of downwardly disposed plates each having a slot (36); an elongated member adapted to be rotated, wherein the elongated member penetrates the slot (36) of each downwardly disposed plate and extends therebetween; a rotational member (50) located within each slot (36) and having an opening through which the elongated member is received; a biasing member (60) with a first end (62) and a second end (68), where at least one end engages with the rotational member (50). The biasing member (60) is adapted to drive rotation of the rotational member (50). When the tilt assembly (30) is in an unlocked position, the rotational member (50) is adapted to travel with respect to the slot (36), and when the tilt assembly (30) is in a locked position, the rotational member (50) is adapted to rotate and engage with a wail that is fixed with respect to the slot (36).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Inventors: Alex Carl, Daviel Gazzerro, David Ray Hartman, Victor Corona Martinez
  • Publication number: 20220219750
    Abstract: The present teachings relate to a spacer having a body portion and two or more opposing contact surfaces extending from the body portion, forming an angle with the body portion. The spacer may be adapted to engage with a portion of a steering column assembly to reduce or prevent rotation of a column tube during a telescoping adjustment. The teachings also include an adjustable steering column assembly having a column tube with a portion extending therefrom; a steering shaft supported for rotation at least in part by the column tube; a column housing for at least partially supporting the column tube; and the spacer. The spacer may be secured to the column tube to reduce or prevent rotation of the column tube. The teachings further contemplate a method of limiting rotational travel of a column tube during telescoping adjustment using the spacer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Publication date: July 14, 2022
    Inventors: Victor Corona Martinez, Logananth Chinniah, David Ray Hartman
  • Patent number: 11345387
    Abstract: In an electrically adjustable steering of the present embodiment, a first telescopic actuator is disposed between a top bracket or a mount bracket on a vehicle body side and a steering jacket. The steering jacket includes a plurality of jacket members that overlap each other so as to be able to expand and contract in an axial direction. A motor of the first telescopic actuator is fixed to the top bracket or the mount bracket on the vehicle body side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshifumi Kurokawa, Jessica Elaine Lipa, Victor Corona Martinez, Juan Antonio Hernandez Otero
  • Publication number: 20220032990
    Abstract: An article for a steering column assembly (10) including a connection member (60) having a base portion (62) adapted to be attached to a column tube (30) of the steering column assembly (10) and opposing side walls (64) extending from the base portion (62). The article further includes an energy absorption member (80) having a first generally flat segment (82), a second generally flat segment (84) generally parallel to the first generally flat segment (82), and a curved portion (86) therebetween. The energy absorption member (80) extends from the base of the connection member (60). The present teachings also envision a telescoping adjustment subassembly and a steering column assembly (10) employing the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventors: Isabel Chong Hok Yuen, Victor Corona Martinez, David Ray Hartman
  • Publication number: 20210394813
    Abstract: An electric steering device includes a top bracket fixed to a vehicle body, a steering shaft to which a steering wheel is connected, a steering jacket which is held by the top bracket and rotatably supports the steering shaft inside, a tilt actuator which adjusts a tilt of the steering jacket, and a link member which is pivotally supported by the top bracket, the steering jacket, and the tilt actuator. The tilt of the steering jacket can be adjusted by transmitting power of the tilt actuator to the steering jacket via the link member. The link member is placed only on one side of the steering jacket in a vehicle left-right direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2021
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshifumi KUROKAWA, Victor Corona MARTINEZ
  • Publication number: 20210394816
    Abstract: An assembly for a steering column assembly including an engagement plate and a telescope plate at least partially disposed within the engagement plate. The engagement plate may be adapted to be located between a column tube of a steering column assembly and the telescope plate. The engagement plate and the telescope plate have one or more features for engaging with or contacting each other to provide energy absorption during an impact exceeding a threshold load. These features may include one or more projections or protrusions, one or more slots, one or more ribs, or a combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Inventors: Abhishek Mathur, Gerald Lim, Jonathon Lyte, Victor Corona Martinez, Simon Read, David Ray Hartman
  • Publication number: 20210309280
    Abstract: A device for assembling a column tube in an adjustable steering column assembly, comprising a spacer portion adapted to provide rotational damping; provide damping during adjustment of the steering column assembly (e.g., telescope adjustment); and assist in centering the column tube when in an unlocked position and assist in resisting lash. The device may further comprise a stop bracket portion adapted to limit rotational travel of the column tube when in an unlocked position; and retain the column tube longitudinally within the steering column assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: Scott Lewis Strong, Victor Corona Martinez, Jun Yamada, Dale E. Estes
  • Publication number: 20210229733
    Abstract: In an electrically adjustable steering of the present embodiment, a first telescopic actuator is disposed between a top bracket or a mount bracket on a vehicle body side and a steering jacket. The steering jacket includes a plurality of jacket members that overlap each other so as to be able to expand and contract in an axial direction. A motor of the first telescopic actuator is fixed to the top bracket or the mount bracket on the vehicle body side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshifumi KUROKAWA, Jessica Elaine LIPA, Victor Corona MARTINEZ, Juan Antonio HERNANDEZ OTERO
  • Patent number: 11040737
    Abstract: A device for assembling a column tube (30) in an adjustable steering column assembly (20), comprising a spacer portion (70) adapted to provide rotational damping; provide damping during adjustment of the steering column assembly (e.g., telescope adjustment); and assist in centering the column tube when in an unlocked position and assist in resisting lash, The device further comprises a stop bracket portion (50) adapted to limit rotational travel of the column tube when in an unlocked position; and retain the column tube longitudinally within the steering column assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: NSK Americas, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Lewis Strong, Victor Corona Martinez, Jun Yamada, Dale E. Estes
  • Patent number: 10919562
    Abstract: An energy absorption plate (52) for a steering column assembly (10) having a first end (54) and a second end (56), an arcuate segment (62), a first generally flat segment (58) between the first end (54) and the arcuate segment (62), and a second generally flat segment (64) between the second end (56) and the arcuate segment (62). The first generally flat segment (58) is situated generally parallel to the second generally flat segment (64). The first generally flat segment (58) is configured to face away from a column tube (18) of a steering column assembly (10). The second generally flat segment (64) is adapted to be secured to the column tube (18) of the steering column assembly (10). The first generally flat segment (58) includes one or more features, such as a toothed portion (66), for engaging with a fastener, such as a spring-biased fastener (44), to lock the column tube (18) in proper position. A steering column assembly (10) including this energy absorption plate (52) is also contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Scott Lewis Strong, David Ray Hartman, Victor Corona Martinez