Patents by Inventor Youji Noda

Youji Noda 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: 5857702
    Abstract: An impact energy absorbing member is provided within a vehicle door, and due to impact load from an exterior, the impact energy absorbing member plastically deforms so as to absorb impact energy. The impact energy absorbing member includes a plurality of ribs whose respective surface directions are provided substantially along an impact load direction. Ends of the plurality of ribs are fixed to predetermined positions within the vehicle door. Reduced cross-sectional area portions are provided at fixed end sides of the plurality of ribs. The reduced cross-sectional area portions are provided such that cross-sectional areas of the plurality of ribs along a direction orthogonal to the impact load direction become smaller toward the fixed end sides of the plurality of ribs from lengthwise intermediate portions of the plurality of ribs whose lengths run along the impact load direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Yazaki Industrial Chemical Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Suga, Youji Noda, Tohru Yabe