Patents Issued in March 6, 2003
  • Publication number: 20030042714
    Abstract: An inflatable external airbag system adapted to securely deploy an airbag along a windshield from a rear portion of a hood with little or no influence of wind direction and/or wind pressure around the top of a running vehicle. The hood includes a front portion and a rear portion. The rear portion includes a deployment direction regulating member. The front and rear portions of the hood may be coupled together via a hinge. As the airbag inflates, the rear hood portion pivots upwardly to a predetermined angle to hang over the airbag just like a flap thereby regulating the deployment direction of the airbag to deflect the deployment toward the windshield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: Takata Corporation
    Inventor: Tomohiro Sawa
  • Publication number: 20030042715
    Abstract: An airbag module comprises a housing and an airbag that is arranged in the housing and, at least in sections, folded into a package. A deflection device is provided for the package. The deflection device, the housing and the package are coordinated with each other in such a way that the folded package emerges from the housing in a first direction and is then deflected by means of the deflection device by a predefined angle. There is also proposed a steering wheel including such an airbag module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Keutz, Christian Lorenz
  • Publication number: 20030042716
    Abstract: A cushion for protecting a vehicle occupant's head. The cushion inflates and deploys smoothly and is configured so that gas leakage out of the cushion is reduced in order to maintain the inner pressure high for an extended period of time. The cushion includes a protective cushion element and outer shell fabrics superposed on both outer surfaces of the protective cushion element. The cushion element includes a cabin-side base fabric and a window-side base fabric that are sewn together by sewing yarns after bonded to each other by adhesive. The outer shell fabrics are bonded to the protective cushion element by adhesive. The adhesive is applied to the outer surfaces of the protective cushion element the joint wherein the base fabrics are sewn together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: TAKATA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Fujiwara
  • Publication number: 20030042717
    Abstract: An airbag module comprises an airbag and a front cover which is made of plastic. The front cover has a middle part and, surrounding the middle part, a predefined outlet opening for the airbag. In the closed state of said cover, the opening is surrounded by a ring-shaped part of the cover. The ring-shaped part is removed to free the outlet opening when the airbag is unfolded. The middle part is attached to the module in such a way that, when the airbag unfolds, the middle part is prevented from moving freely. The module further comprises a reinforcement ring which is embedded in the middle part and runs adjacent and along an inner edge of the ring-shaped part of the cover and attaches the middle part to the module, preventing it from moving freely when the airbag unfolds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Constantin Hauer
  • Publication number: 20030042718
    Abstract: An airbag inflator includes non-azide gas generating propellants, surrounding an ignition device, disposed inside a housing. The gas generating propellants are surrounded by a coolant/filter device having a pressure loss of 0.3×10−2 to 1.5×10−2 kg/cm2 at a flow rate of 100 l/min/cm2. A space is provided between an outer periphery of the coolant/filter device and the housing such that the combustion gas passes through the entire area of the coolant/filter device. The coolant/filter device is also surrounded by a swell suppressing layer which prevents the coolant/filter device from swelling due to a combustion of the gas generating propellants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: Katsuda, N. ET AL.
    Inventors: NOBUYUKI KATSUDA, SHINGO ODA, MASAYUKI UEDA
  • Publication number: 20030042719
    Abstract: Inflation apparatuses and methods are provided wherein a hydrocarbon-containing inflation gas-producing mixture is formed via the fluid extraction of the hydrocarbon from a substrate material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Karl K. Rink, Anthony M. Young, David J. Green
  • Publication number: 20030042720
    Abstract: A hybrid gas generator comprises a chamber that contains pressurized fluid and that is sealed off by a rupturable membrane, and a pyrotechnical propellant charge that ruptures the membrane when it is ignited. The gas generator further comprises a nozzle wall that is arranged between the propellant charge and the membrane and that has at least one passage opening through which combustion products generated upon ignition of said pyrotechnical propellant charge flow towards the membrane. The passage opening has such a shape and is oriented with respect to the membrane in such a way that, when the membrane is ruptured, there are formed sections of said membrane that remain all connected to an edge of the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: TRW Airbag Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Uwe Dolling, Maximilian Bergmann, Alexander Gerstner, Werner Zengerle, Lorenz Seidl
  • Publication number: 20030042721
    Abstract: In order to provide a safety system for a motor vehicle having a gas generator for producing a gas flow, at least one gas outlet opening formed in the gas generator and at least one restraining arrangement associated with the gas generator, which system may provide better comfort for vehicle occupants during production of the gas while retaining those properties of conventional systems that are relevant from a safety point of view, the safety system includes an arrangement for enhancing comfort which is associated with the gas outlet opening and influence, in particular damp, a frequency profile generated during the emergence of the gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Ralf Bocksch, Peter Faulhaber, Michael Grunewald, Clark Rudebusch
  • Publication number: 20030042722
    Abstract: This type of rollover protection system typically comprises a roll bar body (2) that is either firmly anchored to the vehicle, or is displaceably guided in a guide element (1) that is fixed to the vehicle, in conjunction with a locking device that serves as a retraction blocking mechanism to lock the deployed roll bar body (2) against any unintended retraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Klaus Hovelmann, Michael Nass, Manuela Zupancic, Reinhard Nowack, Hans-Gerd Menne
  • Publication number: 20030042723
    Abstract: A kinetic energy absorption device suitable for use with a collapsible steering column includes a first and second plastically deformable member have a traveling bight, a pusher proximate to a first part of the first member attached to a first body, a catch allowing the second member move a limited distance with respect to the pusher, and an anvil arrangement fixed to a second body. The anvil arrangement is positioned proximate the traveling bights, which have a shape corresponding with an anvil surface of thereof. The anvil arrangement forces the traveling bight of the first member to travel along a length of the first member upon initial relative movement between the first and second bodies, and then forces the traveling bight of the second member to travel along a length of the second member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Richard K. Riefe
  • Publication number: 20030042724
    Abstract: The method and device of this invention immobilizes a person in a secure, upright restraint system in a Police vehicle. It can be easily and safely applied by public safety officers including police or other law enforcement personnel and medical personnel to secure a person against undesired movement while maintaining them in an upright, sitting position which leaves the diaphragm free for natural, unrestrained breathing movement. The asphyxia-preventing restraining device comprises an ALR/ELR retractor. The ALR/ELR retractor comprises a shoulder harness having a pair of seat belt buckles, which significantly reduce the possibilities of injuries to police officers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Christopher A. Eusebi
  • Publication number: 20030042725
    Abstract: A seat belt system for a vehicle for restraining an occupant in a first seat mounted in a passenger compartment of the vehicle, the vehicle including an opening formed on at least one side of a vehicular body. The seat belt system includes a belt webbing having a first and second end. A retractor is disposed at a door of the vehicle for retracting the first end of the belt webbing. A lap-anchor device is disposed at the door of the vehicle for fixedly supporting the belt webbing below and outward of the first seat. The lap-anchor device includes an anchor bracket and a moving device. The anchor bracket is connected with the second end of the belt webbing. The anchor bracket includes an engaging portion which communicates with an engageable portion provided at the vehicular body below the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ippei Yamachi, Hiroaki Nakao, Masanobu Fukushima, Hiroaki Takeshita, Masashi Ohtsuka, Hiroshi Okugawa
  • Publication number: 20030042726
    Abstract: A ski pole grip includes a stronger barrel engaged in a hand grip of cork material. A ski pole is engaged into the barrel. An engaging strap has a portion engaged into the barrel, and a shaft is engaged through the barrel and the portion of the engaging strap for securing the engaging strap to the barrel. The engaging strap may thus be secured to the barrel instead of being secured to the hand grip, such that the barrel may sustain the force from the engaging strap applied. The barrel may be engaged into the other hand grip when the cork hand grip has been damaged or worn out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Chen Lu Wang
  • Publication number: 20030042727
    Abstract: A furniture moving device including a circular sliding section made of substantially friction-free material with a lip formed at a periphery of the circular sliding section and a support section made of a substantially compressible material fixedly attached at a position substantially centered on the circular sliding section. The support section supports a ground contact of furniture, such as a leg or edge, so that the ground contact does not slide with respect to the support section. When force is applied to the furniture, the ground contact of the furniture remains in contact with the support section and moves along with the circular sliding section as the circular sliding section slides along the surface in the direction in which the force is applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Ajit Khubani
  • Publication number: 20030042728
    Abstract: The present invention relates an improved structure of a file which can stand in an upright position comprising (a) an outer covering board having a horizontal scored line across the center of the board so that the outer covering board is bendable outward along the scored line; (b) an inner covering board positioned at the side of the outer covering opposite to the direction of the outer covering being bent, and being mounted with a document clipping device; and (c) two thin boards mounted perpendicularly from the bottom edge of the outer covering board, proximate to the lower corners, to the bottom edge of the inner covering board, proximate to the bottom corners of the inner board, wherein the center of the thin boards are provided with a bending section, thereby when the lower section of the outer covering board is extended or bended outward and the two thin boards are fully extended, the file stands upright on a flat surface, and when the lower section of the outer covering board is retracted towards the
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Chyun-Chau Lin, Chien-Hsun Wu
  • Publication number: 20030042729
    Abstract: This invention relates to a file structure in which the inclination angle thereof is adjustable. The structure comprises (a) an inner covering board having a rear center; (b) an outer covering board mounted to the upper section of the inner covering board at one surface thereof and a scored line being formed across the outer covering board so that the outer covering board can be inclined at an angle with respect to the inner covering board, the bottom edge of the outer covering board being provided with a plurality of fixing holes; (c) a pair of chain having a stop at both ends and one of the stop being fastened to the lower section of the inner covering board and the other stop being mounted to the fixing holes at the lower section of the outer covering board, thereby when the outer covering board is extended with an inclination angle, the chain is touted by the weigh of the file and the file is stood in a stable inclined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Chyun-Chau Lin, Chien-Hsun Wu
  • Publication number: 20030042730
    Abstract: A soft book comprised of foam pages bound by a book binding portion and a plurality of page binding portions is presented. A front cover page, a rear cover page, and at least one page, each having a perimeter, are provided, with the pages forming a spine portion, with the book bound such that at least a portion of the perimeter each page is approximately flush with the binding portions. The pages of the book may include impressions or cutouts that may be made in various shapes. Cutouts may provide a puzzle-type game for children. Various binding materials may be used, preferably chosen to provide sufficient support for the flexible foam pages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: William Derraugh
  • Publication number: 20030042731
    Abstract: A ballot with characteristics of definite voter intent certainty, extremely high ballot count accuracy, recount and confirmation capability, high accessibility of the aged and the disabled voters, and significant election day wait time reduction, is combined by two parts. The first part is a sheet of paper that is printed with a voter individually specified, computer generated and electronically printed list of voter intent units. Each of the voter intent units comprises one election issue, one chosen candidate for the election issue and one bar code solely representing the election issue and the chosen candidate. The second part is a validation number sticker. A set of validation numbers is generated through a validation number coding method. Each validation number is associated with a bar code. Each validation number and the associated bar code are printed on a sticker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Guining Li
  • Publication number: 20030042732
    Abstract: A single-sheet registration form and key packet that may be printed on a laser printer or other automated printing device during a registration process conducted by a commercial organization, such as a hotel or motel. The single-sheet registration form and key packet includes lines of perforations for separating the registration form from the key packet and for quickly folding the key packet in order to construct the key packet during the registration process. Additionally, the key-packet portion of the single-sheet registration form and key packet includes dye-cut slots for inserting magnetic key cards and metal keys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Ted Eugene Wright
  • Publication number: 20030042733
    Abstract: A luggage tag which has a main body portion, an attachment mechanism for coupling the main body portion to a piece of luggage, and a time zone converter coupled to the main body portion. The time zone converter has a base, a first set of markings disposed on the base, an indicator slidably coupled to the base, and a second set of markings disposed on the indicator. In various embodiments, the first set of markings can represent geographic locations such as cites, and the second set of markings can represent time divisions in hours and/or minutes or vice versa. In addition, the time divisions can be based on either a 12-hour or a 24-hour scale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Martin Zoland, Sang K. Kim
  • Publication number: 20030042734
    Abstract: A pipe coupling comprises a socket including a valve body, socket body having holes, lock balls stored in the holes for pressing the lock balls radially inward at an advanced position and for releasing the lock balls at a retracted position, and a plug having an engaging groove and being adapted to open the fluid passage when the plug is engaged with the socket. The holes in the socket include first and second holes individually extending in the axial direction, the first holes extending closer to the distal end side than the second holes. The valve body is returned to a position in which the fluid passage is closed, when the lock balls are located on the extreme distal end side of the first holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuya Kuwabara
  • Publication number: 20030042735
    Abstract: A high-pressure fuel accumulator for a common-rail fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine has a tubular main body (1) to which is welded at least one bushing (13) for connecting a high-pressure line (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Steffen Jung, Heinz Popp
  • Publication number: 20030042736
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a p-trap 12 for commercial and residential plumbing systems wherein the p-trap 12 has an enlarged portion at 46 for receiving a drainpipe 20 and has a threaded port 22 to receive a pressure hose 16 for a dishwasher 14 waste line. Also disclosed is a deflection shield 24 disposed in operative connection to the threaded port 22 so as to direct waste water 50 downwardly away from the sink 18. The present invention 10 further includes a plurality of multiport PVC pipe fittings in various configurations to provide greater flexibility when plumbing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Robert M. Vila
  • Publication number: 20030042737
    Abstract: A clip for assembling a module comprising a flange head bolt, and a member that receives the flange head bolt. The clip has an inner washer and an outer washer that are joined by a bridging portion. The outer washer has a retainer tub that engages the flange of the flange head bolt. The clip may be referred to as a banjo clip when it is used with a banjo block that connects a brake line to a brake caliper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: Franklin Fastener Company
    Inventor: James M. Sampson
  • Publication number: 20030042738
    Abstract: The invention concerns a connector to connect two parts of a brake conduit where the connector permits axial movement without variation of the volume of the conduit. The connector is used in the suspension fork of a motorcycle. The brake circuit is the hydraulic connection between a handle and the brake cylinder of the front wheel. The connector makes it possible to integrate the brake circuit into a leg of the fork. The variation in length is necessary to compensate the suspension movement of the fork. The invention aims at a brake circuit connector which can be mounted in the centre of the leg. Because of the permitting of axial movement without variation of the volume of the circuit the brake conduit can completely be built in. Because of the absence of hoses the brake circuit is very direct in the transmitting of the brake force. Also protruding parts are completely avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Johannes M. Brans
  • Publication number: 20030042739
    Abstract: A profiled clamp connecting two pipes has an articulated clamp strip having sidewalls and a transverse portion connecting the sidewalls and a tensioning closure around the clamp strip. A conical metal ring is arranged in the clamp strip and has a radially inner edge with teeth having free ends positioned on a circle with a diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter of the sidewalls. The conical ring has a radially outer edge resting in a bend between sidewall and transverse part. The first pipe has a widened end section with a conical transition and a radial flange engaging between the sidewalls. The second pipe has a smooth end section inserted into the widened end section. The outer flange diameter is greater than the inner sidewall diameter and smaller than the inner diameter of the transverse part. A seal rests between the smooth end section and the conical transition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Wolfgang Barbett, Markus Kramer, Rainer Heise, Manfred Kruger
  • Publication number: 20030042740
    Abstract: A retrofittable power supply allows an electronic device that is initially designed to be non-portable (in the sense that such electronic and electrical devices require a wired connection to an AC or DC power supply) to operate in geographical regions, or under conditions, in which a wired power supply is not available. The retroffitable power supply can simply plug into an existing case or frame of the non-portable electronic device, and can then serve as a means for powering both the non-portable electronic device, as well as a means for powering peripheral devices that may be coupled to the non-portable electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Helen Ann Holder, Sandra Goebel
  • Publication number: 20030042741
    Abstract: A portable power source (10) includes a housing (12), a stator component (20), a rotor component (18), a crank assembly (14), and a control system (24). The stator component (20) is secured to the housing (12), the rotor component (18) rotates relative to the stator component (20) and the crank assembly (14) is coupled to the rotor component (18). The crank assembly (14) is rotated by the user relative to the housing (12). As provided herein, rotation of the crank assembly (14) by the user results in rotation of the rotor component (18) relative to the stator component (20). In one embodiment, the control system (24) controls the amount of torque required to rotate the crank assembly (14). For example, the amount of torque required to rotate the crank assembly (14) is varied according to the rotational position of the crank assembly (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Albert Hartman, Benjamin Huang, Robert Reay
  • Publication number: 20030042742
    Abstract: The throttle opening setting value provided from a throttle controller 108 may exceed the actual controllable range of the throttle opening. The value stored in an output voltage setter 20 is read out in response to its throttle opening setting value and transferred to a correction signal generator 21. The generator 21 supplies a correction signal determined by the output voltage setting to a modulator 23. PWM signal is transferred to an inverter 3 for determining the output voltage. When receiving the opening setting value indicative of overloading, the output voltage setter 20 releases a smaller value to decrease the output of the generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Motohiro Shimizu, Masashi Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20030042743
    Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine including a wind turbine which depend on a vortex down wind of the turbine enhancing the air flow past the vertical turbine. The vertical axis wind turbine structure includes a rectangular shaped turbine with four orbiting panels mounted to rotate at the top of a pyramidal base structure which generates a substantially horizontal vortex immediately down wind of the turbine, thus enhancing the air flow past the turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Mitch Gingras, Simon Giasson, Michel Lauriault
  • Publication number: 20030042744
    Abstract: An adjustable catch mechanism is described. The mechanism has a housing that has one or more side walls and a face plate. The face plate has an opening therein such that said opening communicates with an interior portion of the housing. There is a front plate adapted to be positioned over the face plate. The front plate is provided with an opening that is generally aligned with the opening in the face plate and shaped so that a catch means can retractably pass through said opening. An adjustable plate is positioned in said housing and has a base section with a top surface and a bottom surface. The adjustable plate is prevented from undergoing rotational movement in the housing and the base section has a threaded portion that is adapted to receive a threaded member on a mounting frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Steven Levine
  • Publication number: 20030042745
    Abstract: A golf ball retriever includes a plate member with spaced apart tear shaped tines each having a leading edge and an opposing trailing edge, and a surface spaced apart from an opposing surface of an adjacent tine a distance greater than the diameter of a golf ball for enabling the tines to guide the golf ball between the spaced apart surfaces during a raking movement of the retriever. A flange extends along the trailing edge of each tine to reduce the distance between surfaces to less than the diameter of the golf ball for lifting the ball from its position typically within a muddy water hazard bottom and trapping the ball between the tines during a raking movement of the retriever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas L. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20030042746
    Abstract: A table accessory of the cutlery or stick type is composed of an A-shaped member formed from two branches and a cross bar. The branches consist of chopstick-type rods of the normal length and size of these sticks, joined at one of their ends to form the vertex of the A-shaped member. The cross bar forms the intermediate rod of the A so as to subdivide each branch into two parts which are kept apart by the cross bar. In use, the branches are elastically deformed by a pinching force exerted on the free parts of the two branches to grasp some food by the ends of the branches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Dusan Prodanic
  • Publication number: 20030042747
    Abstract: A gripper assembly for a deceleration/acceleration drum is described which includes a pivot arm with a gripper seat and a gripper bar with a gripper and a pin assembly. The assembly further includes a first toggle link supported by the pivot arm about a first pivot point, the gripper bar is able to partially rotate about the first toggle link about a second pivot point. The assembly also includes a second toggle link supported by the pivot arm which supports the pin assembly of the gripper bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Kevin Lauren Cote, Richard Daniel Curley, Joseph Adrian St. Ours
  • Publication number: 20030042748
    Abstract: A retractile grab device, suitable for extracting and recovering submerged concrete blocks which form part of the protective structure at harbours and marine docks. The device of the present invention operates with a crane or similar mechanical driving means that supports it and from which the operating tasks are performed, and is capable of executing a prehensile movement between its claw elements, whereby it takes firm hold of a submerged block and raises and deposits it any chosen place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Rafael Torres Samper, Carlos Fermin Menendez Diaz
  • Publication number: 20030042749
    Abstract: A self-actuating base covering system for a vehicle which includes a foldable seat and a coverable area adjacent a back of the seat includes at least one guide surface along the seat back and a rigid panel. The panel has a first portion fixed against movement in a horizontal direction and a second opposite end portion in slidable engagement with at least one guide surface. The panel is dimensioned so as to extend at least partially across the coverable area. The second portion of the panel slides along the at least one engagement surface and the back of the seat during movement of the seat between a lowered position and a raised position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: James W. Tourangeau, Michael V. Harris
  • Publication number: 20030042750
    Abstract: A wiper assembly is attached at several positions to a motor vehicle body by means of a plate bar (10). The plate bar (10) is attached by means of at least one snap element (20, 26; 32, 36; 32, 38; 34, 40).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Kurt Muehlpforte, Jan Dietrich, Peter Kalchschmidt, Claus Fleischer, Tino Boos
  • Publication number: 20030042751
    Abstract: A motor vehicle roof for a convertible motor vehicle, and a convertible motor vehicle with such a roof, is provided which includes a front roof part arrangement and a rear roof part which can be moved between a closed position which covers the motor vehicle interior and a removed position which exposes the motor vehicle interior in a rear roof storage space. The front roof part arrangement is pivotally supported on the motor vehicle by a multiple-bar arrangement. To improve utility, the rear roof part is movably supported by a bearing means on the motor vehicle body which permits movement of the rear roof part when the front roof part arrangement is being removed into an upper position. The rear roof part covers the removed front roof part arrangement in an identically pointed alignment when in a lower removed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Antreich
  • Publication number: 20030042752
    Abstract: A weatherstrip for an automobile comprises: an attaching portion 4 having an inverse U-shape in terms of its section; a rising portion 8 formed in a protruding manner on this attaching portion 4; and lip pieces 11 for sealing between a door inner panel and a window glass 9, and at the rising portion 8, a concave groove 6 with which the trim end of a trim 5 is fitted and latched and a sloping guide 7 leading to the concave groove 6 are formed. In order to attach the weatherstrip to the upper edge of an inner panel of a door beltline, the attaching portion 4 is attached to the flange 1a by insertion, then the trim end of the trim 5 is pressed against the guide 7 and is, in this condition, thrust so as to be fitted and latched with the concave groove 6.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Mithuaki Arata, Hitoshi Hamanaka, Ken Yoshioka, Kazuhiko Tokutomi
  • Publication number: 20030042753
    Abstract: A body for a motor vehicle and a method of making same. The body includes a pair of side doors which are each provided with a reinforcing longitudinal frame part. The body includes an energy absorbing frame structure having cross members, forward, central and rearward side members, and a pair of A-columns and B-columns. First and second transmission devices are operatively arranged between the longitudinal frame part of each door and a respective A-column and B-column to achieve a closure between the door and the frame structure. The first and second transmission devices interact with the support structure to absorb and transmit forces acting upon the frame structure at least in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: August Achleitner
  • Publication number: 20030042754
    Abstract: A rear door structure of a vehicle, the structure comprising: a safety beam longitudinally arranged along a vehicle body at a space between a door outer panel and a door inner panel with both ends thereof being supported against the door inner panel via a beam mounting bracket; an extension beam including one end being inserted into and coupled with the safety beam and the other end being overlapped with the door inner panel and surface-coupled with a support jaw portion of the door outer panel and an impact transfer beam formed along a curve surface of a rear wheel housing with one side thereof coupled to the extension beam and the other side thereof coupled to the beam mounting bracket, thereby improving the strength of the safety beam to protect the safety of vehicle occupants when a vehicle is impacted on its side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Kyung-Dug Seo
  • Publication number: 20030042755
    Abstract: A structure of a roof-side portion of a motor vehicle has a roof-side garnish composed of a synthetic resin, which is attached to the roof-side portion including a front pillar. The garnish has a band-shaped main portion, and an attaching portion which protrudes inwardly from about a widthwise center of an inside surface of the main portion in a direction perpendicular thereto. The attaching portion is secured to a door-opening surface of the roof-side portion, which defines a door opening in a vehicle body, such that an upper part of the main portion covers a roof-side surface of the roof-side portion, and a lower part of the main portion extends downwardly of an outside end of the roof-side surface. A retainer is secured to the attaching portion of the garnish on the inner side of a closed door glass so as to face the lower part of the garnish through the closed door glass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Masahiro Nozaki
  • Publication number: 20030042756
    Abstract: A molding attaching structure includes a sash provided on an automobile door, an outer sash mounted to the sash, and a molding mounted to the outer sash. When a door glass of the door is fully closed, the molding has its one side end laid over an edge of the door glass. The molding has its outer surface substantially flush with an outer surface of an automobile body. The outer sash includes a molding attachment part projecting outwardly therefrom. The molding attachment part includes an extension part and an edge part. The edge part includes a first portion extending from the extension part away from the door glass and having a distal end bent back, and a second portion extending from the distal end across the extension part towards the door glass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Ogawa, Takeshi Yamamoto, Mikio Suzuki, Takashi Yamanaka, Hideaki Sugimoto, Kazunari Iida
  • Publication number: 20030042757
    Abstract: In a door hinge mounting structure, a retaining member having a threaded hole formed therein is provided in the interior of a door panel or a door mounting portion on a vehicle body. A positioning bolt is screwed into the threaded hole via a positioning bolt passable hole formed in the door panel or the door mounting portion. A door hinge is positioned based on the position of the positioning bolt so mounted. In the door hinge mounting structure, the positioning bolt passable hole is formed larger in diameter than the threaded hole in the retaining member. Restrictive wall portions are provided in the interior of the door panel or the door mounting portion for restricting the movement of the retaining member within a range in which the positioning bolt passable hole and the threaded hole in the retaining member substantially coincide in position with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Toshiya Ohba
  • Publication number: 20030042758
    Abstract: A cap (10) is provided for the load box (16) of a vehicle, like a pickup truck (12), including a box-like structure sized and adapted to fit on the load box to form an enclosed area for the storage of personal items, camping equipment, tools, parts or the like. On the forwardmost corner of the cap there is included a door (40) in the form of three-sided box (53, 58, 60), i.e., a door that wraps both around the forward corner of the cap and into the roof. Hinges (50) are provided at the cutline with the roof so that the door opens upwardly. In the preferred embodiment, closable and latchable steps (28) are structurally integrated into the a side of a load box at its forwardmost end and the door of the cap is aligned with the steps forming a doorway for improved ingress and egress to the enclosed area under the cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: David Lynch, Leslie Anne Hersh, Jerome Farrell, Stephen Lewis Bruford
  • Publication number: 20030042759
    Abstract: A structural member for a motor vehicle, that is selectively positioned inside of a tubular frame rail that operatively deforms to absorb and dissipate energy in the event of a collision. The structural member having a tubular body with strengthening ribs located inside of the tubular body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: James C. Ori, Saad M. Abouzahr, Shujath I. Ali
  • Publication number: 20030042760
    Abstract: A hand reference for a control panel of a utility vehicle provides a gripping handle for an operator to adjust controls without observing the controls. The hand reference assists in steadying the operator's hand when fine tuning adjustments on the control panel. The hand reference is embodied as an inverted substantially U-shaped handle extending along the length of slots which guide control levers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: John Raymond Arthur, Russell William Strong, Michael Robert Ondayko
  • Publication number: 20030042761
    Abstract: For a compact tractor, a composite molded plastic floor and fender structure is supported on a chassis of the vehicle. The floor and fender structure includes a foot supporting region, a seat supporting region and two fenders all formed of a composite RIM plastic material. The unitary floor and fender structure simplifies manufacture of the tractor as well as providing a lightweight, durable structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: John Raymond Arthur, Daniel James Knight, Michael David, Russell William Strong, Mohamad El-Zein
  • Publication number: 20030042762
    Abstract: A motor vehicle body has an underbody and a wheelhouse at an outboard edge of the underbody, and a longitudinal member beneath the underbody and adjacent to the wheelhouse, the wheelhouse having an inboard surface spaced outboard from the longitudinal member, and a reinforcement extending between and secured to the inboard surface and the longitudinal member. The reinforcement increases the torsional stiffness of the body in the vicinity of the wheelhouse without intruding into the interior of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Guenter Behnke, Thomas Doerfler
  • Publication number: 20030042763
    Abstract: A vehicle body frame hollow member has an external contour whose cross section forms a polygon and has a plurality of plates, each defining a circumferential wall of the hollow member, each of points of intersection being formed by intersecting prolongations from exterior surfaces of the adjacent two plates, ribs connecting respective apical angles of the polygon with a center shaft thereof; and an elongated projection projecting outwardly of a circle tangent to the points of intersection and extending along an edge of each of the apical angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takayuki Yamada, Yuta Urushiyama, Shunji Suzuki