Patents Issued in April 1, 2003
  • Patent number: 6540238
    Abstract: A coupling device is provided with one end secured to the front end of a skate board and the other end secured to the rear axle of a baby carriage. The coupling device includes a coupler, a belt, a buckle article and a mounting block. The coupler is divided into two halves. Both ends of each half are provided with screwing holes. Two halves of the coupler are screwed to the rear axle of a baby carriage, the mounting block is screwed to the front end of a skate board, and one end of the belt is connected with the buckle article. After being penetrated through the buckle ring of the mounting block and encircling the center of the coupler, the other end of the belt is penetrated through the buckle article and fastened by the pressing piece of the buckle article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Peng-Yao Yang
  • Patent number: 6540239
    Abstract: A foldable utility cart (10) is provided having a main basket (15), an auxiliary basket (34), a pair of front wheels (12), a pair of rear wheels (14) and a pair of auxiliary wheels (46). The primary basket (15) is formed from a plurality of links pivotally connecting a front mesh panel (16) with a rear mesh panel (18). Thus, the primary basket (15) may be folded for storage. Further, auxiliary basket (34) is similarly foldable, having a plurality of side links (41) pivotally connected to a pair of vertical rods (39, 43). Additionally, the foldable, auxiliary basket (34) has a pair of auxiliary leg members (42) pivotally extending from a lower link (40) thereof. Auxiliary wheels (46) are affixed to the lowermost ends of the auxiliary leg members (42) and allow the auxiliary wheels (46) to be folded against the rear mesh panel (18) when not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Edward W. Lee, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6540240
    Abstract: A collapsible compartment of a shopping cart. The collapsible compartment includes a swinging rear wall and fixed side walls of the shopping cart and a pivoting assembly. The pivoting assembly includes a pivoting base wall having a first edge for pivot connection to the swinging rear wall and a second edge opposite the first edge. It further includes a pivoting front wall having a first edge for pivot connection between the side walls of the shopping cart, and a second edge, opposite the first edge thereof, pivotally connected to the second edge of the pivoting base wall. The compartment further includes a pivoting panel assembly having a panel pivotable between a first position where the panel rests over the base wall and a second position where the panel is covering leg holes in the swinging rear wall, and an out of reach spring element to urge the panel in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Les Industries Rondi Inc.
    Inventors: Serge Nadeau, Jean-Christophe Doyon
  • Patent number: 6540241
    Abstract: A handcart is composed of a body, a lifter and a coupler. The body has two parallel rails connected together by a crosspiece integrated at rear ends of the support boards, two front wheels respectively provided beneath front ends of the rails, and two elongated bars respectively provided beneath the rear ends of the rails. The lifter is provided at the rear end of the body. The lifter has a hydraulic bar and a handle side by side and uprightly provided at a top thereof, and a rear wheel provided thereunder. The coupler connecting the body and the lifter together is detachably and pivotally mounted between the body and the lifter. Whereby, when the coupler is damaged, it is very easy for a user to replace the coupler with a new one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Wen-Ching Lee
  • Patent number: 6540242
    Abstract: A hand truck with an integral load restraing device comprised of an upright frame with a handle area, a toe plate which extends forwardly from the bottom of the upright frame and a pair of wheels mounted on the lower rear of the upright frame. Hand truck is equipped with integral universal clamping system arranged for restraining loads of varying geometric configurations back and against the upright frame of the hand truck. The integral clamping system is comprised of a telescoping clamp bar carrying a gear operated load restraining clamp equipped with universal load gripping fingers. Clamp bar and clamp telescope inwardly and outwardly to accommodate cargo of varying depth and are pivotally mounted to a lug inside the vertical slide track, allowing the clamping system to function over the entire height of the hand truck, pivot up and down, swing horizontally from side to side or, be stowed completely out of the way inside the slide track for conventional use of the hand truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Steve E. Raichlen
  • Patent number: 6540243
    Abstract: To reduce the cost of a front wheel steering system for automotive three- and four-wheeled vehicles by utilizing a steering angle ratio varying means having a simple construction. In a front wheel steering system for automotive four-wheeled vehicles, a steering shaft rotatably mounted to a head pipe steers the right and left front wheels. The steering stem is disposed below the steering shaft offset from the steering shaft. The steering stem is connected to the steering shaft via a link mechanism. The right and left front wheels are connected to the steering stem via a tie rod. The link mechanism includes an upper link, a lower link, and a universal coupling connecting the upper link and the lower link. The steering shaft is disposed at the midsection between the steering stem and the universal coupling when the link mechanism is viewed in the direction of the axis of the steering shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinji Takayanagi, Takashi Ozeki, Shinji Furuta, Hiroyoshi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6540244
    Abstract: A human powered drive units each including a pair of a rotatable member having a sprocket and a supporting member having a sprocket, which are arranged up and down, and including a chain extended around the rotatable member and the supporting member, are disposed at left and right sides, respectively. The left and right rotatable members 1, 100 are fixed on a driving shaft 15. A chain ring 6 on which the load is applied is mounted on the driving shaft between upper rotatable member 1 and rotatable member 100. In each of the units, constraining means including a free crank (10 for the right-hand unit, and 1000 for the left-hand unit) and arm (11 for the right-hand unit, and 1100 for the left-hand unit), is provided so as to maintain perpendicularity of a shaft of the pedal relative to the plane in which the chain moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Noriyuki Oda
  • Patent number: 6540245
    Abstract: A collapsible trailer apparatus and methods of use and more particularly to a boat trailer having a boat storage space below a rigid frame. The boat trailer may also be collapsible and can be used to transport boats of varying sizes and shapes between lakes and camps without the need to empty the boat of any contents. The collapsible boat trailer can be broken down into a plurality of smaller components that are readily stored and transported. The present invention also particularly pertains to a boat trailer apparatus which may be collapsible and which is uniquely suited for short distance motorized vehicle towing. The collapsible boat trailer apparatus can be quickly disassembled without the use of bulky and/or numerous tools into lightweight sub-components for convenient storage and transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventors: Lester Shankle, Joseph J. Sorocco, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6540246
    Abstract: A hitch adapter for coupling a first vehicle having a king pin mounted thereon to a standard ball hitch. The adapter comprises a vertically adjustable body and a remotely operated latching mechanism. The adapter may have a cone-shaped top with a serrated edge for securely attaching the adapter to a king pin box. The adapter further comprises a bell-shaped opening for receiving the ball hitch, the bell-shaped opening being larger than the ball hitch. The invention further comprises a method of coupling a first vehicle with a king pin and king pin box mounted thereon to a second vehicle with a ball hitch. A hitch adapter kit is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventors: John I. Andersen, Rick Koster
  • Patent number: 6540247
    Abstract: A hitch guide mechanism is disclosed for connection to a first tongue having a ball hitch thereon which is for mounting to a frame of a vehicle and a corresponding second tongue having a ball hitch socket for mounting to a frame of a trailer. The ball hitch includes a threaded stem and is received through a bore of the first tongue and is maintained by a threaded nut. The hitch guide mechanism includes a first member which connects to the first tongue and has a portion which extends generally vertically above the ball hitch. A second member connects to the second tongue and has a portion which extends generally vertically above the ball hitch socket. The first and second members can include separably removable sleeves. The portions extend a sufficient height when the members are so connected as to be rearwardly viewable when seated in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Jesse Perkins
  • Patent number: 6540248
    Abstract: A binding assembly for attaching a boot to a snowboard, designed in a manner to avoid cavities that can accumulate ice and snow and defeat its operation. The system includes first and second boot mounted bales in the form of rigid loops that extend from each side of the boot soles, and a pair of bindings attached to the snowboard. Each binding has a base including elongated, slotted holes located on the circumference of a circle through which bolts are placed to secure the base to the snowboard with a friction washer therebetween. The elongated holes allow for rotational adjustment of the binding. A hook-shaped structure extends from one side of the base with the hook facing outward. On the opposite side of the base is a camming structure with a downward and outwardly sloping surface ending in a bale-receiving notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Vans, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik Anderson, Jeff Sand
  • Patent number: 6540249
    Abstract: A collapsible cart for transporting books, files, and other items comprising a cabinet spine, at least one collapsible shelf, at least one fastener, and a plurality of wheels. The cabinet spine has a first surface whereupon at least one collapsible shelf is pivotally mounted. The collapsible shelf is movable between a first position generally perpendicular with respect to the cabinet spine and a second position generally parallel with respect to the cabinet spine. A fastener is attached to the cabinet spine and is designed to be coupled with the collapsible shelf when in the second position. A plurality of wheels are mounted underneath the collapsible cart to allow the cart to be transported from one location to another location. In one embodiment of this invention, first and second doors are pivotally mounted to each side of the cabinet spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: ICB, LLC
    Inventor: David L. King
  • Patent number: 6540250
    Abstract: A wheelchair has a seat that can be raised or lowered to enhance use of the chair. The seat can also be tilted to facilitate entry into and exit from the wheelchair. The lift mechanism for raising, lowering and tilting the seat includes a pair of rotatable tubes mounted to a lower frame of the wheelchair, and a pair of screws threadably received in the tubes with an upper end connected to the seat. A battery operated reversible motor is operatively connected to the tubes to rotate the tubes in a first direction to extend the screws and thereby raise or tilt the seat. The motor is operable in an opposite direction to rotate the tubes so as to retract the screws, thereby lowering the seat. The frame of the wheelchair is U-shaped, such that the wheelchair can be backed into position around a toilet. The seat includes a pair of cushions that can be laterally opened to allow a person to use the toilet while seated in the wheelchair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Clifford D. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6540251
    Abstract: A side airbag retention system for installation in a keyhole opening including a bolt with a generally conical head portion and a shaft disposed through an aperture of the air bag retainer, and a bolt retainer disposed about the bolt shaft between the bolt head and the air bag retainer. The bolt retainer preferably includes a spring washer having a pronged engagement member extending generally radially therefrom between anti-rotation tabs extending from a side thereof opposite the bolt head, and a compression limiting member disposed about and protruding from the washer opening toward the bolt head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. LeVey, Eric Parker, Franco Cisternino, Jeffrey D. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6540252
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect a vehicle occupant (15) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (20), an inflator (30), and a cover (40) for the protection device (20). The inflator (30) provides inflation fluid to inflate the protection device (20). The cover (40) has side walls (42a, 42b, 42c, 42d) and a front wall (44) for positioning between the vehicle occupant (15) and the protection device (20). The cover (40) has at least one strong tear seam (50) and at least one weak tear seam (60). The weak tear seam (60) tears when subjected to a first force by the protection device (20). The strong tear seam (50) tears when subjected to a second force by the protection device (20). The second force is larger than the first force. The strong and weak tear seams (50, 60) are located so that a first portion (22) of the protection device (20) initially ruptures the weak tear seams (60). The protection device (20) initially deploys primarily laterally relative to the vehicle occupant (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Mu, Jianping Sheng, Chaozhuo Chen
  • Patent number: 6540253
    Abstract: An assembly consists of a vehicle door, an A-pillar of a vehicle and an inflatable gas bag. In the inflated condition, the gas bag is supported by the vehicle door and in the region of the A-pillar of the vehicle. The internal overpressure exceeds 105 Pa (14.5 psi) in at least one part of the inflated gas bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dominique Acker, Jürgen Heigl, Alexander Heilig, Sven Hofmann
  • Patent number: 6540254
    Abstract: The invention relates to a passenger gas bag protection device which comprises a gas bag which, in relation to an inflated state, has a rear wall and a front wall which includes a center section and onto which a passenger strikes in the case of an accident. The gas bag, from a viewpoint of the passenger, has a round outer contour with a specific width and height in the inflated state. The width of the outer contour distinctly exceeds the height. In the inflated state the front wall has a depression opening out to the outside in the manner of a slit. The slit runs in a direction of the width of the gas bag. A restraint means is provided and the depression is formed in that on inflation of the gas bag a center section of the front wall is prevented from moving by means of the restraint means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Udo Bieber, Ralph Neupert
  • Patent number: 6540255
    Abstract: The crash detection system employs a plurality of electronic acceleration sensors distributed at different locations of a vehicle body. The plurality of electronic acceleration sensors measures changes in acceleration of the vehicle body at different locations and therefore the rate of deformation of the vehicle body. The signals from the plurality of electronic acceleration sensors are filtered, amplified, and passed to an evaluation unit, which reads and compares the signals. Based on the rate of deformation of the vehicle body, the evaluation unit then makes a determination of the severity of the vehicle crash and communicates this information to a passenger safety system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Blank, Emmanuel Garcia, Oskar Leirich, Markus Heiser
  • Patent number: 6540256
    Abstract: An airbag gas generator with a simple construction, which operates to apply as small an impact as possible to the passenger during the initial stage of its operation and thereafter rapidly increase the gas pressure to reliably protect the passenger. The airbag gas generator which includes in the housing with gas discharge ports a single ignition means activated by impacts, a gas generating agent ignited and burned by the ignition means to produce a combustion gas, and a filter means to cool the combustion gas and/or arrest combustion residue. The operation performance of the gas generator is adjusted such that the tank pressure measured at 0.25×T milliseconds will be 0.25×P (kPa) or less where a desired tank maximum pressure in the tank combustion test is P (kPa) and a period of time from the start of rising of the tank pressure to the time when the maximum pressure P (kPa) is reached is T milliseconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasunori Iwai, Yoshihiro Nakashima, Nobuyuki Katsuda, Masayuki Yamazaki, Shingo Oda
  • Patent number: 6540257
    Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10) includes a sensor (86) for sensing a vehicle crash. An inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) has a deflated condition and an inflated condition for helping to protect the vehicle occupant. An inflation fluid source (38) is actuatable to provide inflation fluid to inflate the inflatable device (12). A housing (16) directs inflation fluid under pressure from the inflation fluid source (38) toward the inflatable device (12) upon actuation of the inflation fluid source. The housing (16) has at least one burst panel (44) attached to the housing. Initiating means (76), when actuated, enables the at least one burst panel (44) to detach from the housing (16) to a condition spaced apart from the housing to enable flow of inflation fluid out of the housing through an opening (74) in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: David G. Magoteaux
  • Patent number: 6540258
    Abstract: A device for influencing the deployment of a gas bag in an airbag module wherein the gas bag and/or at least one limiting band in the area of the outlets of a gas generator or diffuser forms, together with said outlets, a channel with outlets for influencing the outflowing gas after the gas generator is ignited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Takata-Petri AG
    Inventor: Michael Thomas
  • Patent number: 6540259
    Abstract: A shock absorber is accommodated in a space defined between an inner panel and a garnish panel of a vehicle to absorb secondary collision between the vehicle and a passenger. The shock absorber includes a hollow main body and a projection that protrudes outward or inward. When receiving shock by a passenger occupying a driver's seat, the shock absorber is deformed to fold the projection. When receiving shock by a passenger occupying a passenger seat that is located next to the driver's seat, the shock absorber is deformed to unfold the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Aisin Keikinzoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tadashi Sugimoto, Masayoshi Takahashi, Satoshi Murakami
  • Patent number: 6540260
    Abstract: A photograph album system (10) has a spine (14) with an internal lateral groove (30) at one end and a removable retainer (42) having a plurality of internal retaining fingers (44) within the groove. A plurality of pages (52) are defined by a plurality of signatures (54). Each signature is defined by a plurality of page sets (56). Each page set consists of an interior support sheet (58) with a central fold (60) and a pair of exterior cover sheets (64). The exterior cover sheets are folded around an individual outer edge of an interior support sheet with each having a central fold defining an outer bend (66). The exterior cover sheets are adhered to the interior support sheet so that two pages are formed with separate pockets (72) on each side of each page. Posts (36) couple the pages to the spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Whang Kwee Tan
  • Patent number: 6540261
    Abstract: A fire sprinkler piping system fitting including a polymeric body having at least a first tubular branch, a second tubular branch, and a third tubular branch. Each of the first, second and third tubular branches extend outwardly from a common junction. The first and second tubular branches are collinear and the third tubular branch is generally perpendicular to the first and second tubular branches. Each of the first, second and third tubular branches have a distal end opposite from the common junction. The fitting includes pair of internally threaded metal inserts. Each insert is at least partially molded into the distal end of a separate one of a first and second tubular branches. Each of the internally threaded inserts has a distal outer surface facing generally away from the common junction. The distal outer surfaces of the pair of internal threaded metal inserts is spaced apart a distance of between three inches and four inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Central Sprinkler Company
    Inventors: Robert W. Painter, Stephen J. Meyer, Carmine L. Schiavone, Michael W. Whited, Victor C. Weigand, III, Kevin W. Pressnell
  • Patent number: 6540262
    Abstract: A garden hose fitting comprising an axially elongated cylindrical body having a first axial end, a second axial end, one of (1) an externally threaded male hose connector, and (2) an internally threaded female hose connector adjacent the first axial end, and interior annular hose-grip ridges adjacent the second end, an annular shoulder projecting radially inwardly of the body intermediate its ends, and an axially elongated support sleeve having an annular collar tightly fitted onto said annular shoulder, extending axially toward the second body end, and spaced radially inwardly of the body to form a cylindrical, hose-receiving and retaining cavity between the ridges and the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: James W. Humphreys
  • Patent number: 6540263
    Abstract: A rapid-action coupling for hoses or rigid lines with a coupling box, a plug-in nipple and a locking element. The coupling housing has a recess and an opening that extends essentially vertically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the recess. The plug-in nipple and the coupling housing are connected by introducing the nipple into the recess. The nipple is locked by introducing a locking element into a first end of an opening into engagement with the housing. The locking element includes an arm for releasing the engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Andreas Sausner
  • Patent number: 6540264
    Abstract: In a quick connector for piping 10 for detachably connecting a male member 12 to a female member 11, an O-ring 15 is interposed between the female member 11 and the male member 12 so as to form a seal therebetween, and the O-ring 15 is subjected to a low-friction treatment so that the O-ring can be moved in a direction of an axis of the quick connector 10 by a pressure of an employed fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazutaka Yokoyama, Kazuo Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 6540265
    Abstract: A fluid fitting is provided for connecting two members transmitting a high pressure fluid. The fitting includes an elongated tubular stem, a first connecting member, and a second connecting member. A hydraulic seal may be effected by an interference fit between the second connecting member and the stem. The first connecting member may be a flare nut. The second connecting member may be a plug fitting. The fluid fitting preferably provides a connection between a fuel oil valve and an oil burner nozzle. The valve may be rigidly mounted to the burner nozzle without the use of additional mounting hardware and within a small space adjacent to the burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: R. W. Beckett Corporation
    Inventor: Victor J. Turk
  • Patent number: 6540266
    Abstract: A cylindrical workpiece (20) is mounted onto and connected to a mandrel (14) that is itself mounted for rotation about a vertical axis (12). A first end portion of the workpiece (20) is housed within the mandrel (14). A second end portion-projects axially outwardly beyond a radial forming surface (60) on the mandrel (14). A first forming roller (30) is mounted on a swing post (52) that is positioned by an adjustable length strut (56). The strut (56) is elongated to swing the post (52) downwardly and place the roller (30) inside the second end portion of-the workpiece (20). Then, a lead screw (28) is used for pulling on a base (50) that supports the post (52). This pulls a convex face portion (32) of the roller (30) against the inside of the second end portion of the workpiece (20). Lead screw operation moves the roller (30), causing it to stretch the second end portion of the workpiece (20) and move it up onto and then move it radially outwardly along the forming surface (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: MacDonald-Miller Inc.
    Inventor: Ulrich Pakker
  • Patent number: 6540267
    Abstract: A balloon tie-aiding device for allowing users to easily and quickly tie balloons. The balloon tie-aiding device includes a clamping assembly being adapted to be fastenably mounted to a support structure such as a work bench; and also includes a pair of finger-like support members being attached to the clamping assembly and being spaced parallel relative to one another with the pair of finger-like support members being adapted upon which a balloon is wrapped thereabout for the tying thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventors: David A. Rohbock, Becky C. Rohbock
  • Patent number: 6540268
    Abstract: A closure device for a container, which possesses a locking element for mutually locking of two container parts when the container is closed. The locking element has first and second locking instrumentalities, which are arranged on the different container parts. By way of an actuating member, which is able to be switched over between a closed position and an open position a first engagement member may be shifted between a locking position and a released position. The open position of the actuating member corresponding to the locking position may be secured by an obstructing member in order to prevent unauthorized unlocking of the container. An opening mechanism renders possible an overriding of the obstructing action and a switching over of the actuating member into the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: PARAT-Werk Schönenbach GmbH +Co. KG
    Inventor: Herbert Berhard Pauser
  • Patent number: 6540269
    Abstract: A locking mechanism (10) is produced for holding a sliding door in the open position and has a Bowden cable (22) which acts on its locking element (20), a moving-carriage support (14) and a moving carriage (18), which move relative to one another during the closing of the door. In order to disengage the door handles from the locking mechanism when the sliding door is closed and therefore in order to reduce the actuating forces for unlocking the door lock, the moving-carriage support (14), during the closing movement, shifts a driver (34) which is guided on the moving carriage (14) and carries along the locking element (20) in the direction of its unlocking position. By this, the Bowden cable (22) is moved in its actuating direction, thereby enabling the door handles to be disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventors: Mathias Würges, Martin Roos
  • Patent number: 6540270
    Abstract: A power-closing motor-vehicle latch-bolt assembly has a housing, an elongated rocker having inner and outer ends, and a pivot at the inner end connecting the rocker to the housing for pivoting about an axis passing through the inner end. A drive engageable with the outer end pivots the rocker about the axis. A door bolt fixed to and projecting from the rocker is engageable with a door-mounted fork. The bolt projects from the rocker between the ends thereof. The housing is formed with a slot through which the bolt projects and along which the bolt travels when the rocker is pivoted about the axis. Furthermore the housing is provided with a guide pin extending parallel to the axis offset from the pivot. The rocker is formed with an arcuate slot through which the guide pin extends and along which it travels when the rocker is pivoted about the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventor: Uwe Reddmann
  • Patent number: 6540271
    Abstract: A vehicle door latch assembly including a pivotally mounted latch claw (10) having a mouth operatively co-acting with a striker as the door nears its closed position, a latching pawl (16) self-engaging with the claw to hold it in a latched condition retaining the door, and unlatching means selectively operable to disengage the latching pawl for opening the door: characterised in that the unlatching means comprises a pawl lifter (20) movable from a position of rest to carry the latching pawl out of engagement with the claw, a power output member (24) movable to engage and displace the pawl lifter from said position of rest, an input member (30) power actuated between first and second positions, clutch means (28,32) releasably drive connecting the input member to the output member to cause shifting of the latter as the input member moves to its second position, and an overriding element (36) carrying the clutch means into and out of drive connection, said overriding element being operatively coupled to the pawl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Gurbunder Singh Kalsi
  • Patent number: 6540272
    Abstract: A latch mechanism includes a latch bolt having an open position for releasing a striker in use, and a closed position for retaining a striker in use, and a pawl having a retaining position for retaining the latch bolt in at least its closed position, and a release position for allowing the latch bolt to move between its open and closed positions, a release element having a rest position and an actuated position, a release link having an engaging position and a disengaged position, movement of the release element between its rest position and its activated position causing movement of the release link, movement of the release element from the rest position to the actuated position when the release link is in its engaging position causing the pawl to move to its release position, and movement of the release element from the rest position to the actuated position when the release link is in its disengaged position allowing the pawl to remain in its retaining position, and a locking member having a locked positio
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Nigel Victor Spurr
  • Patent number: 6540273
    Abstract: One end of a stranded steel cable is attached to a cast zinc seal housing having a chamber in which a steel sleeve with a tapered bore is positioned. The sleeve in one embodiment is fixed to the housing in the chamber or may be displaceable and captured in the chamber in a further embodiment. A serpentine clip locking member captured in the housing chamber resiliently radially grips the a second end of the shackle inserted into the sleeve bore and wedges and locks to the cable and sleeve when the shackle is withdrawn. The sleeve precludes damage to the softer zinc housing by the locking member when the locking member is displaced in the housing chamber. Various embodiments are disclosed. In a further embodiment, the one end of the cable exits the housing in a plane different than where the second end enters the chamber to enhance ease of insertion of the second end into engagement with the locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Transguard Industries
    Inventors: Terrence N. Brammall, Jeffrey A. Brimmer, Carlos Pinho, Richard Gnoinski, Craig B. Hamilton, Richard Dreisbach
  • Patent number: 6540274
    Abstract: A slide compartment for a hybrid lock architecture. The slide component comprises a U-shaped body portion and a plurality of independent retractors. At least one pair of slots are positioned near an open end of said U-shaped body for attachment of a drawbar of a door latch assembly of the hybrid lock assembly. The hybrid lock assembly comprises a chassis assembly mounted in a bore of said door. A door latch assembly is operably connected to the slide component housed in the chassis assembly for retraction and extension of a bolt. A handle is mounted on a spindle on each side of the chassis assembly. Rotational motion of either handle is converted to linear motion within the chassis assembly at the slide interface in order to retract the bolt of the door latch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company
    Inventors: Peter K. Bates, Thor Hendrickson, Dario L. Pompeii
  • Patent number: 6540275
    Abstract: The invention provides a structure of a front part of a vehicle body that is simple and free from the risk of maloperation. In the event of a collision between the vehicle and a pedestrian, a projecting part sweeps the pedestrian by parts of his or her legs lower than the knees in the event of a collision between the vehicle and the pedestrian, causing the pedestrian to be thrown over toward the vehicle, and after an energy-absorbing member has absorbed impact energy exerted on the legs, the pedestrian is caused to drop onto the top of a hood and protected from secondary damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Iwamoto, Arihiro Furumoto, Yutaka Tsukiji, Masao Hara, Yushi Matsuda, Daisaburou Adachi, Masanori Ogawa, Takayuki Nakamae, Sakayu Terada, Kazuma Kondou
  • Patent number: 6540276
    Abstract: A bumper reinforcement structure includes a bumper reinforcement element placed at least at the front end or rear end of a vehicle body and fixed to a side member of the vehicle body. The bumper reinforcement element has a closed hollow side cross-section, extends in the vehicle lateral direction and is formed of any one of a light alloy and a steel. A concave or convex portion is formed on at least one surface of the bumper reinforcement element so as to change the shape of the cross-section of the bumper reinforcement along the vehicle lateral direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Keikinzoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazunari Azuchi, Kazunobu Nuno
  • Patent number: 6540277
    Abstract: A receiver assembly includes a central frame member including a hitch receiver box, a pair of mounting brackets carried on the central frame member, a pair of accessory receivers carried on said central frame member and a vehicle body guard mounted in the pair of accessory receivers. The vehicle body guard is a continuous tube shaped so as to project above the hitch receiver box so as not to interfere with hitch bar or draw bar connection in that box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Reese Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. McCoy, Jacob S. Belinky, George O. Snook, Thomas J. Rudasics
  • Patent number: 6540278
    Abstract: A tailgate for a vehicle has an aperture formed therein. A panel member extends through the aperture and is pivotably coupled to the vehicle body. The panel member is arranged to simultaneously pivot relative to the vehicle body and slide relative to the tailgate as the tailgate is opened and closed. This allows the panel member to remain in a position covering at least a portion of a gap between the vehicle body and the tailgate, even when the tailgate is an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventor: William T Presley
  • Patent number: 6540279
    Abstract: The present invention provides a storage enclosure for a motor vehicle within the interior of the motor vehicle. The invention also provides a work station that defines the top portion of the enclosed storage area. This top work surface is pivotally attached to the upper area of the storage enclosure and provides access to the enclosed interior volume of the area. The work surface area is preferably a trifurcated work station. The work surface area that provides a top to the interior storage unit may be fully unfolded to provide an extended work surface area by a user. When the storage area is covered, the closure may form a supportive platform for use as a work station. This work station provides a flat surface area and includes a holding compartment that nests within the flat surface area. The support platform may by pivoted to allow access to the storage enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventor: David A Bargiel
  • Patent number: 6540280
    Abstract: A storage structure for convertible hardtop for effectively using a stored roof while no excessively large rear trunk is necessary. The storage structure is provided for storing a roof and a rear pillar of a convertible hardtop vehicle which has plural row forward-facing seats, in which the roof is substantially horizontally stored from the back side of a backrest of the most front seat in a manner such that the roof bestrides a parting line between the rear pillar and a trunk lid of the vehicle, and the rear pillar is stored under the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Michio Tamura, Tatsuya Ohara
  • Patent number: 6540282
    Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable airfoil mountable to a vehicle and movable from a first position to a second position. The invention further includes an actuator device coupled to the adjustable airfoil to selectively move the airfoil from the first position to the second position and operatively coupled to a vehicle brake system so that the actuator device is able to receive a signal pertaining to operation of the vehicle brake system, wherein the actuator device moves the adjustable airfoil as a function of the signal. In an embodiment of the present invention, the adjustable airfoil further comprises a remote control device operably coupled to the actuator to provided a second signal, wherein the actuator device also moves the adjustable airfoil as a function of the second signal. In another embodiment, a method is disclosed for operating an adjustable airfoil as just described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: BTR Robotics Limited Liability Company
    Inventor: Brian Pettey
  • Patent number: 6540283
    Abstract: The invention related to a process for suspending on a vehicle frame a driving cab which has two-point suspension. Assembly involves the cab being lowered towards the frame by means of a lifting device so that a contact device fitted to the cab is caused to rest on the portions of a supporting device which protrude on either side of a supporting unit mounted on the frame. This means that the cab lies in a stable manner against the frame and that the fastening apertures of the contact device and of the supporting device are placed centrally to one another. The lifting device can therefore be released and the contact device be secured to the fastening device, thereby fixing the contact device relative to the supporting device but leaving the supporting device freely rotatable in the supporting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Scania CV AG (publ)
    Inventors: Daniel Johansson, Olof Ostensson
  • Patent number: 6540284
    Abstract: Provided is a construction for attaching a front end module including a radiator core to a vehicle body. The front end module has a radiator core. The radiator core has a pair of lateral end portions which are opposed laterally and extended reward of a vehicle body to have rearward sections. A front end of the vehicle body has a pair of suspension attaching portions and a pair of front end module attaching portions adjacent the suspension attaching portions. The front end module is attached at the rearward sections of the radiator core to the front end module attaching portions of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Daizou Miyata
  • Patent number: 6540285
    Abstract: A vehicle frame with a low profile is designed to be suitable for attaching directly to an incomplete, preassembled motorized chassis to construct a motorhome. The vehicle frame includes planar bulkheads and a storage area floor that are attached to the frame and to the chassis so as to create a three-dimensional space frame that is highly resistant to bending and twisting forces as well as storage areas that extend the width of the motorhome. The motorhome with the frame mounts a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system as well as heavy holding tanks within or below the plane of the vehicle frame so as to lower the center of mass of the motorhome to thereby improve vehicle handling and safety. Placement of the HVAC system within and/or below the vehicle frame obviates the need to position HVAC components on the roof of the motorhome thereby further lowering the center of mass and eliminating a source of liquid water condensation above the living space of the motorhome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Alfa Leisure, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnnie Robert Crean
  • Patent number: 6540286
    Abstract: According to a body structure of the present invention, a floor panel member is reinforced by a pair of first members, and the second member comprised of plural pipes is disposed along the width of a vehicle so as to integrate the first members. An end of the second member is extended along the longitudinal side of the vehicle and is fixed by welding in the state of penetrating into a side sill. There is no necessity of providing any reinforcement material because the second member has a high strength continuously along the width of the vehicle. Moreover, there is no necessity of increasing a board thickness for the purpose of securing the rigidity because the second member penetrates into the side sill. On the other hand, the second member can be manufactured by cutting an existing steel pipe to a predetermined side. It is therefore possible to cope with the change in the width of the vehicle only by changing a cutting size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Mitsubishi Jidosha Engineering Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yorito Takemoto, Kunio Takaoka, Toshiaki Sakurai, Hiroyuki Nagura, Eiichi Kobayashi, Masataka Miura
  • Patent number: 6540287
    Abstract: Detachable fastening of an inner lining, in particular a roof lining, at a receiving part of a motor vehicle, whereby an edge protection profile, which interacts with a deposited peripheral area of the inner lining, is slipped on a flange of the receiving part and locking hooks for fastening are provided locally on the inner lining. The deposited peripheral area of the inner lining is inserted into a receiving groove of the edge protection profile and the locking hooks of the inner lining interact with the edge protection profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Klaus Luik, Olaf Benkler
  • Patent number: 6540288
    Abstract: An escape hatch assembly mountable in an opening in the roof of a vehicle which includes a frame member having an egress opening defined by upstanding side walls that are arranged to extend upwardly into the opening in the roof of the vehicle, a flange member extending outwardly from the lower portion of said frame member and arranged to abut the inside surface of the roof of the vehicle; and attachment elements for securing the flange member to the inside surface of the roof of the vehicle. A method of installing the escape hatch upwardly through an opening the roof of a vehicle is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Specialty Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: James R. Tobin