Patents Issued in March 9, 2004
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Patent number: 6702334Abstract: A tapered compression ring for flared tube applications includes a generally ring-shaped body having (a) a gap defining a first end and an opposite second end, (b) a first face, (c) an opposite second face, and (d) a central axis. The first face is tapered at the first end, and the body is twisted so that the first end is offset from the second end along the central axis in a direction away from the first face.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Inventors: Melvin R. Carnes, Jeffrey S. Carnes, Stephen A. Carnes
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Patent number: 6702335Abstract: A coupling device has a coupling receptacle and a matching coupling insert received in the coupling receptacle for connecting two components conveying a fluid. The coupling receptacle has two lateral, diametrically opposed slots and a U-shaped, elastic securing bracket seated on the coupling receptacle with two legs projecting into the lateral slots. The coupling insert has an outer peripheral securing rib and the legs of the securing bracket snap into place behind the securing ring in the coupling position of the coupling device. A securing bushing is arranged inside the coupling receptacle and faces a sealing ring with one end while the other end rests radially outwardly on the securing rib and projects past the lateral slots. The securing bushing has two transverse slots aligned with the two lateral slots, and the two legs of the securing bracket engage the two transverse slots of the securing bushing.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2001Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Rasmussen GmbHInventors: Frank Bahner, Andreas Bauer, Gerhard Wachter
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Patent number: 6702336Abstract: A pipe coupling, wherein a pipe is freely insertable into the coupling and a nut causes engagement of a grip ring and gasket with the pipe to provide a seal between the coupling and the pipe, having a stop disposed therein to indicate to a user that the pipe has been inserted to a first position. Further tightening of the nut causes the pipe to move further into the coupling to a second position beyond the stop.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Inventors: David Chelchowski, Geoffrey Puckett
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Patent number: 6702337Abstract: A spout for a flexible bag adapted to hold a liquid, the spout adapted for coupling with a connector having a rotatable spout adapter with an internal thread. The spout has a substantially cylindrical body with an outer surface, a spout opening, and a spout axis. The spout further has at least one flexible tab attached to and protruding radially distal from the outer surface of the cylindrical body of the spout. The tab has a top side that is substantially perpendicular to the spout axis, a bottom side opposing the top side, and a leading edge for engaging the thread. Additionally, the spout, has an undeformed tab length that typically deforms upon engaging the internal thread of the spout adapter.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: David S. Smith Packaging Ltd.Inventors: Christopher C. Rutter, Lamar Spalding
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Patent number: 6702338Abstract: A joining connection for the ends of flue gas conduits, each of which is provided with a complemental taper joint, each taper joint having equally-spaced locking tabs extending outwardly therefrom, the locking tabs of each conduit being so positioned as to be substantially axially aligned and in close adjacency when the taper joints of the conduits are joined, and a split clamping band or locking ring sleeved on the taper joints and having an integral screw tightening mechanism and a series of equally-spaced slots therein, with the locking tabs of each conduit being captured in the slots of the clamping band, whereby tightening of the screw mechanism brings the clamping band into tight engagement with the conduits for securely locking the conduits together.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Heat-Fab, Inc.Inventor: David C. Vanasse
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Patent number: 6702339Abstract: A fishing hook knot tightening device for tying and tightening a knot between a fishing hook and a fishing line. The device has a T-shaped handle, an eyelet attached to the handle, and a blade incorporated into the handle for cutting the fishing line. In use, the fishing line leader end is threaded through the fishing hook eye, and the fishing line is tied into a knot and pulled tight. The barbed portion of the fishing hook is then hooked through the eyelet at the end of the handle vertical piece. The knot is tightened by gripping the T-shaped handle with one hand, holding the fishing line with the other hand, and then pulling the hands in opposite directions. Once the knot is sufficiently tightened, the blade may be used to cut the fishing line as necessary.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Inventor: Khachik Geozalian
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Patent number: 6702340Abstract: A sliding door latch with a finger pull mechanism is described that fits within a standardized aperture normally utilized for a hinged door latch. Provided is a latch assembly having an extendable latching hook for mounting in a sliding door and latching with a strike plate mounted in a door frame and a finger pull mechanism for accessing the sliding door from within a surrounding framework. Included are a housing assembly for fitting within the sliding door, an exposed edge plate mounted to the edge of the sliding door beside the housing assembly, a latching hook for engaging with the strike plate and extendable through the exposed edge plate, and a finger pull mechanism mounted in the edge plate.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventor: Joseph G. Donald
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Patent number: 6702341Abstract: A door opening inhibiting apparatus includes a hinge restricting member for mounting on a hinge. The restricting member has first and second ends, lateral sides, and a forward surface for orienting toward a door. The restricting member comprises a mounting portion for mounting on the door hinge, and a pair of wing portions extending laterally outward from the mounting portion. The mounting portion includes a channel for receiving a portion of the barrel of the hinge. The channel opens into the first end of the restricting member and extends from the first end toward the second end of the restricting member. A slot is provided for receiving a portion of the leaves of the hinge when a portion of the barrel is positioned in the channel, and is in communication with the channel. The slot extends from the first end of the restricting member toward the second end.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Inventors: Duane L. Hudelson, Jerome C. Halvorson, II, Leonard E. Hudelson
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Patent number: 6702342Abstract: A latching assembly that requires three distinct operations must be performed with two hands to allow the handle of the latch assembly to be rotated to unlock a door from a door frame. The assembly provides substantial flexibilities in installation. A base portion having a sleeve which defines an aperture is secured to a door and receives a handle portion with a shaft attached, the shaft extending through the aperture defined by the sleeve. Cooperative rotation restriction portions on the handle and on the base portion restrict the motion of the handle to a limited rotation range. The limited rotation range may be altered by selectively positioning a key guide in one of the cooperative rotation restriction portions. A first release mechanism comprising a trigger portion which extends from the handle and a detent which engages a detent opening in the base portion requires depression of the trigger portion before rotation of the handle to an unlatched position.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Austin Hardware, Inc.Inventor: Klaus Molzer
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Patent number: 6702343Abstract: An improved automotive grille and an improved method of making the automotive grille are provided. The automotive grille is built from aluminum and subsequently powder coating. Multiple stainless steel strips are adhered to the leading edge of the grille, thereby reducing moisture within the powder coating and improving the decorative appearance of the grille.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Inventor: William S. Stull
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Patent number: 6702344Abstract: An apparatus for the protection of the outer bed walls of pickup trucks. This apparatus consists of a retractable screen having an outer layer of shock absorbing material suitable to receive signage and a rear layer of non abrasive material that can be placed on the surface of a truck without scratching the finish. Protective Cover for the Sides of a Vehicle is contained in a strong non rusting protective housing that mounts on top of the side bed wall. The length of Protective Cover for the Sides of a Vehicle would be of sufficient size to cover the length of a truck bed side wall.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2000Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Inventor: Paul R. Belli
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Patent number: 6702345Abstract: A shock absorber for a vehicle making use of plastic deformation. The absorber is mounted between a bumper and the frame of the vehicle to transform impact energy applied to the bumper into deformation energy. The absorber comprises a straight tube that can be plastically deformed. A straight tube is partially enlarged or partially reduced to form different diameter tube portions. These tube portions are connected by step formed between the edge of each one. Thus, a multi-diameter stepped tube is formed. The tubes located at the both ends of this multi-diameter stepped tube are connected to the bumper and the frame of the vehicle respectively.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2000Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: OM CorporationInventor: Hiroshi Yoshida
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Patent number: 6702346Abstract: The bumper beam 11 of a vehicle has a hat profile and it is mounted in two tapered crash boxes 12, 13, which extend into the hat profile with their narrow ends. These narrow ends are fixed to the bottom of the hat profile so that the crash boxes will flatten out the hat profile when they are axially compressed. This arrangement is particularly advantageous for reducing the damages in low-velocity offset crashes that have an effect on only one of the crash boxes since it reduces the risk of damages on other parts than the crash box and the bumper beam.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2003Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: SSAB Hardtech, ABInventor: Lars Wikstrom
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Patent number: 6702347Abstract: An integrated mounting system for mounting the bumper, recovery rings and a selectively removable winch to the frame of a motor vehicle. Left and right mounting plates are attached to the front ends of the left and right frame rails, wherein each mounting plate has a plate aperture. Left and right mounting brackets each have a bracket aperture formed in a planar base and a clevis perpendicularly upstanding in relation to the base. The front bumper also has a pair of bumper apertures. With the apertures aligned, the left and right mounting brackets are attached, respectively, to the left and right mounting plates, the bumper being sandwiched therebetween. Recovery rings are attached pivotally by a connector to each clevis. Removing a recovery ring allows a winch stinger to be received into the bracket, bumper and plate apertures at the selected mounting bracket, and be secured thereto via the connector at the clevis.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2003Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: R. Donald Hollinger, David W. Verburgt
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Patent number: 6702348Abstract: A contact lens applicator comprises an external rubber air bladder with a connected tube. The tube would serve as a platform on which a user can place a contact lens that is about to be placed in an eye. Through a combination of suction from the tube (through the squeezing of the lower bulb) and the width of the first end of the neck, a user would be able to maintain a contact lens in a set position until the contact lens would be ready to be placed in a user's eye.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Inventor: Bud J. Rigdon
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Patent number: 6702349Abstract: A new and improved apparatus is disclosed that is specifically designed for the purpose of providing dog owners or caretakers with a sanitary method of collecting and disposing of dog defecate. The apparatus would comprise a handle with an end-mounted scoop. A plastic bag is placed on the end-mounted scoop and placed below the dog to collect defecate before it hits the ground, thus making clean-up easier. The plastic bag would then be removed after use of the present invention and attached to the chain which has an end-mounted clip to be tied or tossed for easy disposal. The present invention also would serve as a training tool for the dog.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2001Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Inventor: Grace Clements
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Patent number: 6702350Abstract: A wheel and axle assembly for a material handling cart has a wheel with a bearing and an axle that extends through the bearing. The axle has a bolt cavity with female cavity threads and an inside tapered portion. A bolt having male bolt threads and an outside tapered portion engages the female cavity threads. The head of the bolt has a head diameter that is greater than the inside diameter of the bearing and therefore locks the bolt in position. When the outside tapered portion of the bolt contacts the inside tapered portion of the bolt cavity, the head of the bolt locks the bearing against a shoulder of the axle. To prevent the bolt from loosening its engagement with the bolt cavity, a locking material is added to the male threads of the bolt.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Ridg-U-Rak, Inc.Inventor: Theodore S. Gorniak
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Patent number: 6702351Abstract: Mobile multi-display billboard vehicles are provided. A representative vehicle includes a cab and a bed portion, and at least one multi-display sign box. Methods and other systems are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Inventors: David Buring, Steve Blankenship
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Patent number: 6702352Abstract: A console for a vehicle includes a sliding-type lid which is mounted on a console body having a tray and which opens and closes an opening in an upper surface of the tray. A goods-supporting member is mounted on the lid and is capable of being selectively moved between an operative position in which it protrudes toward the opening in the tray to prevent the falling-down of goods put in an upright attitude in the tray, and a standby position in which it is housed in the lid, when the lid is in its opened position. Thus, it is possible to prevent the falling-down of the goods put in the upright attitude in the tray without bringing about decrease in internal volume of the tray and increase in size of the console body.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Moriroku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yutaka Nakanishi, Hidetaka Yoneyama
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Patent number: 6702353Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle having a fixed room and a slide-out room which extends and retracts relative to the fixed room. The fixed room includes a floor section, sidewall sections, and a roof section, and the slide-out room includes a floor section, sidewall sections, and a roof section. A slide-out extension mechanism extends and retracts the slide-out room in a cantilevered manner. In a fully retracted position, the roof section and two of the sidewall sections of the slide-out room are typically concealed from exterior view, and a third sidewall section of the slide-out room forms a portion of the sidewall section of the fixed room. Furthermore, the floor section of the slide-out room is flush with the floor section of the fixed room, and proximal ends of the sidewall sections of the slide-out room are flush with an inner surface of one of the sidewall sections of the fixed room when the slide-out room is fully extended.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2000Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: RBW Industries, Inc.Inventor: Raymond Willis Blodgett, Jr.
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Patent number: 6702354Abstract: A receptacle assembly for mounting in a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly includes a housing shell (12), a case (18) that is pivotally mounted in the shell to be movable between an open position and a closed position, a spring biasing the case to the open position and a latching mechanism for latching the case in the closed position. The latching mechanism releases the case from the closed position under the action of a push onto the case against the force of the spring moving the case to a pushed position. The assembly further includes a blocking device with a blocking body (22) that is spring biased to a normal rest position and movable under inertial forces to an active blocking position. The blocking body (22), in the normal rest position, permits free pivotal movement of the case (18) and, in the blocking position, blocks movement of the case from the closed to the pushed position, thereby preventing the case from accidentally pivoting to the open position.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co., KGInventor: Sasa Galijasevic
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Patent number: 6702355Abstract: A movable panel attached to a seat assembly serves as both a security shade for a motor vehicle cargo area and as a close-out panel to close gaps in the cargo loading floor. The panel is pivotable and extendible to conceal the cargo area when the seatback is upright, and is pivotable and extendible to create a flat cargo load floor when the seatback is stowed.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Clifford Lee Price, Heidi H. McAdoo-Wilson, Mark R. Hinzmann
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Patent number: 6702356Abstract: An electrical equipment (component) for a vehicle is separated into an exterior appearance member and an interior control member including a drive circuit for the electrical equipment (component). The exterior appearance member is provided on a dash panel. The interior control member is provided on a reinforcement. The dash panel and the reinforcement are then integrated.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Masayuki Kondo, Haruhiko Sato
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Patent number: 6702357Abstract: A petrol-tank flap arrangement for a motor vehicle has a pivotably mounted petrol-tank flap which is retained in its closed position by a locking device. The petrol-tank flap is assigned a driving device which enables the petrol-tank flap to automatically swing open into its refuelling position after the locking device is released.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Roland Joerg, Bernd Korn, Johann Seefried
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Patent number: 6702358Abstract: A truck bed cover lock having two locking units positioned to interact with the existing latch locks present on most bed covers. Each locking unit contains an actuator which is electronically connected to the existing or added on electric locks in a truck. When the door locks in the truck are electrically locked the actuators extend a sliding latch into position behind the latch locks present on the bed cover thereby preventing the bed cover from being opened. Conversely, when the truck locks are electrically unlocked the actuators retract the sliding locks and permit the bed cover to be opened. The invention may be an OEM (factory) item, or an aftermarket item.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Inventor: Mark A. Comstock
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Patent number: 6702359Abstract: A tonneau cover (10) for use on automotive vehicle has a plurality of panels (12, 14, 16). Each panel has a leading edge and a trailing edge configured to interlock with an adjacent panel. A pair of rails (18, 20) are mounted on opposite side walls (38, 40) of the vehicle in a position to support the panels. Each of the rails has a pivotally mounted plate (44) which pivots between a storage condition enabling the panels (12, 14, 16) to be received and stored between the rails and an operative condition supporting the panels. A plurality of latch assemblies (22, 42) operatively extends between each of the panels and each of the pair of rails. The latch assemblies (22, 42) selectively secure the plurality of panels (12, 14, 16) to the rails (18, 20).Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2003Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Decoma Exterior Trim Inc.Inventors: Bradford D. Armstrong, Willi Sitkei
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Patent number: 6702360Abstract: A hard tonneau cover includes a hinging mechanism that relies on a compound hinge to control the position of the front of the cover yet allows the cover to be easily removed from the cargo bed. The compound hinge includes a hinge plate that is slidingly received in a hinge pocket that is attached to the cargo bed. A locking mechanism serves to pop the rear edge of the cover off of the tailgate upon being unlocked so as to allow the rear edge to more easily be grasped and pivoted toward its open position. The hinge pocket, strike loop of the locking mechanism and a telescoping strut are all attached to a common bracket that is attached to the cargo box.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2003Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Custom Fibreglass Manufacturing Co.Inventors: Jose Ramon Santos, Henry Giovanny Velasquez
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Patent number: 6702361Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a car body having a rear vehicle area with a trunk. The rear vehicle area has a roof compartment having a lid. The roof is stowable under the lid in the roof compartment. The lid of the roof compartment is movable for releasing a passageway for stowing the roof and for releasing a loading opening for the trunk. The lid of the roof compartment is of a multi-part configuration and has at least one joint between parts of the lid, wherein the at least one joint extends transversely to a travel direction of the convertible vehicle. For releasing the passageway for the roof, the parts are pivotable relative to one another in a pivot direction. At least one drive-effecting member acts on the parts in the pivot direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2003Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventor: Klaus Russke
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Patent number: 6702362Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a carbody having a rear area and a roof connected to the carbody. The roof has a first rigid roof part arranged rearwardly and provided with a rear window. The roof further has at least one second rigid roof part. The first and second roof parts can be nested into one another when opening the roof and stowed in the stowed position in the rear area of the carbody. The first roof part is positioned in a stowed position of the roof above the at least one second roof part in a substantially horizontal position. The rear window has an exterior side in a closed position of the roof, and the exterior side of the rear window in the stowed position faces upwardly.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2003Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventors: Stefan Eichholz, Thorsten Budzinski
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Patent number: 6702363Abstract: A vehicle with a folding hard roof is provided with a rear passenger space between front and rear seats that is suitably expanded by turning a rear seatback forward down and then moving the rear seatback backward so as to receive the folding hard roof retracted therein.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2003Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Isao Tohda, Haruo Ohe, Kouji Iwasaka
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Patent number: 6702364Abstract: A system for reducing turbulence and therefore improving fuel efficiency for land-operated vehicles uses at least one linear array of vortex generators along typically a leading edge of a vehicle profile. I addition an aerodynamic bug diversion system is provided for creating and directing an airflow shield to prevent bugs and other lightweight debris from hitting the windshield of a moving vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Vor-Tex IndustriesInventor: John Stephenson Neel
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Patent number: 6702365Abstract: The present invention relates to a cargo bed assembly secured to and supported by a chassis of a motor vehicle. The cargo bed assembly includes a base that extends between a front end and a back end. The cargo bed assembly also includes a back support extending across the back end between a first end and a second end. Each of the first and second ends is fixedly secured to the chassis. A plurality of sidewalls is fixedly secured to the base and each is perpendicular thereto. The cargo bed assembly includes a brace that is fixedly secured to the chassis. The brace is movably secured to the base to absorb torsional forces by twisting as the chassis transmits torsional forces to prevent the cargo bed assembly from bending and flexing due to torsional force received by the chassis.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Steyr Symatec LLCInventors: Calum Semple, Noel Mack
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Patent number: 6702366Abstract: A mechanical, active crash pulse management structure for providing modification of crash pulse, wherein the structure has a dormant (initial) state volume, but then in the event of a crash, timely expands into a much larger deployed volume for providing management of an expectant crash energy. The preferred crash energy management structure is a before expansion honeycomb celled material brick, wherein expansion of the honeycomb brick is in a plane transverse to the cellular axis of the cells thereof, and crash crush is intended to be parallel to the cellular axis. In the event of a crash, either an active or passive activation mechanism is provided for causing expansion of honeycomb celled material.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Alan Lampe Browne, Nancy L. Johnson
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Patent number: 6702367Abstract: A driver's cab of a commercial vehicle is supported by at least one support (8; 9) on a frame (1) by spring struts (10; 20) and, by means of a pair of swinging arms (11; 21), is supported on bearings (15; 16;25; 26) fixed on the frame. One end of the swinging arms are connected in an articulated manner to the support.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2003Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co. KGInventors: Martin Leitner, Rudolf Bramberger, Alois Arnberger, Remco Klunder
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Patent number: 6702368Abstract: A pillar structure which includes a pillar member connected to an upper potion and a lower portion of a transversely outer vehicle body. The pillar member is formed into a channel open toward a compartment, with a transversely outer base wall, and a pair of side walls which are thinner than the base wall and extend from both front and rear sides of the base wall. Each side wall is formed to have a first tapered portion gradually reducing in thickness from a base end portion of the side wall to a substantially center portion of the width thereof. Stiffening projections are formed on an inner surface of each side wall at predetermined intervals in a pillar longitudinal direction, and extend from a distal end portion of the side wall to the base end portion thereof.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2003Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Atsushi Hanyu
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Patent number: 6702369Abstract: A roof and rack assembly (10) for an automotive vehicle includes a roof panel (12) received from polymeric organic material that has a top surface (14) and edges (16), (18) extending between a first or front (20) and a second or rear (22) ends of the roof panel (12). The roof panel (12) includes retaining elements (30) that are integrally formed and extend upwardly from the top surface (14) of the roof panel (12). The roof and rack assembly (10) further includes a track (24) for receiving a roof rack (26) and slidably adjusting the position of the roof rack (26) along the track (24), and a mounting member (28) for securing the track (24) to the retaining elements (30). The roof and rack assembly (10) provides an effective and a quick way of fastening the roof rack (26) to the roof panel (12) and is efficient, not time consuming and easy way to install the roof rack (26).Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Mathson IndustriesInventors: Boney A. Mathew, Carl S. Howarth
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Patent number: 6702370Abstract: A PV roof assembly (6) includes a roof (12) mountable to an electric vehicle (4), and a PV assembly (10) at the upper part of the roof. The PV assembly may be mounted to a separate roof surface (34) or the PV assembly may itself constitute all or part of the roof. The vehicle may include a secondary PV assembly (96) coupled to a display unit (92) to provide an independent indication of the intensity of solar irradiation. The roof may have mounting element recesses (68) to accommodate mounting elements (70) of the PV assembly, the mounting elements configured so as not to shade the PV panel (14). The roof may also be configured to accommodate a global positioning device (80). The roof preferably includes a peripheral gutter (88). The roof body preferably includes hand-hold recesses (90) housing hand-hold elements (42) at positions to provide a horizontal setback (92) from the lateral sides (93) of the roof body.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2003Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Powerlight CorporationInventors: Daniel S. Shugar, Thomas L. Dinwoodie
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Patent number: 6702371Abstract: A foldable chair includes a foldable chair frame, a seat frame, and a detachable seat arrangement. The seat frame includes a fabric supporting frame and a seat fabric supported thereon. The fabric supporting frame includes a pair of semi-circular seat supporting bars pivotally and foldably connected together to form a complete fabric supporting frame. The detachable seat arrangement includes a pair of fabric frame holders securely mounted on the upper attaching portions of the rear supporting legs respectively, and a pair of securing members provided at the seat portion of the seat fabric for detachably mounting the fabric supporting frame onto the front supporting frame. Moreover, each of the fabric frame holders has an engaging slot formed on an upper portion thereof for engaging with the frame connecting portions of the fabric supporting frame.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Inventor: Edward Zheng
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Patent number: 6702372Abstract: The operator adjustable workstation facilitates adjustments ranging from a seated work level to a standing work level with an infinite number of health posture arrangements and work surface levels in between. Two trigger controlled height and angle adjustment body support actuators and a foot controlled lower leg and lower leg support pivot actuator, provide the operator with independent control to quickly lock into place and/or release each health posture and work surface at any level within the adjustment range. The workstation includes a base structure, a body support area, a work surface area, and lift arm. The work surface area incorporates two substantially planar work surfaces. The body support area incorporates seat, back, lower leg and lower leg support components. The body support and work areas incorporate two separate lift arms. The lift arms have first ends and second ends.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Health Postures, Inc.Inventors: Alan L. Tholkes, Jack Hockenberry, DuWayne Dandurand
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Patent number: 6702373Abstract: A system having a plurality of platforms for positioning control devices near an occupant of a chair. The system includes a first and second support shaft affixed to each side of a chair. A first side platform is affixed to the first support shaft. A second side platform is affixed to the second support shaft. A front platform is positioned in front of the chair. The front platform may be rotated away from the front of the chair by a pivot system which assists in moving the front platform. The system may also include two accessory platforms mounted adjacent each side platform. All the platforms may be adjustably positioned for the occupant of the chair. Computer and gaming control devices may be placed on top of the platforms.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Inventor: Dennis D. Rossko
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Patent number: 6702374Abstract: A protective cover for child carriers having a rigid, concave shell is configured to shield the child from projectiles such as balls, rocks, and the like. The shell also comprises a plurality of openings that are dimensioned to permit air to flow freely therethrough while the cover shields the child from projectiles. The cover also comprises at least one attachment device which is adapted to detachably affix the cover to most conventional child carriers.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2001Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Inventor: Martin T. Kams
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Patent number: 6702375Abstract: An activity center for a vehicle includes a base defining a storage area and a panel having first and second surfaces. The base is connected to the rear surface of a vehicle seat back. The panel, in turn, is connected to the base for movement between a closed position, which prevents access to the storage area and an open position which allows access to the storage area. The panel is also preferably coupled to the base so that either the first or second surface thereof may face away from the base. The two surfaces of the panel may be configured for a wide variety of educational, entertainment or work-related uses.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2001Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Michael J. Laskowski, Ronald R. Siegrist, Lance E. Larsen, Neil J. Bush, Roger A. Whitley, Daniel J. Koester
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Patent number: 6702376Abstract: A tilting angle-adjustable bicycle saddle includes a mounting frame, which is adapted to be affixed to a seat post of a bicycle, having a holder base provided with a smoothly arched bottom wall, an inner shell having a chamber for pivotally accommodating the holder base therein, and two screw bolts. The chamber of the inner shell has two opposite sidewalls pivotally connected to the holder base of the mounting frame at two sides, a smoothly arched bottom wall fitting over the bottom side of the smoothly arched bottom wall of the holder base, a bottom center opening, and two bottom through holes. And, the two screw bolts are respectively inserted through the bottom through holes of the inner shell and respectively screwed up with the holder base of the mounting frame to lock the inner shell in position.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2003Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Selle Tech Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Giu Shen
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Patent number: 6702377Abstract: A vehicle seat back assembly is provided with: a seat back frame including, at both sides thereof, at least side frames; a head rest support member supported with upper distal ends of the side frames to be rotatable; a pressure receiving member supported with the head rest support member and remaining in a position to receive an impact load caused by a rear-end collision of a vehicle; a head rest holder supported with the head rest support member; and a head rest supported with the head rest holder to be moveable in upper and lower directions. The head rest support member has an upper wall segment, a rear facing wall segment bent from the upper wall segment and extending downward, and a support section supporting the head rest holder at the upper wall segment and a portion extending from the rear facing wall segment.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2001Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Johnson Controls Automotive Systems CorporationInventor: Nobuyuki Nakano
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Patent number: 6702378Abstract: A method and apparatus for concealing a lift mechanism associated with a lift chair is provided. The lift chair includes a seating unit and a support frame. The apparatus is a piece of elastic material that includes a front panel, rear panel and a pair of side panels that are shaped to extend between the support frame and the seating unit. In particular, the side panels are tapered as they extend from the rear panel to the front panel. In concealing the lift mechanism, the front and rear panels extend around a front and rear bar respectively to conceal a top portion of the lift mechanism. In addition, front and rear panels may be coupled to one another by a coupling mechanism, such as a zipper. Further, a pull cord selectively secures the skirt to the bottom portion of the support frame.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: L & P Property Management CompanyInventor: Larry I. Bullard
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Patent number: 6702379Abstract: A juvenile booster seat includes a seat protector arranged to be moved by a user between a retracted position stored inside the booster seat and an extended position partly removed from the booster seat. In the extended position, a forward portion of the seat protector is positioned to drape over a front portion of a vehicle seat underlying the booster seat.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.Inventor: James M. Kain
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Patent number: 6702380Abstract: There is provided a child safety seat and a child safety seat system that are adapted for use in automobiles, watercraft, and/or aircraft. The child safety seat is adapted to float in water such that a child secured in the safety seat is held completely or almost completely above the surface of the water. The child safety seat has a “self-righting” capability such that the seat will turn top-side up in water. The child safety seat has a handle that is integral to the self-righting capability of the child safety seat. In addition, the child safety seat system includes a base that may be used, in particular, in a watercraft and that is adapted to secure the child safety seat such that the child safety seat cannot be shifted horizontally, but can be moved vertically. Alternatively, the base may include a releasable locking assembly, particularly for use in automobiles or aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Inventor: Peter Bedard
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Patent number: 6702381Abstract: Disclosed is a kit for covering a seat assembly and securing a child therein. The kit includes a generally rectangular blanket large enough to cover areas of the seat assembly within the immediate adjacency of a seated child. The blanket includes at least one leg opening to mate with the leg aperture of the seat assembly. It also includes at least one restraint opening. The kit includes a removable safety belt that may be threaded through the blanket restraint opening to secure the child in the covered seat assembly. Also disclosed is the combination of such a blanket and safety belt in combination with a seat assembly including a back portion, a seat, oppositely disposed side bars, and a front portion having at least one aperture to accommodate the legs of a child.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Inventors: G. Joan Endicott, Dawn R. Ludwick
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Patent number: 6702382Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a lift system 12 for a rocker recliner comprising a rocker limiter 28 and a plurality of chair base lifts 40 which can be retrofitted to existing rocker recliners. The rocker limiter 28 is a device having an arcuate face 29 whereby the device can be fixedly positioned to the rocker cam 30 or rocker base 22 limiting the movement of the rocker mechanism in one direction. The chair base lifts 40 are a plurality of interlocking blocks or a single block that are engagingly positioned beneath the chair support base 26 to raise the rocker recliner by a distance determined by the number and thickness of chair height lifts positioned thereunder.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Inventors: Michael Hoover, Steven Engle
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Patent number: 6702383Abstract: An electric seat assist device having a seat pivotally secured to a base. One or more cam members extend in generally opposing relationship from the seat and base and are seated on one or more sets of rollers which are linearly adjusted to raise and lower the seat by a drive member which is pivotally mounted relative to the base and the rollers of the seat assist device. Stroke detectors are used to control motor drivingly connected to the drive member after being activated to initiate raising or lowering of the seat.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2001Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Inventors: Duncan Newman, Michael A. Knappers