Patents Issued in July 13, 2004
  • Patent number: 6761360
    Abstract: A gasket for interposition between a first and an opposing second interface surface of a sealing assembly. The gasket includes a generally planar retainer and a generally annular elastomeric member supported on the retainer. The retainer has an inner and an outer perimeter which together define an closed geometric shape which is registrable about a periphery of one of the first and second surfaces of the sealing assembly. The elastomeric member has a sealing portion, and a concentric retaining portion which is generally-upstanding relative to the retaining portion. The sealing portion is configured to be compressible axially intermediate the first and second interface surfaces for effecting one or more fluid-tight seals therebetween. The elastomeric member, in turn, has oppositely disposed first and second axial surfaces. One of the first and second axial surfaces defines a margin of the retaining portion sized to interferingly engage the periphery when the gasket is mounted coaxially thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Ray J. Hammi
  • Patent number: 6761361
    Abstract: A drill and drive apparatus includes a tube assembly which defines a tool chamber. The apparatus further includes a tool holder which is configured to be at least partially received in the tool chamber of the tube assembly. The tool holder includes a holder body defining a first tool recess and having (i) a first section with a first width and at least one ball aperture communicating with the first tool recess, and (ii) a second section with a second width less than the first width. The tool holder further includes a first tool locking mechanism at a first end portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Credo Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Steven H. Taylor, Gregory A. Phillips
  • Patent number: 6761362
    Abstract: A wafer holding device, comprising a rotating baseplate, a wafer seat which is provided on the rotating baseplate coaxially with the rotating baseplate and which receives a peripheral edge of a wafer by a circumference, a predetermined number of chuck levers rotatably mounted on the wafer seat so that the chuck levers can be rotated around an axis extending in a tangential direction on a circumference of the rotating baseplate, and springs for resiliently pushing an end of the chuck lever toward the wafer seat, wherein the peripheral edge of the wafer received on the wafer seat is pinched by the wafer seat and the chuck lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TOPCON
    Inventor: Ikuo Noguchi
  • Patent number: 6761363
    Abstract: An improved runner and method of manufacture. The runner is formed by insert injection molding a steel insert blade, by which the total weight of the runner may be reduced substantially in comparison to conventional steel runners having similar size and shape. A skate blade and an ice skate including the improved runners are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: HIP Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Fask, George T. (Crow) Smith, II, James M. Boudreau
  • Patent number: 6761364
    Abstract: A plastic shopping cart is disclosed. In accordance with certain aspects of the present invention, all of the components of a shopping cart are formed from a moldable material such as, for example, a thermoplastic resin by means of an injection molding process or the like. The shopping cart is configured so that any metallic parts that are used to connect the various plastic components together are shielded from the ambient environment. This virtually eliminates any rusting and corrosion of any metallic parts that are used to connect the various components of the shopping cart together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Patent Holding Company
    Inventors: Jason T. Murar, Jeffrey M. Stribbell, Donald L. Wilson, Jr., William G. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6761365
    Abstract: A shopping basket for self service store shopping comprises two main parts, a fixed rear part and a movable front part which automatically adjust for length and width when nesting with another shopping basket. Use of tubular elements cooperating along transverse axes allows translational adjustment of the lower and side walls of the basket along a longitudinal axis of the cart and axis transverse thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Philippe Teeten
  • Patent number: 6761366
    Abstract: A portable tool container comprises a molded tub and removable cover with wheels attached to one side of the container on opposite sides of a telescoping handle in a housing that is integrally molded into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Waterloo Industries
    Inventors: Ramon L. Klemmensen, Michael E. Hay, Fred P. Ritchie, Steven F. Kohagen
  • Patent number: 6761367
    Abstract: A laundry hamper assembly. A hamper, having a bottom floor and a top portion, features a container disposed in its top portion. The container and the bottom floor define a cavity for storing articles of clothing. The container in the hamper is configured to hold laundry supplies. Ventilation grills are defined in the hamper between the container and the bottom floor, allowing air to flow from the cavity to the outside of the hamper. Other elements improve the mobility of the hamper assembly, and secure the contents of both the hamper and its containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: David Lee Fite
  • Patent number: 6761368
    Abstract: A wheeled container includes a one-piece molded polymeric/copolymeric container body defined by an elongated housing closed at a first end by a bottom wall ad having an opposite second end defining an opening. A one-piece molded polymeric/copolymeric cover is pivotally connected to a peripheral edge portion of the container body second end for pivotal movement between a first closed and a second open position respectively closing and opening the container second end opening. The cover has a handle projecting substantially radially away from a longitudinal axis of the housing, and a pair of relatively spaced wheels are located at the first end of the container at a side of the housing corresponding to a side from which the handle projects. Latches are disposed substantially diametrically opposite to the handle for retaining the cover in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Wallace T. Carter
  • Patent number: 6761369
    Abstract: A truck for preventing damage thereto when attached to a skate board and negotiating and contacting a curb. A body attaches to the skate board and an axle extends rotatably through the body and terminates in a pair of wheels, respectively. A roller is rotatably positioned in the body and has the axle extend rotatably therethrough so as to prevent damage to the axle when the truck negotiates and contacts the curb, by virtue of the roller contacting the curb and rotating relative to the axle as the truck negotiates the curb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Scott D. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6761370
    Abstract: A transport device for hauling a load having a front axle with a pair of wheels and a rear axle with a pair of wheels. Four vertical hydraulic cylinders are provided, each cylinder having a bottom end supported on one of the axles adjacent a wheel, respectively. A pair of yokes are provided. Each yoke has one end supported by the ram extending from the top of one cylinder mounted on the front axle and the other end supported by the ram extending from the top end of a cylinder on the rear axle so that the yokes are parallel to one another and extend from front to rear of the device. A container containing the load is suspended from the pair of yokes. In one version, the device is coupled for transport to a truck. In another version, an engine is mounted on a cantilever frame extending from the rear of the truck controlled by operators in a cab mounted on the front end of the device. In another version, the device has a tongue extending from the front axle and attachable to a truck tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Ralph Colet
  • Patent number: 6761371
    Abstract: A roll control system for a vehicle suspension system and a method for controlling the control system is disclosed. The vehicle has at least one pair of laterally spaced front wheel assemblies and at least one pair of laterally spaced rear wheel assemblies. Each wheel assembly includes a wheel and a wheel mounting permitting wheel movement in a generally vertical direction relative to the vehicle body, and vehicle support means for providing at least substantially a major portion of the support for the vehicle. The roll control system includes: wheel cylinders respectively locatable between each wheel mounting and the vehicle body. Each wheel cylinder includes an inner volume separated into first and second chambers by a piston supported within, and first and second fluid circuits respectively providing fluid connection between the wheel cylinders by fluid conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Kinetic Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher B. Heyring, Michael J. Longman
  • Patent number: 6761372
    Abstract: A suspension and method applies the unsprung weight of the wheels and axles to reduce the motion of the sprung weight of chassis. The suspension has a load bolster supporting the sprung weight at a ride height and a rebound member between the sheel axle support and the chassis. The rebound member is to exert increasing force with motion of the sprung weight away from the axle but the member reduces its force on the load bolster during jounce.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Peter E Bryant
  • Patent number: 6761373
    Abstract: A basket support of a foldable stroller includes an U-shaped rod, which has two juxtaposed lateral sections pivoted to respective rear extensions of a seat support of the stroller by use of pivotal blocks. The rod lateral sections and the pivotal blocks are constructed such that the U-shaped rod can only be moved towards, and close to, upper sides of the seat support extensions to a storage position. When the rear wheels of the stroller are detached, and when the stroller is folded to occupy less space in packing, the U-shaped rods are positioned in the folded position to not cause increase of dimensions to the packing case. The lateral sections of the U-shaped rod are substantially parallel with corresponding extensions of the seat support when the stroller is folded, supporting the stroller in upright position together with the rear wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Pao-Hsien Cheng
  • Patent number: 6761374
    Abstract: A roof panel lining of a vehicle with preassembled head protection elements so-called “head-bag”, comprising a complex element (22) with a head bag unit (25) with a shaped support (26a, 26b) and arranged integrally in relation to a roof panel lining (11) by reciprocal constraining elements (28, 29; 27, 30), in which the complex element (22) is arranged in a recessed zone (17) of the roof panel lining (11), covered by one or more longitudinal side covering and closing elements (18), in turn fastened to a body (14) of the vehicle by a handle (38) and provided with a weakening notch (43) which, in the inflation phase, allows release of a bag of the “head bag” unit (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Industrialesud S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Di Sante, Mario Biggio, Patrizio D'ambrosio, Giovanni Bessone
  • Patent number: 6761375
    Abstract: An automobile airbag apparatus disposed within an instrument panel covered with an interior cover. A fracture-opening section is defined in the interior cover to be located in opposition to the opening portion of the airbag case. The fracture-opening section is defined by at least a fragile groove formed from the back surface of the interior cover to surround the fracture-opening section. A reinforcement plate member is attached to the back surface of the fracture-opening section through deformation of a portion of the fracture-opening section through application of heat thereto. The reinforcement plate member has a main-body portion attached to the back surface of the fracture-opening section and an attachment portion extending from the main-body portion via a hinge portion. A plurality of slits are formed at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the reinforcement plate member such that the slits extend in parallel in the transverse direction of the reinforcement plate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Sanko Gosei Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukio Kurachi, Mitsuo Yasuda
  • Patent number: 6761376
    Abstract: A vehicle steering column has a rake adjustment mechanism which includes a rake bracket having a rake slot provided with rake slot teeth. A tooth lock is supported in the rake slot with teeth opposing the rake slot teeth. A rake bolt is rotatable to a first rotative position to move the tooth lock to a retracted position with the teeth of the tooth lock out of engagement with the rake slot teeth. The bolt is axially rotatable to a second rotative position permitting the tooth lock to be moved to a locking position by a spring in which the teeth of the tooth lock engage the rake slot teeth. The bolt, when in the second rotative position, is movable, in response to an application of an impact force on the steering column to collapse the steering column, into bearing engagement with the tooth lock to positively retain the tooth lock in the locking position. The steering column is also provided with a release mechanism having shear pins and an energy absorption mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Kremer Riefe, Marvin V. Manwaring, Ray Garnet Armstrong, Ravindra Jwalapathy, Stephen W. Skillman
  • Patent number: 6761377
    Abstract: A self-verifying security document, such as a banknote, comprises a flexible sheet formed from a plastics substrate bearing indicia. The sheet has a window of transparent plastics material which includes self-verification means for verifying a security device provided at a laterally spaced second portion of the sheet when the sheet is bent or folded to bring the window into register with the security device. The self-verification means may be an optical lens for reading an area of microprinting. In another embodiment, the self-verification means may be an optical filter for viewing an area printed with metameric inks. In other embodiments, the self-verification means and the security device may be polarizing windows or Moire inducing patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Securency Pty Ltd
    Inventors: John Charles Taylor, Bruce Alfred Hardwick, Wayne Kevin Jackson, Paul Zientek, Cameron Rex Hibbert
  • Patent number: 6761378
    Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining security of a substrate having an optically verifiable mark including a partially demetallized metallic layer which forms a control graphic, a layer of optically active pigments adjacent the metallic layer, and an adhesive layer adjacent the layer of optically active pigments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Hologram Industries (S.A.)
    Inventor: Hugues Souparis
  • Patent number: 6761379
    Abstract: A pipe fitting includes a hollow body and at least one open end for connection to a pipe fitting, the end including internal screw threads. The end includes an integral extension collar which has an inner diameter larger than the screw threads for surrounding unused trailing screw threads of a pipe joined to the fitting and forming an annular gap for holding a sealing compound. The collar has a wall of a comparable thickness to the and an outer diameter larger than the body of the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited
    Inventor: Alfred Wing Kin Chan
  • Patent number: 6761380
    Abstract: A filler neck assembly includes a plastic fuel tank having a wall with an opening extending therethrough. The filler neck assembly also includes a filler neck tube extending through the opening in the fuel tank and having an annular stop flange projecting radially outward from the filler neck tube outside the wall and an annular lock flange projecting radially outward from the filler neck tube formed inside the wall to lock the filler neck tube to the fuel tank. The stop flange and the lock flange provide the sole means for securing the filler neck tube within the opening. The filler neck assembly further includes a seal interposed in the opening between the wall and the filler neck tube and a washer disposed inside the fuel tank between the wall and the lock flange to engage the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mahlon R. Pachciarz, Edward A. Beutler
  • Patent number: 6761381
    Abstract: A latch assembly includes a handle, a handle retainer, and a keeper. The keeper includes a biasing mechanism and a head comprising a catch, a lock release projection, and a switch actuator. The keeper biasing member configured to facilitate engaging the catch with the door. The handle biasing member configured to facilitate maintaining the handle in a first position. The handle includes a contact surface slidingly coupled to the lock release projection to facilitate coupling the door to the tub assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Luis Esteban Prada, Gregory Owen Miller, Christopher Raymond Geisen, Wenfeng Lu
  • Patent number: 6761382
    Abstract: The present invention is a gravity-sensitive latch. The latch includes a pendulum pivotally secured between the actuating button or handle and the pawl. When the latch is in a first position, gravity acting on the pendulum rotates the pendulum so that it abuts the button or handle, permitting actuation of the latch. When the latch is in a second orientation, gravity acting on the pendulum rotates the pendulum away from the button or handle, thereby preventing actuation of the latch. The latch may use a wide variety of buttons, handles, or pawl/keeper combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Lianli Ji, Robert Straka, Gerry Clisham
  • Patent number: 6761383
    Abstract: A tailgate latch for vehicles having a bell crank that cooperates with a rotary arm of a key cylinder is provided. The bell crank has a slot formed at a middle section thereof for receiving a round pin formed at a middle section of a latch plate, by which the bell crank and the latch plate are cooperatively operated, such that a return position of the bell crank is restricted by the slot and the round pin, and wherein the latch plate is further removably hitched with a striker that is mounted at a body of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Young-Un Ju
  • Patent number: 6761384
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for opening a lid of a trunk of a motor vehicle, there being mounted in the trunk an actuating element whose actuation results in the lid of the trunk being unlocked, if appropriate, and the lid being opened, the motor vehicle furthermore having a remotely operable closing system, and when the actuating element is actuated, the actuating element emits beams which correspond to the beams of the remotely operable closing system in such a manner that the lid is unlocked, if appropriate, and opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Jürgen Haaf, Dieter Trumpfheller
  • Patent number: 6761385
    Abstract: A grill guard for a motor vehicle comprises a plurality of horizontal formed tubes and a plurality of vertically extending connecting members for connecting together the plurality of tubes so as to define the grill guard. The end of each formed tube is curved, and is provided with a cap member that is integral with the formed tube. The cap member serves to substantially cover the circular aperture at the curved end of the tube, so as to provide a relatively more attractive and safer grill guard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Giflo Engineering (BOP) (PTY) LTD.
    Inventor: Jan Adriaan Taljaard
  • Patent number: 6761386
    Abstract: A holder for a scouring device such as a steel wool pad which includes a base, a pair of opposed legs extending from the base and a gripping assembly positioned at an end portion of each of the opposed legs including a gripping assembly which is moveable by the consumer from a first position sufficient to secure the holder to the steel wool pad to a second position to release the steel wool pad without the user having to touch the steel wool pad during movement from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
    Inventors: James S. Mandle, Charles F. Flynn, IV
  • Patent number: 6761387
    Abstract: A lift assembly that can be reversibly installed in the bed of a pick-up truck or other flat bed transport means. At least four telescoping support legs are disposed at the four corners of the truck bed and support the upper rails on which the load is placed. The support legs are made up of a series of nested threaded segments driven by a similarly threaded drive shaft. A reversible motor associated with each support leg enables the segments to rotate in a forward direction to raise the load and to rotate in the reverse direction to lower the load. The motors are activated simultaneously and powered by the truck battery. The raising and lowering motion is smooth and continuous and can be stopped at any desired height. The lift assembly enables the height of the load to be easily changed by one person without any disturbance or shifting of the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Glenn Sloss
  • Patent number: 6761388
    Abstract: A console system for the interior of a motor vehicle includes a console component, a plate, and a lid. The console component defines a housing having an interior with an opening and a longitudinal axis. The plate has first and second ends and is supported on the console component and pivotably movable at the first end of the plate relative to the console component between a first position, wherein the plate covers the opening of the console component, and a second position, wherein the plate is spaced from the opening to allow access to the interior of the console component. The lid has a cover and an inner surface and is supported by the plate and pivotably movable at the second end of the plate between a first position, wherein the inner surface of the lid is juxtaposed the plate, and a second position, wherein the inner surface is spaced from the plate such that the inner surface and the plate define a co-extensive, substantially planar surface along the longitudinal axis of the console component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Plastech Engineered Products
    Inventors: Julie Lein, Mangesh Soman
  • Patent number: 6761389
    Abstract: An automobile heel stopper shock-absorbing structure is formed from a receiving plate that on the outside has a heel receiving surface and on the inside faces a dash panel with a space therebetween, a front support plate connected integrally to a front end part of the receiving plate and having its extremity joined to the dash panel, and a rear support plate connected integrally to a rear end part of the receiving plate and having its extremity joined to at least one of the dash panel and a floor panel. The rear support plate is made weaker than the receiving plate and the front support plate so that the rear support plate will buckle when a pushing-in load acting on the receiving plate is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kosuke Akasaka, Shinji Kumagai, Keiichi Honda, Yuji Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 6761390
    Abstract: A golf cart footrest including horizontal footrest bars mounted between two steel endplates, which are attached to steel golf cart mounting brackets. The mounting brackets can be mounted through existing holes in the canopy frame of a golf cart or appropriate holes can be drilled in the golf cart's side panels to position the footrest just above the dashboard. There are a series of perforated holes in the endplates that can be aligned with attaching holes in the mounting brackets in order to adjust the height of the footrest or to better align it with existing mounting holes in the golf cart. To install the golf cart footrest simply requires an individual to bolt the mounting brackets with attached endplates to existing holes in a golf cart's frontal canopy frame. If necessary holes do not exist, then appropriate holes can be drilled in the golf cart's frame or side panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventors: Matt H. Osborne, Betty L. Osborne
  • Patent number: 6761391
    Abstract: A protective cover for a golf car is provided for enclosing at least a portion of the passenger compartment of the golf car that is covered by a canopy. The protective covering has left and right side curtains that are adapted to hang from the canopy to enclose a portion of the passenger compartment. The protective covering may include a rear bag cover that is adapted to extend over the rear golf bag storage area from the canopy. The rear bag cover is a retractable awning. The protective covering also includes a rear curtain that is adapted to be positionable between the passenger compartment and the rear golf bag storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Covered Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Winkler
  • Patent number: 6761392
    Abstract: In a hardtop vehicle roof which is movable between a closed position, in which it covers a vehicle interior, and a storage position and which includes rigid roof shells which, in the closed position, are disposed end to end adjacent one another, at least one of the roof shells includes a center section and side sections which are pivotally connected to the center section and the center sections are displaced in the storage position of the roof shells upwardly relative to the respective side sections so as to be received within one of the roof shells thereby to reduce the volume required for the storage of the roof shells in the storage position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: CTS Fahrzeug Dachsysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Hasselgruber, Wojciech Wezyk, Emil Schnell, Klaus Laue
  • Patent number: 6761393
    Abstract: A motor vehicle trunk door articulated to the ends of a first arm mounted pivoting, at its other end, about a vertical lateral pin integral with a body. The truck door moves from a closing position towards an opening position, substantially perpendicular to the closing position, by the first arm having a curved shape, and a second arm. One of the ends of the second arm is secured to the trunk door and the other end is mounted pivoting on a sliding sleeve mounted on a guide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventors: David Durand, Dominique Pastourel
  • Patent number: 6761394
    Abstract: A vehicle front body structure which includes a dash panel, a dash side panel joined to the dash panel and a side sill joined to the dash side panel. The dash panel is provided with a flange on its transversely outer side. The dash side panel includes an upstanding portion which has a substantially channel-shaped section open outward and includes a front wall on its front side, and a base portion which extends rearward from the upstanding portion. The side sill includes a sill inner joined to the base portion of the dash side panel. The flange of the dash panel extends along the front wall of the upstanding portion of the dash side panel to be joined to the front wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Gennai, Yasuhiro Tosaka
  • Patent number: 6761395
    Abstract: A hybrid supporting structure for a vehicle dashboard, including: a metal cross member (10) having an elongated shape along a principal axis (12); an air-distribution duct (18) made of plastic material, including at least one duct of elongated shape (20), which extends parallel to the metal cross member (10), and an air-distribution box (22) anchored to the metal cross member (10) by co-moulding; and at least one support (28, 30) made of plastic material, anchored to the metal cross member (10) by co-moulding and connected to said air-distribution duct (20) so as to allow freedom of relative movement between the duct (20) and the support (28, 30) in a direction parallel to said principal axis (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Denso Thermal Systems SpA
    Inventor: Daniel Charbonnel
  • Patent number: 6761396
    Abstract: In a sunroof apparatus provided with a lid (3) capable of opening and closing an opening formed in a roof (1) of a vehicle body, and a slider (8) longitudinally moving on a side rail (5) connected to the lid (3) and provided in a side of the vehicle body, in which a longitudinal movement of the slider (8) is automatically obtained by an actuator and a dummy full-close position temporarily closing an opening (2) by the lid exists between a tilt-up position and a flap position, the lid is made incapable of stopping at the dummy full-close position at a time of moving in an opening direction and a closing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Ohi Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanobu Ohtsu, Masaki Omori
  • Patent number: 6761397
    Abstract: A foldable chair includes a base frame with left and right seat rods, left and right armrests respectively aligned with the left and right seat rods, and front and rear armrest-supporting members that are pivoted to the left and right seat rods. Each of the front and rear armrest-supporting members includes left and right poles and a stopper. Each of the left and right poles is pivoted to a respective one of the left and right seat rods and a respective one of the left and right armrests. The stopper interconnects lower ends of the left and right poles, and abuts against bottom ends of the left and right seat rods when the front and rear armrest-supporting members are disposed at an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Taiwan Shin Yeh Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chuen-Jong Tseng
  • Patent number: 6761398
    Abstract: Structures and assemblies for stowable tables and similar objects are detailed. Versions of the assemblies may cooperate with pivoting covers mounted to vehicle seats for purposes of deploying and retaining the tables. Other versions may include tables biased to fit snugly in recessed portions of backrests of seats, with compression of the biasing mechanism occurring sometimes when backrests are reclined and expansion of the mechanism occurring sometimes when the tables are deployed. Yet other versions may include tables latching to bars or other objects protruding rearward from the backrests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Weber Aircraft LP
    Inventors: Paul Bentley, Adrianus W. N. Ruiter, Matthew G. Durocher
  • Patent number: 6761399
    Abstract: In a motor vehicle seat for an open motor vehicle, with an air supply device integrated in its backrest and/or head restraint, the device including an air outlet duct having an outlet opening arranged on the front side of the head restraint, for supplying the head, neck and shoulder region of the vehicle occupant with hot air, and an air inlet duct having an inlet opening, with a heating element being assigned to the air supply device. The inlet opening of the air supply device is arranged on the rear side of the backrest or of the head restraint and approximately level with or above a rear end wall edge of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Claudio Bargheer, Karl Pfahler, Lothar Renner
  • Patent number: 6761400
    Abstract: A bicycle seat, including a seat frame; a first cushion joined to the seat frame, the first cushion being adapted to rotate forward and rearward; a second cushion joined to the seat frame, the second cushion being adapted to rotate forward and rearward; at least one first elastomer support joined between the first seat cushion and the seat frame; and at least one second elastomer support joined between the second seat cushion and the seat frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Richard Hobson
  • Patent number: 6761401
    Abstract: Many motorcycle seats do not have a backrest for the front rider (driver), nor is there provision for a backrest. A telescoping backrest, the mechanism of which is similar to that often used for automobile headrests, can provide the needed back support. It can be adjusted fore and aft, as well as up and down. It may be stowed out of the way by pushing it down to its lowest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Leo D. McGlynn
  • Patent number: 6761402
    Abstract: A structure of seat in which a reinforcing element is provided to protect it against deformation due to a lateral collision. The reinforcing element comprises a reinforcing rod and a pair of plate elements fixed to the respective two ends of the reinforcing rod. This reinforcing element is attached to the outer surface of a pre-assembled seat unit so as to extend transversely of the seat unit. Further, the two plate elements are disposed adjacent to a lateral side of the vehicle and adjacent to a floor tunnel in vehicle, respectively, so that a lateral load applied to the lateral side of vehicle is transmitted through the reinforcing element to the floor tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Tachi-S Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masami Muraishi
  • Patent number: 6761403
    Abstract: A headrest apparatus for a vehicle has a headrest body 10a provided with a left headrest member 11 and a right headrest member 12 and a locking unit 40 for holding the left and right headrest members 11, 12 at their initial positions. At a vehicle rear-end collision, the locking unit 40 is released by a control unit 50 for detecting the vehicle rear-end collision. As a result, the left and right headrest members 11, 12 rotate forward about the vehicle, so that a sheet 13 stretched between respective separation ends of the members 11, 12 is unfolded to restrict a passenger's head without making use of the passenger's inertia at the collision, surely and rapidly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chinmoy Pal, Izumi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6761404
    Abstract: A securable protective seat cover, system and method. For a manually adjustable vehicle seat, a securable protective seat cover apparatus includes a seat cushion and an adjustor bar. The apparatus also includes a plastic film shaped to cover the vehicle seat. The film includes a front portion that includes a first seal portion, a second seal portion, and a surrounding portion. The first and second seal portions are directly secured to one another at a side of the adjustor bar so as to attach the surrounding portion to the adjustor bar. For a power adjustable vehicle seat, a temporary plastic protective seat cover system includes a front cover mounted below the power adjustable vehicle seat. The front cover includes a hook. The system also includes a plastic film that is shaped to cover the vehicle seat and is adapted to be secured to the hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dustin Parker, Kyle Davidson
  • Patent number: 6761405
    Abstract: A rocking chair including a body supporting portion, a chair base portion, a locking assembly arid a linkage. The linkage includes a strip of resilient material extending across the backrest of the chair, positioned to receive the back of an occupant of the chair. The strip has a resiliency such that, when an occupant leans back against the backrest of the chair, the strip is responsive to the pressure applied directly thereto to deform rearwardly from an original position and, when the pressure ceases, the strip returns to its original position. The linkage is operatively connected to the locking assembly to cause the locking assembly to prevent movement of the body supporting portion relative to the chair base portion when the strip is in the original position, and to cause the locking assembly to allow movement of the body supporting portion relative to the chair base portion when the strip is deformed rearwardly from the original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Dutailier International Inc.
    Inventor: Pierre Bellefleur
  • Patent number: 6761406
    Abstract: In a chair 1 having an upholstery member 7 fitted on a backrest portion or seat plate 4 serving as a portion adapted to contact a human body, upright portions 41 and elastic pieces 8 allowing their deflection in the direction in which the load of a human body contacting the chair works are provided and the upholstery member 7 is placed over the upright portions 41 and elastic pieces 8 so that the contacting portion of the seat portion or backrest portion is imparted with elasticity to ensure a better sitting comfort even if the upholstery member 7 lacks elasticity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Kokuyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yojiro Kinoshita, Nobuyuki Ueda
  • Patent number: 6761407
    Abstract: A vehicle-seat assembly includes a pair of elongated outer tracks operatively fixed to the floor pan of the vehicle in spaced relationship with respect to each other, a seat riser, and a pair of elongated inner track assemblies operatively connected to the seat riser. Each inner track assembly is supported in sliding relationship with a corresponding outer track to slidably mount the seat riser on the floor pan. A pair of trigger mechanisms is supported for pivotal movement relative to a corresponding inner track assembly and adapted to releasably engage a corresponding outer track. A release mechanism is connected to the trigger mechanisms and operable to be manually movable to pivot the trigger mechanisms so as to engage and disengage the trigger mechanisms relative to the outer tracks to facilitate adjustable sliding movement of the inner track assemblies relative to the outer tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Neil Gentry Goodbred
  • Patent number: 6761408
    Abstract: A linear recliner for a vehicle seat assembly providing selectively lockable pivotal adjustment of a seat back pivotally coupled to a seat cushion between a plurality of reclined seating positions. A housing is fixedly secured to the seat cushion. The housing includes a bore extending between front and rear ends of the housing. A chamber is formed within the housing adjacent and open to a portion of the bore. A rod extends between one end pivotally coupled to the seat back and an opposite end slidably carried within the bore of the housing for axial displacement of the rod within the bore during pivotal movement of the seat back. The rod includes a rack of teeth extending towards the chamber. A pawl lockably engagable with the rack of teeth in the rod for preventing axial displacement of the rod within the bore is pivotally coupled to the housing for movement in and out of the locking engagement with the rack of teeth in the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Kung M. Lim, Pius Ng
  • Patent number: 6761409
    Abstract: A guide sleeve receives and supports a guide post of a bead restraint within a seat back frame of a seat assembly. The guide sleeve includes a body extending between opposite upper and lower ends. A bare defined by cylindrical inner walls extends longitudinally through the guide sleeve for slidably receiving the guide post therethrough for allowing selective adjustment of the head restraint relative to the seat back between a plurality of head supporting positions. A plurality of rings project outwardly from the body and are deformable against the seat back frame during insertion of the guide sleeve into a hole or tube formed in the seat back frame for creating a interference fit between the guide sleeve and the seat back frame without deforming the bore, and thereby, not increasing efforts required to slide the guide post through the bore during movement of the head restraint between the plurality of head supporting positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: John R. Ford