Patents Issued in August 31, 2004
  • Patent number: 6783140
    Abstract: A bicycle front fork vibration-proof structure comprises a front fork tube and a vibration-proof device. The front fork tube is formed by a biforked tube and a front-fork stand tube which are separated from one another. The vibration-proof device is installed between the biforked tube and the front-fork stand tube. The pivotal linkage unit is pivotally installed to a first pivotal portion at an outer edge of the connecting tube and another end thereof is pivotally connected to the axial vibration absorption unit. The axial vibration absorption unit is firmly secured to an inner edge of the front-fork stand tube. The concave washer is installed on the vibration absorption body for resisting and positioning a connecting tube of a handle of a tube which has been engaged to the front-fork stand tube. Thereby, the vibration-proof effect of a bicycle is improved and the brake suspending frame can be installed easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Bill Huang
  • Patent number: 6783141
    Abstract: With the invention is presented an anti-theft device for bicycles, which comprise a bicycle frame (2) and a steering column (14) mounted on the bicycle frame (2) for steering the bicycle, which steering column is provided for a rotationally fixed coupling of bicycle handlebars (6) with a fork (5) for a front wheel (4), having a separating means for nuetralising the rotationally fixed coupling, wherein a coupling piece (8) or a connecting element (60) is provided as separating means, which divides the steering column (14) into two parts (34) and produces the rotationally fixed coupling of these steering column parts (34) in a first state and neutralises it in a second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Christian Backhaus
  • Patent number: 6783142
    Abstract: A bicycle rear suspension mechanism imparts a forward movement inducing moment about the axis of the rear wheel during the operation of the suspension mechanism. A parabolic swing arm is mounted such that the axis of rotation of the rear wheel is positioned proximate to the vertex, and preferably in alignment with the central axis, of the parabolic shape. A flexor element is formed into the perimeter of the parabolic swing arm at a location below the central axis of the parabolic shape and below and forwardly of the rear wheel axle. A shock absorber can be connected to the upper rocker arm to dampen the operation of the suspension mechanism. The release of stored energy in the flexor element directs a resultant force offset by a moment arm from the axis of rotation of the rear wheel to contribute to the forward momentum of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Jonathan E. Schober
  • Patent number: 6783143
    Abstract: A hub post is mounted on a wheel axle of a bicycle and has an anti-rotation locking pin to keep the hub post from rotating and loosening and detaching from the wheel axle. The anti-rotation locking pin is mounted in a countersunk through hole in a closed end of the hub post and is securely held in an axle mounting slot in a fork of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Wen-Chung Hung
  • Patent number: 6783144
    Abstract: A hitch ball assembly includes a towing ball having a mounting aperture and an annular race in communication with the mounting aperture. A post includes a base, an axial bore and a plurality of openings in communication with the axial bore. A ball bearing is received in each of these openings. A plunger is axially displaceable in the post between a first position allowing the towing ball to be removed from or attached to the post and a second position for securing the towing ball to the post while allowing the towing ball to turn on the post. A spring, received in the axial bore, engages an end of the plunger and biases the plunger to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Cequent Towing Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. McCoy, Thomas W. Lindenman
  • Patent number: 6783145
    Abstract: A raising platform for a binding for a board for gliding over snow, including a planar central zone capable of receiving the front stop and the heel piece of the binding, and two lateral portions of which the lower edge is intended for interacting with the board for gliding, wherein the lower edge of the lateral portions has, in a longitudinal plane, a certain gradient relative to the plane of the central zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Skis Rossignol S.A.
    Inventors: Henri-Charles Deborde, Alain Zanco, Milena Stefanova, Jacques Fagot, Michel Echevin
  • Patent number: 6783146
    Abstract: The connecting device consists of a circular disk (7) fixed to the snowboard and fitting into a circular ring (8) holding the binding (1) on the board. The interior circular contour (11) of the ring into which the disk fits is eccentric relative to the exterior contour of the ring. The mechanical continuity provided by the ring guarantees that the binding will be held in position without high pressure needing to be exerted on this ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Emery S.A.
    Inventor: Patrice Coing
  • Patent number: 6783147
    Abstract: Cooler carts are desirable for transporting coolers. Coolers come in various sizes, and can become quite heavy once filled with ice and food or beverages. The cooler cart adapts to a wide range of cooler sizes by having the ability to telescope both lengthwise and widthwise. A telescoping handle shaft is also provided to adjust the height of the handle. All four corners of the cooler cart are supported by either four wheels mounted on the corners or two legs on the front corners and to wheels on the rear corners. The handle shaft is hingedly mounted, allowing it to be folded down when the cooler cart is not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Morris E. Green, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6783148
    Abstract: An inflatable curtain positioning system may include an inflator and an inflatable curtain. The inflator may have a neck for receiving the inflatable curtain. A protrusion, such as a hook or tab, may be disposed on the neck. The inflatable curtain may include a throat to be disposed around the neck of the inflator. An opening may be disposed within the throat. In one configuration, the opening may be positioned to receive the protrusion only when the curtain is situated at a desired location relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventor: David Henderson
  • Patent number: 6783149
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas bag module of several components, which comprise a least a carrier element, a gas generator and a gas bag. At least one elastic element is provided and at least one of the components is mounted in the gas bag module so as to be neutralized with regard to vibration by means of the at least one elastic element consisting of silicone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mark Lovell, Thorsten Nottebaum
  • Patent number: 6783150
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises a support plate (24) having a front surface (34) that is at least partially defined by first and second outer edge portions (26 and 28). Resilient locking members (166 and 182) extend laterally outwardly of the first and second outer edge portions (26 and 28). An air bag module (14) has a base plate portion (110) that is mountable on the support plate (24). The base plate portion (110) includes structure (126 and 134) for deflecting the locking members (166 and 182) laterally inwardly toward the first and second outer edge portions (26 and 28) during movement of the base plate portion (110) toward the front surface (34) of the support plate (24). The locking members (166 and 182) snap laterally outwardly over the structure (126 and 134) of the base plate portion (110) to lock the air bag module (14) on the support plate (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Steven J. Ahlquist
  • Patent number: 6783151
    Abstract: An airbag arrangement for a motor vehicle includes an airbag deployable in a direction to protect a vehicle occupant and an arrangement for limiting the unfolding impulse of the airbag upon an obstacle placed in a deployment path of the airbag to reduce the unfolding impulse transferred to the obstacle. The limitation arrangement, which can be, for example, a sheath, aperture in the airbag, can respond to the resistance of the occupant located in the deployment path, which is outside a normal seating position, or respond to a lack of resistance from the passenger. As the limitation arrangement limits the unfolding impulse of the airbag, it reduces the maximum unfolding impulse transferable to the occupant located outside the normal seating, in the deploying path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignees: Takata-Petri (Ulm) GmbH, Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Georg Rasch, Stefan Wiegert, Reiner Heuschmid, Andreas Riedel, Franz Fürst, Mehmet Cakmak, Sven Schawe, Tycho von Jan, Norbert Küster-Claus
  • Patent number: 6783152
    Abstract: A passenger's seat airbag device is mounted on a vehicle in which a rear wall portion is arranged on the rear side of a side window. The airbag is folded and housed on the upper edge side of the side window to cover the side window. The airbag is mounted on its two longitudinal ends. The rear side leading end is mounted on the rear wall portion. In the vicinity of the corner portion a guide guides the downward protrusion of the airbag and can regulate the movement of the airbag to the interior side when the airbag is extending and expanding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshinori Tanase, Katsunobu Sakane, Chiharu Totani, Shinji Oguchi
  • Patent number: 6783153
    Abstract: A protective motorcycle suit has at least one airbag, power being supplied and data communication with the motorcycle being carried out via a wireless connection. To allow power to be transferred, coils are provided in the seat areas of the protective motorcycle suit, and radio stations in the microwave range are provided to allow data transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Bernhard Mattes
  • Patent number: 6783154
    Abstract: An air-bag is made from a first metal layer (1) and a second metal layer (30). At least one of these layers is plastically deformable. The layers are provided with a peripheral (2, 3) sealing the layers together to define a chamber. There are gas generating means, such as a gas generator, located within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Dan Persson, Staffari Carlsson
  • Patent number: 6783155
    Abstract: The present invention relates to air bag tethers and to a pattern-wise arrangement of such tethers in relation to air bag panels on a fabric blank, thus resulting in increased fabric utilization per tether and an overall cost savings per finished air bag. The air bag tether system of the present invention is comprised of two congruent tether panels that are joined to one another and to a respective air bag panel. In a preferred embodiment, the tether panel that is attached to the face panel of the air bag is cut in alignment with the warp and the fill of the fabric blank, while the rear tether panel that is attached to the rear panel of the air bag is cut on the bias with respect to the warp and the fill of the fabric blank. The two tether panels are then connected to one another to form a functional tether system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventor: Ramesh Keshavaraj
  • Patent number: 6783156
    Abstract: A passenger restraint includes a knee bolster having receptacles for receiving knee blockers. The knee blockers are multi-celled elements that absorb kinetic energy attributed to collisions of a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Arun A. Chickmenahalli, Todd L. Depue
  • Patent number: 6783157
    Abstract: An apparatus for attachment to the body (240) of a vehicle (12) which has a front, rear and opposite sides and which has steerable wheels. The apparatus comprises a lower part (22) having structure (40, 48) for fixed attachment at each of the opposite sides of the vehicle. A first steering control arm (150) is pivotally connected to the lower part (22) at one side of the vehicle. A second steering control arm (160) is pivotally connected to the lower part (22) at an opposite side of the vehicle. An upper part (24) is connected with the lower part (22). A rack and pinion steering mechanism (10) includes a rack bar (180) movable axially in opposite directions to effect steering movement of the steerable wheels of the vehicle. The steering mechanism (10) includes a chamber (80) through which the rack bar (180) extends. The chamber is defined by surfaces of the upper and lower parts (22, 24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Zugang Huang, Stephen J. Green
  • Patent number: 6783158
    Abstract: A vehicle including a body frame (20) commonly used on a two-wheeled automotive vehicle (10), a three-wheeled automotive vehicle (140), and a four-wheeled automotive vehicle (200). A head pipe (23) is formed on a front frame (22) of the body frame. The head pipe has an adjustment mechanism (60) for adjusting a position and an angle of a center line (A1) of a steering shaft (42) relative to a center line (C1) of the head pipe. A rear frame (24) of the body frame has rear walls formed with pluralities of rear mount portions (27) to allow rear units (91, 171, 265) of different kinds for the two-, three- and four-wheeled automotive vehicles to be selectively mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsuo Nakagawa, Takashi Ozeki, Seiichi Kurohori, Shinji Takayanagi, Hiroyoshi Kobayashi, Yoshiyuki Horii, Takuya Tagami
  • Patent number: 6783159
    Abstract: A compact retractable label assembly includes a flexible label tongue and a guide bracket for receiving the label tongue. The guide bracket is adapted to mount to the inside of an enclosure surface such that the label tongue may be pulled from a mouth of the bracket to the outside of the enclosure surface. The guide bracket has a curved profile so that the label tongue bends when it is pushed inside the enclosure. The bend in the excursion path of the label tongue preserves space inside the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Erick J. Tuttle, Arlen L. Roesner
  • Patent number: 6783160
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to a solderless metallic-encased, polymeric-lined connector system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Mercury Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: William W. Rowley
  • Patent number: 6783161
    Abstract: A connection device for a fluid duct includes a metallic holding body, a sleeve-like insert body, and a synthetic resin retaining ring. The metallic holding body is formed with a socket having an inner periphery formed with an annular groove. The sleeve-like insert body has an outer periphery and is configured to be plugged into the socket. The synthetic resin retaining ring is fixed in the annular groove so that the retaining ring will bear axially against the holding body. At least one projection is provided on the outer periphery of the insert body for biting into the retaining ring upon insertion of the insert body into the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventor: Wolfgang Halama
  • Patent number: 6783162
    Abstract: A latch for a door, the door being movable between an open position and a closed position with the latch securing the door in the closed position. The latch includes a base plate that is mounted to the door. The latch further includes a housing secured to the base plate and a rotating member disposed between the housing and the base plate. A knob is pivotably mounted to the rotating member and extends through the housing. The knob is operable between a folded position and an extended position. When in the knob is in folded position, the knob is received within a recessed area of the housing and is restricted from movement. When the knob is in the extended position, the knob is extended from the recessed area and operable to rotate the rotating member to slide a bolt between the bolt extended position, where the door is locked, and a bolt retracted position, where the door is unlocked and can freely move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Mike Harper
  • Patent number: 6783163
    Abstract: A floating receiving mechanism is disclosed for use with a handle assembly including a base member defining a central opening therethrough, and a substantially U-shaped keeper having a base portion defining a central opening therethrough and two arms extending from the base portion. The keeper is attached to the base plate so that the keeper central opening is substantially aligned with the base plate central opening and so that the keeper is slidable laterally relative to the base plate. The keeper is configured for releasably retaining an extending portion of the handle assembly. The extending portion may be a member such as a keeper stud. Other receiving mechanisms and related handle latch assemblies are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Dennis Sadler
  • Patent number: 6783164
    Abstract: An expandable trailer is designed for transportation and use of satellite communication related electronic equipment. The trailer has a generally horizontal support frame with an upper surface defining a floor of the trailer. A pair of spaced apart generally vertical side walls extend upwardly from the support frame and define an interior transport area between the walls. An expansion module is supported in an opening in one of the side walls. The expansion module has a vertical front panel and rear panel with inboard edges and outboard edges. The panels are spaced apart to define the front and rear of the expansion module. A generally vertical side panel extends between the outboard edges of the front and rear panels and has an upper edge and a lower edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Veridian ERIM International, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Thomas Bortell
  • Patent number: 6783165
    Abstract: A drive mechanism unit (1) for moving a cover (9) in an motor vehicle comprises a motor (2) for driving a flexible shaft (3) and a gearing (4) for converting the rotation of the shaft (3) into a translation of a drive element (7) connected to the carrier, wherein the carrier is provided for deflecting the cover (9). The space required for installation was kept to a minimum. The drive is designed such that the cover (9) is extended and retracted in a uniform fashion. Mounting is quick and simple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Beatrix Gross
    Inventor: Horst Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6783166
    Abstract: A guide mechanism includes a moving member supported by a supporting base frame and moving along a predetermined path with respect to the supporting base frame. A guide projection provided in the moving member is inserted in a guide groove provided in the supporting base frame and moves through the guide groove for guiding the moving member along the path. The guide groove is formed of a pair of thin wall members disposed with a predetermined space therebetween. When the guide projection is in the guide groove, a front end of the guide projection does not contact a bottom surface of the guide groove, and the guide projection slides in a state that a base surface of the guide projection linearly contacts edges of the thin wall members constituting the guide groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Masakatsu Kato
  • Patent number: 6783167
    Abstract: A safety sensing and/or release system for opening a closed compartment of a vehicle comprises a sensing element for sensing the presence of an occupant within the closed compartment of the vehicle, a control responsive to the sensing element, and a release system. The control is operable to provide an output signal in response to a detection of an occupant by the sensing element. The control may be selectably locked to limit providing an unintentional output signal. The release system is operable to open the closed compartment in response to the output signal of the control. The control may be selectably locked in response to an input signal indicative of at least one of the vehicle ignition being on and the vehicle moving, in order to prevent the compartment from unexpectedly opening while the vehicle is moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Robert L. Bingle, Roger L. Koops, Niall R. Lynam, Kevin C. McCarthy, Eric J. Hoekstra, Kenneth Schofield, Eugenie V. Uhlmann, Gimtong Teowee, Brent J. Bos, David W. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6783168
    Abstract: An arm assembly for a cover of a truck includes a base, an intermediate segment, and an extension. The base is pivotably connected to the truck proximate a top of a cab of the truck. The intermediate segment is pivotably connected to the base, and the extension is connected to the cover and pivotably connected to the intermediate segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Timothy K. Searfoss
  • Patent number: 6783169
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a vehicle bed includes first and second cover members and a pair of cover mounts constructed to mount the cover members to the vehicle bed. The cover mounts enable the cover members to be moved between (a) a closed position wherein the cover members extend between the side walls of the vehicle bed to close the upwardly facing opening of the vehicle bed, (b) an open position wherein the cover members extend upwardly from the side walls to uncover the upwardly facing opening of the vehicle bed, and (c) a storage position wherein the cover members are retracted downwardly from the open position into the vehicle bed. At least one motor is operatively connected to the cover members to move the cover members at least between the closed and open positions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Webasto Sunroofs, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig T. Marx, Thomas J. Apfel, II, Nicanor P. Cantu, III, Thomas J. Mack, Francois De Gaillard
  • Patent number: 6783170
    Abstract: A system and method for modifying a rear cargo compartment of an automotive vehicle includes a decklid capable of enclosing for storage the vehicle's backlite. With or without to backlite enclosed within the decklid, the decklid may remain attached to the vehicle in its conventional position, may be moved to a stowage location within the vehicle, or may be detached from the automotive vehicle entirely and stowed in an external location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Laurens Van Den Acker, Jonathan Vallis, Dennis Flick
  • Patent number: 6783171
    Abstract: When a sealing portion at an end portion of an extruded weatherstrip is cut out by a fixed length and a main body and a lip are set on a metal mold for die forming, concave portions are formed on a lower surface and side surface of the main body to be set on the metal mold, and are latched, respectively with convex portions of the metal mold to restrict movement. Thus a problem in external appearance caused by movement or bending of a part of the main body including the lip due to a molding pressure is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignees: Nishikawa Rubber Co., Ltd., Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Minoru Teishi, Takashi Yamashita, Takashi Ogawa
  • Patent number: 6783172
    Abstract: A roof structure of a motor vehicle with a movable front cover mechanism for closing or at least partially clearing a front roof opening and with a rear hatch or rear window which is connected to the front cover mechanism and which can be swiveled up around its front edge for clearing a rear roof opening. The front cover mechanism is supported on a module frame which is assigned to the front roof opening and which is attached to the body-mounted roof frame. On a rear transverse frame part of the module frame is a swivel bearing mechanism for permitting the swiveling up and down of the rear hatch or rear window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbH
    Inventor: Francois De Gaillard
  • Patent number: 6783173
    Abstract: An air conditioning duct to be positioned on a rear surface of a vehicular instrument panel (10). The duct (20) allows an air conditioning duct with complicated share to be formed of a plurality of separate cylindrical members (30 to 60). Joining the plurality of cylindrical members with a plurality of fixture members (71) allows the air conditioning duct to be obtained. The cylindrical members have leg portions (39A to 39C, 45, 55, 65) designed to be mounted to the instrument panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Nakamura, Jun Katakabe
  • Patent number: 6783174
    Abstract: A cable drive device for moving a vehicle component, such as a vehicle sliding roof, includes a cable that is guided in an endless loop and whose ends of which are wound up on two winding drums that are driven in the same direction. An intermediate section of the cable is looped around a further winding drum, thereby dividing the cable into two branches having entrainment elements provided thereon for engaging the vehicle component to be moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Böhm, Rainer Grimm
  • Patent number: 6783175
    Abstract: Presented is a deployable and contractible cushion structure for detachable attachment about the waist of a user, formed from a unitary flat piece of preferably woven fabric that is folded and sewn to provide in its completed form three separate pockets. In a first or primary pocket is contained a relatively thick elastically resilient cushion pad formed from open or closed cell polyurethane or other suitable synthetic resinous material. A second pocket, substantially in the same plane as the primary pocket and opening in the direction of the open end of the primary pocket, is provided to contain the elastically resilient cushion pad when it and the primary pocket in which it is contained are rolled into a generally cylindrical roll to fit within the second pocket. A flap is provided to retain the rolled elastically resilient cushion pad in contracted form when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Jeanne M. Henderson
  • Patent number: 6783176
    Abstract: A bicycle seat that provides increased comfort during extended periods of use, due to a redistribution of the rider's weight. The primary components of the bicycle seat include a support shell/frame, a lightweight layer of padding, and a vinyl or plastic outer cover. A two-part front end section is designed to provide support for the upper, back portion of the rider's thighs. Allowing the thighs to bear part of the rider's weight, thereby reducing the amount left to be supported by the buttocks and groin area, is a novel aspect of the present invention. This front end section, combined with the angle of the seat's mounting on the bicycle's frame, is such that, when pedaling, the inside of the rider's thighs do not rub against the front end of the seat. The relatively broad tail section is designed to support the entire posterior of the rider in a manner that eliminates the rocking motion normally associated with the pedaling of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Norman N. Ladson, III
  • Patent number: 6783177
    Abstract: A supporting member is for supporting a headrest. A pressure receiving member is attached to the supporting member. The pressure receiving member has a pressure receiving portion at a lower end thereof for a load to be applied to. A frame member is attached with the supporting member to be pivoted with the headrest. The frame member is a pair of side frames or an upper-cross member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Ikeda Bussan Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Nakano
  • Patent number: 6783178
    Abstract: An electric seat in which other members are prevented from being damaged and thus safety is ensured. When a current consumed by the leg rest motor during the downward pivotal movement of the leg rest is larger than the reference value for the downward movement of the leg rest, the switch for the motor is opened. In a case where the leg rest is pivoted downward with a baggage placed in the operating space of the leg rest in the bed position, when the leg rest abuts against the baggage, a large load is applied to the leg rest and a current that exceeds the reference value for the downward movement of the leg rest flows in the leg rest motor, the switch is opened, the respective motors are actuated, and the downward pivotal movement of the leg rest is stopped. Therefore, the leg rest is prevented from pressing the baggage unnecessarily, thereby preventing the baggage from being damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Mineba Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Taro Kasahara
  • Patent number: 6783179
    Abstract: An elevation chair having a seat which is elevated by a driving mechanism, provided with a seat frame and a seat main body attached to the frame as to incline forward, the seat main body has an oscillation mechanism to automatically incline the seat main body forward at a predetermined height, and an angle detecting means to stop the driving mechanism when the seat main body reaches a predetermined inclination angle. And, the elevation chair has an automatic braking mechanism which releases wheels when a footrest attached to a position above a front wheel is laid to be horizontal, and brakes the wheel when the footrest is standing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Komura Corporation
    Inventors: Seiichi Komura, Takashi Kaneda, Katuhiko Yamashita, Kazuya Adachi, Isamu Mizuseki
  • Patent number: 6783180
    Abstract: This invention is an improved tilt lock device for chairs having a spindle and piston for raising and lowering the chair. The improvement consists of a pawl plate for engagement with the piston where the pawl plate is integral with a locking shaft that extends from the chair. The pawl plate contains a barrier rib that is disposed in the upper surface of the plate and is compressively biased by a torsion spring extension. Axial displacement of the locking shaft is precluded when the torsion spring is in bias engagement with the barrier rib. To overcome the bias, the locking shaft requires the application of an axial external force and remains locked until such force overcomes the bias of the barrier rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Phillip Young
  • Patent number: 6783181
    Abstract: A buoyant pool chair supports a swimmer in an upright, semi-reclining or sitting position while the chair is floating in a swimming pool. Interconnected rigid frame members collectively form an open chair frame including a seat frame, left and right arm frames attached to the seat frame, and a back frame pivotally coupled to the seat frame. The back frame can be manually rotated to a folded, minimum profile position in which the chair back overlaps the chair seat, for example for shipping and storage, and rotatable to an upright, fixed position to accommodate lounging in a semi-reclining or sitting position. Stop apparatus on the chair frame is engagable with one of the seat frame and the back frame for fixing the back frame in the upright position, and releasable therefrom to permit closing rotational movement of the back frame to the folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Texas Recreation Corporation
    Inventors: Robert S. Scheurer, Michael L. Perry
  • Patent number: 6783182
    Abstract: A modular furniture system includes a first leg having an elongated top edge extending between an inside face and an opposing outside face. A first engagement channel is recessed along the top edge of first leg. A second leg is spaced apart from the first leg and has an elongated top edge extending between an inside face and an opposing outside face. A first engagement channel is also recessed along the top edge of the second leg. A seat frame includes a first side rail, a spaced apart second side rail, and at least one brace extending therebetween. The first side rail has a lower edge received within the first engagement channel of the first leg and the second side rail has a lower edge received within the first engagement channel of the second leg so as to removably secure the seat frame to the first and second leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Michael S. Gallagher
  • Patent number: 6783183
    Abstract: A chair includes a frame body having a leg unit, a front seat rod member and a backrest rod member disposed above and connected to the leg unit. A flexible web is formed with a front seat sleeve sleeved on the front seat rod member, and a backrest sleeve sleeved on a base rod portion of the backrest rod member. The web is divided into a seat part extending rearwardly from the front seat sleeve, and a backrest part extending upwardly and angled away from the seat part to connect with the backrest sleeve. The backrest part cooperates with the seat part to define a corner therebetween. A string interconnects the corner of the web and one of the leg unit and the backrest rod member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Chun-Hsien Tseng
  • Patent number: 6783184
    Abstract: A molded article comprising (a) a rigid support, e.g., a rigid seat support (10), having a plurality of perforations, and (b) a molded flexible hollow thermoplastic member (20), e.g., a flexible thermoplastic seat cushion, fixedly attached thereto is described. A portion of the flexible hollow member (b) extends through at least some of the perforations of the rigid support (a), embedding the edges of the perforations therein. The flexible material extending through the perforations forms an attachment element, e.g., an attachment head, that serves to fixedly attach the flexible hollow member (b) to the rigid support (a). Also described is a method of preparing the molded article of the present invention, in which the flexible hollow member (b) is fixedly attached to the rigid support (a) during the blow molding formation of hollow member (b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Bayer Polymers LLC
    Inventors: Gerald A. DiBattista, Christopher Cooper
  • Patent number: 6783185
    Abstract: A bib and method for constructing a bib designed for attachment to a vehicular seat belt is disclosed. The embodiments disclosed and illustrated protect the clothing of a driver or passenger of a motorized vehicle from any spilled food and/or beverage while in a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventors: Eugene Sutton, Irwin Silberman
  • Patent number: 6783186
    Abstract: The twist-free belt is so designed to eliminate the frustrating fumbling with a twisted seat belt and the resulting distraction that probably has caused many accidents. The twist-free seat belt avoids this defect by incorporating in its construction a slightly semicircular curved belt, causing it to resist twisting. The curve would be side to side, across the width of the belt. The flexible curve would flatten when pushed against the body, allowing a comfortable fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Leo Francis McGanty
  • Patent number: 6783187
    Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle includes a main frame which has a main-frame longitudinal axis. First and second powered wheel/suspension assemblies are connected to the main frame near respective first and second ends of the main frame. A steering system includes a hand-held steering controller, in an operator's cab, which turns the first and second wheel/suspension assemblies simultaneously and in opposite directions. A dump box and hydraulic dump box hoist mechanism are supported by the main frame. The operator's cab is supported along a transverse cab axis, perpendicular to the main-frame longitudinal axis, at a fixed longitudinal position along the main frame. A television-based pathway monitoring system includes a camera cluster and multiple viewing screens in the operator's cab. The multiple viewing screens are positioned in the operator's cab such that an operator need not change one's directional orientation when the vehicle moves in opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Michael S. Parsons
  • Patent number: 6783188
    Abstract: Provided is a method of fitting a tire-and-wheel assembled body to an axle, which is capable of resolving imbalance in a state of fitting an assembled body including a tire and a wheel to an axle. In this fitting method, a tire is fitted to a wheel, and then core positions of fastening holes are, or a core position of a hub hole is, adjusted in the wheel to minimize an amount of eccentricity of an assembled body including the tire and the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiko Kogure, Tatsuo Suzuki, Shinji Seimiya, Eiji Saito
  • Patent number: 6783189
    Abstract: A noise abatement ring having a low coefficient of friction is captured in an annular channel on the inner face of a wheel cover and abuts a vehicle wheel when the wheel cover is mounted to the wheel. The wheel cover is assembled by registering radial tabs formed on a wall of the channel and spaced from the base of the channel with notches formed in the ring and seating the ring into the channel. Thereafter, the ring is rotated relative to the wheel cover into a captive position, wherein the tabs and notches are no longer registered and with the tabs overlying reduced thickness stepped portions of the ring. A leaf spring latch, formed in one piece with the ring, seats into a detent on the inner face of the wheel cover to prevent rotation of the ring from the captive position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Zanini Tennessee, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin E. Russell, Richard McClanahan