Patents Issued in March 1, 2007
  • Publication number: 20070045994
    Abstract: An air bag cover assembly including an air bag deployment concentrator such as a chute and first and second integrally hinged air bag doors is provided wherein a tear seam is located both inside and outside a channel of the chute. The tear seam interconnects the air bag doors to allow selective air bag deployment through a weakened area formed by the tear seam and portions of the film sheet immediately adjacent the weakened area. The assembly also includes first and second sets of hinges for hingedly connecting the first and second air bag doors, respectively, to a front panel both inside and outside the channel to facilitate pivotal movement of the air bag doors away from the air bag to allow deployment of the air bag through the channel, through the weakened area and through the portions of the film sheet during impact of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: New Venture Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Darius Preisler
  • Publication number: 20070045995
    Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10) includes an inflatable occupant protection device (18) and a member (20) that defines a deployment opening (22) through which the inflatable occupant protection device (18) is inflatable. The vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10) also includes a cover (30) having an attachment portion (34) and a deployment door portion (36). The attachment portion (34) is securable to the member (20) for positioning the deployment door portion (36) for closing the deployment opening (22). The cover (30) also includes a rupturable portion (134, 136, and 156) that ruptures for enabling inflation of the inflatable occupant protection device (18) through the deployment opening (22). At least a part of the rupturable portion (134, 136, and 156) is formed at a union of the attachment portion (34) and the deployment door portion (36).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Angelo Adler, Robert Debbs
  • Publication number: 20070045996
    Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel includes a gas bag module (16) and an immovably fastened component (18), in particular a shield, adjacent to the gas bag module (16). The vehicle steering wheel further includes at least one separate elastic positioning element (22) which establishes the position of the gas bag module (16) relative to the adjacent component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Ralph Frisch
  • Publication number: 20070045997
    Abstract: An airbag and an airbag apparatus includes a vent hole operable to close or open to a small extent until a passenger crashes into the airbag, and open or close to a large extent when the passenger crashes into the airbag. An interior of an airbag is partitioned into a first chamber at a center and a second chamber which surrounds the first chamber by an inner panel. A rear panel includes a vent hole for communicating the second chamber and the outside of the airbag. A lid member configured to cover the vent hole may be disposed on an outer surface of the rear panel. A tether may connect the lid member to the inner panel through the vent hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: TAKATA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Abe, Masayoshi Kumagai
  • Publication number: 20070045998
    Abstract: A driver leg restraint apparatus is disposed on a lower side of a steering column. The driver leg restraint apparatus includes an airbag upwardly inflatable in a vicinity of a lower surface of a steering column cover, and a protection cloth attached to the airbag for covering a top part of the airbag opposite to a car key device when the airbag is inflated. In the inflated condition, the protection cloth is positioned on the top part of the airbag to have a space between the protection cloth and the top part of the airbag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: TAKATA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Daisuke Kashiwagi
  • Publication number: 20070045999
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) includes at least one inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) including a first portion (50) inflatable to cover a first portion (20) of a vehicle and a second portion (52) inflatable to cover a second portion (30) of a vehicle. A single inflator (70) provides inflation fluid to inflate the protection device (14). A first conduit (52) has a portion terminating in the first portion (50) of the protection device (14). A second conduit (62) has a portion terminating in the second portion (60) of the protection device (14). The first and second conduits (52 and 62) are adapted to move relative to each other from a first condition in which the conduits are positioned for installation in the vehicle (12) to a second condition in which the conduits are positioned next to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Al Saberan, Joseph Popek, Ali Bakhsh, Daniel Sutherland, Paul Bowers, Michael White
  • Publication number: 20070046000
    Abstract: An arrangement structure of an air bag device that is provided on a panel in the vicinity of a window of a vehicle includes: an air bag; a first cover that covers a cabin interior side of the air bag; a second cover that is joined to the first cover directly or by a intermediate member; and a lining that has a notch portion of substantially the same size as the first cover and that is provided on the cabin interior side of the panel; wherein the air bag in a folded state is housed in a space formed by the first cover and the second cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sato, Fumiharu Ochiai
  • Publication number: 20070046001
    Abstract: According to the inflation of the curtain, its tip portion moves away from the first window side and comes to engages with support portions. At the same time, a tether moves from the side of the window side to the support portions and comes to be positioned across the window portion. Thereby, the window portion can be properly covered by the curtain airbag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Motoharu Hirata
  • Publication number: 20070046002
    Abstract: An open-looped rim portion which results when an upper part thereof is open is provided on a steering wheel, and airbags of an airbag apparatus are accommodated in a pad portion lying inside of the rim portion. Then, when an impact of a predetermined value or greater is applied to a front end of a vehicle, the individual airbags are deployed by injecting the gas from an inflator. In addition, when an occupant is captured by the first airbag which is so deployed, the second airbag applies a reaction force which is directed to the rear of the vehicle so as to resist a pressure applied to the first airbag by the occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuaki Bito
  • Publication number: 20070046003
    Abstract: A first airbag apparatus of the present invention has an airbag module, which includes an airbag and an inflator, and a displacement mechanism, which displaces the airbag module. The displacement mechanism displaces the airbag module from an original position to a predetermined position when a collision of the vehicle is predicted and displaces the airbag module from the predetermined position to the original position when the predicted collision is avoided. A second airbag apparatus of the present invention has the airbag module and the displacement mechanism, which displaces a support member. The support member displaces the airbag from the original position to the predetermined position before the airbag is deployed. The deployed airbag is supported between the support body that is displaced to the predetermined position and an occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenji Mori, Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Yuji Kuriyama, Tadashi Yamamoto, Toru Koyama, Toshinori Tanase, Masakazu Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20070046004
    Abstract: A first processing circuit determines a collision of a vehicle based on an output from a sensor for detecting a collision of the vehicle. A second processing circuit outputs a signal to deploy an airbag based on an output from the first processing circuit. A communication unit controls information communication between the first processing circuit and an electronic control unit outside the airbag system. A first power supply unit generates a first driving voltage for driving the first and second processing circuits based on a voltage of an outside power supply. The first power supply unit includes backup power supply unit that supplies a backup voltage when the voltage of the outside power supply falls. A second power supply unit supplies a second driving voltage to the communication unit based on an output of the first power supply unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: FUJITSU TEN LIMITED
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Komaki, Yasushi Tani, Kazuaki Matsuda
  • Publication number: 20070046005
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator including a housing formed by a closure shell and a diffuser shell having a gas discharge port, a combustion chamber provided inside the housing and charged with a gas generating agent, an ignition device to ignite and burn the gas generating agent inside the combustion chamber, a cylindrical filter disposed to face the gas discharge port and having an annular upper surface press-contacting a ceiling surface of the housing, a retainer disposed inside the combustion chamber to support the cylindrical filter, the retainer being substantially a cylinder, having a larger diameter portion and a smaller diameter portion, that is provided with a vent hole, as well as an annular surface portion provided between the larger diameter portion and the smaller diameter portion, an outer peripheral surface of the larger diameter portion abutting against an inner wall surface of the housing before activation and press-contacting the inner wall surface of the housing in activatio
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Teppei Hanano, Takashi Okuyama
  • Publication number: 20070046006
    Abstract: The present invention provides gas generator including a module case forming a housing having a gas discharge port and including a combustion chamber therein, the combustion chamber accommodating an igniter and a gas generating agent inside a combustion chamber housing, an opening, for discharging gas, being generated in the combustion chamber housing when the gas generating agent is ignited and burnt to generate gas by activation of the igniter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Katsuda, Mikio Yabuta
  • Publication number: 20070046007
    Abstract: An airbag assembly includes an airbag and a strap wrapped around the airbag to retain the airbag in a folded configuration prior to deployment. The strap includes a plurality of apertures for securing the strap to a support structure and a plurality of weakened areas at which the strip will break during deployment of the airbag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Javier Zarazua
  • Publication number: 20070046008
    Abstract: A gas bag for a vehicle occupant restraint system has a pre-cut section forming a lower part, and an upper part connected to the lower part. The pre-cut section forming the lower part, when spread out flat, is substantially one of trapezoidal and ring segment-shaped, and the lower part is funnel-shaped in the inflated state of the gas bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Markus Keutz
  • Publication number: 20070046009
    Abstract: The air bag is provided with a non-inflatable part, an inflatable part and a coupling part. The coupling part is made by providing a slit portion in a part of the non-inflatable part, and the coupling part and non-inflatable part are joined together continuously at a connecting end portion so as to form an integral structure. The slit portion is provided in a position immediately before a terminal end on the side of the connecting end portion with a curved section for scattering a load imparted to the connecting end portion. The slit portion is further provided at the terminal end on the side of the connecting end portion of the coupling part with a substantially circular hole-like section for scattering a load imparted to the connecting end portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wataru Miura, Taizo Suemitsu, Yasuo Ochiai
  • Publication number: 20070046010
    Abstract: An automobile door bracket includes an attachment section and a corrugated section. The door bracket is placed within an automobile door assembly to function as a side impact countermeasure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Haba, Chaman Sahu, Behrooz Mehdian, Mohammed Naim
  • Publication number: 20070046011
    Abstract: The invention provides a static-type antiskid counter weight apparatus which is used in a cargo compartment of a motor vehicle for improving traction of such motor vehicle during adverse weather conditions. Such cargo compartment having a bed, a pair of upwardly disposed side walls, each having a bracket attached thereto adjacent each end thereof, and a pair of wheel wells. The apparatus includes a pair of panels each positioned in a vertical plane adjacent a respective one of such pair of side walls and having a cut-out which is sized to fit over the wheel well. A system of locking karabiners and U-shaped retainers is provided for removably securing each panel to the respective side wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Jamie Bovy
  • Publication number: 20070046012
    Abstract: The Highway Nose For Fuel Economy increases a vehicles aerodynamics during highway speeds. The arrow, cone or nose shape that it forms at the front of the vehicle expands outward where space is not an issue and yet will contract back in against the vehicle when maneuverability is needed, as in city driving and when parked. Using any variety of materials, preferably lightweight and firm enough to withstand the wind velocity of highway speeds and using a means (7) for protracting the device belonging to a group comprising compressed air, hydraulics, electrical or even just manually. As well, it can be an airbag, which fills up with compressed air and forms a sort of airplane nose shape or it could be like a modified umbrella-like contraption. So, as soon as the driver gets on the highway, he flips a switch, and out it comes and then, when he gets off the highway, he flips the switch and it retracts back up against the bumper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Joseph Morgese
  • Publication number: 20070046013
    Abstract: A steering wheel is securely mounted on a bracket which is fixed to a reinforcement of a vehicle via a rod which extends along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle in such a manner as to move relatively thereto. A bellows-like member is interposed between a seat portion of the rod and the bracket, so that the bellows-like member is contractible along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle when a predetermined magnitude of impact is applied to the steering wheel from a rear side of the vehicle by an occupant who is caused to move forwards in association with the application of an external force from the front of the vehicle due to the vehicle being involved in a frontal collision or the like, whereby the impact so applied to the steering wheel is absorbed by the bellows-like member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuaki Bito
  • Publication number: 20070046014
    Abstract: An occupant-restraint system is provided for use in a vehicle. The system includes an extensible restraint strap and a mechanism for increasing the length of the extensible strap during sudden vehicle stoppage or slowdown.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Richard Glover, Steven Oltman, Richard McVicker
  • Publication number: 20070046015
    Abstract: The disclosed seat belt apparatus can comprises a seat belt, a first winding-up mechanism for winding up the seat belt from the first end side of the seat belt, a second winding-up mechanism for winding up the seat belt from the second end side of the seat belt. The first and second winding-up mechanism are configured to operate such that after a buckle release, a first portion of the seat belt is first wound up and a second portion of the seat belt is then wound up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Koji Tanaka, Koji Inuzuka
  • Publication number: 20070046016
    Abstract: To provide a wheel fender flap that is less susceptible to swinging during the use thereof and capable of retaining an appealing feature, the wheel fender flap arranged to confront a vehicle wheel, includes a generally elongated flap body supported by a vehicle body structure and a reinforcement member separate from the flap body, but used to increase the rigidity of the flap body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Yukinori Fujimoto, Hideo Beppu, Katsuji Fujii
  • Publication number: 20070046017
    Abstract: A note pad is disclosed, which has removable sheets and a note pad backer with magnetic properties. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing note pads having removable sheets and a magnetic note pad backer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: P.C.I. PAPER CONVERSIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Lloyd Withers
  • Publication number: 20070046018
    Abstract: The invention is a method of advertising on postcard that divides a postcard into horizontal or vertical sections. Each of the said sections is ad space that is individually available for purchase by advertisers, who may submit ads to a publisher for printing in the purchased ad spaces. Contents of the postcard may direct readers to view additional details on each ad by logging on to a website.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Chidiebere Ochi-Okorie
  • Publication number: 20070046019
    Abstract: A disclosed shipping method allows a sender to send a physical letter or package through a regular postal mail service, said letter or package being addressed simply to an e-mail address (such as “anyone@example.com”). Licensing information may be obtained through http://www.inventerprise.com.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Shelton Harrison
  • Publication number: 20070046020
    Abstract: A conduit for use in association with an air conditioning or refrigeration system. Conduit has first and second conduit portions, and swivel providing fluid communication between first and second conduit portions. Swivel permits rotational movement of the first conduit portion relative to the second conduit portion. Swivel is constrained to prevent linear movement between the first and second portions at the swivel. Conduit also has a fitting for external connection of the conduit to a pressure port of air conditioning or refrigeration system, fitting for fluid communication with the first and second conduit portions. The conduit provides sealed fluid communication from first conduit portion, swivel and second conduit portion to air conditioning or refrigeration system when fitting is connected to air conditioning or refrigeration system. There are also conduit adapters, injection hose assemblies, and charging manifolds with swivels, and methods of utilizing such conduits and swivels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Jack Brass, Steven Knowles, Gregory McEwan
  • Publication number: 20070046021
    Abstract: A flexible downspout connector apparatus includes a flexible extension pipe, and a first adapter member and a second adapter member, both nested together at one end of the pipe. The first adapter member includes a connection portion for connecting to a downspout outlet end of a first size, and the second adapter member includes a connection portion for connecting to a downspout outlet of a second size. The second adapter member is releasably telescoped with respect to the first adapter member and may be left in place or easily removed at the option of the user to accommodate for different downspout outlet end sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Carole Crawford
  • Publication number: 20070046022
    Abstract: A stainless-steel fitting for resin tubes, which easily and securely connects resin tubes and is also inexpensive, is provided. Resin tube 9 is inserted into insert part 8, provided on fitting main body 1; nut 3 is screwed onto fitting main body 1 and sleeve 2 is moved; in the pipe fitting which presses and locks resin tube 9 between insert part 8 and sleeve 2, a step part, composed of large diameter part 2a and small diameter part 2b, is formed on the outer surface of the sleeve part 2; the length of small diameter part 2b is that wherein the end-face of the small diameter part 2b protrudes outward from nut 3, when sleeve 2 is inserted into nut 3; and nut 3 and sleeve 2 are integrated by pressing and spreading the inner diameter of this end-face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Mamoru Asakawa
  • Publication number: 20070046023
    Abstract: A connecting structure of water transfer pipeline, including a connecting member having a central flow way, a ball section at one end and an insertion end at the other end. An outer collar is fitted around the insertion end. An inner circumference of the outer collar is formed with an annular groove in which a C-shaped retainer ring is inlaid. The retainer ring abuts against an annular rib of the connecting member. A water pipe is fitted around the insertion end of the connecting member to clamp the C-shaped retainer ring, whereby the connecting member, the outer collar and the water pipe are connected with each other. A ball seat formed with a central passage and having a tapered lower opening is fitted around the ball section of the connecting member. An upper opening of the ball seat is formed with an inner thread. An upper retainer collar is fitted around the other side of the ball section. A water transfer pipe with outer thread is screwed in the inner thread of the ball seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Den-Lu Hung
  • Publication number: 20070046024
    Abstract: A fluid connector includes: a first part formed with a first annular groove and having a first inner ring, and a first engaging member disposed coaxially with the first inner ring and formed with a neck; a second part formed with a second annular groove that is aligned with the first annular groove, and having a second inner ring sealingly connected to the first inner ring, and a second engaging member disposed coaxially with the second inner ring, and formed with a shoulder which engages the neck; and first and second conduits respectively connected to the first and second parts and in fluid communication with the first and second annular grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Yuan-Ching Liao
  • Publication number: 20070046025
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a pipefitting and a corresponding assembling structure thereof. The pipefitting has male threads and the corresponding assembling structure has female threads located in positions corresponding to the male threads of the pipefitting such that the pipefitting and the corresponding assembling structure can be assembled together. The improvement of the present invention comprises a first O-ring sleeved onto a front end of the male threads of the pipefitting; a circular section formed on a back end of the male threads; a second O-ring sleeved onto the circular section; and an inner section formed in the corresponding assembling structure in a position corresponding to the circular section of the pipefitting for tightly touching the second O-ring, thereby preventing leakage caused by hydraulic burst pressure inside the corresponding assembling structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Chuan Shen, Tien Lee
  • Publication number: 20070046026
    Abstract: A sealed, tube-to-tube connection is made up of a first tubing member, a second tubing member and an elastomeric O-ring, the connection being free of any separate member to maintain the first tubing member, the second tubing member and the elastic O-ring in assembled relationship. The first tubing member is provided with an outwardly projecting annular bead at a location inwardly of a free or distal end of the first tubing member, and an outer diameter pilot portion of reduced diameter between the annular bead and the free or distal end of the first tubing member. The second tubing member is provided with an enlarged diameter end portion, a first enlarged portion axially inwardly of the enlarged diameter end portion and an annular shoulder joining the first enlarged diameter portion and the enlarged diameter portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Billy Wells, Thomas Fellabaum
  • Publication number: 20070046027
    Abstract: A wave energy converter (WEC) for converting energy contained in surface waves on a body of water to useful energy comprises two floats movable relative to one another in response to passing surface waves. Both floats comprise expandable outer envelopes which have been expanded into full and firm shape. In one process, expansion is obtained by filling the floats with fluids, for example, air and water. The fluids can be pumped into the floats, or the floats can be mechanically expanded in the presence of the fluids for self filling owing to pressure differentials. In one embodiment, a float envelope can comprise of plurality of end to end connected length sections in nested or telescoped relationship. Expansion is obtained by pulling the telescoped sections out from one and other, for example, by pumping fluids into the telescoped sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: David Stewart, James Gerber
  • Publication number: 20070046028
    Abstract: A turbine integrated within a hydrofoil extracts energy from a free-flowing motive fluid. In the preferred embodiment, the turbine is of the crossflow variety with runner blades coaxial to the width of the hydrofoil. The foremost edge of the hydrofoil comprises a slot covered by a continuously adjustable gate for controlling the overall drag imposed by the turbine. The hydrofoil mounts to a sailing vessel by means of a gimbal on a structure affixed to the hull, enabling the turbine to optimally respond to changes in direction of the free-flowing motive fluid and facilitating guidance and stability of the vessel. Both axes of the gimbal have a combination of auxiliary generator and motor with a locking mechanism. Engaging the motor and locking mechanism controls the guidance and stability of the overall vessel, and the pitch of the hydrofoil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Andrew Gizara
  • Publication number: 20070046029
    Abstract: A Magnus type wind power generator (A) comprising a horizontal rotary shaft (3) for transmitting torque to a power generating mechanism (2), rotary columns (5) disposed radially of the horizontal rotary shaft (3), driving motors (15) for rotatively driving the respective rotary columns (5) around the axes thereof, in which the relative action between rotation of each rotary column (5) and wind produces Magnus lift, which rotates the horizontal rotary shaft (3) so as to drive the power generating mechanism (2), wherein an air flow means (6) is installed for producing air flows on the outer peripheral surfaces of the rotary columns (5) so as to increase the Magnus lift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Murakami, Jun Ito
  • Publication number: 20070046030
    Abstract: A child proof cover for the control panel of equipment such as audio and video players. The cover has a sheet that attaches to the case of the equipment and extends over the control panel. One end of the sheet is detachably connected to the case above the control panel and the other end of the sheet is connected to the case below the control panel by a latch assembly that includes a safety lock. The latch assembly requires several buttons to be simultaneously depressed to lift the sheet off the control panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: David Crossley
  • Publication number: 20070046031
    Abstract: A latch reinforcing block for engagement with the nose portion of any tilt latch assembly and preferably with the above-mentioned camlock/tilt latch combination, said block comprising a top and bottom and having extending from proximate the top to proximate the bottom there-through fastening portions to fasten said reinforcing block within the track of a preferred window assembly, said reinforcing block having disposed proximate the top thereof at least one cutout, notch or pocket extending towards the bottom and for receipt of a corresponding nose portion of the latch assembly in order to pass loads such as wind loads or the like to the frame section to which the reinforcing block is attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Shaul Goldenberg, Sean Davies
  • Publication number: 20070046032
    Abstract: An animal-resistant latching system for inhibiting animals from accessing food and food containing refuse within containers is disclosed. The device is composed of an access panel containing an opening to which is secured at least one latching members, a cam assembly, a cover, and a bracket. The latching members are positioned so as to inhibit access to the container when the member is in the latched position and allow access to the container when the member is in the unlatched position. The cam assembly communicates with the latching members so as to move the members between the latched and unlatched positions. The cover and bracket are dimensioned and positioned on the access panel in a predetermined manner so as allow human hands access to the cam assembly and unlatch the container while simultaneously inhibiting such access by animals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: David Moore
  • Publication number: 20070046033
    Abstract: A latch structure is installed in a first casing and a second casing. The first casing and the second casing are pivoted together and respectively have an opening and a locked portion. The latch structure includes a locking member, a pressing assembly and at least one elastic member. In this case, the locking member has a first guide portion and a hook portion. The pressing assembly has a pressing member and a connecting member. The pressing member is connected with the connecting member, and a second guide portion is disposed on a surface of the connecting member. The pressing member passes through the opening of the first casing, and the connecting member passes through the first guide portion of the locking member so that the first guide portion is positioned correspondingly with the second guide portion. One side of the elastic member is connected with the pressing assembly and the other side of the elastic member is connected with the first casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Sheng Wangchen
  • Publication number: 20070046034
    Abstract: A foot bolt (10) of a sideways movable sliding door or a similar element (1-3), comprising a part locking the element in the base, such as a pin fitting in the hole in the base and which foot bolt construction further comprising a counterpart (9) in the next element movable beside it, in which counterpart the part (13) in the edge of the preceding element can be fitted so that the adjacent elements get sideways interlocked and that on moving the elements in the opposite direction pushing the last brought element from beside the preceding element opens the locking of the preceding element from the base. The pin fitting in the hole in the base is intended to be manually pressed for instance by the foot in the hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Jouko Urpolahti
  • Publication number: 20070046035
    Abstract: A vehicle door latch includes a latch bolt for engaging a first striker and a drive lever for driving a second striker. Each of the latch bolt and the drive lever have a closed position corresponding to a closed condition of the latch and an intermediate position corresponding to an intermediate condition of the latch in which the latch is not closed, but the first striker is retained by the latch bolt. The latch further includes a pawl for releasably retaining the latch bolt in each of the closed position and the intermediate position and a power actuator capable of driving the drive lever from the intermediate position to the closed position to close the latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Tolley
  • Publication number: 20070046036
    Abstract: The invention broadly comprises an automatic locking assembly, including a rotatable cam arranged to at least indirectly connect to a first component of a sliding access control device and at least one resilient element arranged to urge the cam in a first direction at least partially orthogonal to a plane formed between the components. An axis of rotation for the cam is arranged to displace in the first direction, and the cam is rotatable independent of the displacement. In a locked position, the axis is arranged to displace in the first direction. When the cam is rotated to an unlocked position, the axis is arranged to displace in a second direction at least partially opposite the first direction. The displacement in the first and second directions is with respect to the first component. In some aspects, the cam locks device components or displaces a slide element to lock the components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Bruce Kinsey
  • Publication number: 20070046037
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tray latching device. The tray latching device includes a latch, which has a passage for the insertion of a clasp panel that protrudes from a side of an automobile tray, and a plurality of supporting indentations each formed with a plurality of stepped supporting portions. If a predetermined stroke is applied to the latch and the latch moves along a housing, a heart cam of the latch acts to release a hook panel of the latch from the clasp panel of the tray. The tray latching device further includes a plurality of inertial sensors, which are arranged so that extensions thereof support desired ones of the stepped supporting portions provided in the supporting indentations of the latch. This configuration prevents the inertial sensors from being separated from the latch in the event of an automobile collision, eliminating a risk of unintentional opening of the tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Joung-Hwan Cho
  • Publication number: 20070046038
    Abstract: A compression latch with a folding handle for selectively holding a door closed is disclosed. The latch includes a housing with a cup portion for receiving the handle in the folded down position such that the projection of the latch handle above the exterior surface of the door is minimized in the folded-down position. The handle functions to move a pawl in a combination of rotational and rectilinear movements as the pawl is moved between latched and unlatched positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Richard Schlack, Frederick Stilwell, D. Dale Turner, David Milne, Jeffrey Antonucci
  • Publication number: 20070046039
    Abstract: An apparatus for latching a tailgate to supporting structure of a vehicle generally includes a latch, a keeper, and a member for rotating the keeper relative to the latch. The member is rotatably supported by the tailgate such that the member is rotatable between at least a first position and a second position. The latch includes a latching surface, and the keeper includes a keeper surface configured for engagement with the latching surface. The latch is pivotably coupled to the vehicle supporting structure such that the latch is pivotable between at least a closed position and an opened position. To disengage the latching surface from the keeper surface, the member is rotated from the first position towards the second position, which, in turn, causes the keeper to rotate and to pivotally move the latch from the closed position towards the opened position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: David Kraenzle
  • Publication number: 20070046040
    Abstract: An electronic lock includes a housing, a solenoid, a lock bar, a solenoid cover, and a faceplate. The solenoid is received in and mounted to the housing and the solenoid has a retractable rod being spring biased to a first position when the solenoid is not energized and magnetically moved to a second position when the solenoid is energized. The lock bar is pivotably mounted to a pivot pin, and the pivot pin is mounted with a spring member and fixed to two ends of the housing. The solenoid cover is covered on the solenoid and the faceplate is mounted to the housing. The solenoid cover and the faceplate define a latch bolt cavity. When the solenoid is energized, the retractable rod is withdrawn to the second position, so that the lock bar can be transversely rotated, thereby detaching from a latch bolt and allowing a door to be opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Chen-Fei Chang
  • Publication number: 20070046041
    Abstract: An impact energy management system comprises at least a portion of vehicle structure with an impact energizable structure attached thereto. The impact energizable structure receives impact energy from an obstacle and transfers the impact energy to the vehicle structure, and has a reconfigurable engagement area extending generally vertically with respect to the vehicle structure. The impact energizable structure is reconfigurable from a first position to a second position to increase the engagement area in response to an impact between the impact energizable structure and the obstacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Scott Thomas
  • Publication number: 20070046042
    Abstract: An integrated, single piece upper fascia support member and bumper energy absorber, wherein the upper fascia support member is structured to provide attachments for various attached parts of a motor vehicle, and wherein the upper fascia support member is integrally connected to the bumper energy absorber of the motor vehicle via a load isolator. The load isolator connects the upper fascia support member to the bumper energy absorber in a fixed position relative to each other (assuming relative loading is below a predetermined threshold) and manages a load applied, relatively, to one of the upper fascia support member and the bumper energy absorber such as to cause relative movement, from adversely affecting the other, as, for example, keeping vehicle damage to a minimum in the event of an untoward impact event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Mark Campbell, Daniel Bangala, Darin Evans, Anthony Jackson
  • Publication number: 20070046043
    Abstract: A pedestrian protection apparatus disposed at a front of a vehicle for protecting a pedestrian in the event of a collision between the pedestrian and a front end of the vehicle, the apparatus including: a leg sweep member which is disposed at a lower part of the front end of the vehicle so as to protrude frontward for sweeping a leg portion of the pedestrian; and a fixing mechanism which fixes the leg sweep member to a structural member of the vehicle and which releases the fixation of the leg sweep member to the structural member when an object including the pedestrian advances, by an amount that exceeds a prescribed reference amount, with respect to the vehicle in a backward direction of the vehicle from a position of the front end of the vehicle against which the object has hit upon the collision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: Kojima Press Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kaoru Ito