Patents Issued in March 6, 2007
  • Patent number: 7185897
    Abstract: A runner for a snowmobile ski is fabricated from flat metal plate stock and incorporates mounting features for securing the runner to the ski and a wear strip of a relatively harder material provided on and projecting from a lower surface of the runner body. A quick release mounting system is provided for attaching the runner to the ski, including quick installation and release wedge mounting systems. The thin runner blade and wear strip are of the same thickness and are joined by a brazed joint. The invention contemplates a method of fabricating the runner and a method of mounting the runner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Musselman
  • Patent number: 7185898
    Abstract: A load leveler is disclosed that is used with a nesting type cart having a basket with a tapered front to provide a level surface for safely carrying loads that are longer than the length of the cart basket and must sit on top of the cart basket in order to be transported. The load leveler comprises spaced vertical pieces on top of the larger rear of the tapered basket to restrain a long load from sliding to the side and off the cart basket, and also comprises a pivoting member that is attached to the top of the front of the tapered basket. The pivoting member provides a raised surface for supporting a long load in a horizontal orientation with the top rear of the basket, and also has vertical members for helping restraining a long load from sliding to the side and off the cart. The pivoting member is lowered and rests against the inside of the front wall of the basket to permit nesting of the carts in a known manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventors: Maurice R. Cote, James R. Merrill
  • Patent number: 7185899
    Abstract: A riser cart including a cart support frame, a first swing arm post assembly and a second swing arm post assembly. The cart support frame has a plurality of wheels rotatably attached thereto. The first swing arm post assembly is mounted to the cart support frame. The first swing arm post assembly includes a first swing arm post and a first plurality of swing arms. The first swing arms are rotatable between a storage position and a loading position. The second swing arm post assembly is mounted to the cart support frame. The second swing arm post assembly includes a second swing arm post and a second plurality of swing arms. The second swing arms are rotatable between a storage position and a loading position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Wenger Corporation
    Inventors: Martin E. Thiede, Mark R. Friedrichs
  • Patent number: 7185900
    Abstract: A frame and steering arrangement for a three-wheel vehicle that includes a rigid, open box frame of a durable material. The open box frame includes primary and secondary side rails spaced from each other and joined at opposite ends by a front rail and a rear plate. A plurality of mounting components is provided to mount the vehicle engine on the frame adjacent the front rail. First and second support bars are mounted at lower ends on an upper edge of the primary side rails and the front rail and extend over and forwardly of the front rail of the frame. The first and second support bars at the upper ends are connected to a head tube to mount a front wheel assembly on the frame. A steering assembly is provided having a front steering bar to connect to the front wheel assembly. The steering assembly includes a rear mounting plate pivotal relative to the frame and located rearwardly of the front wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Cleveland T-Trike Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Bogatay, Sr., Randall C. VanHorn
  • Patent number: 7185901
    Abstract: A golf cart spindle to allow mounting of a larger wheel and tire combination on a golf cart. The spindle having a spindle body which includes a top end and a bottom end, the spindle body including a bolt channel between the top end and bottom end of the spindle body, the spindle body sized to fit existing front spindle supports of the golf cart as a replacement to the production spindle. The spindle having a spindle leg extending from the spindle body, the spindle leg having a spindle end attached to the spindle body; the spindle leg having an axle end. The spindle having an axle extending from the axle end of the spindle leg. Whereby, the spindle leg extends from the spindle body such that the axle end and the axle is positioned forward and lower than the original position of the axle of the production spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Steven J. Stimely
  • Patent number: 7185902
    Abstract: A strut suspension can include a shock-absorber/spring assembly having a lower portion mountable at one end to an upper portion of the steering knuckle. A transverse link can be connectible to the steering knuckle at a location opposite from the shock-absorber/spring assembly. A rocker arm can be supportable for pivotal movement from the vehicle body and can be pivotally connectible to the shock-absorber/spring assembly from the steering knuckle. A push rod can be pivotally connectible to the rocker arm and can extend between the rocker arm and the transverse link. The upper end of the shock-absorber/spring assembly can be connected to either an inboard or outboard portion of the rocker arm, while an upper end of the push rod is connected to the other of the outboard or inboard portion of the rocker arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Altair Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Marshall Lloyd
  • Patent number: 7185903
    Abstract: The invention is a suspension spring apparatus for a vehicle wherein the suspension spring maintains a linear alignment irrespective of the position of the articulating strut, where the articulating strut is selected from the group consisting of: control arms, axle arms, solid axles, adjustable spring tensioning devices, and longitudinal struts. The apparatus is comprised of a compression spring mounted between a pivoting lower seat and a pivoting upper seat, where the pivoting lower seat is coupled to the articulating strut and the pivoting upper seat is coupled to a support element. The support element is static, and serves to support the suspension system, and to distribute the forces generated by the suspension system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Jason L. Dove
  • Patent number: 7185904
    Abstract: An auxiliary step is primarily designed for facilitating entering and exiting the bed of a pickup truck. The step includes a shank for coupling a supporting post to an existing trailer hitch. A step is rotationally and linearly slidable on the supporting post for universal adjustment relative to the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventors: John J. Jones, Jason L. Petre
  • Patent number: 7185905
    Abstract: A motorcycle whose front end has a coil-over shock disposed within the head tube and telescopic forks which include linear bearings riding between flats on the outer face of the inner fork tubes and flats on the inner face of the outer fork tubes. The linear bearings ride on hardened steel races, enabling the fork tubes to be e.g. aluminum. Using an odd number of linear bearings in each fork prevents having two linear bearings at 180° opposition which would increase sensitivity to manufacturing tolerance stackups, preload, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: MotoCzysz LLC
    Inventor: Michael Czysz
  • Patent number: 7185906
    Abstract: A fifth wheel coupling includes a receiver that is suspended from the frame of a towing vehicle by a linkage mechanism to permit limited relative longitudinal and vertical displacement of the towing vehicle and a towed vehicle. The receiver is mounted on a wishbone bracket that straddles the frame of the towing vehicle, and swinging linkage members couple the wishbone bracket to the frame. Initial forward movement of the tractor produces rotation of the linkage members with respect to the frame without producing forward movement of the towed vehicle. The rotation of the linkage members slightly elevates the receiver, whereafter the towed vehicle and receiver follow the towing vehicle in a swinging motion as the effects of gravity overcome the rolling resistance of the towed vehicle and its load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Herman R. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7185907
    Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly includes a controller mounted within a vehicle cab and electrically coupled to a power supply source of the vehicle. A trailer hitch tongue section is attachable to the vehicle and provided with an elongated chamber. The tongue section has opposed end portions defining a socket and an opening. An adaptable ram includes displaceable support arms engaged within the chamber. The support arms are upwardly spaced from a ground surface. The assembly further includes a trailer for receiving and supporting a boat. The trailer is provided with wheels and a front end portion attached to the ram. An auxiliary anchor beam vertically traverses one of the support arms and is provided with end portions situated above and below one support arm. A mechanism is included for telescopically adapting the support arms such that a spatial distance between the vehicle and the boat can be biased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Glanford W. Young
  • Patent number: 7185908
    Abstract: A downhill ski having a ski body, which has a running surface on its under side, comprises on its upper side a support structure, on which a compressive force-absorbing upper chord element is mounted. The support structure is formed from an elongate flat component that is bent, preferably in an undulating manner, at intervals in alternating directions in each case at an angle to the running surface, about substantially parallel axes, which extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of the ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Sportstec Gesellschaft zur Entwicklung Innovativer Technologien Uwe Emig, Prof. Reinhold Geilsdorfer, Markus Gramlich GBR
    Inventor: Uwe Emig
  • Patent number: 7185909
    Abstract: A foldable stroller with a basket, the basket having a frame with left and right side legs pivotally mounted to the stroller frame for movement between an upper position and a lower position. The legs of the basket frame are supported on side members of the stroller frame that pivot as the stroller frame moves between its folded and open positions, so that folding or unfolding of the stroller frame effects pivotal movement of the basket frame between its lower and upper positions. In another form, a stroller with a basket has handle-operated support members for the side legs of the basket frame that selectively support the basket frame in an upper position, and allow the basket frame to drop to a lower position for easier access to basket interior through the upper opening of the basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: Gregg R. Espenshade, Gregory S. Sellers, Curtis M. Hartenstine
  • Patent number: 7185910
    Abstract: A multi adjustable chair is comprised of a support frame to which is secured an adjustable seat assembly and an adjustable backrest assembly. The backrest assembly has displaceable back support plates that are adjustable to a desired position. A back cushion is secured over back support elements and is displaceable in unison therewith as the backrest is extended or retracted. The seat assembly has a pair of laterally displaceable seat panels as well as a front guide frame and the seat cushion is also extendable both laterally and forwardly as the seat panels and front guide frame are displaced to adjust the size of the seat assembly. The adjustable chair is preferably, but not exclusively, a wheelchair and it is provided with an adjustable support base assembly and a chair tilting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Positech Innovation Inc.
    Inventors: André Beauchesne, Jean-Pierre Baril, Michel Bayard
  • Patent number: 7185911
    Abstract: A cart for transporting objects is provided. The cart includes a base structure supported on a plurality of wheels. An elongated tongue is telescopically mounted to an underside of the base structure and is movable between an extended position, wherein the tongue extends in front of the cart, and a retracted position, wherein the tongue is disposed under the cart. A hitch apparatus is mounted to the base structure at the posterior end thereof. The hitch apparatus includes a hitch for receiving a tongue of another cart and a locking assembly for locking the tongue to the hitch. The locking assembly includes a pin movable between locking and release positions. A tongue actuator is connected to the tongue and is operable, upon manipulation by an operator, to move the tongue from the retracted position to the extended position, while a hitch actuator is connected to the pin of the locking assembly and is operable, upon manipulation by an operator, to move the pin from the locking position to the release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Joel Leverett
  • Patent number: 7185912
    Abstract: In the knee protection airbag device of the present invention, an airbag folded and housed in a case opened rearward of the vehicle pushes open the door portion of an airbag cover assembled with the case, upon inflow of inflation gas from the inflator. Around the airbag cover, there is arranged an interior decoration member for vehicle which is provided separate from the airbag cover. The door portion includes at least an upper door openable upward. The upper door is formed in such a size as to cover a gap formed between the interior decoration member and the airbag cover when opened upon deployment of the airbag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Matsuura, Atsushi Nagata, Yoshio Mizuno, Kazumasa Suzuki, Kazuhiro Nakayama
  • Patent number: 7185913
    Abstract: Apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) includes an inflatable windshield curtain (14). The windshield curtain (14) is inflatable away from a roof (40) of the vehicle to a position between a windshield (50) of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant. The windshield curtain (14) includes an inflatable upper portion (190) and an inflatable lower portion (192). The upper portion (190) is inflatable between the roof (40) and an instrument panel (64) of the vehicle (12) and between the windshield (50) and a vehicle occupant. The lower portion (192) is bifurcated and includes a first chamber (194) inflatable against a surface (222) of the instrument panel (64) presented generally toward the vehicle occupant. The lower portion (192) also includes a second chamber (196) inflatable against the windshield (50) and a surface (220) of the instrument panel (64) adjacent the windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Ali Emam Bakhsh, Ayad Nayef, Chang H. Lee
  • Patent number: 7185914
    Abstract: An inflatable curtain is provided that may be mounted on or proximate to a vehicle's side roof rail. The inflatable curtain includes a first panel and a second panel that is attached to the first panel. The first panel and the second panel are generally made of fabric materials such as nylon and the like. At least one first pleat is added to the first panel. The first pleat is constructed such that when the inflatable curtain is inflated with inflation gas, the first pleat opens into at least one first bulge that changes the deployment trajectory of the inflatable curtain. At least one second pleat may additionally be added to the curtain. The second pleat is added to the second panel and is designed such that during inflation, the second pleat will open into a second bulge that further changes the deployment trajectory of the inflatable curtain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Recker, Kurt Gammill
  • Patent number: 7185915
    Abstract: A steering wheel incorporating an air bag device that facilitates the attachment and removal of an air bag module with respect to a steering wheel body while reducing manufacturing costs. The steering wheel body has a spoke core, which includes a hook. A horn plate, which forms part of the air bag module, includes a catch that is flexed to engage the hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignees: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd., Matsuo Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Fujita, Keisuke Imai, Masanori Yajima, Toshihiro Kimura, Masao Okumura, Youji Hamamoto
  • Patent number: 7185916
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly including a rail pair defining a mounting rail and a triggering rail. One of the rails is supported on a floor pan of the vehicle and the other is adapted to support a seat cushion. The rails are moveably supported relative to each other. Also, included is a field effect sensor operatively supported by the mounting rail such that the field effect sensor can be positioned in a first range of positions as well as second range of positions relative to the triggering rail. The sensor is adapted to emit an electric field and to detect disruption of the field when the field effect sensor is positioned in the first range of positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel Hanlon, Matthew Zuzga
  • Patent number: 7185917
    Abstract: A knee bolster structure includes an upper shock-absorbing member adapted for absorbing input force of knees of an occupant who has an average physical constitution and a lower shock-absorbing member adapted for absorbing input force of knees of an occupant who is small in stature, and a difference in strength between the upper shock-absorbing member and the lower shock-absorbing member is provided such that receiving strength of the upper shock-absorbing member is larger and receiving strength of the lower shock-absorbing member is smaller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Nagata, Tomiyuki Yasuno, Tsutomu Kawashima
  • Patent number: 7185918
    Abstract: A collapsible steering assembly features a steering mechanism and a pedal assemble united and supported together by a support structure as a unitized module for shipping and attachment to a vehicle. The support structure supports the pedal assembly for movement beyond the fully depressed position of one of the pedal therein in response to a predetermined collapse force on the pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard K. Riefe, Bruce M. Collier, Richard P. Nash, Minoo J. Shah, Alan C. Davis, Frederick J. Berg, Ronald H. Dybalski
  • Patent number: 7185919
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for reversibly locking a lap belt portion of a safety belt webbing in a three-point, continuous loop seat belt system which includes a tongue assembly having the belt webbing routed therethrough, includes a cinch body adapted to mount to the tongue assembly, and a cam coupled to the cinch body and adapted to urge the belt webbing against the cinch body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Lap Belt Cinch, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce A. Mather, Paul Casimer Arone, Wesley J. Blanchard, Kenneth Gordon Grant, Jr., Philip Garret Kosarek, Richard Lonetto, Tom Manley, Richard McCulloch, Timothy Smith, Steven Thompson, Michael T. Vecchio, John H. Young
  • Patent number: 7185920
    Abstract: The invention provides a retractable cover apparatus, which when extended to cover the wheel or track area of a variety of vehicles minimizes the amount of spray and debris flying from the tires or tracks of the vehicle. The cover system is mounted to the frame of a vehicle without requiring extensive modifications to the frame, and includes, for each side of the vehicle, an elongated flexible cover having first and second ends and a width sufficient to extend laterally outwardly beyond an outer extent of the wheels or tracks of the vehicle. The cover system also include at least first and second cover housings, one of the housings adapted to contain the cover in a rolled retracted condition and the other housing being adapted to anchor a free end of the cover in an extended condition thereof. At least one support bar is removably mounted to the frame of the vehicle over which the cover is supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: David Carl Drummond
  • Patent number: 7185921
    Abstract: A hose fitment for the connection of disposable food containers to dispensing lines of food dispenser. This hose fitment is adapted to securely establish fluid connection between a hose and a food or beverage dispensing line. This fitment includes a body member having a first engaging surface for internally engaging a hose end and a sleeve member that includes a second engaging surface that externally engages around the hose end to press on the hose end against the first engaging surface in a manner effective to create a tight seal between the fitment and the hose end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Peter W. Carhuff
  • Patent number: 7185922
    Abstract: Anti-rotation device for a pipe and a connector has a pipe connecting portion and a connector connecting portion constructed integrally on the pipe connecting portion. The anti-rotation device is mounted on the pipe and the connector while the pipe connecting portion clips a straight tubular inserting side portion of the pipe in anti-rotating relation and the connector connecting portion is connected to the connector in anti-rotating relation. Thereby the pipe is connected to the connector in anti-rotating relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Takayanagi, Tomoki Inoue
  • Patent number: 7185923
    Abstract: A connection device for fitting to a member, particularly to a corrugated flexible pipe (146, 246, 446) formed with a series of spaced annular grooves, the device comprising first and second tubular bodies (10, 11) coupled together, in use, with the pipe received in an open end of the first body (10). The first body has a plurality of resilient lugs (14) with respective inwardly directed projections (17) at the ends thereof to be received in one of the said grooves to grip the pipe. The two bodies can be relatively angularly moved between a neutral position of the device, where the pipe is retained by the resilience alone of the lugs, an unlocked position, where the lugs are released from the pipe, and a locked position, where the lugs are forced into locking engagement with the pipe, movement of the lugs being controlled by cam formations (29) extending from the end surface of the second body (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventors: Alexander McKechran Hardie McNeil, Adrian Roger Poulton
  • Patent number: 7185924
    Abstract: A joint restraint assembly for connecting pipe ends together, or to other objects, which includes a body encircling the pipe. The body has a plurality of cavities adjacent to the pipe with a segment configured to fit into each cavity. One or more threaded bores are disposed through the body into each cavity. A threaded bolt extends through each threaded bore to engage the segment in that cavity, and to pre-load the segment against the pipe when assembled thereon. Mechanical or pressure loading, tending to pull the pipe out of the restraint assembly, causes the segment to self actuate, and the application of increasing load causes a proportional increase to the force engaging the segment to the pipe. The joint restraint assembly reliably accommodates comparatively high levels of mechanical loading and/or pipe internal pressure, and does so without relying upon the limited force produced by the threaded bolt pre-load on the segments at the time of assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Sigma Corporation
    Inventors: Charles J Longacre, David F. Toler
  • Patent number: 7185925
    Abstract: A motorized door lock assembly for locking an oven door mounted on a range body in a closed position so as to close an oven compartment for purposes of cleaning the oven compartment is provided. The door lock assembly comprises a latch, a motor, a rotor arm and a linkage. The latch has a hook at one end for engaging the oven door and is mounted to the range body for rotation about a translatable pivot axis between an unlatched position wherein the hook does not inhibit movement of the oven door and a latched position wherein the hook does inhibit movement of the oven door. The latch is also mounted for reciprocal translation with the pivot axis between a non-pulled-in position wherein the latch does not pull against the oven door and a pulled-in position wherein the latch pulls against the oven door. The rotor arm is rotatably driven by the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Harry I. Courter, Matthew L. Kemp, Tracy J. Talley
  • Patent number: 7185926
    Abstract: A latch mechanism for releasably latching a first member to a second member. The latch mechanism includes a bracket adapted to be attached to the first member and bolt pivotally coupled to the bracket. A handle is pivotally coupled to the bracket and is operatively associated with the bolt such that the handle selectively pivots the bolt between a latched and unlatched position. A trigger is pivotally coupled to the handle and a locking member is pivotally coupled to the trigger. The locking member is adapted to releasably couple the trigger to the bracket to prevent pivotal movement of the handle and the bolt from the latched position. The trigger includes the tool receiving recess such that the latch mechanism may be moved between the latched and unlatched positions with the mechanical advantage provided by the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Hartwell Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Helsley, Timothy S. Rozema
  • Patent number: 7185927
    Abstract: A latch assembly is re-configurable for plural orientations. A slide lock plate engages a claw-typed pawl. A rotating activation mechanism links an operator handle to the slide plate. The handle causes the activation mechanism to rotate, thereby retracting the sliding lock plate form the pawl. A cam follower, activated by a pocket cam, is rotated with handle operation. A first pinion gear on the sliding lock plate and a friction clutch dampen movement. A rotating paddle/blade cam, substituted for the paddle/blade, has a projecting arm. The second pinion gear engages teeth on the edge of the slide lock plate. A dog leg-shaped projection, added to the handle end of the slide plate, accommodates second teeth facing opposite the first teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin Talukdar, Fabrice Vitry
  • Patent number: 7185928
    Abstract: A magnetic lock is disclosed to include a latch for locking, a movable holder member supported on a spring and carrying solenoid, which has a plunger and a stop block fastened to the plunger for controlling the retraction of the latch, and an adjustment device selectively positioned in one of two positioning grooves of different depths in a locating block and stopped at one end of the holder member against the spring for controlling the movable holder member between a first position where the magnetic lock is locked when electrically connected and a second position where the magnetic lock is unlocked when electrically connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Li-Shih Liao
  • Patent number: 7185929
    Abstract: A door knob with a light-emitting location indicator comprises a knob designed for placement on a door, for being grasped by the hand of a user for opening the door. The knob comprises translucent material. One or more objects comprising light-emitting material that either phosphoresces or luminesces are mounted within the knob and are visible through a protective layer of translucent material. The light-emitting material is designed to emit light in a darkened space to thereby visually indicate the location of the knob in the darkened space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Mtinima M. Moyo
  • Patent number: 7185930
    Abstract: The brush-guard with adjustable rear-view mirrors is an accessory vehicle brush-guard having at least one rear-view mirror telescopically mounted in one of the guard's vertical tubular members, or through parallel horizontal members. The rear-view mirror is disposed on the top of a stem that is vertically telescopically extendable from the brush guard. In a preferred embodiment, the brush-guard with adjustable rear-view mirrors includes a pair of rear-view mirrors, each of the mirrors being disposed at opposite, distal ends of the brush guard. The rear-view mirrors may be either manually or electrically adjustable in height. Each of the rear-view mirrors may include a back shell having an illuminated design or logo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Michael D. Helzner
  • Patent number: 7185931
    Abstract: A handheld pole device for scooping and bagging vermin. The device includes a head, a pole, and a release apparatus. The head is disposable and contacts the ground for scooping and bagging the vermin. The pole extends upwardly from the head for engagement by a hand of a user. The release apparatus is operatively connected to the head and is disposed on the pole for activation by the hand of the user, and when the release apparatus is activated by the hand of the user, the head scoops and bags the vermin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Dinesh Vadher
  • Patent number: 7185932
    Abstract: A mechanical grasping device for retrieving dropped objects includes a pair of opposing claws and an extension element. The extension element may be either rigid or flexible, and is typically a rope or cord. A trigger plate is positioned between the two claws, and is spring loaded to transmit tension to the claws when the device is in the open position. A pair of protruding tabs at the end of the arms of the trigger plate are received in locking holes in the claws in an open position. When the triggering mechanism is released, the spring tension urges the claws together so that interlocking fingers on the ends of the claws mesh together in a closed position. The object to be retrieved is secured in the grasping device, and the user pulls the object to him using the extension element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Walnut Grove Hunting Products
    Inventor: Phillip R. Dawson
  • Patent number: 7185933
    Abstract: Adjustable fastening element intended to be fitted to an end region of a transverse member of a vehicle chassis. The fastening element takes the form of a U-section element with a web portion of preferably uniform width and with mutually parallel flanges protruding from opposite side edges of this web portion. Each flange has running through it at least one oblong slitlike aperture, or has running through it two or more mutually aligned holes, for a fastening element, particularly a fastening bolt or fastening screw, whereby the fastening element can be fixed to the transverse member. The fastening element can be fitted straddling the end region of the transverse member, in one of various different positions relative to the end region of the member, with the flanges of the fastening element abutting against opposite side surfaces of the transverse member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Scania CV AB (publ)
    Inventor: Anders Goransson
  • Patent number: 7185934
    Abstract: A vehicle body structure is configured that enables a cabin section and a chassis frame to move relative to each other and enables both strength of the vehicle body and the safety of the occupants during a collision to be ensured with good efficiency. The cabin section serves as the space in which the passengers reside. The chassis frame and cabin section are separate, independent structures connected through a displacement mechanism in such a manner that the chassis frame and cabin section can move separately relative to each other, when a collision occurs. As a result, transmission of the collision impact to the cabin section is alleviated in an effective manner and the strength of the cabin section and chassis frame can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hidetsugu Saeki
  • Patent number: 7185935
    Abstract: A uniquely designed truck bed cover for securing cargo in a truck bed includes a lower section having a bottom wall with a pair of upstanding sidewalls extending therefrom. Formed on the bottom wall is an elongated groove configured to slidably receive a beam mounted on the bottom surface of the truck bed. On the exterior surface of each sidewall is a ball bearing. The device also includes an upper section having a top wall with a pair of sidewalls depending therefrom. Each sidewall includes an L-shaped channel formed on the interior surface thereof that receives one of the ball bearings on the lower section to cooperatively join the two sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Ed Magarro
  • Patent number: 7185936
    Abstract: A motor vehicle roof with a roof plate which has a transparent plastic area to which a peripheral plastic edge is molded which is used especially as a cover visor and which extends downward. Furthermore, the roof plate has a nontransparent area with a holding frame for a functional element molded onto a bottom thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Webasto AG
    Inventors: Miriam Schoenauer, Joachim Birkner, Michael Koelbl, Alexander Lang, Rudi Muttenhammer, Martin Pollak, Ralf Schwaighofer, Friedhelm Wulf, Jean-Guy Cocaign
  • Patent number: 7185937
    Abstract: A console module is installed on the floor panel of a vehicle and includes a console main body, an electronic component, and an installation base. The installation base is located between the console main body and the floor panel. Both of the console main body and the electronic component are installed on the floor panel by means of the installation base. The installation base has first and second console brackets for securing the console main body to the floor panel, and a case for accommodating the electronic component. The installation base further includes a pair of rails that extend along the vehicle fore-and-aft direction between the case and the second console bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Sakakibara
  • Patent number: 7185938
    Abstract: A fuel door housing for the fueling of an automobile including a tub-like body, a flap which is hingely linked to the body, a thrust spring biasing the flap toward an opened position, a locking element having a locking and an unlocking position, and an actuating element for placing the locking element into the unlocking position. The locking element is moved towards the unlocking position through a one-way transmission of the actuating element upon a movement of the flap into its closed position or beyond thereof, respectively, and the locking element completely engages the catching element upon arrival of the flap at its closed position. A casing is formed at the inner side of the body. The locking element and parts of the actuating elements are accommodated by the casing, and a locking portion of the locking element is sealingly extended through a wall portion of the casing facing the catching element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: ITW Automotive Products GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Christian Beck
  • Patent number: 7185939
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic drive system used for the covers of vehicle openings, in particular for vehicle roofs with a construction that can be opened. In said system, the actuator that is designed to displace the cover is supplied with a bulk current, whose target value is determined in accordance with the control path of the actuator, which is in correlation with the controlled displacement of the cover and whose actual value is detected when supplied to the actuator by means of a bulk current sensor. The bulk current is adjusted to compensate for differences between the actual and target values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Stark, Reiner Hess
  • Patent number: 7185940
    Abstract: The invention concerns a retractable roof for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one front roof element and one rear roof element (4), rigid and able to be moved between a closed position in which they cover the vehicle cabin (2) and a storage position in which they are stored in the rear boot (3) of the vehicle, the rear element being arranged so as to be moved by means of pivoting arms and guided by runners (19) extending in the boot. This roof comprises a first arm (7) articulated transversely to the plane of symmetry of the vehicle, at a first (8) of its ends on the vehicle chassis and at its second end (12) on a first end of a second arm (13) articulated at its second end (14) on the said rear element, also transversely to the plane of symmetry of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: SEBA (Societe Europeenne de Brevets Automobiles)
    Inventors: Gérard Queveau, Paul Queveau, Jean-Marc Guillez
  • Patent number: 7185941
    Abstract: A selectively pressurized sealing and/or locking system for vehicles with a vehicle opening on the body structure. Vehicle elements that are to be sealed and/or locked in relation to one another are attached by locking elements. The locking elements have positive-engagement elements that define a hollow portion and a stiffening bridging part in a transitional area between parts of the vehicle that are to be connected together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems, GmbH
    Inventors: Berthold Klein, Dieter Raisch, Wojciech Wezyk
  • Patent number: 7185942
    Abstract: A cover assembly system is proposed for vehicles with an openable roof, the cover assembly system having at least one middle section and two side flaps that may be adjusted between a closed position and a stored position. The side flaps in their closed position together with the middle section forming a flat cover. Each side flap may be connected to a swivel bearing having a pivot axis. The side sections may be swiveled along the pivot axes between the closed position. The pivot axes extend essentially parallel to and directly adjoin the middle planar extension of the flat cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Roeder, Corinna Fuchs
  • Patent number: 7185943
    Abstract: A sliding window panel assembly for a motor vehicle. The assembly includes a stationary window panel having an opening formed therein, at least one guide rail coupled to the stationary window panel below the opening and above a bottom edge of the stationary window panel, a shoe slidably received within the guide rail and configured to slidably move within the guide rail, a movable window panel mounted onto the shoe such that the movable window panel slidably moves with the shoe. The movable window panel can slidably move with respect to the stationary panel along a movable panel path. The lead screw drive unit engages the shoe and is adapted to move the shoe and the movable panel along the movable panel path within the guide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignees: Automotive Components Holdings, LLC, Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Michael James Lesle, Daryl Wilson, Ioana Mihailescu
  • Patent number: 7185944
    Abstract: Systems, methods and media for reducing the aerodynamic drag of vehicles are disclosed. More particularly, embodiments may include at least one fan for directing air into a lower pressure region behind a vehicle in motion in order to reduce pressure drag. Embodiments may also include one or more internal ducts for directing air from other parts of the vehicle to the at least one fan. In one embodiment, the operation of the at least one fan may be controlled based on sensed conditions, user control, or other means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Khosrow Shahbazi
  • Patent number: 7185945
    Abstract: A structural assembly for a vehicle includes a structural member extending longitudinally. The structural assembly also includes an insert disposed within and extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the structural member and having at least one corrugation to act as a crush initiator during an axial impact on the structural assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Bhushan W. Dandekar, Dmitriy V. Mazur, Matthew B. Rombach
  • Patent number: 7185946
    Abstract: A method is provided for making an automobile assembly having a molded plastics structural member and a reinforcing member in which a polymerisable adhesive is employed to bond the two members together and an automobile assembly having a bonded structural member and a reinforcing member. The assembly is suitably used as a “front end carrier” or a bumper system in an automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Cate, Pádraig Naughton, Hein J. Koelman