Patents Issued in July 10, 2007
  • Patent number: 7240906
    Abstract: A hydro-pneumatic suspension system for a vehicle includes hydraulic struts selectively interconnected, in on-road and off-road configurations, to obviate the need for conventional shocks and springs. In the on-road configuration, the hydraulic struts are linked cross-vehicle with multiple accumulators in the circuit for increased on-road roll stiffness. In the off-road configuration, the hydraulic struts are self-linked, with fewer accumulators, to maximize flexibility and articulation of the system. The system also includes a hydraulic supply to selectively raise and lower the vehicle for the off-road and on-road configurations, respectively. In a further configuration, the roll stiffness and articulation of the suspension system is configured solely by the selective connection of accumulators to the hydraulic suspension circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Gerard Klees
  • Patent number: 7240907
    Abstract: A tricycle crank structure comprises a wheel axle, a pair of cranks and a pair of pedals. The wheel axle is provided with a pair of non-circular sectional holes at respective ends. The inner wall of each hole is provided with a recess. Each crank has one end pivotally connected to the pedal and another end provided with a connecting section. The connecting section is provided with a tenon to engage with the recess of the hole for quick mounting and dismounting. Each hole may be provided with a pair of through holes, and each crank is provided with an elastic clip for connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Far Great Plastics Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ting-Hsing Chen
  • Patent number: 7240908
    Abstract: This invention relates to recreational equipment for use on a sliding surface, such as skis, snowboards, or other equipment for use by a person such as a skier, snowboarder or water-skier. This invention provides a pogo-ski comprising a ski and a post thereon which is fitted with foot supports and a handhold suitable for use by a standing user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: RSV Invention Enterprises
    Inventor: Mithra M. K. V. Sankrithi
  • Patent number: 7240909
    Abstract: A paint pump cart having a telescoping handle assembly including a paint pump frame having a pair of standtubes, a handle having a pair of extensions received in the standtubes, and a pair of knobs mounted on the standtubes. Each knob is rotationally movable with respect to its standtube and has a pair of internal ramps. The handle assembly has a bushing supporting and retaining the knob while permitting movement of the knob on the standtube. A pair of resiliently mounted projections internal to the handle extensions are movable by the ramps of the knob between a locking position wherein the respective handle extension is maintained in an extended position with respect to the standtube, and a released position wherein the handle extension is allowed to telescope into the standtube towards a storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Wagner Spray Tech Corporation
    Inventor: Wayne Robens
  • Patent number: 7240910
    Abstract: A caddy tray that is removably attachable to a handle of a trash receptacle for storing and transporting janitorial supplies and tools on the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Continental Commercial Products, LLC
    Inventor: Chad Stuemke
  • Patent number: 7240911
    Abstract: A valve system controls which air bags on a tractor trailer are in fluid communication with a pressurized air supply source. If one of the air bags develops a leak, an air bag may be taken out of fluid communication with the remaining air bags and pressurized air source. A pressure gauge monitors the air pressure within the valve system and air bags. A dump valve allows the air pressure within the system to be decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Escalante Enterprises, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Frank Escalante
  • Patent number: 7240912
    Abstract: A bicycle comprises a frame, a rear wheel and a rear suspension which comprises a swing arm carrying the wheel and two pivot links pivotably connected at respective pivot points with the frame and at respective pivot points with the arm so as to form, together with parts of the frame and arm, a four-bar linkage. The suspension further comprises a spring and damper unit pivotably connected with the frame at the pivot point of one link and with the arm at the pivot point of the other link so as to extend diagonally of the linkage and provide springing and damping of the suspension travel. The shared use of the link pivot points by the spring and damper unit serves to reduce construction and assembly costs as well as weight. One link is disposed forwardly of the other link with respect to the fore and aft direction of the bicycle so as to ensure lateral rigidity of the rear suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: ATB Sales Limited
    Inventor: Jon Frank Ross Whyte
  • Patent number: 7240913
    Abstract: A latch mechanism for a fifth wheel hitch that automatically closes a jaw and locks the hitch when the hitch engages a kingpin. The latch mechanism includes a handle that is used set the latch for receiving the kingpin. The latch mechanism also includes a latching member that is biased toward a closed position and tripped in response to engagement of the kingpin with a jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Valley Industries, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Donald H. Kahrs, Don F. Linger
  • Patent number: 7240914
    Abstract: A roof side garnish peripheral structure of an automobile includes: a roof side garnish (9) mounted on an inner side of a side roof rail (1) from an inner side of a passenger room, the roof side garnish (9) being provided at its outer side in a widthwise direction of the vehicle with a cover portion (11) capable of opening inward of the passenger room; a duct member (12) bonded to an outer side of the roof side garnish (9) at an upper location than the cover portion (11) of the roof side garnish (9); a duct passage (13) of closed cross section formed by the duct member (12) and the roof side garnish (9); a support portion (25) extending from an outer end of the duct member (12) in the widthwise direction of the vehicle, the support portion (25) having a tip end extending close to the side roof rail (1); and an accommodation space (S) defined by the support portion (25), the side roof rail (1) and the cover portion (11) so as to accommodate an air-bag (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Nihon Plast Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshifumi Kamano
  • Patent number: 7240915
    Abstract: A seating system for an automotive vehicle includes a side airbag mounted to an outboard portion of a seatback, with the side airbag having an occupant reaction surface which is combined with deployable upper and lower reaction members attached to the airbag to define an augmented occupant reaction surface available upon inflation of the airbag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Z Peng, Joseph E Abramczyk, Kurt L Ewing, John J Pinkerton, Brian Robert Spahn
  • Patent number: 7240916
    Abstract: A gas generator includes a housing, which has outflow openings for outflowing gas, and at least one destructible insulation foil which in a non-activated state of the gas generator closes at least one of the outflow opening so as to be moisture-tight. The insulation foil has a varying thickness. The varying thickness is provided by at least one thermally insulating foil layer with a varying thickness, which lies over a base layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: TRW Airbag Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Bierwirth, Achim Hofmann, Karsten Schwuchow
  • Patent number: 7240917
    Abstract: An actuatable fastener (50) includes a body (80) including a head (82) and a shank (84). The body (80) includes an interior chamber (120) partially defined by a side wall (132) extending from the head (82) into the shank (84) and an end wall (138) positioned in the shank. A member (140) is disposed in the chamber (120). An initiator (160) is actuatable to produce combustion products in the chamber (120) that act on the member (140) to move the member in a first direction in the chamber to strike the end wall (138). The member (140) strikes the end wall (138) creating a fracture (222) in the shank (84) separating at least a portion of the shank from a remainder (220) of the shank. The combustion products moving the member (150) beyond the fracture (222) at least a predetermined distance (226) to move the portion of the shank (84) at least the predetermined distance from the remainder (220) of the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Homer W. Fogle, Jr., Eric R. Mcfarland, Robert R. Debbs, Craig M. Fischer, John P. O'Loughlin, Halley O. Stevens, Keven D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7240918
    Abstract: An airbag includes a fabric forming the airbag. The fabric has a vent hole for discharging some of gas introduced into the airbag to the outside. The vent hole is located at a position where the vent hole is not blocked when the airbag protects an occupant. This smoothly discharges gas, thereby improving the occupant protection performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ikuo Yamada, Michihisa Asaoka, Hironori Usami
  • Patent number: 7240919
    Abstract: The invention provides a vehicular shock absorbing body which absorbs a shock by a grid-like rib formed on a support plate portion and can inhibit a load point at an initial stage and a terminal stage, in a load—displacement (F-S) curve of the vehicular shock absorbing body. A shock absorbing body (40) used for absorbing a shock in a vehicle and made of a synthetic resin, is provided with a support plate portion (42), and a shock absorbing portion (45) formed in a grid shape on the support plate portion (42) by a plurality of thin ribs (44, 44), and plastically deforming at a time of applying a shock load so as to be absorbable a shock energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Tajima, Takahiko Sato, Osamu Fukawatase, Takeaki Kato
  • Patent number: 7240920
    Abstract: A vehicle occupant knee protection apparatus for protecting the knees of an occupant when collision energy acts on a vehicle. The occupant knee protection apparatus comprises a knee protection member, a contact force detector, a controller, and a drive unit. The knee protection member is disposed in an opposable position to knees of an occupant seated in a vehicle seat. The contact force detector detects the contact force of the knees on the knee protection member. The controller performs control that reduces the contact force to a force control target value and that maintains the reduced value. The drive unit moves the knee protection member in the front/rear direction of the vehicle on the basis of an output signal from the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuki Motozawa, Daisuke Fuji, Hidekazu Nishimura, Yoichi Amano
  • Patent number: 7240921
    Abstract: A landing gear assembly for supporting a trailer. The landing gear assembly having first and second legs and a connecting member. Each leg is configured to selectively extend and retract in length. The connecting member operatively connects the first and second legs and is rotatable about an axis relative to the trailer and is axially movable between a first position and a second position. The first and second legs are each configured to extend in length a first amount per revolution of the connecting member about the axis of the connecting member when the connecting member is in the first position. The first and second legs are each configured to extend in length a second amount per revolution of the connecting member about the axis of the connecting member when the connecting member is in the second position. The first amount is greater than the second amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Baxter Properties, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Bobby G. Baxter
  • Patent number: 7240922
    Abstract: Collision-energy-absorbing means of an impact-absorbing steering column apparatus includes guide slots 31a1 and 31b1, guide slots 31a2 and 31b2, and transition portions 31a3 and 31b3, as well as energy-absorbing members 36 and 37, so as to change absorption load for secondary collision energy. A collar 42 plastically deforms the energy-absorbing member 36 or 37, thereby absorbing secondary collision energy of an occupant in the event of a collision of a vehicle. The guide slots 31a1 and 31b1, the guide slots 31a2 and 31b2, and the transition portions 31a3 and 31b3 change an absorption load for secondary collision energy dependently on the direction of a secondary collision of the occupant with the steering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Junichi Nakano, Kenji Imamura, Shigeru Hoshino
  • Patent number: 7240923
    Abstract: A seatbelt retractor for winding a seatbelt includes a spool for winding the seatbelt, a motor for generating rotational torque to rotate the spool, and a clutch mechanism. The clutch mechanism connects a power transmission path to transmit the rotational torque of the motor to the spool in a connected mode, and disconnects the power transmission path in a disconnected mode. A noise preventing device prevents noise when the clutch mechanism is in the disconnected mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Tanaka, Koji Inuzuka
  • Patent number: 7240924
    Abstract: A seat belt retractor has a spool for seat belt protraction and retraction. An energy absorption mechanism is provided for absorbing energy from the spool during seat belt protraction. The energy absorption mechanism has a first part for a relatively high rate of energy absorption and a second part for a relatively low rate of energy absorption. A shift mechanism for shifting between the first part and the second part is also provided. The shift mechanism is a link movable between a first link position wherein the first part is engaged with the spool and a second link position wherein the second part is engaged with the spool. The link is drivable between the first link position and the second link position by energy from seat belt protraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Kohlndorfer, Richard Koning, Mark Gray
  • Patent number: 7240925
    Abstract: A tube joint comprises a nut member which connects a tube to a joint body, collet sections which fasten the tube by fastening pawls for being pressed radially inwardly by a pressing section of the nut member to bite into an outer circumferential surface of a diametrally expanded section of the tube, and an annular projection which abuts against an annular step of the joint body and which regulates a screwing amount of the nut member on the joint body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Fukano, Tadashi Uchino
  • Patent number: 7240926
    Abstract: A fluid connector, for use in the medical field, has a tubular male socket and a tubular female socket. Each socket includes a fitting end for an end piece and a nesting end. The female socket has external notches for axially retaining a locking collar which is fixed on the male socket by penetration of lugs into ports on the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Vygon
    Inventors: Valéry Dalle, Pierrick Guyomarc'h, Jean-Luc Carrez
  • Patent number: 7240927
    Abstract: A connection assembly has a male connector, a first engaging ring securely mounted on the male connector, a female connector and a second engaging ring securely received in the female connector. The first engaging ring has first claws formed to abut a periphery defining the second annular groove formed on the female connector and the second engaging ring has second claws formed to abut a periphery defining the first annular groove formed on the male connector. Engagement between the male connector and the female connector is accomplished after the abutment between the first claws and the second annular groove and between the second claws and the first annular groove is finished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: King Chang
  • Patent number: 7240928
    Abstract: A tubing connection arrangement and a method used for coupling expandable tubing sections together. In one embodiment, there is disclosed a tubing connection arrangement comprising a first expandable tubing section defining a male portion; a second expandable tubing section defining a female portion, the first and second expandable tubing sections being engageable with one another; one of the first and second expandable tubing sections including a restraining member for restraining part of the other expandable tubing section; and the first expandable tubing section including a tapered shoulder for co-operating with a corresponding tapered shoulder of the second expandable tubing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason David Evans, Martin William Geddes, Colin McHardy, Wayne Rudd
  • Patent number: 7240929
    Abstract: High localized loading, galling, and high torque forces have been generally eliminated or greatly reduced in a two ferrule tube fitting assembly through suitable modification of the rear ferrule so as to redirect the reaction forces acting between the front ferrule and the drive nut. The rear ferrule has a cylindrical interior wall that closely surrounds the tube end and is provided on the interior cylindrical wall with a circumferentially continuous radial recess that is located between the nose and rear wall of the rear ferrule. The rear ferrule also has a radially external wall that is substantially conical and additionally shaped to extend radially outward toward the enlarged diameter portion or flange of the rear ferrule. The rear ferrule further includes a contoured face on the rear driven surface of the ferrule that engages the drive surface of the drive nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Howard C. B. Kuhns
  • Patent number: 7240930
    Abstract: Connector for connecting a pair of tubular components together, such as a pair of exhaust conduits of a dryer or an exhaust conduit of a dryer to a dryer vent or wall-mounted vent sleeve, including a pair of generally semi-cylindrical members each having a first, coupled edge and a second, free edge and rotatably connected together at the coupled edge, e.g., by a hinge, and separable from one another at the free edge. A quick connect/quick disconnect locking structure is arranged in connection with the semi-cylindrical members for locking them to one another with the free edges opposite one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: David M. Stravitz
  • Patent number: 7240931
    Abstract: An positionable door strike is attached to a door jamb and receives a corresponding door latch located on a swinging door. The positionable door strike has a base plate and a strike plate that is capable of horizontally sliding within a pair of channels located on the base plate. The base plate is secured to the jamb by passing screws through appropriate openings located on the base plate while the strike plate is held secure when it is slid to its desired position by passing one or more set screws through screw openings located on the strike plate, the set screws engaging the door jamb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Michael J. Casey
  • Patent number: 7240932
    Abstract: The energy-absorbing case (2) comprises a casing consisting of a hollow section piece which has a first end attached to the bumper beam (2) and a second end able to be fixed to the end of a longitudinal longeron (6) of the motor vehicle. The casing is filled with a metal foam with energy-absorption properties, the density of which is between 0.1 g/cm3 and 0.4 g/cm3. Application to motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Valeo Systems Thermiques
    Inventor: Sebastien Guinehut
  • Patent number: 7240933
    Abstract: An energy-absorbing system includes a tube made of a continuous material, such as heat-treatable steel. The tube has first and second ring sections connected by an intermediate section. In one aspect, the intermediate section is flared and/or pinched to cause one tube section to predictably telescopingly roll upon impact. In another aspect, one section is annealed to optimize elongation and yield properties to facilitate rolling upon impact. By this arrangement, upon the bumper system receiving a longitudinal impact, the first and second ring sections telescopingly collapse with a predictable and consistent rolling collapse. Methods related to the above are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Shape Corporation
    Inventors: Scott C. Glasgow, David W. Heatherington, Bruce W. Lyons
  • Patent number: 7240934
    Abstract: An adjustable carrying device (12) includes a pair of gripping members (14, 16) in a slip joint pivot connection having a handle assembly (36) and gripping plates (20a, 20b) for grasping and handling an object. A pivotally activated/deactivated locking mechanism includes a plurality of evenly spaced teeth (66) within a guide track (54) and a cross member (76) biased between lock and unlock positions by a pair of torsion springs (74a, 74b). A pair of levers (22a, 22b) moved in unison by handle assembly (36) activate and deactivate the locking mechanism. While in unlock position a pair of coil tension springs (84) assist in the single handed adjustment of the gripping plates against the object's opposed surfaces. A subsequent upward pivotal motion of handle assembly (36) activates the locking mechanism, forcing gripping plates (20a, 20b) towards each other, firmly gripping the object prior to its lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Emiliano Lausell
  • Patent number: 7240935
    Abstract: A vacuum gripper for suctioning work pieces, having a vacuum connection, a flexible suction body and a suction body holder, where the side of the suction body facing the work piece has a sealing lip bounding a vacuum chamber, and the vacuum chamber is connected to the vacuum connection. The suction body has a contact surface abutting the work pieces with prevailing vacuum in the vacuum chamber. The contact surface is provided with elements, where the elements are have a rod or pin-shaped configuration and form a microstructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: J. Schmalz GmbH
    Inventors: Gernot Schmierer, Kurt Schmalz, Stanislav Gorb, Eduard Arzt
  • Patent number: 7240936
    Abstract: A lid locking device enables engagement of a container lid for handling, particularly for an intermodal container, and also enables locking and unlocking of the lid to the container. The lid has fittings disposed at each of its four corners, with recesses for rotatable twistlocks carried on a lifting spreader. The lid and the intermodal container have corresponding twistlock fittings, preferably operated in opposite directions, configured to engage so that the container twistlock can be locked and unlocked using an actuator attached to the spreader twistlock, which likewise can be locked an unlocked. The lid is initially engaged to the spreader using the spreader twistlocks, and the spreader is used to move the lid into position on top of the container. As the lid is placed on the container, the container twistlocks insert into the recesses in the lid fittings. The actuator is rotated, concurrently locking the lid to the container and unlocking the lid from the spreader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Wastequip, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Petzitillo, Jr., Todd A. Fowler
  • Patent number: 7240937
    Abstract: A grappling hook comprising a shaft, a head member, a plurality of blades, and a locking ring. The head member is secured to the first end of the shaft. Each of the blades has a distal end with a substantially v-shaped notch forming a pair of projections and at least one gripping tooth for gripping onto a desired structure. Each of the blades is pivotally connected to the head member such that each blade is movable between an operational position and a collapsed position wherein the blades are spread away from the head member and positioned to grip the supporting structure in the operational position, and wherein the blades are positioned adjacent to the shaft in the collapsed position. The locking ring is movable between an open position and a closed position wherein the locking ring secures the blades in the operational position when the locking ring is positioned in the open position, and wherein the locking ring secures the blades in the collapsed position when the locking ring is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Tactical & Rescue Gear, Ltd.
    Inventors: Donald W. Wooten, John W. Woodmansee, III
  • Patent number: 7240938
    Abstract: The present invention provides a slide-out mechanism that adjusts the elevation of a slide-out room relative to the main body of a vehicle. In one preferred embodiment, the slide-out mechanisms includes an acme screw elevator on a telescoping support arm below the slide-out room. As the slide-out room extends or retracts, the acme screw elevator increases or decreases the height of the slide-out room so as to allow full retraction within the vehicle body and complete level extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: RBW Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond W. Blodgett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7240939
    Abstract: A truck bed loading platform including a rail mountable on a truck bed. The platform also includes a first and second hingedly connected tray portions. Furthermore, the platform includes means for slidably mounting the first and second tray portions on the rail for sliding movement between first and second positions. The rail includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced rollers. The platform can include an optional handle(s) for facilitating manual sliding of the platform. The platform can also include an optional lock for locking the entire platform in place on a truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventors: Nathan P. Vandekerkhof, Michael Nikodinovski
  • Patent number: 7240940
    Abstract: A vehicle bed extender particularly adapted for ease of installation and removal. The extender includes a first side wall, a second side wall, a connecting wall, a first mount, a second mount, a first mounting station, and a second mounting station. The connecting wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall cooperate to form a generally U-shaped frame. The first mounting station and the second mounting station each comprise a stationary portion and a moveable portion configured such that the moveable portion, in a first position, cooperates with the stationary portion to engage the first mount or the second mount and to prevent disengagement. The moveable portion of the first mounting station and the second mounting station can be moved by a manual application of pressure to a second position which allows such disengagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: 89908, Inc.
    Inventor: Horst Leitner
  • Patent number: 7240941
    Abstract: A vehicle storage assembly includes a storage compartment having an opening to permit access to the compartment. A door adjacent the opening is moveable between a closed position that covers the opening and an open position that permits access to the compartment through the opening. The storage assembly further includes a controllable damper coupled to the door and actuable between high and low damping states, such that the door is maintained in one of the closed position, the open position, or any position therebetween when the controllable damper is in the high damping state. To move the door to a new position, the controllable damper is actuated from the high damping state to the low damping state whereby the door can then be freely moved to the desired position. The controllable damper may then be actuated from the low damping state to the high damping state to retain the door in the selected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J Adams, Michael W Cass, Todd L DePue, Kenneth William Paul Shaner
  • Patent number: 7240942
    Abstract: A sliding tray trunk for a vehicle having a mounting base attached to a vehicle, a storage device slidably attached on top of the mounting base, a locking cover that secures the storage box over the lower storage box, and one or more stops to limit sliding of the storage device on the mounting base to a predetermined distance is provided. The mounting device can be a lower storage box, on the top of which the storage device is slidably attached. The lower storage box has a substantially rectangular shape. The lower storage box has two rails on which the storage box can slide. A plurality of wheels are rotatably attached on each of the rails, and the storage device slides by rotation of the wheels. Alternatively, the mounting base can include a security panel connected to the mounting base by braces and struts and rimmed with a seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Robert D. Grafton
  • Patent number: 7240943
    Abstract: An improved door and drawer assembly for use with a seat on a passenger vehicle. The door and drawer assembly are installed in the passenger vehicle independent of the seat and thus not physically connected to the seat frame. Any load that is applied to the seat frame during movement of the vehicle or caused by passenger movement or support is not imposed on the door and drawer assembly. Accordingly, the operation of the door and drawer assembly is not adversely affected by the loads imposed on the seat frame. Alternatively, the drawer assembly can be excluded so that the door assembly can provide access to an area under the seat in which emergency equipment, such as a life raft bag assembly and life vests, can be stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: John Williamson, Sreekanth Chintapudi
  • Patent number: 7240944
    Abstract: A cargo space cover (26) for the cargo space (18) of a motor vehicle (10), which space can be closed using a rear hatch or tailgate (12). The cargo space cover (12) has a blind-like covering element (28) which can be rolled up at least partially onto a take-up shaft (32). In order to improve the accessibility of the cargo space, the covering element (28), in the operating position, is linked at its front end to a vehicle mount and at its back end to the rear hatch (12) so that the covering element (28) is swung and unrolled from the take-up shaft (32) when the rear hatch (12) is being opened. In a preferred form, the take-up shaft is incorporated into the rear hatch or tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: HS Genion GmbH
    Inventors: Ulf Plettrichs, Juergen Klingenberg, Fritz Wegener, Peter Biecker
  • Patent number: 7240945
    Abstract: The present teachings disclose a recreational vehicle comprising, in one embodiment, a chassis having a plurality of wheels and a vehicle frame having a front frame member mounted to the chassis. In addition, the recreational vehicle includes a coach having a plurality of walls that are joined together so as to define an interior living space with a floor and a roof, wherein the plurality of walls includes a front wall positioned adjacent the front frame member, and wherein the interior living space includes a first living area defined adjacent the front wall. Also, the recreational vehicle includes an overhead console that is positioned adjacent the front wall and the coach roof so as to be accessible from the front portion of the interior living space. Moreover, the overhead console is pivotally attached to the front frame member, wherein the overhead console articulates from a first position relative to the front wall of the coach to a second position that is a first distance away from the front wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Alfa Leisure, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnnie R. Crean
  • Patent number: 7240946
    Abstract: A counterbalancing system is provided that can be easily installed to an exterior of a tailgate and provides a mechanism for arresting the tailgate in an open position. The system includes a stop assembly coupled to the vehicle and a counterbalance assembly adapted to be coupled in a pretensioned position to an outer periphery of the tailgate, the counterbalance assembly providing a counterbalance force when engaged with the stop assembly while the tailgate is opened or closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Dimiter S. Zagoroff
  • Patent number: 7240947
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment sets forth an apparatus, including a non-collapsible single unit stair comprising: a pair of opposing side rails supporting at least a top step and a bottom step; a coupler adapted to couple the apparatus to an edge of a horizontal surface; and a height adjustable user-support arm, coupled to one of the side rails with a rotatable coupling, wherein the user-support arm is moveable between a support position and a storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventors: John Kuznarik, Shirley Kuznarik
  • Patent number: 7240948
    Abstract: A convertible cargo bed assembly for a utility vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a single piece molded main body having a pair of integrally formed hip restraints that each include a passenger hand hold integrally formed within the respective hip restraint. The assembly additionally includes a molded pivoting panel that has a cargo deck side and a seat side. The cargo deck side functions as a portion of a cargo deck when the pivoting panel is in a deployed position. The seat side has at least one full-sized seat cushion coupled thereto. That is the full-sized seat cushion is approximately the same size as the forward facing driver's and passenger's seats. Therefore, when the pivoting panel is transitioned from the deployed position to a stowed position, wherein the convertible cargo bed provides a full-sized rear facing seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Steven W. Houston
  • Patent number: 7240949
    Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle includes a slide carried by the vehicle and having a moveable portion, a seat carried by the moveable portion and including a seat bottom and a seat back pivotally connected together for movement between an open position and a folded position, and a pivot connector connected between the movable portion and the seat to permit pivoted movement of the seat relative to the slide. In one presently preferred implementation, the pivot connector is connected to the seat back and the entire seat may be pivoted about the pivot connector to move the seat relative to and preferably into a forward or a rearward area in the vehicle interior. The slide permits sliding or generally horizontal movement of the seat in the vehicle and the seat may be pivoted and/or moved into a variety of positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Mark T Moushegian, Stuart P Macey
  • Patent number: 7240950
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat comprising a seat back, a seat proper connected to the seat back, a link mechanism for fastening the seat to the floor, and enabling the seat to move between a retracted position and a deployed position, the mechanism comprising at least a first connecting rod hinged to the floor and to the seat back, and the seat further comprising a guide mechanism comprising a guide fastened to the floor with the bottom portion of the seat back being guided therealong between the retracted position and the deployed position. In the seat, the rear portion of the seat proper is mounted to pivot relative to the bottom portion of the seat back, and the link mechanism further comprises a connection piece mounted to move relative to the floor and hinged to the front portion of the seat proper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Faurecia Sieges D'automobile
    Inventors: François Fourrey, Fabrice Lesbats, David Epaud, Sébastien Vankerckvoorde
  • Patent number: 7240951
    Abstract: A passenger compartment visor assembly of a vehicle is disclosed. The visor assembly (10) includes a first member (16) and a second member (18). A support member (28) is positioned between the first member (16) and the second member (18). The first member (16) and the second member (18) are moveable relative to support member (28) between an open position and a closed position. The first member (16) and second member (18) each include an inner surface (20, 24) and an outer surface (22, 26). At least one of the inner surfaces (20, 24) includes at least one integrally-formed storage receptacle (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua Willerton
  • Patent number: 7240952
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle having a movable roof is fitted with a passenger compartment canopy that has an air permeable structure. This vehicle, whose roof, such as a foldaway rigid roof, hard-top or soft-top, is movable in relation to its structure, comprises releasable connections interposed between the structure of the vehicle and the canopy, so that when the movable roof is placed at least partially at a distance from a position above the passenger compartment, the canopy is arranged in a movable or removable manner above this compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Heuliz/CSTB
    Inventors: Jacques Gandemer, Gerard Queveau
  • Patent number: 7240953
    Abstract: The invention relates to a convertible roof for a vehicle. More specifically, the invention relates to locking means comprising a traveller which is mounted in a guide rail that is solidly connected to a roof element. The system also comprises: first elastomeric means which are designed to return the aforementioned traveller to an unlocked position; push means which are controlled by the translational movement of a bolt which is mounted to a threaded part of a rod, in order to push the traveller into a locked position against the force of said first elastic means; and at least one locking pin which is mounted to the traveller or the guide rail, such as to co-operate with a complementary locking member when the traveller is in the locked position, said complementary locking member being solidly connected to an adjacent roof element or to the front or rear of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: SEBA
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Guillez, Gérard Queveau, Paul Queveau
  • Patent number: 7240954
    Abstract: A close out seal has a base, a weather strip and a trim strip all permanently joined together to provide a single part capable of being readily installed in a rear quarter panel of an automotive vehicle. The weather strip has a sealing lip adapted to contact a rear window of the vehicle. The trim strip has a contoured inner surface portion adapted to seal around an upright end portion of a transverse overhead sport bar. The trim strip provides a cap for the rear quarter panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Larry M Storinsky, Martin Potok, Douglas P Smith, Daniel Bullion, John Griffin, David Baryla, Michael Boes, Jeffrey Tangen, John Grauer, Richard Maciejewski
  • Patent number: 7240955
    Abstract: An apparatus for locking a door trim panel to a door module includes: at least one hook depending from an inwardly directed surface of said door trim panel; an elongate locking element having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to an end of the hook by way of a hinge; at least one receiver depending from an opposing surface of said door module and being operable to engage said hook, the receiver including an edge directed toward the opposing surface of the door module; and a cleat depending from the surface of the door trim panel and operable to engage the second end of the locking element when the locking element is a locking position, wherein the edge of the receiver engages the locking element and prevents the hook from disengaging from the receiver once the second end of the locking element engages the cleat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Faurecia Interior Systems
    Inventor: Michael Twork