Patents Issued in July 24, 2007
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Patent number: 7246814Abstract: A multi-level personal utility cart includes a frame including a vertical rear panel and a handle including latching structure on side portions of the handle, each latching structure being structurally engaged with a portion of the rear panel, a lower basket assembly carried by and pivotably attached to the frame, an upper basket assembly carried by and pivotably attached to the frame, where the upper and lower basket assemblies are pivotable in a direction toward the upper portion of the handle so that the upper and lower basket assemblies can be collapsed against a portion of the frame into a compact and substantially planar structure. The latching structure on the handle operatively cooperates with the rear panel to automatically lock the cart in an opened position. An access door to the lower basket assembly is provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2003Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Mind Wurx, LLCInventors: James G. Prather, Miguel Orozco
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Patent number: 7246815Abstract: An airbag unit for motor vehicles, with a tubular gas generator, tied to a motor vehicle structure, for generating a filling gas for a gas bag. The tubular gas generator is displaceable in the direction of its tube axis in relation to the motor vehicle structure and being in interaction with a deformation element which, under the action of a force which is greater than or equal to a defined minimum force, is deformed and makes it possible for the tubular gas generator to be displaced along its tube axis.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2003Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Takata-Petri AGInventors: Stefan Fuchs, Ralf Bartholomaus
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Patent number: 7246816Abstract: A gas bag module for a motor vehicle steering wheel includes a gas bag (10), a gas generator (12) mounted so as to be capable of swinging, a generator carrier (16), means (18) for bracing the gas bag (10) on the generator carrier (16), and an elastically deformable, in relation to the central axis (A) of the gas bag module encircling sealing element (24). The sealing element (24) is fastened by its free edges directly or indirectly to the gas generator (12) and to the generator carrier (16), respectively. A section (26) of the sealing element (24), which is free before a filling of the gas bag (10), is deflected by the pressure occurring in the interior of the gas bag on filling of the gas bag (10), so that it comes directly or indirectly in abutment with a support surface (22; 28).Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbHInventors: Christian Lorenz, Matthias Helmstetter
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Patent number: 7246817Abstract: A head-protecting airbag device according to the present invention includes an airbag, a roof rail garnish formed into a single plate shape for covering the interior of the folded airbag, and being provided in its lower edge with a door portion to be pushed by the inflating airbag, and an inflator. These members are assembled into an airbag module and mounted on a vehicle as a single part. The airbag module includes a cover portion located in a back side of the roof rail garnish over the generally entire length of the folded airbag. The cover portion includes a bottom wall extending from an exterior side of the door portion for covering a lower side of the folded airbag, and a side wall for covering an exterior side of the airbag. An upper part of the side wall of the cover portion is joined to an exterior portion of the garnish above the folded airbag.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toshinori Tanase
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Patent number: 7246818Abstract: A protecting device for an occupant of a vehicle includes: an airbag positioned to inflate along an interior side of a vehicle; an elongated inflator including a tube extending along the interior side of the vehicle in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle; several openings in the tube positioned to allow inflation gas to enter and inflate the airbag.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2005Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Takata CorporationInventor: Hiroshi Jomura
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Patent number: 7246819Abstract: An airbag module for a vehicle occupant restraint system includes an airbag (22) and a gas generator (10) that is connected via at least one first outflow opening (18) to an airbag chamber (28), the airbag chamber (28) being at least partially formed by the interior of the airbag (22), an actuator unit (36) being provided on the gas generator (10) and, when the actuator unit (36) is activated, it releases a traction element (50) that causes a pressure reduction in the airbag (22), an activation of the actuator unit (36) also leading to an opening of a second outflow opening (20) in the gas generator (10), which vents generator gas to an environment without this vented gas flowing into the airbag chamber (28). Moreover, the invention relates to a method of restraining a vehicle occupant with such an airbag module.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2006Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: TRW Airbag Systems GmbHInventors: Achim Hofmann, Harald Lutz, Joachim Lutz, Oskar Sponfeldner
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Patent number: 7246820Abstract: An annular airbag is disclosed, of the type where the center piece (12) of the steering wheel cover (11) (mostly embodied as the emblem of the vehicle producer) remains in place during the unfolding process. In order to prevent a vehicle occupant impacting the hole arising above the center piece with an inflated airbag, the tubular region (17) of the airbag above the center piece is embodied such that the cross-sectional area thereof in the inflated state reduces in the direction of the upper plate of the airbag from the center piece (12). The above is achieved, for example, by means of a special forming of the tubular region, by provision of pockets (21) and/or folds (31), the use of special materials, a special fixing of the airbag to the airbag module (9), or the fitting of tension straps (50).Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2002Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Takata-Petri AGInventors: Thomas Marotzke, Sven Ortmann, Gerhard Lutter, Günter Zähle, Detlef Crohn
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Patent number: 7246821Abstract: A wheelchair has a width that can be adjusted. The wheelchair has a pair of side frames connected to each other by one or more X-frame(s) (11). The X-frame (11) has a pair of rotatable arms connected rotatably to each other at their respective centers, the lower ends of each rotatable arm being fixed to the side frame, and the fixing position of each rotatable arm to the side frame is vertically adjustable. In the wheelchair (1), when the rotatable arm(s)(11A,HA) of the X-frames(s)(11) rotate around the centers C of the rotatable arms (s)(11A,11A), the width between the side frames (3,3) can be adjusted. When the rotatable arm(s) (11A,11A) are respectively rotated, the height of the X-frame(s) (11) is changed. However, since the lower part(s) of the X-frame(s) (11) is(are) fixed to the left and right side frames (3,3), and are vertically adjustable, the left and right side frames (3,3) can be connected by the X-frames(s) (11) to correspond to the change of the height of the X-frame(s) (11).Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: MiKi Co. Ltd.Inventor: Hisayoshi Sato
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Patent number: 7246822Abstract: A motorized seatbelt system for a vehicle includes a communications bus, a first motorized seat belt retractor, operably connected to the communication bus, having a first controller and a second motorized seat belt retractor, having a second controller, operably connected to the communications bus and the first motorized seat belt. The first and second motorized seat belt retractors may include an electric motor and a microprocessor. The first motorized seat belt retractor is deployed when the first controller detects a deployment event and the second controller enables the first motorized seat belt retractor. Similarly, the second motorized seat belt retractor is deployed when the second controller detects a deployment event and the first controller enables the second motorized seat belt retractor.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2005Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.Inventor: James Gregory Stanley
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Patent number: 7246823Abstract: A business form according to the present invention including a ply of label stock, a ply of release liner stock, and a ply of message or record bearing stock, may be configured as either a continuous or cut sheet form. The ply of label stock has one side coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive. The ply of release liner stock has a release side that engages with the adhesive on the one side of the label stock. The release liner ply and the label stock ply have edges that are laterally offset from one another so that a narrow longitudinal strip of adhesive is unengaged with the release liner. The ply of message bearing stock is adhered at one edge to the label stock at the narrow longitudinal strip of adhesive. A plurality of cuts is defined by, and extends through, the release liner from the back of the business form, whereby the structural integrity of the business form is enhanced.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: The Standard Register CompanyInventors: David F. Laurash, Jeffrey D. Kimble
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Patent number: 7246824Abstract: The invention provides for a label such as a temper evident holographic or diffractive security label that consists of at least two separate microstructures (30, 31), one exhibiting a holographic or diffractive security image, the other a non visible non-diffractive structure which controls differential release of a reflector or semi reflector layer (27) to display a separate visual message upon removal of the label by tamper. The advantage over previous prior art devices is that both the diffractive message and the tamper evident message are encoded within the microstructure without any need for additional coating or print layers in the device.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2001Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Optaglio LimitedInventor: Philip Hudson
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Patent number: 7246825Abstract: An erosion-indicating safety fitting having a fluid passage formed within for connection in-line with a pipe and a cage of interconnecting breach passages formed into the block and surrounding the fluid passage, particularly at areas having a predicted risk of erosion. A pressure gauge, connected to the breach passages, registers a change in pressure to equal that of the pressure in the fluid passage should the material between the fluid passage and one or more of the breach passages be eroded by the flow of particulate-laden fluid within the fluid passage. The fitting can then be changed before compromising the safety of personnel and the environment.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Worldwide Matrix Inc.Inventor: Marcel Menard
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Patent number: 7246826Abstract: A pipe lap joint for use with vehicle exhaust systems which includes an inside pipe end telescopically inserted into an outside pipe end with the pipe ends secured together by a band clamp. The outside pipe end includes a sealing zone having a collapsible sealing slot that enables the outside pipe end to be drawn tight over the outside surface of the inside pipe end via the band clamp to thereby provide a fluid-tight seal between the pipes. The sealing slot extends from an open end of the outside pipe end and includes a pair of opposing sidewalls each having a tooth and recess. As the band clamp is tightened, the sealing slot collapses such that the teeth of the sidewalls move into the opposing, complementarily-shaped recesses, while adjoining circumferential edges of the teeth engage each other to thereby form a fluid seal.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2005Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Breeze-Torce Products, LLCInventors: Brian T Ignaczak, Alan M Polaski
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Patent number: 7246827Abstract: An electric door lock interchangeable between fail safe and fail secure modes comprising a housing for receiving a plurality of internal components of the door lock. A window is included in the housing, the window allowing access to the internal components to change the operation of the lock between fail safe an fail secure modes.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2005Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Security Door ControlsInventors: Arthur Geringer, David Geringer, Richard Geringer
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Patent number: 7246828Abstract: A lock for locking a lid to a receptacle has a bolt extending into aligned holes in overlapping parts thereof. A handle is detachably connected to an outer end of the bolt for pulling the bolt. An expansion mechanism in the form of wedges, a chain or other mechanisms, expands to an expanded geometry larger than the aligned holes to prevent withdrawing the bolt, and contracts to a contracted geometry which is at most equal to the dimension of the aligned holes for allowing withdrawing of the bolt. An actuator mounted in the bolt engages the expansion mechanism for moving it from the expanded geometry to the contracted geometry when the actuator is pushed. A biasing spring engaged to the actuator biases it in the withdrawing direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2005Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Inventor: Roger S. Kitzis
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Patent number: 7246829Abstract: an improved sliding door latch comprising a latch plate attached to the leading edge of the door and projecting outwardly on either side of the door to enable a person to grasp the latch plate to slide the door open or closed, and a latch arm pivotally secured to the door jamb and movable between a first unlocked position which permits the door to be opened or closed and a latched position engaging the latch plate and preventing movement of the door.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Inventors: Vernon L. Balsbaugh, Philip D. Grover
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Patent number: 7246830Abstract: A seal has a head and a strap, the head having a chamber with an aperture through which the end of the strap can be fed. An arrangement is provided within the chamber to engage the strap so that it cannot be pulled out in the opposite direction to which is inserted. This arrangement includes resilient clip having arms which can flex and overlapping apertured members at the ends of the arms which are configured to provide a variable gap as the strap is pulled through. This clip is mounted in an insert which in turn is fitted in the chamber of the seal.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: ITW LimitedInventors: Daniel Graves, Chris Benning
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Patent number: 7246832Abstract: A grille guard assembly for a vehicle and method of making same includes a hydroformed tubular upper member and a hydroformed tubular lower member. The grille guard assembly also includes at least one inner member interconnecting the upper member and the lower member. The grille guard assembly further includes at least one bracket connected to the lower member for attachment to vehicle structure.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2005Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Paul B. Cobble, Chi-Mou Ni, Eric B. Washington, Matthew J Noone, Michael J. Pevovar
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Patent number: 7246833Abstract: A system (10) for attaching a trailing device (12) to a vehicle includes a bumper assembly (11) having a back structure (13) which carries an energy absorbing module (14). The system (10) includes receiver assemblies (60) which are attached to the bumper back structure (13) and which include a tube (62). The system (10) also includes carrier assemblies (40) which carry the trailing device (12) and which each includes an arm end (42) slidably received in the tubes (62). Shear pins (73) attach the arm ends (42) to the tubes (62) and upon impact to the trailing device (12), a leg (74) of each pin (73) can be sheared allowing relative movement between the arm ends (42) and the tubes (62). As a result, the carrier assemblies (40) contact the energy absorbing bumper module (14) to absorb some of the energy of the impact.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Romeo-Rim, Inc.Inventor: Matthew M. Exline
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Patent number: 7246834Abstract: The cushion pad structure of the carpet installation tool comprises a rubber covering layer, a rubber foam body and an assembly board. The foam body is disposed in the covering layer. The foam body comprises a thrust face, which has a plurality of the first holes with at least a predetermined depth. The thrust face is designed so that a technician's knee or heel receives less reaction force from the impulse imparted due to the plurality of the first holes and softened hardness. Under the impulse force, the hardness of the advance gradually cushioning structure increases its hardness slowly and generates a maximum hardness at a proper position that may be experimentally determined, efficiently transferring the maximum impulse force to the carpet installation tool. The carpet installation tool therefore provides protection for the technician's knee and ankle joints, and efficiently transfers the impulse force.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2006Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Allied Arrows Associates Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yuan-Ching Cheng
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Patent number: 7246835Abstract: A military vehicle configured for transport by cargo aircraft. The vehicle has a cab portion that can be reduced in height by removing and/or collapsing and/or telescoping various components of the cab, such as the doors, roof, roll bar, windshield, and/or steering column.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2006Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Jeffrey B. Colburn, Douglas G. Miller, Shane F. Mills
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Patent number: 7246836Abstract: A suspension system for an “All Belts To Seat” or “ABTS” style seat is provided that includes a floor bracket, seat bracket, and an equalizing bracket. Means for allowing motion between the seat bracket and floor bracket is provided by a set of cams. The equalizing bracket connects the cams and ensures synchronized rotation. The height of the seat bracket is adjustable with respect to the floor bracket by means of an air spring, and motion between the two brackets is dampened by an interconnected shock absorber.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2005Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Seats IncorporatedInventor: Douglas C. Hahn
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Patent number: 7246837Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a sheet-form member for protecting vehicle occupants comprises a clip that is secured in an attachment hole in a body panel. The clip has a flange that covers edge portions of the attachment hole and has a protection member attaching part that receives and retains an engagement part of the protection member, which may be a soft elastic sheet.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventors: Masashi Dendo, Takahiro Sano, Junji Adachi
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Patent number: 7246838Abstract: A wall section is disclosed for a trailer. The wall section comprises a male end and a female end. The male end includes a central recess having at least one protrusion on each side of the central recess, the protrusions defining respective lateral recesses. The female end includes a central protrusion having at least one lateral protrusion on each side of the central protrusion, the central protrusion and the lateral protrusions defining respective recesses.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2005Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Roll-Rite, LLCInventor: Timothy K. Searfoss
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Patent number: 7246839Abstract: A hard tonneau cover with a carrying rack (10) for enclosing a pick-up truck bed (24) consists of a roadside frame (20) and a curbside frame (22) with each frame hinged to a side wall of the pick-up truck bed. Each frame includes a top panel (26) and the frames pivot upwardly and outwardly in a clam shell manner for opening. The carrying rack is formed within the cover by utilizing cargo rack arms (42 and 44) that pivot forward above the truck cab and removable cross bars (52, 54 and 56), positioned between the opened roadside and curbside frames provide means for transporting elongated objects above the pick-up truck cab and bed. A gas spring strut (64) is attached between the roadside and curbside frame and the truck bed for maintaining the frames in an open vertical position. A second embodiment duplicates the forward carrying rack and is located at the rear for carrying extended length articles.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2005Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Inventor: Donald E. Nyberg
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Patent number: 7246840Abstract: A liftgate component module mountable on a pivotal liftgate window provides a unitary mounting platform for a plurality of components including a window wiper drive motor and a window latch. A unitary bracket carries the wiper drive apparatus and the window latch apparatus. A handle, which may include an electrical switch, is also mounted on the window. The electrical connections between the handle switch and a controller carried on the window as part of the motor enables instantaneous response of the latch to activation of the handle switch. The same controller can also control a liftgate latch and a liftgate electrical switch handle.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Valeo Electrical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Terence M. Gates, Philippe Gougeon, Leonida S. Vaitus, William Ethan A. McClure
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Patent number: 7246841Abstract: A convertible roof includes a segmented pair of front roof rails that in-fold when being retracted, thereby reducing the packaging space required to stow the convertible roof. The in-folding of the segmented front roof rails is controlled by linkages between the segmented portions and the number one roof bow and synchronizes and constrains the in-folding of the segmented front roof rails. A dampening device is utilized to dampen a portion of the movement of the top stack mechanism between extended and retracted positions.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2005Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: ASC IncorporatedInventor: Christopher J. Dilluvio
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Patent number: 7246842Abstract: A visor for an automobile is provide, which does not impair the design of the automobile when mounted on a window frame of the automobile. A side visor includes a brim portion made of stainless steel formed along a window frame of an automobile, and a visor portion made of acrylic resin formed so as to expand from the brim portion when mounted on the brim portion. The brim portion is provided at its lower edge with a connecting portion. The visor portion has an inner side of an upper edge that is provided with a bonding portion having a width approximately equal to the width of the connecting portion and expanding inwardly. By bonding the connecting portion of the brim portion and the bonding portion of the visor portion together by an adhesive tape, the brim portion and the visor portion are connected together.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2006Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignees: Tamura Plastic Mfg. Co., Ltd., Toyota Motor CorporationInventors: Shingo Yamada, Tomokazu Hirota, Shinya Kumazaki
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Patent number: 7246843Abstract: An extendable and retractable support system for raising and lowering structures, including covers or tops of mobile and immobile dwellings which includes a plurality of telescopic assemblies. The telescopic assemblies include at least two tube members that are provided with enclosed sides and a centrally located internal channel structure that is parallel to and proximal to a center of the tube members, though which internal channel structures one of a plurality of spring elements extends. A mechanism extends and retracts the spring elements thereby causing the telescopic assemblies to extend and retract.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Inventor: Michael Lambright
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Patent number: 7246844Abstract: A trailer comprises a trailer body having a side portion. A trailer cover is coupled to the trailer body and is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the trailer body. The trailer cover in the first position is sufficiently rigid to support a recreational vehicle above the side portion of the trailer body. The trailer cover, when in the second position, forms at least a portion of a roof and is spaced from the trailer body a sufficient distance to at least partially define a habitation space below the trailer cover.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2005Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Michael Roman Guidry
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Patent number: 7246845Abstract: A structural seat system is provided for an automotive vehicle. In another aspect of the present invention, a structural beam is employed which extends in a cross-vehicle direction spaced above a vehicle floor. A further aspect of the present invention provides a passenger seat with a recessed configuration. Yet another aspect of the present invention uses a structural reinforcement and seat system in a convertible roof vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: ASC IncorporatedInventors: Mostafa Rashidy, George A. Corder, Robert G. Storc, James E. Robertson, George Wolenter
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Patent number: 7246846Abstract: A cab capable of easily securing rollover protection strength at low manufacturing cost is offered. Four pillars are mounted in the front and rear, and left and right of the cab. Two of them are mounted respectively in a first position at the outer side portion where it bulges outward and in a second position on the inner side portion and opposite the first position in the left-and-right direction. At least one of the pillars is formed with a pipe. A U-shaped frame is firmly mounted between the upper ends of the left and right rear pillars among the four pillars, and directed rearward to form a U-shaped rear roof frame.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Shioji, Akihide Namura, Tatsushi Itoh
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Patent number: 7246847Abstract: A vehicle closure system includes a first track portion rigidly connected with respect to a vehicle body and a second track portion rigidly connected with respect to a closure panel. The closure panel is selectively movable between open and closed positions. The first and second track portions align when the closure panel is in the closed position. The track portions facilitate movement of a window between a closed position and a stowed position, while allowing independent movement of the closure panel with respect to the window.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2005Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventor: Joseph Michael Polewarczyk
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Patent number: 7246848Abstract: A sunroof apparatus includes: a first internal wall surface with which a guide rail is provided; a second internal wall surface with which the guide rail is provided and which faces the first internal wall surface in a height direction; a main body portion which the sliding member includes and which is supported by the first internal wall surface; and a first flexible portion which the sliding member includes. One end of the first flexible portion is connected to the main body portion, while the other end of the first flexible portion is configured to come in pressure-contact with the main body portion when the first flexible portion comes in pressure-contact with the second internal wall surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2006Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazusige Kawamura, Makoto Muranaka, Naoaki Hoshihara
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Patent number: 7246849Abstract: A vehicle seat including an arrangement for resisting loads applied to the vehicle seat which comprises a seat base and a seat back; said arrangement including a link mechanism connected between the seat back and a support member connected to the vehicle. The link mechanism is arranged to prevent motion of the seat back beyond a predetermined position. There is also provided an adjustable tether arrangement including a tether means, the tether means being arranged to be mounted between the seat back and a vehicle body and the tether means including a tether strap and a retractor mechanism enabling the tether strap to extend or retract in accordance with allowed motion of the vehicle seat.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2003Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: G & J Lewis Enterprises Pty LtdInventor: Gordon Lewis
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Patent number: 7246850Abstract: A seat weight sensor for detecting the load upon a vehicle seat. The seat weight sensor includes a seat rail positioned under the vehicle seat. A lever arm is mounted to the vehicle seat. One end of the lever arm has one or more stationary fingers and a free finger. The stationary fingers are rigidly mounted to the seat rail. The lever arm bends in relation to the force placed upon the seat that in turn places the free finger in motion. A sensor is mounted to the seat rail and is configured to measure the change in motion of the free finger when a force is placed upon the seat.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2005Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.Inventor: Ryan N. Steele
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Patent number: 7246851Abstract: An arm rest cover is slipped over an arm rest within a vehicle in order to aesthetically cover the arm rest with a desired design. An elongate cover member has a closed first end and a second end with an opening, the opening located either on a longitudinal axis of the cover member or radially offset from the longitudinal axis. The arm rest passes through the opening and the cover member is slipped over the arm rest until it is in substantially covering relationship with the arm rest. The cover member may be made from an elastic material such as a nylon-spandex mix.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2006Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Inventor: Glenda J. Phillips
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Patent number: 7246852Abstract: A juvenile seat includes a base having a bottom seat portion, a lower back section coupled to the base and positioned to lie at an angle relative to the bottom seat portion, and a headrest coupled to the lower back section for up and down movement relative to the base and the lower back section. The juvenile seat also includes a height-adjustment mechanism coupled to the headrest for up and down movement with the headrest to adjust the height of the headrest above the bottom seat portion. The height-adjustment mechanism is movable between a locked position to prevent up and down movement of the headrest relative to the lower back section and an unlocked position to permit up and down movement of the headrest relative to the lower back section.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.Inventor: Eugene Balensiefer
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Patent number: 7246853Abstract: A child restraint apparatus having a base connectable to a vehicle. The base has a chassis with a back portion and a seat portion. /A U-shaped guard is pivotally connected to the chassis so as to be movable between an up position and a down position, in the down position the guard forming a frontal and lateral barrier around the child. A seat member of appropriate size is detachably connected to the seat portion of the chassis. A harness assembly is connected to the seat member. The harness assembly comprises a retractor assembly connected to the seat member and a torso strap having a lower end fixed to the retractor and a pair of upper ends connectable to a helmet via a latch assembly connected to the helmet. The helmet is adjustably connected to the chassis and has a rigid shell shaped to extend about at least a portion the head of the child.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2005Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Kidnetik Corp.Inventors: John A. Harcourt, William C. Aven, William P. Munsell
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Patent number: 7246854Abstract: A child vehicle seat includes a seat portion and a headrest assembly. The headrest assembly defines at least one belt aperture. The headrest assembly is movable in relation to the seat portion between an upper position and a lower position. The child vehicle seat further includes a harness system including (i) at least one shoulder belt portion extending through the at least one belt aperture defined in the headrest assembly, and (ii) a crotch belt assembly that is movable in relation to the seat portion between an extended position and a retracted position. Movement of the headrest assembly in relation to the seat portion from the upper position to the lower position causes the crotch belt assembly to move from the extended position to the retracted position.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2005Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Indiana Mills & Manufacturing IncInventors: Guy Dingman, Mike Ayette, Tom Woellert
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Patent number: 7246855Abstract: A reclinable child seat assembly includes a base, a seat movably and detachably coupled to the base, and a recline mechanism to enable the seat to be positioned in different recline positions relative to the base. The recline mechanism includes a recline positioner mounted to the seat, the recline positioner having slots corresponding to the different recline positions, a recline lock movably mounted to the base to releasably engage a desired one of the slots of the recline positioner to position the seat in the corresponding one of the recline positions, and a recline adjustment handle movably mounted to the seat to disengage the recline lock from the desired slot to allow repositioning of the seat relative to the base.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.Inventors: Michael N. Langmaid, Daniel J. Brunick, Craig M. Billman, Craig S. Weber
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Patent number: 7246856Abstract: A positioning and control system to selectively position and to monitor and record the position of the seat frame, back rest frame and leg rest supports of a powered wheelchair wherein the positioning and control system comprises a seat positioning mechanism including a seat tilt positioning assembly and a back rest recline positioning assembly to position the tilt of the seat frame and the recline of the back rest frame respectively, and a leg rest positioning mechanism including leg rest positioning assemblies to position the leg rest supports, and a system control including an operator input control and a microprocessor to control, monitor and record the position of the seat frame, back rest frame and the leg rest supports.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2003Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Hoveround CorporationInventors: Thomas Kruse, Timothy Philipp
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Patent number: 7246857Abstract: The seat folding device of a vehicle includes a seat frame that linearly slides along an anteroposterior direction of the vehicle on a guide rail fixed to a floor panel of the vehicle. Two folding brackets are pivotally coupled at a front middle portion of the seat frame. A tilting bracket is coupled at the lower surface thereof to one end of the folding bracket by a hinge. A seat cushion is disposed at an upper side of the tilting bracket. The present invention thus constructed prevents deterioration of the appearance of the seat device and optimizes the stability of the vehicle, convenience of the user and marketability of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Sang Ho Kim
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Patent number: 7246858Abstract: A structure to adjust a seat back includes a seat base, a seat back, an adjusting device and a linking rod. The seat back comprises a seat back support pivotally connected to the seat base. The adjusting device includes a worm, a worm wheel and a bracket. The bracket is secured to the seat base opposite the seat back. The worm is pivotally connected to the bracket. The worm wheel is pivotally connected to the bracket and meshes with the worm. The linking rod has one end pivotally connected to the seat back support and another end connected to the worm wheel. By operating the worm, the worm wheel is linked to spin, which links the linking rod to move to adjust the seat back.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2005Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Inventor: Long-Chuan Hsu
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Patent number: 7246859Abstract: A chair has a backrest and a pair of armrests. A pair of support struts for supporting the backrest is connected to a shaft of a base under a seat. The armrest is supported by an arm post. An operating lever is mounted on the upper front end of the arm post. When the backrest is tilted, it is held at a desired angle by pressing up the operating lever.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2006Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Okamura CorporationInventors: Ryo Igarashi, Naoki Numa, Ken Nakayama, Hiroshi Masunaga
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Patent number: 7246860Abstract: A wheel insert for removable placement within the apertures of the wheel rim of a vehicle wheel for preventing mud, dirt and debris from entering and blocking the apertures and marring the vehicle wheel includes a tubular body portion insertable into the aperture, a closed end flange engaging the rear surface of the wheel rim, a front flange spaced from the end flange for engaging the front surface of the wheel rim, and a pair of inwardly projecting receiving flanges adjacent the front flange for holding a stiffening and closure member that locks the wheel insert within the aperture and to the wheel rim with the stiffening and closure member having both reflective and decorative elements for enhancing the safety and aesthetic features of the wheel insert by enhancing the visibility of the vehicle wheels at night.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2005Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Inventor: Gary R Seitz
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Patent number: 7246862Abstract: A compressed air treatment device is designed to be installed in an industrial vehicle consisting of a motor vehicle that can pull a trailer. The device comprises a set of electropneumatic components that are controlled by an electronic command/control unit which is interfaced with a computer communication bus and with various electrical components (sensors, switches, etc.). The device is used in particular to manage the compressed air in terms of supplying the service braking circuit(s).Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Renault V.I.Inventors: Bruno Duchet, Armando Carneiro Esteves
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Patent number: 7246863Abstract: An electromagnetic valve unit includes a yoke of magnetic metal. The yoke includes upper and lower walls that are integrally connected by side walls. A slit is provided by the upper wall of the yoke. The slit extends along a longitudinal axis of the yoke between axially opposed ends of the yoke. A plurality of electromagnetic valves are abreast installed in the yoke in such a manner that the yoke constitutes outside magnetic paths of solenoid coils of the valves. Each of the solenoid coils has terminal members that project outward from the yoke through the slit.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventor: Yukinori Otsuka
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Patent number: 7246864Abstract: A hydraulic pressure regulating device is disposed between a master cylinder and a pair of wheel cylinders included in each of a dual hydraulic circuit. A desired value is provided for a wheel cylinder operatively associated with a wheel to be controlled, on the basis of state variable monitored by a monitor. The desired value for at least one wheel cylinder in a hydraulic circuit including the wheel cylinder for the wheel to be controlled, is modified at least in response to operation of a brake pedal to provide a modified desired value. When the brake pedal is operated, the regulating device is controlled in response to a result of comparison between the modified desired value and the state variable, to regulate the pressure in at least one wheel cylinder included in the hydraulic circuit.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshihisa Kato, Shingo Nishigaki
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Patent number: 7246865Abstract: A storage system for mounting to a ceiling or overhead structure comprises a mounting frame, a storage compartment, a lift mechanism and a tilt mechanism. The mounting frame is mounted to the ceiling or overhead structure. The storage compartment is coupled to the mounting frame for pivotal movement relative to the ceiling or overhead structure between an access position and a storage position. The storage compartment comprises a frame and at least one shelf having a support surface. The shelf is mounted to the frame for pivotal movement relative thereto. The lift mechanism is coupled to the frame of the storage compartment and configured to raise the storage compartment from the access position to the storage position.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Inventor: Rodney K. Merrell, II