Patents Issued in May 27, 2008
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Patent number: 7377541Abstract: A leg-protection device is disposed under a steering column for protecting a vehicle occupant. The leg-protection device includes an airbag to be inflated upwardly along a bottom surface of a steering-column cover and a projecting member provided at the airbag and projecting from a front end portion of the airbag in a inflating direction when the airbag is inflated.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Takata CorporationInventors: Kazuhiro Abe, Masayoshi Kumagai
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Patent number: 7377542Abstract: A side air bag module is disposed in a cavity in a vehicle seat. At least one reinforcement panel is secured to either the air bag module or the seat frame on an anchoring edge. The opposite edge of the reinforcement panel is sewn to a hem on one side of a tear seam. A barbed retainer may be inserted in a slot to bear upon a peripheral flange portion of the air bag module.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Michael L. Tracht, Richard G. Dierl, Sebastian Uschold
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Patent number: 7377543Abstract: The invention relates to a steering wheel (11) of an automotive vehicle with an airbag module (21) fixed thereto through at least one intermediate device (33) comprising a spring (37), a positioning plate (35) incorporating at its upper part a hollow cylindrical body (53) surrounding a central hole and elements (55) cooperating with the snap-fitting connection (57) of the airbag module (21) and at its lower part a slot for housing said spring (37) and two stops (59); a screw (41) for fixing the intermediate device (33) to the framework (17) and a bushing (39) with a hole for the passage of said screw (41); said hollow cylindrical body (53) and said bushing (39) being configured such that the latter is located inside the former and the positioning plate (35) can be fixed to the framework (17) and at the same time can move vertically compressing/decompressing the spring (37).Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2007Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Dalphi Metal EspaƱa, S.A.Inventors: Javier Boullosa Vazquez, Jorge Ollero Ollero
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Patent number: 7377544Abstract: To simplify the mechanism of an occupant protection system in which a seat bag at the front part of a seat cushion and a lap bag are inflated to protect an occupant and also to simplify the mounting structure of the occupant protection system to a seat frame, a holder is mounted to the side frame of a seat. The holder includes a pretensioner connected to a lap anchor, an inflator for inflating a seat bag and a lap bag, and a manifold for distributing gas from the inflator to the seat bag and the lap bag. The connecting structure of the lap anchor and the pretensioner is of a latch type (insert-lock type).Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Takata CorporationInventor: Yasuo Itoga
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Patent number: 7377545Abstract: A micro gas generator with an automatic ignition function operated before being weakened by heat without impairing the cleanliness of exhaust gas, comprising gas generating agent, a cup body for filling the gas generating agent therein, and a holder formed integrally with squibs and fixedly sealing the squibs in the cup body, wherein an automatic igniting agent layer is put on the inner surface of the cup body.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2003Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Nippon Kayaku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ryoi Kodama, Kazumasa Kurita, Kenjiro Ikeda
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Patent number: 7377546Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10d) includes an inflatable occupant protection device (300) and a support member (316). A vent opening (350) extends through the support member (316). A vent member (360) is associated with the vent opening (350). The vent member (360) initially closes the vent opening (350). Inflation fluid moves the vent member (360) relative to the support member (316) for enabling a flow of inflation fluid through the vent opening (350). A tether (386) extends between the inflatable occupant protection device (300) and the vent member (360). The tether (386) is responsive to inflation of the inflatable occupant protection device (300) away from the support member (316) by more than a predetermined distance for moving the vent member (360) relative to the support member (316) for reducing the flow of inflation fluid through the vent opening (350).Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Kurt F. Fischer, William P. Braun, Alex G. Meduvsky, John P. Wallner, Joseph J. Zwolinski
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Patent number: 7377547Abstract: A method of folding together a vehicle side curtain airbag is provided that includes bending a base section of an extended air bag toward the outboard side of the vehicle and fully over onto a middle section of the air bag located directly above the base section. The adjacent base and middle sections are then rolled, as a group, by first moving a crease line between the base and middle sections toward the outboard side of the vehicle, then curling the crease line back toward the unrolled portion of the base and middle sections and then rolling the remainder of the unrolled portion of the base and middle sections. A top section of the airbag is collapsed in a pleated manner.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Cari Schimpff, Yoshihiko Morita, Toru Kobayashi, Daniel B. Winiger
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Patent number: 7377548Abstract: An airbag device includes an airbag formed with at least one fabric panel and an inflator. The fabric panel includes at least one loop along a perimeter of the fabric panel. The inflator is a dual stage inflator configured to generate inflation gas during a first inflation stage and a second inflation stage to inflate the airbag. The airbag also includes a tether configured to help control the shape of the airbag when the airbag is inflating, the tether being positioned through the opening or loop when the airbag is in an uninflated state. The tether is severed by heat and/or pressure from inflation gases during the second stage inflation.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.Inventors: Barney J. Bauer, James Karlow, Amy L. Klinkenberger, John K. Williamson
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Patent number: 7377549Abstract: A saddle ride type all-terrain vehicle includes left and right front wheels supported independently of each other on a vehicle body such that driving power is transmitted to said front wheels by way of a pair of left and right drive shafts extending from a driving source side. The vehicle also includes universal couplings provided at opposite end portions of each of the drive shafts, covered by rubber boots. The vehicle further includes a protector for covering the rubber boots.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yosuke Hasegawa, Akio Handa, Masahiro Inoue, Makoto Toda, Hiroaki Tomita, Keita Yagi
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Patent number: 7377550Abstract: A retractor of a three-point rear seatbelt system is affixed to a rear roof rail without excessively protruding out at the bottom of the rear roof rail. Such an arrangement provides sufficient rear vision of the vehicle and strengthens the rigidity of the rear roof rail where the retractor is fixed in order to withstand heavy loads associated with seat belt systems.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Ho-Chul Lee
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Patent number: 7377551Abstract: A collapsible snowboard pole is presented. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention a snowboard pole can be provided with a manually expandable and compressible shaft, a basket at the tip, and a handle at the top. The basket can slide between a lower tip-ward (distal) position for storage and an upper top-ward (proximal) position for use. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention the pole can be expanded to full length and disengaged from a docking mechanism located at the back of a snowboard with one hand, while a user is in motion on the snowboard. Once disengaged, the user can easily deploy the basket to its full upward extension for use. Additionally, a user can dock a collapsed pole and secure it in a docking mechanism, or can insert the pole tip in a docking mechanism, then collapse the pole and then secure it in the docking mechanism, all with one hand while in motion on the snowboard.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Inventors: Jon Silverman, Guy Barretta, Jason Billig
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Patent number: 7377552Abstract: A straddle vehicle includes a main frame obliquely extending downward and rearward from a head pipe. Right and left sub-frames obliquely extend downward and rearward from the main frame, and seat rails obliquely extend upward and rearward from the sub-frames. A cross member extends between the seat rails. A rear cushion unit is supported by the cross member and an upper portion of the rear arm and slants forward. A lower portion of a fuel tank projects downward to a space defined between the rear cushion unit and a rear wheel.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toshimasa Miyabe
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Patent number: 7377553Abstract: A quick connector has a connector housing, a tube connection component, a pipe body and a retainer. The quick connector further has a checking operation portion provided with a holding component. The holding component has a fitting hole and a gate component which is continuous with an opening end of the fitting hole. The holding component is adapted to cause the pipe body connected to the housing to fit in the fitting hole through the gate component in a snap-on manner and to connect with an outer circumference of the pipe body by rotary motion of the checking operation portion. The holding component is also adapted to be prevented from connecting with the outer circumference of the pipe body if the pipe body is not fully inserted into the connector housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Akira Takayanagi
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Patent number: 7377554Abstract: A seal structure is provided for an air conditioning unit mounted inside a passenger compartment of a vehicle and connected with pipes, which extends to the passenger compartment from an engine cabin through a pipe penetration opening of an isolation member. The seal structure includes an annular-shape pipe coupling wall formed at a case of the air conditioning unit and arranged at an outer side of a connection unit of the pipes, a first packing unit sandwiched between the pipe coupling wall and the connection unit, and a second packing unit between the isolation member and a front end of the pipe coupling wall. The second packing unit is bonded to both the first packing unit and the pipe coupling wall.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Hirohisa Motomura, Kazuyuki Niimi, Kouji Matsunaga, Masahiro Tominaga
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Patent number: 7377555Abstract: A coupling for tubular goods having male and female coupling halves adapted to provide a straight-through conduit path when joined together. In a preferred embodiment, the male member has a sliding gate which opens automatically when the coupling halves are mated and closes off the central passageway automatically when the coupling halves are separated. The gate prevents debris from entering the central passageway when the coupling is de-mated. This is a particular advantage in undersea environments. The coupling may include seals for providing a fluid-tight connection between the male and female members.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
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Patent number: 7377556Abstract: An adapter mount for attaching to a fitting tube includes an adapter tube having an outer circumferential surface; a first expandable ring placed on the outer circumferential surface of the adapter tube and comprising of elastic material for expanding and fitting to the inner surface of the fitting tube; an adjustment ring configured to be threaded to the adapter tube to generate a rotational threading force; a compression ring for translating the rotational threading force from the adjustment ring to a longitudinal compressing displacement of the first expandable ring, causing an outer surface of the first expandable ring to fit to the inner surface of the fitting tube; and a stop attached to the adapter tube for preventing the adjustment ring from separating from the adapter tube.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Inventor: David Gian-Teh Ho
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Patent number: 7377557Abstract: A scissor apparatus for a latch assembly, which includes a spring comprising a plurality of fingers for controlling the motion one or more sliders associated with the latch assembly, and wherein the spring comprises a spring control independent of the actuation of such sliders. The fingers are generally integrated with the spring. Such a one-piece spring can be implemented as a stamped component with 2-off, 3-off or 6-off fingers to control the motion of the sliders. The stamped spring can clip onto existing latch assembly components in order to promote retention, and overcome friction with the latch assembly and return the sliders to a neutral position thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Shelley, Nigel V. Spurr
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Patent number: 7377558Abstract: A locking device contains a displaceable bolt and internal and external control components. In a normal state of the locking device, the internal control component and the external control component displace the bolt and, in an override state of the locking device, only the external control component engages the bolt in order to displace it.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbHInventor: Marc Schimmler
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Patent number: 7377559Abstract: The tank flap of an automobile is locked via a wire spring with which an extension connected to the tank flap will cooperate. A spring-biased locking body keeps the wire spring in the releasing position when the tank flap initially is forced inwards.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: ITW Automotive Products GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Rainer Gramss, Carsten Albracht
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Patent number: 7377560Abstract: A magnetic safety closure for a protection device that is movable with respect to a fixed part includes a housing that is attachable to the protection device and includes a handle for opening and closing the protection device. The housing includes a sensor housing that is attachable to the fixed part and provided with a sensor for determining whether the protection device is closed or open. The housing attachable to the protection device has an initiating device for the sensor and is opposite the sensor when the protection device is closed. The housing and the sensor housing share a magnet arrangement having at least one holding magnet and an associated pole plate. The handle is a two armed lever pivotably mounted on the housing, with arm of the lever facing the sensor housing with its free end disconnecting the holding magnet from its associated pole plate when the handle is pivoted out in order to open the protection device.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: K.A. Schmersal Holding KGInventors: Uwe Wiemer, Yasar Cevik, Guntram Fust, Joachim Haupt
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Patent number: 7377561Abstract: In a locking and unlocking apparatus of an engine hood door, a stay is formed of a first arm and a second arm, with the stay being provided so as to fix a door of an engine hood in a fixed state. The first arm and the second arm are foldably connected to each other and pivotally connected to a frame and a door respectively. The lock of the first arm is automatically locked by a locking piece of the second arm at a portion in which the first arm and the second arm are arranged on a straight line for thereby maintaining an opened state of the door. The lock is unlocked from the locking piece with the locking piece being pulled by operation of a lever which is connected with the locking piece through a wire from a remote site, so that the door is closed.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden ABInventor: Han Chul Shin
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Patent number: 7377562Abstract: A door assembly comprising a door substrate having an aperture, a bell crank including a first arm having a pivot axis, a second arm, and a base therebetween, wherein the second arm extends through the aperture of the door substrate, a door handle that operatively engages the second arm of the bell crank past the aperture of the door substrate, and a back plate secured to the bell crank. A further invention is a bell crank for a door handle comprising a first arm being capable of pivoting about an axis, a second arm, and a base connecting the first arm to the second arm, wherein the first arm and the base rotate about the axis in a planar direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.Inventor: James Lloyd Steelman
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Patent number: 7377563Abstract: A vehicle step includes an appearance surface; a pair of step surfaces; a lock for securing the step within a bumper; and a pivoting mechanism for rotating the step. The appearance face forms an external bumper surface when the step is stowed. The pivoting mechanism alternately deploys and stows the step manually or using a motor. A vehicle access method includes configuring a bumper with an affixable portion and connecting thereto a rotatable portion having an appearance surface and two step surfaces. The rotatable portion has a step surface formed on opposite surfaces of a first member, and an appearance surface formed on a surface of an intersecting second member. One step surface and the appearance surface are exposed when the rotatable portion rotates to one position, and the other step surface is exposed when the rotatable portion rotates to another position.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2007Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventor: Robert L. Demick
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Patent number: 7377564Abstract: An automobile bumper including an isolator including one or more step surfaces integrally formed on the isolator. The step surface(s) may provide a gripping surface for permitting a user to step on for loading and unloading objects from the automobile. A fascia cover may be attachable to the isolator and include a cutout for allowing the step surface(s) to protrude through the cutout to prevent direct contact of the user's foot with the fascia.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2007Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jennifer Baffy, Irfan Sharif, Mark Nygren, Michael Musleh, Vince R. Mahe
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Patent number: 7377565Abstract: A ball collecting apparatus and method of use thereof, wherein the ball collecting apparatus comprises a plurality of selectively positionable elastic members secured to a plurality of securing points on a lower portion of a frame or a removable base section connected to the frame. The plurality of elastic members are secured to user-selected securing points so that the distance between the elastic members can accommodate substantially spherical objects of different sizes. In use, the ball collecting apparatus is pressed on top of a ball or similar object, causing the elastic members to separate and allow the ball to enter and be retained within the frame. Upon entering of the ball within the frame, the elastic members retract to their original position, therein preventing the ball from falling back out.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2007Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Inventor: Jeff Beavin
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Patent number: 7377566Abstract: A hand shield is provided comprising a body dimensioned to cover the first web space of a human hand, a proximal end extending from the body in the direction of the thumb, and a distal end extending from the body in the direction of the index finger. The body may have a variety of shapes and profiles, and comprises a base resting over the first web side of the hand, an anterior wall covering at least a portion of the anterior side of the hand, and a posterior wall covering at least a portion of the posterior side of the hand.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Inventor: Bryan Theodore Gazaui
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Patent number: 7377567Abstract: A low force release mechanism suitable for use in applications including but not limited to pinatas and dispersion devices comprising an interactive distribution of the load force to the main structure and the structure of a trap employed in the mechanism, the use of an internal spring activation element used to eliminate ordinal setup requirement; and the use of the internal geometry of the trap to lock and hold its position.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Inventor: Michael Frank Walsh
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Patent number: 7377568Abstract: A promotional shopping-bag handle with hinged bag-gripping members contains a strap that includes an elongate sheet of material with two end portions and a central portion. Each end portion has a hook configured to receive the plastic handles of a shopping bag or the like. The strap may be plastic injection molded; it may be of uniform thickness throughout or selectively reduced in thickness to save material and weight in areas where extra bulk is not essential to the strap's function. Hinges provided between the central and end portions allow the end portions to deflect out of the plane of the central portion under the weight of the bags being supported. This allows the bag holder to respond to the weight of the bags while holding a central portion that is substantially flat, thus avoiding bending, compression and pain to the hand of the user.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Adbaggers LLCInventor: Joel V. Moses
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Patent number: 7377569Abstract: A cargo bed organizer (10) which obviates the need for a track to be āmountedā and/or installed and/or otherwise formed in the cargo bed (350) of a selectively movable assembly (500), and which is selectively and removably received into the cargo bed (350) of a selectively movable assembly (500), and which has at least one stopping member portion (48).Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Inventors: Thomas S. Taylor, Mildred P. Taylor
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Patent number: 7377570Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) with an elongated wheelbase has a rear-mounted receptacle for receiving one of a plurality of interchangeable modular components, such as a passenger seat, a cargo container, a cargo rack, a flatbed or a workbench. The modular component has an electrical connection and a mechanical connector on an underside thereof which has hooks and posts for engaging, respectively, a transverse rod and sockets. A latching mechanism locks the modular component to the rear of the vehicle. Accordingly, the modular component is selectively releasable to easily and quickly interchange one modular component with another.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.Inventors: Pierre Rondeau, Jeannot Belanger, Auger Guillaume, Mathieu Audet
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Patent number: 7377571Abstract: A stowable seat assembly for a vehicle, the seat assembly including a seat, a seat receiving recess in a floor of a vehicle, an upper riser mechanism, a lower riser mechanism and a panel. The upper riser mechanism is coupled to the seat for movement of the seat between an elevated position and a collapsed position. The lower riser mechanism is coupled to the seat receiving recess for movement of the seat between a collapsed position and a stowed position. The panel is positioned between, and coupled to, the upper and lower riser mechanisms. The panel is arranged to conceal the seat receiving recess when the seat is in an elevated position, and is movable into the seat receiving recess when the seat is in a collapsed position to permit the seat to be stowed in the seat receiving recess.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Chrysler LLCInventors: David J Ewers, Gary A Kavanagh, Glen M Kondratek, Carl Mather
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Patent number: 7377572Abstract: A system for positioning a tarpaulin on a flatbed is provided. According to one embodiment, the system comprises a lifting device and a tarpaulin positioning apparatus structured to be attached to the lifting device. The lifting device is structured to lift at least a portion of the tarpaulin positioning apparatus above the flatbed and to move the portion of the tarpaulin positioning apparatus over the length of the flatbed from one end to the other. The tarpaulin positioning apparatus is further structured to deploy the tarpaulin on the flatbed as the portion of the tarpaulin positioning apparatus is moved over the length of the flatbed from one end to the other by the lifting device.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2007Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Lowe's Companies, Inc.Inventors: Jerry Franklin Hartman, Sammy Lee Barringer, Larry Edward Hamilton
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Patent number: 7377573Abstract: The lid for a rear trunk of a vehicle having a roof foldable into the trunk is connected to the bodywork by device disposed at the front edge and at the rear edge of the lid and whose function is either to lock or to hinge the lid in a manner such that said lid can open either from the front backwards or from the rear forwards, and control device cause the lid to open in either of its opening directions or to be closed. According to the invention, the control device comprise at least one articulated arm and an actuator which is connected to the articulated arm and to the bodywork, and which is adapted to move the articulated arm and the lid.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2003Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Societe Europeenne de Brevets AutomobilesInventors: Gerard Queveau, Paul Queveau, Jean-Marc Guillez
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Patent number: 7377574Abstract: A retractable top for a vehicle includes a front section, a middle section and a rear section. A first embodiment includes rigid front, middle and rear sections. A second embodiment includes rigid front and rear sections and a membranous middle section. A single retracting mechanism design is utilized for both the first and second embodiments, which allows selective movement of the front, middle and rear sections of the top between an open position and a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Richter, David Connolly, Markus Wulf, Frank Neubrand
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Patent number: 7377575Abstract: The invention concerns a method for stowing an open top (1, 3, 5, 9) in a vehicle storage space (53). The top being initially closed, it consists in displacing the roof parts up to the inside of the storage space, some at least up to a first substantially vertically stowed position, then in displacing again said roof part(s) towards a substantially horizontal position located either in the upper part or in the lower part of the storage space (53), to clear horizontally an additional storage depth.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: SociƩtƩ EuropƩenne de Brevet AutomobilesInventors: Gerard Queveau, Paul Queveau, Jean-Marc Guillez
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Patent number: 7377576Abstract: A latching system for a convertible top of a motor vehicle. The latching system includes a keeper disposed proximate a windshield header and a latch pin actuated by a handle. The latching system is actuated between a latched position in which the latch pin engages the keeper and an unlatched position in which the latch pin is spaced apart from the keeper.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbHInventor: Jan Just
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Patent number: 7377577Abstract: A modular energy absorber 10 that is tunable. It comprises one or more energy absorbing modules 12. The energy absorbing modules have means for coordinating energy absorbing units 16 of the one or more modules. The means 14 for coordinating position and support the units in relation to each other before, during and after relative motion between an incident object and the energy absorber. A crushable member is provided that has an upper perimeter, a lower perimeter and an intermediate section extending therebetween. It also includes a number (m) of breaches defined therein before impact. A method for configuring the modular energy absorber is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Oakwood Energy Management, Inc.Inventors: Phillip Patrick Carroll, III, Joel Matthew Cormier, Paul Gerard Grenier
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Patent number: 7377578Abstract: A main beam support mounting bracket formed from aluminum for a vehicle. The main beam support mounting bracket has a first lateral end that is mechanically secured to a main beam support and a second lateral end that is mechanically secured to a center support. A bottom wall of the main beam support mounting bracket includes slotted mounting openings for receipt of fasteners for attachment to a floor tunnel of a vehicle floor and frame cross-member. The fasteners threadingly engage weld-nuts on the frame cross-member. The bottom wall includes first, second, and third planar surfaces that interact with first, second, and third surfaces of the floor tunnel in the vehicle. Further, the main beam support mounting bracket provides for lateral attachment with the main beam support and the center support.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2007Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Patrick Ellison, Matthew Wolfe, Eric Boettcher, Masahiro Ishikawa, Takashi Nakano
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Patent number: 7377579Abstract: A structure for mounting a horizontal hood latch to an automobile includes an upper panel of a front-end module and a bracket over-molded onto the upper panel of the front-end module. A pair of through-openings are provided on opposite side portions of the bracket that allow both surfaces of the bracket to be coated by plastic material and the bracket to be mounted onto the upper panel, as the plastic material is poured thereon.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.Inventor: Oh-jin Kwon
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Patent number: 7377580Abstract: A hood structure comprises an outer and an inner which form a closed cross section through spaces. The inner's cross-sectional shape is an interconnected stair step curve based on a series of concentric geometric shapes. This multi-tiered hood structure can provide a uniform, excellent head impact resistance independent of material selection for the outer and inner panels. The multi-tiered hood structure also excels in rigidity, strength, weight, cost and manufacturability. Accordingly, the car body hood panel structure efficiently satisfies requirements of head impact resistance for pedestrian protection.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2007Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Inventor: Nicholas Samir Ekladyous
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Patent number: 7377581Abstract: The invention relates to a roof structure for a vehicle with a roof panel (1), with side wall panels (2) and with a front and rear roof frame (10, 11), the roof panel (1) having a front side (3) and a rear side (4) and a longitudinal side (5, 6) on both sides, and the front roof frame (10) being assigned to the front side (3) of the roof panel (1) and the rear roof frame (11) being assigned to the rear side (4). The roof panel (1) is connected at least indirectly at its longitudinal sides (5, 6) to the side wall panels (2). The roof panel (1) is connected to the side wall panel (2) and/or to the front roof frame (10) and/or to the rear roof frame (11) via an angled bar (20). The invention likewise relates to a method for producing the roof structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Stephan Barutzky, Martin Brodt, Peter Mack
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Patent number: 7377582Abstract: A seat apparatus include: a shaft rotated by a motor and operatively associated with the seat so as to move the seat; a first leg secured to the shaft and pivotably supported by the seat; a first spring, one end of which is fixedly attached to the shaft and an other end of which is fixedly attached to the seat; the first spring which biases the shift in a first direction; and a second spring, one end of which is fixedly attached to the shaft and an other end of which is fixedly attached to the seat, the second spring which biases the shaft in a second direction. The first direction opposes to the second direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ryuta Fukada, Naoaki Hoshihara, Hiroyuki Okazaki
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Patent number: 7377583Abstract: A folding chair has a hinges on the seat and on a back panel and on a brace. The chair further includes side frame elements to which the seat, back panels and brace are all hingeably connected. The chair can be folded into a very compact form.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2007Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Inventors: John O. Anthony, Dianne Anthony
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Patent number: 7377584Abstract: A method and a high latch for a vehicle seat. The vehicle seat has a seatback pivotably coupled to a seat base and the seat base is coupled to a vehicle body having a vehicle wall. The high latch includes a hook carriage including a structural hook, with the hook carriage coupled to the seatback. A striker assembly including a striker arm is configured to selectively engage the structural hook, with the striker assembly coupled to the vehicle body. With the structural hook and striker arm engaged, the seatback will move with the striker assembly from the first position to a second position.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Les Griswold, David L. Allen, Kenneth Ptak, Michael Laskowski
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Patent number: 7377585Abstract: Slipcovers are provided for covering a variety of seating structures. The slipcovers can include a fabric sheet, multi-layered components, extensions, anchors, relaxation mechanisms, and holders, and can be configured to cover all or a portion of a seating structure. The multi-layered components can be removably secured to the fabric sheet by decouplable fasteners or by friction or interaction with a friction enhancing material, non-removably secured to the fabric sheet by sewing, quilting, tufting, gluing, and/or applying an adhesive or bonding agent, or secured to the fabric sheet by extensions inserted into a crevice. The internal layers of a multi-layered component can also be removable, or a multi-layered component can be configured to allow additional layers to be inserted.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Inventor: Paula S. Neustat
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Patent number: 7377586Abstract: A modular seat back assembly includes first and second seat backs adjacent each other. The seat backs are selectively positionable relative to each other in a first and a second seating arrangement. A coupling member extends from the first seat back to the second seat back and is mounted to the first and second seat backs. The first and second seat backs each present one of a first pair of coupling bases and one of a second pair of coupling bases. The first pair is configured such that the coupling member is mountable to both of the first pair in the first seating arrangement. The second pair is configured such that the coupling member is mountable to both of the second pair in the second seating arrangement. The configuration of the first and second pair of coupling bases enables interchangeability of the seat backs in a cross-vehicle direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2007Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: BASF SEInventor: Jonathan A. Evans
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Patent number: 7377587Abstract: A hinged glider mechanism includes a hinge device for pivoted mounting in a chair between a stationary base frame and a seat frame, for supporting the seat frame for oscillatory gliding motion generally longitudinally relative to the base frame. The hinge device is configured for repeated substantially silent pivotal oscillating cycles over an extended life. The hinge device includes a hinge panel consisting essentially of a polymeric material, such as acetal copolymer, that is characterized by a sufficient strength and durability to support the seat frame and a seat occupant during repeated and extended pivotal oscillating cycles without failure and a sufficient lubricity not to generate noise during the repeated and extended pivotal oscillating cycles.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Hickory Springs Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Edmond P. Guillot
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Patent number: 7377588Abstract: A seating system comprises a mount for securing a backrest to a frame. The mount comprises two or more mating members. At least one of the mating members has a generally curved radial surface that is engageable with the other mating members to lock together the backrest with respect to frame.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Sunrise Medical HHG Inc.Inventor: Philip H. Schreiber
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Patent number: 7377589Abstract: An automotive bucket seat with a frame, a back cushion mounted on the frame, a bottom cushion removably mounted on the frame, and a set of interchangeable bottom cushions in a range of lengths that are alternately mountable on the frame. A tool-less releasable attachment mechanism provides fast but secure interchange of cushions. This provides a bucket seat that properly fits users of different sizes.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Inventor: Irving W. Glater
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Patent number: 7377590Abstract: A vehicle passenger seat active occupant restraint provides for absorbing energy from a passenger during sudden deceleration of a vehicle. The torso belt portion of a three-point restraint system is anchored using a spring and a displacement limiting linkage at the opposite end from its point of connection to the lap portion of the belt. During deceleration energy is transferred from the restrained occupant to the spring up to the displacement limit.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventors: Patrick J. Mattes, Erik K. Nelson, Thomas R. Graham