Patents Issued in July 22, 2008
  • Patent number: 7401799
    Abstract: Disclosed is a recumbent bicycle having a frame with at least one tubular member having a lumen. Mounted to the frame are a rear wheel assembly and a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly can include a first gear, a second gear, and a chain that extends from the first gear to the second gear and through the lumen of the at least one tubular member. Pedals and crank arms can mount to the second gear, which is slidable relative to the first gear to vary the position of the second gear relative to a seat mounted to the frame. A suspension assembly can mount a pair of front wheels to the frame at a location intermediate of the first portion and the second portion of the frame. The bicycle enables riders of different leg lengths to use the recumbent bicycle, while the suspension assembly cushions the rider during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventor: C. Martin Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 7401800
    Abstract: A gas spring suspension system that maximizes the travel of the suspension system. The suspension system includes a first tube and a second tube slidable within the first tube. A piston assembly is slidably mounted in the second tube for changing the pressure in the second tube. A floating piston is slidably mounted in the second tube. A first gas chamber biases the first and second tubes apart from each other while a second gas chamber biases the first and second tubes toward each other. A third gas chamber exists between the floating piston and an end of the first tube. The floating piston has a configuration such that when a pressure in the third gas chamber is greater than a pressure in the second gas chamber, the floating piston displaces within the second tube to decrease the pressure in the third gas chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: SLAM Corporation
    Inventor: Brian T. Jordan
  • Patent number: 7401801
    Abstract: A remotely releasable brake hose coupler for pressure fluid operated brake systems, such as on a motor truck and semi-trailer unit, and a retrieval mechanism for retrieving flexible hoses connected to the coupler. Pressure air from the truck tractor brake system is conducted through a valve to an actuator for effecting movement of a coupler member to release engagement with a corresponding coupler fitting mounted on a trailer. One or more air brake hoses connected to respective remotely releasable couplers are connected to tensioning mechanisms and to a movable boom mounted on the truck tractor for extending the hoses during a remote release operation and then retracting the hoses and couplers to a stored position when the remotely releasable couplers are disconnected from the trailer fittings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Kalmar Industires USA, LLC
    Inventors: Merlin B. Halverson, Harold E. King, Gregory J. Lehman
  • Patent number: 7401802
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ben Walker, Jake Hall, Brendan Perkins, Paul Terry, David Narajowski, Thomas Laakso, David Mellon, Chad John Whittaker
  • Patent number: 7401803
    Abstract: A stroller mainly includes an upper rack, a front wheel rack, a rear wheel rack, an arched rib, a connection bar, a bracing bar, a guarding handle, a plurality of rotary joints and a plurality of corresponding bars. It also has a folding means consisting of the rear wheel rack, arched rib, second, third and fourth rotary joints, a direction switch and wheel retraction means consisting of the front wheel rack, arched rib, second, third and fourth rotary joints, a brake means consisting of brake pulling bar assembly, a plurality of brake means and a cable, and a seat assembly consisting of a cross coupling hub, a guarding handle, a seat rack and a first rotary joint. The second rotary joint is slidable on the rear wheel rack. The fourth rotary joint is slidable on the arched rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventor: Chin-I Lai
  • Patent number: 7401804
    Abstract: A portable transportation assembly 10 having a pair of wheels 40, 42 which may be selectively raised and lowered and which is adapted to transport a bathroom assembly 200 in an easy and efficient manner. The assembly 10 includes a selectively movable assembly 202 which allows an item 200 to be easily placed within and removed from the assembly 10, and a selectively movable back bumper assembly 202.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventor: Ronald L. Rupp
  • Patent number: 7401805
    Abstract: A curtain air bag module (100) comprising and air bag (102) having at least one inflatable region with internally configured internal tethers and a deflector or ramp locatable above a B-pillar trim part and loosely mounted to the vehicle and to the trim part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc
    Inventors: Jeffery S. Coon, Chang-Hwan Ju
  • Patent number: 7401806
    Abstract: A vehicle seat component includes a side air bag module mounted on a frame within a trim cover that also covers a seat pad. An air bag guide includes flexible inner and outer panels that extend between a release seam of the trim cover and the air bag module to provide a guiding function to an air bag thereof as it is inflated upon deployment so as to project outwardly through the release seam for use. Inner extremities of the flexible inner and outer panels are respectively secured by a first connector to the seat frame and by a second connector to the trim cover in a spaced relationship from each other, and a connection secures the trim cover to the seat component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Michael L. Tracht
  • Patent number: 7401807
    Abstract: Airbag control arrangement for a vehicle including an airbag system having at least one airbag, a seat for occupancy by an occupant to be protected by the airbag(s), a seat position sensor system for determining the seat's position, and a control system for controlling deployment of the airbag(s). The control system is coupled to the seat position sensor system and determines deployment for the airbag(s) based on the determined position of the seat. Deployment of each airbag may be based only on the determined position of the seat, i.e., not based on information about the occupant or occupying item of the seat. The control system can suppress deployment of the airbag(s) or provide for a depowered deployment when the seat position sensor system indicates that the seat is in a forwardmost position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Automotive Technologies International, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Breed, Wilbur E. DuVall, Wendell C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7401808
    Abstract: An inflator has a sealed vessel for containing compressed gas. The inflator has an axis. The vessel has a gas outlet passageway. The inflator has an elongated sealing cap closure with an internal chamber portion open to the compressed gas and sealed vessel to seal the opening of the gas outlet passageway. The elongated sealing cap is coaxial with the inflator. When a triggering device is activated it exerts a force against the elongated sealing cap closure in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the inflator that causes the elongated sealing cap closure to fail and allows gas to escape from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Rossbach, Guido Klettenheimer
  • Patent number: 7401809
    Abstract: An airbag module for a motor vehicle comprises an inflatable gas bag; a gas generator for inflating the gas bag; a valve for letting gas out of the gas bag; a moveable actuating element for the valve, which can be actuated in order to open the valve; and a trigger mechanism which is used to actuate the actuating element by producing pressure. The trigger mechanism releases a compressed gas in order to actuate the actuating element, the gas directly acting upon a pressure attach surface of the actuating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Takata-Petri AG
    Inventor: Thomas Lube
  • Patent number: 7401810
    Abstract: The present invention provides an airbag inflator assembled, in part, using ultrasonic welding. The inflator includes a housing adapted to receive an initiator assembly and an adaptor socket to connect the inflator to the electronic systems of the vehicle. The initiator and the adaptor socket are welded together at a point of interface through the housing of the inflator using an ultrasound welding process. Joint seals are provided that allow the production of a gas-tight seal upon completion of assembly of the airbag inflator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Dario G. Brisighella, Jr., Bradley W. Smith, Kelly Ellis, Kirk Rasmussen, Matt Cox
  • Patent number: 7401811
    Abstract: An airbag includes two base cloths sewn together at their outer peripheries by a seam extending from a central portion to the outer periphery of the base cloths into a vortical shape. When gas is supplied from an inflator to a center aperture of one of the base cloth to inflate the airbag, load generated by gas pressure breaks the seam sequentially from the central portion to the outer periphery, preventing sudden deployment of the airbag in fore and aft directions at the initial stage of deployment, thereby enabling not only soft restraining of passengers but also sufficient restraining by deploying the airbag into a final shape that is flat in fore and aft directions upon completion of breaking of the seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Nagai, Fumiharu Ochiai
  • Patent number: 7401812
    Abstract: A stabilizer pad including a pair of plate members supported from a stabilizer arm; and a pad assembly that is adapted for mounting between the pair of plate members. The pad assembly has a resilient pad having opposite ground engageable work surfaces and opposite support surfaces, and a plurality of support members extending from the opposite support surfaces of the resilient pad. The support members are each adapted for engagement with a receiving slot of one of the plate members for mounting of the pad assembly to the plate members. At least one retaining member extends through the resilient pad and between the plate members for holding the pad assembly to the plate members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventor: Andry Lagsdin
  • Patent number: 7401813
    Abstract: In a steering apparatus for a vehicle in which an inner column is supported to be movable in the axial direction by an outer jacket supported by a body-side bracket and a steering shaft is fixed to an adjustment position by clamping the inner column by the use of telescopic clamping means through the outer jacket, the outer jacket is provided with a slit entirely along the axial direction thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignees: NSK Ltd., NSK Steering Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Sawada, Yuichi Tomaru
  • Patent number: 7401814
    Abstract: Disclosed a structure for supporting a steering device including a steering shaft 9 adapted to transmit a steering force of a steering wheel to road wheels, relative to a vehicle body through an instrument-panel member 6 extending a lateral direction of a vehicle. The support structure comprises a first bracket 20 fixed to the instrument-panel member 6, a steering column 19 rotatably mounting the steering shaft 9, a second bracket 21, 22 fixed to the steering column 19, and coupling means 23, 24 for providing a coupling between the first bracket 20 and the second bracket 21, 22. The coupling means 23, 24 is designed to allow the second bracket 21, 22 to have an axial relative displacement with respect to the first bracket 20 on the basis of an axial direction of the steering shaft 9 while allowing an upward relative displacement of the second bracket 21, 22 with respect to the first bracket 20 in the course of the axial relative displacement, during a vehicle collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Kanji Yasuhara, Kouki Makino, Hisashi Ogino, Toshihiro Matsuoka, Kiyohito Obara
  • Patent number: 7401815
    Abstract: A dual spool retractor for a motor vehicle seat belt system. The dual spool retractor includes shoulder belt and lap belt spool assemblies engaging with the shoulder belt and lap belt portions of the seat belt webbing. The dual spool retractor incorporates a gas driven pretensioner system incorporating a common gas generator connection for both the shoulder belt spool assembly and the lap belt spool assembly. Both spool assemblies are caused to undergo pretensioning retraction energized by a single gas generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Antoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventor: Gunter K. Clute
  • Patent number: 7401816
    Abstract: A snowmobile includes a seat for the rider behind an engine and an air cleaner, and an elongate fuel tank below the seat. The height of the ceiling of the fuel tank at a location corresponding to the rider seating position is lower than the height of the ceiling of the fuel tank at other portions thereof. A raised ceiling portion is provided in the fuel tank by raising upwards the front side of the fuel tank. A fuel pump is provided in the raised ceiling portion of the fuel tank. The fuel pump is attached to the ceiling of the fuel tank, and a fuel supply pipe for supplying fuel from the fuel tank resides between the fuel pump and the front side of the fuel tank. The snowmobile having such fuel tank stabilizes vehicle body during operation, enhances the seating comfort, and easily incorporates a fuel pump therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohisa Abe, Kozo Yamada
  • Patent number: 7401817
    Abstract: The invention relates to a security marking whose level of proof against forgery is greater than that of known security markings, comprising liquid-crystalline material with chiral phase, wherein the security marking is imperceptible to the eye and the properties of the liquid-crystalline material with chiral phase can be detected with the aid of detection systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Sicpa Holding S.A.
    Inventors: Christoph Müller-Rees, Jürgen Küpfer, Horst Leigeber, Georg Schwalb
  • Patent number: 7401818
    Abstract: An engagement protrusion is formed in square in cross-section integrally on an outer surface of a main body of a retainer, and is provided on a position opposed to a space for deformation so as to extend from an opposite axial end to short of an axial center of the main body of the retainer. An engagement recess is formed generally identical in cross-section to the engagement protrusion on an inner peripheral surface of a retainer holding portion so as to extend from an opposite axial end of the retainer holding portion to one axial end of a raised portion. The retainer is fitted in the retainer holding portion so that the engagement protrusion is inserted in the engagement recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Takayanagi
  • Patent number: 7401819
    Abstract: A preassembled mechanical pipe coupling having spacers is disclosed. The coupling has a plurality of interconnectable segments that straddle the ends of pipe elements to be joined. The segments have arcuate surfaces that engage outer surfaces of the pipe elements. Spacers, positioned between the segments, maintain them in spaced apart relation sufficient to allow the pipe elements to be inserted between the segments. The segments have adjustably tightenable connection members for connecting the segments and drawing them to one another. When the connection members are tightened and the effect of the spacers is overcome, the arcuate surfaces are brought into engagement with the outer surfaces of the pipe elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: John Gibb, Douglas R. Dole
  • Patent number: 7401820
    Abstract: A connector is inserted into a connection hole provided on a fluid piping equipment, and the connector is prevented from dropping out via a retainer held by a retainer holding portion. The connector has a connecting portion including a flange stop portion, and a positioning means is disposed between the connecting portion and the fluid piping equipment. This positioning means is to position the connecting portion in a circumferential direction so as not to rotate relative to the connection hole and has a mounting angle adjusting function capable of positioning the connecting portion in the circumferential direction selectively at any one of a number of mounting angular positions relative to the connection hole. An annular surface on the other end in the axial direction of the stop portion is formed in a taper shape tapered toward the other end in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuaki Niki
  • Patent number: 7401821
    Abstract: A bolt-ring pipe connector system for connecting stub end pipe particularly thermoplastic pipe is shown. The bolt-ring has an outer vertical rim portion, an inner vertical rim portion and an interconnecting web portion provided with spaced bolt holes. The top side of the bolt-ring has a beveled and angular top surface. The bottom side of the bolt-ring has a contoured recess that provides a variable cross sectional diameter. The new, deformable, variable geometry, hollowed, bolt-ring can be flexed by slight deformations under constant bolt-load. As a result, all anticipated initial and operating changes in high-density polyethylene stub-end dimensions, such as those caused by bolt-up and thermal strain, are managed by the bolt-ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Independent Pipe Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Harvey E. Svetlik
  • Patent number: 7401822
    Abstract: Vehicle door latch, in which the catch comprises a casing made of sound-proofing material, the casing containing a buffer pocket, situated behind the primary position in clockwise direction and the buffer pocket being stretched around up to the area of the primary position, forming an overtravel stop cooperating with the pawl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventor: Ludger Graute
  • Patent number: 7401823
    Abstract: A method for making an automobile assembly having a moulded plastics structural member and a reinforcing member in which a polymerizable adhesive is employed to bond the two members together and an automobile assembly having a bonded structural member and a reinforcing member. The assembly is suitably used as a “front end carrier” or a bumper system in an automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Cate, Pádraig Naughton, Hein J. Koelman
  • Patent number: 7401824
    Abstract: An energy absorbing bumper (10) includes a back plate (11) which is adapted to be attached to a vehicle. An elastomeric module (12) includes an impact face (13) and upper and lower rails (14, 15) extending from the impact face (13). One or more metallic inserts (30) are molded into the rails (14, 15). Each insert (30) includes a plurality of longitudinally extending, laterally spaced bars (31) which intersect a plurality of laterally extending, longitudinally spaced bars (32) to form adjacent rows of openings (33, 34). A fastener (17) extends through at least one of the openings (33, 34) in each insert (30) to attach the rails (14, 15) to the back plate (11). The inserts (30) minimize the possibility of shearing of the module (12) at the area of fasteners (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Romeo-Rim, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul M. Condeelis
  • Patent number: 7401825
    Abstract: A bumper with an attachment member to be made thereon for the purpose of mounting the bumper onto longitudinal beams of a vehicle, is such that section walls acting as compressive and tensile struts and a pair of flanking walls joining them form a hollow section. The attachment member is in the form of a hollow section exhibiting at least one side wall and two transverse walls following on therefrom with a length of hollow section with the longitudinal beam. The hollow section is in the form of a push-fit length matching the inner cross-section of the longitudinal beam. The other end region of the attachment member is provided with collar-type parts projecting from their end edges and aligned approximately parallel to the transverse walls. In a use position, the collar-type parts of the attachment member are aligned with the flanking walls of the bumper and are releasably attached to it. The bumper is bolted to the collar-type parts of the attachment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Alcan Technology & Management Ltd.
    Inventors: Simon Frank, Thomas Rebstock
  • Patent number: 7401826
    Abstract: An apparatus that can pick up animal waste, be effectively sealed, and then be carried around like a bag until the animal waste can be properly disposed of in a safe and healthful manner. The apparatus is a bag fabricated from a water-resistant material, with the bag having a base, a rear plate, and a front plate near an opening. The apparatus has two detachable holding poles. A drawstring is attached to the front plate and allows an individual to scoop up animal waste, seal the opening, and then carry the apparatus in a manner similar to that of a tote bag until the animal waste can thrown away in a proper location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventor: Karl Marrett
  • Patent number: 7401827
    Abstract: A novel bottle tote for manually toting bottles at least includes the following: a tote frame member; a tote ring member connected to a first end of the tote frame member; a tote handle member connected to a second end of the tote frame member; and a tote elbow member formed from a bend in the tote frame member between the tote ring member and the tote handle member; wherein the tote elbow member and a portion of the tote ring member are adapted to grip an inserted bottleneck of a bottle to be toted, and the tote handle member is adapted to receive a manual lifting force which is transmitted through the tote frame member, the tote elbow member and the tote ring member to the bottleneck of the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventor: Sean McGuerty
  • Patent number: 7401828
    Abstract: A substrate conveyance device for fabricating a liquid crystal display device is provided. The substrate conveyance device conveys substrates and aligns substrates without using an additional aligning apparatus. The substrate conveyance device includes an arm that forms a body of the substrate conveyance device, a hand and a mover. The hand, that is movable in a first direction, includes a first end coupled with the arm and an upper surface where a substrate is placed on the upper surface. The hand also has a holder which holds a dummy portion which is at an edge of the substrate. The mover is configured to move the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong Ahn Yang
  • Patent number: 7401829
    Abstract: An automobile interior component includes a substrate component having a seam-mating section. The seam-mating section has a welt protrusion-mating channel that is useful for accurately position a welt strip. The automobile interior component further includes a trim cover having at least one join seam. A welt strip having a welt protrusion section is attached to the trim cover. The welt strip allows positioning of the trim cover over the substrate in that the welt protrusion section is positioned in the welt protrusion-mating channel. A method for manufacturing the automobile interior component is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Michalski, John Bizon
  • Patent number: 7401830
    Abstract: An automobile may include a vehicle frame, a body supported on the vehicle frame and defining a passenger compartment and a console assembly positioned within the passenger compartment. The console assembly may include: (A) a console frame having at least a first tubular portion and a plurality of legs where each leg is supported on the vehicle frame; (B) an outer shell connected to the console frame for use in covering the console frame; and, (C) an armrest supported on the console frame and adapted to support a person's arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Akimoto, Matt Parkinson, John Hwang
  • Patent number: 7401831
    Abstract: A storage console configured to slide within a track. The storage console suitable for use in any number of environments, such as but not limited to automotive vehicles. The track being suitable to permit movement of the console from one end to the other, such as but not limited to facilitate movement of the console between multiple rows of vehicle seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Sturt
  • Patent number: 7401832
    Abstract: An opening and closing apparatus of a vehicle includes, an opening and closing member for opening and closing an opening portion of a vehicle body; a lower hinge for pivotably supporting the opening and closing member from below; and a cover member disposed below the opening and closing member placed in a closed state for covering a pivot support portion of the lower hinge from behind, wherein when the opening and closing member is in an open state, a pivoting portion pivotably supported by the pivot support portion straddles the cover member, the opening and closing member is located rearwardly of the cover member, and an uppermost site of the pivoting portion is located at a position not higher than an upper surface of the opening and closing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Jidosha Engineering Kabushiki Kaisha, Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Kenji Yui, Katsuhisa Ishihara
  • Patent number: 7401833
    Abstract: A cargo bed step is described including a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion. The frame is disposed proximate a rear portion of a cargo bed. A pivoting mechanism is disposed between an inner surface and the upper portion for selectively pivoting the cargo bed step assembly between a stowed position and an extended position. At least one step is disposed proximate the lower portion. The frame is selectively pivotable to be generally flush with the inner surface of either an inner cargo bed surface or an inner tailgate surface in the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Dryja
  • Patent number: 7401834
    Abstract: A child seat anchor assembly includes a fixed portion, wherein the fixed portion is secured to a motor vehicle structural member or a child seat structural member; a latchable portion for releasable engagement with a child seat or a motor vehicle; an energy absorbing mechanism disposed between and in operative communication with the fixed portion and the latchable portion, wherein the energy absorbing mechanism comprises an active material; and a controller in operative communication with the active material, wherein the controller is operable to selectively apply an activation signal to the active material and effect a change in an attribute of the active material, wherein the change in the attribute results in force and acceleration adjusting energy absorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Chandra S. Namuduri
  • Patent number: 7401835
    Abstract: A center stack for an instrument panel of a motor vehicle. The center stack includes a front plate having an exposed surface with a first surface finish and a back plate having a visible portion uncovered by the front plate. The front plate has at least one opening extending through the exposed surface for accessing at least one operational feature of the motor vehicle. The visible portion of the back plate has a second surface finish that differs from the first surface finish of the front plate. The back plate may include a flex joint that permits the visible portion of the back plate to move relative to an adjacent non-visible portion covered by the front plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Gresham, Michael W. Cass, Gail C. Miciuda
  • Patent number: 7401836
    Abstract: An accessory for a pickup truck ad the like comprising a frame positioned behind the rear window thereof. The frame supports a plurality of louvers which are selectively positionable in first, second, and third orientations. The louvers are substantially transparent and at least one exterior surface thereof is reflective. The louvers are adapted to display selected graphics when positioned in the first and third orientations. The accessory may also employ triangular louvers which may be adapted to display selected graphics which positioned in the first, second, and third orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventor: Malcolm Petty
  • Patent number: 7401837
    Abstract: A vehicle floor tray is molded from a sheet of thermoplastic polymeric material of uniform thickness. The tray has a deep three-dimensional shape formed by a floor and at least first and second upstanding sidewalls. A reservoir portion of the floor has a general surface depressed below a general portion of the floor. Channels formed in the general portion of the floor run into the reservoir, in which is formed a plurality of baffles provided for retarding lateral movement of collected runoff and also acting as treads for the occupant's feet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventor: David F. MacNeil
  • Patent number: 7401838
    Abstract: A vehicle sun visor comprises a support frame pivotally connected to the vehicle roof. A sun visor panel is chosen from any array of different available sun visor panels having different occupant convenience features. An attachment is provided for removably attaching the chosen sun visor panel onto the support frame and enables subsequent removal of that chosen sun visor panel from the support and then the attachment to the support frame of a different chosen sun visor panel having different convenience feature content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global TEchnology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Morris, Janet S. Goings, Adrian B. Chernoff
  • Patent number: 7401839
    Abstract: A retractable roof includes a front roof panel, a back roof panel formed by joining outer and inner panel layers to each other, a lower link pivotally connected to a vehicle body member, an upper link pivotally connected to the front roof panel, and an intermediate link rigidly connected to each of the lower link and the upper link. The intermediate link is placed in between the outer and inner panel layers of the back roof panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignees: Webasto AG, Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeki Hiyama, Kozo Odoi, Tomoaki Matsunobu
  • Patent number: 7401840
    Abstract: A window shade is stored on a storage roller mounted beneath a vehicle window opening. A trim panel has a slot through which the window shade may be unwound and raised to a use position shading the window. One or more hooks are attached to the window shade to engage with mating hook retainers at the top of the window opening to retain the window shade in its raised position. The lowered position of the window shade is established by the hook being engaged with a corresponding hook retainer on the trim panel. A finger grip is pivotally mounted on the upper end of the window shade so that the finger grip can have a predetermined pivotal position corresponding to the lowered position of the window shade and a different pivotal position when the window shade is in the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Schnoblen, Bruce B. Bober
  • Patent number: 7401841
    Abstract: Back of a motor vehicle with a rear hatch, a rear hatch opening and a device for moving the rear hatch of a motor vehicle between a closed position and an intermediate position. The device has positioning means by which the rear hatch can be moved solely by linear translation between the intermediate position and the closed position. In the intermediate position, the opening edge and the rear hatch edge as a whole have an essentially constant distance from one another. For closing the rear hatch from the open position, the rear hatch is pivoted out of the open position into the intermediate position, and afterwards, linear displacement of the rear hatch out of the intermediate position into the closed position is performed, the linear displacement taking place over a path from 1 cm to 5 cm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: HS Genion GmbH
    Inventor: Sven Asendorf
  • Patent number: 7401842
    Abstract: A plate body includes: an inner bulge protruded on one side of the panel body and recessed on the other side and has a periphery spaced from attachment parts; connector bulges having a certain width protruded on the one side of the plate body and recessed on the other side and connect the periphery of the inner bulge to the attachment parts; and an outer bulge recessed on the one side of the plate body and protruded on the other side and continuous with the inner bulge, the connector bulges and the attachment parts. The inner bulge, the connector bulges and the outer bulge of the plate body are expansion-molded and include a skin layer formed on the surface and has high resin density and an expanded layer formed therein and has a plurality of voids and low resin density relative to the skin layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Daikyo Nishikawa Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Nakashita, Kenji Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 7401843
    Abstract: Recreational vehicle roofing coatings, recreational vehicle roofs, recreational vehicles, and methods of waterproofing recreational vehicle roofs are provided. The recreational vehicle roofs have polyurethane coatings that are single layer coatings that form waterproofing membranes on the recreational vehicle roof. The coatings can be applied to a recreational vehicle roof before or after the installation of the roof on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Tremco Incorporated
    Inventors: James Hubert Dunaway, Christopher Angelo DelaCruz, Craig Anthony Erichsen
  • Patent number: 7401844
    Abstract: A trailer wall construction having reduced weight. A trailer wall construction includes a spherical shaped corner at a juncture of three walls. Each of the walls includes at least one panel having spaced apart inner and outer shells. Another trailer wall construction includes a generally vertically extending front or side wall and a floor. The floor and front or side wall each includes at least one panel comprising spaced apart inner and outer shells. A curved connector connects a lower edge of the front or side wall to an edge of the floor. Yet another trailer wall construction includes a wall with panels attached to one another along opposing edges of the panels, each of the panels including spaced apart inner and outer shells. One connector is attached to each of the panels along a third edge. Another connector is attached to each of the panels along a fourth edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventor: Brian C. Lemmons
  • Patent number: 7401845
    Abstract: A tunable property bracket for a vehicle body, includes a support member comprising a first active material configured to provide support for static and dynamic loads during normal operation of the vehicle body, wherein the first active material undergoes a change in a property upon exposure to an activating condition during a loading event or a sensed loading event, wherein the change in the property is effective to provide a load bearing capacity change to the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul W. Alexander, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Nilesh D. Mankame, Hanif Muhammad, Thomas Wanke
  • Patent number: 7401846
    Abstract: A volume-filling mechanical structure for modifying a crash or impact comprising a honeycomb celled material expandable from a compact state to a expanded state and methods for operating the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Ching-Shan Cheng, Nancy L. Johnson, Gary L. Jones, Scott R. Webb, Francis D. Wood, Ruth M. Gusko, Chin-Hsu Lin
  • Patent number: 7401847
    Abstract: A door includes an inner panel, an outer panel, a door beam fixed to the inner panel, hinges, and a door lock unit. The door beam is connected at one end to one end side face of the inner panel at a first location and at the other end thereof to the other end side face at a second location higher or lower than the first location along a substantial diagonal of the outer panel. A first vibration damping member intervenes between the door beam and the outer panel to have contact with the door beam and the outer panel. A second vibration damping member may be further arranged above or under the door beam inside the outer panel. A third vibration damping member including a patch member may be attached to an interior face of the outer panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Kidachi, Masanori Koike
  • Patent number: 7401848
    Abstract: A work machine includes a machine cab and a machine work body. The work body includes an HVAC unit mounted below a floor of the machine cab. The machine cab includes an HVAC duct system configured to move with the machine cab and seal with the HVAC unit of the work body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Caterpillar S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Tinoy Haboon, Sidney Keith Scott, Matthew J. Harrenstein