Patents Issued in October 30, 2008
  • TWO-POINT LOCK FOR SLIDING DOOR
    Publication number: 20080265587
    Abstract: A multi-point latch assembly having a single adjustment point for shifting the position of two or more latching members. The latch mechanism includes a housing and a carrier assembly received in the housing. The carrier assembly includes a pair of latch hooks. A carrier position adjustment assembly operably couples the housing and the carrier assembly such that the carrier assembly is selectively shiftable in the housing with the carrier position adjustment assembly to alter the distance the latch hooks protrude from the housing when the latch hooks are positioned in the second position. An anti-slam mechanism may also be coupled with the carrier, and may be selectively shiftable with the same adjustment mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Nakanishi, Manabu Shimoji
  • Magnetic Latch Mechanism
    Publication number: 20080265588
    Abstract: A latch with dual rotary magnets is disclosed. The latch is particularly suited for releasably securing dual doors of a compartment in the closed position. Each rotary magnet holds in a closed position a magnetic insert attached to a respective door by magnetic attraction to secure both doors in the closed position relative to the compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2006
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: SOUTHCO. INC.
    Inventor: Eric Carabalona
  • Window Securing Means and Methods
    Publication number: 20080265589
    Abstract: An assembly for securing an openable aperture closure member (11) in closed position relative to an aperture defined by a main frame (12). The assembly further includes a compressible gasket disposed between the closure member (11) and the frame (12) defining the aperture. Each of the aperture closure member (11) and the main frame (12) includes a respective portion (20, 42) of a magnetic means for securing said closure member (11) to the frame (12), wherein said magnetic means for securing includes a magnetic field in one portion (20) and a magnetically attractive portion (42), one of the magnetic field portion and the magnetically attractive portion being disposed on the openable closure member and thus being adapted to be movable by an operator with the openable closure member alternately into a magnetically attractive closure position and a magnetically unattractive opening position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2006
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Edvardsen Allan, Torben Allesen Pedersen
  • DOOR STRIKE AND INSTALLATION METHOD
    Publication number: 20080265590
    Abstract: A door strike construction and installation method is provided for aid in locating and installing a door strike in a door frame. The door strike of the present invention comprises a strike plate for coupling to a door frame, an opening in the strike plate adapted for receiving a door latch bolt, a dust box coupled to the strike plate at a boundary or perimeter of the opening and adapted to receive the door latch bolt, and one or more center point apertures formed on a generally flat, innermost portion of the dust box and positioned to provide center points for marking one or more positions for drilling into the door frame to provide a space for receiving the dust box and installing the dust box in the door frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Schlage Lock Company
    Inventors: Jerry B. Bodily, Troy Dalsing
  • SUPERPLASTIC ALUMINUM VEHICLE BUMPER
    Publication number: 20080265591
    Abstract: A bumper for a vehicle for operation on the ground is provided having being formed of superplastic aluminum. The method for making and assembling bumpers made of superplastic aluminum is also set forth. Instructions regarding the tooling needed to manufacture the bumper, as well as the metallurgy and processes, are provided. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventor: Nirnal M. Tolani
  • ANIMAL WASTE COLLECTION DEVICE WITH INTEGRATED BAG DISPENSER
    Publication number: 20080265592
    Abstract: A litter and refuse retrieval device is provided for sanitarily cleaning up after a pet. The device includes two scoop elements which can be opened an closed and used for retrieving refuse. A storage compartment is incorporated into one of the scoops that may store and dispense items such as plastic bags. In operation, the user retrieves refuse by opening and closing the scoop elements. A plastic bag can be removed from the storage compartment and used to dispose of the retrieved refuse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Four Paws Products, Ltd.
    Inventor: Barry Askinasi
  • HOT STICK DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20080265593
    Abstract: A system includes an insulating pole including a cooperating connector on an end thereof. The system further includes a rescue tool adapted to form a connection with a person to move the person from one position to another position. The rescue tool includes a connector attached to an end of the rescue tool which is adapted to removably attach the rescue tool to the cooperating connector of the insulating pole. The rescue tool can be in the shape of a hook. The insulating pole can, for example, be expandable (for example, by telescoping).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: GREGORY WOODWORTH
  • METHOD OF USING A DEVICE TO LIFT, MOVE AND FLIP FOODS
    Publication number: 20080265594
    Abstract: Double hooked device with the hooks being transversely positioned on the end of a shaft having a handle at its opposite end. The hooks may snag, lift, move and/or flip food or other articles by the hooks being rotated generally about the shaft's axis until one of the double hooks penetrates into the article to be lifted. A shield at the base of the handle is a guard to cover the tips of the hooks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: RONCO ACQUISITIONS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ronald M. Popeil, Alan L. Backus
  • AUTO-RELEASE VENTURI WITH VACUUM SWITCH
    Publication number: 20080265595
    Abstract: A material handling system has a vacuum cup assembly engagable with an object and movable to move the object using a pressurized air source, a vacuum cup, a venturi device and a vacuum valve and auto-release valve. The venturi device is in fluid communication with the vacuum cup and connected to the supply line so that pressurized air can be supplied to and through said venturi device to generate a partial vacuum when the perimeter seal of the vacuum cup is engaged with the object surface. The vacuum valve may open and close the supply line at a location upstream of the venturi device in response to a pressure level at the vacuum cup cavity. The auto-release valve may vent the vacuum cup cavity to atmosphere in response to reduced pressure in the supply line at a location upstream from the vacuum valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: DELAWARE CAPITAL FORMATION, INC.
    Inventor: Maurice Perlman
  • Light Weight Lifting Tool for Subsea Equipment
    Publication number: 20080265596
    Abstract: A light weight lifting tool (10) for lowering and retrieving subsea equipment to and from the sea bed is disclosed. The equipment includes an upper coupling part in the form of a connector spool piece (15) having at least one circumferential ring groove (16) for use in making engagement with the lifting tool (10). The lifting tool (10) comprises a housing (1) designed to enclose and receive the connector spool piece (15). The lifting tool (10) further includes a number of latch segments (8) having at least one radially inwards directed projection (8?) designed for engagement with said at least one ring groove (16), and an activating device (6) arranged to bring said latch segments (8) in and out of engagement with said at least one ring groove (16) by operation of the activating device (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Aker Kvaemer Subsea
    Inventors: Knut Mogedal, Oystein Mogedal
  • Lifting Hook Device
    Publication number: 20080265597
    Abstract: A hook (1) in a lifting device, where the hook is of the type where a lifting tool is placed in and released from the hook (1) through a hook opening (11), where the hook (1) is provided with a locking bolt (15) arranged to be displaced in the longitudinal direction for closing of the hook (1) opening (11), and where the hook (1) locking bolt (15) is locked into position when the hook opening is closed. The lock is released and the locking bolt (15) can be displaced away from the hook opening (11) by means of an actuating lever (9) arranged in the body (3) of the hook.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Per Sviland
  • GRIPPING DEVICE FOR A ROBOT OR A GANTRY LOADER
    Publication number: 20080265598
    Abstract: In order to produce a gripping device for a robot or for a gantry loader that can be employed in a flexible manner, it is proposed that the gripping device should comprise at least one linearly displaceable gripping jaw and at least one pivotal gripping connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Durr Ecoclean GmbH
    Inventor: Marcus Simons
  • MOTOR VEHICLE TRIM ASSEMBLY, METHOD FOR FITTING A TRIM ASSEMBLY OF THIS TYPE AND A MOTOR VEHICLE ASSEMBLY WITH A TRIM ASSEMBLY OF THIS TYPE
    Publication number: 20080265599
    Abstract: A motor vehicle trim assembly has a holding body with a receiving groove. The holding body can be fixed in a material-uniting manner to a motor vehicle rear window in an upper window edge region facing the vehicle interior or on a trim part in an upper trim part edge region facing the vehicle interior by means of an adhesion promoter layer. A trim part of the trim assembly is inserted with a rear window-side rim region or the motor vehicle rear window is inserted with a trim-side rim region into the receiving groove. A trim assembly of this type and a motor vehicle assembly also comprising the rear window avoids the visual impression of the visible side of the motor vehicle being limited by visible fastening elements for the trim part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicants: REHAU AG + CO., Richard Fritz GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Mett, Claus-Christian Steeg, Stefan Lux, Wassilios Kiriakou, Jochen Haas, Tihomir Caric
  • System and method for loading vehicles onto the cargo bed of a transporting vehicle
    Publication number: 20080265600
    Abstract: A system and method for loading one or more vehicles onto the cargo bed of a transporting vehicle such as a pickup truck or trailer is presented. The system includes a supporting located at the front of the cargo bed above the plane of the cargo bed and one or more ramps. The ramps and the supporting are adapted to connect to and remove from each other such that the ramps are secured inside the cargo bed at an angle above the plane of the cargo bed of the transporting vehicle. This system provides additional clearance and storage space in the cargo bed. In a preferred embodiment where the transporting vehicle is a pickup truck, the supporting also functions as a headache rack or a ladder rack. A method of using this system to load one or more vehicles is also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: James Anthony Barker
  • Extension attachment for a bulk material container
    Publication number: 20080265601
    Abstract: To increase the capacity of an extension attachment for a bulk material container comprising a frame (32) and a plurality of flaps (33, 34) linked to the frame (32), which are capable of swivelling and, in a swivelled-out position, surround an internal space (31) of the extension attachment, the internal surface (28) facing the internal space (31) of at least of one of the flaps (33) has a concave shape in the swivelled-out position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Jan-Hendrik Mohr, Ulrich Claes, Christopher Vieregge
  • FRAME EXTENDER
    Publication number: 20080265602
    Abstract: A frame extender (10) for attachment to a siderail (14) and to a front cross member (16A) of a vehicle frame (12) having a centerline (C) includes a first portion (52) generally parallel with and attached to the siderail. The frame extender (10) also includes a second portion (66) extending generally transversely from the first portion (52) and outwardly from the centerline (C), and a third portion (80) extending from the second portion and generally parallel to the siderail (14). The first portion (52), the second portion (66) and the third portion (80) are formed as a single component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Isaac D. Branning, Steve O. Miller, Paul N. Sorvari, Michael W. Johnston, Xiao-Ming Li, Bryce Richards
  • SLIDING PLATFORM FOR A PICK-UP TRUCK
    Publication number: 20080265603
    Abstract: A sliding platform is mounted on low friction rollers to cooperate with a stationary frame to produce an extending platform for the cargo area of a suitable vehicle. The stationary frame may be fastened in the cargo area of a motor vehicle by means of specially shaped bolts which attach the stationary frame to the front wall of the cargo area. The forward end of the stationary frame is therefore held in place by means of only two fastening bolts. The rearward portion of the stationary frame is located and held in place by two jackscrews which serve to engage the two opposing walls of the cargo bay. A spring loaded handle is used to unlatch the sliding platform and allow it to be slid on said stationary frame to an extended position. The spring loaded handle may be pulled out from its nested position to provide better access and gripping of the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Jason Bluhm
  • CONVERTIBLE CARGO BED
    Publication number: 20080265604
    Abstract: A convertible cargo bed assembly for a utility vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a single piece molded main body having a pair of integrally formed hip restraints that each include a passenger hand hold integrally formed within the respective hip restraint. The assembly additionally includes a molded pivoting panel that has a cargo deck side and a seat side. The cargo deck side functions as a portion of a cargo deck when the pivoting panel is in a deployed position. The seat side has at least one full-sized seat cushion coupled thereto. That is the full-sized seat cushion is approximately the same size as the forward facing driver's and passenger's seats. Therefore, when the pivoting panel is transitioned from the deployed position to a stowed position, wherein the convertible cargo bed provides a full-sized rear facing seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Steven W. Houston
  • RETRACTABLE CUP HOLDER ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20080265605
    Abstract: A retractable cup holder assembly includes an interior trim panel, a support housing and a retractable cup holder. The support housing is releasably retained in a cup holder receiving opening of the interior trim panel by a reusable breakaway connection such that the breakaway connection at least partially releases the support housing from the interior trim panel for movement between an installed orientation and a breakaway orientation upon application of a prescribed force being applied to the breakaway connection. The retractable cup holder is pivotally supported to the support housing about a pivot axis between a stowed position in which the cup holder is retracted and a deployed position in which the cup holder extends outwardly from the support housing. The cup holder moves with the support housing when the support housing moves from the installed orientation to the breakaway orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Biggs, Walter Yourke
  • Automobile
    Publication number: 20080265606
    Abstract: In an automobile having a seat cushion 13 and a seat back 12 to be stored in an upper part of a vehicle interior, the seat cushion 13 and the seat back 12 can be lifted easily to the upper part position of the vehicle interior. The seat cushion 13 is rotatably coupled to the seat back 12 so that the seat cushion 13 can be superposed on the seat back 12, the seat back 12 is supported on a vehicle body 1 so that the superposed seat cushion 13 and seat back 12 can be rotated to the upper part of the vehicle interior, and a rear surface 12B of the seat back 12 is provided with a handle arm 16 that is grabbed by an operator to lift up the seat back 12 and the seat cushion 13 to the upper part of the vehicle interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicants: KANTO AUTO WORKS, LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Jun Kanamori, Osamu Fujimoto
  • AUDIO BRACKET FORE AND AFT SLIP PLANE
    Publication number: 20080265607
    Abstract: An automotive audio bracket for mounting a vehicle component to an interior surface of the vehicle includes a first mounting surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the interior surface and adapted for attachment to a rigid support structure of the vehicle, and a second mounting surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the interior surface and adapted for attachment to the vehicle component. An elongated aperture extends through one of the first and second mounting surfaces, the aperture being elongated along an axis substantially perpendicular to the interior surface. A fastening mechanism is positioned within the aperture and connects the first mounting surface to the second mounting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: NISSAN TECHNICAL CENTER NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Biggs, Nicholas Spitler
  • SHIELD ASSEMBLY FOR CARGO SPACE OF A TRANSPORT VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20080265608
    Abstract: A shield assembly is described for the cargo space of a transport vehicle wherein access to the cargo space is provided by a displaceable wall section mounted on a lower rail secured spaced from a lower side frame of the cargo space. The assembly comprises an elongated rectangular flexible seal guard having an elongated securable side edge section. The flexible seal guard has a width which is greater than a space defined between the rail and the lower side frame. The rail has a directional retention slot for immovably securing the securable side edge section of the flexible seal guard thereto whereby the flexible seal guard is supported for frictional engagement at an opposed free side edge against the lower side frame to substantially seal the space whereby to prevent foreign matter from entering into the cargo space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Dietmar Neumann, Adrian Radulescu
  • Quick-attach/detach cab for vehicle
    Publication number: 20080265609
    Abstract: Removable cab components and a removable cab assembly for a vehicle. A durable cab assembly is provided, which generally includes a roof, a windshield and a rear panel that is removably attachable to the vehicle. In certain embodiments, the roof, windshield and rear panel are separate components, each separately removably attachable to the vehicle. In certain embodiments, each component of the cab assembly is removably attachable to the roll cage of the vehicle without comprising the integrity of the roll cage. The attachment and detachment of the cab assembly can be carried out manually, by a single person, in a short period of time, without requiring separate tools. The invention is also directed to the windshield, roof and rear panel as individual components adapted for quick attachment/detachment to a vehicle, and a method of attaching or detaching cab components or a cab assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Gary N. Orrell, Michael A. Orrell, Martin Robinson, Jeremy Cirota
  • MOTOR VEHICLE HAVING A STOWABLE ROOF
    Publication number: 20080265610
    Abstract: A motor vehicle is disclosed having front and rear roof panels and which can be moved from in use to stowed positions to change the style of the motor vehicle from a two box style to a convertible or pick-up style. A stowage mechanism for the rear roof panel having two interlinked four bar linkages is disclosed which allows a small linear actuator to produce the range of displacement required to stow the rear roof panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Alan Richard Condon, Torsten Gerhardt, John K. Harding
  • Foldable Top Assembly for a Golf Cart
    Publication number: 20080265611
    Abstract: A foldable top assembly for a golf cart having front and rear ends, passenger seating therebetween, rear support attachments disposed rearwardly of front passenger seating, and front supports mounted in front of the passenger seating is disclosed. The foldable top assembly includes an articulated frame including a pair of spaced, longitudinally extending main members connectable to the rear support attachments. A plurality of transversely extending support members is connected to the pair of longitudinally extending main members. A front support member is connected to ends of the longitudinally extending frame members and is detachably connectable to the front supports on the golf cart. A foldable top, such as a fabric or rigid top is mounted on the articulated frame. The frame is foldable to fold and nest the top in a storage position and unfoldable to a use position to cover the passenger seating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Daniel J. Flynn
  • Convertible Top Having Over Center Linkage
    Publication number: 20080265612
    Abstract: A retractable top is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The top includes a roof cover, a linkage mechanism, a rear bow and an overcenter linkage. The linkage mechanism is pivotally coupled to the vehicle. The rear bow is pivotally coupled to the vehicle. The linkage mechanism supports a front portion of the roof cover. The rear bow supports a rear end of the roof cover. The overcenter linkage extends between the linkage mechanism and the rear bow. The overcenter linkage is movable to an overcenter position for locking the rear bow in the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Reinhard Wolfgang Quindt
  • Circuit-carrying water deflector and method for making the same
    Publication number: 20080265613
    Abstract: A protective deflector for application to a vehicle panel to prevent water or dust from entering an interior compartment of the vehicle includes a flexible sheet of plastic film having a peripheral edge shaped to generally conform to a shape of a surface to be protected and a conductive layer overlying and permanently bonded to the flexible sheet, the conductive layer applied in a preselected pattern configured to facilitate electrical connection with one or more vehicle components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Todd L. Hockenberry, Jeffrey W. Jones
  • Vehicle Door Module
    Publication number: 20080265614
    Abstract: A vehicle door module comprises a drive shaft for displacing a displacement device, particularly a window lifter. The vehicle door module and the displacement device can be assembled together in any particular position of rotation of the drive shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Interiors GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Alexander Schidan, Hans-Helmut Mieglitz, Burkhard Corves, Mathias Husing, Peter Markert, Mohannad Tarsha Kordi, Martin Riedel
  • Glass run
    Publication number: 20080265615
    Abstract: In a glass run attached to a doorframe of a vehicle, comprising a molded part attached to the corner part of the doorframe and a fin formed integrally with the molded part and covering the corner part of the doorframe, a pair of hooks protrude from the back of the fin rim in the middle properly apart from each other and, when the glass run is attached to the corner part of the doorframe, the hooks are each engaged with a cutout formed in the flange of the doorframe so that the flange holds the fin rim, thereby holding the fin rim without opening and no aperture is creased between the garnish and the fin rim regardless of any assembly error with the garnish and glass run assembled to the doorframe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Tomofumi Eguchi, Toshifumi Matsuura
  • Weather strip and method for manufacturing the same
    Publication number: 20080265616
    Abstract: A door weather strip includes a base attached along the outer periphery of a door frame and a hollow seal, and a clip attached to the base. The clip includes an engaging part fit in and enagageable with an attaching hole in the door frame and a retained part retained to the base. The retained part includes a retaining piece and a coupling portion coupling the center area of the retaining piece in the longitudinal direction and the engaging part. Using an inserting means equipped with an insertion pin which is nearly cylindrical and sharp-pointed, the insertion pin is pierced into the base so that the retaining piece is fed through the inner peripheral side of the insertion pin to the inner face side of the base, thereby attaching the clip to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Kubo, Hideaki Minoura, Tomonori Inoue
  • Fold-out trailer
    Publication number: 20080265617
    Abstract: A fold-out trailer, including a trailer frame, the trailer frame having a tongue joined to a hitch, the tongue being joined to a stationary platform, and the stationary platform having a major surface defining a stationary plane, a plurality of side edges, a front edge and a back edge; at least one primary folding platform, the primary platform having a major surface defining a primary plane, an inside edge, an outside edge, a front edge, and a back edge, the inside edge of the primary platform being joined to one side edge of the stationary platform, the primary platform having a folded position; and a trunk, the trunk defined by the stationary platform, a front cover, and primary platforms when the primary platforms are in the folded position, the trunk having a generally triangular cross-section and being accessible via a back cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Scott Alan Davidson
  • Multiple slide-out room for a recreational vehicle
    Publication number: 20080265618
    Abstract: A multiple slide-out system for a recreational vehicle or the like includes a first slide-out section having a first floor, a first carriage abutting and affixed to the first floor, a first driven track affixed to the underside of the first carriage, and a first drive motor anchored to the floor of the vehicle to drive the first slide-out section relative to the vehicle. A second slide-out section which slides within the first slide-out section includes a second floor, a second carriage abutting and affixed to the second floor, a second driven track affixed to the underside of the second carriage, and a second drive motor anchored to top side of the first carriage to drive the second slide-out section relative to the first slide-out section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Tomas D. Cadena, Jose J. Mercado
  • Method and apparatus to improve stability of automobile
    Publication number: 20080265619
    Abstract: A system to improve the aerodynamic stability of automobiles, comprising mounting on the roof of an automobile a scaled down replica of an existing racing vehicle including downforce generating component and in which proprietary rights exist concerning the aerodynamic construction of the racing vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Scott A. Blake
  • Device for Mounting a Part to the Body of a Motor Vehicle
    Publication number: 20080265620
    Abstract: A device for mounting a part to a body of a motor vehicle. A positioning mechanism positions the part in relation to the body in a determined fixing position, which is geometrically defined in a reference trihedral formed by the longitudinal axis X, the transverse axis Y, and the vertical axis Z of the body. The positioning mechanism includes a temporary mounting structure including a first mechanism mounting the structure to the body in a given use position in which a second mechanism belonging to the structure cooperates with the part to position the part in relation to the body in the above-mentioned determined fixing position, which is defined by a given positioning reference system corresponding to the use position of the structure on the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: RENAULT s.a.s.
    Inventor: Alain Aleman
  • Truck Comprising a Retaining System for the Cab in Case of a Collision
    Publication number: 20080265621
    Abstract: A truck has a driver's cab tiltably mounted above a drive train and coupled in an articulated fashion to a bottom chassis by a bearing. The drive train is attached to the chassis, and has a restraint system for the driver's cab. In the case of a head-on collision of the truck with an obstacle at the level of the driver's cab, the restraint system serves to absorb and deflect collision forces at the driver's cab. The restraint system includes a flexible coupling element that establishes a connection, which is resistant to tensile stress counter to the direction of travel, between the driver's cab and a front fixed part of the drive train located underneath it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Daimier AG
    Inventors: Kay Morschheuser, Wolfgang Pedrotti
  • Energy-Absorbing Deformation Element for a Vehicle
    Publication number: 20080265622
    Abstract: An energy-absorbing deformation element is provided for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, wherein the deformation element in the mounted state is arranged in a collision region between a covering part and a vehicle body, and more particularly, between a headliner and a vehicle roof. The deformation element has an essentially U-shaped profile, on free end regions of which is disposed a flange at least in certain regions. A plurality of cutouts or recesses are provided in the flanges on each free end region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Dr.Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Olaf BENKLER, Markus Osswald, Matthias Zierle
  • FRONT STRUCTURE OF AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20080265623
    Abstract: A support frame is provided to extend upward and rearward from a portion of a front side frame near a suspension tower substantially straight and connect to an upper portion of a hinge pillar. Accordingly, there can be provided a front structure of an automotive vehicle that can properly restrain a forward deformation of a cabin by transmitting an impact load at a vehicle frontal crash to the hinge pillar efficiently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinji KIYOTAKE, Takayuki KIMURA, Masanobu KOBASHI, Hidenori MATSUOKA, Sakayu TERADA
  • Working Vehicle
    Publication number: 20080265624
    Abstract: The invention relates to a working vehicle which can improve a workability of a maintenance, inspection and the like with respect to a portion around an engine, and can tilt up a rear hood together with a tilt-up floor. An upper side of an engine (not shown) can be covered in a rear end portion side of a floor (35). A hinge mechanism (38) is arranged between a front end portion of the floor (35) and a rev-frame (25), and the floor (35) can be tilted up via the hinge mechanism (38). A rear hood (32) is coupled by hinge to a first support column (15) of a mounting bracket (4) supporting the floor (35), and is structured so as to be freely opened and closed. It is possible to tilt up the floor (35) in a state of attaching the rear hood (32), by canceling a fixed state of the mounting bracket (4) to a supporting and fixing member such as a counter weight (2) or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Takano, Takeshi Endo
  • Truck Comprising a Rope-Operated Tilting Device for the Cab
    Publication number: 20080265625
    Abstract: A truck has a cab that is hinged to a chassis via a bearing about a rotational shaft. A tilting device is provided for raising the cab into a forward-tilted open position for access to the engine compartment located thereunder, and the cab is able to be fixed in the closed position to the chassis. The tilting device includes at least one tractive element that may be actuated via a drive for raising and closing the cab. The tractive element is mounted between the cab and the chassis such that in the case of a head-on collision with an obstruction, level with the cab, it forms a catching device for the cab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Daimier AG
    Inventor: Mario List
  • METHOD OF MAKING A SUBFRAME OF A MOTOR VEHICLE, AND SUBFRAME FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20080265626
    Abstract: In a method of making a subframe of a motor vehicle profile elements made of hollow sections of steel are placed in a casting tool. Subsequently, aluminum material is filled into the casting tool to casting around the profile elements so as to form plural cast nodes on the profile elements in spaced-apart relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Jochen Dorr, Michael Wibbeke
  • Securing Device
    Publication number: 20080265627
    Abstract: A device for securing at least one hand rail on a vehicle roof has a securing rail, on which the hand rail can be secured, and paneling. In order to provide a device by which securing of the hand rail is simplified, the paneling has an installation access gap that runs along the securing rail and is closed by a gap cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Helmut Bodirsky, Bernhard Garhofer
  • Cabriolet
    Publication number: 20080265628
    Abstract: A cabriolet motor vehicle is provided, which comprises a roof constructed from at least two roof segments, which may be brought into an open position, rear roof columns stiffened by an upper roof cross member (“Targa part”), and a rollbar (“Targa bar”) situated in the area between a front frame and the Targa part, and is distinguished in that the at least two roof segments are stackable using a movement mechanism into a roof segment stack situated between the Targa bar and the target part, and the roof segment stack is pivotable into the passenger compartment using at least one connecting rod attached to the upper roof cross member of the Targa part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Klaus Brandel, Frank Leopold
  • HEADLINER HAVING A MODULE
    Publication number: 20080265629
    Abstract: A headliner having a substrate, a foam channel, and a module. The foam channel has a standoff portion that extends away from the substrate and an adjacent portion of the foam channel. The module is disposed proximate the substrate and has an input device. The standoff portion inhibits movement of the module when the input device is actuated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryan Fry, Gary Skrzycki, Ronald L. Jenkins, Sandra Lassila
  • Closure Device for a Cabriolet Roof Structure
    Publication number: 20080265630
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closure device (10) for a cabriolet roof structure (12) having at least one closure element (14) which can assume an open position and a closed position, wherein the closure device (14) is at least at times assigned a sensor device (16, 18, 20) which can detect the open position and the closed position. According to the invention, it is provided that the sensor device (16, 18, 20) comprises only one sensor (16) which generates a first signal when the open position is reached and which generates a second signal when the closed position is reached. The invention also relates to a roof structure for a cabriolet and to a method for monitoring a closure device for a cabriolet roof structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Peter Pohl, Jurgen Stenvers, Adam Wagner, Thorsten Schmeier
  • Folding ottoman
    Publication number: 20080265631
    Abstract: The present invention provides a foldable ottoman having a sidewall assembly, a bottom panel, and a top lid. The sidewall assembly comprises a number of sidewalls, wherein adjacent sidewalls are interconnected by flexible hinges so as to enable the sidewall assembly to be moved between a collapsed state and a deployed state. In the deployed state, the sidewall assembly forms a geometric shape. The bottom panel is inserted into the deployed sidewall assembly and is removably supported by a plurality of removable support means. The top lid is placed onto the sidewall assembly and is removably supported thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Ryan Hans Quicoy
  • Pedicure Chair With Flip-Up Tray
    Publication number: 20080265632
    Abstract: A spa chair having an apparatus for extending and retracting a tray from the spa chair is disclosed along with a method for utilizing the spa chair in one or more manicure and/or pedicure procedures. A pivoting mechanism coupled to the tray includes first attaching members for attaching the pivoting mechanism to the spa chair and a second attaching member for attaching the pivoting member to a tray. The pivoting mechanism also includes a shaft retained by the first attaching members and a spring for biasing a shaft and second attaching member in a particular direction. The pivoting mechanism is operable to lockingly secure the tray in at least one of an extended or retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Thanh Van Le, Hung Van Nguyen
  • Handle device for infant car seat
    Publication number: 20080265633
    Abstract: A handle device for an infant car seat includes a handle member and a pad. The handle member has two ends coupled respectively to two opposite sides of the infant car seat, and an inner surface formed with a positioning groove. The pad is disposed within the positioning groove in the handle member, and has a coupling face confronting the inner surface of the handle member, and a soft contact face opposite to the coupling face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: WONDERLAND NURSERYGOODS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shun-Min Chen, Hong-Bin Xu
  • VEHICLE SEAT WITH A STORAGE COMPARTMENT
    Publication number: 20080265634
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat frame having a seat portion and a cover skirt covering the frame below the seat portion to form a footwell termination at a front region of the cover skirt. The front region of the cover skirt includes a pair of side walls, a front wall, and a back wall. The side and front walls are articulately connected and the side walls are foldable and coupled between the front and back walls. The front wall is displaceable away from the back wall to a pulled-out position in which the side walls are unfolded and the side walls, the front wall, and the back wall together form a storage compartment. The front wall is diplaceable toward the back wall to a pushed-in position in which the side walls are folded and lie between the front and back walls and the front and back walls meet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Patrick Verhee
  • Bicycle Saddle
    Publication number: 20080265635
    Abstract: The comfort of use may be improved and pressure in the genital area of a bicycle rider may be avoided, whereby a bicycle saddle comprises a seat piece for the buttocks of a bicycle rider and a front section, connected to the seat piece. The front section comprises an end region, facing the seat piece which is height-adjustable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Lutz Scheffer, Andreas Heimerdinger
  • BICYCLE SEAT
    Publication number: 20080265636
    Abstract: A bicycle seat is provided having a small front-end section formed by a bifurcated nose with a longitudinally extending gap therebetween, the bifurcated nose having elongated protrusions being substantially parallel to each other and having a substantially constant width and providing a substantially flat pubis bone support surface. The small front-end section can transition to a medial section having a top, a bottom, and sides and the medial section can transition to a rear-end section that is substantially flat. The seat can widen from the transition of the front-end section to the medial section as the seat extends to the rear-end section and the longitudinally extending gap can be approximately 30% to less than approximately 40% of a total length of the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: STEVE TOLL