Patents Issued in August 31, 2010
  • Patent number: 7784808
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a rear-pedaling standing type bicycle structure having a driving means installed at a front end of a bicycle frame and proximate to a corresponding line of front and rear wheels, and pedals pivotally coupled to both lateral sides of the front end of the bicycle frame for up and down movements. The driving means can be driven up and down alternately by the left and right pedals, and a link wheel is provided for transmitting kinetic forces to the rear wheel to drive the bicycle, so that the bicycle can be operated and driven in a special unique way to achieve the effects of expanding the exercising range and giving more fun to the exercise and game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Hsin Lung Accessories Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeeng-Neng Fan
  • Patent number: 7784809
    Abstract: A motorcycle having a forked front wheel support with two rigid fork arms on which a front wheel of the motorcycle is mounted, an upper trailing link provided for supporting wheel support forces connected via an upper joint to an upper area of the wheel support, and lower trailing link provided for supporting wheel support forces situated below the upper trailing link and connected via a lower joint to the lower trailing link, in which at least one of the two joints is elastically connected to its respective upper or lower trailing link and/or to the wheel support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gerrit Heyl, Josef Seidl
  • Patent number: 7784810
    Abstract: The present invention is a bicycle including a bicycle frame and a rear wheel suspension system that is attached to the frame. The rear wheel suspension system includes a rear wheel swingarm and a shock absorber that is engaged to the swingarm to control the motion of a rear wheel of the bicycle. A change in the vertical wheel travel (?VWT) of the rear wheel is related to a change in the length of the shock absorber (?SL), providing a shock rate (SR) according to the relationship: SR=?SL/?VWT. The shock rate (SR) changes throughout the vertical wheel travel of the rear wheel, such that the change in the shock rate dSR/dVWT has a change in sign as the rear wheel travels through its vertical wheel travel. The shock rate may at first decrease in value and subsequently increase, or initially increase in value and subsequently decrease throughout the vertical wheel travel of the rear wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Santa Cruz Bicycles, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph E Graney
  • Patent number: 7784811
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a deflecting apparatus for wheelchairs to prevent objects from rolling underneath wheelchairs, especially when engaged in sport activities. The apparatus is an accessory item that attaches in the front of a wheelchair below the seat and just above the floor/ground level. It is configured as a guard specifically to prevent sport balls such as basketballs, soccer balls, volleyballs and the like from being trapped under the wheelchair. The apparatus is attached with a pair of clamping arms on the rear of the plate to connect the apparatus to the specific structure of the wheelchair, particularly on the kick plate and is adjustable to conform to various sizes of kick plates. Alternate embodiments could serve as deflectors for other objects that may become hazardous to the wheelchair free movement if allowed to travel underneath the chair from the front.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Brian Gerard Von DeBur
  • Patent number: 7784812
    Abstract: A dual chassis with multi-directional transmission wherein a front chassis and a rear chassis can be united to function as a traditional chassis or separated when traveling over uneven terrain. A multi-directional transmission serves to increase the distance between the two chassis and enable them to travel at differing vertical and horizontal angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Francisco Javier Lares
  • Patent number: 7784813
    Abstract: The multi-task trailer hitch assembly of the present invention provides receiving tubes for the attachment of one or more trailer hitch-mounted receiver-type accessories while retaining a trailer hitch for pulling a trailer in the single hitch receiver provided on many trucks and ATVs. This permits the simultaneous use of multiple accessories while retaining the concurrent ability to tow. Multiple receiver tubes can be provided, both horizontal and vertical, and oriented not only toward the rear but also at right angles from the ball mount. This permits fastening one or more attachments from not only the rear but also from the top and inward from both sides toward the ball mount. Extra hitch ball mounts and other towing accessories may also be conveniently stored in the receiver tubes of the present invention while towing with a particular Class II or Class III hitch ball mount in the appropriate vehicle-mounted hitch receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: John R. Columbia
  • Patent number: 7784814
    Abstract: The combination of ski boots of different sizes, and skis provided with mounted bindings consisting of fixed front and rear jaws. The ski boots are embodied in at least two types (1, 1?, 1?) which differ from each other by a sole length (a, b, c) and are suitable for inserting internal shoes (3a to 3d, 3?a to 3?d, 3?a to 3?d) into at least two boot sizes (2a-2b, 2?a-2?b, 2?a-2?b). The skis (6, 6?, 6?) are provided with fixed jaws (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b) mounted in such a way that they correspond to the sole lengths (a, b, c) of the different types of boots (1, 1?, 1?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Tyrolia Technology GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Brandt
  • Patent number: 7784815
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stand-up wheelchair for handicapped people and invalids, comprising a frame (2) supporting a hinged structure (12), supporting a seat back (D), a seat (A), a footrest (R) and being mobile between a seated position (P1) and an upright position (P2), characterized in that the hinged structure comprises a hinged support system of the seat (A) and of the seat back (D) which comprises at least an upper side rail (14, 15), a lower side rail (35) and front (27) and rear (20) spacers carrying a seat back upright and maneuvering means (50) which are interposed between the frame (2) and the lower side rail (35) and which are adapted, by displacement of the lower side rail, on the one hand, to ensure adjustment of the inclination of the seat back upright (24, 25) when the upper side rail (14, 15) is supported on a seat bearing (52, 53) and, on the other hand, to verticalize the hinged structure (12) when the front spacer (27) has reached its maximum return position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Lifestand “Vivre Debout”
    Inventor: Francois Porcheron
  • Patent number: 7784816
    Abstract: A flat platform cart with collapsible casters which is stable in positioning and convenient in collapsing and use. It comprises a supporting section, a push-pull section and a caster section connected thereto by a linkage means, and an extension positioning means which enables the push-pull section and the caster section to be maintained in an extending state; the extension positioning means comprises a vertical positioning means which simultaneously locks the push-pull section and the caster section in position and a horizontal positioning means disposed between the load supporting platform and the supporting bases which horizontally locks the push-pull section in position. When the flat platform cart is extended, horizontal and vertical positioning are simultaneously being carried out, therefore the positioning is very stable and it is convenient for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Shikun Jian
  • Patent number: 7784817
    Abstract: An external airbag system for a vehicle is proved to be commercialized and which can absorb impact induced by a frontal collision of the vehicle and thus substantially protect passengers in the vehicle. The external airbag system may include a bumper cover, a cushion provided behind the bumper cover, and an inflator for generating a gas pressure to deploy the cushion, wherein the bumper cover moves in a forward direction by the deploying cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Hyeong Ho Choi, Yong Sun Kim
  • Patent number: 7784818
    Abstract: At least one guide member extends longitudally along at least a portion of a stowed side curtain airbag. At least one guide ramp directs deployment of the side curtain airbag toward the openable passage defined at least in part by one or more trim pieces. The guide member surrounds the side curtain airbag on three sides to define an airbag deployment opening facing a rear surface of the one or more trim pieces adjacent the openable passage. The interior trim stucture covers the stowed side curtain airbag and allows deployment of the side curtain airbag through an interface joint to a position along a sidewall of a passenger compartment adjacent a rear seat location of a two-door coupe style vehicle. The interface joint defines an openable passage along the first and second abutting edges allowing deployment of a side curtain airbag through the interface joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Downey, Kristi Elliott-Rumberger, Neal Osterhout
  • Patent number: 7784819
    Abstract: An embodiment of an airbag system includes a cavity configured to store an airbag, wherein the cavity has an aperture that provides an outlet for the airbag during deployment. The embodiment also includes a cover releasably attached over the aperture via an attachment mechanism having an initial attachment strength. The initial attachment strength is configured to reduce to a release attachment strength in response to receipt of a release signal at the attachment mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer P. Lawall, Diane K. McQueen, Steven E. Morris, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Scott D. Thomas, Kenneth A. Strom
  • Patent number: 7784820
    Abstract: An integrated air bag support structure that includes a support base for attachment to the rear side of a substrate. The support base is configured to surround a door support panel and both are configured for attachment to the rear side of a substrate in an area that is pre-weakened to define an air bag deployment door in a vehicle instrument panel or a steering wheel air bag module. The upper surfaces of the support base and door support panel are attached to the rear surface of a substrate and a test tab extends from the base that is attached to the rear surface of the substrate in the same manner as the support base and the door support panel. The test tab has an unattached extension portion for the purpose of gripping and pulling to sample test that the attachment of the test tab without affecting the attachment of the support panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Automotive Components Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Mazzocchi, Kenneth J. Kwasnik, Brian C. Slane
  • Patent number: 7784821
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an airbag deployment device for decreasing peak pressure of an airbag in which an inflation tube is provided to a tear seam of a cover and an inflation tube is connected to an inflator through a gas supply tube. When the inflator is operated, the tear seam is torn due to the inflation of inflation tube before the airbag is deployed toward the outside of the cover. Accordingly, when the airbag is deployed, the peak pressure is significantly decreased. As a result, even though a passenger collides with the airbag to be deployed, it is possible to obtain an advantage of decreasing the degree of injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jaehoon Jeong
  • Patent number: 7784822
    Abstract: An inflatable side curtain airbag for a passenger vehicle is provided. The airbag incorporates a new diode design that restricts gas flow, creating a plurality of substantially isolated cells. A delivery tube delivers gas to the cells through a plurality of outlet orifices that open to the cells. Upon inflation of the cells with a gas, flow of gas between each of the plurality of substantially isolated cells is restricted during occupant loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Nxgen Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael F. Fink
  • Patent number: 7784823
    Abstract: A vehicle occupant restraint system has a side gas bag which is arranged folded along a roof frame of a vehicle. The side gas bag is configured such that in an inflated condition a front inflatable section at a front end of the side gas bag projects further into the vehicle interior than an inflatable portion adjoining the front inflatable section in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Heigl, Anton Fischer
  • Patent number: 7784824
    Abstract: In a mounting structure for an airbag apparatus (5) mounted in a vehicle door (3), a holding member 59 provided with an opening end 58 to hold an airbag 78 in a folded state, and a lining member 82 provided at the vehicle interior side of the door 3 are provided, in which the lining member 82 is made in contact with and integrated with the holding member 59 so as to cover the opening end 58 to form an airbag module 128 and is mounted to door panels 13, 14. In accordance with the present invention, it is possible to provide the mounting structure for the airbag apparatus which enables mounting operations and controlling in mounting accuracy of the lining member to be easy and which enables the prevention of deformations from occurring when mounting the lining member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Sato
  • Patent number: 7784825
    Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel includes a gas bag module (16) and an immovably fastened component (18), in particular a shield, adjacent to the gas bag module (16). The vehicle steering wheel further includes at least one separate elastic positioning element (22) which establishes the position of the gas bag module (16) relative to the adjacent component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Ralph Frisch
  • Patent number: 7784826
    Abstract: A gas bag module (10) for a vehicle occupant restraint system comprises a housing with a gas generator support (17) and a covering (26). The housing consists at least partly of a thermoplastic elastomer. The thermoplastic elastomer is foamed using a physical or chemical foaming agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Haertel, Klaus Bernhard, Bernd Issler, Uli Vielhuber, Winfried Grauer
  • Patent number: 7784827
    Abstract: An airbag inflator that contains a first quantity of inflation gas. This gas may be housed in a chamber. A quantity of liquid fuel may also be added. This fuel may be housed within a liquid fuel chamber. The quantity of inflation gas may operate to pressurize the liquid fuel chamber. A piezo-valve is also added. The piezo-valve seals the liquid fuel chamber. The piezo-valve is capable of variably releasing liquid fuel from the chamber such that when this secondary liquid is ignited, the airbag inflation gas can be augmented as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley W. Smith, Brent A. Parks
  • Patent number: 7784828
    Abstract: An inflatable airbag cushion assembly with a release device for electronic communication with a sensor in a vehicle. The cushion assumes two different configurations depending on the occupant's position. The configurations are achieved via tethers along with closeable vent(s) to control cushion pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Matsu, Scott Dershem, Don Paxton, Geoffrey Mills, Brian Seymour, Dave Zecchin
  • Patent number: 7784829
    Abstract: A gas generator, relating to a gas generator for a side air bag or the like, is provided. The gas generator has an inner cylindrical member is stored in a housing, wherein the inner cylindrical member has a second outside diameter portion abutting against the inner peripheral surface of the housing, and a first outside diameter portion smaller in outside diameter than the second outside diameter portion, the tip end of the first outside diameter portion side abuts against the closed end portion (one end portion) of the housing, the filter is provided on the outside of the inner cylindrical member in the radial direction of the first outside diameter portion, and the ignition means is provided on the opposite end portion (the other end) from the closed end portion of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masoto Hirooka, Naoki Matsuda, Kenji Numoto
  • Patent number: 7784830
    Abstract: A telescoping steering column assembly has an inner jacket and an outer jacket telescopically engaged with a sleeve between the inner and outer jackets. The sleeve has internal and external ribs which run parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve, the internal ribs contacting an outer surface of the inner jacket, and the external ribs contacting an inner surface of the outer jacket. The internal and external ribs are circumferentially offset to allow the wall of the sleeve to flex relative to the opposing surfaces of the jackets, resulting in smooth telescoping action of the assembly without lash. In addition, the system provides a constant collapsing force and provides guidance for a controlled collapse of either a telescoping or non-telescoping column assembly in a vehicle crash impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventor: Peter J. Ulintz
  • Patent number: 7784831
    Abstract: A load limiting device for mounting a seat belt buckle includes a plow shoe attached to one of the buckle and the vehicle and a pair of opposed plates attached to the other of the buckle and the vehicle. The plates have the plow shoe captured therebetween so that upon imposition of an occupant restraint load on the buckle, the plow shoe travels therebetween the plates and absorbs energy by deforming at least one of the plates. An adjuster mechanism adjusts the distance between the opposed plates to selectively increase or decrease the energy absorbing capacity of the load limiting device by determining the extent of metal deformation occurring upon the travel of the plow shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Ke Dong
  • Patent number: 7784832
    Abstract: To protect a wire without increasing the manufacturing cost. A pretensioner 10 comprises a housing 12 through which the wire 11 is passed and a cylinder 14 supported to the housing 12. One end of the wire 11 is connected to a seat belt buckle, and the other end of the wire 11 is connected to a piston 15 slidably received in the cylinder 14. A gas generator 23 for generating a high-pressure gas for moving the piston 15 in the direction of retracting the wire 11 is provided on the housing 12. Furthermore, a seal member 30 for sealing a clearance between the wire 11 and the inner wall of the housing 12 is provided in the housing 12. An agent for improving heat resistance is applied onto an agent applied portion 11A of the wire 11 positioned within a gas passage 24.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhito Zasu, Hiroshi Tomita
  • Patent number: 7784833
    Abstract: A pair of roller skis each comprising at least four fixed rollers disposed in parallel on the central lower face of a long and narrow board made of an elastic material while having a left-right spacing corresponding to the width of the board and while having a front-rear spacing shorter than the front-rear length of a boot secured to the board, and two casters, one disposed on the lower face of the top portion of the board and the other disposed on the lower face of the tail portion of the board, wherein when the board is placed on the ground with no load applied thereto, only the rollers of the top and tail casters make contact with the ground and the fixed rollers at the central portion are away from the ground. With this configuration, it is possible for the user to enjoy or practice skiing on slopes with no snow while having sliding feelings and using sliding techniques similar to those of snow skiing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Kimihiro Tsuchie
  • Patent number: 7784834
    Abstract: A clamp for clamping to two threadedly-connected items, and, in one aspect, two threadedly-connected components of a top drive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Varco I/P, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald W. Yater, Lawrence E. Wells, Neil Edward West, Cliff Swiontek, Howard Ervin
  • Patent number: 7784835
    Abstract: A pipe connecting mechanism having first and second pivot attachment systems that are rotatably attached to a central connecting portion. The central connecting portion has a telescopically extending connection where a flexing assembly allows for a prescribed amount of motion between the first and second pivot attachment assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventors: Steven J. Keays, Curtis L. Patterson
  • Patent number: 7784836
    Abstract: An air filter connecting unit having a connecting flange (11) and a connecting nipple (20) that can be coupled to the connecting flange via a snap connection. The connecting flange (11) has a round receptacle (13) provided with an inside thread flight (12) that is subdivided into individual, resilient, curved thread flight segments (12.1, 12.2, . . . , 12.n). The associated connecting nipple (20) has a generally cylindrical construction and an advancing thread (22) which ends in a free-running groove (23) on the connecting nipple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Klemens Dworatzek, Ralf Bauder
  • Patent number: 7784837
    Abstract: A tube fitting for connection with a tube includes first and second flanges members and a ferrule between the first and second flanged members. The ferrule engages the tube to form a tube grip and seal when the first and second flanged members are drawn together. A tapered clamp may be used to draw the flanged members together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Richard John Medvick
  • Patent number: 7784838
    Abstract: A high pressure energizable tube connector for a well comprising a tube; a first connector assembly comprising: a female profile disposed over the tube and a first ferrule disposed over the tube adjacent the female profile; a second connector assembly comprising: an inverted jam nut disposed over the tube and a second ferrule disposed over the tube adjacent the inverted jam nut, wherein the second ferrule extends along the tube in a direction opposite the first ferrule; a nipple comprising a test port, wherein the nipple is disposed over the tube between the first ferrule and the second ferrule; a primary seal formed by compressing the first ferrule into the female profile using a pressure from the test port; and a secondary seal formed by compressing the second ferrule into the inverted jam nut using the pressure from the test port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Petro Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David Levy
  • Patent number: 7784839
    Abstract: A joint (1), especially of an exhaust system is provided for two axially adjacent ends (2, 3) of a tubular body (4, 5), respectively. Each tube end (2, 3) has a ring collar (8, 9) projecting radially outwards. A centering ring (6) is arranged axially between the tube ends (2, 3) and which has a plurality of collar segments (17) in the radial outward direction. Some of the collar segments (17a) project axially on one side of the centering ring (6) and axially overlap the ring collar (8) of one tube end (2), while the other collar segments (17b) project axially on the other side of the centering ring (6) and axially overlap the ring collar (9) of the other tube end (3) in the radial outward direction. A clamp (7) axially and radially overlaps the ring collar (8, 9) and the centering ring (6) in the radial outward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: J. Eberspächer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Krause, Arthur Wieland
  • Patent number: 7784840
    Abstract: A system for increasing the efficiency of the movement of a railroad car over a length of rail, including a fluid reservoir for containing a quantity of efficiency enhancing fluid, a fluid dispensing member, a fluid pump connected in fluidic communication between the reservoir and the fluid dispensing member for dispensing a predetermined quantity of fluid through the fluid dispensing member, a microprocessor operationally connected to the fluid pump, and a first sensor for generating a first sensor signal in response to a railroad car crossing a predetermined section of track and operationally connected to the microprocessor. The fluid dispensing member is positioned along a railroad portion substantially equal in length to the circumference of a railroad car wheel to provide a substantially continuous flow of efficiency enhancing fluid substantially equal in length to the circumference of a railroad car wheel onto the rail portion when the predetermined quantity of fluid is dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Carlton Leslie
  • Patent number: 7784841
    Abstract: A vehicle has a door release apparatus for a first door supporting a door latch for a second door. A first door latch connects the first door with respect to a frame defining a vehicle body opening. A handle member has at least an inboard portion and is mounted to the first door for movement about an axis. A force transmission assembly is operably engaged between the handle member and the first door latch for movement between a latch-engaged position and a latch-released position. A door release lock-out is defined by a portion of the second door directly obstructing movement of the handle member, when the second door is in the at least partially latched position. The door release lock-out prevents movement of the handle member a sufficient distance to release the first door latch from the frame when the second door is in the at least partially latched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Watson, David Kovie, Adam Tacey
  • Patent number: 7784842
    Abstract: A hole digging device comprising a shaft having a crossbar perpendicularly attached; a push rod parallel to the shaft; a circular base on the second end of the push rod and a handle on the first end of the push rod, wherein the handle, push rod, and base can altogether move between an up position and a down position; two braces attached to the shaft on opposing sides; two digging blades pivotally attached to the braces, wherein the digging blades can pivot between an engaged position or a disengaged position; two blade shafts parallel to the central shaft, wherein the digging blades are pivotally attached to the blade shafts; two grasping loops pivotally attached to the crossbar opposite each other and moveable between an up position and a down position; wherein the grasping loops are biased in the down position caused by springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Don I. Wright
  • Patent number: 7784843
    Abstract: Embodiments of a vehicle console comprise a front storage bin having a first pair of sidewalls, a back storage bin adjacent the front storage bin having a second pair of sidewalls, a pair of tracks associated with the first and second pair of sidewalls, and a movable armrest disposed over the back storage bin, wherein the armrest is moveable to provide access to the back storage bin. The region between the movable armrest and the back storage bin is a panel housing. The vehicle console further comprises a sliding panel comprising at least one convenience apparatus wherein the sliding panel is aligned with the pair of tracks and is operable to move into the panel housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Charan Singh Lota, Kwang-Ha Kim
  • Patent number: 7784844
    Abstract: A concave notch portion to which an interference body is fitted is formed in an interference region with the interference body existing in an incorporated portion of at least one side edge portion of an interior trim member. A cushion body made of an elastically deformable material is arranged in a periphery including the concave notch portion, and a structure member made of a material which is light and harder than the cushion body is arranged in the other region than the arranged region of the cushion body in the interior trim member. The skin member, the structure member and the cushion body are integrated by a molding. Consequently, an interior trim member is removable from an incorporated position, even in the case that a post exists in a driver seat, in the rigid interior trim member incorporated in the driver seat of various work vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Kan'ichi Sato
  • Patent number: 7784845
    Abstract: An expandable vehicle-mounted shelter is a construction connected to a vehicle, in which a shelter container body 2 thereof is laterally enlarged to have an enlarged internal space in which special equipment, such as communication equipment, medical equipment, etc., and other equipment is provided, or otherwise to be utilized as a compartment for carrying goods. In the shelter container body, expandable frames are laterally oppositely provided, each frame having folding sections. In each of the folding sections, a support plate is pivotably connected, at the upper or lower end thereof, to the body via hinge means, and at least one folding plate is foldably connected to the support plate, so that the folding section can be pivoted around the hinge means to spread out, thereby enlarging the space inside the shelter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Mirae S&T Inc.
    Inventors: Baekhee Kim, Wanyong Rha
  • Patent number: 7784846
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are interior vehicle surfaces having a substrate and a covering having imposed thereon a decorative pattern. The covering is applied to the substrate oriented so that a segment of the decorative pattern forms an angle of less than ninety degrees with a visual reference line. Application of the covering includes determining a visual reference line with respect to the interior vehicle surface to be covered, rotating the covering less than ninety degrees such that a segment of the pattern originally parallel to the visual reference line is now angled with respect to the visual reference line and applying the rotated covering to the interior vehicle surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Melaina Vasko, Doug Dawe, Thomas Mally
  • Patent number: 7784847
    Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a technique which contributes to stabilized movement of a sliding structure in a slide-type sun visor for vehicles. Representative sun visor for vehicles includes a sun visor body, a support shaft, a sliding member, a clip member and a clamping device. The clamping device accommodates a clearance in a circumferential direction between the support shaft and the sliding member and prevents relative rotation of the support shaft and the sliding member. The clamping device is mounted to the sliding member and rotates together with the sliding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Kyowa Sangyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Asai
  • Patent number: 7784848
    Abstract: A vehicle floor tray is molded from a thermoplastic polymer sheet such that it has high shear and tensile strength, an acceptable degree of stiffness and a high coefficient of friction on its upper surface. The floor tray has first, second, third, and fourth sidewalls integrally formed with the floor, which has a reservoir. The reservoir has a plurality of longitudinally and transversely oriented baffles standing up from the general surface of the reservoir portion to impede lateral movement of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: MacNeil IP LLC
    Inventor: David F. MacNeil
  • Patent number: 7784849
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle with at least two successive roof sections that are separated on their exterior surface at a groove when the roof is closed, with a rear roof section being displaceable rearwards and downwards for the opening of the roof and a roof section arranged in front of it being movable towards the rear roof section. The rear roof section, being divided into a central section and externally located frame parts, is designed in such a way that the forward roof section is supported by the central section and the frame parts are appended in the groove area and can be lifted during the opening of the roof from a common plane with the central section in such a way that the frame parts are dislocated rearwards and, at least in parts, downward opposite the central section when the roof is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Westermann, Jürgen Theuerkauf
  • Patent number: 7784850
    Abstract: A convertible with a roof, which can be displaced longitudinally in an approximately horizontal position towards the rear of the vehicle, between a closed position, in which the roof is held directly or indirectly against the windshield frame and an intermediate position, in which the fixture between the roof and the windshield frame is released, is provided. The roof, for at least part of the lowering motion, is held in a receiving space of the car body in the rear intermediate position and in the lowered condition it can be displaced longitudinally towards the front of the vehicle. At least one displaceable locking element for the roof can be actuated during the longitudinal displacement of the stowed-away roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventors: Heino Feussahrens, Winfried Bunsmann
  • Patent number: 7784851
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention provides a passive water management system for vehicle doors. One or more water management troughs are formed into the inner door panel of the vehicle door at least partially encircling one or more holes or opening through the inner door panel. Strips of adhesive material are provided proximate to and extending along each side of the water management trough. A water deflector sheet of water shedding material is secured to the inner door panel by the adhesive strips, such that the strips, water management trough and deflector sheet form a conduit for routing water to drain holes draining into the door cavity thereby preventing water incursion through the inner door panel openings from reaching the vehicle interior. A method of managing water seeping into a vehicle door is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry A. Filipczak, Brian R. Rusch, Luigi R. Magnanti
  • Patent number: 7784852
    Abstract: A sealing device is provided for a vehicle having a door movable between a closed and an opened position. The door defines a fishmouth aperture. A striker pin is configured to enter the fishmouth aperture when the door closes and exit the fishmouth aperture when the door opens. The sealing device is configured to at least partially seal the fishmouth aperture while allowing the striker pin to enter and exit the fishmouth aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Fannon, Richard K. Mette, Khristopher S. Lee
  • Patent number: 7784853
    Abstract: In order to design a protection device for motor vehicles, comprising a protection element protecting again draft and/or radiation, wherein for the mounting on a motor vehicle body the protection device has two fixing devices which are arranged on oppositely located sides and in which at least one locking element movable back and forth between an operative position and an inoperative position is mounted, so that it is easier to mount it is suggested that the fixing devices be coupled by means of a coupling device in such a manner that the at least one locking element of the one fixing device and the at least one locking element of the other, oppositely located fixing device can be transferred together from the operative into the inoperative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Scambia Industrial Developments Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Daniel Erb, Joern Wiemer, Peter Neumann, Joerg Riehle
  • Patent number: 7784854
    Abstract: An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus is adaptable for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus consists of a series of nesting shapes and/or frameworks that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas Scott Breidenbach
  • Patent number: 7784855
    Abstract: An installation device for a sensor on an outer surface of a component of a motor vehicle includes the following elements: a base member for accommodating the sensor; holding brackets for fastening the sensor to the base member; a contour ring for accommodating the base member and for attaching the base member to the component of the motor vehicle; tabs for fastening the base member to the contour ring; and spring elements for retaining the base member and contour ring on the component of the motor vehicle with force locking, the base member having a first rigid region and a second elastic region, and the contour ring being provided at an opening in the component of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Faass, Olaf Jordanek, Rebecca Talmon L'Armee
  • Patent number: 7784856
    Abstract: A composite floor pan may be joined with other structural members of an automotive vehicle. External loads imparted to the structural members may be transferred to the floor pan. The floor pan may be configured to absorb and/or transfer these external loads without separating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignees: United States Council for Automotive Research, United States Materials Automotive Partnership, LLC
    Inventors: John P. Fuchs, Erik Arthur Banks, Elisabeth Jane Berger, John D. Fickes, Dean Robert Oswald, Peter H. Foss
  • Patent number: 7784857
    Abstract: A retaining structure and fastener assembly for securing a resin panel to a vehicle body. The panel has an inner surface and a retaining structure extending outwardly from the inner surface. The retaining structure has a retaining wall with a slot for receiving a shoulder of a bolt therethrough, so that a head of the bolt is retained between the inner surface and a washer for securing the panel to the body of the vehicle. The slot is oversized relative to the shoulder of the bolt so as to define a predetermined gap therebetween to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the panel, thereby preventing building of the panel relative to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Umesh Naik, Yoshinori Kano