Patents Issued in November 16, 2010
  • Patent number: 7832746
    Abstract: A non-motorized scooter is provided with a base and front and rear wheels mounted on the base. A seat is mounted on the base for folding between an upright riding position and a folded storage position. Handlebars are pivotally mounted on the base for movement between an upright riding position and a folded storage position. The seat and handlebars fold toward one another in a side-by-side position for storage. Outrigger wheels on the rear of the scooter maintain the scooter in an upright position without touching by a person. The height of the seat and handlebars can be adjusted for both the riding position and the storage position, such that the scooter can be used as a crutch or cane when the seat and handlebars are folded downwardly. Optional accessories may be provided for the scooter, including a light, a water bottle holder, and a storage basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: C. Dean Peterson
  • Patent number: 7832747
    Abstract: A pressure chamber of a gas spring damping unit is arranged within the cross section of a longitudinal beam in a motor vehicle body. For this purpose, a tubular connecting piece that is closed by a cover is welded into the longitudinal beam. A piston of the gas spring damping unit is arranged in longitudinally displaceable manner in the connecting piece. The space occupied by the gas spring damping unit is thereby kept particularly small.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Jürgen Siebeneick
  • Patent number: 7832748
    Abstract: A structure for a motor vehicle front end assembly includes a mini-cradle having mounted thereon a suspension arm for each wheel of the front end assembly. The suspension arm has the shape of a boomerang. The supporting end of the suspension arm is coupled to a wheel. A front articulation end (point A) and a rear articulation end of the arm are coupled to the mini-cradle. The mini-cradle has a body and two side rails that extend towards the vehicle front. The two side rails are coupled, via a coupling unit, to a side member of the vehicle in a zone located forward, relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, of point A of the suspension arm. The coupling unit includes at least one hollow body allowing a through screwing unit to couple the rail with the side member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Auto Chassis International SNC
    Inventors: Anthony Cariou, Julien Berson, Joel Touffait, Jean Veneau
  • Patent number: 7832749
    Abstract: A spindle bracket of a torsion beam axle suspension system is defined on an end portion of a trailing arm to be connected to a hub assembly on which a wheel and a tire are mounted. The spindle bracket may include a first inner bracket that is welded to an inner side and an outer side of an end portion of a upper member of the trailing arm, a second inner bracket that is welded to an inner side and an outer side of an end portion of a lower member of the trailing arm, and an outer bracket that is attached to the first and second inner brackets to be engaged with the hub assembly in company with the first and second inner brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Won Jae Lee
  • Patent number: 7832750
    Abstract: The arm (12) comprises a pair of transverse rods (16, 18) articulated at their outer ends (24, 28) to the wheel-carrier of a vehicle wheel and at their inner ends (26, 30) to the vehicle body, and at least one pair of connecting elements (20, 22) which connect the rods (16, 18) to one another and are preferably formed as blade-like or plate-like elements, in such a manner that their bending stiffness in a plane is higher than their bending stiffness in a direction perpendicular to that plane. The arm (12) is capable of controlling two translational degrees of freedom (DOFx, DOFy) along the axes of the rods (16, 18) and, by virtue of the geometry and torsional stiffness of the rods (16, 18), as well as of the geometry and bending stiffness of the connecting elements (20, 22) in their plane, a first rotational degree of freedom (DOF?y) about a first, mainly transverse and horizontal axis (ESAy).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Sistemi Sospensioni S.p.A.
    Inventor: Miles Barnaby Gerrard
  • Patent number: 7832751
    Abstract: A rear fender assembly for a vehicle is provided. The rear fender assembly has an outer fender having an inner surface, an inner fender having an outer surface connected with the inner surface of the outer fender, and an upper bracket sandwiched between the inner surface of the outer fender and the outer surface of the inner fender. The upper bracket has an outer surface connected with the inner surface of the outer fender. The upper bracket forms an upper protrusion which extends from the outer surface of the upper bracket through a first opening defined by the outer fender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Fischer, John S. Cullen, Ronald G. Hurth, Santiago Mendoza, Jr., Jason A. Franklin, James A. Wollmer, Gregory R. Winsor, Douglas D. Clarkson
  • Patent number: 7832752
    Abstract: A suspension assembly for a front end of a vehicle to provide lateral flex for absorption of lateral forces. The suspension assembly comprises a steering shaft including two ends: an end coupled to an upper triple clamp and another end coupled to a lower triple clamp. A spring unit couples one of the two ends of the steering shaft to the associated triple clamp and absorbs forces that are transferred from a road surface up through a front wheel and the pair of forks retained by the upper and lower triple clamps. A pivot mechanism couples the other triple clamp to the other one of the two ends of the steering shaft and creates a pivoting axis. The suspension assembly permits the front end to pivot about the pivoting axis and causes the spring unit to flex laterally in response to bumps in the road surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: MotoCzysz LLC
    Inventor: Michael Czysz
  • Patent number: 7832753
    Abstract: A gear shift pertaining to a hub of a wheel with a quick lock. The hub has a gear which is supported round a shaft with an outer end and an inner end. The inner end of the shaft is suspended via a suspension device on a vehicle. The quick lock includes a rod which runs in a cylindrical hole which is concentric within and with the shaft and a catch which locks the wheel with the shaft to the suspension device. The gear shift includes the shaft, the rod and a control, all so adapted that the rod has a neutral position relative to the shaft and wherein a movement, relative to the shaft, of the rod from the neutral position in a direction from the outer end of the shaft towards the inner end of the shaft disengages the catch so that the wheel together with the shaft can be locked to and released from the suspension device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Gearwheel AB
    Inventor: Christofer Sörquist
  • Patent number: 7832754
    Abstract: A device for binding an article of footwear to a sports article, such as a binding for securing a boot to a cross-country ski, including a locking mechanism adapted to cooperate with a connecting member of the article of footwear, and including a user-manipulable opening system for controlling the opening of the mechanism, the opening system being directly or indirectly manipulable independently according to at least two distinct directions of manipulation for controlling the opening of the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.S.
    Inventors: François Girard, Eddy Yelovina
  • Patent number: 7832755
    Abstract: A modular chassis of a stroller system includes a body, a front wheel mount on the body, a rear wheel mount on the body, and at least one stroller frame mount on the body. The stroller frame mount is configured to couple releasably and interchangeably a first stroller frame configuration and a second stroller frame configuration different from the first stroller frame configuration to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Nolan, Michael A. Dotsey
  • Patent number: 7832756
    Abstract: A stroller comprising at least one seat assembly, a first part comprising at least one front wheel, a second part comprising at least one rear wheel, and a third part comprising at least one push rod provided with a handle, at least two of which parts are each provided with at least one toothing which is pivotable about a pivot pin. The toothings are in mesh with each other, thus pivotally interconnecting the three parts. The second part comprises an arcuate rod, which is provided with at least one rear wheel at both ends, which arcuate rod is pivotally connected to the first part and the third part between its two ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerjan Storm
  • Patent number: 7832757
    Abstract: A folding stroller having a structural frame formed of a plurality of rigid support members. The stroller is provided with a skirt formed of a flexible material. The skirt can be disposed around at least a portion of an outer perimeter of the stroller to create a visual impression of something other than an ordinary stroller. For example, the skirt can create a visual impression of a vehicle such as an automobile, truck, airplane, spacecraft, an animal or a character. The skirt can be formed of fabric, plastic sheeting or film, or a mesh. A suspension frame is provided for suspending the skirt along a least a portion of an upper edge thereof. The suspension frame can at least partially define a profile of the vehicle, animal or character. The suspension frame folds with the structural frame of the stroller for ease of storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Michael P. McCabe
  • Patent number: 7832758
    Abstract: A housing for an airbag arrangement of a vehicle occupant protection device including at least two housing parts, each part including a side wall terminating in at least one connecting edge. The housing parts by way of the connecting edges lying contiguous with one another when the housing is closed. The housing also includes further comprises a passage opening for an electrical connection lead to be connected to a component of the airbag arrangement, said opening being formed in the side wall of one of the housing parts at an interval from the or each connecting edge. The housing includes an access opening, formed in the side wall of a housing part and running from the connecting edge to the passage opening, through which an electrical connection lead aligned at an angle to the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Takata-Petri AG
    Inventors: Jens Feller, Stefan Bannert
  • Patent number: 7832759
    Abstract: A side impact airbag module for a motor vehicle having an airbag. The airbag is inflatable by a gas generator and unfolds in a flat fashion. The gas generator is connected with the airbag by a feed tube. The airbag module is designed for installation in a door of the motor vehicle. The side airbag module includes a feed tube that has two gas outlet openings or gas outlet areas spaced at a distance from one another, and situated in the area of where the end airbag chambers are formed. The end airbag chambers have filling openings that are situated immediately above the gas outlet openings of the feed tube. The airbag has one or more middle chambers connected for gas flow between the end chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Peter Henricsson, Anders Palo, Jonas Svantesson
  • Patent number: 7832760
    Abstract: A vertical cell is formed in a forward inflation section of an airbag. The vertical cell extends in a vehicle height direction at the rear of a pillar, and communicates through a bottom end of the vertical cell with a horizontal cell. When the inflation section is deployed, the folded horizontal cell or the lower side part of the airbag is pulled back toward the passenger compartment with respect to the side window opening. Accordingly, the horizontal cell deploys to an area below a bottom edge of the side window opening or a beltline in the passenger compartment on the inner side of a front side door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Tetsu Mitsuo, Akihiko Narui, Mitsuo Nogami
  • Patent number: 7832761
    Abstract: The invention improves efficiency in a work for assembling an airbag device (10) with an airbag cover (16). A peripheral edge of the inflator attachment opening of the airbag (10) is secured to a cushion ring (22), the airbag (10) integrally connected to the tip and a rear end of the tubular tether belt (11a) is extended to its full and then pulled back thereby folding back the airbag (10) around the tubular tether belt (11a) and folding the tubular tether belt (11a) and the airbag (10) while being pulled back. Then, the tip of the tubular folded tether belt (11a) is secured to a central part of the back side of the airbag cover (16) for containing the airbag (10) therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Ashimori Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Shimazaki, Seiichiro Kamura, Kou Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7832762
    Abstract: Vehicle including a crash sensor system arranged to determine a crash condition involving the vehicle which might cause injury to a vehicular occupant, at least one module each including an occupant protection device actuatable upon determination of a crash condition in order to protect the occupant from injury during the crash, and a vehicle bus to which the crash sensor system and module(s) are connected. The crash sensor system generates a signal upon a determination of a crash condition and directs the signal over the bus. Each module is arranged to actuate its occupant protection device in consideration of the signal. The signal might be directly sent to the module from the crash sensor system or sent to a control module which processes it and in turn generates a signal to be directed via the bus to the module(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Automotive Technologies International, Inc.
    Inventor: David S. Breed
  • Patent number: 7832763
    Abstract: A releasable tether retention system is provided. The system includes a housing, a cutting member slidably coupled to the housing, and a tether holder secured to the tether for attaching a tether to the housing. At least a first portion of the tether holder is coupled to the housing along a path of sliding motion of the cutting member so as to enable the cutting member to at least partially sever the tether holder during sliding motion of the cutting member. A vehicle occupant protection system and an airbag module including the releasable tether retention system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: TK Holding, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce A. Stevens
  • Patent number: 7832764
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a knee protector structure for a vehicle. The present invention intends to make it possible to positively prevent an upper absorption bracket from being deformed with a tensile force exerted through a connecting bracket when a lower absorption bracket is deformed with knee input energy of a small-statured vehicle occupant. The knee protector structure for a vehicle according to the present invention comprises a lower absorption bracket 13 able to absorb knee input energy of a small-statured vehicle occupant, an upper absorption bracket 14 able to absorb knee input energy of a vehicle occupant of an average constitution, a connecting bracket 21 for connection between input-side end portions 18 and 20 of the lower absorption bracket 13 and the upper absorption bracket 14, and tensile force absorbing means 35 disposed near the input-side end portion 20 of the upper absorption bracket 14 and able to absorb a tensile force 34 exerted from the connecting bracket 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventors: Tsutomu Kawashima, Shin Moteki, Nobuhiro Nagata, Keigo Hayata, Yoshiharu Nakamura, Yorihito Okuda
  • Patent number: 7832765
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sealing device of a steering column where a sealing member of a steering column passing through a dashboard and a dust cover provided to a dashboard are separately formed and detachably attached to each other, thereby effectively intercepting noise and foreign substances transmitted into a vehicle cabin from an engine room. The sealing device includes a shaft, a sealing member, and a dust cover. The shaft connects a steering column with a steering gearbox. The sealing member is rotatably provided on shaft at a predetermined position. The dust cover is detachably attached to sealing member and is provided to a dashboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Joonmo Park
  • Patent number: 7832766
    Abstract: A vehicle frame structure for a saddle-type vehicle has a vehicle frame including a subframe portion detachably mounted on a main frame, and a joint between the main frame and the subframe which is disposed in a longitudinally intermediate portion of a continuously extending frame component, wherein the frame component is kept rigid and the joint is maintained in a small size. In the joint, the frame component has a portion divided by a vertical plane into a main-frame-side joint arm and a subframe-side joint arm. The joint arms have distal ends having arcuate outer walls cut off around their fastening positions. The joint arms further have integral upstanding walls disposed on proximal ends thereof, corresponding to the cut-off arcuate outer walls of the joint arms. The joint arms are fastened to each other with the distal ends thereof fitted in cavities surrounded by the upstanding walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Kudo
  • Patent number: 7832767
    Abstract: A drop deck trailer frame includes a front section having a first upper surface, a rear section having a second upper surface lower than the first upper surface, and an improved connection between the front and rear sections which tends to reduce cracking which commonly occurs in drop deck trailer frames due to the stresses in the region of the connection. The connection preferably includes a semicircular weld. In addition, heat treated bent flanges are typically used to provide additional strength. Fasteners such as bolts are also typically used to connect various flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: MAC Trailer Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Maiorana, Denis Gosselin
  • Patent number: 7832768
    Abstract: A restraining system for a motor vehicle with a seat belt retractor that accommodates the one end of a seatbelt component, which has a tightening device having a belt shaft and a drive cable connected to the belt shaft, in which a sleeve (26) that enlarges the outer circumference of the shaft element (25) is slid onto one end of the shaft element (25) and is axially and radially fixed to the shaft element (25), while the wall thickness of the sleeve (26) is dimensioned in such a way that the drive radius of the shaft element (25) and a reduction in speed of the tightening drive is provided as compared with a cable wrapped onto the belt shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Klaus Peter Singer, Jens Ehlers
  • Patent number: 7832769
    Abstract: A one-piece stamped metal guide (128) for seatbelt webbing (112) in a vehicle (108) includes a mounting portion (242) for mounting the guide in the vehicle. The mounting portion (242) defines a mounting plane (352). A guiding portion (244) includes a guiding surface (256) having at least one guide element (258) stamped in the metal forming the guiding portion. A portion of the guiding surface (256) including the at least one guide element (258) is positioned outside the mounting plane (352). Laterally spaced side portions (246) connect the guiding portion (244) with the mounting portion (242). The mounting portion (242), guiding portion (244), and side portions (246) define a webbing slot (248) for receiving the seatbelt webbing (112) for sliding movement over the guiding surface (256).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Gleason, Jeffery Rosso, Devin Rewalt
  • Patent number: 7832770
    Abstract: A vehicle passenger restraint system is disclosed. The restraint system has a pair of vertically extending shoulder strap portions, horizontally extending positioning strap portions attached to the shoulder strap portions, and horizontally extending lower strap portions spaced vertically below the positioning strap portions. The shoulder strap portions may be contiguous with one another, so as to form one continuously linked shoulder strap portion. The shoulder strap portions and positioning strap portions may be connected to retractors. The restraint system is particularly suitable for use in emergency vehicles such as ambulances, and may be used in forward-facing, rearward-facing or side-facing seating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Intertek Industrial Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Bradley, Bradley T. Elliott
  • Patent number: 7832771
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of a security document in addition to a security document comprising at least one security cambric (15) and at least one transponder unit (21) which is fully encompassed by laminated layers (22,23) forming a laminated layer sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Bundesdruckerei GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Hoeppner, Michael Radtke, Detlef Märtens, Manfred Paeschke, Jens Ehreke, Thomas Löer, Rainer Seidel, Michael Knebel
  • Patent number: 7832772
    Abstract: An assembly for establishing a water-tight seal for a conduit passing through a wall or other structure wherein the conduit conveys heated fluid, such as exhaust gasses. The assembly is adapted to minimize the heat transferred to the wall or other structure by creating a circuitous heat transfer path in conjunction with thermally insulating materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Leseman Davis, LLC
    Inventors: Gary T. Leseman, Joseph B. Davis
  • Patent number: 7832773
    Abstract: An invention generally relates to an adjustable connector that acts as a coupling device to connect an object (such as pipe or tubing) having a range of diameters and thread styles to an item (such as a piece of equipment or another length of pipe or tubing). The device is generally comprised of a casing member and an internal member, which is further comprised of tab members positioned in tab openings in a core member. Preferably, a semi-flexible sheath covers the internal member and seals it to the casing member and the object, so that a chamber is formed between the internal member and the casing member. Mechanical compression members may be placed in the chamber. As pressure increases within the object, the chamber pressure may also increase, forcing the sheath against the tab members, which are forced against the object, holding the object in place by friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Kenneth P. Krohn
  • Patent number: 7832774
    Abstract: A coupling assembly is disclosed that includes a first member and a second member having a receiving portion sized to receive the first member. A retaining formation is provided on one of the first and second members. The retaining formation includes a ramp and two or more grooves, wherein each groove is at least partially defined by converging surfaces. A locking member is moveably secured in a cavity in the other of the first and second members. The locking member is configured to be moved in a first radial direction by the ramp upon movement of the first member into the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: David S. Densel, Matthew M. Persohn
  • Patent number: 7832775
    Abstract: A connection for connecting tubular air guide element to a turbocharger includes a tubular nipple having a connection end provided with first set of locking element and an air guide element having a connection end provided with a second set of locking elements. A bayonet ring having locking elements is received over the connection ends and forms a bayonet coupling, coupling the tubular nipple and air guide element in a sealed manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Mann+Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Guido Regener, Markus Seseke
  • Patent number: 7832776
    Abstract: A pipe clamp that enables two pipes to be loosely connected together in a desired axially-aligned and rotationally-aligned configuration prior to tightening of the clamp. The pipe clamp includes a band having a first end and a second end, and a tightening mechanism connected to the band for drawing the ends of the band together. The pipe clamp further includes a latch having a base portion attached to the band and a clip portion that snaps over a button welded to the pipe to temporarily hold the clamp in place on the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Norma U.S. Holding LLC
    Inventors: Scott T. Cassel, Michael E. Amedure, Brian T. Ignaczak
  • Patent number: 7832777
    Abstract: A lock assembly for use with a door movably coupled to a door frame. The lock assembly includes a housing, a control member, a latchbolt, and a locking member. The control member is movably coupled to the housing from a locked position to an unlocked position to allow the door to move with respect to the door frame. The latchbolt moves with respect to the housing in a first direction and a second direction. The locking member is configured for engagement with the control member to move the locking member with respect to the housing into and out of an engaged position with respect to the latchbolt. The locking member includes a surface that contacts the latchbolt when the locking member is in the engaged position to substantially prevent movement of the latchbolt in the first and second directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell A. Banks, Bradley W. Trent
  • Patent number: 7832778
    Abstract: A touch bar (24) exit device (20) comprises a retractor element (50) disposed in the housing (22) for substantially restilinear movement. The retractor element (50) connects the touch bar (24) and the latch bolt (82) such that the retractor element (50) and the latch bolt (82) are moved toward the retracted position in response to movement of the touch bar (24). An electrically energizable locking mechanism (104) in the exit device (20) includes a reciprocating plunger (106) moving transverse to the retractor element (50). When energized, the locking mechanism (104) is operative to move the plunger (106) to the projected locking position to prevent retraction of the latch bolt. A time delay circuit is connected to the locking mechanism (104). A switch (120) actuated in response to movement of the touch bar (24) is connected to the time delay circuit for starting a predetermined time interval for temporarily delaying deenergization of the locking mechanism (104).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Yale Security Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Whitaker, John Steven Gray, Larry R. Hunt, Sidney J. Lampley, Michael L. Ensley
  • Patent number: 7832779
    Abstract: An accessory bumper for use on a host vehicle, such as a security vehicle, for providing collision protection when the host vehicle performs PIT maneuvers. The accessory bumper includes protective elements on front side of the vehicle, for protecting both the accessory bumper and also minimizing damage to the host vehicle's engine and other critical components necessary for the operation of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Ibis Tek, LLC
    Inventor: William E. Rosemeyer
  • Patent number: 7832780
    Abstract: The present invention features a portable kitchen apparatus for attaching to a vehicle comprising a foldable countertop having a sink basin hole, a stove hole, a sink basin, a stove, and a flame protector. The portable kitchen apparatus may be used for outdoor cooking and/or cleaning while camping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Timothy A. Ramseyer
  • Patent number: 7832781
    Abstract: An integrated combined extended map pocket close-out and pelvic bolster component for attachment to a door trim substrate used in a vehicle door is disclosed. The component comprises a map pocket close-out portion, a pelvic bolster portion, and a bridge connecting the map pocket close-out portion and the pelvic bolster portion. The pelvic bolster portion is substantially hollow and preferably defines a box. The component includes a plurality of walls and the thickness of some of the walls is greater than the thickness of other walls. One or more of the walls may be angled. The map pocket close-out portion has a depth and the pelvic bolster portion has a depth. The depth of the map pocket close-out portion is greater than the depth of the pelvic bolster portion. The one-piece component is a molded component formed from a polymerized material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Zhibing Deng, Nagaraj Mariyapp, Alvin Lee, John Pinkerton, Michael Dong, Richard Wang
  • Patent number: 7832782
    Abstract: A stake system for providing a removable support for articles being transported on flatbed vehicles is provided. The stake system has a composite body with a cap on one end and a boot on the opposite end. A cover layer is shrink wrapped over the composite body and may include a heat-activated adhesive. The boot includes a flange that contacts the flatbed vehicle when the stake system is inserted into pockets formed in the flatbed vehicle. A pin is tethered to the boot and may be inserted into a hole in the boot adjacent to the underside of the flatbed vehicle. The pin provides a convenient means for locking the stake system to the vehicle and prevents the stake system from disengaging during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony F. Barna
  • Patent number: 7832783
    Abstract: A secondary windshield has upper and lower surfaces, a top, a bottom and opposite sides. Each pair of two pair of brackets has a bottom and a top bracket. Each bottom bracket has upper and lower slots alignable with a plane of a primary windshield. Each top bracket has a first section positioned in contact with the secondary windshield and a second section transverse to the first section. Each pair of brackets has upper and lower legs. Each upper leg has a lower end slidable and pivotable within the upper slot and an upper end pivotable in the second section adjacent the top of the secondary windshield. Each lower leg has a lower end slidable and pivotable within the lower slot. Each lower leg has an upper end pivotable in the second section adjacent the bottom of the secondary windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Stadnyk
  • Patent number: 7832784
    Abstract: A motor vehicle provided with a folding top, which is supported by a frame of the motor vehicle and can be set in an open position or in a closed position. The folding top has an element of covering, which is substantially horizontal in the closed position and is hinged at the rear to the frame of the motor vehicle so that it can rotate about a first horizontal axis between the open position and the closed position. The element of covering is made up of two half-elements, which are connected together in such a way that one half-element of front covering is folded on a half-element of rear covering when the folding top passes from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Ferrari Spa
    Inventors: Franco Cimatti, Alessandro De Paoli
  • Patent number: 7832785
    Abstract: The invention concerns a vehicle comprising a body roof having an opening capable of being closed and a folding top consisting of several rigid parts (3), (4), (5) and a modular roof assembly (1) mounted directly in one single piece on the vehicle structure, said assembly comprising the folding top, with its mobile parts (3), (4), (5), a frame (10) supporting the folding top, adapted to be positioned opposite marking elements (75) of the vehicle structure and connected thereto, the parts of the roof being mobile between an extended position, resulting from a forward displacement, and a folded position wherein said parts are substantially vertically retracted behind the seats (7), side by side, a mechanism (40, 50) for displacing the roof parts, borne by the support frame, being also provided, after the modular roof assembly has been positioned inside the vehicle, for displacing said roof parts relative to the roof opening between their extended and retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Societe Europeenne de Brevet Automobiles
    Inventors: Gerard Queveau, Paul Queveau, Jean-Marc Guillez
  • Patent number: 7832786
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing noise in a vehicle having a soft top roof. The apparatus includes a main extension bar having a first end and an opposing second end. A first coupling mechanism is affixed to the first end and a second coupling mechanism is affixed to the second end. The first and second coupling mechanisms are attached to roll bars located on a top portion of the vehicle. With the apparatus in place upon the roll bars, the main extension bar exerts upward force against the soft top roof of the vehicle, thereby reducing movement of the soft top roof and noise within the interior of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Michael E. Sylkatis
  • Patent number: 7832787
    Abstract: A convertible has a top which can be opened and can be put away and which has a rear window frame and, when the top is closed, at least one surface bow situated in front of said rear window frame in the direction of travel. A coupling linkage for carrying out a relative movement of the surface bow with respect to the rear window frame is arranged between the rear window frame and the surface bow. It is essential for the invention that at least two surface bows which are situated in front of the rear window frame in the direction of travel are provided, which surface bows, when the top is closed, form a continuous roof contour together with the rear window frame. Furthermore, the coupling linkage is designed in such a manner that, at the beginning of the opening of the top, the second surface bow can be moved downward relative to the adjacent first surface bow and relative to the rear window frame out of the roof contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dominik Beierl, Lars Schulz, Felix Hermann, Kristian Franz
  • Patent number: 7832788
    Abstract: An improved door design for soft-sided golf cart covers increases the ease of entry and exit. This product features a horizontal swing out design that removes the need for snaps or zippers and significantly increases size of the door opening. This improved door design features a magnetic door that eliminates zipper failure, simplifies entry and exit and improves the overall golf cart cover experience and longevity of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventors: Donald Lee Marsh, Robert Spencer Sappington
  • Patent number: 7832789
    Abstract: A vehicle including an integrated vehicle door hinge and interior handle is disclosed. The integrated vehicle door hinge and interior handle may comprise a door hinge and an interior door release handle, with the door hinge having a hinge support flange pivotally coupled with a vehicle body, and an exposed hinge arm extending from the hinge support flange. The interior door release handle may include a pull handle configured for gripping by a vehicle occupant, and a handle pass through arm extending from the pull handle and connected to the exposed hinge arm, with the handle pass through arm mounted to the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly G. Craigo, Wade W. Bryant, Therese A. Tant
  • Patent number: 7832790
    Abstract: A vehicle door structure includes a vehicle structure formed with an opening, an interior panel and an exterior door. The interior panel is supported to the vehicle structure for pivotal movement by a first hinge arrangement about a first pivot axis. The exterior door is supported to the vehicle structure for pivotal movement by a second hinge arrangement about a second pivot axis that is spaced apart from the first pivot axis. The exterior door is also supported to the interior panel such that the interior panel and the exterior door move together as the exterior door is moved between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Design America, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Plavetich
  • Patent number: 7832791
    Abstract: The technology described herein provides a molded trim assembly located externally at the top of a liftgate structure to provide an aerodynamic and stylish overhang above the liftgate glass. Furthermore, the technology also provides a liftgate exterior module including a plug-in module containing a motorized window wiper arm assembly, a central high mounted stop light, and a washer fluid spray nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Frank A. Wojcik, Costantino Ranucci, Robert J. Faubert, Richard Manning, Kenneth J. Ladzinski, Raja Hazime, William G. Yadon
  • Patent number: 7832792
    Abstract: A structural unit comprising an assembly of bows longitudinally spaced and secured together by structural members, which is easily and rigidly assembled by using sliding connections of extrusions, for subsequent fitting to a range of preexisting chassis, to yield specific vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Corporation Micro Bird Inc.
    Inventors: Pascal Fillion, Jimmy Garand, Carl Charest, Jean Bessette, Michel Blier, Francois Gaucher, Jean-Francois Lebeuf
  • Patent number: 7832793
    Abstract: A pedestrian guard for a motor vehicle is designed to protect persons in the event of a collision with the motor vehicle. At least one profile section (2) with a honeycomb cross section is arranged between the component of the motor vehicle against which a person impacts in the event of collision with the motor vehicle, in particular, between the fender (1) and the component of the motor vehicle (5) to which the impacted component is connected. The profile section is produced of an aluminum material that is in a soft annealed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Euromotive GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Garnweidner
  • Patent number: 7832794
    Abstract: A vehicle may have a load floor with a load receiving surface that is supported to the frame and a panel having first and second sides, the second side having a storage cavity. The panel may be adjustable between: (1) a first position where the first side defines at least a portion of the load receiving surface and the second side defines no portion of the load receiving surface; and, (2) a second position where the first side defines no portion of the load receiving surface and the second side defines at least a portion of the load receiving surface. When the panel is in the first position, a pillow may be at least partially received within the storage cavity and it may be hidden. When the panel is in the second position, the pillow may not be hidden.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Travis Reel
  • Patent number: 7832795
    Abstract: A front side member has: a front frame portion disposed such that a longitudinal direction of the front frame portion runs along a vehicle longitudinal direction; a rear frame portion which is offset toward a vehicle bottom side with respect to the front frame portion at a vehicle rear side of the front frame portion, and which is disposed such that a longitudinal direction of the rear frame portion runs along the vehicle longitudinal direction; and a connecting frame portion connecting a rear end of the front frame portion and a front end of the rear frame portion. A concave portion is formed at a vehicle top-bottom direction intermediate portion of the connecting frame portion. A dash cross member, which is disposed such that a longitudinal direction of the dash cross member runs along a vehicle transverse direction, is provided within the concave portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu Yokoi, Hideyuki Yoshioka, Tetsuro Fukuhara