Patents Issued in August 9, 2011
  • Patent number: 7992883
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a cart for collecting, moving and storing folding tables. The cart is generally comprised of a front panel, back panel and two side members. The two side members connect the front panel to the back panel in a rectangular frame shape. The front panel has a receiving edge that is shorter than the height of a conventional table top. Each side member has an outer table bed runner and a backrest runner that meet at a wedge. The outer table bed runner slopes downward from the receiving edge of the front panel to the wedge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas K. Brandon
  • Patent number: 7992884
    Abstract: A steering system including a rack and pinion, and two tie rods is provided. The rack has a rack axis, and each of the two tie rods has a tie rod axis. The rack is engaged by the pinion, such that rotation of the pinion drives the rack to move in a linear direction. Each of the two tie rods has its first end connected to the rack, such that the tie rod axis is offset from the rack axis. Further, each of the two tie rods has a second end, which is connected to the wheels of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Adrian Van Campenhout, Slawomir J. Herman, John O. Heimbecher
  • Patent number: 7992885
    Abstract: To operate a pillion step in one action. The pillion step is formed in a generally L shape and includes an arm portion and a foot rest portion. One end of the arm portion is pivotably secured through an oblique pivot shaft to a side face of a seat rail located under a rider seat and is pivotally moved around the oblique pivot shaft. When the pillion step is to be retracted and is pivotally moved backward, the foot rest portion moves into a gap between the rider seat and a pillion seat and its tip end is received within a grip space formed in a grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuzuru Ishikawa, Kenji Morita
  • Patent number: 7992886
    Abstract: An articulated selective adjustment apparatus carried within the pedestal of a fifth wheel assembly comprises a mounting plate pivotally connected to a plunger arm configured for selective extension and withdrawal from the pedestal, and having ends to which are pivotally connected first and second prongs having interior ends disposed toward the pedestal that are pivotally connected to the mounting plate ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Fontaine Fifth Wheel Co.
    Inventors: Steven W. Mann, Gavin C. Trinosky
  • Patent number: 7992887
    Abstract: A trailer hitch for a single rear wheeled vehicle having a single rear wheel mounted between left and right arms comprises left and right hitch arms having first and second ends. The first ends have first apertures. The second ends are connected together. Shock absorbing bushings are disposed inside the first apertures. Left and right mounting brackets have first and second ends. The first ends of the mounting brackets have first apertures and are fastened to the hitch arms, and the second ends connect to the arms. Fasteners pass through the shock absorbing bushings and through the first aperture of the first end of the mounting brackets to fasten the mounting brackets to the hitch arms. A trailer connector is connected to the second ends of the left and right hitch arms. A vehicle having a trailer hitch is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Thierry Cotnoir, Eric Charlebois, Pierre-Luc Robillard
  • Patent number: 7992888
    Abstract: A binding comprising a baseplate that is adapted to attach to a gliding board such as a snowboard, the gliding board having lateral and medial sidewalls and a heel loop, and a pivotably highback pivotably mounted to the baseplate. The heel loop includes at least one forwardly disposed tooth, and the highback includes a plurality of rearwardly disposed teeth. The maximum forward lean angle is established by the engagement of the heel loop and highback teeth. In one embodiment the highback adjustably attaches to the baseplate with hardware extending through arcuate slots, such that the maximum forward lean angle is determined by the position of the hardware in the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: K-2 Corporation
    Inventor: Nigel Bruce Edward Steere
  • Patent number: 7992889
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle that is converted from a stroller for carrying a passenger and cycle operated by a rider to a combined unit. More specifically, the invention relates to a stroller and a bicycle combined, physically and operationally, such that the operator of the cycle portion of the stroller-cycle can control operation of the stroller portion while the stroller-cycle is in motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Soma Cycle, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Ehrenreich, Joel Hoag, Brian Rhee
  • Patent number: 7992890
    Abstract: The present invention provides an airbag guide with a covering which comprises a lid (4) and an airbag guide (7) which are connected to each other by a hinge (10). In the fitted state, the lid (4) is clamped between the airbag guide (7) and the edge region of the outlet opening (2) for the airbag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Peguform GmbH
    Inventors: Eric Nogaret, Bernd Freystedt
  • Patent number: 7992891
    Abstract: An interior panelling part for covering an airbag has a sheet-like support, a decorative layer and an intermediate layer arranged between the support and the decorative layer. A passage opening for the airbag is left open in the support. The intermediate layer comprises a mat which spans the passage opening and overlaps with the support outside the passage opening. The intermediate layer and/or the decorative layer is/are weakened longitudinally or offset parallel to an edge of the passage opening on just one side of the passage opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignees: Faurecia Innenraum Systeme GmbH, Moldware Konstruktion Produktentwicklung Design GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfram Buehler, Wolf-Dieter Schaedel, Gordon Schweizer, Buelent Kalkan, Frank Bauer, Christo Gavrilov
  • Patent number: 7992892
    Abstract: A curtain airbag for use in a vehicle having an interstitial volume includes a primary inflatable portion and an inflatable guide pocket. The primary inflatable portion has an aperture, and the inflatable guide pocket is attached to the primary inflatable portion by at least a first seam that at least partially circumscribes the aperture. The guide pocket is sized and configured to define a localized projection into the interstitial volume when the guide pocket and the primary inflatable portion are at least partially inflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jamison Jaramillo
  • Patent number: 7992893
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an asymmetrically expanding airbag cushion for a vehicle, which is inflated when airbag gas flows from an inflator through a gas hole to an interior of a cushion bag as a result of a vehicle collision. The airbag cushion includes a central expansion portion, a lower expansion portion and an upper expansion portion. The central expansion portion is provided on the central portion of the cushion bag to communicate with the gas hole. The lower expansion portion is surrounded by a lower sewing line which is open at a lower portion, and positioned under the central expansion portion. The upper expansion portion is surrounded by an upper sewing line which is open at an upper portion, and positioned above the central expansion portion. The central, lower and upper expansion portions are sequentially inflated when the airbag gas flows into the cushion bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Hyeong Ho Choi, Chang Hyun Lee, Jun Yeol Choi
  • Patent number: 7992894
    Abstract: A side airbag unit for a vehicle, constructed to protect a side of a passenger in the event of a side collision or when the vehicle overturns, the side airbag unit may include an airbag module having a stud which is inserted into a predetermined portion of a seat frame, and an airbag cushion which remains folded in the airbag module and expands when the airbag unit is deployed, and a strap allowing the airbag cushion to be deployed to a predetermined length at a predetermined position when the airbag cushion expands, wherein a first end of the strap is coupled to a predetermined portion of the airbag cushion and a second end thereof is coupled to the stud such that the second end of the strap is being locked to the stud when the stud is assembled with the seat frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Chang Hyun Lim, Dae Young Kwak, Tae Ik Kwon, Soon Bok Lee, Anders Palo
  • Patent number: 7992895
    Abstract: This invention is in the field of safety devices to lessen injuries arising from impact in vehicles, particularly automobiles. A bolster which may be employed to reduce impact severity to passengers from either frontal or side impacts is activated by impact sensing devices. The housing of the bolster has a lateral length L. Upon activation, the bolster is inflated with an activating fluid and extends the lateral length L of the bolster upon activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Salflex Polymers Ltd.
    Inventors: Raj S. Roychoudhury, Michael James Best, Timothy W. Chapman, Rimas Ciplijauskas, Changize Sadr, Ali Totonchian
  • Patent number: 7992896
    Abstract: A gas generator for a safety system includes an explosible charge formed at least by a primary pyrotechnic compound, in a first chamber initiated by at least one initiator provided with a reinforcing charge and a secondary compound, in a second chamber, the decomposition of which is entailed by products of combustion of the primary compound, an interaction of the products of combustion of the primary compound and those of the secondary compound through an oxidation-reduction reaction occurring in a slightly confined volume, the first chamber communicating with said second chamber through a central nozzle and said second chamber being provided, at a first zone close to said first chamber, with orifices that discharge the gases and contain, in a second zone, said secondary compound; and means forming an obstacle to the passage of the gases installed in said second chamber between said first and second zones, said obstacle-forming means allowing the gases to pass into a central part and forming an obstacle to th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Seva Technologies
    Inventors: Paul-Philippe Cord, Fabien Béteille, Sylvie Martinel, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7992897
    Abstract: To enhance an occupant restraining force of an airbag, and to improve a protective function for an occupant of an airbag device by discharging gas without fail regardless of a position of the occupant, an airbag (10) is divided into a first chamber (10A) on an inflator (2) side and a second chamber (10B) on an occupant side by a partition wall (11), and the first chamber (10A) includes an opening (23) to which a discharge-state switching member (30) having vent holes to discharge the gas in the airbag (10) and being switchable between the discharge/non-discharge states is attached. The discharge-state switching member (30) is coupled to the partition wall (11) by a tether belt (40), so that the tether belt (40) applies tension to close the vent holes when the airbag (10) inflates, and when the airbag (10) receives an occupant, releases the tension depending on the position of the receipt, and opens the vent holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Ashimori Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadaaki Sekino, Kazuhiko Soemoto, Keisuke Moritani
  • Patent number: 7992898
    Abstract: An airbag device comprising an airbag made of a woven fabric which is fastened to a vehicle structure, in particular above a vehicle occupant, and which can be filled with gas by means of a gas generator and in the filled state extends in front of the vehicle occupant is characterized in that a cutout is provided in the head impact region of the airbag fabric which the head of the vehicle occupant can penetrate, and this cutout is closed by a cover that is decoupled from tensile stress in the airbag fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Jack Johansson, Rudiger Leibelt, Harald Wolf
  • Patent number: 7992899
    Abstract: A steering wheel and a steering gear box are connected to each other via a steering shaft, a first universal joint, an intermediate shaft, a second universal joint and a pinion shaft. A steering column is fixed to a vehicle body via a telescopic mechanism to be adjustable in a forward/rearward position. When the steering shaft moves forward, the telescopic mechanism guides it so that its front end moves downward. Therefore, even when the steering shaft moves forward, an angle ?1 at which the intermediate shaft inclines downward forward with respect to the steering shaft, and an angle ?2 at which the pinion shaft inclines downward forward with respect to the intermediate shaft substantially coincide with each other, thereby securing constant velocity of the steering shaft and the pinion shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Kirihara, Takahiro Kawakami, Akira Mitsunaga
  • Patent number: 7992900
    Abstract: A base for a slalom pole or ski pole having brush bristles extending from an acircular axially extending base, preferably having a polygonal or hexagonal configuration, the bristles extending from a circular surface adjoining a circular brush section. The base can also be used as a pole anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Reliable Racing Supply, Inc.
    Inventor: John J. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 7992901
    Abstract: In a straddle type of vehicle having a fuel tank (30) with a built-in fuel pump (42), the fuel pump (42) is placed in the fuel tank (30) with the pump axis (A) directed nearly in the vehicle width direction. The straddling type of vehicle is provided that a nearly horizontal surface portion (31b) is formed on the bottom of the fuel tank (30) and the fuel pump (42) is placed on the nearly horizontal surface portion (31b) with the pump axis (A) directed nearly in the horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Fumito Hirano, Satoshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7992902
    Abstract: An air hose end-connector fitting for freeze-free operation of outdoor service station air machines in winter weather having an internal ice particle screening tube and storage chamber is disclosed, the internal ice particle screen defines a perforated tube within the connector fitting airway which screens out overly-large air borne ice particles, the storage chamber defines a dedicated hollow section within the connector fitting which stores the screened-out ice particles till thawed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Oriz W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7992903
    Abstract: A flex-duct end connector for connecting flex-ducting to fittings includes a cylindrical pipe and a pair of clamps configured to be mounted on the outside of the pipe. The outer surface of the pipe and the inner surfaces of the clamps may be provided with an adhesive to improve the connection. Outer wraps attached to the outside of the pipe include an adhesive side and a non-adhesive side. One end of the pipe may be tapered and the other end may include a rubberized coating. To connect the flex-ducting to the fitting, the insulation and outer jacket of the flex-duct is folded back from the liner. The liner slides over one end of the pipe. Adhesive may be provided on the pipe to provide a more secure fit. The clamps, which may also be provided with adhesive, are applied to the liner and pipe. The edges of the clamps overlap so that a fastener may be inserted through the clamps, the liner and the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Frank J. Desimone
  • Patent number: 7992904
    Abstract: HVAC ductwork should be sealed along its joints in order to reduce air leakage. The ductwork can be sealed by the combination of a gasket and mechanical locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Ductmate Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent L. Bloom, Douglas G. Gudenburr, Christopher A. Armstrong, Andrew J. Male
  • Patent number: 7992905
    Abstract: A forward structure of a motor vehicle, particularly of a passenger car, includes a bumper cross member and an energy absorption element, particularly a foam-type impact absorbing element, disposed in front of the bumper cross member in the driving direction. A plurality of recesses are shaped into the forward-side outer contour of the energy absorption element. To ensure optimal energy reduction while the mounting space is reduced, and thereby a best-possible protective function with respect to a leg impact, at least several of the recesses completely penetrate the energy absorption element along its entire depth, whereby a plurality of breakthroughs are arranged in the energy absorption element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joerg Kusche, Michael Soellner, Dimitar Danev, Ferdinand Schwinger
  • Patent number: 7992906
    Abstract: A system designed to store an implant together with the tools necessary to implant the stored implant, and a method of using such system. Such system includes an implant storage tool adapted to retain the implant within a storage container. The implant storage tool is operable to provide an implant applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: ReVision Optics, Inc.
    Inventor: Alok Nigam
  • Patent number: 7992907
    Abstract: An animal excrement collector device including a handle having a first internal cavity; a spring-loaded extension assembly disposed therein, that extends an extension rod from the handle upon activation of an extension button disposed on the handle; a trigger-lock mechanism, which is continuously disposed within the first internal cavity and an extension rod second internal cavity, includes a trigger grip member that activates a trigger button which, in turn, extends first and second cables that extend claw members hingedly attached to the second cables, which, in turn, expand a waste collection bag attached thereto. The claw members retract to pick up an object, such as animal excrement, and scoop the object into the waste collection bag for containment. The used waste collection bag may be hung from a J-hook disposed on a handle lower end. A bag dispenser disposed within the second internal cavity holds unused bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Juan E. DeJesus
  • Patent number: 7992908
    Abstract: A suction device has a flexible sucker membrane having a peripherally extending skirt, and an actuator arranged to act to reconfigure the sucker between a suction enhanced configuration and a suction released configuration. The actuator is also operable to lift an outer edge of the peripherally extending skirt which enables more convenient release of the suction device than would otherwise be possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Carglass Luxembourg Sarl-Zug Branch
    Inventor: William Finck
  • Patent number: 7992909
    Abstract: A single joint elevator for releasably securing a tubular segment for hoisting the tubular segment into position to be threadably coupled to a pipe string suspended in a borehole. The elevator comprises two pivotally coupled jaw retainers securing jaws for engaging and gripping the tubular segment. A powered door is pivotally coupled to a first jaw retainer for selectively securing the second jaw retainer. The powered door includes a pivotable collar, a linear actuator assembly, and a linkage mechanism for selectively closing the door and clamping the distal end of the second jaw retainer to the distal end of the first jaw retainer. The actuator assembly clamps the jaw retainers with sufficient force for the jaws to grip and support the tubular segment for lifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Frank's Casing Crew and Rental Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Vernon Joseph Bouligny, Jr., Scott Joseph Arceneaux
  • Patent number: 7992910
    Abstract: A robot structure, suited especially for minimally invasive surgery, comprises two robot elements interconnected by a hinge. Using a force transmission the movable robot element of said robot structure, notably comprising two gripping elements, can be moved. A sensor element is provided for picking up forces occurring. To reduce the influence of motional forces, said force transmission is connected with a base element of said sensor element such that motional forces transmitted by said force transmission element are supported at the base element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Deutsches Zentrum für Luft-und Raumfahrt eV
    Inventors: Ulrich Seibold, Ulrich Alexander Hagn, Matthias Sturm
  • Patent number: 7992911
    Abstract: A pick-up style utility vehicle has a front seat, a rear seat, and a cargo bed in this order from front, a cabin frame surrounding a riding space, and a screen shield partitioning the cargo bed and a rear riding space in front of the cargo bed. The cargo bed can be changed between an expanded state in which the cargo bed is expanded in a front direction to the rear riding space and a non-expanded state not occupying the rear riding space. The screen shield has a link mechanism. The screen shield is coupled to the upper portion of the cabin frame by the link mechanism so that the screen shield can be shifted between a position in the expanded state and a position in the non-expanded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shohei Naruoka, Masaki Tanaka, Yoshiya Takehara
  • Patent number: 7992912
    Abstract: A loading base for load spaces in motor vehicles includes two loading base segments arranged one behind the other in the direction of the vehicle longitudinal axis. A first loading base segment adjacent to the back seats is connected to a rail system, which may be pivoted about a pivot axis aligned in the direction of the transverse axis of the motor vehicle with a lifting device arranged in the region of a rear loading edge, and adjusts the first loading base segment in the direction of the vehicle longitudinal axis in a translatory manner, so that irrespective of the height of the loading edge easy loading and unloading of loads is possible. The rail system and the lifting device are configured in the manner of a longitudinal seat adjustment device and seat height adjustment device of a motor vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG. Coburg
    Inventors: Wolfgang Klotz, Oliver Jacob
  • Patent number: 7992913
    Abstract: A seat assembly has a seat cushion pivotally supported by a pair of front support links for movement between a seating position for supporting a seat occupant and a stowed position. A seat back is pivotally supported by a pair of recliner mechanism for movement between an upright position and a stowed position. The seat cushion moves from the seating position to the stowed position in response to pivotal movement of the seat back from the upright position to the stowed position. A J-link extends between the seat back and the front support links. A torsion spring biases the seat cushion to the stowed position. A control cable operatively couples the seat back and the seat cushion. A pair of support legs automatically deploy as the seat cushion rotates to the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc
    Inventors: Dmitriy Zelmanov, Rabindranath Persad, Prasad D. Jagtap, Shriram Shivanand Pathak
  • Patent number: 7992914
    Abstract: A seat arrangement is provided for an automobile comprising a vehicle seat, a longitudinal guide for displacement of the vehicle seat in the longitudinal direction, and a transverse guide for displacement of the vehicle seat in the transverse direction. A forced guidance is furthermore provided, this being configured in such a manner that during displacement in the longitudinal or transverse direction, the vehicle seat is automatically also displaced in the transverse or longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jürgen Maier, Jens Winter, Thomas Dill, Heinrich Hammann, Viktor Enns, Ulf Schäffling
  • Patent number: 7992915
    Abstract: A vehicle interior assembly that includes a first component and a second component fixedly installed within the vehicle interior assembly at spaced apart locations. A trim panel is fixedly attached to the first component in a fixed positional orientation relative to the first component and is attached to the second component in a predetermined range of orientations in order to compensate for minor alignment variations resulting from the manufacturing and assembly tolerances of the first and second components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Chad Kwolek
  • Patent number: 7992916
    Abstract: Added openings are provided for sport utility vehicles (SUV), pick-up trucks, two and four door vehicles, vans, minivans, station wagons, or other vehicles. The opening(s) may utilize doors, gates, windows, sunroofs, or lids that provide more physical and/or visual access to the interior space, cargo, and/or seating within the vehicles that currently are not easily accessible, viewed, seen-by, or displayed-on conventional opening means. These openings may also provide the ability to place cargo within the space of the vehicle that current vehicles prohibit from being carried therein, or they may provide decorative, descriptive, or electronic displays for such vehicles, for example, advertising on taxi cabs. Among the embodiments, this invention results in a new 2 door or a 4 door SUV vehicle having added rear side doors, and a new 2 door or 4 door automobile that in effect functions likes a pick-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen G. Kimmet
  • Patent number: 7992917
    Abstract: Protective laminate films protect an underlying windshield from damage due to impacting rocks or other debris. The laminate films generally include a substrate having a scratch resistant coating adhered to one side and an adhesive layer adhered to an opposite side. Adhesion promoter and primer layers may be provided to enhance adhesion of the scratch-resistant coating to the substrate. Each layer is transparent such that, when applied to a windshield, the laminate film does not impact a driver's visibility. Each layer may also be flexible so that the laminate films can be molded to a curved windshield. Generally, the scratch resistant coating protects the laminate films from scratching or other damage from impacting debris or from windshield wipers. The substrate provides structural integrity to the laminate films and may provide some impact dispersion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Clearplex Corporation
    Inventors: Chris McCormick, A. Brent Strong, Mike D. Ridges, Kevin A. Plumb, Jeff Smith
  • Patent number: 7992918
    Abstract: In daily driving one is constant bombarded with distractions. Falling victim to the blinding sunlight can be one, such outcome that can lead to a disastrous of car accident. My invention will provide drivers and passengers added security by adding a transparent light color visor to the original car visor thus shielding the user from unwanted light. this is accomplished by employing two parallel rows visor, the first row which uses the transparent light color visor, the second row which is the existing factory visor, the two row of visors will use the existing mounting bracket along with a bracket adapter to mounted it the two rows visor may overlap each other and be used separately at various position to shield the eyes of the automobile driver and passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Tony Mintung Mac
  • Patent number: 7992919
    Abstract: A lift system for use with a foldable, stowable roof capable of being moved between a deployed position and a stowed position. The lift system includes at least one side link, with the side link as part of a frame assembly. The frame assembly supports a foldable roof, and both the frame assembly and the roof are operable for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position. A biasable member is operable with the side link for biasing the side link and the frame assembly toward the deployed position. When it is desired to move the frame assembly and roof from the stowed position to the deployed position, a reduced amount of force is applied to the frame assembly to move the frame assembly to the deployed position because of the force applied to the frame assembly from the biasable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Keijo J. Huotari, Stanley J. Krajenke, Stephen J. Lewis
  • Patent number: 7992920
    Abstract: An energy absorbing vehicle door having a door block strategically located within the door is disclosed. The door block has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is wider than the lower portion and is attached to the inner panel of the door. A door beam is provided between the inner panel of the door and the outer panel. A portion of the door beam is positioned between the inner panel and the lower portion of the door block. The door beam may be attached to the lower portion of the door block. The attachment surface of the lower portion of the door block may have a geometry that is the same as or is substantially the same as the geometry of the door beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Zhibing Deng, Djamal Eddine Midoun, Shekar Prabhakar Erasala, Chunhui Kevin Lee, Liqi Dong, Tracy Christopher Bakos
  • Patent number: 7992921
    Abstract: The invention relates to an energy guide chain system comprising an energy guide chain for guiding cables, hoses or the like between a stationary and a movable connection point, an entrainment portion to which the energy guide chain is connected by way of the movable connection point, and a guide channel which has a hollow profile with a passage extending in the longitudinal direction for the entrainment portion, wherein the energy guide chain is guided in the guide passage in the longitudinal direction thereof in the form of two runs which are guided in mutually parallel relationship and which are connected to each other by way of a deflection region, as well as a sliding door system for a vehicle having the energy guide chain system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Igus GmbH
    Inventor: Günter Blase
  • Patent number: 7992922
    Abstract: A wing element (W) on the spoiler (S) of a motor vehicle is characterized in that the lower side (U?, U?) of the wing element is provided in a manner to substantially planar below a limit speed and therefore has a small end surface in the direction of travel of the motor vehicle, and an aerodynamic profiling of the lower side, and therefore an increased end surface, is provided above said limit speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Dieter Jungert
  • Patent number: 7992923
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing aerodynamic resistance in an over the road vehicle is provided. The apparatus can include a frame assembly and first and second airfoils to be coupled to the vehicle by the frame assembly ahead of first and second tires of an axle assembly provided to the vehicle. The first and second airfoils each include an air deflecting surface with a convex outward portion that extends away from a leading edge that is to be directed into the airflow to transition the portions of the airflow directed toward the first and second tires outward beyond the externally exposed sides of the first and second tires. The first and second airfoils are also spaced laterally apart from each other when coupled to the vehicle by the frame assembly to define an aperture between the first and second airfoils through which at least a portion of the airflow directed toward the axle assembly is to pass while the vehicle is underway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Roderick M Dayton
  • Patent number: 7992924
    Abstract: A field configurable vehicle armoring system and associated method allow a user to retrofit and reconfigure a combination of armor components in response to a perceived threat change and using original equipment manufacture fasteners and holes. The system includes pillar armor attachable after an original equipment manufacture door and hinge are removed. Fasteners extend through the hinge of the armored door, the pillar armor and an original equipment manufacture pillar using holes other than the original equipment manufacture holes. Rocker panel and underbody armor is further provided, along with a ballistic resistant windscreen and rear wall armor. Where desired, system armor includes a composite plate comprising a strike face that is constructed from softer metallic material than an inner metallic sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: BAE Systems Survivability Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Michael S. Boczek, Todd A. Huffington, Kevin M. Klatte, Robert C. Martin, Michael D. Reynolds, David J. Wolf
  • Patent number: 7992925
    Abstract: A vehicle has a door system having at least a front and a rear door leaf which are each movable between an open and a closed position with respect to the cabin structure. The vehicle includes a door locking system which is provided to lock the door leaves in their closed position in case of collision of the vehicle. The locking system includes a locking mechanism and a triggering mechanism having a front operational portion which is located in vicinity of a front end of the cabin structure so as to be displaced in case the front end of the cabin structure is deformed due to a collision, the displacement mechanically triggering the locking mechanism towards an engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Renault Trucks
    Inventor: Jerome Lagrut
  • Patent number: 7992926
    Abstract: A front end portion of a side member functions as a crumple zone during a collision with another vehicle or the like. A radiator support is attached via a bracket to this crumple zone. When another vehicle or the like collides with the side member, the radiator support separates from the side member. When another vehicle or the like collides with the radiator support, external force applied in the rear direction to the radiator support is transmitted to the side member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koji Tamakoshi
  • Patent number: 7992927
    Abstract: A reinforcing brace excellent in productivity and cost performance is provided which can advantageously improve a rigidity of a floor panel without deteriorating aerodynamic performance. The reinforcing brace comprising a longitudinal press-formed product including a cylindrical section 12 located at a middle area in a longitudinal direction thereof and flat portions 44, 44 located at end areas in the longitudinal direction thereof. Further, an outer surface of the cylindrical section 12 is made as regulating surfaces 26, 32, 36 which reduce air resistance by regulating a flow of air passing under the vehicle body. Furthermore, a plurality of insertion holes 46 are positioned in the flat portions 44, 44 into which fastener members are inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Kojima Press Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Kitai, Hiroyuki Degawa
  • Patent number: 7992928
    Abstract: A vehicle roof structure which can regulate the quantity of lighting while ensuring appearance quality when viewed from the compartment. When a roll shade is arranged at a retreat position, incident light penetrates a glass roof thence penetrates a supporting member and a closing member exhibiting translucency and finally penetrates an opaque skin material exhibiting translucency. Since the opaque skin material covers a ceiling matrix on the inside of the compartment and closes the ceiling opening continuously from the inside of the compartment, if a roll shade is arranged at the light shielding position, the ceiling opening cannot be distinguished easily by a crewman when the crewman looks the vehicle roof side from the inside of the compartment and it is recognized as continuous interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akiyuki Kimizuka, Hitoshi Yasuda, Shinji Hirai
  • Patent number: 7992929
    Abstract: A support mechanism for an opening and closing member slidably moving to open and close an opening formed in a vehicle body, includes a support frame adapted to be arranged at the opening and closing member to support the opening and closing member relative to the vehicle body, a guide rail adapted to be arranged at the vehicle body along a side edge of the opening and including first and second guide portions that are parallel to each other, and a guided member including a cylindrical portion and a bearing portion continuously formed with the cylindrical portion and coaxially supporting a shaft portion that is arranged at the support frame, the cylindrical portion having an outer peripheral surface formed into a tapered shape and contacting the first and second guide portions in a biased manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akitoshi Shoji, Yoshitake Ide, Kazuki Sawada
  • Patent number: 7992930
    Abstract: A vehicle having a reconfigurable cargo area. A tailgate selectably closes off a rear portion of the vehicle and is positionable between a generally vertical closed position and a generally horizontal open position. A roof is bifurcated along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. A fixed roof panel closes off a first portion of the roof. A movable roof panel is slidable along a transverse axis of the vehicle, and has a closed position edgewise adjacent to the fixed roof panel and an open position facially adjacent to the fixed roof panel. In its closed position the movable roof panel closes off a second portion of the roof. The second roof portion is exposed when the movable roof panel is in its open position. The cargo area is configurable to closed and open arrangements according to the positions of the tailgate and the movable roof panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Michael A. Schrader
  • Patent number: 7992931
    Abstract: An adjustable back support assembly with a cushioning pad for use with a motorcycle is disclosed. The angle of support is adjustable, and the back support and cushioning pad of varying sizes may be used with the assembly. The assembly is attached to the motorcycle using stock holes present in the rear fender and requires little or no disassembly of the motorcycle to install. The assembly is shaped to complement the styling of the motorcycle and is removable without damaging the paint or finish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Howard Inglish
  • Patent number: 7992932
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an actuating means with which the position of a component can be changed directly or indirectly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls GmbH
    Inventor: Silvio Hartlaub