Patents Issued in July 31, 2012
  • Patent number: 8231128
    Abstract: An integral seal and sealant package includes a prefabricated seal element having multiple surfaces; a high-temperature sealant composition engaged with one or more of the multiple surfaces; and a backer material enclosing the prefabricated seal element and the high-temperature sealant composition. The backer material has composition permitting the backer material to be installed with the seal element and the sealant composition between adjacent components to be sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Victor John Morgan, Benjamin Paul Lacy
  • Patent number: 8231129
    Abstract: To avoid interference of a side lip when plural sealing devices are piled up, a sealing device installed on one member of two members rotating relatively is constructed by combining a mounting ring fitted on the one member and a rubber-like elastic body attached on the mounting ring, and has a side lip formed by the elastic body, the mounting ring has a cylinder portion at a position fitted on the peripheral surface of the one member, the elastic body has a rubber step part provided at axially one side of the cylinder portion, the cylinder portion and the rubber step part have a positional relationship that the former of an upper sealing device is placed on the latter of the one sealing device when piled up, and the side lip of the one sealing device is dimensioned not to interfere with the upper sealing device even when they are in such a positional relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: NOK Corporation
    Inventors: Naoto Kobayashi, Go Kanzaki
  • Patent number: 8231130
    Abstract: A mechanical seal having a seal cover capable of being installed on the outer surface around the circumferential surface of a hole of a seal housing and having an inner circumferential surface surrounding a shaft; a bellows having a first installation portion and a second installation portion, the first installation portion being formed by sealingly fitting the inner circumferential surface of the seal cover to one end circumferential surface of the bellows, the seconds installation portion being at the other end circumferential surface of the bellows, the first installation portion and the second installation portion forming a tubular portion between the portions, the tubular portion being formed as an elastic means surrounding the shaft; a stationary sealing ring sealingly installed on the circumferential surface of the second installation/portion and having an annular sealing surface pressed by the elastic means of the bellows; a rotating sealing ring having an annular relative sealing surface facing the s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Eagle Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hidekazu Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8231131
    Abstract: A cart that can be used as a hand truck for carrying heavy loads up and down a staircase is disclosed. The design has means for accommodating in any size of staircase steps and the small compact dimensions of the cart make it useful for around the corner maneuvering. The cart is divided into two parts that separates while doing the movements to step up or down thru the stairways then it unites together to repeat the cycle. Square rods on the side's holds and support the two parts of the cart and give strength to hold the heavy loads. It uses expansions springs to hold the two parts of the cart and it used to repeat the movements as its stretches away and snaps together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Leonardo Rivera Negron
  • Patent number: 8231132
    Abstract: A heavy duty wheelbarrow/yard cart with two vertical fixed front wheels and one or two rear caster wheels for steering. An ergonomic pushbar handle is bolted to the frame and allows it to be pushed or lifted to dump the material. A brake keeps the wheelbarrow from moving on sloped terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Ronald Louis DiLorenzo, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8231133
    Abstract: Knee walker assemblies and methods of manufacturing a knee walker assembly are provided herein. One concept of the present disclosure is directed to a knee walker assembly that includes a frame, a support platform and a handle mounted to the frame, at least one rear wheel mounted proximate the rear end of the frame, and at least two front wheels swivel mounted proximate the front end of the frame. A locking mechanism is operatively engaged with the at least two front wheels. The locking mechanism is configured to substantially simultaneously lock both of the at least two front wheels in a rigid-type mounting configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Medline Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Linda M. Walther, Ethan S. Abernathey, Ishwor P. Adhikari, John H. Kutsch, Vincent R. Lackowski
  • Patent number: 8231134
    Abstract: A vehicle pedal includes a main pedal and a cover. The main pedal has a supporting surface, a groove formed in the supporting surface, plural positioning bases located in the groove, and a through hole bored in each of the positioning bases. The cover has a grooved rail for being assembled in the groove. Plural screws have their heads confined in the grooved rail and their shanks extended out of the grooved rail into the through holes of the main pedal. A washer and a nut are mounted around each of the shanks. So with the heads of the screws restrained in the grooved rail and with the shanks of the screws inserted in the through holes, not only can the cover be quickly fixed on the main pedal, but also the screws can be hidden in the cover to achieve an aesthetic integral appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Li-Yueh Huang-Tsai
  • Patent number: 8231135
    Abstract: The invention encompasses a device for adjusting the trail of a cycle front wheel assembly including a hub for a wheel, the hub being adapted to receive an arrangement for tightening the wheel on a fork of the cycle and an interposed mechanism for adjusting the position of the fork center distance with respect to the transverse axis of the hub. The adjustment mechanism axially extends the hub and is configured and arranged to engage with a portion of the cycle fork so as to provide fork support as well as a predetermined setting of the position of the hub transverse axis with respect to the fork center distance. The invention also encompasses a wheel having such adjustment device, as well as a method of adjusting the trail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.S.
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Mercat
  • Patent number: 8231136
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for detachably mounting different types of infant carriers on a support structure. The system includes a mounting platform provided on a frame of the support structure. The mounting platform includes a first and second coupling structure. The first coupling structure is adapted to engage with a first fastener structure of a first infant carrier, whereas the second coupling structure is adapted to engage with a second fastener structure of a second infant carrier. The mounting platform also includes a rotary support base that can be rotated relative to the frame between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the support base enables engagement of the first coupling structure with the first fastener structure. In the second position, the support structure enables engagement of the second coupling structure with the second fastener structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventor: Joseph F. Fiore, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8231137
    Abstract: A knee airbag housing assembly including a cover panel, a box case, and a lower panel. The cover panel has an upper support portion and a lower support portion extending transversely from a cantilevered support portion. A tear seam formed between the upper cover and lower cover portion. A lower support portion extends transversely from a cantilevered support on the lower cover portion of said cover panel. The box case supports an airbag module and has a lower wall with a distal end lower wall extending towards the cover panel. The box case is fitted in the space between the upper support and lower support portions such that the distal end lower wall of the box spring is disposed closer to the cantilevered support than the terminal edge of the lower panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Anthony Porcs, Jeffrey Sadao Miki
  • Patent number: 8231138
    Abstract: An active bolster for a vehicle is provided, wherein the bolster comprises an expansible hollow interior that is inflatable and is self-supporting in both an inflated and in an uninflated position. The bolster has an inflator module for inflating the expansible hollow interior. The bolster has an inner wall for projecting inwardly into the vehicle and away from the side of the vehicle on inflation of the expansible hollow interior. The bolster may have a relatively non-expansible component located between a first expansible chamber and a second expansible chamber. The bolster may comprise an outer wall having an attachment portion for attaching the outer wall to a portion of the side of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Salflex Polymers Ltd.
    Inventors: Changize Sadr, Ali Totonchian, Michael Best, Rimas Ciplijauskas, Raj Roychoudhury
  • Patent number: 8231139
    Abstract: In an airbag arrangement for a front seat passenger in a motor vehicle, an airbag is mounted, in its stowed condition, in a dashboard of the vehicle. The airbag is configured to inflate to a deployed condition interposed between the dashboard and the front seat passenger. The inflated airbag is wider on an upper side, over an impact region nearer the front seat passenger, than on a lower side adjacent the dashboard. The airbag is narrower at an end adjacent the vehicle dashboard than at an end nearer to the front seat passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Laurent Hellot, Damien Demulder, Marc Phillips, Mikolaj Niewodniczanski, Waldemar Jarosik
  • Patent number: 8231140
    Abstract: An airbag module includes a bag wrap, a retainer, an airbag, and an inflator to inflate the airbag. The airbag includes at least one vent hole, and a deployment control flap to change trajectory of the airbag such that the airbag will deploy upwards and laterally to left and right sides. The deployment control flap is fixed at both ends to the retainer, airbag, or bag wrap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Vivekananda Maripudi, Jaime Fermin Perez, Benjamin Aguilar, James Karlow, Nicole Wiggins, John Pilchowski, William B. Cox
  • Patent number: 8231141
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas generator (10) for use in a safety device for motor vehicles comprising a housing and a propellant (4) contained in a combustion chamber (25) of the housing for generating a pressurized gas, the housing comprising a first housing part (40) and a second housing part (30) at least partly surrounded by the first housing part (40) and at least one igniter (6) for igniting the propellant (4), and an annular filter (50) surrounding the combustion chamber (25) in which the propellant (4) is located. The filter (50) comprises a peripheral portion (52) and a radial portion (51), the radial portion (51) serving as filling body for the propellant (4) in the combustion chamber (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: TRW Airbag Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Neumayer, Fabien Cristoforetti
  • Patent number: 8231142
    Abstract: A fluid conduit coupling for a turbofan engine wherein the engine has a gas path defined by inner and outer duct walls and the exterior surface of the outer duct wall is readily accessible for visual inspection. In one example, a first fluid line extends across the gas path between the inner and outer duct walls and a second fluid line is connected to the first fluid line at the level of the outer duct wall. The first fluid line may include a female coupling member and the second fluid member may include a mating male coupling member. An annular sealing member is associated with the first and second couplings and a leak path is defined between the annular sealing member and the exterior surface of the outer duct wall, whereby fluid may be detected by visual inspection of the outer duct wall if a leak should occur at the annular sealing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventor: Bryan W. Olver
  • Patent number: 8231143
    Abstract: A double pipe connection structure includes a joint member and a double pipe having an inner pipe and an outer pipe coaxially disposed therein. Further, the double pipe connection structure includes a supporting rib formed integrally therewith in an axial direction, wherein the supporting rib connects the inner pipe to the outer pipe. Further, the joint member includes a first hole into which the outer pipe is inserted and a second hole into which the inner pipe is inserted, wherein the second hole has a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the first hole, and wherein the first and second holes are bored to be aligned in an axial direction. Moreover, in the joint member, a first-pressure connecting hole communicates with the first hold and a second-pressure connecting hole communicates with the second hole, such that a pressure in the first-pressure connecting hole is lower than a pressure in the second-pressure connecting hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventors: Hiromi Takasaki, Fuminori Ooba, Ken Ishihara, Susumu Satou
  • Patent number: 8231144
    Abstract: A joint assembly for coupling a first conduit to a second conduit includes a first collar configured to be mounted on the first conduit and a second collar configured to be mounted on the second conduit. The second collar may have a central longitudinal axis that is generally aligned with a z-axis. An inner bushing may be coupled to the first collar and have a generally convex surface, and an outer bushing may be coupled to the second collar and have a generally concave surface. The generally convex surface and the generally concave surface may mate with one another and be configured for relative movement such that the first collar gimbals in an xy-plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn Alstad
  • Patent number: 8231145
    Abstract: A coupling device includes a tubular body (100) having a plastics material portion provided with an anchor member (5) for anchoring the tubular body in a first duct, the anchor member being made of metal. The anchor member is secured to a metal support element (1) that is covered at least in part in a layer of plastics material (9) compatible with the plastics material of said tubular body portion and that is connected to said portion by local welding of said portion with said layer. A method of fabricating such a coupling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Legris SA
    Inventors: Philippe Blivet, Philippe Le Quere, Nicolas Le Bars
  • Patent number: 8231146
    Abstract: An electrolysis-resistant coupling assembly for connection with a line fitting of a fluid line includes a fitting having a first mating surface and having an aperture extending therethrough, wherein the fitting is configured to be aligned with and face the line fitting for coupling thereto. The assembly also includes a coupler having one end provided with an outer coupler flange, the fitting being loaded onto the coupler such that the outer coupler flange passes through the aperture. The assembly also includes a substantially non-compressible, electrically non-conductive rigid captive ring. The captive ring is positioned against the outer coupler flange and interposed between the fitting and the coupler to provide electrical separation between the fitting and the coupler, wherein the fitting is held against the captive ring when the fitting is interconnected with the line fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Grundfos Pumps Corporation
    Inventor: Ken Lum
  • Patent number: 8231147
    Abstract: A clamp for mounting a tubular connector in a refrigeration circuit includes two semi-annular portions having end sections with each of the end sections including surfaces which extend radially outwardly from the annular portions of the clamp and a lock for locking the ends of the semi-annular portions together around the end of the tubular connector with the radially extending end surfaces of the end sections in abutting engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool S.A.
    Inventors: Rodrigo Link, Claudio Roberto Hille
  • Patent number: 8231148
    Abstract: An assembly comprising a moveable panel, for example a swinging door or window, and a latching mechanism (10) for latching the panel (1) to at least one nearby element (2) in case the panel (1) is in a first, particularly closed, position, the latching mechanism (10) being provided with at least one first latch (11) and with operating means (13) for moving the latch (11) out of a first lateral side of the panel (1) from a panel-releasing position to a panel-latching position and vice-versa, wherein the at least one first latch (11) is dimensioned such that it extends along substantially the entire first lateral side of the panel (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Johannes Jacob Hans Willem Van Der Kooij
  • Patent number: 8231149
    Abstract: A latching apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a first assembly disposed on a first portion of a vehicle. A second assembly is disposed on a second portion of the vehicle and configured to detachably attach with the first assembly. The second assembly includes an adjustment mechanism to prevent damage upon the first assembly detected in an undesirable orientation during insertion therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Shelby American, Inc.
    Inventor: Carroll Hall Shelby
  • Patent number: 8231150
    Abstract: A locking assembly for a door of a storage container is provided. The storage container defines a door frame, and the door is movably mounted to the door frame. The locking assembly may include a first keeper secured to the door frame, a first locking cam configured to movably engage the first keeper, and a handle assembly coupled to the first locking cam. The handle assembly may be movable between a first position in which the handle assembly is in contact with the door frame and the first locking cam engages the first keeper to maintain the door in the closed position relative to the door frame and a second position in which the first locking cam disengages the first keeper to allow the door to open. The first and second positions of the handle assembly illustratively define an obtuse angle therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.
    Inventors: Rodney P. Ehrlich, Robert Kleinschnitz, Danny L. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 8231151
    Abstract: A system for securing and releasing doors includes at least two electromagnetic latches and a controller. Each of the electromagnetic latches includes a coil configured to be energized by a power signal to create a magnetic field. The controller switches the power signal between the electromagnetic latches so that the power signal is supplied to the electromagnetic latches one at a time. The electromagnetic latches may be electromagnetic door holders, electromagnetic door locks, or any combination of the two.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: SimplexGrinnell LP
    Inventor: Mark P. Barrieau
  • Patent number: 8231152
    Abstract: A latch extension device for lockedly securing a hinged hatch panel or liftgate of a vehicle in a rigid, partially open position, the device having a pair of arms, each arm having a jaw end, a handle end, and a pivotable coupling interconnecting the arms between the jaw end and the handle end for imparting a scissors action. By clamping the jaws of the device around a striker bolt of the vehicle and inserting the opposite end into the lock, the hinged hatch or door is locked in a partially open position, thereby providing a fixed air gap for ventilation and cooling, as is useful when children, pets or groceries are in the vehicle, while preventing the hatch or door from being opened further or shut. In a preferred embodiment, both arms of the device are joined by a pivot pin and are identical, simplifying manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Kerry A Carlson
  • Patent number: 8231153
    Abstract: A locking device for flaps, luggage compartment flaps, doors or lids comprising a housing, an actuating handle for unlocking a locking device pivotably arranged on the housing, an actuating lever, the actuating handle being supported on the housing as a rocker; a release wheel arranged pivotably on the housing and connected with the actuating lever to move unlocking rods; a locking bolt which is movable into a locking or a freewheeling position via an actuating element; a first, rotatably mounted driver disk which is rotatable by the release wheel; a second, rotatably mounted driver disk coupled to the first driver disk in order to be carried along by rotation of the first disk, for operating a locking handle connected thereto; freewheel for the actuating handle when the locking device is locked or unlocked, because a reversing lever, which can be actuated by the locking bolt, is arranged pivotably on the housing and is rotatable by the release wheel which forms a freewheel on both sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Happich Farhzeug-und Industrieteile GmbH
    Inventor: Winfried Peter
  • Patent number: 8231154
    Abstract: A door assembly for a vehicle body including a frame having a first boundary and a second boundary. A first door and a second door with first and second ends are pivotably coupled to the first boundary and the second boundary, respectively, of the frame. The second door includes an end panel at its second end, and a pivot is fixed to the end panel. A cancel lever is rotatably coupled to the pivot, and the cancel lever is arranged to be contacted by the first door at any location within a zone of contact determined by the relative positions of the first and second doors such that a force applied to the cancel lever by the first door includes a component perpendicular to a radius of the cancel lever at the point of contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: David Kovie
  • Patent number: 8231155
    Abstract: A bumper system for a motor vehicle includes a cross-member having a U-shape that opens away from the motor vehicle and includes a pair of outer flanges. At least one crush box is connected with the cross-member and supports the same on the motor vehicle. A closure member is operably connected with the outer flanges of the cross-member, and includes first and second longitudinal segments, each of which has a generally U-shaped configuration which opens toward the cross-member, and includes a base, a pair of legs, and a pair of flanges. A coupling member attaches the first and second segments of the closure member to the outer flanges of the cross-member and includes a connecting bar that extends in a generally vertical plane and is connected with the base of each of the first and second segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Wilhelm Arns
  • Patent number: 8231156
    Abstract: A pressure application and removal device is provided for the purpose of assisting insertion of contact lenses. The device comprises a frame portion, two contact lens holders, a pressurizing assembly, and a liquid delivery assembly. The frame portion has the structure of standard eyeglasses frames and rests on a user's ears and nose. The contact lens holders are formed of wash cups that retain contact lenses along the inside of their concave surface. Fluid conduits extend from an apex of the wash cups to a flexible ball in the center of the device. When said ball is depressed, a positive pressure or vacuum is generated to facilitate insertion and removal of contact lenses to or from a user's eye. A second flexible ball may be filled with liquid. When the ball is compressed liquid flows through a second set of conduits into the eye of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth Armwood
  • Patent number: 8231157
    Abstract: Non-contact manipulating devices and methods can include a fluid distribution member including a first fluid port configured to dispense fluid and create a Bernoulli effect to attract an article to be manipulated by the manipulating device while maintaining a gap between the article and the fluid distribution member. The fluid distribution member can further include a second fluid port configured to dispense fluid to assist in maintaining the gap. The non-contact manipulating devices and methods can further include a controller configured to control a fluid flow through at least the second fluid port to help maintain the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Chester Hann Huei Chang, Paul Martin Elliott
  • Patent number: 8231158
    Abstract: A multi-fingered underactuated mechanical grasping system driven by a single actuator, yet can grasp objects spanning a wide range of size, shape, and mass. A member for moving a link relative to a base acts in parallel to a direction of compliance of a joint between the link and the base. The joint has a plurality of degrees of freedom. The number of members for moving links in the grasping system is less than the number of degrees of freedom in the grasping system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Aaron Dollar, Robert Howe
  • Patent number: 8231159
    Abstract: An improved severe duty grapple for attachment onto the end of a dipper stick of a backhoe has an arcuate-shaped upper jaw with an inner end and a backside. The upper jaw is pivotally attached near its inner end on its backside to the end of a dipper stick and a double action actuator or cylinder for operative pivotal movement of the upper jaw relative to the dipper stick. An arcuate-shaped lower jaw is provided with an inner end and a backside. The lower jaw is attached near its inner end on its backside to the dipper stick by a linkage for operative pivotal movement of the upper jaw relative to the lower jaw. A hollow tubular pivot is attached to the inner end of one of the jaws with open opposing ends. Two lug plates are mounted on the inner end of the other jaw each with an eyelet. The eyelets are alignable with the open ends of the tubular pivot. A pivot pin is passed through the tubular pivot and eyelets and secured thereat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Genesis Attachments, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel J. Raihala
  • Patent number: 8231160
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for carrying a hose or other tubular member. The device includes a first base member releasably connected to a second base member. The first and second base members operate to form a plurality of openings sized to receive a length of hose or other tubular member. The plurality of openings may be configured to permit charging of the hose without removing the hose from therein. The device may include a locking mechanism for selectively securing the first base member to the second base member. The locking mechanism may define a handle for supporting the device. The locking mechanism may further include a handle release for selectively unlocking the locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Edward McEnaney
  • Patent number: 8231161
    Abstract: A drinking vessel carrier (10) comprises four support members (12, 14, 16, 18) pivotally mounted to one-another and a handle (20). An aperture (24) is provided in each support member (12, 14, 16, 18) for receiving a vessel to be supported. The support members (12, 14, 16, 18) are arranged in a stack and can be fanned or splayed out to different angular positions. When splayed out in one direction the support members lock 90° apart and when splayed out in the other direction, three of the support members (14, 16, 18) lock 120° apart, with the other support member (12) lying under the adjacent support member (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventors: Paul Graham Longley, Nigel John Longley
  • Patent number: 8231162
    Abstract: A clamp mechanism includes a base defining two first sliding grooves, a sliding member slidable relative to the base and two second sliding grooves corresponding to the first sliding grooves respectively, a pair of first connecting members slidably received in the first sliding grooves respectively, a pair of second connecting members slidably received in the second sliding grooves respectively, a first clamp member connected to one first connecting member and one second connecting member, a second clamp member connected to the other first connecting member and the other second connecting member, an impelling member fixed to the sliding member; and a driver capable of driving the sliding member along with the first and second clamp members to move toward or away from each other in order to clamp or release an object, and the impelling member capable of removing the object when the object is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zhen-Hua Xu
  • Patent number: 8231163
    Abstract: A tool mounting assembly includes a vehicle body structure, a storage container, an upper bracket and a lower bracket. A central portion of the storage container has a circumference that is greater than the circumference of each of an upper portion and a lower portion of the storage container. Spaced upper and lower brackets each have mounting portions attached to the vehicle body structure and retainer portions that at least partially surround the storage container. The retaining portion of at least one of the upper bracket or the lower bracket includes a first arm that is connected to a base flange by a hinge for a movement between a closed position and an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Dawe, Ryan Corby
  • Patent number: 8231164
    Abstract: A removable in-floor storage device for a vehicle floorpan well, including a lid assembly have a frame mounted on a floorpan surface about the periphery of the floorpan well so as to define a frame opening, and a lid pivotally mounted on the frame to move from a closed position to an open position allowing access to the frame opening. The storage device further includes a removable storage bin adapted to be received within the frame opening and supported within the frame opening by the frame, to thereby define a storage chamber within the vehicle generally beneath the floorpan surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: James D. Schubring, Werner H. Schneider, Eugene Bowerman
  • Patent number: 8231165
    Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided with a windscreen, a pull-out roller blind, more preferably sun roller blind, for covering this windscreen and a roof screen separate from the windscreen in the roof of the motor vehicle. The pull-out roller blind is also provided for covering the roof screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Dino Demma
  • Patent number: 8231166
    Abstract: A member of a vehicle frame structure includes an extension portion that extends in a longitudinal direction and a kick portion positioned behind, and below the extension portion. Buckling lines are formed in parallel with each other in the extension portion, and each of the buckling lines is inclined such that a lower end is positioned ahead of an upper end in a side view. If a collision load is applied from a front side of a vehicle at the time of vehicle collision, the extension portion is deformed along the buckling lines, and a front end of the extension portion is displaced downward. Therefore, a vertical offset between the front end of the extension portion and the kick portion is reduced, thereby reducing a bending moment applied to the kick portion. Accordingly, the required yield strength of the kick portion can be set to a lower value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeo Mori
  • Patent number: 8231167
    Abstract: In a vehicle body side structure, an impact beam (116) is mounted to a door inner panel (110) by an impact beam extension (118). A part of the impact beam extension (118) that extends from an impact beam fixing part (126) to the door inner panel (110) serves as a load transmission part (128) capable of transmitting a load from the impact beam (116) to the door inner panel (110), and the extension line therefrom is directed at the centroid C2 of the body pillar (106). With a simple structure such as this, at the time of a side impact it is possible to transfer a load from the impact beam (116) in a straight line to the centroid C21 of the body pillar (106) while suppressing the twisting moment of the body pillar (106).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihide Endo, Koji Makino, Shigeru Inamori
  • Patent number: 8231168
    Abstract: In an arranging structure of a wire harness for a door, the wire harness is spanned between a door of a motor vehicle and a vehicle body at an indoor side inside of a weather strip. The wire harness is drawn out from a space between a door inner panel and a door trim at the door side and is provided with an excess length portion that follows opening and closing operations of the door. The excess length portion is drawn out from the space when the door is opened. The excess length portion is drawn along an arcuate outer periphery of a speaker disposed in the space to be contained in the space when the door is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Sytems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Morihiko Toyozumi, Isao Tsuji, Daiki Nagayasu, Tsutomu Sakata, Tetsuya Fujita, Sung-Jin Kim
  • Patent number: 8231169
    Abstract: A rocker panel is provided for a motor vehicle, having a first oblong rocker panel part, on which a second oblong rocker panel part, having longitudinal axis (A) parallel thereto, is fastened so it is movable in relation thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Frank Leopold
  • Patent number: 8231170
    Abstract: In a vehicle roof system for closing and opening a roof opening (2a) formed in a fixed roof panel (2) of a vehicle with a moveable roof panel (4), a pair of push-pull cables (22) extend from an electric motor (24) mounted on a front frame (12) extending along the front edge of the roof opening to either side of the moveable roof panel, and cross each other at three locations (P1-P3) on the front frame in plan view. Idle cable section of the first push-pull cable (22l) that meshes with the rear side of a drive gear of the electric motor crosses the drive cable section of the second push-pull cable (22r) at one location (P1), and the drive cable section of the first push-pull cable includes a bulging section bulging forward by crossing the idle cable section of the second push-pull cable at two locations (P2 and P3). Thereby, the radius of curvature of the drive cable section of the first push-pull cable can be maximized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Yachiyo Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hajime Katayama, Ayumi Mihashi
  • Patent number: 8231171
    Abstract: A folding chair comprises a cross folding supporting frame with two X-shaped cross folding bars. Each of the cross folding bars has a front and rear leg connected crossly to each other in the middle. The upper portions of the two front legs form a first upper portion and the upper portions of the two rear legs form a second upper portion. The seat has a first and second side which are parallel to each other. The first side is pivotally connected to the first upper portion of a cross folding supporting frame. A supporting bar is disposed in the bottom of the seat and can slide between the first side and the second side. The two ends of the supporting bar are connected to the second upper portion of the cross folding supporting frame. The chair folds by a supporting bar sliding along the bottom of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: New-Tec Integration (Xiamen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Luhao Leng
  • Patent number: 8231172
    Abstract: A folding canopy chair includes a frame, a seat, a back, and arm rests. An umbrella is secured to the frame and is pivotal between an upright use position extending above the chair and a downward storage position adjacent the frame. The umbrella is pivotal about both a horizontal axis and a vertical axis for selective positioning of the umbrella relative to the chair, so as to shade a person sitting in the chair from the sun. The umbrella may be non-symmetrical, and removably mounted on either the left or right, side of the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Pro Performance Sports
    Inventor: Thomas A. Quinn
  • Patent number: 8231173
    Abstract: An armrest with cup holder is disclosed, in which the cup holder is secured in the upper surface thereof, and that upper surface is covered with an upper cover section of trim cover assembly. Localized portions of the afore-said upper cover section, which lie between a flange of the cup holder and a lateral wall of the armrest, are each formed with an extension in the free end thereof. That extension is folded together with the corresponding end of the upper cover section and retained between the flange of cup holder and a support member provided around the flange of cup holder, thereby making protrudent the localized portions to compensate for and eliminate an objectionable recessed areas between those localized portions and cup holder flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Tachi-S Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Seiichiro Miyazaki, Takahiko Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8231174
    Abstract: When a seat (10) is to be stowed, a seat pad (28) is moved toward a seat (10) reverse side, pad side portions (32) are rotated toward the seat (10) reverse side with respect to a pad center portion (30), and a center portion (12) and side portions (14) of the seat (10) are contracted. Here, interlockingly with contraction of the side portions (14), a skin (42) is bent and folded in at portions covering distal ends of vertical walls (22) of a wall panel (18) and at second fixing portions (42B). Due thereto, slack of the skin (42) at seat (10) lateral direction end surfaces can be taken in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masayuki Yamada, Hideki Kobayashi, Takeshi Tokai, Masaki Mori, Keisuke Onoda, Makoto Itou
  • Patent number: 8231175
    Abstract: An orthopaedic chair that requires a seated person to actively and dynamically support their upper bodies while seated is provided. The chair is designed such that the core musculature of the seated person must be actively engaged while in a seated position. To accomplish this, the chair is provided with an unstable or dynamic seating platform, i.e., a seating platform which is independently movable in several dimensions such that to stabilize the seating platform the musculature of the body, and in particular the core, must be utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Afshin Aminian
  • Patent number: 8231176
    Abstract: An internal gear member and an external gear member of a reclining device are axially inserted into a cylindrical interior of a retainer member in order, so that the internal gear member that is inserted first faces a first bottom surface that is formed in an insertion direction side end periphery of the retainer member, and that the external gear member that is inserted later contacts a second bottom surface that is positioned closer to a reception side relative to the first bottom surface. A reception side end periphery of the retainer member is bent radially inwardly, so that the external gear member is integrated with the retainer member. A rear outer surface corresponding to a rear side surface of the first bottom surface of the retainer member has a radial width that corresponds to at least the sum of a radial width of the first bottom surface and a radial width of the second bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Atsutaka Mitsuhashi
  • Patent number: 8231177
    Abstract: A foldable head restraint assembly includes a mounting subassembly, a structural shell, and a locking plate. The mounting subassembly supports the structural shell and includes a first support post, a second support post, a cross member, and a latch rigidly. The cross member is attached to the first and second support posts and to the latch. The folding motion of the head restraint is initiated by movement of the locking plate which is positionable at a first plate position for engaging the latch and at a second plate position for releasing the latch. The structural shell is pivotable about the mounting subassembly when the latch plate is in the second plate position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Sai Prasad Jammalamadaka, Arjun V. Yetukuri, Gerald S. Locke