Patents Issued in July 12, 2016
  • Patent number: 9387777
    Abstract: A seat underframe for motor vehicle seats, with two pairs of rails arranged at a distance from each other and each having a seat rail and a floor rail, a seat carrier, in each case two pivoting arms which are connected at one end in an articulated manner to the seat carrier and at the other end in an articulated manner to the seat rails and fix the maximum distance between the seat carrier and the seat rails, and a drive unit adjusting the seat carrier between a lower starting position and an end position. The drive unit for adjusting the seat carrier is formed beyond a height end position which is fixed during normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: C. ROB. HAMMERSTEIN GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Mark Domgörgen, Markus Gumbrich, Nils Magnus
  • Patent number: 9387778
    Abstract: A longitudinal guide for vehicle seats, comprising a lower rail, an upper rail supported thereon to be displaceable in a longitudinal direction, wherein each upper rail and lower rail has an L-shaped region, if viewed in profile, formed by a base leg and an L-leg projecting from the base leg substantially perpendicularly, and two end regions respectively connected to the L-shaped region. Each elongate rail includes a first bearing area and a second bearing area for guiding means, which are biased to each other and formed by opposite end portions of the respective upper rail and portions of the associated lower rail. Embossments are formed at both ends of the base leg of the upper rail by cold work forming, with a smaller radius of curvature to effect higher stiffness of the longitudinal rail, particularly in event of a crash. Further embossments may be provided for an even higher stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, Coburg
    Inventors: Wolfgang Suck, Nick Röhnert, Karsten Hartleb, Andreas Prause, Bernd Griebel
  • Patent number: 9387779
    Abstract: A seat track assembly includes a moveable rail configured to support a seat and a stationary rail configured to be mounted to a floor structure. The moveable rail is selectively positioned relative to the stationary rail is a plurality of use positions. The moveable and stationary rails include intermediate stop tabs that permit selective adjustment of the overall travel length of the moveable rail relative to the stationary rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Mischer, Reinhard Nolkensmeier
  • Patent number: 9387780
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat base, a seatback and a vertical guide frame connecting a rear portion of the seat base to a bottom portion of the seatback. The bottom portion of the seatback slidably engages the vertical guide frame. At least one actuator is adapted to move the seatback between a plurality of vertical positions relative to the seat base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Iskander Farooq, Mohammed Omar Faruque, Scott H. Dunham
  • Patent number: 9387781
    Abstract: A disc recliner includes a gear plate disposed between fixed and movable plates. The gear and fixed plates are operatively coupled by a pawl that is selectively engaged with the gear plate. An eccentric element is operatively coupled between the gear and movable plates such that inward-facing teeth on the movable plate are meshingly engaged with outward-facing teeth on the gear plate. When the pawl is disengaged from the gear plate, the movable plate rotates with the gear plate relative to the fixed plate to pivot a seat back to a folded position. When the pawl is engaged with the gear plate, rotation of the eccentric element shifts the engagement point between the inward and outward-facing teeth and causes wobbling rotational movement of the movable plate relative to the gear and fixed plates to pivot the seat back between a plurality of reclined seating positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Magna Seating Inc
    Inventor: Samuel James Matt
  • Patent number: 9387782
    Abstract: Hinge mechanism for a vehicle seat, comprising: first and second frames mounted so that they can rotate relative to one another; and an annular ring comprising a cylindrical base which covers the peripheral edges of the frames, and first and second side flaps. The ring does not comprise a portion that is in contact with one of the inner faces of the frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Faurecia Sieges d'Automobile
    Inventor: Joel Boisgontier
  • Patent number: 9387783
    Abstract: Load imparted to a seat back frame is stably absorbed and efficiently absorbed. In a vehicle seat 10, a weak portion 48 is formed by a fixing plate (50). The weak portion (48) continuously extends from an edge portion of a fixing hole (44) in the relative movement direction with respect to a hinge base bracket (40) of a fastening bolt. Thus the weak portion (48) presses against the fastening bolt when the hinge base bracket (40) rotationally moves about the axial line of a support hole (42). Moreover, when the weak portion (48) plastically deforms, deformation so as to press the weak portion (48) wider is suppressed, such that the weak portion (48) is deformed so as to be squashed. Consequently, load imparted to a seatback frame (64) can be stably absorbed by the weak portion (48).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nozomu Munemura, Hironobu Nakane, Ryo Nagahara, Kensuke Nagai
  • Patent number: 9387784
    Abstract: It is obtained a headrest and a vehicle seat provided therewith, capable of obtaining attenuating effect characteristics with respect to oscillation at two resonant frequencies with a simple configuration. A mass body is supported by an elastically deformable first urethane member configuring part of a headrest pad inside a headrest cover of a vehicle seat. Namely, a dynamic damper is configured including the first urethane member and the mass body. The center of gravity of the mass body is set at a position offset in the seat width direction with respect to the elastic center of the first urethane member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kouichiro Haga, Manabu Ishimoto
  • Patent number: 9387785
    Abstract: An example of the present description relates to a vehicle seat comprising a back rest support comprising a head rest arrangement. The head rest arrangement comprises a displaceable head cushion which is displaceable between a first and a second position along a Z-axis. The head rest arrangement further comprises a passenger protection part adapted to protect a passenger from injury during a collision. The displaceable head cushion is displaceably arranged with respect to the passenger protection part. The present description provides for comfort and safety for passengers in a vehicle for both front passengers and hack passengers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Anders Bell, Peter Setterberg, Veronica Gustafsson
  • Patent number: 9387786
    Abstract: A storage module for use with a vehicle may include a base securable to the vehicle, and a storage tray attachable to the base. The tray includes a raised deck for receiving a food container. In addition, the tray defines an open area under the raised deck for receiving a user's hand when the food container is received on the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: DOMINO'S IP HOLDER LLC
    Inventors: Russell Weiner, Daniel R. Louiselle, Thomas C. Bochenek
  • Patent number: 9387787
    Abstract: A portable storage unit for storing fluid, particulates, or combinations thereof, wherein the portable storage unit can have a trailer with a frame. An outer container can be connected to the frame, and can have a first storage cavity with an outlet. A gate can provide for selective opening and closing of the outlet. An inner container can be movably disposed within the outer container, and can have a second storage cavity. The second storage cavity can be in selective fluid communication with the first storage cavity. At least a partial seal can be formed between the inner container and outer container. A hydraulic cylinder can be connected to the inner container and outer container for moving the inner container relative to the outer container, allowing for an adjustable volumetric capacity of the first storage cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: MCCLINTON ENERGY GROUP, LLC
    Inventor: Glen Michael Wolford
  • Patent number: 9387788
    Abstract: A combination trailer is provided that includes a dump trailer having a bottom surface, a front portion, a back portion, a first side panel, and a second side panel with an upper wall section and a lower wall section. The upper wall section is movable between an open and closed position such that the height of the second side panel is adjustable. An enclosure system is also included in the combination trailer to selectively cover an open top of the dump trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: First Class Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy D. Stroup, Fred P. Smith, David Smith
  • Patent number: 9387789
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for dovetail locking mechanisms are described herein. A system for locking the dovetail of a trailer in the travel position includes a sled for locking the dovetail of a trailer in the travel position, a railing on the underside of the trailer to accommodate the sled, wherein the sled is moveably attached to the railing such that the sled can slide into a loading position clear of the dovetail or a travel position at least partially beneath the dovetail, and means for actuating the sled to the loading position and travel position. A method for locking the dovetail of a trailer includes moving the dovetail of a trailer into the travel position and sliding a sled from a loading position underneath the trailer to a travel position at least partially underneath the dovetail of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Grand Rock, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Ray Patterson
  • Patent number: 9387790
    Abstract: A crane includes: a base for being disposed in or on a cargo box of a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) and for fastening to a bed of the cargo box; a boom rotatable relative to the base between a deployed position and a stowed position; a boom hoist operable to swing the boom between the positions; and a load hoist operable to lift cargo located adjacent to a rear end of the UTV when the boom is in the deployed position and operable to carry the cargo toward the UTV as the boom is swung to the stowed position, thereby loading the cargo into the cargo box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: IMPAC Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Seales
  • Patent number: 9387791
    Abstract: A tension absorber produced from a flexible strand which is only loadable under tension and which tension absorber possesses the advantages of a chain formed from strand material but can be easily and cost-effectively produced. The strand is folded into three or more loop sections. Proceeding from the beginning of the strand a succeeding loop section arranged offset in the direction of the end of the strand follows each preceding loop section arranged offset in the direction of the beginning, until the last loop section has been reached. Each loop section has a loop which encloses a loop opening. At least one bow is formed from the strand by guiding a succeeding loop section by its loop through the loop opening of a preceding loop section arranged adjacent to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Spanset Inter AG
    Inventors: Andre Mamie, Lars Dohse
  • Patent number: 9387792
    Abstract: A latching system for automatic securement of a container to a container chassis is provided. The latching system includes an actuation device disposed on an upper surface of the container chassis, a linkage mechanism disposed below the upper surface, and a connector positioned on a further surface elevated above the upper surface. Placement of the container on the container chassis actuates the actuation device causing the linkage mechanism to move the connector and automatically secure the container to the container chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Mi-Jack Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Lanigan, Sr., Martin C. Conneally, Kenneth E. Svihlik
  • Patent number: 9387793
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle lamp. Three lamp units are arranged such that an optical axis of each lamp unit is oriented in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle body. A base of a front lamp unit is fixed to the vehicle body, and bases of a middle lamp unit and a rear lamp unit are provided to be movable in a widthwise direction of the vehicle body. A housing of each of the middle and rear lamp units is suspended on an output shaft of an actuator by an arm. The actuator pivots the output shaft around a horizontal axis and swings the arm around an axis in which is parallel with the optical axes of the middle and rear lamp units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoki Takii
  • Patent number: 9387794
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp autocut apparatus and method are provided. The vehicle lamp autocut method includes acquiring, by a controller, current positional information of a vehicle when a power supply of the vehicle is turned off and detecting whether the vehicle is safe based on the current positional information. In addition, the controller is configured to detect whether a lamp within the vehicle is a turn on state when the vehicle is safe and whether a vehicle state satisfies a lamp turn off condition when the lamp is in the turn on state. The lamp is turned off when the vehicle state satisfies the lamp off condition, thereby preventing a battery of a vehicle from being discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jeong Hee Jeong, Du Hyun Hwang
  • Patent number: 9387795
    Abstract: A headlamp device of a vehicle is configured as follows: A headlamp housing 30 is provided with a shock-absorbing portion 33 which protrudes from the rear wall of the headlamp housing 30 toward the rear of the vehicle, and whose longitudinal section is formed in a U-shape which opens toward the front of the vehicle. The shock-absorbing portion 33 is provided with a lamp mounting foot which protrudes from a posterior wall 33c of the shock-absorbing portion 33 toward the rear of the vehicle, and which has a leading end attached to a vehicle body 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshiki Inamura, Takanobu Toritani, Katsuhiko Takashina, Tadashi Yasui, Yasushi Saeki
  • Patent number: 9387796
    Abstract: Speed of a vehicle is acquired from a speed detecting device, and then a beam switching threshold, according to the acquired speed, of an irradiation direction of a headlight is initially set. When the number of appearance (i.e. frequency of appearance) of a light source in a predetermined time detected by a light source detection means have become the beam switching threshold or more, the headlight is switched to a low beam. When a predetermined time (beam switching prohibition time Tp) has been passed after the irradiation direction of a headlight was switched to the low beam, the irradiation direction of the headlight is switched to a high beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Koji Imaeda
  • Patent number: 9387797
    Abstract: A direction indicator circuit for controlling a direction indicator in a vehicle is provided. The direction indicator circuit may include a first terminal for connecting to a supply voltage terminal; a second terminal for connecting to a lighting means of a direction indicator and to a direction indicator switch; and a third terminal for connecting to a capacitor; wherein the direction indicator circuit is configured to provide the direction indicator with a current during an on state and with no current during an off state, wherein the duration of the on state and the duration of the off state are determined by the size of the capacitor; wherein the capacitor is discharged essentially constantly during the on state, and wherein the capacitor is charged essentially constantly during the off state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Gebhart Dippold, Robert Illing, Albino Pidutti
  • Patent number: 9387798
    Abstract: A system for detection of braking of a vehicle may include a device provided in a first vehicle. The device may be in communication with a detector mounted to the first vehicle to monitor an area in front of the first vehicle. The detector may detect light emitted by the rear lights of a second vehicle when the second vehicle is ahead of the first vehicle in the monitored area. The device may acquire data from the detector and analyze the acquired data in order to detect an optical signal emitted by the rear lights of the second vehicle. The optical signal may encode information indicative of a braking procedure being performed by the second vehicle. The device may evaluate the detected optical signal in order to derive the information indicative of the braking procedure of the second vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Mauderer, Klaus Hubner
  • Patent number: 9387799
    Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a safety sign board system attached to an inner surface of a trunk lid of an automobile comprises an upper case 20 having a space for receiving a safety sign board and attached to the inner surface of the trunk lid of the automobile, a support coupled with a front portion of the upper case via a hinge, and the safety sign board shaped as a triangle, having an upper plate and a lower plate attached to each other, and attached to the support via a bolt. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) or lamps are formed on a surface of the upper plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: Su Il Kang
  • Patent number: 9387800
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus for an AC voltage supply is provided. A rectifier module of the apparatus converts an AC voltage from the AC voltage supply into a rectified supply voltage. A diode cascade of the apparatus has multiple diode cascade sections connected in series and each having an LED. Each diode cascade section has a connectable bypass device for bypassing the diode cascade section. The diode cascade section is in an illuminated state when the bypass device is deactivated and a dark state when the bypass device is activated. A current source module is provided for stabilizing the cascade current through the diode cascade to a setpoint value. At least one diode cascade section has a control device, which has a switching device for converting the detected illuminated state into a switching signal for reducing the setpoint value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: DIEHL AEROSPACE GMBH
    Inventor: Trong Tran
  • Patent number: 9387801
    Abstract: A vehicle driving mode display device judges whether or not a following first condition or a following second condition is satisfied in a case that a vehicle is driven within a tolerance range, and if satisfied, issues a warning. The first condition is a case in which a difference between a standard speed indicated by the running speed pattern and the vehicle speed is gradually widened as time elapses. The second condition is a case in which the vehicle speed exceeds the tolerance range within a predetermined allowable time period when an acceleration at the moment is presumed to be kept.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Horiba, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jungo Okada, Kenichi Goto, Hikaru Asada, Tetsuo Sasaki
  • Patent number: 9387802
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises at least one photoluminescent portion disposed proximate a electrical panel disposed in an engine compartment. A lighting controller is in communication with a lighting device located proximate the engine compartment. The light source configured to emit a first emission to excite the at least one photoluminescent portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Stuart C. Salter
  • Patent number: 9387803
    Abstract: A vehicle back-up assist system that can be set up by the vehicle driver or a spotter and provides a unique visual aid to assist with safely and efficient unloading, loading, or parking a vehicle without requiring assistance from another person. The back-up assist system includes a pair of differently colored portable markers. The markers can be placed near a target location toward which the vehicle is backing. The markers can be positioned for alignment with opposite sides of the vehicle during backing. The markers can be illuminated for better visibility and can include advance features, such as onboard measuring devices and/or lasers, to assist in proper placement of the markers and to provide enhance backing guidance to the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: George Owens
  • Patent number: 9387804
    Abstract: Disclosed is an image distortion compensating apparatus and an operating method thereof. The image distortion compensating apparatus includes an image composing unit, an edge detecting unit, a first straight line calculating unit, an intersection point calculating unit, a parking space generating unit, a parking space setting unit, and a second straight line calculating unit. The apparatus removes or deduces inconsistency that occurs at a boundary between images for channels in an AVM system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Soon Jong Jin
  • Patent number: 9387805
    Abstract: Illustratively, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a vehicle that includes an entrance to an interior compartment. A step assembly is located adjacent the entrance of the vehicle and includes at least one step and at least one riser. The at least one riser is attached to and substantially perpendicular to the at least one step. The step assembly also includes an opening that allows access behind the step assembly. A lid is provided that includes a hinge to allow selective movement of the lid between open and closed positions with respect to the opening in the step assembly. A securement is attached to the underside surface of the lid to hold the lid to the step assembly. This securement, however, does not extend upward from the top surface of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Utilimaster Corporation
    Inventors: Glen R. Helmuth, Paul Rine
  • Patent number: 9387806
    Abstract: The disclosure concerns a truck bed extender for use with a pickup truck. The truck bed extender is configurable in three states: (i) a first state provides for extending a size the enclosed truck bed, (ii) a second state provides a horizontal work surface, and (iii) a third state provides a collapsed storage about the tailgate portion of the pickup truck. Measuring gauges may be embedded or disposed on a surface of the truck bed extender. Additionally, a rectangular cover panel can be implemented for covering a gap disposed between a horizontal surface of the truck bed and the tailgate when extended outwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: Russell John Bzoza
  • Patent number: 9387807
    Abstract: A luggage compartment cover is disclosed for covering a luggage compartment of a vehicle. The luggage compartment cover features a rigid frame configured to be supported on a supporting surface of the vehicle. The luggage compartment cover includes a flexible sheet material fixed on and stretched by the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Horst, Joerg Karger
  • Patent number: 9387808
    Abstract: A removable media tray assembly and method for a vehicle includes a console structure disposed in the vehicle and defining a storage compartment, and a pivoting support tray removably and complementarily received by the console structure to close the storage compartment and provide a horizontal support surface for supporting an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Christian P. Kearney, Nathan F. Franck
  • Patent number: 9387809
    Abstract: A console assembly includes an outer frame having a bin aperture defined therein, wherein an arcuate back wall extends from the bin aperture to within the outer frame. A rotatable bin is disposed in the bin aperture and includes an interior volume accessible through a rim. The rotatable bin is rotationally operable within the bin aperture between a closed position and an open position, wherein at least a portion of the rotatable bin is rotated through the bin aperture and the interior volume of the rotatable bin is accessible from above. A biasing mechanism extends from the arcuate back wall to the rear wall of the rotatable bin. The biasing mechanism includes a constant force spring that biases the rotatable bin toward the open position. A latch/release mechanism retains the rotatable bin in the closed position against a biasing force of the biasing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Simon, Christopher Emery Fesenmyer
  • Patent number: 9387810
    Abstract: A device is removably secured within a vehicle and allows multiple hangers to be properly positioned on the device for clothing transport. The device uses a bar member and a flexible ladder hook with a bar opening that slidably receives the bar member. A series of hook openings are located on the ladder hook above the bar opening. The ladder hook is hooked onto a garment hook via one of the hook openings. An end cap is located on one end of the bar member while a securement cap is located on the opposing end. The securement cap abuts against the roof and possibly a window of the vehicle to add a second point of support for the device when bearing weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: Jerry W Bishop
  • Patent number: 9387811
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing and controlling operation of a dual sided opening roof mount cargo box for a carrying vehicle. A dual sided opening roof mount cargo box is provided and which has a lid portion releasably hinge-connected at two lateral sides to a bottom portion of the cargo box for alternate pivotation at each of the two lateral sides between open and closed configurations. The bottom portion is adapted to be mounted to a carrying vehicle and the lid portion is manufactured from a semi-flexible material sufficiently pliable to permit two opposite end regions thereof to be at different relative distances from the bottom portion of the cargo box during transition between the open and closed configurations. A pair of spring-biased struts are also provided, each operatively interposed between the lid portion and the bottom portion of the cargo box, and one each of the pair of spring-biased struts being located at the two opposite end regions of the cargo box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Mark Viklund, Vincent Bove
  • Patent number: 9387812
    Abstract: A storage apparatus is installed in a vehicle with a flat bed and a tailgate and transforms back and forth between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The storage apparatus includes a container having a bottom panel, side walls, a lateral panel, and a top panel, a frame having a base board, side boards, support posts, slide rails, and bridge planks, and a slide member. The slide member connects the bottom panel of the container to the frame. The frame is fixed to the tailgate of the vehicle. In the collapsed configuration, the container sets on the tailgate or on the flat bed with the tailgate opened or closed. In the expanded configuration, the container cannot set on the tailgate with the tailgate closed, but the container can set on the tailgate with the tailgate opened. Opening the tailgate allows access to the storage space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: Robert J. Bexar
  • Patent number: 9387813
    Abstract: Disclosed herein, in one example, is a device for aggregating networks in a vehicle and serving data, including video data, from those networks to a computer for integrating information from various systems in a vehicle, processing that information, and presenting the information to a user in a suitable format. The device for aggregating networks, in another example, is specific to a vehicle and serving data, including video data, from those networks to computers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Road-IQ, LLC
    Inventors: Mark M. Moeller, Lester Meeks, Rory N. McLeod, Collin J. Topolski, Ilko Dossev, Peter John Whitehead, Jeffery Robert Porter
  • Patent number: 9387814
    Abstract: A vehicle recording device featuring a cylindrical housing having a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion. A video camera, a microphone, and a speaker are each disposed upon a front face of the second cylindrical portion. A play button and a communication port is disposed upon a back face of the first cylindrical portion. A CPU is disposed within the housing. Each of the video camera, the microphone, the speaker, the play button, and the communication port are in operational communication. A concealment cap having an inner cavity is configured to fit each of the front face and a first portion of a second outer perimeter within the inner cavity, forming a closed configuration. The concealment cap has at least one obround cutout configured to reflect a sound wave into the inner cavity of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: William Cintron, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9387815
    Abstract: A multi-panel cover includes end panels that connect first and second lateral panels. The lateral panels seat against the tailgate assembly of a truck body and are maintained in position by magnets incorporated into a lateral panel along the edges and between the side panels to form a pocket to collect debris that may otherwise escape through or around the tailgate of the vehicle. A peripheral sealing material such as an elastic cord or hook and loop seal may be positioned around the tailgate gap to augment sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventors: Kevin Goldstein, Joseph D. Cassese
  • Patent number: 9387816
    Abstract: A wire harness includes a conductive path and a route holding portion that holds a route of the conductive path. The route holding portion has a cylindrical shape and is comprised of a watercrosslinkable fixing member or a photocrosslinkable fixing member having elastic so that the route holding portion is elastically deformed at least in a radial direction thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Eiichi Toyama
  • Patent number: 9387817
    Abstract: A motor vehicle used sealed transmission cable, including at least one or more transmission cables, and a sealing component. The cable has a first connector and a second connector set at two ends of a transmission line. The sealing component has a first sealing component. The central axis of the first sealing component is set with a lashing eye for the setting and positioning of the first connector, and is extended to a first skirt section in an axial direction at the outer circumferential surface, which forms the interior of the first socket mouth. The first buckling part is set at the inner peripheral surface of the first socket mouth in a radial direction. Additionally, inside the first skirt section, a projection part is connected in an axial direction for passing through of all transmission lines. Inside of the projection section, cladding pipe is set for piercing and cladding of all transmission lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: Hsu-Cheng Cheng
  • Patent number: 9387818
    Abstract: A harness exterior protector basically includes: a synthetic-resin-made flat bellows tube portion; and a flat straight tube portion integrally continued to the flat bellows tube portion. A round bellows tube portion may be provided instead of the flat bellows tube portion. A round straight tube portion may be provided instead of the flat straight tube portion. Preferably, an inner peripheral surface of the bellows tube portion and an inner peripheral surface of the straight tube portion are continued straight to each other without difference in level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Masahisa Sugimoto, Mitsuharu Nagahashi
  • Patent number: 9387819
    Abstract: A method and a device for controlling a seat belt device, which is connected to a seat belt, of a vehicle with a collision detection unit having sensor units for detecting an imminent collision with a collision object external to the vehicle includes classifying the collision object in terms of an object class and a weight class with an object identification unit, determining a value for an accident severity of the imminent collision at least from the object class, the weight class and the speed of the collision object, and from the speed and the mass of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Franz Fürst
  • Patent number: 9387820
    Abstract: A lining part for mounting on a vehicle body part with an airbag module, wherein the lining part includes a support part, fabric part, and protection layer. The support part has a base body with an airbag depolyment opening therein. The base body includes a deployment channel wall extending from a first edge region to a second edge region. The fabric part includes a cover section extends partially over the deployment opening leaving an opening strip free up to a distance to the second edge region. The protective layer covers the deployment opening and is situated on a first surface of the fabric part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Faurecia Innenraum Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Jordan, Reiner Lillig, Dieter Löper
  • Patent number: 9387821
    Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to an airbag lid defining a surface configured to cover a portion of an airbag prior to deployment. The airbag lid can be separated from a hinge side portion and a pillar side portion of an outer fringe by a seam that can tear and thereby separate the airbag lid from the hinge side portion and the pillar side portion of the outer fringe upon airbag deployment. The airbag lid includes a hinge portion disposed adjacent a hinge side edge of the airbag lid assembly, the hinge portion remaining attached to a window frame of a vehicle subsequent to airbag deployment. The hinge portion can include a hinge that is configured to enable the airbag lid to bend about the hinge, such that a portion of the airbag lid at an interior side of the hinge is maneuvered away from the structural pillar upon airbag deployment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nathaniel Robert Saunders, Donald W. Jackson, Murthy Ayyagari
  • Patent number: 9387822
    Abstract: An airbag device includes an inflator, an airbag, a holding member, and a gas rectifying member. The holding member has an opening to be formed at least when the airbag initiates to inflate. The holding member restricts the inflation of the airbag toward its outer periphery until the middle of the deployment of the airbag. The gas rectifying member restricts a flow of a gas toward an occupant and has an outlet port that discharges the gas toward the outer periphery of the airbag. When the airbag inflates, the gas rectifying member projects toward the occupant through the opening of the holding member, and the gas of the inflator causes the gas rectifying member to inflate until at least part of the outlet port is located at the occupant side beyond the opening of the holding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Ashimori Industry Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Junya Iida
  • Patent number: 9387823
    Abstract: A pedestrian air-bag for a vehicle may include a housing coupled to a lower end surface of a windshield side of a hood of the vehicle and having a cut line formed at an upper portion of a rear surface in the housing, and a hinge part formed at a lower portion, wherein the cut line and the hinge part forms an air-bag door, an air-bag module embedded in the housing, and a thermal damage preventing cover spaced apart from a lower portion of the housing, wherein the thermal damage preventing cover covers a lower surface and a front surface of the housing, and includes a rear end portion supporting the hinge part of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jae Ho Choi, Jae Haeng Yoo, Sung Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 9387824
    Abstract: A system and method for a vehicle includes a user identification subsystem operable to detect an individual proximate to the vehicle and a display subsystem operable to generate output for display on a vehicle window in response to detection the. The system and method distinguish between authenticated and non-authenticated vehicle users and, in the event of a non-authenticated user, display the image on the display along with an optional printed and/or audible warning. If both an authenticated and non-authenticated user are identified, the system displays both images along with an optional warning. The images along with the vehicle coordinates and date and time information can be transmitted remotely from the vehicle to a pre-defined contact list. The system and method allow for a camera mode to enable an authenticated user to use the image sensor on the vehicle to take a photograph or video.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventors: James T. Pisz, Jason A. Schulz, Yifan Jiang
  • Patent number: 9387825
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wiping device, in particular a wiping device for a motor vehicle pane, comprising a retaining unit (10a-10e) that has a retaining element (12a-12e) with a longitudinal guide channel (14a-14e) for guiding a spring element (16a-16e), and comprising a spoiler unit (22a-22e). According to the invention, the spoiler unit (22a-22e) lies at least partially at the side of the retaining element (12a-12e) in the region of the longitudinal guide channel (14a-14e).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Koen Bex, Helmut Depondt, Dirk Herinckx
  • Patent number: 9387826
    Abstract: Wiper blade for a surface of double curvature type, the said wiper blade including a flexible longitudinal wiper and means for exerting a bearing force at at least one point of the said wiper along a direction Z mainly normal to the surface, also including a longitudinal 15 part, attached to the wiper at several points, and means to vary over time and in at least one segment of the longitudinal rod the rigidity in bending of this longitudinal rod in a plane XZ normal to the surface between previously chosen values. The longitudinal part is a metallic blade where the inertias on the two axes of its section are very different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations S.A.S.
    Inventors: Patrick Lieven, Pascal Chaumel