Patents Issued in January 12, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170008559
    Abstract: Trailer guidance systems require sensors for detecting the hitch angle and the turning radius and output means for displaying the intended trailer destination. However, most vehicles do not have integral turning sensors and most trailers and/or hitches do not have integral hitch angle sensors. The present invention is a system for guiding a trailer while backing that can easily be installed or removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Daniel Robert Shepard
  • Publication number: 20170008560
    Abstract: A backup assist system for a vehicle reversing a trailer includes a hitch angle sensor providing a measured hitch angle of the trailer. The system also includes a controller determining a position of the measured hitch angle in relation to an unknown jackknife angle by monitoring a predetermined dynamic hitch angle characteristic derived from the measured hitch angle for a corresponding jackknife indicating characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Christos Kyrtsos, Erick Michael Lavoie
  • Publication number: 20170008561
    Abstract: A driving support device for a vehicle includes a hand-off determination unit configured to determine whether or not a specific condition is satisfied, the specific condition being a condition that a steering wheel is regarded as not being operated by a driver, a support interruption unit configured to interrupt a lane departure prevention support control when the hand-off determination unit determines that the specific condition is satisfied, a vehicle speed detection unit configured to detect a vehicle speed, and a vehicle speed response processing unit configured to control whether the support interruption unit interrupts the lane departure prevention support control based on the vehicle speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hidenobu KINUGASA, Yuji OKUDA
  • Publication number: 20170008562
    Abstract: A system for autonomously navigating a vehicle along a road segment is disclosed. The system may have at least one processor. The processor may be programmed to receive from an image capture device at least one image representative of an environment of the vehicle. The processor may also be programmed to analyze the at least one image to identify at least one recognized landmark. Further, the processor may be programmed to determine a current location of the vehicle relative to a predetermined road model trajectory associated with the road segment based, at least in part, on a predetermined location of the recognized landmark. In addition, the processor may be programmed to determine an autonomous steering action for the vehicle based on a direction of the predetermined road model trajectory at the determined current location of the vehicle relative to the predetermined road model trajectory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Amnon SHASHUA, Yoram GDALYAHU, Ofer SPRINGER, Aran REISMAN, Daniel BRAUNSTEIN
  • Publication number: 20170008563
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for steering a car/trailer combination comprising a vehicle and at least one trailer, in which a mobile display unit is used for representing at least a part of the car/trailer combination and wherein the mobile display unit is in contact with the vehicle via a wireless connection and is used for monitoring the driving functions of the vehicle, and wherein at least one orientation aid is depicted on the mobile display unit. The present invention further relates to a corresponding device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Markus POPKEN, Michael GRAEFF, Michael LUEBCKE
  • Publication number: 20170008564
    Abstract: A mounting bolt for a sub-frame is disclosed. A mounting bolt for a sub-frame that is configured to a sub-frame to a front side member of a vehicle according to one or a plurality of exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include a bolt body that is inserted into a through-hole of a mounting bracket that is fixed to the front side member and joined to the mounting bracket through a head portion, and a support body that has a cylindrical shape, is friction-welded to a center of an upper surface of a head portion of the bolt body along one line, and of which an upper end is joined to the front side member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Kisung NAM, Jeong Jae Hwang, Mun Yong Lee
  • Publication number: 20170008565
    Abstract: A joining structure of a vehicle frame that includes: a vehicle frame including a tubular first frame and a second frame, the first frame being formed in a closed cross section shape by extrusion molding of a lightweight metal, the second frame being formed in an open cross section shape of which one side is open by die-casting of a lightweight metal, and the second frame being superposed with the first frame in a state of contact therewith; a slit portion formed in the second frame, the slit portion extending along a marginal edge portion at an opening direction side of the second frame; a first welded portion structured by welding the marginal edge portion of the second frame to the first frame; and a second welded portion structured by welding a periphery edge portion of the slit portion to the first frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Soshiro Murata, Takashi Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20170008566
    Abstract: A vehicle storage compartment assembly has a bottom wall, a first and second upright walls and a top wall. The first upright wall, the second upright wall and the top wall are each formed with a breakaway structure. A first section is defined on a first side and a second section is defined on a second side of the breakaway structure. The bottom wall extends from the first section to the second section in the absence of the breakaway structure. The first section, the second section and the bottom wall define a storage space. The breakaway structure is configured such that in response to one of the first section and the second section receiving an impacting force the breakaway structure breaks separating the first section from the second section along the first upright wall, the second upright wall and the top wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Joshua WILLERTON, Aaron ANDERSEN, Thomas MALLY, Nicholas BEE, Brandon SAKOFSKE
  • Publication number: 20170008567
    Abstract: According to the present invention, the door pillar is manufactured in such a way that the mold, into which polymethyl methacrylate has been injected, is divided into several sections and the respective sections of the mold are cooled at different temperatures, and accordingly, a painting process is not needed. As a result, the process of manufacturing the door pillar is simplified, and the door pillar can be manufactured in an environmentally friendly way without the emission of environmental pollutants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Kl IL KIM
  • Publication number: 20170008568
    Abstract: A motor vehicle column and a method for production of the motor vehicle column are disclosed, wherein in the motor vehicle column a reinforcement sheet having an inwardly oriented bead is arranged and the reinforcement sheet has an inwardly oriented bead. The reinforcement sheet contacts the outer sheet in at least two sections viewed in cross section so as to form a double layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: BENTELER AUTOMOBILTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Magnus Heitkamp, Achim Kröning
  • Publication number: 20170008569
    Abstract: A holder (1) for a shock-absorber element, in particular for a suspension strut of a motor vehicle. The holder has a supporting mounting (7) for the shock-absorber element. The holder (1) and the supporting mounting (7) are made integrally with one another as an organic sheet component (1a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Peter HOFMANN, Matthias MOELLER
  • Publication number: 20170008570
    Abstract: A motor vehicle body includes a side member and with an at least two-shell wheelhouse supported against the latter. An upper wheelhouse shell and a lower wheelhouse shell at least regionally overlap each other and are joined together. Each wheelhouse shell exhibits a passage opening for arranging a strut mount toward the top in the vehicle vertical direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Udo MILDNER, Jose Sousa DIAS, Lothar TESKE
  • Publication number: 20170008571
    Abstract: A protective flooring system for a vehicle having a base structure such as a hull or frame and a floor, using a plurality of controllable fluid energy absorbers connected between the floor and base structure for attenuating forces transmitted there between as a function of a control signal applied to the energy absorber. The floor may be suspended or supported above the body, and in either case the energy absorber may be pre-biased by a spring or means of activating the controllable fluid. The energy absorbers may be attached in the manner of a Stewart platform: along the perimeter of the floor by ball-and-socket-joints to provide multi-axis damping. In another embodiment, the protective flooring system comprises a plurality of resilient bladders sandwiched between the floor and overlying tiles, each bladder being filled with controllable fluid in fluid communication with one or more flow valve(s) which can activate the controllable fluid to provide a controllable fluid damping characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Gregory Hiemenz
  • Publication number: 20170008572
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an underbody manufacturing method and a vehicle underbody. The method includes determining dimensions for the vehicle underbody and underbody panels, selecting the underbody panels, putting the underbody panels in a stamping die for stamping to form concave and convex parts on the underbody panels, welding the stamped underbody panels to splice the underbody in the length direction and/or the width direction, so as to make the underbody reach the determined length and width. Underbodies with various dimensions can be formed using the same stamping die, and accordingly, die cost is saved and vehicle development time is shortened, which provides convenience for diversified body designs on the whole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: Thunder Power Hong Kong Ltd.
    Inventor: Tai-Te Wu
  • Publication number: 20170008573
    Abstract: Mechanical properties, in particular torsional rigidity and absorbed energy properties in axial crushing, of a joint structure body including a joint formed by joining members are further improved. Provided is a first member, a second member, an end of the second member being thrust against a surface of the first member, and a joint that joins the first member and the second member are included. The joint includes an end flange that is formed continuously along the end of the second member and of which at least one part overlaps the surface of the first member and a unit joint that joins the end flange and the first member. The end flange is formed continuously to at least one part of the end of the second member via a rising curved surface portion and the rising curved surface portion includes a wall-thickened portion of which a sheet thickness is made larger than a sheet thickness of the second member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: NIPPON STEEL & SUMITOMO METAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenichiro OTSUKA, Hiroki FUJIMOTO, Yoshiaki NAKAZAWA, Masanori YASUYAMA
  • Publication number: 20170008574
    Abstract: A floor module is provided for installation in the rear area of a motor vehicle. A rear area of the floor module facing the tail of the vehicle includes a first plastic composition, and a front area facing away from the tail includes a second plastic composition, wherein the first plastic composition imparts a higher elastic deformability to the rear area than to the front area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Udo MILDNER, Lothar TESKE
  • Publication number: 20170008575
    Abstract: A cargo containment body with movable wall panels that always remain substantially parallel to a vertical side of the cargo containment body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Dane Jennison, Bryce White
  • Publication number: 20170008576
    Abstract: A trailer (10) and a side skirt (19), each comprising an integrated arrangement (60, 70, 80) for reducing air drag, are provided. Each arrangement (60, 70, 80) comprises means for receiving air (60) comprising at least one air inlet (6), means for ejecting air (70) comprising at least one air outlet (7) facing downwards. The means for ejecting air (70) are arranged along a lower edge (11) of the trailer cargo housing (16) and side skirt (19) respectively. The arrangement also comprises means for conveying air (80) comprising at least one air duct (8). The means for conveying air (80) extend between the air receiving means (60) and the air ejecting means (70). The arrangement (60, 70, 80) is configured to produce a screen of air from the lower edge (11) and downwards during travel. The air screen prevents air, especially side wind, from entering the undercarriage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Andreas PETERSSON
  • Publication number: 20170008577
    Abstract: A bluff body adaptive wake reduction system includes a series of fairings mounted to outer surfaces of the aft end of the road vehicle. The fairings are streamlined in geometry with an outer surface, a partially hallow core, and with a rear end surface curved such that left and right hand sides are convergent behind the vehicle. The fairings are coupled to at least one ram air inlet and also include at least one blown slot positioned on the rear end of the fairings enabling air flow to exit the fairings tangent to the rear end surface of the fairings. Air flow enters the system through the ram air inlets and exits through the blown slots. Air flow exiting the blown slots promotes flow traveling over the outer surface to remain attached to the outer surface and thus to the rear end surface. The rear end surface then deflects air flow to follow a convergent trajectory behind the vehicle in such a fashion as to reduce the size of the wake, and as a result reduce the aerodynamic drag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: PAUL VASILESCU
  • Publication number: 20170008578
    Abstract: An track chain may comprise a first chain portion and a second chain portion each having a plurality of track links, and a plurality of joints interconnecting opposing track links of the first chain portion and the second chain portion. Each of the joints may include a bushing received by the opposing track links and the bushing may define a bore. Each of the joints may further include a pin received through the bore of the bushing, and the pin may have an outer diameter with at least one crowned region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Timothy Thorson, Robert Meyer
  • Publication number: 20170008579
    Abstract: Technology is provided for a self-balancing robot that transitions from a three-wheeled mode to a two-wheeled self-balancing mode. The robot includes a body and a pair of drive wheels located at a first end portion of the body. Each drive wheel is coupled to a drive assembly operative to propel the robot along a surface. A third wheel is located on the body at a second end portion opposite the first end portion. A main arm is coupled to the body, wherein the main arm is rotatable to confront the surface and lift the third wheel away from the surface, thereby standing the body up onto the pair of drive wheels in preparation for self-balancing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Scott C. Wiley
  • Publication number: 20170008580
    Abstract: Vehicles are disclosed which have a lower center of gravity than existing all-terrain, amphibious, and unmanned ground vehicles due to the location of propulsion units and other vehicle components inside the wheels of the vehicle. The vehicles can climb over large obstacles yet are also able to corner at high speeds. The vehicles can be configured for direct manual operation or operation by remote control, and can also be configured for a wide variety of missions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Benjamin Meager
  • Publication number: 20170008581
    Abstract: A semi-trailer includes first and second main beams that extend parallel to a longitudinal axis. A left side rail extends parallel to the longitudinal axis and defines a left lateral side of the trailer, and a right side rail extends parallel to the longitudinal axis and defines a right lateral side of the trailer. A cargo platform extends between the left side rail and right side rails. A kingpin is located at a forward end of the trailer and is adapted to be engaged by a fifth-wheel of an associated vehicle for towing the trailer. An axle assembly is located at a rear end of the trailer and is connected to the first and second main beams. The axle assembly includes at least one left and at least one right rotatable wheel and tire assembly for movably supporting the trailer on a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: East Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Howard D. Booher, Derek Davies
  • Publication number: 20170008582
    Abstract: An apparatus (14) and a method, for interchanging clamping frames (6-9) at an assembly station (2) for vehicle body parts, includes a storage device (15) for the clamping frames (6-9). The storage device (15) is provided with a plurality of controlled, rotatable frame magazines (16-19) and a frame conveyor (25) and an additional parallel frame transporter (31) which allow the clamping frames (6-9) to be conveyed in parallel between the frame magazines (16-19) and a workplace (10) in the assembly station (2). The clamping frames (6-9) are securely accommodated on the frame magazines (16-19).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Per-Olaf BROCKHOFF, Marius JAKOB
  • Publication number: 20170008583
    Abstract: A stand for securely parking a wheeled vehicle, particularly a bicycle, motorcycle, motor scooter or the like, is itself provided with a locking mechanism for locking the vehicle relative to the stand. This conveniently obviates the need for a vehicle owner to carry his own locking devices and related equipment, such as chains and cables, all of which can be cumbersome and heavy. The stand uses cable-actuated latch mechanisms to either provide the locking functionality directly or as a mechanism for securely retaining a cable or chain provided as part of the stand in a locking state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Robert Steinman, Simon Turgeon
  • Publication number: 20170008584
    Abstract: A seat post for a bicycle comprises a post body having a first end shaped to be connected to a bicycle frame, a second end shaped to be connected to a saddle, at least two longitudinal portions meshing with each other and slidable relative to one another along a longitudinal extension, and a fixing apparatus by which the two longitudinal portions can be fixed to one another in a settable relative position, the fixing apparatus being influenced to selectively fix and unfix by a radio signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Peter Butora, JĂĽrgen Beier, Reiner KĂĽnstle, Florian Koller, Christoph Kern
  • Publication number: 20170008585
    Abstract: A tandem grip unit includes a pair of left and right tandem grips. Each of the tandem grips in turn includes a to-be-supported portion supported by a vehicle frame structure, a grip portion to be grasped by a fellow passenger, a bag fitting portion to which a pannier bag is fitted, and a casing fitting portion to which a top casing is fitted, all of those elements being formed integrally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Wada, Takahiro Kokubo, Kaoru Kouchi, Hidefumi Yasuhara
  • Publication number: 20170008586
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a self-supporting rear splash guard (22, 122, 222) for a bicycle, the bicycle having a seat arrangement (2) comprising a seat (4), a support system (6) and a seat post (8), the seat (4) being connectable to the seat post (8) by means of the support system (6). The splash guard comprises a front portion (24, 124, 224), a central portion (26, 126, 226) and a rear portion (28, 128, 228). The front portion of the splash guard is adapted to extend over the seat post and to engage with the support system in front of the seat post, when the splash guard is mounted in the seat arrangement. The disclosure further relates to a method for mounting a splash guard (22, 122, 222) to a seat arrangement (2) of a bicycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Petter DANIELSON
  • Publication number: 20170008587
    Abstract: A motorcycle fairing support member and assembly and method of supporting a motorcycle fairing are disclosed. The fairing support member includes a central portion extending laterally when mounted on a motorcycle and having a first end, a second end, and a central coupling portion configured to couple the fairing support member to a fairing bracket of the motorcycle. A first support portion is disposed at the first end of the central portion and extends to support a motorcycle fairing. A second support portion is disposed at the second end of the central portion and extends to support the motorcycle fairing. The central portion, first support portion, and second support portion are configured to be concealed by the motorcycle fairing when the motorcycle fairing support member is mounted on the motorcycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Paul Yaffe
  • Publication number: 20170008588
    Abstract: A motorcycle fairing adjustment assembly, a motorcycle fairing adjustment member, and a method of adjusting a motorcycle fairing are disclosed. The motorcycle fairing adjustment member includes an outer side configured for mounting to an inner fairing member of a motorcycle, an inner side configured for mounting to a fairing bracket extending longitudinally forward from a neck portion of a motorcycle frame, and an adjustment angle formed by the outer side and the inner side. The adjustment angle adjusts an angle of the inner fairing member relative to the motorcycle frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Paul Yaffe
  • Publication number: 20170008589
    Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle or scooter includes a least one swivel caster wheel supported at the rear of the scooter. The scooter has a body that includes a deck and a handlebar assembly. The scooter includes at least one front wheel with the deck extending between the at least one front wheel and the at least one swivel wheel. The scooter can also include an angled rear portion supporting a rear swivel caster wheel such that the pivot axis of the swivel wheel is inclined with respect to the top surface of the deck. Embodiments of the scooter also include a swivel braking assembly configured to apply a braking force to the at least one swivel wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Chen
  • Publication number: 20170008590
    Abstract: A self-balancing transportation device is disclosed. The device comprises: a chassis; a drive arrangement adapted to move the transportation device; a balance control system adapted to maintain fore-aft balance of the transportation device; at least one support platform for supporting a load for transportation; and a coupling arrangement configured to couple the at least one support platform to the chassis. The coupling arrangement is adapted to allow the at least one support platform to move relative to the chassis in response to horizontal acceleration or deceleration of the transportation device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Timur Artemev
  • Publication number: 20170008591
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some implementations a motorized tricycle includes a lean mechanism and an active system that is operably coupled to the lean mechanism that receives an signal indicative of an interaction with human, that is operable to detect a lean of the body of the human and that is operable to receive a sensed movement on the seat via multisensory devices, and to generate and send a signal to the lean mechanism from the signal, the lean and the sensed movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: TERRACRAFT MOTORS INC.
    Inventors: James Wesley Abbott, Bailey H. Jones
  • Publication number: 20170008592
    Abstract: A scooter having a handlebar assembly that includes a vertical portion supporting a handlebar. The vertical portion includes an opening at its top end and the opening is configured to receive an elongate portion of a toy. The assembly also includes a ring portion at the opening of the vertical portion and the ring portion frictionally engages the elongate portion of the toy. The vertical portion and the ring portion are configured to securely support the elongate portion of the toy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Ian Desberg
  • Publication number: 20170008593
    Abstract: A usage detection system for a self-balancing powered unicycle is disclosed. The usage detection system is adapted to detect an indication of intended usage from a user and to provide an indication of intended usage. The indication of intended usage comprises manipulation of the overall unicycle device resulting from preparatory action taken by the user prior to the onset of the intended usage. Operation of the powered unicycle may thus be controlled based on an indication of intended usage from the usage detection system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Timur Artemev
  • Publication number: 20170008594
    Abstract: A powered unicycle device, comprising: a single wheel; a motor adapted to drive the wheel; a balance control system adapted to maintain fore-aft balance of the unicycle device by controlling the motor; at least one foot platform for supporting a user of the unicycle device; and a casing comprising at least two casing portions adapted to be movable between a closed configuration, in which the outer rim of the wheel is substantially covered, and an open configuration, in which at least a portion of the outer rim of the wheel is exposed for contacting a ground surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Timur Artemev
  • Publication number: 20170008595
    Abstract: An adjustable bicycle frame for change in the riding modes is provided with a bottom bracket secured to pedals; a seat tube extending upward out of the bottom bracket; a chain stay extending rearward out of the bottom bracket and the seat tube; a rear wheel rotatably secured to the chain stay and contacting the ground; a head tube with a stem pivotably secured thereto; a fork pivotably secured to the head tube and extending downward; a front wheel rotatably secured to the fork stay and contacting the ground; a rearward inclined telescopic tubing including first and second tubes. After changing length of the telescopic tubing, a length between the front wheel and the rear wheel is changed, an inclined angle of the seat tube is changed, and an inclined angle of the head tube is changed coherently, thereby implementing a racing mode or a slow, urban riding mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Hung-Chang CHAO
  • Publication number: 20170008596
    Abstract: A bicycle includes a frame, a suspension assembly and a steering assembly. The frame includes a head tube that rotatably receives a front fork assembly. A steerer tube extends axially away from a fork crown of the front fork assembly. The suspension assembly includes an upper tubular support longitudinally slidable relative to a lower tubular support. The upper and lower supports receive a first positive biasing means and a first negative biasing means. The lower and upper supports are respectively connected to the steerer tube and a stem of the steering assembly such that the upper support slides longitudinally relative to the lower support adjacent the stem and above the fork crown.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher P. D'Aluisio, Jean-Luc Callahan, Tyler Kraus, Conner Swarthout
  • Publication number: 20170008597
    Abstract: A rotatable stem assembly for a bicycle is provided. The assembly includes: a tubular sleeve configured to fit over a steerer tube of the bicycle, an outer surface of the sleeve having a plurality of first splines and first channels; and a stem including a first bore for receiving the sleeve, the first bore having an inner surface with a plurality of second splines and second channels configured for mating engagement with the plurality of first splines and first channels; wherein the first and second splines and channels are matingly engageable in a riding configuration and in a storage configuration, wherein in the riding configuration the stem relative to the sleeve is rotationally perpendicular with the stem relative to the sleeve in the storage configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Adam SIME
  • Publication number: 20170008598
    Abstract: A bicycle handlebar assembly including a stem extension and a handlebar cross member, a pair of steering bars affixed perpendicular to the handlebar cross member, and a pair of forearm supports affixed to the handlebar cross member in proximity with the steering bars. The gear shifting and brake controls are placed at the forward ends of the two steering bars. An embodiment of the invention would allow this handlebar assembly to be raised or lowered as the rider desires, to provide raised comfort position and a lowered aerodynamic position. The forearm supports and steering bars provide comfort and control to the rider not provided by typical handlebars. Alternatively the pair of steering bars could be replaced with a single closed steering bar circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Bernard E. Brown
  • Publication number: 20170008599
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device includes a bicycle component positioning unit that basically includes a positioning structure and a maintaining member. The positioning structure is configured to be movable in a first direction and a second direction that is opposite the first direction. The maintaining member is configured to move between a first position that maintains the positioning structure in one of a plurality of predetermined positions and a second position that releases the positioning structure to move to another one of the predetermined positions. The maintaining member contacts the positioning structure. The positioning structure and the maintaining member are configured such that the maintaining member applies a rotating force on the positioning structure in the first direction as the maintaining member moves from the second position to the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Kentaro KOSAKA, Yoshimitsu MIKI, Kazunori OKUBO
  • Publication number: 20170008600
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an ABS unit attachment structure including: a floating bracket which is fixed to a vehicle body frame via a vibration absorbing member; an ABS unit attached to a first attachment surface of the floating bracket; and a weight attached to a second attachment surface of the floating bracket, and a motorcycle including the ABS unit attachment structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuji KITAGAWA
  • Publication number: 20170008601
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid bicycle that is driven by means of muscle power and electrical energy, in particular a series hybrid bicycle comprising a generator whose torque can be set by means of a control device and dependent upon the construction is limited to a maximum generator torque, and also pedals that are connected to the generator so as to apply a pedal torque to the generator by means of a rider so as to drive the generator, and also a drive motor that is connected to a drive wheel of the bicycle so as to drive the drive wheel, and also a battery for supplying the drive motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas ZENNER, Thomas BIRKENBEIL
  • Publication number: 20170008602
    Abstract: An inflatable dinghy includes a drop stitch inflatable floor made of high pressure drop stitch material; port and starboard drop stitch inflatable sides made of high-pressure drop stitch material attached at outside edges of the drop stitch inflatable floor, respectively; a rigid bow mold attached to the drop stitch inflatable floor and drop stitch inflatable sides; and a rigid stern transom attached to the drop stitch inflatable floor and drop stitch inflatable sides. The inflatable dinghy includes only three separate air compartments including the drop stitch inflatable floor and the drop stitch inflatable sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: SEA EAGLE BOATS, INC.
    Inventor: Cecil C. Hoge, JR.
  • Publication number: 20170008603
    Abstract: A pontoon watercraft having two pontoons in parallel relationship there being a frame and deck disposed there between, the pontoons being octagonal in cross section having planar lower surfaces to decrease the amount of draft required, the pontoons being segmented with interior bulkheads to insure that the integrity of the pontoon is maintained even if a puncture occurs which would flood one of the segments, the design of the pontoon structure allowing for a larger deck surface and hence more availability for load, be it cargo or individuals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Michael Migliorisi
  • Publication number: 20170008604
    Abstract: This document presents a multiple alert and deterrent device that may be used in underwater environments to present visual and audio signals to alert other divers, and simultaneously generate a voltage that serves as a deterrent to sharks. The activation of all alert and deterrent components occurs simultaneously when a user activates the device. Device activation may occur as the result of a user selection, or may be configured to occur automatically when a user removes the device from a connection to the user's clothing or any equipment associated with the user to which the device is attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: David Buster
  • Publication number: 20170008605
    Abstract: A rudder mechanism for a marine vessel comprising of rudder that contains a first water flow surface essentially in planar form and an opposite second water flow surface essentially in planar form; a vertical rudder shaft that the rudder is linked by rotation around an axis that essentially extends perpendicular to the water flow surfaces of said rudder; and a drive mechanism for rotating the rudder around said axis. The rudder mechanism contains a rudder slot comprising the vertical rudder shaft and extending from the top section of the rudder towards the bottom section, wherein the rotatable link of the rudder and the vertical rudder shaft is essentially located close to the bottom of said rudder slot and is essentially linked to the vertical rudder shaft of said drive mechanism in such manner to exert force in the radial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Mehmet Nevres Ulgen
  • Publication number: 20170008606
    Abstract: An outboard motor includes an engine, a power generator including a rotor and a stator, a convertor, and an engine cover configured to cover the engine and the power generator. The rotor includes a permanent magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Jun NOGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20170008607
    Abstract: A fuselage structure includes a pressure bulkhead and a frame being arranged behind the pressure bulkhead. The fuselage structure includes a first beam element with a first cantilever and a second cantilever, while the first beam element extends in a vertical direction of the fuselage structure. The first cantilever and the second cantilever protrude from the first beam element in a first direction toward the frame. The first direction of both cantilevers is inclined at a first angle with respect to a longitudinal direction of the fuselage structure. An aircraft with a fuselage structure and a method for manufacturing a fuselage structure are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Eilken, Memis Tiryaki, Anton Arosenko
  • Publication number: 20170008608
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to an aircraft having an interior door with a self-adjusting door jamb. The self-adjusting door jamb includes a door jamb configured to receive the interior door and a bias mechanism coupled to the door jamb and facilitating movement of the door jamb along an axis. Additionally, an angular translating mechanism coupled to the bias mechanism and facilitating angular displacement of the door jamb relative to the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Robert J. Telmos