Patents Issued in November 30, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170341517
    Abstract: In a control apparatus mounted in a vehicle and configured to control a power supply system, a power generation controller is configured to operate an alternator such that a charge level of a second rechargeable battery becomes a target charge level. A target charge level setter is configured to variably set the target charge level of the second rechargeable battery based on changes in state quantity correlated with at least one of a charge state and a discharge state of the second rechargeable battery. A limiter is configured to, if there is a change in the state quantity and if a prescribed permission condition is not met, limit the operation of the alternator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshinori MORITA
  • Publication number: 20170341518
    Abstract: A method of regenerative braking includes providing an electric motor including at least one stator and a rotor, a speed of the rotor, a motor controller that regulates a current level in the stator winding, a power inverter which controls an energy flow to the stator terminal, and an energy storage system (ESS) which exchanges energy with the motor. A battery management circuit is between the power inverter and the ESS, and a processor has an associated memory storing a regenerative braking (RB) algorithm. The RB algorithm during braking causes the motor controller to execute determining an RB torque value from the rotor speed that maximizes regenerative braking current, and the power inverter is used to redirect the RB current to maximize a power transfer from the motor to the ESS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Aravind Samba Murthy, David Patrick Magee
  • Publication number: 20170341519
    Abstract: A wireless charging system, such as one used to charge electric vehicles, includes a number of charging stations. As a vehicle approaches the charging stations it transmits a signal commanding all of the charging station to transmit a magnetic station identification signal, each having a unique pulse pattern, through its source coil. The vehicle will then receive an identification signals from one particular charging station through the vehicle's capture coil and based on the unique pulse pattern of the identification signal received, transmit another signal instructing that particular charging station to begin generating a charging signal and instruct the other charging stations to stop transmitting their identification signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Ely, Gregory N. Simopoulos, Chenghui F. Hao
  • Publication number: 20170341520
    Abstract: A battery management system for a vehicle includes a controller programmed to charge a battery at a predetermined charge current. The controller activates an electrical load to discharge the battery for a predetermined time in response to a charge current of the battery becoming less than the predetermined charge current at a predetermined voltage limit. After discharging for the predetermined time, the controller resumes charging at the predetermined charge current. A current magnitude during the discharge and the predetermined time may be based on factors including the predetermined charge rate, a battery temperature, and a charge current magnitude during charging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Xiaoguang CHANG, Szushen HO, Xu WANG, Chuan HE
  • Publication number: 20170341521
    Abstract: A power converter for a railway vehicle includes a power converter body configured to be installed on the railway vehicle; a first radiating fin unit arranged on a front side on the power converter body for dissipating heat from the power converter body; a second radiating fin unit arranged on the power converter body on a rear side for dissipating heat from the power converter body; and an air duct that takes in air from a region other than regions in which the first and second radiating fin units are disposed while the railway vehicle is moving, the air duct extending into a fin separation space that is defined as a space between the first radiating fin unit and the second radiating fin unit so as to guide air that is taken in into the fin separation space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kimihisa KANEKO, Yoshihisa UEHARA
  • Publication number: 20170341522
    Abstract: A charging device is disclosed for charging an accumulator of a vehicle from a source of electrical energy, the charging device being configured to be integrated into the vehicle. The charging device includes at least two power units connectable to available phases of the source of electrical energy, the power units having at least partly same kind of power electronics of switched-mode technology to operate the power units, and structure for cooling the power electronics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: AALTO UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Jukka ANTTONEN, Matias MÄENPÄÄ
  • Publication number: 20170341523
    Abstract: A charge cable lock device is for use with an inlet that includes an inlet housing. A charge cable including a rocking arm with a hooking portion is connected in a removable manner to the inlet. The charge cable lock device includes a lock member, a lock housing, and a fixing pin. The lock member is movable to a lock position and an unlock position and configured to contact the rocking arm to restrict disengagement of the hooking portion of the rocking arm from the inlet when the lock member is located at the lock position. The lock housing supports the lock member. The fixing pin is configured to be inserted into the lock housing and the inlet housing and fix the lock housing to the inlet traversing the lock housing and the inlet housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Takahiro HIRASHITA, Keiji KAHARA, Hiroshi AOYAMA, Eiji KITANO, Masaru SASAKI
  • Publication number: 20170341524
    Abstract: An actuator module for locking an electrical connection comprises a lock, a drive unit, and a position detection unit. The lock is movable between an unlocked position and a locked position along a direction of movement. The lock has a trigger. The drive unit moves the lock from the unlocked position to the locked position. The position detection unit has an optical sensor detecting the trigger and determining a position of the lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: TE Connectivity Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Dominik Heiss, Frank Wittrock, Dirk Weyrauch
  • Publication number: 20170341525
    Abstract: The Anti-idling System for Ambulances and Other Vehicles is a novel system for making electricity available to vehicles which idle curbside in urban and suburban environments. The invention comprises a pedestal with a specialized electricity plug, a cord and cord reel, an onboard microcontroller with GSM and RFID card reader which controls the flow of electricity and communicates with a cloud-based management system, and a cloud-based management system which controls user authentication. This enables an ambulance or other vehicle operator to approach the pedestal, access the plug and cord and turn on the flow of electricity using an RFID card or mobile phone, and use the pedestal to power their vehicle while in proximity to the pedestal. When the vehicle engine is started, the system detects the auto-ejection of the plug from the vehicle, turns off the flow of electricity, and automatically retracts the plug and cord into the pedestal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Dubrovsky, Cody Rickman, Azra Horowitz, Yelizaveta Kholodkova, Tome Rey Verissimo, Jeffrey Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20170341526
    Abstract: An electronic control circuit with a backup energy source subassembly for an e-latch assembly and a method of operating the backup energy source subassembly are disclosed. The electronic control circuit includes a control unit including a computing module and a memory for electrically coupling to a plurality of sensors and to a main power source. The backup energy source subassembly is electrically coupled to the control unit for providing electrical energy to the electronic control circuit in response to one of a failure and interruption of the main power source. An output module is electrically connected to the backup energy source subassembly and to the main power source for driving an actuation group. The backup energy source subassembly includes a backup low voltage source and a boost-buck converter configured to selectively supply voltage to and selectively amplify voltage from the backup low voltage source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Marco Marlia, Marco Bartalucci, Claudio Cambini
  • Publication number: 20170341527
    Abstract: A device/method for the control of a charge operation and the State Of Charge (SOC) of an electrical Energy Storage System (ESS), e.g. a battery, that includes a multitude of cells is provided. The ESS is electrically connected to a propulsion system of a vehicle in order to power an Electric Motor. The method includes charging the ESS from an electrical power source, e.g., the grid, when the vehicle is at standstill, stopping the charging when the SOC level of the ESS is above a maintenance limit for the SOC level of the ESS, monitoring the battery and/or performing a service operation of the ESS after the ESS has been charged to a SOC level above the maintenance limit for the SOC level of the ESS, deliberately discharging the ESS to lower the SOC level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tobias SMIDEBRANT
  • Publication number: 20170341528
    Abstract: A vehicle power source includes a generator motor coupled to an engine, a first power storage, a second power storage, a conduction switch, and a switch controller. The first and the second power storages are coupled, in parallel, to the generator motor. The conduction switch is subject to change between a conductive state and a cut-off state of the generator motor and the second power storage. The switch controller changes the conduction switch from the conductive state to the cut-off state, on a condition that the generator motor is controlled in a powered state. The switch controller changes the conduction switch from the cut-off state to the conductive state, on a condition that the second power storage discharges in excess of a threshold, with the conductive switch changed to the cut-off state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventor: Takahiro KINOSHITA
  • Publication number: 20170341529
    Abstract: A vehicle seat adjustment device mounted on a vehicle in which a plurality of seats including a last-row seat in a last row and a second-to-last-row seat in a second-to-last row is arranged in a front and rear direction and configured to adjust states of the last-row seat and the second-to-last-row seat. When respectively shifting the last-row seat and the second-to-last-row seat to their accommodation states by operating an operation part, the first drive part and the second drive part are controlled so that there is a period during which a seat back of the last-row seat and a seat back of the second-to-last-row seat are simultaneously rotated forward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Haruki UNO, Takuya FUJIMURA
  • Publication number: 20170341530
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes: a seat frame that serves as at least a portion of a skeletal structure; a fixed bracket that is fixed on the indoor wall, the fixed bracket including a connection part having a connection surface that is substantially orthogonal to a seat width direction and extending in a substantially vertical direction; a link member in which one end is swingably connected with the connection part and the other end is connected with the seat frame, the link member being swingable in a direction substantially parallel with the seat width direction set as a swinging center axis; and a regulation part which extends from the connection part in a direction substantially parallel with the swinging center axis, the regulation part being configured to regulate, by abutting on the link member in the seat front-and-rear direction, that the link member swings beyond a preset swinging range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yushi SHINOZAKI, Masahide KIMURA
  • Publication number: 20170341531
    Abstract: A cover (11), for a rail pair (3) of a longitudinally adjustable vehicle seat (1), includes at least one bottom rail (5) affixed to the vehicle and one top rail (7) which top rail (7) is longitudinally movable relative to the bottom rail (5). The cover (11) has a cover element (11.1) arranged and placed on at least one end (7.1, 7.2) of the rail pair (3) and an integrated stiffening element (11.2), designed to stiffen at least one of the two rails (5, 7), which protrudes into an interior chamber of the rail pair (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Ingo QUAST, Erik SPRENGER
  • Publication number: 20170341532
    Abstract: A seat includes a seat bottom, a seat back, a seat mounting structure configured to support the seat bottom and the seat back, the seat mounting structure configured to slidably couple to the rail assembly, and an occupant restraint system including a seat belt coupled to a retractor assembly. The retractor assembly is configured to slidably couple to the rail assembly such that the retractor assembly moves along the rail assembly as the seat mounting structure is moved along the rail assembly, the occupant restraint system configured to transfer load to the rail assembly disposed in the vehicle floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Stephen J. Sowinski, Robert C. Ramirez, Mark T. Moushegian, Daniel Kaczmarek
  • Publication number: 20170341533
    Abstract: Provided is a seat sliding device. The seat sliding device comprises a fixed-side rail, a movable-side rail, a lock portion, a first elastically deforming portion, a second elastically deforming portion, a releasing member, and a protruding piece. The movable-side rail comprises an open-sectional portion including two side walls and a lid wall that couples the two side walls to each other. The lock portion is displaceable between a restraint position and a release position. The releasing member is engaged with the first elastically deforming portion. The protruding piece comprises an engaged portion with which the second elastically deforming portion engages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomio MATSUFUJI, Kosuke TANIGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20170341534
    Abstract: Provided is a seat sliding device. The seat sliding device comprises a fixed-side rail, a movable-side rail, a lock portion, an elastically deforming portion, a releasing member, and a restricting portion. The movable-side rail comprises an open-sectional portion including two side walls and a lid wall. The lock portion is displaceable between a restraint position and a release position. The releasing member is provided between the elastically deforming portion and the lid wall. The restricting portion is configured to provide a space through which an insertion-side end of the releasing member is insertable between the elastically deforming portion and the lid wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kosuke TANIGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20170341535
    Abstract: Provided is a seat sliding device. The seat sliding device comprises a fixed-side rail, a movable-side rail, a lock portion, an elastically deforming portion, and a releasing member. The lock portion is displaceable between a restraint position and a release position. The elastically deforming portion comprises: a linear portion that is an elastically deformable portion extending in a direction approximately parallel to a longitudinal direction of the movable-side rail; and an engaging portion protruding from an extending-direction leading end portion of the linear portion in a direction approximately perpendicular to an extending direction of the linear portion. The releasing member comprises: a first engaged surface that is contactable with the engaging portion from one end side in the extending direction; and a second engaged surface that is contactable with the engaging portion from the other end side in the extending-direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kosuke TANIGUCHI, Tomio MATSUFUJI
  • Publication number: 20170341536
    Abstract: A seat adjuster in one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a rotating part, a rotational drive, an engagement target member, an engagement member, and a controller. The controller executes a lock transition process in a case where a seatback is pivotally moved to a specified front-tilt position, which is further to a forward direction than an upright position is, while the engagement member is in an unlocked state where the engagement member is not engaged with any one of engagement target portions of the engagement target member. The lock transition process is a process where the controller rotates the rotating part via the rotational drive such that one of the engagement target portions is placed at an engageable position, and engages the engagement member with the one of the engagement target portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Haruki UNO, Takuya FUJIMURA
  • Publication number: 20170341537
    Abstract: A seat adjuster for a vehicle seat is provided. The seat adjuster comprises a rotation mechanism that comprises a rotation part, a rotation drive device that rotates the rotation part, an engagement target member that is configured to be rotated integrally with the rotation part and comprises engagement target portions formed along a rotational direction of the engagement target member, and an engagement member that is configured so that, when one of the engagement target portions is located in a specified engageable position, the engagement member is moved in a direction closer to the engagement target member to be engageable with the one of the engagement target portions located in the specified engageable position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroyuki SUZUKI, Naoki GOTO, Tateki KAWAMURA, Naoaki HOSHIHARA
  • Publication number: 20170341538
    Abstract: A seatback drive assembly includes a lower bracket, a seatback pivotally mounted to the lower bracket, and a lock cam pivotally mounted to the seatback. The lock cam holds the seatback in an upright position when the lock cam engages the lower bracket. A biasing spring moves the seatback to a folded position when the lock cam is disengaged from the lower bracket. The seatback drive assembly also includes a gear pivotally mounted to the lower bracket and having a set of gear teeth. A motorized pinion engages the gear and is driven by an electric motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: MARK R. KEYSER, CURTIS HUDSON
  • Publication number: 20170341539
    Abstract: A reclining mechanism of a seat is provided that includes a fixed flange, a mobile flange, and locking parts being placed on first guide seats of guide seats on a first side of the fixed flange to be slidable inwardly and outwardly between the guide protrusions. Each locking part includes a locking gear on an outer end and is configured to engage with the internal gear of the mobile flange when sliding outwardly, thereby inhibiting relative rotation between the mobile flange and the fixed flange. The reclining mechanism further includes a locking cam rotatably provided at a center of the fixed flange and sub-parts provided on second guide seats of the guide seats on the first side of the fixed flange to be slidable inwardly and outwardly between the guide protrusions, each of the sub-parts being divided into a first part and a second part by a slit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: HYUNDAI DYMOS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Seung Hun CHANG
  • Publication number: 20170341540
    Abstract: The invention is a quick connect car-seat/stroller restraint system that includes a torso clothing element with a fastening means that is loosely holding a pair of adjustable sectional restraint elements made of a restraint strap, and having tensioning elements. One tensioning element is an opposing upper horizontal pair of connectors that pull the restraint strap toward a frontal centerline. A second tensioning element is a set of lap tensioning elements that connect to a lap twin slotted buckle. A third tensioning element is a plurality of quick connecting tensioning elements. Each of the pair of the adjustable sectional restraint elements has two end portions, and each end portion has a quick connecting, fastening element that can be fastened to a receiving tensioning g element in a car-seat/stroller. When connected the sectional restraint elements are slightly tensioned, limiting the movement of an individual wearing the torso clothing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventor: MICHAEL J. SPANO
  • Publication number: 20170341541
    Abstract: Provided is a seat for infants and toddlers, which has at least one seat lower part and a seat back part, wherein a seat element and a backrest element are applied on the seat lower part and on the seat back part respectively, in a moveable manner and connected to one another. At least the backrest element is flexibly designed and is arranged at a distance from the seat back part, wherein the backrest element can be moved in the event of an influence of an impulse energy by the body of a child. At least one damping device allows a movement of the backrest element from a determined impulse energy, by which means the distance between the backrest element and the seat back part is reduced and a movement of the seat element occurs with respect to the seat lower part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventor: Jan-Stefan Wuerstl
  • Publication number: 20170341542
    Abstract: An end stop assembly includes a pivot bracket, an end stop bracket, a strap, and a pin assembly. The pivot bracket defines a first adjustment slot and a first pivot hole. The end stop bracket defines a second adjustment slot and a second pivot hole. The end stop bracket has a first stop tab positioned about the second pivot hole. The second pivot hole is held concentrically to the first pivot hole. The strap defines an attachment hole. The pin assembly holds the strap and end stop bracket to the pivot bracket. The pin assembly is positioned through the first adjustment slot, the second adjustment slot and the attachment hole such that the pin assembly is movable by along the first adjustment slot and the second adjustment slot from a first position to a second position by pulling the strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Kishore TARADE, Rafal PATER
  • Publication number: 20170341543
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes: a base mounted to a floor of a vehicle; a seat cushion that is placed on the base and allowed to be tipped up with a rotating shaft as a fulcrum; an ottoman that is provided on a front side of the seat cushion and extractable between a normal position and an extracted position; a seat back that is provided in a rear end of the seat cushion; and a storage locking mechanism that is capable of relatively moving the ottoman with respect to the seat cushion in a storing direction which is a direction opposite to an extracting direction, wherein the storage locking mechanism is operated such that the seat back becomes in a forward-tiltable state and/or the seat cushion becomes in a tippable state, and locking of the locking mechanism is released so that the ottoman becomes movable in the storing direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideki FUJISAWA, Sho KUME, Kiyoshi OSHIMA
  • Publication number: 20170341544
    Abstract: A component for vehicle interior is disclosed. The component may comprise a base, an armrest configured to move relative to the base from a retracted position to an extended position, a roller coupled to the armrest configured to allow movement of the armrest relative to the base and a rail coupled to the base. The rail may be configured to allow movement of the armrest relative to the base along a non-linear path. The rail may comprise a curved rail, a curved guide, or a curved track. The non-linear path may be aligned with a contour of the base. The non-linear path may reduce a gap between the armrest and the base or provide improved comfort. The roller may comprise a first rolling bearing, a second roller bearing and a third roller bearing. The component may comprise a door configured to selectively cover and uncover a storage compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventor: Ronald A. Bozio
  • Publication number: 20170341545
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes: a seat cushion; a seat back that is connected to a rear part of the seat cushion; a head rest; and a connected member that is provided in the head rest. The head rest is arranged on top of the seat back in a standing state through the connecting member. The connecting member has a frame part, which constitutes a frame of the head rest, and a bracket part, which is fixed to the seat back side, in an integrated manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shinsuke SATO, Daisuke MIYAMOTO, Kazuki AOJIMA
  • Publication number: 20170341546
    Abstract: A headrest in one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a first frame member, a second frame member, a displacement mechanism configured to displace the second frame member with respect to the first frame member, a first guide shaft, and a second guide shaft arranged at a position shifted in a substantially vertical direction and in a substantially horizontal direction with respect to the first guide shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenji TATEWAKI, Tatsuyuki MORISHITA, Masatoshi MORI, Hiroki TOYOSHIMA
  • Publication number: 20170341547
    Abstract: A headrest in one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a first frame member, a second frame member, a displacement mechanism to displace the second frame member with respect to the first frame member, a first guide shaft, a first bearing portion through which the first guide shaft is inserted, a second guide shaft, a second bearing portion through which the second guide shaft is inserted, a first fixing portion that comprises a first insertion hole into which one end of the first guide shaft is inserted, and a second fixing portion that comprises a second insertion hole into which one end of the second guide shaft is inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenji TATEWAKI, Tatsuyuki MORISHITA, Masatoshi MORI, Hiroki TOYOSHIMA
  • Publication number: 20170341548
    Abstract: A system for securing a human head in an upright position during sitting is presented. The device includes a band, a pad section, and an attachment member. The band is configured to wrap around a portion of the head and a sitting device. The pad section is coupled to the band and configured to engage a portion of the human head. The attachment member secures the band around the head in order to maintain the upright orientation of the head. Additive materials and safety members may be used to increase comfort, function, and safety of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Kirk Perry, Julie Perry
  • Publication number: 20170341549
    Abstract: A vehicle seat has at least one occupant comfort actuator suited for acting on a part of the body of an occupant of the seat. The actuator is driven based on at least one measurement of one sensor of sweat from the occupant of the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Anne-Isabelle DA COSTA, Samuel BAUDU
  • Publication number: 20170341550
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat protection cover, which has been manufactured from a one-piece material sheet, which consists, e.g., of a fleece. The vehicle seat protection cover according to the invention has a front layer and a back layer, which limit an upper pocket and a lower pocket. The vehicle seat protection cover comprises an opening extending over its entire length. For one embodiment the vehicle seat protection cover is made of a non-woven material or a fleece material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas Mohr
  • Publication number: 20170341551
    Abstract: A seat back assembly and method of manufacture is provided. The seat back includes a foam cushion layer. A support sub-assembly is formed including a rigid support layer with a plurality of cavities and channels defined on a rear surface for receiving components and a generally smooth front surface. At least one component is retained in one of the cavities and a second component is secured on the front surface of the support layer. A trim material covers the cushion layer and secures the sub-assembly to the seat back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Dirk BENTHAUS, Zvonko VAN DER MEER
  • Publication number: 20170341552
    Abstract: A back frame structure for a vehicle seat includes: a pair of right and left side frames extending in an up-down direction; and a lower frame configured to connect a lower end side of the right side frame and a lower end side of the left side frame, wherein: at least one side frame out of the pair of right and left side frames is fitted to one connection portion, which is a connection portion of the lower frame with respect to the one side frame, so as to form one fitting portion; and the one fitting portion is configured such that a geometrical-moment of inertia along an axis extending to a predetermined first direction gradually increases from an upper part of the one fitting portion to a lower part of the one fitting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroshi MIZOBATA, Fumitoshi AKAIKE
  • Publication number: 20170341553
    Abstract: A back frame structure of a vehicle seat including: first and second side frames; and an upper frame that connects the first and second side frames, wherein the first side frame has a constant cross section and the second side frame has a constant cross section, wherein an outline shape of the cross section of the first side frame and an outline shape of the cross section of the second side frame are in line symmetry with respect to a centerline of the back frame in a left and right direction, and wherein a geometrical moment of inertia of the cross section of the first side frame is larger than a geometrical moment of inertia of the cross section of the second side frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroshi MIZOBATA, Hiroyuki SUZUKI, Fumitoshi AKAIKE
  • Publication number: 20170341554
    Abstract: A back frame structure of a vehicle seat, the back frame structure including: a pair of side frames extending in an upper and lower direction; and an upper frame that connects upper end sides of the side frames in a bridging manner, the upper frame including: a main body part having a substantially inverted U-shaped cross-section opened downward; and a cover member attached to the main body part so as to close at least a part of an opening end side in the cross-section of the main body part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroshi MIZOBATA, Hiroyuki SUZUKI, Hirofumi WATANABE
  • Publication number: 20170341555
    Abstract: A vehicle seat and frame thereof which minimize the size of an attachment mechanism of a support structure for supporting the back of a seated person are provided. A seat frame has side frames positioned at right and left sides of a seat back frame and extending in an up to down direction. The side frame has a side portion extending along a side portion of the seat, a rear portion projecting from a rear end of the side portion to an inner side of the seat, and a support member spanned between the right and left side frames, and receives a load of the seated person. The support member has a connecting portion for connecting to the side frame and is attached to the rear portion of the side frame in a state where the positional relationship between the connecting portion and the side frame is fixed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventor: Masayuki Hoshi
  • Publication number: 20170341556
    Abstract: A vehicular mobile storage cart, for a car having a hitch (21, 22), the cart comprising: a hitch gripping mechanism (30), connectable to the car hitch (21, 22); a lifting mechanism (40), connectable to the hitch gripping mechanism (30); and a wheel cart (10), connectable to the lifting mechanism; wherein the lifting mechanism being adapted to diminish its dimensions in a folded state thereof to allow opening a back door of a vehicle thereof when being folded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventor: Moshe PELES
  • Publication number: 20170341557
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a frame; a dump bed carried by the frame and having a non-dumping position and a dumping position; a dumping mechanism connected to the dump bed and configured to move the dump bed between the non-dumping position and the dumping position; a roof carried by the frame above the dump bed; and a rack carried by the frame below the roof, the rack being configured to not interfere with the dump bed in the dumping position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: ASW, LLC
    Inventors: Kegan M. Crawford, John D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20170341558
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for facilitating selective delivery of aggregate material in bulk from a back of a dump truck or other truck bed to one or more wheelbarrows in a controlled manner. The disclosed embodiments further provide a system that could be operated by a single individual, including the single individual that is then manually moving the wheelbarrow from the truck to the particular location of the delivery site where the aggregate material is to be finally dispensed. The disclosed systems provide a self-contained mechanical device that is comparatively-easily mountable to the back of a dump truck or other truck bed for use, and is electrically, or electric over hydraulically, powered through the electrical system of the vehicle in order to avoid any need for additional power requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Nicholas CARLSON, Craig CARLSON
  • Publication number: 20170341559
    Abstract: A container for transporting and storing landscaping materials includes a rectangular container body having a bottom wall, a pair of side walls, and an end wall which define an open-ended chamber; and a vertical ramp end wall that is pivotally displaceable between a normal vertical closed position, and a downwardly inclined loading position, which pivot arrangement includes a pair of horizontal pivot shafts arranged collinearly transversely of the container on opposite sides of the protruding ends of a pair of guide rails that extend longitudinally beneath the bottom wall. To afford manual operation of the massive ramp wall, a counter-balancing spring arrangement is provided including a pair of torsion springs mounted concentrically on these two pivot shafts for biasing the ramp wall from the loading position upwardly toward the closed position with an aggregate torque force that is generally equal to the weight of the ramp wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventor: Dennis W. Melancon, JR.
  • Publication number: 20170341560
    Abstract: A loading ramp for a tailgate is stored and transported on the inside wall of the tailgate. The loading ramp includes a base section pivotally connected to an inner wall of the tailgate. A ramp section is connected to the base section by a hinge and is movable between a loading position extending from a distal edge of the tailgate to a ground surface and a transport position folded against the base section in a transverse/vertical plane. An alternative loading ramp includes a top section, a top hinge connecting the top section to a distal edge of the tailgate, a bottom section, and an intermediate hinge connecting the bottom section to the top section. The top section and the bottom section are stored with the top section and bottom section parallel to each other and to the tailgate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Dragan B. STOJKOVIC, Jack MARCHLEWSKI, Joshua R. HEMPHILL
  • Publication number: 20170341561
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to boat trailers and, more particularly, to an improved, automatic, self-leveling floating guide-on post assembly mounted to a pontoon boat trailer. A pair of floating guide-on post assemblies are mounted on the rear member of a trader frame in the cavity between the pontoons of a pontoon boat. The floating guide-on post assemblies each include an upwardly extending cylindrical shaped exterior support tube, and a buoyant interior cylinder tube and wheel assembly adapted to contact and guide a pontoon during loading on and unloading off a boat trailer. The floating guide-on post assemblies include a mounting system comprised of U-shaped bolts and clamps that allow the guide-on post to be mounted to a pontoon boat trailer frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventor: Gordon Henry Hess
  • Publication number: 20170341562
    Abstract: There is proposed a towable expandable accommodation or storage assembly that includes a floor portion that is affixed to or supported on a drawbar, wherein an expansion portion is configured to be pivoted to one side of said floor portion to form at least one wall when the assembly is being used for the purpose of accommodation or utility. The assembly may provide a collapsible ablutions cubicle or kitchen area that can be reduced in size during transportation of the assembly. In this way, the assembly can be towed to a site and expanded to provide an expanded living area. Furthermore, the configuration of the floor portion means that grey water can be captured for the ablutions cubicle or kitchen area for storage in a tank or to be directed to a drain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventor: James Gerard Knight
  • Publication number: 20170341563
    Abstract: A vehicle light assembly includes auxiliary lighting. The auxiliary light includes a base that may comprise a circuit board and a heat sink material. A series of auxiliary lights, such as LEDs, are attached to the base. A fastener extends through a mounting hole in the base to attach the base to the vehicle lighting shroud or trim. The auxiliary lights may be in an annular array, typically called a halo, or in numerous other linear or geometric shapes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: Morimoto Lighting, LLC
    Inventor: Matt Kossoff
  • Publication number: 20170341564
    Abstract: A motor vehicle directional lighting and/or signaling device comprises a light module rotationally mobile about an axis (A-A) supported by a base bearing elements for guiding in rotation about the axis (A-A). A bearing of the rotation guiding elements is formed partly by the base and partly by a support piece of a fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: VALEO VISION
    Inventor: Benoit CHOLLEY
  • Publication number: 20170341565
    Abstract: Provided is an illumination device which has a coherent light source that emits a first coherent light beam and a second coherent light beam, an optical device that diffuses the first coherent light beam to illuminate a first illumination zone and diffuses a wave of the second coherent light beam to illuminate a second illumination zone, and a timing control unit that individually controls incidence timing of the first coherent light beam and the second coherent light beam on the optical device or illumination timing of the first illumination zone and the second illumination zone, wherein the optical device includes a first diffusion region on which the first coherent light beam is incident, and a second diffusion region on which the second coherent light beam is incident, the first diffusion region is capable of illuminating the first illumination zone by diffusion of the incident first coherent light beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Makio KURASHIGE
  • Publication number: 20170341566
    Abstract: Disclosed is an aerial lift, including: a lower portion with members for ground connection; a lifting structure; a platform supported by the lifting structure; and a lighting system. The aerial lift includes a control console on the platform, whose position is variable relative to the ground connection members. The lighting devices are arranged on the lower portion of the aerial lift and/or on the lifting structure or the platform and selectively generate light beams directed towards the ground and the immediate environment of the aerial lift, including at least partially an area beyond the edge of the members for connecting to the ground. The light beams are directed towards four sides, consisting of two opposing pairs of sides, of the aerial lift regardless of the position of the control console relative to the members for connecting to the ground. Also disclosed is a method for implementing such an aerial lift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: HAULOTTE GROUP
    Inventors: Philippe LUMINET, Sebastian DITTUS