Patents Issued in March 1, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180057048
    Abstract: Controlling a vehicle steering system includes determining a rack position of a rack needed to execute a maneuver. A minimum velocity allowing the desired steering angle to be reached is determined. The velocity of the vehicle is increased to the determined minimum velocity. The rack is moved to the rack position needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John P. Joyce, David Jeffeory Berels, Eric She, Michael Edward Brewer
  • Publication number: 20180057049
    Abstract: A materials handling vehicle comprises an obstacle scanning tool and steering mechanism, materials handling hardware, vehicle drive mechanism, and user interface that facilitate movement of the materials handling vehicle and materials handled along a travel path. The tool establishes a scan field, a filter field, and a performance field, and is configured to indicate the presence of obstacles in the filter field and the performance field. The tool executes logic to establish the performance field in response to an input performance level, scan for obstacles in the filter field and the performance field, execute obstacle avoidance for obstacles detected in the filter field, and execute a performance level reduction inquiry for obstacles detected in the performance field wherein outcomes of the inquiry comprise reduction of the performance level when a performance level reduction is available and execution of obstacle avoidance when a performance level reduction is not available.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Stewart, Yuan Mai
  • Publication number: 20180057050
    Abstract: The steering angles of front wheels 3f and rear wheels 3r of a vehicle 1 can be respectively controlled by a front wheel steering angle control actuator 35 and a rear wheel steering angle control actuator 44. If a steering wheel 20 is operated in a turning direction of the vehicle 1 while the vehicle 1 is traveling in a straight line, then a controller 60 changes the steering angle of the front wheels 3f to approach to a steering angle specified on the basis of an operation amount after the steering wheel 20 is operated, and also controls the front wheel steering angle control actuator 35 and the rear wheel steering angle control actuator 44 to change the steering angles of the rear wheels 3r to the opposite direction of the turning direction of the vehicle 1 immediately after the steering wheel 20 is operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Toru Takenaka, Hiroshi Gomi, Yoshinao Sodeyama, Kazushi Akimoto, Osamu Kikuchi, Takashi Kudo
  • Publication number: 20180057051
    Abstract: A wheel-end assembly for a vehicle enabling the direct measurement of the wheel-end position. The wheel-end assembly includes a knuckle having a kingpin bore and a kingpin disposed within the kingpin bore. The knuckle is at least partially rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the kingpin. A knuckle cap assembly is coupled with the kingpin bore adjacent to an end of the kingpin. In addition, a sensor is coupled with the knuckle cap assembly which measures a position of the kingpin relative to the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Anthony N. Passero, Stoyan I. Stoychev
  • Publication number: 20180057052
    Abstract: A trailer angle measurement assembly that measures an angle of a trailer relative to a tractor includes a mounting base, an armature, a roller wheel and a rotary encoder. The mounting base is configured to be selectively coupled to the trailer. The armature is rotatable coupled to the mounting base around a pivot. The roller wheel is rotatably coupled to the armature and is positioned for rotatable engagement with the trailer. The rotary encoder measures rotation of the roller wheel and generates a signal based on the measured rotation indicative of an angular position of the trailer relative to the tractor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Conor Haas Dodd, Matt Boillat, Jon Steeby, Stephanie F. Lee
  • Publication number: 20180057053
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing driving aid control to cause a travel trajectory of a mobile object to follow a setpoint trajectory by transmitting a control command value to a yaw moment controller capable of controlling a yaw moment of the mobile object. In the apparatus, a first control command value calculator is configured to calculate a first control command value used to calculate the control command value. A straight-driving stabilizing compensator is configured to, when the mobile object is driving straight, calculate a first control command compensation value by decreasing the first control command value. A second control command value calculator is configured to calculate a second control command value used to calculate the control command value. A third control command value calculator is configured to calculate a final control command value based on the first control command compensation value and the second control command value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Hirotaka TOKORO
  • Publication number: 20180057054
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing driving aid control to cause a travel trajectory of a mobile object to follow a setpoint trajectory (La) by transmitting a control command value (?) to a yaw moment controller capable of controlling a yaw moment of the mobile object. In the apparatus, a setpoint trajectory setter is configured to set the setpoint trajectory (La) of the mobile object. A control command value calculator is configured to calculate the control command value (?) based on an integrated value (?I) of a lateral error that is an error between a position of the mobile object and the setpoint trajectory. The control command value calculator is further configured to decrease the integrated value (?I) with decreasing a curvature (?) of a road on which the mobile object is traveling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Hirotaka TOKORO
  • Publication number: 20180057055
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of guiding wireless charging of an electric vehicle. The method includes recognizing, by a controller, an entrance of the electric vehicle into a parking slot for charging, displaying, by the controller, an around view monitor (AVM) image, the AVM image including a position of an inductive power reception module mounted in the electric vehicle and a position of an inductive power transmission module drawn on the parking slot for charging and, when the position of the inductive power reception module is aligned with the position of the inductive power transmission module, informing, by the controller, a driver about alignment of the positions of the inductive power reception module and the inductive power transmission module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: UN HWAN SOL
  • Publication number: 20180057056
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a parking assist device includes a detector configured to detect a target parking position from a captured image obtained from an imager; a position identifier that identifies, during a period while the vehicle is moving after the captured image was displayed on the display device and before a captured image captured next by the imager is displayed, the target parking position with respect to a current position of the vehicle, based on a first moving amount by which the vehicle has moved since the captured image was displayed on the display device and on a positional relation between the vehicle and the target parking position at the time when the captured image was captured; and a parking assist unit that guides the vehicle during the period based on the identified target parking position when a request for guiding the vehicle to the target parking position is made.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroki INAGAKI, Hironori HIRATA, Koichi SASSA
  • Publication number: 20180057057
    Abstract: At a time when it is possible for a user's own vehicle to pull out from a parking space, an assist control unit of a parking exit assist device terminates an assist control in the event that the user's own vehicle has traveled forward by a predetermined distance (a minimum forward distance) from a predetermined position (a most recent intermediate position or an assist starting position).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: HIROSHI IWAMI, HIROKI INAGAKI, HIRONORI HIRATA, MASAHIRO ISHIHARA
  • Publication number: 20180057058
    Abstract: A strengthening member and a vehicle including a strengthening member are provided. The strengthening member can have a cross section including twenty-eight corners and twenty-eight sides creating twenty internal angles and eight external angles, and at least one recessed area extending along a length of the strengthening member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Tau TYAN
  • Publication number: 20180057059
    Abstract: A mounting bracket is disclosed for coupling a composite floor of a cargo vehicle to a chassis of the cargo vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Wabash National, L.P.
    Inventors: Jeffrie S. Bauer, Scott A. Storz
  • Publication number: 20180057060
    Abstract: A cellular structure may include a plurality of cells each cell of the plurality of cells having a fourteen-cornered cross section. The fourteen-cornered cross section may include fourteen sides and fourteen corners. Each cell may include a plurality of longitudinal walls extending between a top and a bottom of the cell, the longitudinal walls intersecting to create corners of the cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Tau TYAN, Yu-Kan HU, Leonard Anthony SHANER
  • Publication number: 20180057061
    Abstract: An RDU detachment system is provided and includes a front RDU mounting bracket, a rear RDU mounting bracket, a rear cross member including an inclined face oriented toward the RDU and at least one bushing connecting the rear RDU mounting bracket with the rear cross member. A method of detaching an RDU from a rear subframe of a motor vehicle in response to an impact force transmitted to the RDU through a driveline is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Dominik Mueller, Joergen Hilmann, Istvan Somogyvari, Djamel Bouzit, Deb Kumar Bonnerjee
  • Publication number: 20180057062
    Abstract: An impact protection element for a vehicle is disclosed. The impact protection element includes a side sill composed of fiber-reinforced plastic, where the side sill is formed as a hollow profiled element and includes an outer wall element, which forms an impact surface, and an inner wall element, which lies opposite the outer wall element and can be connected to a vehicle structure. A reinforcing element composed of fiber-reinforced plastic is disposed in the side sill and includes at least one flat connecting surface which connects the outer wall element to the inner wall element and is oriented substantially parallel to the XY plane of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Lennart KEUTHAGE, Robert LOCH
  • Publication number: 20180057063
    Abstract: A strengthening member for a motor vehicle and a vehicle including a strengthening member are provided. The strengthening member can have twenty-eight sides arranged to create twenty internal angles and eight external angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Tau TYAN, Yu-Kan HU, Leonard Anthony SHANER
  • Publication number: 20180057064
    Abstract: A structural reinforcement member for a vehicle body includes a bracket sized for mounting to a roof rail, spanning along the roof rail from a first pillar past a second pillar, and including a first support member extending inboard at a first roof bow. The bracket and the first roof bow are arranged such that the first support member transfers a load applied to the vehicle body to the first roof bow. The first support member may be shaped to conform to a shape of an end of the first roof bow that the first support member is secured thereto. A second roof bow may extend from the roof rail and the bracket may further include a second support member extending inboard at the second roof bow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Jaspinder S. Sahi
  • Publication number: 20180057065
    Abstract: An apparatus is for use with a pillar adjacent to a vehicle window, such as a windshield. The apparatus includes a molding for positioning adjacent to the pillar, the molding forming a channel in a deployed condition for receiving moisture from the vehicle windshield, or for reducing the effects of wind throb when a single vehicle window is open. An actuator may be associated with the molding for activating a non-deployed condition of the molding for reducing the effects of wind noise. The molding may include a passage for receiving an airflow and transmitting it to an outlet for directing fluid away from the molding, the pillar and adjacent side window. In the deployed condition, the molding may project from a surface of the pillar and in the non-deployed condition may be substantially flush with the surface of the pillar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: William S. Gulker, Jonathan B. Barnes, Travis S. Garland, Mark George Vojtisek, Jamal Kanso, Douglas Richard Olson
  • Publication number: 20180057066
    Abstract: A vehicle B-pillar assembly is provided. The vehicle B-pillar assembly includes a steel T-bracket and a B-pillar outer assembly. The steel T-bracket includes an upper portion secured to a roof rail and a lower portion extending perpendicular therefrom and below a beltline. The B-pillar outer assembly includes an upper carbon fiber portion extending from the roof rail to a location above the beltline and a lower steel portion extending from a vehicle rocker to a location above the beltline and secured to the lower portion of the T-bracket. The beltline may be defined by an axis extending between a shotgun joint on a vehicle A-pillar and a latch reinforcement on a vehicle C-pillar. The beltline may extend fore and aft along the vehicle and through a substantially central region of the B-pillar assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Mohamed Ridha Baccouche, Rahul Arora, Saeed David Barbat
  • Publication number: 20180057067
    Abstract: A vehicle B-pillar assembly is provided. The vehicle B-pillar assembly includes a T-bracket, a B-pillar inner, a B-pillar reinforcement, a cell member, and a B-pillar outer. The T-bracket is mounted to a roof rail. The B-pillar inner is mounted to the T-bracket. The B-pillar reinforcement is mounted to the B-pillar inner and defines a cavity. The cell member is sized for insertion within the cavity and for securing therein. The cell member is oriented with the T-bracket for partially absorbing a load from a side impact to the B-pillar assembly. The B-pillar outer spans between the roof rail and a rocker panel. The cell member may extend within the cavity between a location above a vehicle beltline and a location below the vehicle beltline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Mohamed Ridha Baccouche, Rahul Arora, Saeed David Barbat
  • Publication number: 20180057068
    Abstract: A hood hinge for a motor vehicle includes a first part attached to a vehicle body part and a second part attached to a front hood. A lift mechanism is configured to extend the attachment parts from a starting position into a cushioning position in which the front hood is raised from the starting position. The lift mechanism includes a first lever coupled to one of the attachment parts and a second lever coupled to the other attachment part for rotation about a rotational axis respectively. The first and second levers are rotatably coupled about a rotational axis. A traction element generates a traction force by extension of the attachment parts, which limits the extension movement thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Steffen Karl Leschnik, Wolfgang Rasel, Christian Pietrasch, Bernd Klein
  • Publication number: 20180057069
    Abstract: An underbody panel for a motor vehicle is composed of a lightweight sandwich material and is configured as a single part with at least one continuous folding connection (12) that is arranged between first and second portions of the underbody panel (14). The first and second portions can be folded together via the folding connection (12) and, in the folded state, are substantially parallel to each other to reduce a size of the underbody panel during transport and storage. Additionally, the underbody panel is gap-free when installed on a motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Fuat Kayadere, Steffen Hoelzel
  • Publication number: 20180057070
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle frame body, the method includes: a placement process of placing a reinforcing member at a portion of a frame member, the portion being located in a length direction of the frame member and within the frame member, the frame member being a single member having an elongated shape and configuring a chamber structure; and, after the placement process, a bending process of bending the frame member at a placement region of the reinforcing member, causing reaction force to be generated by the reinforcing member against the frame member undergoing cross-sectional deformation, and pressure joining the reinforcing member to the frame member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Eiji YOSHIDA
  • Publication number: 20180057071
    Abstract: A self-locating fastener tab for connecting a first vehicle element to a second vehicle element includes a body comprising a head portion and a flexible neck portion. The flexible neck portion includes a first neck length, a second neck length, and an intervening flexible length having a greater degree of flexibility than either of the first neck length and the second neck length. The intervening flexible length may define a living hinge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Jeffery Lee, Joseph Andrew Hickey, Steven Michael Lakatos, Justin Carroll, Jason Orville Gridley-Waters, Shivam Agarwal
  • Publication number: 20180057072
    Abstract: A sub-frame and method in a sub-frame arrangement in a vehicle wherein said sub-frame arrangement comprises a sub-frame, a body member, and a first and second attachment socket. Each attachment socket is adapted to host a fastening means arranged in a through going apertures of each attachment socket and adapted to fasten said sub-frame to the body member. The fastening means are adapted to fasten a front section of said sub-frame, first and second attachment sockets each comprises a weakened portion arranged at an angle separated from the vehicle deformation direction during a front collision, and the weakened portions are adapted to give way releasing the sub-frame in the event of deformation of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Tom Stoddart, Dan Adamsson
  • Publication number: 20180057073
    Abstract: A vehicle body is disclosed. The vehicle body includes a lateral sill panel device made of fiber-reinforced plastic, which is formed as a hollow profile with an external wall element as an impact face, and a floorpan structure including a transverse seat support made of fiber-reinforced plastic, which extends in the Y-direction of the vehicle body substantially to the external wall element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Lennart KEUTHAGE, Robert LOCH
  • Publication number: 20180057074
    Abstract: The present invention relates to stanchion padding and more specifically to stanchion padding for use in transit vehicles. The stanchion padding of the present invention comprises a tube having a hollow centre running through it from a first end to a second end and the tube also comprising an exterior wall and an interior wall joined by at least two channel walls forming at least two hollow channels. These hollow channels may be adapted to receive end caps and at least one end cap may be installed onto either the first end or the second end of the tube. The interior wall may additionally have small inner channels running the length of the tube. The tube may be made by thermoplastic extrusion and at least one end cap may be made by thermoplastic injection molding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: SCOTT STRONG, MICHAEL KLINCK
  • Publication number: 20180057075
    Abstract: A tailgate includes an internal panel, external panel, upper panel, lower panel, latching mechanism, and access panel. The internal and external panels are each secured to the upper and lower panels. A cavity is defined between the upper, lower, internal, and external panels. The latching mechanism is disposed within the cavity and is linked to a handle located on the external panel. The access panel is secured and extends adjacent to the internal panel beyond the upper panel. The cavity is exposed when the access panel is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Jack MARCHLEWSKI, Joshua R. HEMPHILL, Robert REINERS, Dragan B. STOJKOVIC
  • Publication number: 20180057076
    Abstract: A replacement tailgate for the purpose of elongating the pick up truck may be installed on a truck bed wherein the replacement tailgate can be unfolded in order to elongate a length of the truck bed. The replacement tailgate may have front and rear shells that are used to support objects placed in the truck bed as well as act as the new tailgate when the truck bed length is elongated. Various panels may be unfolded in order to trap objects within the truck bed when the replacement tailgate is unfolded in order to elongate the truck bed length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Singer
  • Publication number: 20180057077
    Abstract: A floor securing apparatus comprises a riser slot formed in a floor riser transverse to a longitudinal axis of the floor riser, the floor riser configured to support a floor sheet and a key including a locking head and at least one anchor tab, wherein the key is slidable into the riser slot transverse to the longitudinal axis of the floor riser, wherein the key is configured to engage a portion of the floor sheet to prevent vertical movement of the floor sheet relative to the floor riser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Rodney P. Ehrlich
  • Publication number: 20180057078
    Abstract: A spoiler arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a carrier configured to attach on a body of the motor vehicle. At least one lamella is arranged on the carrier and includes a longitudinally extended flexible and elastic bending rod and at least one surface segment. The surface segment is connected to the bending rod along a side edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas Wiech, Fabian Fuerst
  • Publication number: 20180057079
    Abstract: A tool storage device used in a vehicle includes a first member storing tools and made of a first material, and a second member receiving the first member to be arranged below a vehicle floor and having a plate shape extending along a floor surface of the vehicle floor, the second member made of a second material different from the first material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Teruki ONO
  • Publication number: 20180057080
    Abstract: An articulating cart system which utilizes an articulating frame to effectively maneuver within tight spaces and a low-elevation platform to ease mounting and dismounting the cart. The articulating cart system generally includes a front frame and a rear frame. A platform is connected to the front frame so that the platform pivots or articulates along with the front frame with respect to the rear frame. A joystick controller may be provided which allows one-handed operation. One or more actuators may be connected between the rear frame and the front frame for pivoting the front frame with respect to the rear frame. A motor is provided to power the actuators and frame wheels. The platform is close to the ground to ease access for the operator. Utilizing the articulating frame, the present invention may traverse much tighter spaces and turns than is possible with previous cart systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Bradley T. Mitchell, Jeffrey E. Stitt
  • Publication number: 20180057081
    Abstract: A trailer for carrying unit load devices (ULDs), including unloaded and/or loaded containers and pallets, or other cargo; the trailer designed to be towed on surface streets and highways by conventional motorized truck-tractor units. The trailers are equipped with adjustable decks for supporting ULDs in stacked configuration on the trailer. Using a lowered well portion permits selected ULD stacks to not exceed legal trailer height limits so that additional permitting is not required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: AET Leasing, LLC
    Inventors: Richard G. O'Marra, Lewis Wayne Davis, David G. Roller, Rodney A. Pack
  • Publication number: 20180057082
    Abstract: An idler wheel for use with a track chain of a vehicle that includes a plurality of track pins and bushings comprises a main body that includes a generally cylindrical configuration defining an axis of rotation, a circumferential direction and a radial direction, the main body including a central portion disposed along the axis of rotation defining an axial extremity of the radial portion, and at least a first outside portion disposed along the axis of rotation that includes an undulating circumferential perimeter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Eric James Johannsen
  • Publication number: 20180057083
    Abstract: A shim for a track roller frame is provided. The shim includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface and the second surface are laterally spaced apart from each other. The first surface and the second surface define a thickness of the shim therebetween. The shim further includes a retention element formed on it. The retention element is configured to position the shim on the track roller frame. The retention element is also configured to restrict a movement of the shim relative to the track roller frame. The retention element is further configured to couple the shim to the track roller frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Sylvain France
  • Publication number: 20180057084
    Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a frame body defining a cabin area and an engine area. The engine area is primarily accessible from the cabin area during installation of the engine assembly. A seat frame is removably attached to the frame body in the cabin area, and a seat assembly is removably attached to the seat frame. A method of installing the engine assembly during the assembly of the motor vehicle includes the steps of lowering the engine assembly into the cabin area of the frame body, moving the engine assembly along a longitudinal axis into the engine area of the frame body, lowering the engine assembly onto an engine mount in the engine area of the frame body, attaching the seat frame to the frame body in the cabin area, and attaching the seat assembly to the seat frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Dakota D. KIRTLAND, Jason M. OWENS, Dustin L. HINDERS, Daniel T. SELLARS, Travis BARKEY
  • Publication number: 20180057085
    Abstract: A vehicle production assembly includes a discontinuous conveyor system to support a vehicle. The conveyor system includes a first side conveyor chain, a second side conveyor chain, and a plurality of middle conveyor chains longitudinally spaced between the first and second conveyor chains. The conveyor chains can be mechanically synchronized with a single motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Jeremy Adam Pych
  • Publication number: 20180057086
    Abstract: A portable motorcycle jack is provided comprising a base arm and a lift arm hingedly joined for folding the two components together. The base arm has a foot that rests co-planar with the ground when in use. The lift arm is hingedly joined to the base arm at base end and has a cradle for engaging the motorcycle at an cradle end. In another aspect, the base arm has a plurality of apertures arranged linearly and sloped relative to the base arm to provide adjustment in length of the motorcycle jack while maintaining the over-fulcrum angle of the base arm relative to the lift arm regardless of which length is selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Basil Paul Andrews
  • Publication number: 20180057087
    Abstract: An adjustable seat tube structure which is for adjusting a height of a saddle for a bicycle includes a lower tube, an upper tube and a piston set. The lower tube includes a top end. The upper tube is disposed at the lower tube and is limitedly moved relative to the lower tube. The upper tube is linked with the saddle and includes an upper end, an inner space, and a lower end. The upper end is protruded out of the top end, and the inner space is for receiving a gas. The lower end is corresponded to the upper end. The piston set includes a piston, a valve and a rod. The piston is disposed inside the inner space, and the lower end is moved relative to the piston. The valve is disposed inside the piston and the rod is connected to the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Shu-Yu JHOU, Che-Wei HSU
  • Publication number: 20180057088
    Abstract: A bicycle child seat includes a seat body for accommodating a child therein and a fixation adapted to couple the bicycle child seat to a bike. The seat body includes a multi-layer structure with at least a first layer and a second layer made from different materials. The first layer is adapted to at least partially cover the second layer and to at least partially support the second layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Joline KARELSE, Gert-Jan VAN BREUGEL, Albert NIEUWENHUIS, Jort NIJHUIS
  • Publication number: 20180057089
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a bicycle seat includes a frame having a front end section, a medial section, and a rear end section. The front end section extends forward from the medial section, and the rear end section extends aft from the medial section. The bicycle seat also includes a first vent positioned in a first side portion of the rear end section, and a second vent positioned in a second side portion of the rear end section. The first vent defines a first passageway that extends through the first side portion of the rear end section. The second vent defines a second passageway that extends through the second side portion of the rear end section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: ISM Saddles, LLC
    Inventor: Steven G. Toll
  • Publication number: 20180057090
    Abstract: A lightweight bicycle saddle includes shock absorption padding in key locations to cushion a rider in various riding positions. The padding may be attached to a top surface of a saddle base or formed integrally with the base. The padding may also be configured as a web to operate with a web saddle. The padding includes a left portion and a right portion which may be formed separately or integrally. The padding may have a wider rear padded portion located in a rear saddle portion of the saddle and a tapered or narrow front padded portion located in a front saddle portion. The padding may be positioned to cover areas where the rail is attached to the saddle base. The padding is surrounded by non-padded portions which have a lesser cushion or no cushion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: SHINJI MARUI
  • Publication number: 20180057091
    Abstract: A small-vehicle direction indicator device includes a directional signal light for small vehicles, such as saddle riding type vehicles, the directional signal light including a lighting unit and a plurality of light sources that are arrayed in the lighting unit in a vehicle width direction. The small-vehicle direction indicator device performs a dynamic direction indication by chain-reactive switch-ons or switch-offs of the plurality of light sources when the directional signal light is activated. In the directional signal light, between the plurality of light sources, a light-blocking wall made of an opaque member is arranged, and wherein a plurality of the light-blocking walls are arrayed in the vehicle width direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Daisuke Kuriki, Yuta Hosoda
  • Publication number: 20180057092
    Abstract: A carrier device includes a frame and a connecting unit connected to the frame and having an engaging member. The engaging member includes a receiving groove, at least one elastic portion elastically and flexibly disposed in a bottom wall of the receiving groove, and an abutting shoulder disposed in the receiving groove and having at least one opening. An article receiving unit is detachably connected to the connecting unit and includes an accommodating member for receiving articles for a bicycle. The accommodating member includes a protruding portion releasably received in the receiving groove and having at least one first positioning portion and at least one second positioning portion. The elastic portion is engaged with the first or second positioning portion. A pressing portion on the accommodating member is passable through the opening to a position between the abutting shoulder and the bottom wall of the receiving groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Louis Chuang
  • Publication number: 20180057093
    Abstract: A multi-purpose tool system installed on the handle bars of a conventional bicycle. The tool system is formed of a main body, and an expansion mechanism, a plug and a fastener. The expansion mechanism is inserted in an open end of a handle bar of a bicycle and the fastener is tightened. This causes the expansion mechanism to expand and tighten against the interior surface of the handle bars thereby holding it in place. The expansion mechanism is formed of a plurality of wedges that are held together by binders. The main body holds a plurality of bits and a cover that includes a driver is connected to the main body by a locking mechanism. When a tool is needed, the cover is removed from the main body, a bit is removed from the main body and inserted into the driver and the cover is used as a handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Todd N. Lenig
  • Publication number: 20180057094
    Abstract: A magnetic coupling device includes a first seat, a second seat, a magnetic unit and a releasing member. The second seat is connected to the first seat. The magnetic unit includes a first member disposed in the first seat, and a second member disposed in the second seat. The releasing member is connected to the first seat and the second seat, and is convertible between a linked position, where the second seat is proximate to the first seat, and the second member is magnetically connected to the first member, and a released position, where the second seat is away from the first seat, and the second member is separated from the first member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Kuo-Chung Hsu
  • Publication number: 20180057095
    Abstract: A scooter (5) includes a head tube (50); a riser tube (51) freely and rotatably pivoted with the head tube (50), the upper end of the riser tube being provided with a handle (511); a preceding runner (52) provided at the lower end of the riser tube (51); a left carrier (53) and a right carrier (53) both connected to the head tube (50); a left back runner (54) and a right back runner (54) provided at the left carrier (53) and the right carrier (53) respectively, which support the scooter (5) alone with the preceding runner (52); the front end of each carrier (53) is provided with a cantilever (533) respectively. The left cantilever (533) and the right cantilever (533) are both provided at the head tube (50) in a suspending form of swinging back and forth freely. Provided between the left cantilever, the right cantilever (533) and the head tube (50) is a holding means (55) enabling the left carrier and the right carrier to perform back and forth alternate swing and displacement action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Cheng-Neng FAN
  • Publication number: 20180057096
    Abstract: A wheelchair accessible cycle that can be driven on a surface and operated from a wheelchair. The wheelchair accessible cycle comprising a frame and a platform. The frame has a front portion with a first wheel and a rear portion with second and third wheels. The platform is disposed laterally between the second and the third wheels and longitudinally between the front and rear portions of the frame. The platform is configurable to transport the wheelchair and pivotally moveable between a tilted position, where a free edge of the platform is in contact with the surface for rollably receiving the wheelchair, and a horizontal position, where the platform is generally horizontal and the wheelchair is adjacent to the front portion of the frame when the wheelchair is loaded onto the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Ryan Flyer, LLC
    Inventors: Dale Ryan, Kara Ryan, Ike Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20180057097
    Abstract: An electric three wheeled vehicle includes a vehicle chassis supporting a vehicle operator seat or saddle. The vehicle chassis defines a storage region beneath the vehicle operator seat or saddle. One or more energy storage devices for powering one or more electric motors of the vehicle are located within the storage region and are supported by the chassis. The storage region and/or the energy storage device(s) each form an elongate three-dimensional volume having a long axis that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. A vehicle operator, when seated upon the seat or saddle, sits astride the one or more energy storage devices. A handlebar steering assembly is operatively coupled to a pair of front wheels to provide steering. The vehicle includes a single rear wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: ARCIMOTO, INC.
    Inventor: Mark Douglas Frohnmayer