Patents Issued in December 31, 2020
  • Publication number: 20200407977
    Abstract: A hand tool for placing a single insulation plate at one time atop an insulation board or a vapor barrier or membrane on a flat or low slope roof. The hand tool has a flexible member that carries a releasable connector having a grip strength that releasably retains one insulation plate. The flexible member flexes between a neutral first position and a flexed second position. When the flexible member is flexed towards the second position, the releasable connector releases the insulation plate to place the insulation plate in a desired location atop the insulation board or vapor barrier on the flat or low slope roof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Andrew J. Horner, Roy S. Ailstock
  • Publication number: 20200407978
    Abstract: In a general aspect, a mat is disclosed for forming a transition between two surfaces of different elevation. The mat includes a carpeted layer secured to a foam layer. The foam layer includes first, second, third and fourth sides that define a perimeter of the foam layer. The foam layer also includes first and second channels extending in-plane through the foam layer from the first side to the second side. The first and second channels are configured to allow the mat to fold around a first folding axis into a folded position. The foam layer additionally includes relief cuts extending in-plane through the foam layer from the third side to the fourth side. The relief cuts are configured to allow the mat to fold around a second folding axis into a rolled position. A fifth side of the foam layer is mated to the carpeted layer, and a sixth side of the foam layer defines an interior boundary of the mat when the mat is in the folded position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Applicant: EZ Flex LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Hewitt Anderson, Cody Blake Anderson, Robert Wade Garrett
  • Publication number: 20200407979
    Abstract: A cantilever stair assembly for installation in segments or sections includes a stair tread module including a stair tread plate having a tread hole. An embedded stair tread is inserted into and fixed within the tread hole. The stair tread module may include a first inner wall stair tread support and a second inner wall stair tread support for mounting to opposite sides of a vertical support member. Each of the first and second inner wall stair tread supports has a first plate with a plurality of support-member-engagement holes therethrough and a second plate perpendicular to the first plate and having a plurality of stair-tread-plate-engagement holes therethrough. The stair tread plate is secured to at least one of the plurality of stair-tread-plate-engagement holes of each of the first and second inner wall stair tread supports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventor: Ranjiv JAIN
  • Publication number: 20200407980
    Abstract: A modular staircase frame is lightweight, adjustable, and may be brought to a worksite in pieces to be assembled. The modular staircase frame includes two opposing sets of laterally spaced blades, which may be adjustably connected to form laterally spaced ascending frame members. The opposing sets of blades may include a first pair of blades and a final pair of blades to anchor the frame to a first and second surface, respectively. The blades have openings for adjustable attachment of adjacent blades. The frame may also include stiffeners for added structural support. The opposing sets of laterally spaced blades may further include one or more corner blades for changing the direction of the staircase. Once the frame is installed, treads (temporary or final) can be removably installed on the frame to create a staircase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventor: Peter Spremulli
  • Publication number: 20200407981
    Abstract: A set of panels including first and second panels. The first and second panels have a first, second and third edge. The first edge of the first panel is configured to be able to be locked together with both the second edge and the third edge of the second panel. The first edge includes a first locking element configured to be able to cooperate with a first locking groove at the second edge and a second locking groove at the third edge for locking in a horizontal direction. The first edge includes a tongue groove configured to cooperate with a tongue at the second edge and a tongue at the third edge for locking in a vertical direction. The first locking element includes a first locking surface configured to cooperate with a second locking surface on the first locking groove, for locking in the horizontal and the vertical direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Applicant: Välinge Innovation AB
    Inventors: Christian BOO, Marcus Nilsson STÅHL, Anders NILSSON
  • Publication number: 20200407982
    Abstract: A deck tile assembly is disclosed. The deck tile assembly comprises a frame having at least four sides. The deck tile assembly further comprises a plurality of bars for providing a support structure to the frame. The deck tile assembly further comprises at least two parallel sleepers permanently attached between two opposite sides of the frame and mounted on the plurality of bars. The deck tile assembly further comprises at least two step clip fastening devices, wherein each of the step clip fastening device is mounted on one of the at least two parallel sleepers. The deck tile assembly further comprises at least two supporting members for attaching the frame with the ground surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Schneider, Simon Rafael Marin, Patrick Joseph Bertke
  • Publication number: 20200407983
    Abstract: A tiling system for forming or covering a deck includes a plurality of lightweight tiles (formed of synthetic plastics material) and a like plurality of underlay units to be secured underneath the tiles with peripheral edges of the tiles mutually adjacent. The tiles and the underlay units are formed with respective non-adhesive connection means locating each tile on and centrally located with respect to a corresponding underlay unit. Projections extend from the edges of the underlay units to engage adjacent underlay units in use and to separate the edges of the tiles. Each tile is of lateral extent in each direction somewhat less than the lateral extent of the corresponding underlay unit, so that the tiles when connected to the underlay units have their edges mutually spaced apart with open gaps between them. The gaps between the tiles permit them to expand in hot weather without lifting or tenting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventor: Michael John Jarmey
  • Publication number: 20200407984
    Abstract: The invention relates to a scaffold stairway (10) having two spaced-apart side rails (12, 14; 12(I), 14(I); 12(II), 14(II); 12(III), 14(III); 12(IV), 14(IV)) designed as hollow profiles (43; 43(I); 43(II); 43(III); 43(IV)) and a plurality of separate steps (16). The steps (16) can be fastened by their free ends (17) in holding devices for holding the steps that are designed as grooves (18; 18(I); 18(II); 18(III); 18(IV)) on the mutually facing lateral faces (19) of the side rails (12, 14; 12(I), 14(I); 12(II), 14(II); 12(III), 14(III); 12(IV), 14(IV)). The free ends (17) of the steps (16) lie on a groove flank (96a, 96b) or a groove flank portion (60a, 60b). As a result, the side rails (12, 14; 12(I), 14(I); 12(II), 14(II); 12(III), 14(III); 12(IV), 14(IV)) can be coupled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventor: Julian Hellenschmidt
  • Publication number: 20200407985
    Abstract: A device for assisting to secure a bridge support bracket to a beam, the device comprising: a support frame, a hook to secure the support frame to the beam, a clamp to grasp and hold the bracket, and a pivot axle to pivotally connect the clamp to the support frame. When attaching at least two spaced apart such devices to the beam, then clamping a support bracket in each of the at least two spaced apart devices, both support brackets can be pivoted to a position where wood boards attached to the top of the support brackets are held in a not horizontal position. By then placing a wood stud in a position where it spans the two support brackets and attaching the wood stud to the respective bracket wood boards, a workman can then further pivot the support brackets to where the wood boards extend horizontally away from the beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventor: Eric S. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20200407986
    Abstract: In summary the invention described herein is broadly directed to a module for forming a reinforced concrete structure comprising (a) a formwork member that defines a cavity, (b) a reinforcement structure in the cavity, and (c) at least one formwork brace interconnecting the formwork member and the reinforcement structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Nicholas Bruce Mullaney, Logan Peter Mullaney
  • Publication number: 20200407987
    Abstract: An adjustable concrete reinforcement assembly includes a base member having a pair of open ends and an upper axial cavity defined along the length of the base member. A pair of frame members each include a horizontal extending portion and a vertical extending portion in which the horizontal extending portions are sized to engage the upper axial cavity of the base member. A hanger member is disposed at an upper end of the vertical extending portions of each frame member; wherein the frame members are axially movable within the base member to enable a horizontal dimension of the assembly to be selectively adjusted. At least one support is further provided to receive at least one concrete reinforcement member, such as rebar. In at least one version, adjustments can be to the horizontal dimension of the frame and optionally the vertical and horizontal positioning of the hanger members relative to a concrete form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventor: Michael J. Vitale, JR.
  • Publication number: 20200407988
    Abstract: Combination step bolt and fall protection anchorage assemblies are disclosed that may be mounted on structures such as communication towers, poles and antennas. The assemblies include a mounting plate that can be bolted to the structure, an integrated anchorage clip connected to the mounting plate having at least one safety hook hole extending therethrough, and a step bolt secured to the integrated anchorage clip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Matt BRANAGAN, James RUEDLINGER, Kerry JOHNSON, Christian BEAUCHAMP
  • Publication number: 20200407989
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating a surface of a structure includes a main carriage having an accessory carriage that is vertically movable with respect to the main carriage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventor: Adam Garvey Logan
  • Publication number: 20200407990
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a support post (2) comprising at least two tubes (4, 6) telescopically in sliding connection to each other. A locking device (8) holds the tubes in a locked state and allowing relative sliding of the tubes in an unlocked state. At least one end (10) of the support post has an opening (12; 112) in connection with a surface support element (14; 114). A spring is arranged within the opening of the support post to act on the surface support element (14; 114), to resiliently affect the surface support element (14; 114) in a direction away from the open end (10) of the support post and vice versa. The locking device (8) comprises a locking ring loosely arranged on one of the tubes (4) and further comprises a first ring holding arm arranged at one end of the other tube (6); the first ring holding arm having a first recess for retaining the locking ring in loose arrangement around said tube (4) with limited movability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventor: Stefan MOSS
  • Publication number: 20200407991
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lowering system (10) for lowering ceiling formworks (70) during the removal of formworks of a building ceiling, comprising a reciprocating piston (14) and a support base (18), and a locking device, wherein the reciprocating piston (14) is slidably mounted in the support base (18), and can be pushed from an extended working position to a lowered position, and can be locked in the extended position by means of the locking device. The locking device has a pivot bearing and an eccentric lever (16), wherein the eccentric lever (16) is rotatably mounted in the pivot bearing, and the reciprocating piston (14) and the support base (18) are supported against each other in the working position by means of the eccentric lever (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventor: Florian Sturm
  • Publication number: 20200407992
    Abstract: An inflatable spa is disclosed having improved strength. A water cavity of the inflatable spa may receive massaging air bubbles and/or jetted water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Hua Hsiang Lin, Yaw Yuan Hsu
  • Publication number: 20200407993
    Abstract: A pool drain or sump basin having elongated ring-shaped body, at least one and preferably a plurality of outlet ports about the ring-shaped body for allowing water to exit the drain, external peripheral flanges for mounting the drain, and an opening for allowing water to enter the drain, the ring-shaped body having an inner sidewall and outer sidewall, and open topside, and a closed bottom or floor closing off the bottom side of the body, bridging the gap between the inner sidewall and the outer sidewall, and creating a drainage channel. The body may have an optional cover configured as a removable or replacement cover with openings. The pool drain may have optional bridging elements and flow regulating elements for greater structural support and water flow regulation through the pool drain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Applicant: Custom Molded Products, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Simpson, Angelo V. Pugliese, Zachary T. Vogtner
  • Publication number: 20200407994
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable seat device (10) that includes: a linear support (38); at least one upper bearing means of the linear support configured to bear on a horizontal surface at the edge of a swimming pool and at least one lower bearing means of the linear support configured to bear on an inner wall of the swimming pool; a seat (28); an upper seat rod (36), having one end provided with a first seat slide (29) configured to slide along the linear support and a locking means (30) for locking the first slide in position on the linear support; a lower seat rod (37), having one end provided with a second seat slide (31) configured to slide along the linear support and a locking means (32) for locking the second slide in position on the linear support, the two seat rods jointly supporting the seat and being connected to one another by a swivel link (35).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventor: Julien MEYNELLY
  • Publication number: 20200407995
    Abstract: Systems and methods of detecting when an automatic swimming pool cleaner (APC) has contacted a main drain cover or other object protruding from a surface of a swimming pool are described. An APC may include equipment for detecting a change in its pitch or yaw (or both its pitch and yaw). Changes in pitch and yaw may be determined as a function of time, identifying encounters of the APC with certain protruding objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Applicant: AQUA PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Ethan Hanan
  • Publication number: 20200407996
    Abstract: A swimming pool cleaner may include motive elements intentionally driven in an unbalanced manner. This unbalanced driving may allow a cleaner to maintain contact with (“hug”) walls of a pool, allowing the cleaner to, e.g., obtain information allowing mapping of the pool perimeter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Applicant: Zodiac Pool Care Europe
    Inventors: Simon Duffaut, Arnaud Lancry
  • Publication number: 20200407997
    Abstract: A parking garage elevator system includes a frame including two front posts, two rear posts, two upper support members each interconnecting upper ends of the front and rear posts of the same side, two middle support members each interconnecting intermediate portions of the front and rear posts of the same side, and two cross braces each interconnecting front ends or rear ends of the upper support members; upper and lower automobile platforms; a power transmitting mechanism including first and second electric motors and two chains each for transferring power from the first electric motor to the upper automobile platform or from the second electric motor to the lower automobile platform; and a safety mechanism including four sets of two safety hooks and a plurality of restrain screws on the upper automobile platform or the lower automobile platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventor: Shih-Tsai Chiu
  • Publication number: 20200407998
    Abstract: A modular tent frame system comprises a number of folding frame elements which permit the shelter to be rapidly deployed in extreme environmental conditions. Telescopically sliding legs permit the tent frame to be unfolded, and the tent fabric attached to the frame, which the frame is on the ground and the tent can then be raised by sliding the outer leg elements up the inner leg elements to thereby raise the tent to the desired height, even in high winds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Brian D. Johnson, Ryan Douglas Savenkoff, Matt Christensen, Jean-Marc Bennett
  • Publication number: 20200407999
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a canopy frame with an auxiliary opening mechanism, which comprises a top connecting base, a plurality of frame rod sets, a middle connecting base, a bottom connecting base, an elastic member, and a first positioning mechanism. Each of the plurality of frame rod sets comprises a standing column, a canopy rod set, a first support rod, and a second support rod. The canopy rod set comprises a first canopy rod. The auxiliary opening mechanism comprises the middle connecting base, the bottom connecting base, the elastic member, the first positioning mechanism, the first support rod, and the second support rod. The canopy can be unfolded more effortlessly, and even a single person can complete an unfolding operation of the canopy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventor: Changjiu HUANG
  • Publication number: 20200408000
    Abstract: A fence for controlling the movement of animals. The fence comprises an elongate portion which is above ground level and which, in one way or another, make it more difficult for an animal to climb up the fence and/or deter an animal from attempting to climb up the fence. For convenience, the elongate portion is denoted a BB band. Fence components comprising BB bands, and methods for preparing them, are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventor: Vincent P. Morris
  • Publication number: 20200408001
    Abstract: A lock has a hook and a locking finger to form a locking loop. The hook is fixedly attached to the lock body, whereas the locking finger can be pivoted to disengage from the hook to open the lock. The pivotal movement of the locking finger is controlled by a latch and an extended edge. The latch has a tip and the locking finger has a cut-out to receive the tip when the lock is locked. When the lock is locked, a spindle prevents the extended edge from moving toward the latch for releasing the tip from the cut-out. When the lock is opened by the combination mechanism, the spindle is moved away to allow the extended edge to move toward the latch to release the tip from the cut-out. When the lock is opened by the key mechanism, turning the cylinder causes the extended edge to move the latch downward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventor: Karl LAI
  • Publication number: 20200408002
    Abstract: A visual indicator of lock status is disclosed. An operation indicator signaling to an operator a lock operator input direction and an unlock operator input direction to signal to the operator operations that will lock and unlock the locking device is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Jamison D. Woodley, Yang Wei
  • Publication number: 20200408003
    Abstract: A latching mechanism can secure one or more moveable members in a cabinet. The latching mechanism includes a support having a back plate mounted to the moveable member and having an opening extending therethrough, an end cap attached to the support and having a mating stem that extends into the support, and a latch having a leading end that extends through the opening in the back plate and a trailing end having a mating bore that is sized to receive the mating stem of the end cap. The mating bore of the latch defines a pivotal axis. The latch is configured to pivot along the pivotal axis between an open position in which the moveable member is moveable in the cabinet and a closed position in which the latch prevents the moveable member from moving away from the cabinet. A locking mechanism for this type of cabinet is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventor: Todd Polega
  • Publication number: 20200408004
    Abstract: A door lock assembly for a vehicle door includes a door panel, a stiffener bracket, a lock assembly, and a door pad. The door panel includes an inner door panel and an outer door panel. A stiffener bracket is connected to the inner door panel. A lock assembly is connected to the inner door panel. A door pad is connected to the stiffener bracket. The door pad is configured to interfere with the lock assembly to prevent the lock assembly from unlocking the vehicle door upon an object impacting the outer door panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Edgar Montes de Oca CONTRERAS, Yosuke NAKAI
  • Publication number: 20200408005
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a latch mechanism configured to retain a movable interior component when the latch mechanism is latched. A movable latch release is operably connected to the latch mechanism. A bidirectional inertia lock includes an actuator member that unlatches the latch mechanism, and an inertia lock member that moves from an unlocked position to a locked position in response to vehicle acceleration in a fore-aft direction and a side-to-side direction. The inertia lock member prevents movement of the actuator member to the actuated position when the inertia lock member is in the locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Diego Santillan gutierrez, Ignacio Adan Bautista, Daniel Cervantes, Raul Javier Elias
  • Publication number: 20200408006
    Abstract: The invention relates to a handle device (1) for a movable part, in particular a door or a lid, of a vehicle, with a, in particular fixed, handle part (10) for actuating the movable part, a carrier element (20) for fixing the handle part (10) to the movable part, wherein a locking cylinder (23) for unlocking the movable part at least in an emergency can be arranged on the carrier element (20), wherein a reinforcing element (13) is provided on the handle part (10), in which the locking cylinder (23) can be received at least partially, and wherein a fixing unit (30) is provided between the handle part (10) and the reinforcing element (13) in order to fix the reinforcing element (13) to the handle part (10) in a form- and/or force-locking manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Markus Bartels, Alexander Fromme, Thomas Kittel
  • Publication number: 20200408007
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle door latch, and more particularly, to a vehicle door latch having a safety device, which is capable of mechanically or electrically preventing an electrical malfunction of the vehicle door latch, installed at the interior or exterior thereof so that safety of the vehicle door latch is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventor: Hae Il Jeong
  • Publication number: 20200408008
    Abstract: A vehicle door control device includes a swipe operation portion provided on a vehicle interior side of a door, a detection unit provided at least in the swipe operation portion and configured to detect a swipe operation, a door lock device configured to hold the door in a closed state, and a controller configured to release a closed state of the door by the door lock device when it is determined that the swipe operation is detected based on a detection result of the detection unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Applicant: ALPHA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Mitsuo NISHIZUKA
  • Publication number: 20200408009
    Abstract: A gesture access system includes at least one ultra wide band transceiver to be mounted to a motor vehicle, and a processor to operate in either of (i) a gesture access mode to control an actuator associated with an access closure of the motor vehicle to lock, unlock, open or close the access closure in response to an object within a sensing region of the at least one UWB transceiver exhibiting a predefined gesture, and (ii) an inactive mode in which the at least one processor does not receive or does not act on UWB radiation detection signals, the at least one processor to operate in the gesture access mode in response to known mobile communication device being within a perimeter defined about the motor vehicle, and to otherwise operate in the inactive mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Ryan Bussis, Anne Adamczyk, Keith Scheiern
  • Publication number: 20200408010
    Abstract: A lock mechanism, includes: a rotor including a rotor rotation axis, a pair of rod connecting portions, and a pressure receiving surface; a knob including a knob rotation axis and a pressing portion; a locking portion including a pair of rods; a rotor urging member; and a knob urging member. During an opening operation in which the knob rotates from a normal position to a release operation position, the pressing portion pushes the pressure receiving surface while sliding on the pressure receiving surface to rotate the rotor from a lock input position to a release input position, and a length, obtained by projecting a sliding locus of the pressing portion on the pressure receiving surface on a cross-section in an axial perpendicular direction of the rotor, is not less than 0.8 times a length, by which the position of the pressing portion has been actually changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventor: Hiroki TAKAI
  • Publication number: 20200408011
    Abstract: A lid opening and closing device for a vehicle includes a restriction member that is operable between a restriction position at which the restriction is applied and a restriction release position at which the restriction is released, an electric motor that drives the restriction member between the restriction position and the restriction release position in response to a door switching between a locked state and an unlocked state, a case that houses the restriction member and the electric motor, and an emergency operation member that can move the restriction member to the restriction release position when the electric motor malfunctions, wherein an operating force-acting direction conversion mechanism is provided between the emergency operation member and the restriction member, the operating force-acting direction conversion mechanism converting the operating force from the emergency operation member into a force that causes operation from the restriction position toward the restriction release position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Kohei HIROTANI, Takashi YAMAMOTO, Naruhiko MAEDA
  • Publication number: 20200408012
    Abstract: A sash lock for a sash window assembly is disclosed. The sash window assembly includes an upper sash window and a lower sash window. Each of the sash windows is mounted within opposed guide rails on a master frame. At least one of the sash windows is slidable within the frame relative to the other sash window. The sash lock comprises either a keeper, with a keeper opening, for mounting on a rail of one of the sash windows or a recess in the lower rail of the upper sash. The sash lock disclosed herein includes a housing having a hole, an actuator arm, and a cam having a cam element for receipt into the keeper opening or the recess. The locking assembly also includes a shaft extending through the housing hole and operably coupling the actuator arm to the cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventor: VOLKER GUELCK
  • Publication number: 20200408013
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component configured to be actuated by an inertia force is disclosed. The component may comprise a cover moveable relative to a base between closed and open positions and a latch mechanism to provide a latched state for the cover when actuated by the inertia force and to hold the cover in an unlatched state. The latch mechanism may be configured to change state of the cover from the unlatched state to the latched state when actuated by the inertia force. The cover may comprise the latch mechanism. The latch mechanism may extend from the cover in the latched state. The latch mechanism may form a generally continuous surface with a wall of the cover when unlatched. The latch mechanism may comprise a spring to hold the cover in the unlatched state. The component may comprise at least one of a console; center console; floor console; an armrest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventor: Thomas Scott Hodgson
  • Publication number: 20200408014
    Abstract: A vehicle door hinge that has a desorption function while enabling weight reduction and increasing production efficiency. The vehicle door hinge comprises a base member (2U) fixed to the door-side of the vehicle, a base member (3U) fixed to the vehicle body side; a hinge shaft (4U) rotatably connects the base members (2U, 3U) to each other; a screwed body (5U) that is detachably screwed in the axial direction to the hinge shaft (4U) so that the base member (3U) and the hinge shaft (4U) rotate integrally; bushes (6U, 7U) fitted into a shaft holes (22U) of the base member (2U) so that the base member (2U) and the hinge shaft can rotate relative to each other; and a retaining portion (8U) for preventing the hinge shaft (4U) from coming off from the shaft hole (22U) of the base member. The base members (2U, 3U) are cast from aluminum alloy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Hiroshi MORINAGA, Makoto KONDO, Kumiko SATO
  • Publication number: 20200408015
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for moveably coupling a door with a cabinet of a home appliance includes a first hinge plate coupled with the cabinet and a second hinge plate coupled with the door and moveable relative to the first hinge plate about a pivot pin. One of the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate includes a step vertically offset from a body of the hinge plate. When the door is moved into the open position, the second hinge plate travels downward relative to the first hinge plate due to the step. The step is configured to inhibit movement of the door to the closed position until a vertical force is applied to lift the second hinge plate relative to the first hinge plate into a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paulo Henrique Alves Manara, Ledimara Mascarello, Vinicius Simm
  • Publication number: 20200408016
    Abstract: A sliding door or panel system is provided. The system can have a roller assembly that is mounted onto a sill. The system can have a moveable door or panel with a blade extending from a bottom rail of the door or panel. The blade can rest on the rollers and the rollers facilitate the door or panel moving longitudinally along the sill. The sill can be installed below a top surface of a floor, making the system less visible. The system can include a brush insert that protects against debris entering the sill. The brush insert can be removed from the sill to allow access to the rollers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventor: Mario Hernandez
  • Publication number: 20200408017
    Abstract: Cooking appliances described herein may include an oven and a cooktop disposed above the oven. The oven may have an oven cavity and an oven door configured to open and close the oven cavity by pivoting about a horizontal axis. A linear actuator may be coupled to the oven door and configured to reposition the oven door in a vertical direction. Using this apparatus, a user may be assisted by the vertically-repositionable oven door when lifting and lowering objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Ben Braden, Ronald Allen Diehl, Josiah Fronckowiak, Shaun Phillips
  • Publication number: 20200408018
    Abstract: A cooking appliance may have side-by-side, outwardly-opening doors. The doors may be operatively coupled to each other such that they rotate together and also translate together into respective storage slots on either side of an appliance cavity. Translation into the storage slots may include guiding respective roller carriages of the doors along tracks in the storage slots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Sean Johnson, Kenneth Jones, Robert Parchman, Stephen Somogy
  • Publication number: 20200408019
    Abstract: Pivot door hinge, including a hinge housing for mounting the pivot door hinge to a door, a pivot axle pivotally supported within the housing, the pivot axle having an end arranged for rotationally anchoring the pivot axle to a structure holding the door, a closing mechanism arranged within the hinge housing, the closing mechanism being cooperatively connected to the pivot axle, the closing mechanism being arranged for providing a closing torque in an angular position range of the door hinge relative to the pivot axle, the angular position range corresponding with a door in an open state. The pivot door hinge further includes a braking mechanism arranged within the hinge housing, cooperatively connected to the pivot axle, the braking mechanism being arranged for providing braking action in the angular position range of the door hinge relative to the pivot axle with a braking-angle profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Bastiaan VOS, Dionne Ilonka HAANSTRA
  • Publication number: 20200408020
    Abstract: A vehicle mechanism is provided. The vehicle mechanism may include a stationary member including a main portion provided with an offset surface region including a bearing-surface region having non-planar regions. The mechanism may also include a moveable member that may be configured to move with respect to the stationary member. The moveable member may include a mating-bearing-surface region that may be configured to engage the bearing-surface region of the stationary member. A coating may be provided on the main portion and the bearing-surface region. The coating on the main portion may have a first thickness and the coating on the bearing-surface region may have a second thickness. The second thickness may be least 20% greater than the first thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Benjamin HILL, Silverio GRAHAM, Hilmar DOHLES
  • Publication number: 20200408021
    Abstract: An opening-closing member controller that solves the problem includes a motor, a speed detection unit, an entrapment determination unit, and a control unit. The motor opens and closes an opening-closing member of a vehicle. The speed detection unit outputs a speed signal corresponding to a rotation speed of the motor. The entrapment determination unit determines whether entrapment of foreign material by the opening-closing member has occurred based on the speed signal. The control unit reverses or stops the motor when the entrapment determination unit determines that entrapment has occurred. The entrapment determination unit performs the determination at shorter time intervals when a remote operation switch that is separated from the vehicle is operated to close the opening-closing member than when a vehicle operation switch that is arranged in the vehicle is operated to close the opening-closing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshio AOKI, Yutaka NAITO, Hiromichi ONO
  • Publication number: 20200408022
    Abstract: The present technology generally provides swing gate actuator assemblies. In particular, some embodiments of the present technology provide a fastener configured to secure an arm of the actuator assembly to a swing gate panel. The fastener can be configured to permit a longitudinal axis of the arm to pivot about a pivot portion on the fastener, thereby reducing the likelihood of gate malfunction in response to a misalignment event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Connor Elder, Steven A. Carlsen
  • Publication number: 20200408023
    Abstract: A user interface unit for an automatic door drive comprises a display unit for outputting output information and a control element arrangement for capturing input information. The user interface unit, together with the door drive, is mountable in a first spatial position and in a second spatial position on a door that is drivable by the door drive. The control element arrangement comprises a first control element and a second control element, wherein the first control element is arranged in the first spatial position of the user interface unit on the same spatial side of the control element arrangement as the second control element in the second spatial position. The display unit is designed to display the displayed output information in the same spatial orientation in both the first spatial position and the second spatial position of the user interface unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas SCHLUEP, Hermann BEER, Christoph WEBER, Martin WELLNITZ
  • Publication number: 20200408024
    Abstract: A spindle drive assembly for opening and/or closing a vehicle hatch is described. This comprises a spindle extending along a spindle drive axis and a spindle drive motor coupled to the spindle in terms of drive, the motor shaft of which is arranged substantially coaxially with respect to the spindle drive axis. The spindle drive motor is coupled to the spindle via a two-stage epicyclic gearing. Furthermore, a vehicle hatch with such a spindle drive assembly is presented. A method for installing an epicyclic gearing of such a spindle drive assembly is additionally specified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventor: Frank KUMMER
  • Publication number: 20200408025
    Abstract: An electromechanical biasing member for moving a closure panel between an open and a closed position relative to a motor vehicle body is provided. The electromechanical biasing member includes a housing having an inner cavity for housing an electric motor having a motor shaft and a rotary output member rotatable relative to the housing. An extension member within the housing and engageable with the rotary output member moves the closure panel between the open and closed positions in response to driving the electric motor. Also provided is a control unit positioned within the inner cavity and configured to drive the electric motor, the control unit including at least one controller board juxtaposed to the electric motor, and a plurality of control components mounted to the at least one controller board and configured to supply a drive signal to the electric motor and receive signals representative of operation of the electric motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: JOHN GLENN ZEABARI, JOSHUA MICHAEL BERNHARDT
  • Publication number: 20200408026
    Abstract: A carrier plate is attached to a guide rail so as to move on the guide rail along the extending direction. An erected portion includes a first surface and a second surface which extend in an extending direction. A slit is formed by a first edge portion which is disposed on a side of the first surface of the erected portion and a second edge portion which is disposed on a side of the second surface of the erected portion. A cutout portion which includes an opening facing the erected portion is provided in at least one of the first edge portion and the second edge portion. The cutout portion includes a space portion which allows grease to be stored therein. The grease stored in the cutout portion is applied to the erected portion which slides in the slit when the carrier plate moves on the guide rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Applicants: HI-LEX CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroyuki TAKAOKA, Tetsuya NAGASAKI