Footboards And Pedal Guards Patents (Class 180/90.6)
  • Patent number: 11809211
    Abstract: A foldable pedal apparatus of a vehicle includes a pendant-type configuration provided with a pedal arm and a pedal pad. The pedal pad rotates with respect to the pedal arm when the rotation motor operates so that the pedal pad pops up to protrude toward a driver or hide to block the exposure to the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation
    Inventor: Eun Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 11675385
    Abstract: Systems and device configurations are provided for reducing misstep, such as miscommunication between a vehicle and a driver that results in applying the incorrect pedal. Vehicle pedal configurations having a positioning element are described. Embodiments include pedal configurations having a pedal pad and at least one positioning element to adjust the pedal pad in response to pedal misstep. Pedal adjustment can include rotation of a pedal pad, rotation of portions of a pedal pad, and multibody pedal pad configurations. According to embodiment, a pedal pad includes vibrational elements to control vibration of the pedal. Embodiments are also directed to a pedal configuration including a flip plate. Systems are provided including a controller to control a pedal configuration and positioning elements. The controller may control the pedal based on a driving mode, such as an assistive driving state wherein operator is instructed to apply a pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Toyota Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yasuda, Manuel L. Kuehner
  • Patent number: 11255427
    Abstract: A shift device in which a press-fit column of a control lever is press-fitted into and passed through a press-fit hole in a boot such that the boot forms a seal between the upper side and the lower side of the press-fit hole. A press-fit interference amount between the press-fit column and the press-fit hole is larger at a length direction intermediate side of the press-fit hole than at a length direction end portion side of the press-fit hole. This enables a reduction in the contact force between the press-fit column and a peripheral face of the press-fit hole at the length direction intermediate side of the press-fit hole to be suppressed, enabling the sealing performance of the press-fit hole in the boot to be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO, SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takumi Ito, Shingo Nagashima, Yusaku Imai, Masahide Mita, Tomoyuki Otsuka
  • Patent number: 11162577
    Abstract: An overlaying protective apparatus for preventing liquids or debris from entering a vehicle gear shift mechanism for a vehicle comprising a console between a driver and adjacent passenger area with a movable gear shift stick rising from an opening or movable arrangement in a top region of the console is provided. The apparatus is configured to be added before or after market, without modification to the vehicle. In an example implementation, the protective apparatus comprising a fluid-impervious sheet of transparent material arranged to drape over the gear shift stick and extending to additionally cover at last part of the console so as to prevent liquids or debris from entering the vehicle gear shift mechanism through the opening or movable arrangement in the console. The protective apparatus can be configured as to permit the driver to see any labels, graphical markings, and visual indicators on the gear shift console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Inventor: Sulochna Lalchandani
  • Patent number: 11130433
    Abstract: Provided is a floor structure of a vehicle having a pedal device to be pressed down by a driver seated in a driver seat of the vehicle. The floor structure is arranged relative to the pedal device and includes: a heel stopper part located substantially below the pedal device; and a pedal stopper part located on a vehicle-forward side of the heel stopper part and serving to prevent the pedal device from being excessively pressed down by the driver. The heel stopper part and the pedal stopper part are formed integrally with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Iwasaki, Yoshiaki Okutomi
  • Patent number: 10935185
    Abstract: A container assembly, in particular of an air pressure system of a utility vehicle, includes a first region and a second region, wherein the first and the second region together enclose at least part of a container interior, wherein the first and the second region are connected to each other via a joining region, and wherein the joining region is subjected to a shearing load in the event of loading from the container interior side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: SAF-HOLLAND GmbH
    Inventor: Bernd Brunsch
  • Patent number: 10913419
    Abstract: A footwell assembly for a vehicle is disposed herein. The footwell assembly includes at least one foot pedal disposed in the footwell and operable between a use position and a stowed position. A receiving member is positioned within the footwell and is defining a recess, wherein the at least one foot pedal is configured to nest within the recess while in the stowed position. A cover feature is operably coupled to the receiving member and is configured to cover the at least one foot pedal when the at least one foot pedal is nested within the recess of the receiving member in the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gary D. Mullen, John A. Shinska, Gregory Pfirman, Keith Brown
  • Patent number: 10883595
    Abstract: An operation lever cover for a work vehicle includes a through hole, a trunk, a first attachment part, and a second attachment part. The through hole extends in a first direction. An operation lever of the work vehicle passes through the through hole. The first attachment part is provided at a first end in the first direction of the trunk and has a first attachment surface fitted to a first support surface in a driver's cab of the work vehicle. The second attachment part has a second attachment surface fitted to a second support surface provided separately from the first support surface in the driver's cab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Daisuke Yasunobe
  • Patent number: 10843632
    Abstract: Disclosed is a one-piece floorboard storage compartment (100) for a front passenger side floorboard of a vehicle comprising a lower tray (105) and upper tray (150) which may be one-piece and may be used on top of a floorboard basin (A) of a vehicle to conceal for an least one concealed valuable (315) within an inner compartment (240) between the lower tray (105) and the upper tray (150).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Anthony & Kimberlee Sanchez Family Trust
    Inventor: Anthony J. Sanchez
  • Patent number: 10280971
    Abstract: A joint device (6) having an axially extending joint pin (8) and a housing (11) that radially surrounds the pin, either wholly or partially. The joint pin (8) and the housing (11) can move relative to one another at least by pivoting or rotating, and a gap (13) between the two components is closed by a sealing device (14) which is effective in any position of the components (8; 11) relative to one another. The sealing device is designed in such manner that the sealing device (14), radially on the outside thereof, is in contact with and is supported by an inner wall area (15) of the housing (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN
    Inventor: Hans-Gerd Brunneke
  • Patent number: 10234020
    Abstract: A shutter member that has a shutter with a substantially rigid wall, which has a substantially arc-shaped a side profile and a hole that is adapted to be engaged by a motor vehicle control lever. The substantially rigid wall is supported by a fastening device, fixing the shutter member to the control lever. The shutter is provided with a tab, which defines a longitudinal extension of the substantially rigid wall and is elastically flexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: FIAT GROUP AUTOMOBILES S.P.A.
    Inventor: Tommaso Vicenzo
  • Patent number: 10207615
    Abstract: A headrest includes a stay having left and right legs; a headrest main body attached to the stay and able to rotate in a front-rear direction; a pair of elongated holes made in a bottom surface of the headrest main body and a pair of closing members arranged on the bottom surface of the headrest main body, covering the elongated holes, wherein each closing member includes a main plate and a sub-plate, the main plate has an insertion hole guiding one leg of the stay and moves in the front-rear direction as the main plate is rotated, and the sub-plate is provided, overlapping the main plate, and is able to move as the main plate moves; the main plate and the sub-plate may move as the headrest main body is rotated, while covering the elongated hole made in the bottom surface of the headrest main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: TACHI-S CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shumpei Toyomi
  • Patent number: 10139029
    Abstract: An arrangement for use in adjoining a support structure to a pipe that passes through the support structure. The arrangement comprises a mount attachable to the support structure. Radial bellows are connected to the mount. The bellows are arranged in use to extend circumferentially around a pipe and be connectable thereto such that a volume is defined by the bellows, mount and pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE POWER ENGINEERING PLC
    Inventor: Iansteel Achunche
  • Patent number: 10099593
    Abstract: An adjustable footrest for an occupant of a vehicle is presented herein. An embodiment of the system includes the features of an arcuate base, motor, and footrest. The arcuate base is configured to be installed within a vehicle foot well and includes a groove. The motor is configured to be positioned within the arcuate base and includes a rotatable gear. The footrest itself includes a body, pedal gear and tongue. The body is configured for frontside engagement by a foot. The pedal gear is located on the body backside. The tongue is on the body backside and is configured to operatively interlock into the groove to provide footrest stability. Moreover, the interaction between the rotatable gear and pedal gear move the footrest along the arcuate base during motor operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Inventors: Denis Y. Tanaka, Tania A. Damico
  • Patent number: 10076985
    Abstract: An adjustable footrest for an occupant of a vehicle is presented herein. The footrest includes: a footpad, motor, and stem. The footpad extends from the foot well of the vehicle and is configured for engagement by a foot. The motor has an elongated axle. The stem is configured to be mounted to the underside of footpad at a first end and to the axle at a second end. Moreover, the stem second end moves telescopically along the axle body during motor operation, wherein such telescopic movement produces movement of the stem first end along the underside of the footpad, and wherein such stem first end movement produces corresponding angular movement of the footpad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Inventors: Tania A. Damico, Denis Y. Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10046686
    Abstract: An automobile floor mat is fashioned as a flexible mat having an upright portion and a base portion. A pair of straps are secured to the back side of the upright portion and capable of removable attachment to a foot pedal of the automobile. The surface of the base portion has a depressed region forming a small basin designed to capture water and soil from the automobile operator's shoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Inventor: Joseph Lazzara
  • Patent number: 9994140
    Abstract: A floor mat is provided for a motor vehicle. The floor mat includes a debris pan and a debris retaining wall encompassing the debris pan. In addition, the floor mat includes an integral heel blocker within the debris retaining wall that is adapted to protect the feet, heels and lower legs of an operator of a motor vehicle in the event of a frontal collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew B. Makowski, Echung Su, Edward Joseph Abramoski, Djamal Eddine Midoun
  • Patent number: 9922627
    Abstract: A compact assembly for retaining a bass drum in position on a playing surface while it is played by a drummer seated on a drum stool. The compact assembly includes a mat component having a length and a width. The length of the mat component is sufficient to allow both a bass drum and a drum stool to be operatively positioned on opposite ends thereof while the mat component is disposed in an open operative configuration. A retention component comprises a retention member secured to a portion of one end of the mat component, and a cushion member is affixed to at least one side of the retention member. The cushion member engages a portion of the bass drum when the bass drum is disposed in an operative orientation on the mat component, thereby retaining the bass drum in position while a drummer is playing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Rafael Martinez
  • Patent number: 9421897
    Abstract: An assembly for receiving a heel of a user of a motor vehicle under a pedal and/or a footrest of a motor vehicle passenger compartment, including at least a thickness of acoustic felt resting on a floor of the vehicle, a receiving element resting on the acoustic layer and including at least a bearing and pivoting area for the heel, and a mat covering the element. The receiving element is formed from a hollow housing including at least a rigid rear transverse wall, which protrudes relative to the horizontal to form the bearing and pivoting area for the heel of the user and a horizontal transverse wall secured to the floor of the vehicle and configured to deform in event of an impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: RENAULT S.A.S.
    Inventor: Jean-Charles Bouillon
  • Patent number: 9347548
    Abstract: A shutter member that has a shutter with a substantially rigid wall. The shutter has a substantially arc-shaped side profile that is provided with a hole which is adapted to be engaged by a motor vehicle control lever. The substantially rigid wall is supported by a fastening device, fixing the shutter member to the control lever. The shutter has a tab, which defines a longitudinal extension of the substantially rigid wall and is elastically flexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: FIAT GROUP AUTOMOBILES S.P.A.
    Inventor: Tommaso Vicenzo
  • Patent number: 9010472
    Abstract: A footrest assembly includes a body portion having an upper contact surface adapted to support a vehicle occupant's foot at a predetermined angle. The footrest assembly includes mounting members adapted to couple the footrest assembly to a base unit disposed on a vehicle floorboard. The footrest assembly includes a depression or recess adapted to receive a parking brake pedal when the parking brake is in a fully actuated position. Thus, the footrest assembly is configured to provide a footrest option in a vehicle interior that would otherwise not have the space requirements to accommodate a footrest, while also allowing for full functionality of a parking brake pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Edward Joseph Leonard Meszaros, William Edward Draper, David Thomas Patrick, Keith Brown
  • Publication number: 20150047917
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a plurality of ground-engaging members, a frame assembly supported by the plurality of ground-engaging members, and a powertrain assembly. Additionally, the utility vehicle includes a body generally surrounding the frame assembly and including a hood, dashboard assembly, and a side panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Daniel L. Burt, II, Brent C. Eaton, Michael C. Bohnsack, Andrew J. Miller, Michael J. Hanten, Anthony J. Kinsman, Brent J. Hanson, Timothy F. Melvin, James E. Rogala, Ryan Black-Macken, Kurt E. Stenberg, Garth H. Bracy, Jeff M. Goulet, Jeremiah T. Johnstun
  • Patent number: 8944203
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for preventing an external substances from being inserted into the lower part of a foot pedal unit of a vehicle, and the device prevents external foreign substances from being inserted into the lower part of a vehicular foot pedal unit which includes a pedal arm and a pedal combined with an edge of said pedal arm, wherein the invention comprises a body which: is formed as a clastic member that is clastically transformed; is disposed between a lower side of said foot pedal unit and an indoor bottom surface of the vehicle; and is combined with said foot pedal unit and/or said indoor bottom surface of the vehicle, wherein said body is formed to prevent external foreign substance from being introduced to the lower side of said pedal arm and said pedal. According to the present invention, no external substances are introduced to a lower gap between the pedal arm and the pedal when the vehicle is running, thereby is preventing fatal traffic accidents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Jung Kyoung Choi
  • Patent number: 8801074
    Abstract: A body cover structure for saddle-ride type vehicles that enables enhancement of the user's comfort while increasing the rigidity of covering members constituting a center tunnel part. Step floors are configured of forward inclined parts disposed ahead of the floors in a forward rising shape, horizontal parts disposed either substantially horizontally or in a rearwardly rising shape behind these forward inclined parts, and bent parts connecting the forward inclined parts and the horizontal parts. The middle covers are provided on the lower edges thereof with downwardly extending parts extending toward the bent parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kohei Yokouchi, Tomoyuki Maruyama, Tomotake Shimoji, Tetsuo Kojima
  • Patent number: 8800706
    Abstract: A utility vehicle is disclosed having foot controlled pedals to operate the speed and acceleration of the vehicle. The utility vehicle may include a foot well in the floor board for locating the heel an operator's foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron David Deckard, Jeffrey Lynn Gardner
  • Patent number: 8794102
    Abstract: An accelerator pedal assembly for a vehicle includes a pedal arm having a first end portion pivotally secured to the vehicle, a pedal pivotally mounted to a second end portion of the pedal arm, and a guard plate secured to the pedal arm forwardly of the pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eric Heitkamp
  • Publication number: 20140131131
    Abstract: A straddle-type tracked vehicle comprises a frame and a foot board pivotally connected to the frame. A retainer selectively prevents the foot board from pivoting with respect to the frame. An actuator, operatively connected to at least one operative system of the vehicle, has a pedal disposed at least in part vertically above the foot board. In a first state of the retainer, the foot board is fixed in a default position by the retainer. The pedal is movable between a first position and a second position. The second position is vertically below the first position and vertically above the default position of the foot board. In a second state of the retainer, the foot board pivots such that at least a front of the foot board is at a position vertically below the default position. The pedal is movable to a third position vertically below the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Dany Marois, Yannick Bourque, Bruno Girouard, Bruno Bedard
  • Patent number: 8706336
    Abstract: A motorcycle apparatus is provided which may include a step disposed between a front wheel and a rear wheel, and to support feet of a rider and a side cover configured to cover a lateral side of the vehicle body. The apparatus may also include a charging electric cable for charging the battery from an outside power source and an electric cable housing unit to house the charging electric cable in the vehicle body, and in which the charging electric cable is connected to the vehicle body. The apparatus may further include a housing opening portion to be opened for inserting or removing a leading end portion of the charging electric cable into or from the electric cable housing unit and an opening lid to close the housing opening portion. The housing opening portion may be located under the step and provided to the side cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shujiro Inui
  • Patent number: 8657052
    Abstract: A floor panel is formed with an opening for mounting a pedal device. The opening permits a remote control valve to penetrate through the floor panel. The opening has an insertion region configured to allow the joint, the hydraulic hose and a lower portion of a valve body to be inserted thereinto from above the floor panel, and an arrangement region located in side-by-side relation to the insertion region in a second direction and configured to allow the valve body to be arranged therein while being fixed to the floor panel. In top plan view, a length of the opening in the second direction is less than a length of the opening in the first direction, and a length of the arrangement region in the first direction is less than a length of the insertion region in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masanori Sakatani
  • Patent number: 8596398
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) having an ergonomically improved rider footwell and leg well. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to ATVs having an ergonomically designed footwell leg recess to allow the rider's leg to be received therein while standing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey David Bennett
  • Patent number: 8550412
    Abstract: A switch bracket includes a bracket body that includes a lower surface and a kickplate. The switch bracket also includes a switch mount located on the lower surface of the bracket body, where at least a portion of the kickplate extends outward from the lower surface further than the stop lamp switch that is retained at the switch mount. In another embodiment, a brake pedal assembly includes a switch bracket coupled to a pedal mount, the switch bracket having a lower surface and a kickplate. The brake pedal assembly also includes a stop lamp switch coupled to the lower surface of the switch bracket, and a brake pedal rotationally engaged with the pedal mount and coupled to the stop lamp switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Richard Slade, Crystal Jasmine Mink, Herb Meingast
  • Publication number: 20130153325
    Abstract: An all terrain vehicle with a tool less maintainable drive system, and having a seat designed to be straddled by the operator. The vehicle has a frame, a plurality of wheels attached to the frame, a steering mechanism attached at least one of the plurality of wheels, an engine mounted to the frame, and a clutch attached to the engine. The vehicle contains a system of features that can be removed without the use of tools. The system has a support attached to and extending outward from the frame, a removable footrest, a receiver attached to the removable footrest and configured to mate with the support, a locking mechanism attached to the receiver to secure the removable footrest with respect to the footrest support; and a removable clutch housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: BEAMCO, Inc.
    Inventor: BEAMCO, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8419104
    Abstract: An all terrain vehicle with a tool less maintainable drive system, and having a seat designed to be straddled by the operator. The vehicle has a frame, a plurality of wheels attached to the frame, a steering mechanism attached at least one of the plurality of wheels, an engine mounted to the frame, and a clutch attached to the engine. The vehicle contains a system of features that can be removed without the use of tools. The system has a support attached to and extending outward from the frame, a removable footrest, a receiver attached to the removable footrest and configured to mate with the support, a locking mechanism attached to the receiver to secure the removable footrest with respect to the footrest support; and a removable clutch housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Beamco, Inc.
    Inventors: James Bergman, Larry Holter, Rick Nelson, Dave Paschke
  • Patent number: 8297394
    Abstract: A two or more person RUV (recreational utility vehicle) is provided with a multi-place multi-planar saddle seat assembly, multi-place multi-planar foot board assemblies, and grip handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: American Off-Road Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Richard A. Davis, Eric A. Davis, Russell R. Kleiser
  • Patent number: 8251392
    Abstract: A device for retaining a user's foot on a motorcycle footboard is disclosed, such as a footboard having an upper surface and a perimeter edge. The device comprises a frame configured to mount on the footboard. The frame forms a perimeter to extend about a portion of the upper surface of the footboard. The frame defines an aperture that is configured such that the portion of the upper surface of the footboard is exposed when the frame is mounted on the footboard. The frame comprises a main portion, the main portion having a front end for positioning toward a front of the footboard and a back for positioning toward a back end of the footboard. The frame also comprises an extension portion extending from the main portion. The extension portion extends forwardly from the main portion. The device includes a securing structure for removably securing the frame to the footboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Dean A. Peterson
  • Patent number: 8196692
    Abstract: A two or more person RUV (recreational utility vehicle) is provided with a multi-place multi-planar saddle seat assembly, multi-place multi-planar foot board assemblies, and grip handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: American Off-Road Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard A. Davis, Eric A. Davis, Russell R. Kleiser
  • Patent number: 8191665
    Abstract: A snowmobile includes a frame having a steering hoop structure and a tunnel. The steering hoop structure is coupled to first and second side panels of the tunnel and extends above the tunnel. The first and second side panels of the tunnel each include a running board supported by the steering hoop structure. The steering hoop structure includes a toe clip positioned adjacent to each of the running boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Elliott Sampson, Jack Struthers, Greg Alan Peppel, Jeffrey Denzil Conn
  • Patent number: 8167072
    Abstract: A utility vehicle with space utilization features is disclosed. The space utilization features provide storage and access to components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua J. Leonard, Richard Raymond Maki, Eric Bjerketvedt, Michael D. Schneider, Bradley Robert Morisch, Brian D. Krosschell, Louis J. Brady, James Bergman, Larry Holter, Richard Nelson, Lionel Hoff, Doug Moman, Mitchell D. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20120090908
    Abstract: An all terrain vehicle with a tool less maintainable drive system, and having a seat designed to be straddled by the operator. The vehicle has a frame, a plurality of wheels attached to the frame, a steering mechanism attached at least one of the plurality of wheels, an engine mounted to the frame, and a clutch attached to the engine. The vehicle contains a system of features that can be removed without the use of tools. The system has a support attached to and extending outward from the frame, a removable footrest, a receiver attached to the removable footrest and configured to mate with the support, a locking mechanism attached to the receiver to secure the removable footrest with respect to the footrest support; and a removable clutch housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: BEAMCO, INC.
    Inventors: James Bergman, Larry Holter, Rick Nelson, Dave Paschke
  • Patent number: 8132591
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tractor, comprising: a vehicle body that is supported by a plurality of wheels; a switching valve that is disposed rearwardly of a vicinity of a rear end of a driver's station floor as viewed from above; a duct connecting member that is positioned at the front end of the driver's station floor and provided with a plurality of duct connecting ports; and a plurality of metal ducts that connect the switching valve and the duct connecting member below the driver's station floor, wherein the metal ducts are positioned on a laterally outer side of a portion, that is located below the driver's station floor, of a pedal arm for an operation pedal, the pedal arm being disposed at a front portion of the driver's station floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventor: Akifumi Nishino
  • Patent number: 8109556
    Abstract: An all terrain vehicle with a tool less maintainable drive system, and having a seat designed to be straddled by the operator. The vehicle has a frame, a plurality of wheels attached to the frame, a steering mechanism attached at least one of the plurality of wheels, an engine mounted to the frame, and a clutch attached to the engine. The vehicle contains a system of features that can be removed without the use of tools. The system has a support attached to and extending outward from the frame, a removable footrest, a receiver attached to the removable footrest and configured to mate with the support, a locking mechanism attached to the receiver to secure the removable footrest with respect to the footrest support; and a removable clutch housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Beamco, Inc.
    Inventors: James Bergman, Larry Holter, Rick Nelson, Dave Paschke
  • Patent number: 8083248
    Abstract: An extension bracket, comprising a front side and a top side, the front side at approximately ninety degrees from the top side; at least two openings on the front side, the two openings at different level from each other, one opening higher or elevated than the other; and, a pivot connector allowing one part to pivot relative to the extension bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas D. Gulley
  • Patent number: 7997604
    Abstract: A footboard assembly configured to be coupled to a motorcycle supported in a vertically upright position. The footboard assembly includes a footboard and a footpeg arm. The footboard is configured to couple to the motorcycle and to support a foot of a rider. A top surface of the footboard defines a foot support plane. The footpeg arm includes an attachment portion pivotally coupled to the footboard about a pivot axis that is not parallel to the foot support plane. The footpeg arm includes a footpeg portion spaced from the attachment portion. The footpeg arm pivots about the pivot axis between a stowed position, in which the footpeg portion defines a first height and a deployed position, in which the footpeg portion defines a second height higher than the first height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Griep, Casey A. Ketterhagen, Michael P. McNulty, Kurt C. Nelson, Michael DeCaluwe
  • Patent number: 7980345
    Abstract: A detachable footrest for use on a vehicle. The footrest has a surface area sized and shaped to accommodate a foot of a user and at least one support arm attached to a support structure. The footrest also includes two downward projections projecting from the support structure. The downward projections are sized and shaped to fit within hinge mounts of a removed door of the vehicle. The projections are slid into the hinge mounts of the removed door of the vehicle, thereby providing a surface area outside of the vehicle for resting the foot of the user. The footrest may also include a stabilizer projecting from the support structure and fastened to a mounting post located in an interior of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventor: Matthew C. Harvey
  • Patent number: 7918484
    Abstract: A seal system (9) for sealing an opening (4) which leads into an interior space of a motor vehicle that receives a steering housing (8). The seal system (9) has at least one guide channel (14) that opens into a receiving region (17) for receiving at least one lug (10) which is arranged on the steering housing (8), with the result that the seal system (9) can be connected in a frictionally locking manner to the steering housing (8) through a locking element (24) in the receiving region (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: Markus Braun, Joachim Heidel, Birger Assmann, Dirk Sickert
  • Publication number: 20100326757
    Abstract: A utility vehicle with ergonomic, safety, and maintenance features is disclosed. The ergonomic, safety, and maintenance features enhance the utility of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.
    Inventors: Joshua J. Leonard, Richard Raymond Maki, Eric Bjerkelvedt, Mitchell D. Johnson, Bradley Robert Morisch, Brian D. Krosschell, Louis J. Brady, James Bergman, Larry Holter, Richard Nelson, Lionel Hoff, Doug Moman, Michael D. Schneider
  • Patent number: 7798292
    Abstract: An engine noise engine noise baffle for a tractor brake shaft that extends laterally through openings in an engine compartment wall. The engine noise engine noise baffle has a cup-shaped portion pressed against the interior surface of the engine compartment wall, and a sleeve portion around the tractor brake shaft. The engine noise engine noise baffle has freedom of rotation with respect to the engine compartment wall. The engine noise engine noise baffle helps block and shield the operator cab from high engine temperatures, engine noise, dirt and dust, and engine fumes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Dimitri Nunez
  • Patent number: 7757799
    Abstract: A saddle ride vehicle with a front and a rear wheel, a front fender covering from an upper side to a rear side of the front wheel, and a rear fender covering from a front side to an upper side of the rear wheel. A rider of the vehicle places his feet on right and left foot rests. Right and left foot boards are provided under the rider's feet for connecting the front fender and the rear fender to each other, and right and left foot brackets are provided corresponding to the right and left foot rests. Each of the foot boards is clamped between one of the foot rests and the corresponding one of the foot brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Karube, Rei Shioya
  • Publication number: 20100175942
    Abstract: A footboard assembly configured to be coupled to a motorcycle supported in a vertically upright position. The footboard assembly includes a footboard and a footpeg arm. The footboard is configured to couple to the motorcycle and to support a foot of a rider. A top surface of the footboard defines a foot support plane. The footpeg arm includes an attachment portion pivotally coupled to the footboard about a pivot axis that is not parallel to the foot support plane. The footpeg arm includes a footpeg portion spaced from the attachment portion. The footpeg arm pivots about the pivot axis between a stowed position, in which the footpeg portion defines a first height and a deployed position, in which the footpeg portion defines a second height higher than the first height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Griep, Casey A. Ketterhagen, Michael P. McNulty, Kurt C. Nelson, Michael DeCaluwe
  • Patent number: 7744106
    Abstract: A vehicle step assembly uses hinged pedestals, attitude links and an energy storage device to position step stringers and an attached step beam in a generally horizontal and elevated deployed position, while permitting a space-saving tucked-in stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, Multimatic, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Bryan VanBelle, Louis Matthew Caballero, Sven Sauerwein, David A Barrett