Attachment Patents (Class 280/727)
  • Patent number: 7407179
    Abstract: A saddle-ride type vehicle eliminates the input of disturbances to a throttle body upon opening/closing of a vehicle seat, and is capable of reliably protecting an injector. An air cleaner 18 is disposed on the rear side of an engine 5, a fuel tank 22 is disposed above the engine 5, and a seat 23 is disposed on the rear side of the fuel tank 22 such that the seat 23 can be opened or closed. A throttle body 17 having an injector 17a is disposed in a space below the seat 23 and between the engine 5 and the air cleaner 18. A protector cover 80 covers the throttle body 17 from the upper side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuichiro Tsuruta, Toru Iwadate, Taeko Togawa, Yoshiaki Noda
  • Patent number: 7407033
    Abstract: A monitor display carried by a vehicle. The monitor display is mounted proximate a rim of a corresponding motive wheel of a vehicle. A rim of the motive wheel has a surface which is contoured to substantially conform to an inner surface of the monitor display. The monitor display is rigidly maintained in a non-rotating fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Michael T. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20080136141
    Abstract: A guide loop device for a seat belt of a vehicle includes a guide loop having an opening, a mounting stud, and a body. The opening is for receiving the seat belt. The mounting stud is attached to the guide loop and extends therefrom. The body has a substantially solid construction and a portion of the mounting stud is embedded therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: TK Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark F. Gray
  • Publication number: 20080136140
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lifting device (1) to be mounted in a motor vehicle and intended, in case the vehicle is involved in an accident, to be activated by putting a lifting element (5) being spring-tensioned in the lifting device in motion, wherein the lifting device comprises a locking device (7) intended to cooperate with the lifting element (5) for locking it in a spring-tensioned position, and a release mechanism (9) intended to release the locked lifting element (5) so it can be put in motion under the influence of the spring tension. The invention is characterised in that the release mechanism (9) comprises a striking element (37) intended to release the locked lifting element (5) by means of striking-pin action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: SAAB AUTOMOBILE AB
    Inventor: Mikael Karlsson
  • Publication number: 20080129017
    Abstract: A seat reclining apparatus for a vehicle, includes a rail member, a slider, a lock apparatus, a striker, a rotating member provided between the rail member and the slider and including a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion, the large diameter portion engaging the rail member along a longitudinal direction of the rail member, and the small diameter portion engaging the slider along a longitudinal direction of the rail member and the striker adapted to engage a lock member attached to the seat back in order to maintain an angle of the seat back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroyuki OKAZAKI, Masaki Sugimoto, Yukifumi Yamada
  • Publication number: 20080079241
    Abstract: An airbag cover comprises a cover main body having a cover core covering an airbag and an outer layer disposed on an outer surface of the cover core, an ornament provided on an outer surface of the outer layer, and a fixing structure for fixing the ornament on the outer surface of the outer layer. And, an edge of the outer layer on the outer surface is covered by the ornament. According to this airbag cover having the ornament, it can be easy to form the outer layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: NIHON PLAST CO., LTD
    Inventors: Takeshi Fujimori, Saori Wakuda
  • Publication number: 20080067788
    Abstract: A latitudinal division type assist grip having a sufficient load bearing capacity is provided. The assist grip includes an outer cylinder member, a first divisional body, and a second divisional body. A first fitting end portion of the first divisional body and a second fitting end portion of the second divisional body are fitted to each other inside the outer cylinder member. The first fitting end portion is provided with a first base portion which has a pole shape, and a first head portion which is formed at a distal end of the first base portion and protrudes toward both sides in a width direction of the first base portion. The second fitting end portion is provided with a second base portion which has a pole shape, and a second head portion which is formed at a distal end of the second base portion and protrudes toward one side in a thickness direction of the second base portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shuji Inui, Minoru Toda, Akiyoshi Nagano
  • Publication number: 20070284856
    Abstract: An all-terrain straddle type vehicle includes, inside a wheel, a disc rotor that rotates as the wheel rotates, a caliper for clamping the disc rotor to brake the rotation of the wheel, and a scraper for scraping out dirt, mud, sand, snow and other debris deposited on a rim of the wheel. An edge of a scraping surface of the scraper extends obliquely from upstream toward downstream of a rotation direction of the wheel with respect to a rotation plane of the wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Katsuhisa SHIMIZU, Takeshi KINUGASA
  • Patent number: 7289022
    Abstract: A communication system for communicating between a tire/wheel assembly and a body of a vehicle of a construction in which the tire/wheel assembly is supported by the vehicle body, has a i) wheel-side communication device that is mounted to the tire/wheel assembly and rotates together with the tire/wheel assembly, and ii) a body-side communication device that is mounted in a fixed position to the vehicle body. The communication system performs communication between the wheel-side communication device and the body-side communication device according to a predetermined rotational position of the tire/wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Ogawa, Shinichi Tomioka
  • Publication number: 20070235986
    Abstract: The current invention relates to impact protector mountings and methods of using such mountings for parts or structures that are susceptible to impact or the forces of an impact. Protectors of the invention are useful to protect any parts or structures in vehicles, including bicycles, motorcycles, cars, trucks, off-road vehicles, utility vehicles, and other vehicles. Impact protector mountings of the invention can be used to protect any parts and structures, including sprockets, disc brake rotors, engine parts, bottom brackets, drivetrain components, and other components susceptible to impact damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventor: David Weagle
  • Patent number: 7237803
    Abstract: A drag wheel and mount attachable to the angular skid bracket engaged on the rear of a motor vehicle such as a trailer or motorhome without removing or otherwise altering the angular skid bracket. The device features a roller rotationally engaged on the distal end of a mount. The mount is adapted to attach to the angular skid bracket in a compressible engagement without altering or drilling the skid bracket or detaching it from the vehicle. The roller projects past the lower surface of the angular skid bracket on two sidewalls and contacts the road surface in the event the vehicle tilts sufficiently to cause the skid bracket to strike the road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventor: Tony Van Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7210706
    Abstract: A suspension lift mechanism is described for use with sport utility vehicles. Such sport utility vehicles have a pair of frame rails which have a plurality of suspension attachments positioned thereon. The elements of a suspension system are usually mounted on said suspension attachments. The suspension lift mechanism includes a pair of rear brackets consisting of a rear frame extension which has an upper surface adapted to mate with the lower surface of the frame rail. The rear frame extension has a plurality of suspension attachments positioned thereon and is mounted to a frame rail. A pair of front brackets consists of a front frame extension which has an upper surface of the front frame extension adapted to mate with the lower surface of the frame rail. The front frame extension has a plurality of suspension attachments positioned thereon and is mounted to the frame rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: John E. Auston, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7192049
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machine, particularly a construction machine, with a hoisting mechanism for hoisting the machine with the aid of a hoisting apparatus, whereby the hoisting mechanism comprises a flexible bearing element, one end of which is fastened in the region of the horizontal center of gravity of the machine, and the other end of which comprises a suspension capability for connecting to the hoisting apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Bomag GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Werner Kuerten, Joachim Ponstein, Herbert Roos, Thomas Weiler
  • Patent number: 7176413
    Abstract: A method and a system for controlling a plurality of shape-memory actuators, for instance installed on board a motor vehicle, control the electric supply current of each shape-memory elements as a function of one or more parameters referring to environmental conditions, such as environment temperature and temperature of memory-shape actuator, of available supply voltage for motor vehicle battery, of previous actuations, or of previous activation requests of shape-memory actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Alessandro Zanella, Francesco Butera
  • Patent number: 7055839
    Abstract: A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having a stepping deck, a first arm, a second arm, a motor and a stop. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The motor is drivingly connected to the first arm such that a rotation of the motor causes rotation of the first arm about its first end and moves the stepping member from a retracted position to an extended position, or vice versa. The stop is located within the range of motion of the second arm such that the second arm bears against the stop when the stepping member is in the extended position. The first and second arms are situated such that the first arm is loaded in compression and the second arm is loaded in tension when the stepping member is in the extended position and a load is placed upon it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: 89908, Inc.
    Inventor: Horst Leitner
  • Patent number: 7051825
    Abstract: A high-voltage equipment component is disposed in a recessed accommodating portion which is formed on a vehicle body floor in such a manner as to be recessed downwardly. The high-voltage equipment component is accommodated in the recessed accommodating portion in a suspended state via a sub-assembly frame which is supported on the vehicle body floor. A heat insulating member for forming a flow path for allowing cooling air to flow towards the high-voltage equipment component is interposed between the high-voltage equipment component and a bottom portion of the recessed accommodating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ritsuo Masui, Hiroshi Ohtsuka
  • Patent number: 7026377
    Abstract: A process for producing a fiber-reinforced molded article and the resulting article such as a cantilevered battery tray. In the process, thermoplastic material in its solid state having a melt flow index above 25 g/10 minutes is fed into a suitable processing machine simultaneous with the addition of reinforcing fibers having a length of at least 0.375 inch or greater and sized with a material such as polyurethane, polyurea, and isocyanate derivatives thereof. The introduced materials are subjected to orientational agitation such that the reinforcing fibers are filamentized in an essentially homogeneous dispersion throughout the solid polymeric material. Once filamentization and dispersion are achieved, the resulting admixture is subjected to knead melting operations for an interval sufficient to achieve melting of the polymeric material introduced into a suitable plasticizing apparatus where the introduced material can be subjected to suitable knead melting operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Mayco Plastics
    Inventor: Frank Grant
  • Patent number: 7024296
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle comprises a power source, a power transmission link, a plurality of input and output devices, a plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules, and a communication network that interconnects the interface modules. The interface modules are also each coupled to respective local subsets of the input and output devices. Each of the interface modules collects input status information from the respective local subset of the input devices and transmits the input status information over the communication network to the remaining interface modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Oshkosh Truck Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley C. Squires, Duane R. Pillar
  • Patent number: 7015799
    Abstract: A device installation apparatus for a mobile body is disposed in a position sandwiched between a driver's seat 107a and a assistant driver's seat 197b in an automobile vehicle 100, and is constituted by a center console box 109, as an installing means, movable along a rail portion 110, in which a desired device such as a CD player 201, a cassette tape player 202, a DVD player 203 or the like can be installed. Having been constituted as above, it allows passengers seated other than in front seats an easy access to the desired device 200, remarkably improving the convenience of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toyoaki Kitano, Masahiro Ieda, Osamu Kono, Shimon Okada, Kei Kasuga, Shinichi Kato
  • Patent number: 7007961
    Abstract: A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having a stepping deck, a first arm, a second arm, a motor and a stop. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The motor is drivingly connected to the first arm such that a rotation of the motor causes rotation of the first arm about its first end and moves the stepping member from a retracted position to an extended position, or vice versa. The stop is located within the range of motion of the second arm such that the second arm bears against the stop when the stepping member is in the extended position. The first and second arms are situated such that the first arm is loaded in compression and the second arm is loaded in tension when the stepping member is in the extended position and a load is placed upon it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: 89908, Inc.
    Inventors: Horst Leitner, Anthony Smith
  • Patent number: 6942233
    Abstract: A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having a stepping deck, a first arm, a second arm, a motor and a stop. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The motor is drivingly connected to the first arm such that a rotation of the motor causes rotation of the first arm about its first end and moves the stepping member from a retracted position to an extended position, or vice versa. The stop is located within the range of motion of the second arm such that the second arm bears against the stop when the stepping member is in the extended position. The first and second arms are situated such that the first arm is loaded in compression and the second arm is loaded in tension when the stepping member is in the extended position and a load is placed upon it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: 89908, Inc.
    Inventors: Horst Leitner, Anthony Smith
  • Patent number: 6942239
    Abstract: An airbag arrestor mountable about a vehicle steering column carrying a steering wheel and a airbag module is non-axially movable with respect to the vehicle steering wheel and steering column during airbag inflation by containing and redirecting airbag inflation gasses oppositely from the steering wheel through an open end of the airbag arrestor enclosure secured about the steering column. The airbag arrestor includes a flexible, ballistic grade material enclosure having a sidewall extending between an open end and an opposed closed end. An attachment in the form of a strap constructed of a ballistic grade material is tightenable about the sidewall of the enclosure adjacent the open end to non-axially movably secure the enclosure about the vehicle steering column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Robert D. Burgess
  • Patent number: 6938909
    Abstract: A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having a stepping deck, a first arm, a second arm, a motor and a stop. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The motor is drivingly connected to the first arm such that a rotation of the motor causes rotation of the first arm about its first end and moves the stepping member from a retracted position to an extended position, or vice versa. The stop is located within the range of motion of the second arm such that the second arm bears against the stop when the stepping member is in the extended position. The first and second arms are situated such that the first arm is loaded in compression and the second arm is loaded in tension when the stepping member is in the extended position and a load is placed upon it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: 89908, Inc.
    Inventor: Horst Leitner
  • Patent number: 6927677
    Abstract: A blind spot detector system adapted to the exterior of a vehicle comprising at least one infrared light emitting diode (LED), an infrared photodetector and demodulator, and a microcontroller. The output power of the infrared transmitter is linearly modulated, enabling the blind spot detector to determine the proximity of the detected object. Furthermore, the transmitter output is frequency modulated to screen out random infrared radiation that might adversely affect the operation of the infrared photodetector. The system is calibrated to the position of the attached vehicle by linearly increasing the output power of the transmitter until the rear quadrant of the vehicle is detected when the transmitter is outputting power at a pre-determined calibration level. During normal operation, an object detected while the transmitted power is greater than a predetermined lower threshold and less than the calibration level will activate a LED indicator on the system housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventors: Darryll Anderson, Andrei Cernasov
  • Patent number: 6923470
    Abstract: An airbag arrestor mountable about a vehicle steering column carrying a steering wheel and a airbag module is non-axially movable with respect to the vehicle steering wheel and steering column during airbag inflation by containing and redirecting airbag inflation gasses oppositely from the steering wheel through apertures in the sidewall of the airbag arrestor enclosure secured about the steering column. The airbag arrestor includes a flexible, ballistic grade material enclosure having a sidewall extending between an open end and an opposed closed end. An attachment in the form of a strap constructed of a ballistic grade material is tightenable about one end of the sidewall of the enclosure adjacent the open end to non-axially movably secure the enclosure about the vehicle steering column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Robert D. Burgess
  • Patent number: 6879250
    Abstract: The invention relates to an outside element for a motor vehicle, the element being designed to be fitted to the vehicle, e.g. on its bodywork, and comprising an essentially non-conductive protective screen (3), the element being characterized in that behind said protective screen if further comprises an electrically insulating film having two faces, each of which is covered at least in part in an electrically conductive material. The invention also provides a piece of bodywork provided with such a conductive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Compagnie Plastic Omnium
    Inventors: Arnold Fayt, Olivier Hilmarcher, Sebastien Guyon
  • Patent number: 6843575
    Abstract: Even when a stay is mounted to a mounting surface with tilting angle different according to types of vehicles, a predetermined or more tilting range of the mirror assembly can be obtained, thereby securing a rear field of view. As a result, since an inside mirror can be for general-purpose use of types of vehicles having a mounting surface with different tilting angles, the inside mirror does not have to be designed and manufactured according to each type of vehicles, thereby lowering the cost of the inside mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenichi Wachi
  • Patent number: 6834875
    Abstract: A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having a stepping deck, a first arm, a second arm, a motor and a stop. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The motor is drivingly connected to the first arm such that a rotation of the motor causes rotation of the first arm about its first end and moves the stepping member from a retracted position to an extended position, or vice versa. The stop is located within the range of motion of the second arm such that the second arm bears against the stop when the stepping member is in the extended position. The first and second arms are situated such that the first arm is loaded in compression and the second arm is loaded in tension when the stepping member is in the extended position and a load is placed upon it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: American Moto Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Horst Leitner, Anthony Smith
  • Patent number: 6830257
    Abstract: A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having a stepping deck, a first arm, a second arm, a motor and a stop. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The motor is drivingly connected to the first arm such that a rotation of the motor causes rotation of the first arm about its first end and moves the stepping member from a retracted position to an extended position, or vice versa. The stop is located within the range of motion of the second arm such that the second arm bears against the stop when the stepping member is in the extended position. The first and second arms are situated such that the first arm is loaded in compression and the second arm is loaded in tension when the stepping member is in the extended position and a load is placed upon it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: American Moto Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Horst Leitner
  • Patent number: 6802537
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement and a method for height adjustment of the upper attachment point of a safety belt, arranged in a vehicle with a vehicle seat which is spring-mounted in the vertical direction, where the upper attachment point is arranged displaceably in the vertical direction on the body of the vehicle. Said height adjustment takes place as a function of the springing movement of the vehicle seat, which results in the upper attachment point always remaining correctly positioned in the vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Ulf Tolfsen, Johan Horsrud
  • Publication number: 20040126652
    Abstract: A housing (2) for an electronic control unit for use aboard a bicycle and a battery container (3) for powering electrical devices fitted aboard, are provided with quick coupling means (6, 10), that, when coupled, also provide the electrical connection between the batteries and the control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Campagnolo S.r.I.
    Inventor: Mario Meggiolan
  • Publication number: 20040113397
    Abstract: The specification and drawings describe and show the present invention in the form of a tray designed to accommodate the snug installation of an associated or desired cooler. The tray is further designed to be installed on the steering column of a vehicle, such as a golf cart vehicle. Optionally, the upstanding side walls and front wall of the tray portion can have drink holders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Pierre G.A. Lecoq
  • Patent number: 6749223
    Abstract: A seat belt guide includes a main portion formed of a lower cover and an upper cover, a slide portion of a hanger is inserted into a hanger guide portion to slide in the front and rear directions of the hanger guide portion. Thus, guide positions of a seat belt can be changed. In the main portion, there is provided a spacer with upper flange and lower flanges, which is inserted into a slide hole of the slide portion, so that the slide portion is disposed between the upper and the lower flanges, and the hanger can be slid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshino Kazuo, Hirako Yutaka
  • Publication number: 20040075249
    Abstract: An assembly of a steering wheel base body (12) and a gas bag module (14), the gas bag module (14) being able to be detachably latched with the steering wheel base body (12). A group of first latching elements (18; 318) is provided on the gas bag module (14) or the steering wheel base body (12), and at least one second latching element (22; 322), able to be brought into reversible locking engagement with the first latching elements (18; 318), is provided on the steering wheel base body (12) or the gas bag module (14). When the assembly (12, 14) has been put together, the first latching elements and the at least one second latching element (18, 22; 318, 322) are arranged so as to be movable with respect to each other in an unlocking direction (R; R′).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Keutz, Ralf Scherer
  • Patent number: 6713412
    Abstract: Specific fabric articles exhibiting very low air and/or gas permeability (even upon application of high inflation pressures) and very high tear strengths are herein disclosed and claimed. Such a specific fabric also permits the incorporation of discrete openings (through cutting, for example) through which air and/or gas introduced by an airbag inflation canister will travel. Such a specific fabric acts as a barrier to the complete introduction of high pressure inflation gases into an airbag cushion, thereby permitting a more controlled, safer inflation upon the occurrence of a collision event. Thus, the specific inventive fabric permits movement of inflation gas and/or air substantially solely through the openings within the fabric and not through the interstices between the individual fiber constituents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Milliken & Co.
    Inventor: Thomas Wayne Newbill
  • Patent number: 6702317
    Abstract: An apparatus for temporarily retaining a component within a vehicle passenger compartment includes a cable having opposed ends with hooks for attaching the ends of the cable to corresponding attachment points within the vehicle passenger compartment. The cable passes through an opening in the component and a portion of the cable is attached to another of the attachment points, whereby the cable is placed under tension and retains the component in the passenger compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Min Wang
  • Patent number: 6697723
    Abstract: An occupant classification system (12) for an automotive vehicle (14) is provided. The system (12) includes a weight-sensing device (24) that generates a weight signal and an accelerometer (26) that generates an acceleration signal. The weight-sensing device (24) and the accelerometer (26) are coupled to a seat system (20). A controller (22) is electrically coupled to the weight-sensing device (24) and the accelerometer (26). The controller (22) determines occupant classification in response to the weight signal and the acceleration signal by monitoring a frequency domain representation of the weight signal divided by the acceleration signal. A method for performing the same is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William Jerome Olsen, Ryan Karkkainen
  • Publication number: 20040026901
    Abstract: A strap fixing comprises a strap (5) and an aperture (2) formed in part of a motor vehicle. An end part of the strap is folded over twice (6, 7) and is then stitched (10) to form a second end region. The aperture has a first region (3) dimensioned to permit the end part of the strap to be inserted through the aperture. The aperture defines a second region (4) designed snugly to accommodate and retain the flat strap. If force is applied to the strap tending to withdraw the strap from the aperture when the strap is in the second region (4), the strap will be retained within the second region and the end part of the strap will engage the periphery of the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Deligny Yann, Guido Satzger, Ridvan Oral
  • Publication number: 20040011839
    Abstract: A support assembly cooperative with a vehicular trailer hitch for allowing the temporary erection of a tennis net assembly, the support assembly comprising a T-shaped tubular support member having a horizontal member and a vertical member, in one embodiment, the horizontal member having a tubular cross section cooperative with the internal diameter of a tubular cross section of a trailer hitch for the slidable engagement thereof and the vertical tubular member being of a cross section to slidably receive a vertically oriented tennis post of corresponding cross section, the T-shaped tubular member having a securing means to temporarily secure the member to the trailer hitch and a securing means to temporarily secure the tennis post within the tubular vertical member, a similar supporting member cooperative with a separate vehicular trailer hitch securing the opposing tennis post, and the concomitant tennis net therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: Paul Thomas Carey
  • Patent number: 6673728
    Abstract: Specific fabric articles exhibiting very low air and/or gas permeability (even upon application of high inflation pressures) and very high tear strengths are herein disclosed and claimed. Such a specific fabric also permits the incorporation of discrete openings (through cutting, for example) through which air and/or gas introduced by an airbag inflation canister will travel. Such a specific fabric acts as a barrier to the complete introduction of high pressure inflation gases into an airbag cushion, thereby permitting a more controlled, safer inflation upon the occurrence of a collision event. Thus, the specific inventive fabric permits movement of inflation gas and/or air substantially solely through the openings within the fabric and not through the interstices between the individual fiber constituents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventor: Thomas Wayne Newbill
  • Publication number: 20030234518
    Abstract: A brake torque plate and an installation method for fixedly attaching the plate to an axle tube, includes the plate formed with an opening and a continuous cut extending between the plate peripheral edge and the opening, wherein the diameter of the opening is smaller than that of the axle tube. The cut enables the torque plate to be temporarily expanded for installation on the axle tube by spreading means until the bore diameter is larger than that of the axle tube. Upon mounting of the torque plate on the axle tube, the spreading means is removed to reduce the diameter of the opening, thereby creating an interference fit between the torque plate and the axle tube and minimizing or eliminating the gap between the plate opening and the axle tube to ensure perpendicularity between the axle tube center line and the torque plate inboard and outboard faces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Wittlinger, Kenneth C. Leonard, Chris A. Redgrave, Jay D. White, Gary E. Gerstenslager
  • Publication number: 20030222433
    Abstract: An apparatus for temporarily retaining a component within a vehicle passenger compartment includes a cable having opposed ends with hooks for attaching the ends of the cable to corresponding attachment points within the vehicle passenger compartment. The cable passes through an opening in the component and a portion of the cable is attached to another of the attachment points, whereby the cable is placed under tension and retains the component in the passenger compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Min Wang
  • Patent number: 6644684
    Abstract: There is disclosed a hinge type air bag cover for vehicles, produced by molding a thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising: (A) 55 to 80 parts by weight of an olefin-based resin; and (B) 20 to 45 parts by weight of a copolymer rubber of ethylene and an &agr;-olefin having not less than 6 carbon atoms, the total content of said olefin-based resin (A) and sand copolymer rubber (B) being 100 parts by weight, said composition having a melt flow rate of not less than 5 g/10 minutes according to JIS K6758 at 230° C. under load of 21.17N, a flexural modulus of from not less than 550 MPa and less than 800 MPa, and a ratio of tensile break strength to flexural modulus of 0.03:1 to 0.07:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsumi Tsuji, Motoko Itou
  • Publication number: 20030168834
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing large-surface markings such as patterns, images, text, company logos, signs or decorative markings. A marking head (5) that is positioned on a mobile device (1), preferably a vehicle, is moved along the surface to be marked with one or more e nozzles (6). Electronic control means (8) control the nozzles (6) of the marking head in accordance with the actual position of the mobile device (1), according to the model to be reproduced. This enables oversized markings to be produced, for example on areas of ground or other suitable surfaces, especially for advertising purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Franz Ulrich
  • Patent number: 6613415
    Abstract: A structure and method for fastening an emblem to a molded article by inserting thermoplastic resin mounting feet, protruding from the emblem, through holes formed in the molded article and subsequent thermal deformation of the feet to establish a secure attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Iida, Chisato Masuya, Tadashi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6609547
    Abstract: The log splitter of the present invention is interchangeably mounted to a skid loader in the same manner as conventional attachments, wherein the skid loader longitudinal axis and log splitter longitudinal axis are perpendicular. The log splitter has a mounting frame, a H-beam connected to the mounting frame, and a piston assembly and blade connected to the H-beam. The mounting frame has a top lip and a bottom flange. The skid loader has an attacher that engages the top lip and bottom flange of the mounting frame. The skid loader may supply power to the log splitter, so that the piston assembly pushes the head towards the blade. A user controls the orientation of the attacher, and hence the log splitter. The log splitter can pick a log off the ground, the skid loader can move while holding a log, and the log splitter can split a log over a receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventor: Ron P. Machkovech
  • Patent number: 6560520
    Abstract: A vehicle collision damage reduction system is provided. The system works by detecting the relative speed between the vehicle and an object, such as another vehicle. A danger level is calculated based on parameters such as speed and distance to the object; the danger level could be at an “emergency level” or at some lower level. Based on the danger level, different corrective measures and the degree of the corrective measures can be adjusted to attempt to minimize occupant injury. For example, the airbag can be adjusted to better protect the occupant, a pre-tensioner can be activated at a certain level, and the inclination of a child restraint seat may be adjusted as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventors: Keishi Yokota, Hiroaki Fujii, Tadayuki Ato, Eiji Yanagi, Hiroshi Aoki
  • Publication number: 20030080539
    Abstract: A universal accessory-mounting assembly for mounting an accessory such as a light, mirror, or antenna at a distance from a base structure such as a body structure of a vehicle is provided. The universal accessory-mounting structure has one or more support components which have a base end that is disposed adjacent the base structure when the universal accessory-mounting assembly is properly mounted. The support components of the universal accessory-mounting assembly also have an accessory-support end to which the accessory is directly or indirectly engaged and from which the accessory derives support directly or indirectly. The universal accessory-mounting assembly has two or more base-attachment structures for attaching it to the base structure. Each of the base attachment structures is engaged to a base end of a support component. One or more of the base-attachment structures is biaxially pivotally engaged through a ball-and-socket joint to the base end of the support component to which it is engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Jason R. Thompson, Matthew R. LaFontaine, William C. Downs
  • Patent number: 6533055
    Abstract: An arrangement for an electrical outlet for an all terrain vehicle is provided. The all terrain vehicle comprises a frame defining an engine compartment. The frame is supported by at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel. A fender assembly is disposed above one or more of the wheels and has a recess formed therein. An electrical outlet is at least partially disposed in the recess. The recess includes a sloping lower surface to facilitate drainage. A hood is disposed above the recess and protects the electrical outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuya Matsuura, Yasuhiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: RE40244
    Abstract: Improved vacuum actuated display ornaments which adhere to surfaces by self-suction are improved by a wall thickness at the center of mass thicker than their peripheral wall thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: We-Flex, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas M. Sheffield, Jr., Tamara K. Sheffield