For Protecting The Vehicle Body Patents (Class 280/770)
  • Patent number: 11453353
    Abstract: A tail gate for a vehicle cargo bed includes a tail gate body having an interior surface disposed towards the vehicle cargo bed and an exterior surface disposed outwards from the vehicle cargo bed; and a heat shield secured to the exterior surface of the tail gate body. At least a portion of the tail gate body is constructed from a first material having a first melting temperature and the heat shield is constructed from a second material having a second melting temperature. The second melting temperature is greater than the first melting temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD
    Inventors: Jason L. Martin, Troy A. Kalina
  • Patent number: 11300351
    Abstract: A handle assembly for an appliance comprises a body that defines a length and has opposite ends, a grasping portion, and a forward wall. The body further defines a hollow profile of the handle assembly. A metal insert is disposed within the hollow profile. An end cap has a proximal edge that is defined relative to the body and a distal edge. The end cap is coupled to at least one of the opposing ends of the body. A terminal end extends along the distal edge of the end cap and orthogonal relative to the length of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Supreeth Pendyala
  • Patent number: 11179746
    Abstract: A vehicle body part including a support, an uncured sealer and an uncured primer, the uncured sealer being interposed between the support and the uncured primer, the uncured sealer and the uncured primer each including a compatible solvent, each compatible solvent having a log Pow value and an absolute value of a difference between the log Pow value of the compatible solvent of the uncured primer and the compatible solvent of the uncured sealer being equal to or smaller than 3.0. A method of forming a finished vehicle body part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignees: TOYOTA MOTOR EUROPE, HENKEL AG & CO. KGAA
    Inventors: Johan Bosmans, Junya Ogawa, Gloria Castrillo Clemente, Nadine Bederke, Wolfgang Johann, Thorsten Neeb
  • Patent number: 11155134
    Abstract: A protective apparatus for a trailer tongue jack having a head and a column may include a protective cover having a shape that substantially conforms to the shape of the head, and an opening to accommodate the column when the protective cover is placed on the jack. First and second hook holders may be adapted to connect hooks for first and second trailer safety chains to the protective cover when the chains are not in use. A plug holder may be adapted to hold a plug for a trailer wiring harness when the harness is not in use. The protective cover may include an access port that aligns with a user interface on the jack when the protective cover is placed on the jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Trailersphere Corporation
    Inventor: Avraham Alalouf
  • Patent number: 11130538
    Abstract: The motorcycle groin protector is a guard. The motorcycle groin protector is configured for use with a motorcycle. The motorcycle is further defined with a fuel tank. The motorcycle groin protector forms a guard around a groin of a rider. The motorcycle groin protector comprises a rigid shell, a clip, and a comfort cushion. The clip attaches the rigid shell to the fuel tank of the motorcycle. The comfort cushion attaches to the rigid shell. The rigid shell forms the guard around a groin of a rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Inventor: Tyrone Lyons
  • Patent number: 10899283
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cargo rack for a utility vehicle. The cargo rack comprises a base structure, a front wall structure extending upward from the base structure and having a top edge, a pair of opposing sidewall structures, wherein each sidewall extends upward from the base structure and having a top edge, and a back wall structure extending upward from the base structure and having a top edge. The cargo rack base structure is structured to be disposed within a reservoir of a vehicle front body cowl such that the entirety of the cargo rack base structure is disposed within the cowl reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Jhant, Nick Moore, Matthew Baekelandt
  • Patent number: 10800320
    Abstract: An illumination system for a vehicular tailgate includes a tailgate bracket at the tailgate of the vehicle, an illumination device pivotally mounted at the tailgate bracket, and a weighted arm pivotally mounted at the tailgate bracket. The weighted arm has a pivot end and a weighted end opposite the pivot end. Pivotal movement of the weighted arm about the pivot end imparts pivotal movement of the illumination device. As the tailgate of the vehicle pivots between its raised position and its lowered position, the weighted arm imparts pivotal movement of the illumination device due to gravitational force at the weighted end of the weighted arm, such that light emitted by the illumination device illuminates the same ground region. The illumination device may project an icon and part of a light-transmitting element through which the emitted light passes may magnify the projected icon when the tailgate is in the lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Justin E. Sobecki
  • Patent number: 10507750
    Abstract: A magnetic auto upholstery panel has an upholstery fabric layer. A foam layer has a first side and a second side. The first side of the foam layer is adhered to the upholstery fabric layer. At least a magnet (or several) is attached to the second side of the foam layer. The magnetic auto upholstery panel is then placed in the desired position within the vehicle and the magnets attached to exposed metal surfaces. This is much faster than prior art methods and therefore saves the customer money, but it also is much easier to correct any mistakes made when installing auto upholstery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Inventor: Ian M Horgan
  • Patent number: 10266138
    Abstract: A fascia protection assembly comprising a fascia protection sheet member and a plurality of fasteners to couple the fascia protection sheet member to a vehicle. The fascia protection sheet member may be formed from a roll of material wherein a quantity of the roll is unrolled and cut to form an initial fascia protection sheet member. The cut portion can the further be trimmed to form a custom sized fascia protection sheet member. The fascia protection sheet member can be attached to the vehicle through fasteners of different types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: The ELP Group, LLC
    Inventor: M. Lawrence Parker
  • Patent number: 10232812
    Abstract: A vehicle bumper guard assembly adapted for use on a vehicle having a license plate and a bumper. The preferred vehicle bumper guard assembly comprises a license plate frame having at least one frame attachment structure and being adapted to receive and retain the license plate. The preferred vehicle bumper guard assembly also comprises at least one lateral assembly having a first end, a second end, and at least one pad. In the preferred vehicle bumper guard assembly, the first end of the lateral assembly comprises a first lateral assembly attachment means adapted to be attached to the at least one frame attachment structure of the license plate frame, the second end of the lateral assembly comprises a second lateral assembly attachment means adapted to be attached to the vehicle, and the at least one pad is disposed adjacent to the bumper of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventors: Grant Eliot Prevor, Sunny Lam
  • Patent number: 10173585
    Abstract: A method for inhibiting a vehicle side door from opening into an oncoming traffic lane includes sending a remote door open command to the vehicle and detecting if a location of the transmitting device is greater than a predetermined distance from the vehicle to verify safe conditions to execute the command. If the transmitting device is determined to be at a location greater than a predetermined distance from the vehicle to verify safe conditions then GPS and on-board compass information is used to identify which vehicle doors should be inhibited from fully opening in the traffic lane to prevent causing damage to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Besi Rrumbullaku, Phillip C. Storck, III, Jeffrey S. Hamminga
  • Patent number: 10166860
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a hood assembly that covers an engine compartment. A multi-stage detachable hood air scoop assembly is connected to the hood assembly. The multi-stage detachable hood air scoop assembly includes an intake component connected directly to the hood assembly. A cover component is releasably connected to the intake component and directly to the hood assembly using releasable connections such that the cover component detaches from the intake component and the hood assembly in response to a predetermined front impact force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon H. Hanna, James Cunningham, Edgardo Reyes-Crespo, Scott L. Frederick, Phouvadol Khouphongsy
  • Patent number: 10023094
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a debris shield adaptable for use with a boat and a trailer. The debris shield includes a frame assembly, and a canvas. The frame assembly includes a frame and at least one adjustable arm with one end suitable to be connected to either the side portion of the boat that sits above the trailer or the base of the trailer, and another end suitable to be connected to the frame. The adjustable arm is adjustable in length to adapt the frame to at least one of the height of the boat and the width of the trailer base. The canvas includes a substantially rectangular part. The rectangular part has a trailer side, a stern side, a boat side and a bow side. The trailer side is fastenable to the frame. The debris shield is adjustable to at least one of the height of the boat and the width of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: Neil Gagnon
  • Patent number: 9771032
    Abstract: A vehicle dent guard for protecting the sides or doors of a vehicle from dents and scratches. The vehicle dent guard is telescopic and includes an outer tubular member having one or more inner tubular members adjustably positioned therein. The tubular members preferably have a semi-cylindrical shape such that one side is rounded and the other side is flat. The flat side can be affixed to the door of a car in a horizontal orientation by means of fasteners thereon, such as magnets. Once installed, the inner tubular members can be extended from the outer tubular member in order to protect the entire width of the vehicle door. In this way, the vehicle dent guard absorbs the impact of a collision so that an object does not directly strike the vehicle door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Inventor: Mike Ardrey
  • Patent number: 9573634
    Abstract: In a front air-flow streamlining structure of an automotive vehicle comprising a cover front portion of an under cover of a vehicle front portion and an air dam provided at a front bumper, a deflector is provided between the air dam and a front wheel house to be spaced rearward apart from the air dam, to project downward, and to extend in a vehicle width direction, an outward end portion, in the vehicle width direction, of the air dam is provided substantially continuously to the deflector, a pocket portion enclosed by the cover front portion, the air dam, and the deflector is provided such that an inward side, in the vehicle width direction, thereof opens, and a traveling-air intake portion which opens so as to take in traveling air toward the pocket portion is provided at the air dam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroki Ohira, Masanori Minamisawa, Eiji Yoshimura, Toshio Sakamoto, Takanori Tsubaki
  • Patent number: 9358942
    Abstract: A bumper protector and method for protecting a bumper of an automobile. The protector includes a main body that has oppositely-disposed upper and lower ends and oppositely-disposed lateral ends. The upper end of the main body is adapted to be secured to an automobile portion above the bumper, so that the main body covers at least a portion of an outer surface of the bumper. The protector further includes wing extensions that are deployable from the main body by extending each wing extension from a stowed position thereof to a deployed position in which the extensions are deployed from the lateral ends of the main body. The wing extensions are securable to the automobile so that at least portions of the lateral surfaces of the bumper are covered with the wing extensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventor: Robert Tekavec
  • Patent number: 9132796
    Abstract: A spider web clearing device is mountable on the front of an off road vehicle, such as an all terrain vehicle. The device includes an upright flexible rod that when positioned at the front will engage and sever or snap any spider webs and will prevent the spider webs from engaging the driver. The rod will deflect equally in any direction when it strikes and obstruction. The rod is attachable to a mounting bracket which includes a top and a bottom mount. Curved recesses in each mount allow the bracket to be secured to a tubular member on the vehicle and the bottom mount can serve as a spacer when the top mount is attached directly to a horizontal surface on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Inventor: Mark Matthews
  • Patent number: 9004216
    Abstract: An airbag system mitigates intrusion in the event of an offset rigid barrier impact to a forward corner of a motor vehicle. An airbag is attached proximate a distal end of a front rail. When in the inflated condition, the airbag has an angular leading edge. An impact detection sensor generates a signal upon a corner impact event, whereby a controller processes the signal generated by the detection sensor and electrically actuates an inflator upon a predetermined impact severity. The angular leading edge of the airbag in the inflated condition acts against the offset rigid barrier to generate a lateral force against the offset rigid barrier to push the motor vehicle away from the barrier and thereby redirect impact energy by lateral movement of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohamed Ridha Baccouche, Ping Chen, Manoharprasad K. Rao, Jialiang Le, James Chih Cheng
  • Patent number: 8991860
    Abstract: Disclosed is an external airbag apparatus. The apparatus includes, a back beam disposed on one surface directed toward a bumper on which an airbag module is disposed. The apparatus additionally includes a deployment guide disposed between the bumper and the back beam, both ends of which are coupled to the back beam, and a middle end of which is supported on the bumper. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a sensor disposed between the deployment guide and the back beam to sense impact when pressed by the deployment guide during impact to the bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Yong Sun Kim, Seoung Hoon Lee, Seung Mok Lee, Jin Ho Bae, Tae Wook Chung
  • Patent number: 8991897
    Abstract: A protective cover system for a trailer is provided that includes a cover and a line. The line moves relative to the trailer for moving the cover from a lowered position to a raised position. A portion of the line may be located outboard from a side surface of the trailer in a lateral direction and may be located rearward of a front surface of the trailer in a longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Chumley
  • Publication number: 20150069744
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a debris shield for preventing debris, like leaves, from entering an engine compartment of a vehicle, such as a car or truck. The debris shield may include a row comprising a plurality of panels, each panel being attached to an adjacent panel by a hinge. The row may be collapsible and expandable a proximal end a may have a proximal end, a distal end, and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the row may be magnetic and, thus, may be configured to removably engage with a hood of the vehicle. The debris shield may also include a first loop attached to the proximal end of the row and a second loop attached to the distal end of the row, wherein the first and second loop are configured to attach to side mirrors on the vehicle, securing the debris shield in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: FRANKLIN D. ROBINSON, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150048607
    Abstract: A vehicle shield is provided according to the invention. The vehicle shield is constructed to avoid excessive hood flutter. The shield includes a vehicle shield region and an attachment region. The vehicle shield region is constructed for extending across at least a portion of a vehicle hood for protecting the vehicle hood. The attachment region is constructed for attaching the vehicle shield region to a vehicle. Also provided is a method of installing the shield to a motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Lund, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Patelczyk, Mitch Fogle, Chris Morin, Greg Razor, Robert R. Chapman, Luis Serentill
  • Publication number: 20150028573
    Abstract: A collapsible step platform and receiver post are adapted to be attached to a vehicle hitch receiver. Oblique cross members of the step body provide additional protection in the event of a rear-end collision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: MacNeil IP LLC
    Inventor: Frederick W. MASANEK, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150021874
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides advantageous skateboard assemblies (e.g., advantageous skateboard guard assemblies). More particularly, the present disclosure provides advantageous guard/noseguard assemblies for skateboards and related methods of use. The present disclosure provides for mountable, interchangeable and/or removable guard/noseguard assemblies for skateboards. The skateboard guard assemblies typically include a contoured or shaped top surface, each contoured/shaped top surface configured and dimensioned to provide the user/rider at least one advantageous surface that a user/rider can position a foot onto/over during use (e.g., a surface that a user/rider can utilize to place or position a foot directly onto/above, with the bottom side of the user's foot contacting the top surface of the guard assembly).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Original Skateboards, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy S. Imbrie, Joel Penkaia
  • Publication number: 20150001838
    Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic flexible and trimmable vehicle body panel protector sheet used to protect a vehicle body panel from scratches and abrasions to the body panel and finish. The protector comprises a magnetic sheet that adheres to a vehicle's metal body panel by magnetic force. The protector also comprises a magnetic sheet that is flexible to adapt to the contour of a vehicle body panel. The protector sheet is trimmable to adapt to the contour and fit around objects that may be affixed to the vehicle body panel, to ensure the entire magnetic surface of the protector adheres to a vehicle body panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Roman Moroz
  • Patent number: 8888119
    Abstract: The device sometimes called a boat ramp buddy is a generally triangular device that attaches to a trailer frame. The device is used to help the trailer skid across uneven or washed out boat ramps or uneven ground so as not to damage the trailer itself or remove its wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Charles Guetersloh
  • Publication number: 20140333055
    Abstract: A trailer hitch step, integrally molded of a polymer compound, is capable of accepting a predetermined off-axis vertical load without an objectionable degree of torsional displacement, while also being capable of resiliently absorbing energy from rear impacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: MACNEIL IP LLC
    Inventors: Frederick W. MASANEK, Jr., David F. MACNEIL
  • Patent number: 8800609
    Abstract: A bib for a vehicle fuel tank inlet conduit of the type having an open conduit end comprises a liquid-impervious, elongated tray that has a raised peripheral edge on a front side thereof. The bib includes a top end, a bottom end, and an aperture at the top end for receiving the conduit end therethrough. The bib includes a collection trough at the front side and bottom end thereof that is adapted to receive fuel flowing down the tray, and may include an inverted spout formed between the aperture and the collection trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Jodi Krechowiecki
  • Patent number: 8801035
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for an external airbag cushion of a vehicle may include a seal side unit provided with a seal side panel that may be arranged on a lower side of a vehicle body and a seal side molding covering a part of the seal side panel that may be exposed to the outside of the vehicle body, and an external airbag module that may be provided inside the seal side unit and allows the external airbag cushion to be deployed outside the seal side molding when the external airbag cushion may be deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp.
    Inventors: Yong Sun Kim, Un Koo Lee, Seoung Hoon Lee
  • Publication number: 20140214280
    Abstract: An approach is provided to preserve spacing around a vehicle so as to enable movement of the vehicle from a stationary position, and to accommodate one or more lifestyle accessories that may be associated with the vehicle. The approach involves protecting the vehicle from one or more other vehicles or obstructions positioned, or moved into position, near the vehicle by deploying at least a portion of one or more load bearing members supported by a mounting member attached to the vehicle to a predetermined position within a range that includes a fully refracted position and a fully extended position. The approach also involves deploying the one or more load bearing members to a predetermined position and attaching one or more support members associated with the one or more lifestyle accessories to at least one of the one or more load bearing members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: Jared Wilkof, John Kazeva
  • Patent number: 8770655
    Abstract: A protective frame for placement within enlarged wheel wells of motor vehicles having dual wheel rear fenders includes outer and inner frame rails that are attached together using multiple cross-frame supports. Attachment panels extend from the joined frame rails for attachment to the vehicle frame. An additional attachment panel is optionally provided for attachment of the protective frame to a rear hitch frame, where the latter is also attached to the motor vehicle. A rock kick-out plate can be attached to the protective frame and positioned between the two wheels for off-road use in removing wedged rocks, avoiding damage from thrown rocks upon the resumption of on-road use of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventor: Michael E. Godby
  • Patent number: 8764062
    Abstract: An external airbag cushion including: an outer cover that inflates to cover the front of a bumper of a vehicle; a plurality of separation walls that are disposed inside outer cover to divide the inside into a plurality of chambers in the transverse direction of the vehicle; and low-pressure variable vents and high-pressure variable vents that are disposed for the chambers, respectively, and selectively open, depending on the internal pressure of the chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Tae Wook Chung, Yong Sun Kim, Seoung Hoon Lee, Jin Ho Bae
  • Patent number: 8708369
    Abstract: A protection device for a towed vehicle. The protection device includes a moveable support. The moveable support is adapted to be coupled with a towing vehicle member. A fixed support is adapted to be coupled with a towed vehicle member. A flexible material is coupled between the moveable support and the fixed supports. A biasing device is coupled with the moveable support. The biasing device allows the moveable support to move and maintains the flexible material in a taut condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Jerry A. Edwards
  • Publication number: 20140097604
    Abstract: An external airbag cushion including: an outer cover that inflates to cover the front of a bumper of a vehicle; a plurality of separation walls that are disposed inside outer cover to divide the inside into a plurality of chambers in the transverse direction of the vehicle; and low-pressure variable vents and high-pressure variable vents that are disposed for the chambers, respectively, and selectively open, depending on the internal pressure of the chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Tae Wook Chung, Yong Sun Kim, Seoung Hoon Lee, Jin Ho Bae
  • Publication number: 20140097603
    Abstract: An exterior airbag cushion for a vehicle includes a cushion body which is deployed forward from a front end of the vehicle, a vent hole which is formed in the cushion body, and a variable guide which has a cover shape and covers the vent hole in such a way that a first end and opposing side edges of the variable guide are fastened to the cushion body, and a second end thereof is open to form an opening. The variable guide is folded and is brought into close contact with the cushion body and temporarily fastened to the cushion body so that the variable guide guides a direction of gas discharged from the vent hole and the opening when a temporary fastening structure is loosened by internal pressure of the cushion body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Tae Wook Chung, Yong Sun Kim, Seoung Hoon Lee, Jin Ho Bae
  • Patent number: 8657336
    Abstract: A protective device for use on an axle of a flatbed of a truck to protect air hoses and mechanical mechanisms of a braking system from accidental damage caused when trucks collide with objects on the roadway. The protective device includes a grated shield that integrally couples to the axle of the flatbed through a specially designed coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism includes a coupling bracket, having a pair of legs and a rod, and a clamping bracket for accepting the axle therein and providing stability, shock absorbency, and durability to the shield for withstanding accidental damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Jamal Atra
  • Patent number: 8657337
    Abstract: A protective device for use on an axle of a flatbed of a truck to protect air hoses and mechanical mechanisms of a braking system from accidental damage caused when trucks collide with objects on the roadway. The protective device includes a grated shield that integrally couples to the axle of the flatbed through a specially designed coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism includes a coupling bracket, having a pair of legs and a rod, and a clamping bracket for accepting the axle therein and providing stability, shock absorbency, and durability to the shield for withstanding accidental damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Jamal Atra
  • Patent number: 8636295
    Abstract: A two-wheel vehicle for carrying out tire grip measurements. The vehicle is equipped with three spars fitted onto one side of the vehicle, the ends of the spars forming a plane approximately parallel to the circumferential plane of the rear wheel of the vehicle and the distance between said plane and the circumferential plane of the rear wheel of the vehicle being greater than 350 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignees: Compagnie General des Etablissments Michelin, Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Roziere, Claude Martinroche
  • Patent number: 8613477
    Abstract: Multi-piece vehicle bed rail covers are disclosed. In one embodiment, a vehicle bed rail cover includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has at least one end that includes a raised feature, and the second portion has at least one end that is free from raised features. The first and the second portions are illustratively joined together in such a manner that a seam is concealed at least in part by the raised feature. The vehicle bed rail cover can also include additional raised features that may be perpendicular or angled with respect to a length of the bed rail cover. Furthermore, the vehicle bed rail cover may include one or more locking mechanisms to join the different portions together, and the vehicle bed rail cover may be made in part by utilizing injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Winfield Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Tyler, Kenneth Douglas Johnson
  • Patent number: 8562010
    Abstract: A body structure of a straddle-ride vehicle includes a body frame, a handlebar, a front fork, a front wheel guide member, and an opposite cover. The handlebar is turnably provided on the body frame. The fork extends from the handlebar and rotatably supports a front wheel. The front wheel guide member is disposed at a front portion of the body frame in a traveling direction of the vehicle and faces the front wheel. The front wheel guide member includes a slant portion extending from one side to another side in a vehicle-width direction and from a front to a rear in the traveling direction. The opposite cover is supported by the front fork to cover a rear portion of the front wheel and faces the front wheel guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Namiki, Kazuyoshi Kuroki, Kenichi Misaki, Sunao Kawano, Hiroshi Furuse
  • Patent number: 8562019
    Abstract: A bumper block assembly configured to be coupled to a bumper of a trailer includes a compressible bumper block including a generally horizontal bore extending from an outer surface of the bumper block to an inner surface of the bumper block and an outer cap coupled to the bumper block. The outer cap includes an outer wall engaged with the outer surface of the bumper block and further includes an aperture formed therethrough that is aligned with the bore of the bumper block. A bolt of the bumper block assembly is received through the aperture of the outer cap and the bore of the bumper block in order to couple the bumper block assembly to the bumper of the trailer. A spring of the assembly is positioned around a threaded end portion of the bolt in order to maintain the bolt recessed within the aperture of the outer cap as the outer cap and bumper block are moved between expanded and compressed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Rodney P. Ehrlich
  • Patent number: 8544589
    Abstract: A deflector is attached to a frame on a vehicle in front of a front wheel which cooperates with the front wheel to glance a vehicle past a laterally offset impacting object. The deflector acts as a first boundary against the impacting object and the deflector turns the front wheel inboard to an inwardly turned position to act as a second deflecting boundary against the impacting object. The deflector and inwardly turned front wheel cooperate to deflect the vehicle past the object, such that the object passes outboard of a rocker member on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Dan Rupp, Michelle Duan, Hassen Hammoud, Benjamen David McClain, Stephen Thomas Kozak
  • Publication number: 20130234424
    Abstract: A protective device has a gas generator and a chamber that is limited by a stretchable membrane and is expandable through gas of the gas generator. The membrane is elastic and a stretchability of the membrane is limited at least in a first portion through a reinforcement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Ulrich RICK
  • Publication number: 20130221647
    Abstract: A motor vehicle having a safety device for protecting pedestrians or bicyclists that collide with the motor vehicle includes an airbag which, in the non-activated basic state, is arranged folded together on an automotive body and, in the activated deployed state, at least partially covers a frame around the windshield. In the activated state, the airbag stretches out a windshield cover in front of the windshield. The cover has a region in which a plurality of energy dissipators are distributed on the side of the cover facing the windshield. During an impact with a person's head, the region is pressed against the windshield. The energy dissipators cause prior damage to the windshield, such that the rigidity of the windshield in this region is reduced. The windshield thus yields upon impact of the head in the region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
  • Patent number: 8505592
    Abstract: A fuel spill tray according to one embodiment includes a body and an arm extending outwardly away from the body. The body defines an annular channel and a generally central aperture configured to receive a neck of a fuel tank. The arm includes a proximal end integral with the body. The arm also includes a distal end, a first flange, a second flange laterally spaced from the first flange, and a first web integral with each of the first and second flanges. The arm also includes a first upper seal integral with the first flange and a second upper seal laterally spaced from the first upper seal and integral with the first flange. Each of the first and second flanges, the first web and the first and second upper seals extends longitudinally from the proximal end to the distal end of the arm. Vehicles are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Hahn, Stephen G. Hlopick
  • Patent number: 8496267
    Abstract: A protection device for the outside of a vehicle is described. An impact absorbing structure is placed on the outside of a vehicle and is anchored to the vehicle using a strap. The strap is secured between the doorframe and the roof of the vehicle and allows the impact absorbing structure to hang horizontally along the outside of the vehicle. Any object that would otherwise impact and damage the vehicle, such as the door of a neighboring car in a parking lot, is intercepted by the protection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventors: Pamela Wohlberg, Juan Fernandez
  • Patent number: 8465053
    Abstract: A protective shield for a vehicle is provided. The protective shield may include a plurality of shield panels configured to shield particular areas of a vehicle from damage, and a connecting member that connects the shield panels. The shield panels may be adjustable along a length of the connecting member. The shield panels may each include a planar main body, and at least one opening that extends through the planar main body, configured to receive the connecting member threaded therethrough. At least one magnet may be embedded in the planar main body of the panel shield, configured to magnetically adhere the shield panel to the vehicle. A clasp member may be disposed at each end of the connecting member. The connecting member may extend through each shield panel at least twice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Grady King, IV
  • Publication number: 20130147174
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for an external airbag cushion of a vehicle may include a seal side unit provided with a seal side panel that may be arranged on a lower side of a vehicle body and a seal side molding covering a part of the seal side panel that may be exposed to the outside of the vehicle body, and an external airbag module that may be provided inside the seal side unit and allows the external airbag cushion to be deployed outside the seal side molding when the external airbag cushion may be deployed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicants: Kia Motors Corp., Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp.
  • Publication number: 20130147139
    Abstract: A deck assembly for a scooter comprises a deck and at least one grind stripe. The deck has a front end, a rear end, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the deck defines at least one longitudinal mating recess. The grind stripe has a mating protrusion, a substantially flat mating surface, and a grinding surface. The grind stripe is slidably attachable to the deck such that the mating protrusion is disposed in the longitudinal mating recess and the mating surface of the grind stripe mates with the bottom surface of the deck. A scooter deck assembly comprises a deck and an angled front plug. The deck has a front end, a rear end, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The angled front plug is attached to the front end of the deck such that the front plug extends substantially beyond the front end of the deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Andreas Wegener
  • Publication number: 20130147173
    Abstract: A protection device for the outside of a vehicle is described. An impact absorbing structure is placed on the outside of a vehicle and is anchored to the vehicle using a strap. The strap is secured between the doorframe and the roof of the vehicle and allows the impact absorbing structure to hang horizontally along the outside of the vehicle. Any object that would otherwise impact and damage the vehicle, such as the door of a neighboring car in a parking lot, is intercepted by the protection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Pamela Wohlberg, Juan Fernandez