Combined Patents (Class 293/117)
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Patent number: 10857960Abstract: A vehicle front portion structure includes a lower absorber installed in a lower region of a vehicle front portion and having a longer length in a width direction of a vehicle, at least one load bearing member disposed on a rear side of the lower absorber and connected to the lower absorber so as to receive a load transferred from the lower absorber, in which at least a part of the lower absorber is equipped with a reinforcement member, and the reinforcement member is formed, in cross section, in a shape of substantially a wave composed of a series of upward protruding parts protruded upward of the vehicle and downward protruding parts protruded downward of the vehicle, the upward and downward protruding parts alternating along the width direction of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2018Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Mamiko Yamatani, Masatoshi Hata
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Patent number: 10773656Abstract: A surrounding circumstance monitoring apparatus (3) has a housing (31) forming a housing space (31s) therein; and a monitoring unit (32) in the hosing space that monitors a surrounding circumstance of a vehicle, the housing has two housing parts (311, 312) that are bonded to each other via flanges (311f, 312f), a first flange part (311f1, 312f1) protruding upwardly from an upper surface (31U) of the housing is inclined with respect to the upper surface and/or a second flange part (312f2, 312f2) protruding downwardly from a bottom surface (31L) of the housing is inclined with respect to the bottom surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2017Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yusuke Kataoka
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Patent number: 10640068Abstract: A trailer includes front and rear ends spaced in a longitudinal direction to define a cargo area. A frame includes a rear bolster extending in a transverse direction across the rear end below a bottom rear edge of the cargo area. Spaced rear frame posts extend upwardly from respective distal ends of the rear bolster. A rear impact guard includes a bumper extending transversely and spaced below the rear bolster, a pair of outboard posts extending between the bumper and the rear bolster adjacent the respective distal ends of the rear bolster, and at least one inboard post. Each of the outboard posts has a rearward-extending horizontal first flange and an upward-extending vertical second flange spaced forwardly of the first flange, these flanges including multiple apertures aligned with apertures in the trailer frame, each of the apertures accommodating a removable fastener securing the rear impact guard to the trailer frame.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2019Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: STI Holdings, Inc.Inventor: Daniel P. Miller
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Patent number: 10618487Abstract: A collision detection device for a motor vehicle includes a pressure measurement chamber formed by a hose. A projection is disposed on the outer circumference of the hose in such a way that the hose deforms more readily in case of a collision. This makes it easier for the pressure to change in the pressure measurement chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2018Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Bernt Arne Syvertsen, Christian Berthold
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Patent number: 10518728Abstract: There is provided a sensor protector including: mounting portions that are mounted to a bracket for fixing a sensor, which is provided at a vehicle inner side of a bumper cover, to a body of a vehicle; a covering portion that is plate-shaped, that extends from lower portions of the mounting portions toward the bumper cover, and that covers a lower portion of the sensor; and a weak portion that is provided at the covering portion and makes the covering portion elastically deformable.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2018Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Kenji Furumoto
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Patent number: 10493933Abstract: A collision detection device for a vehicle includes: a bumper absorber disposed on a front side of a bumper reinforcement in a bumper of the vehicle; a detection tube component mounted in a groove portion defined in the bumper absorber to extend in a width direction of the vehicle, a hollow part being defined in the detection tube component; and a pressure sensor that detects a pressure in the hollow part of the detection tube component, and detects a collision of an object to the bumper based on a pressure detection result by the pressure sensor. The detection tube component is mounted in the groove portion in a state where the detection tube component has at least one or more cove curve portions curved in an up-down direction of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2016Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Daisuke Nakane, Takatoshi Tanabe, Tomokazu Yoshida, Kouta Amano
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Patent number: 10377429Abstract: A rear spoiler of a motor vehicle. The spoiler includes a first part intended for being attached to the rear of the vehicle in an attachment position by a first attachment means, and a second part which is intended for being removably attached to the first part in an attachment position by a second attachment means, the second part leaving a portion of the upper surface of the first part visible in this attachment position.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2015Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: Compagnie Plastic OmniumInventor: Franck Leterrier
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Patent number: 10245912Abstract: A trailer hitch includes a cross-vehicle beam and a receiver welded to the cross-vehicle beam. The cross-vehicle beam extends from a first end to a second end. The cross-vehicle beam includes a middle section, a first round section, and a second round section. The middle section includes a flat. The first round section is integral with the middle section and extends from the middle section to the first end. The second round section is integral with the middle section and extends from the middle section to the second end. The receiver is welded directly to the flat.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2017Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: John Michael McGuckin, Sampath Rengarajan
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Patent number: 10189208Abstract: A motor vehicle front end having one, preferably two, headlamps, wherein the headlamp is intended and constructed so as to be fastened in an assembly position onto the motor vehicle, in particular onto the motor vehicle front end, and wherein the headlamp is fastened by means of a transport holder on the front end in a transport position, the transport position being different from the assembly position. The transport position is offset frontward and/or downward relative to the assembly position, in order to provide a front end, motor vehicle, and method that make it possible to create motor vehicle designs with which pre-assembly of the headlamps in the assembly position thereof is not possible, without thereby incurring additional logistical complexity on the assembly lines for the vehicle, or wherein this additional complexity is at least largely avoided.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2016Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: HBPO GmbHInventors: Dragan Kolobaric, Michal Labas, Matthew Weber
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Patent number: 10160401Abstract: A device for monitoring vehicles surroundings includes a sensor, a sensor holder and a fastener. Due to manufacturing tolerances, the sensor axis that passes through the head of the sensor deviates from the axis of the sensor main body. The sensor head passes into an opening in the sensor holder centered around a sensor holding axis. When the sensor is mounted into a receiver niche in the sensor holder, the sensor holding axis and the sensor axis are aligned. The fastener fastens the sensor to the sensor holder and compensates for the sensor axis deviating from the main body axis. Screws pass through bore holes in the fastener and into screw holes in the sensor holder. The bore holes have a larger diameter than do the screw holes, allowing the sensor axis to be aligned with the sensor holding axis despite the sensor axis deviating from the main body axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2015Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: Mekra Lang GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Werner Lang, Elmar Finkenberger, Simon Deffner, Matthias Zink
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Patent number: 10137822Abstract: A headlamp fastening system for a vehicle is provided herein. The headlamp fastening system includes a support structure, a headlamp structure, and an alignment element. The alignment element is configured to align and fix the headlamp structure with the support structure with respect to the z-direction of the vehicle. The alignment element holds the sup port structure and the headlamp in an alignment position. In the alignment position the support structure and the headlamp structure are relatively displaceable in the x-, y-, and z-direction relative to one another. The alignment element fixes the support structure and the headlamp in the fixed position, wherein, upon the alignment element fixing the support structure and the headlamp structure relative to one another with respect to the z-direction, the support structure and the headlamp structure simultaneously become fixed relative to one another in the x- and y-direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2017Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Bert Niessen, Boris Herrmann, Mark Witschel, Thorsten Warwel
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Patent number: 10035412Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for using vehicle covers. For example, a method of covering a vehicle is provided including placing a pre-folded vehicle cover between front and rear wheels of the vehicle and then driving the vehicle forwards until the rear wheels of the vehicle are on top of the vehicle cover. The method includes extending a rear portion of the vehicle cover and driving the vehicle backwards until the front wheels of the vehicle are on top of the vehicle cover. The method further includes extending a front portion of the vehicle cover and covering at least a bottom and at least part of each side of the vehicle with the vehicle cover to form a barrier underneath and at least partially around the vehicle. The method can also include covering a top of the vehicle and entirely enclosing the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2017Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Inventor: Marc B. Garnick
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Patent number: 10029635Abstract: At a front bumper, a supporting member is mounted to a bent portion of a bumper RF, and the supporting member extends-out toward a vehicle transverse direction outer side from the bumper RF. Therefore, when a pressure tube is pressed at a time of a collision of a collision body with a vehicle corner portion, reaction force is applied from the supporting member to the pressure tube, and the pressure tube deforms. Due thereto, a collision with a collision body can be detected. Here, when load of a predetermined value or greater is inputted to the supporting member from a rear side, the supporting member separates from the bumper RF. Therefore, in a damage test, when the supporting member interferes with a sub-radiator that is at a vehicle rear side of the supporting member, the supporting member can be made to separate from the bumper RF.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2015Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Takehisa Shamoto, Naoya Higashimachi
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Patent number: 9921119Abstract: Method for checking a device for a vehicle for detecting an impact, in particular an impact with a pedestrian, by means of at least one impact-sensing means which is based on at least a first volume, in particular by means of an impact-sensing means which is based on at least one hose, a device having means for carrying out such a method and a corresponding system, in which at least one first variable is acquired, wherein the at least one first variable represents a pressure and/or a volume and/or a change in pressure and/or a change in volume in the first volume, and a result of the checking of the device is determined as a function of a profile of the at least one first variable.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Michel Walz, Alexander Herrmann, Denis Mader, Gunther Lang, Hansjoerg Markus Hild, Daniel Schoenfeld, Michael Schmid
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Patent number: 9855984Abstract: An underbody panelling part of a wheel axle near the wheel arch of a motor vehicle has a main part, the covering surface of which is variable, and a fastening structure for fixed connection to the body and/or a fastening structure for fixed connection to a transverse link of the motor vehicle. In the mounted state the covering surface can be varied with the steering angle.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2016Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Bayershire Motoren Werke AktiegesellschaftInventors: Gregor Tesch, Markus Kohlhuber, Rasmus Leicht, Roland Schmidt, Hubert Scholz, Matthias Hennig, Ludwig Seethaler, Roland Koenig, Markus Fauser
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Patent number: 9771039Abstract: A vehicle front structure is provided. The vehicle front structure includes a front bumper beam having a plurality of brackets that extend in the downward direction of a vehicle and coupling components that protrude forward from ends of the respective brackets. A stiffener is horizontally disposed on the coupling components and vertical pins vertically pass through the stiffener from the coupling components.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2016Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Lotte Chemical CorporationInventors: Jin Young Yoon, Dong Eun Cha, Tae Hyung Kim, Hyun Gyung Kim, Choul Won So, Jun Youp Kim
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Patent number: 9731776Abstract: A dual position bulb seal is provided for selectively sealing an interface gap between two components of a vehicle. The dual position bulb seal includes an elongated base portion configured for coupling to a first vehicle component. A hollow, bulbous portion may extend from the elongated base portion. A flexible sealing fin upwardly extends from the bulbous portion, along a length of the bulbous portion. The flexible sealing fin may be configured to rest in a first, non-sealing position that permits a flow of air over the flexible sealing fin, and a second, sealing position contacting a second vehicle component such that it prevents a flow of air through the interface gap.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2016Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Mingher Fred Shen, Jared C. Meeks, Jesse D. Rydell
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Patent number: 9623917Abstract: An airdam is provided for a motor vehicle. The airdam includes an extruded body having a J-shaped cross-section defining a forward tilt angle and a curved lip. The body may include a crescent shaped profile or a bell curve shaped profile.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2015Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Ira Jason Goldberg
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Patent number: 9610913Abstract: In a vehicle bumper structure including a pressure tube-type pedestrian collision detection sensor according to technology disclosed herein, the vehicle bumper structure includes a bumper reinforcement, a pressure tube-type pedestrian collision detection sensor, and an upper absorber. The upper absorber includes an absorber main body, an absorber upper end portion that is integrally provided to the vehicle upper side of the absorber main body, and includes a projecting portion projecting toward the vehicle front-rear direction inner side with respect to the absorber main body at the vehicle upper side of the bumper reinforcement, and a groove portion that is formed at a vehicle front-rear direction inner side portion of the absorber main body, that is disposed adjacent to the vehicle lower side of the absorber upper end portion, that is open toward the vehicle front-rear direction inner side or the vehicle lower side, and that retains a pressure tube.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2015Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Sotaro Narita
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Patent number: 9598032Abstract: A tire rotation blocking apparatus is disclosed for preventing a front tire of a vehicle from moving toward a passenger compartment in a small offset rigid barrier front-end collision. In one embodiment, an elongated bar is received by a plurality of guide members that each define an aperture extending in a longitudinal direction and that are fixedly attached to the vehicle. An actuator, such as a pyrotechnic device, is operatively connected to the bar to drive the bar longitudinally between the wheel and the passenger compartment in a front-end collision. In another embodiment, the actuator includes a spring attached to the bar, or blocker, that is released to drive the bar in a forward longitudinal direction. At least one stop engages the bar to hold the bar in the blocking position between the wheel and the passenger compartment.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Laike Misikir, Matthew B. Makowski, Shekar Prabhakar Erasala, Djamal Eddine Midoun
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Patent number: 9470606Abstract: System force-deformation measuring apparatuses (e.g., an apparatus that applies a quasi-static force), such as those, for example, configured to generate data (e.g., non-generic or accident-specific data) that assists in the reconstruction of vehicle collisions.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2015Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: BIODYNAMIC RESEARCH CORPORATIONInventors: William R. Scott, Enrique J. Bonugli, Herbert M. Guzman, Daniel J. Swartzendruber
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Patent number: 9453786Abstract: System force-deformation measuring apparatuses (e.g., an apparatus that applies a quasi-static force), such as those, for example, configured to generate data (e.g., non-generic or accident-specific data) that assists in the reconstruction of vehicle collisions.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: BIODYNAMIC RESEARCH CORPORATIONInventors: William R. Scott, Enrique J. Bonugli, Herbert M. Guzman, Daniel J. Swartzendruber
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Patent number: 9365085Abstract: A bumper reinforcement includes a tubular body including a front wall that serves as an impact surface and a rear wall on a vehicle body side, the tubular body extending in a vehicle width direction and having a hollow cross section; and a tow hook attachment structure for allowing a tow hook to be removably attached thereto. The tow hook attachment structure includes a pair of cylindrical protrusions respectively integrally formed with the front and rear walls of the tubular body by shaping parts of the walls, the cylindrical protrusions being disposed at predetermined positions on the front and rear walls in the vehicle width direction so as to face each other and so as to protrude inward into the hollow cross section, and at least one of the pair of protrusions includes a threaded portion for allowing a threaded portion of the tow hook to be screwed thereinto.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2014Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.Inventors: Hideki Ishitobi, Narikazu Hashimoto, Tsunetake Tsuyoshi
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Patent number: 9346424Abstract: A bumper assembly includes a beam and a rigid device. The beam is at least partially spaced from a vehicle fascia. The rigid device is disposed on the beam in a space defined between the fascia and the beam. The rigid device is configured to transmit and at least partially absorb a force applied to the fascia and limit damage to a rear of the vehicle. The exemplary bumper assembly may further include at least one crush can disposed on the beam. The rigid device is generally aligned with the crush can but on opposing surfaces of the beam.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2013Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Bhimaraddi Venkaraddi Alavandi, Sankar Krishnamoorthy, Rajarathinam Jayachandran, Erika Kristin Low, Kevin Gustafson, Matt Alan Niesluchowski
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Patent number: 9327780Abstract: A center deflector for a front bumper of a truck or tractor vehicle includes a thickened portion extending upward from the inner deflector surface and extends laterally across a deflector section, preferably spanning substantially an entire width of the deflector section thereof. The thickened portion comprises a cross-sectional shape having a height that gradually declines from an intermediate maximum height to a reduced height along a rear edge thereof, and preferably resembles an airfoil. The thickened portion may include a hollow interior containing a pressurized gas.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2015Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATIONInventors: James Daniel Bird, Cory Borghi, Anders Hedkvist Mauritsson, Raja Sengupta, Bo Philipsen
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Patent number: 9327662Abstract: A bumper assembly includes a bumper fascia and a bumper reinforcement beam covered by the bumper fascia providing an upper projecting bumper portion. A lower reinforcement member is below the bumper reinforcement beam in a vehicle vertical direction and is covered by the bumper fascia providing a lower projecting bumper portion. The lower reinforcement member includes a reinforcement body having a front end and a rear end. The bumper fascia is connected to the lower reinforcement member at a fastening location that is located below reinforcement body.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Jeremiah Thomas Hammer
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Patent number: 9327592Abstract: A vehicle includes a body that extends along a longitudinal axis, between a forward end and a rearward end. A front bumper assembly is disposed at the forward end of the body. The front bumper assembly includes a B-shaped structure that defines a channel that extends transversely across the body, relative to the longitudinal axis. A heat exchanger is disposed within the channel of the bumper structure. The heat exchanger is operable to transfer heat from a fluid circulating through the heat exchanger to a flow of air passing across the heat exchanger. The fluid may include, but is not limited to, engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, or an engine coolant from a low temperature coolant loop.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Mukund S. Wankhede, Stuart J. Brown, Christopher C. Nyeholt
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Patent number: 9290142Abstract: A pedestrian protection apparatus for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a catcher beam and a catcher beam support assembly including a catcher beam support to which the beam is attached. The support is movable between stowed and deployed positions. The apparatus includes a bumper energy absorber and a bumper beam. The assembly is positioned adjacent the absorber and is either substantially within or adjacent to the bumper beam. The apparatus includes a mechanical, electromechanical or pneumatic actuator to allow the support to move to its deployed position. A pedestrian impact sensor sends a signal to a control unit in the event of an imminent pedestrian impact. The control unit then signals the assembly to allow the catcher beam to move to its deployed position using the actuator. In the event of a false positive deployment, the actuator retracts the catcher beam to its stowed position.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mohammed Omar Faruque, Iskander Farooq
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Patent number: 9283834Abstract: The present invention relates to a customized vehicle shielding system used for shielding at least a part of a vehicle, wherein such system essentially comprises a housing with a plurality of walls, a shielding material adapted to alternate between an extended position and a retracted position, a mechanism for extending and retracting the shielding material, and draining means. A user can operate the system of the present invention remotely. The vehicle shielding system of the present invention has self-cleaning capability.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2015Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Inventor: Johnny Michel Khoury
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Patent number: 9238444Abstract: The present invention provides a bumper reinforcement made of a hollow material, including: a rear wall facing a vehicle body; an upper wall extending forward from a top of the rear wall; a lower wall extending forward from a bottom of the rear wall; a front wall supported only by the upper wall and the lower wall; an upper reinforcing wall extending from a middle in a height direction of the rear wall up to a middle in a front-rear direction of the upper wall; and a lower reinforcing wall extending from the middle in the height direction of the rear wall up to a middle in the front-rear direction of the lower wall, wherein: the front wall is located frontward of a virtual line passing through a foremost of the upper reinforcing wall and a foremost of the lower reinforcing wall in a cross section.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2013Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignees: Nikkeikin aluminum Core Technology, Nippon Light Metal Company, Ltd.Inventors: Taichi Terada, Shigenori Saito, Shoji Mochizuki
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Patent number: 9221414Abstract: A sensing and injury mitigation system for a vehicle to identify an object in an impact event is disclosed. The system includes an impact sensing unit comprising an impact sensor and a pressure sensing unit. The impact sensor has fluid-filled first and second tube portions. The pressure sensing unit has a housing and first and second pressure sensors located within the housing. The first tube portion of the impact sensor is attached to the first pressure sensor and the second tube portion of the impact sensor is attached to the second pressure sensor. The pressure sensing unit senses changes in fluid pressure within the tubes. In one embodiment, the tube portions of the impact sensor define a loop. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the first tube portion and at least a portion of the second tube portion share a common axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2014Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Steven Yellin Schondorf, Tim Scott
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Patent number: 9145035Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 29, 2013Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Inventor: Frederick W. Masanek, Jr.
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Patent number: 9086473Abstract: An arrangement on a component of a motor vehicle, having a sensor with a substantially planar end surface, a sealing ring which encloses the sensor, and a carrier element for maintaining the spacing of the sensor in the axial direction relative to the component. The sensor extends with the sealing ring into a cut-out of the component. The sensor has a surrounding sealing ring, an additional ring element which lies further to the outside in a radial direction and has at least two cut-outs which are distributed over the circumference. The elastic ring element of the sealing ring or decoupling ring seals against water which enters from outside and for correct self-positioning in the cut-out of the component. The cut-outs according in the ring element, which lies on the outside, allow water which has entered to drain.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2014Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: Volkswagen AktiengesellschaftInventors: Peter Baumann, Thilo Draeger, Georg Lambert, Ralf Schmuelling
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Publication number: 20150097385Abstract: A fascia assembly including a bumper beam, a bumper cover, and a sensor assembly is provided. The sensor assembly may include a bracket and a sensor. The sensor assembly is disposed between the beam and cover. The bracket may define a base bonded to a surface of the cover and a key hole. The sensor may include a connector, clip, and key for the hole. The sensor may be configured to rotate between first and second positions such that the clip prevents connector access in the first but not the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2014Publication date: April 9, 2015Inventors: Jayagopal Appukutty, Steven Yellin Schondorf, Erich Kemnitz
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Patent number: 8998293Abstract: An airflow control device is mounted to the front end of an automotive vehicle and includes an upper air scoop section having a scoop channel disposed rearward of a bumper assembly and oriented to direct airflow entering a bumper intake opening toward an air-receiving powertrain component. A lower air dam section extends downwardly from the upper section to be positioned below a lower extent of the bumper assembly to deflect airflow away from an underside of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2010Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: David Brian Glickman
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Patent number: 8967705Abstract: A fascia support structure and aerodynamic shutter assembly for a vehicle includes a fascia support structure, comprising: a top portion comprising a substantially U-shaped body comprising a top fascia support member, a first side fascia support member and a second side fascia support member, the first side fascia support member having a first side baffle, the second side fascia support member having a second side baffle; and a bottom portion comprising a bottom baffle, the bottom portion attached to the first and second side fascia support members, the top portion and the bottom portion comprising a fascia support structure opening, at least one of the first side baffle, second side baffle or bottom baffle having a seal member disposed on a leading edge. The assembly also includes an aerodynamic shutter system comprising a shutter frame having a shutter frame opening and a plurality of rotatable shutters disposed therein.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2013Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: James M. Townson, Nicolay E. Vandercar
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Publication number: 20150048635Abstract: A bumper reinforcement includes a tubular body including a front wall that serves as an impact surface and a rear wall on a vehicle body side, the tubular body extending in a vehicle width direction and having a hollow cross section; and a tow hook attachment structure for allowing a tow hook to be removably attached thereto. The tow hook attachment structure includes a pair of cylindrical protrusions respectively integrally formed with the front and rear walls of the tubular body by shaping parts of the walls, the cylindrical protrusions being disposed at predetermined positions on the front and rear walls in the vehicle width direction so as to face each other and so as to protrude inward into the hollow cross section, and at least one of the pair of protrusions includes a threaded portion for allowing a threaded portion of the tow hook to be screwed thereinto.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2014Publication date: February 19, 2015Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel, Ltd.)Inventors: Hideki ISHITOBI, Narikazu Hashimoto, Tsunetake Tsuyoshi
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Patent number: 8950792Abstract: A robot bumper assembly includes a bumper body, a first sensor array, and a second sensor array. The first sensor array is disposed along and contoured to the periphery of a forward facing portion of the bumper body and senses contact with an external environment at positions along the contour of the periphery forward facing portion of the bumper body. The second sensor array is disposed along and contoured to the periphery of a top portion of the forward facing portion of the robot body. The top portion is angled, ramping up. The second sensor array senses contact with an external environment at positions along the periphery of the angled top portion of the bumper body.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: iRobot CorporationInventors: Stephen A. Hickey, Andrew Pastore, Chikyung Won, Roger Dale Gamble, Andrew Beaulieu
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Publication number: 20150021937Abstract: A grill guard has an LED light bar positioned at a central location within the grill guard. The grill guard includes two vertically extending members and two horizontal members. The LED light bar is mounted within a casing which is integrated into the grill guard, with the LED light bar protected both by the grill guard and by the casing. The preferred mounting arrangement allows both pivoting and fore and aft movement of the LED light bar within the casing.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2014Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventor: Jeff Perez
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Patent number: 8931824Abstract: A pedestrian-friendly forward structure of a motor vehicle includes a grill opening reinforcement (GOR), a front fascia located forward of and spaced from the GOR, and a support bracket extending transversely to the vehicle forward of the GOR and rearward of the front fascia. The support bracket has a transverse cross-bar and left and right legs extending rearward from a cross-bar adjacent opposite ends thereof. The legs are attached to respective outboard positions on the GOR, and the cross-bar has an upper flange underlying an upper rear panel of the front fascia. If a pedestrian strikes the forward structure, the fascia and support bracket yield rearward in an injury-reducing manner.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2013Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Martin D. Lopez, Vincent Robert Mahe
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Publication number: 20150001865Abstract: A car protector dimensioned and configured to protect car side panels from dings and dents caused by other cars, especially when the doors of the other cars are opened in a car parking lot. The protector is made of a durable, weather resistant outer material that encapsulates a foam type or inner material. The foam type material provides a cushion that dampens the force of a car door thus preventing the car door from damaging the side panel. A cable is attached to the car protector on one end and attaches to the car on an opposite end via suction cups. Magnets are disposed within the outer material and allow the protector to stay affixed to the car.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2013Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventors: Lance Avery McGee, SR., Lance Avery McGee, JR.
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Patent number: 8919833Abstract: Disclosed herein is a drying apparatus for a vehicle using vehicle induced wind. The drying apparatus is capable of drying a wet object using vehicle induced wind generated by the driving of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a storage cover that is rotatably coupled to a rear bumper cover via a hinge module, to form a storage space between the storage cover and the rear bumper cover. In addition the apparatus includes an inlet cover that is coupled to the rear bumper cover to form an inlet passage through which the vehicle induced wind flows into the storage space when the vehicle is being driven. A plurality of outlet holes are formed in the rear bumper cover, and are configured to operate as a passage to allow air to be discharged from the storage space to an exterior of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2013Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Hyun Gyung Kim, Seung Mok Lee, Dong Eun Cha, Phil Jung Jeong
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Publication number: 20140367979Abstract: An automotive vehicle fascia assembly is provided. The fascia assembly includes a bumper cover and an impact sensor assembly attached to, without mechanically fastening, the bumper cover. The impact sensor assembly includes a housing, a sensor disposed within the housing, and a planar tab bonded to the bumper cover. The impact sensor assembly is spaced away from the bumper cover a distance no greater than a thickness of the planar tab.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2013Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventors: Paul Kevin Kula, Steven Yellin Schondorf, Yeruva Satya Reddy, Erich Kemnitz
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Publication number: 20140367980Abstract: An automotive vehicle fascia assembly is provided. The fascia assembly includes a bumper cover and an impact sensor assembly attached to, without mechanically fastening, the bumper cover. The sensor assembly includes a housing configured to selectively rotate from a first position to a second position, a sensor disposed within the housing, and a wall preventing access to the sensor when the housing is in the first position. The sensor is accessible when the housing is in the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2013Publication date: December 18, 2014Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jayagopal Appukutty, Steven Yellin Schondorf, Erich Kemnitz
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Patent number: 8910986Abstract: An automotive vehicle fascia assembly is provided. The fascia assembly includes a bumper cover and an impact sensor assembly attached to, without mechanically fastening, the bumper cover. The sensor assembly includes a housing configured to selectively rotate from a first position to a second position, a sensor disposed within the housing, and a wall preventing access to the sensor when the housing is in the first position. The sensor is accessible when the housing is in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2013Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jayagopal Appukutty, Steven Yellin Schondorf, Erich Kemnitz
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Patent number: 8894119Abstract: An automotive vehicle fascia assembly is provided. The fascia assembly includes a bumper cover and an impact sensor assembly attached to, without mechanically fastening, the bumper cover. The impact sensor assembly includes a housing, a sensor disposed within the housing, and a planar tab bonded to the bumper cover. The impact sensor assembly is spaced away from the bumper cover a distance no greater than a thickness of the planar tab.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2013Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Paul Kevin Kula, Steven Yellin Schondorf, Yeruva Satya Reddy, Erich Kemnitz
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Publication number: 20140339837Abstract: A modular front end system includes a main bumper structure, outer bumper structures disposed on either end of the main bumper structure, and tension plates disposed at junctions between the main bumper structure and each of the outer bumper structures and supportably coupling each outer bumper structure to the main bumper structure, wherein each tension plate is configured to fail before the main bumper structure and the outer bumper structures in the event of a collision.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2014Publication date: November 20, 2014Inventor: Robert Charles Hermann, III
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Patent number: 8864197Abstract: An electromagnetic sensor having a detection zone in a sensor direction is at least partly enclosed by a molded part in the sensor direction and at right angles thereto. The molded part contacts and adjoins a motor vehicle part such as a bumper, whereby the molded part is between the sensor and the motor vehicle part. At least one functional element, such as a radiation absorber, a lense, a waveguide, or a reflector, may be embedded in the molded part. The sensor may be received in a pocket recess of the molded part, with an opening at the back side of the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2011Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Conti Temic microelectronic GmbHInventors: Klaus Schneider, Miroslav Knezevic, Martin Vallendor
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Patent number: 8864196Abstract: A pedestrian collision detection device is obtained that is capable of improving pedestrian detection performance in the vicinity of a bumper corner portion. A pedestrian collision detection device includes a chamber member disposed with pressure detectors, and an ECU is connected to the pressure detectors. Terminal portions of the chamber member are wrapped around so as to cover vehicle width direction outside end faces of bumper reinforcement at bumper corner portion sides. When a load of a specific value or greater is input to the terminal portions of the chamber member from a bumper cover side during a collision, the terminal portions obtain a reactive force from the bumper reinforcement and undergo compression deformation towards the vehicle width direction inside, and the pressure inside a pressure chamber of the chamber member changes.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2010Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takehisa Shamoto
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Patent number: 8820804Abstract: A vehicle end section structure capable of securing coupling rigidity at a coupling section between bumper reinforcement and a framework member where a hook attachment section is provided. The vehicle front section structure includes bumper reinforcement of B-shaped cross-section formed with a rearwards opening indented portion between a top and bottom pair of closed cross-sections, a crush box disposed at the rear of one length direction end portion of the bumper reinforcement, bolts and weld nuts for joining the bumper reinforcement at the top-bottom closed cross-sections to locations inside the closed cross-section of the crush box as viewed along the front-rear direction, and a pipe nut that is disposed in an indented portion facing an access hole to enable access to a hook member through the access hole and that is fixed to the crush box inside the closed cross-section of the crush box as viewed along the front-rear direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2011Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Keisuke Shibata, Naoya Kosaka