Shiftable Between Operative And Inoperative Positions Other Than By Impact Patents (Class 293/118)
  • Patent number: 11891004
    Abstract: Vehicle side protector is disclosed. The vehicle external side protector vehicle external side protector has at least two 2-piece vertically moveable guards of a height from bottom of wheel to desired height up the vehicle and a connecting guard stretching from the first to the second vertically moveable guard. The 2-pieces of a vertically moveable guard are connected by a lever; and the length of the vehicle external side protector is less than the distance from the outer perimeter of a front wheel to the outer perimeter of a back wheel of a vehicle side to deploy and retract from underneath the vehicle and be stored underneath the vehicle in parallel plane to the vehicle's undercarriage. The vehicle external side protector rests on a track with an end point block; and connected to an actuator. Also disclosed are vehicle external front and back protectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Inventor: Rocco Maurello
  • Patent number: 11760290
    Abstract: A brush guard system for mounting on the front of a vehicle. The brush guard system includes a removable brush guard construct having a brush guard shield roughly the size of the front of a vehicle. The brush guard shield is mounted to a floor assembly. The floor assembly comprises a left pivot assembly spaced from a right pivot assembly that releasably engages a hooking bar that is secured to the frame of the vehicle. The hooking bar utilizes a pair of spaced hook plates to receive and support the brush guard construct. Pivot pins are utilized to pivotably mount the brush guard construct to the hooking bar and retractable locking pins are utilized to lock the brush guard construct to the hooking bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Inventor: Bryce Harding
  • Patent number: 11753088
    Abstract: A bumper spoiler structure includes: a bumper panel provided in a bumper of a vehicle; a bumper spoiler capable of advancing and retreating relative to the bumper panel by being moved in an inside-outside direction of the vehicle; a first actuator movable in the inside-outside direction and configured to move the bumper spoiler in the inside-outside direction; a first controller configured to control the first actuator; a second actuator configured to move the bumper spoiler and the first actuator in the inside-outside direction; and a second controller configured to control the second actuator. When at least one of the first actuator and the first controller is lost in a deployed state in which the bumper spoiler protrudes with respect to the bumper panel, the second controller moves the bumper spoiler and the first actuator toward an inner side of the vehicle by using the second actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuki Nakamura, Kei Ambo, Kenichi Ando
  • Patent number: 11685324
    Abstract: A vehicle comprises: a vehicle body having a front and a rear; a vehicle chassis supporting the vehicle body, the vehicle chassis including a chassis portion; a component attached to the front of the vehicle body; and a member comprising (i) an elongate portion having teeth, and (ii) an attachment portion attaching the member to one of the chassis portion or the component, wherein the member is configured for ratcheting of the teeth against an edge of the other of the chassis portion or the component due to relative movement between the component and the chassis portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Atieva, Inc.
    Inventors: Vijay Shankar Authimoolam Iyer, Tobias Emanuel Monteiro Martins, Boon-Sam Tan, Eric Magnus Bach
  • Patent number: 11654848
    Abstract: A rear bumper structure includes a lower side member at both sides of a vehicle parallel to a length direction of a floor panel and below the floor panel, an upper side member at both sides of the vehicle parallel to the length direction of the floor panel and above the floor panel and connected to the lower side member by a rear cross member, a bracket having a first end fixed to the lower side member and a second end extending in a bent form toward the rear of the vehicle, a bumper having a first end hinge-coupled to the second end of the bracket and a second end extending in a bent form from the first end toward an outside of the vehicle, and a crash box fixed to the second end of the bumper and coupled to the upper side member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation
    Inventor: Hosung Kwon
  • Patent number: 11648897
    Abstract: A crash impact attenuator is adapted for deployment on a vehicle, and includes a cartridge portion having at least one energy absorbing module, as well as a backup system having a backup frame, which is adapted to attach the cartridge portion to the vehicle. The backup system includes an actuator configured to pivot the cartridge portion between a deployed orientation and a stored orientation about a pivot axis disposed on a lower half of the backup system. The backup system further includes a lockout frame member having a contact surface on one end thereof, the lockout frame member being actuatable between a deployed orientation wherein the contact surface engages a portion of the backup frame to support the backup frame against vehicular impact forces and a stowed orientation wherein the contact surface is not engaged with the backup frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: TRAFFIX DEVICES, iNC.
    Inventors: Geoffrey B. Maus, Ryan Selvius
  • Patent number: 11618389
    Abstract: An adjustable grab bar assembly for selectively adjusting the height of the grab bar, as well as a vehicular carrying rack having a cage frame with arms acting as side supports for engaging pre-existing, OEM or grab bars of the associated adjustable grab bar assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Inventors: Richard Mellick Zock, Miles John Zock
  • Patent number: 11607936
    Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle includes a front pillar and a rear pillar spaced along a vehicle-longitudinal axis. The front pillar and the rear pillar define a door opening. The assembly includes a first track supported by the front pillar and a second track supported by the rear pillar. The assembly includes a lower bar and an upper bar movable upwardly relative to the lower bar along the first track and the second track. The upper bar is movable between a lowered position and a raised position. The assembly includes a crossmember pivotally coupled to the lower bar and the upper bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Saeed D. Barbat, Dean M. Jaradi, S. M. Iskander Farooq, Mohammad Omar Faruque
  • Patent number: 11597359
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a foldable pedal apparatus for a vehicle, and is configured so that in an autonomous traveling situation, an accelerator pedal apparatus and a brake pedal apparatus are slid and moved to the left and the right of a dash panel and hidden, respectively, and therefore, in hidden states of being inoperable by a driver, and in a manual driving mode, the accelerator pedal apparatus and the brake pedal apparatus are slid and moved to be gathered to the center of the dash panel and exposed, respectively, and therefore, in popped-up states of being operable by the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Eun Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 11577677
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system that is mounted on a mounting structure or chassis intended to protect the vehicles and their occupants. The system uses a main computer, high-precision radars, external airbag impellers, airbags that protect the vehicle and to some extent help its buoyancy, fluid sensors to detect the water limit that the vehicle can reach, and if these sensors are activated send a signal to the main computer that is responsible for activating air bag impellers, an inclinometer to detect the limit of inclination established in the vehicle and if the inclinometer detects an inclination that exceeds the limit established, this sends a signal to the main computer that is responsible for activating all the air bag impeller devices; and a monitor with signal transmitters to visualize in the state in which the system is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Inventors: Diogenes Patrick Rojas, Ivan Emilio Bournigal Guzman
  • Patent number: 11554647
    Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle includes a front pillar and a rear pillar spaced along a vehicle-longitudinal axis. The pillars define a door opening. The assembly includes a first track supported by the front pillar and a second track supported by the rear pillar. The assembly includes a bar movably engaged with the first track and the second track. The bar is movable between a lowered position and a raised position. The bar is elongated completely across the door opening in the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohammad Omar Faruque, S. M. Iskander Farooq, Dean M. Jaradi, Rahul Arora
  • Patent number: 11548459
    Abstract: A mounting system for a vehicle with one or more cross members. The mounting system includes a mounting rail including a mounting platform and at least one mounting slot being formed in the mounting platform. The mounting system includes a panel bracket coupled to the mounting rail that is configured to receive at least one guard panel. The mounting system includes at least one clamping body removably coupled to the mounting platform of the mounting rail. The at least one clamping body is configured to engage a cross member and the mounting platform is configured to engage the cross member so as to clamp the cross member between the at least one clamping body and the mounting platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: HYDRO EXTRUSION USA, LLC
    Inventor: Malcolm Deighton
  • Patent number: 11529850
    Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle includes a front pillar and a rear pillar spaced along a vehicle-longitudinal axis. The pillars define a door opening. The assembly includes a first track supported by the front pillar and a second track supported by the rear pillar. The assembly includes a bar movably engaged with the first track and the second track. The bar is movable between a lowered position and a raised position. The bar is elongated completely across the door opening in the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohammad Omar Faruque, S. M. Iskander Farooq, Dean M. Jaradi, Rahul Arora
  • Patent number: 11332074
    Abstract: A vehicle system comprises an automotive vehicle, at least one connector coupled to the vehicle, a vehicle protector coupled to the at least one connector, and a controller. The controller is configured to selectively adjust the connector, thereby adjusting the position of the vehicle protector such that the vehicle protector is located adjacent to a door of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventor: Justin Neil Yake
  • Patent number: 11084455
    Abstract: A front structure (1) of a motor vehicle has at least one supporting crossmember (2) and a front spoiler (3) that extend in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle. The front spoiler (3) has a front section (30) that is outside from the supporting crossmember (2). At least one deformation member (5) is arranged in an intermediate space (4) between the supporting crossmember (2) and the front spoiler (3) or is integral with the front spoiler (3). The front section (30) of the front spoiler (3) and the deformation member (5) are configured so that, in the case of a pedestrian collision, the front section (30) can be arched by the deformation member (5) that is supported on the supporting crossmember (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Inventor: Klaus Feeser
  • Patent number: 10807559
    Abstract: A pedestrian protection apparatus for a motor vehicle front end has a leg-contacting segment which, in a pre-impact position, is arranged completely above an approach plane of the vehicle (which is defined by way of a front approach angle of the motor vehicle), and can be adjusted into a post-impact position by means of a force deflecting apparatus by way of at least proportionally vertical deflection of an impact force which acts along the longitudinal direction. In a post-impact position, the contact segment is arranged at least partially below the approach plane and lower than a bumper crossmember.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Antje Sipido, Monika Teodorescu, Susanne Spaetgens, Joergen Hilmann, Tobias Duffe
  • Patent number: 10787140
    Abstract: A system for protecting an automobile from a collision. The system including: a bumper having one or more bumper segments disposed on the automobile for absorbing at least some energy of the collision; and one or more actuators for deploying the bumper when conditions indicative of an impending collision is detected; wherein the one or more actuators comprise: one or more hydraulic actuators; one or more pneumatic actuators; one or more actuators actuated by one or more detonation charges; one or more fluid-filled bellows; one or more compressively pre-loaded springs; and one or more actuators connected to rotatable joints of links in a linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: OMNITEK PARTNERS LLC
    Inventor: Jahangir S Rastegar
  • Patent number: 10730462
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an unmanned transport vehicle includes a vehicle body, a connector, a bumper, and a bumper driver. The vehicle body includes a moving mechanism and a moving mechanism driver. The moving mechanism driver is configured to drive the moving mechanism. The connector is at the vehicle body and connectable to a transport-object. The bumper is adjacent to the vehicle body in a first direction. The bumper includes a collision detection sensor. The bumper is extendable and contractible in a second direction. The second direction intersects the first direction. The bumper driver is configured to extend and contract the bumper in the second direction by moving at least a portion of the bumper in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Takafumi Sonoura, Daisuke Yamamoto, Hideki Ogawa
  • Patent number: 10632947
    Abstract: Provided is a rear guard structure system including: a chassis frame attached to the bottom of a vehicle; a plurality of guard stays having one ends hinge-coupled to chassis-frame hinges at both sides of the chassis frame through first hinges; and a rear guard attached to the other ends of the guard stays. A first stopper is mounted around the first hinge so as to restrict rotation of the guard stay, and includes a first buffer member to reduce shock or vibration when the rear guard is vertically vibrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: E-CUBE SYSTEM INC.
    Inventor: Jee Ung Seok
  • Patent number: 10562476
    Abstract: A guard assembly for a machine is provided. The guard assembly includes a guard structure and a frame. The frame is attachable to the machine at a machine component. The guard structure is pivotably connected to the frame and movable between a first position and a second position. The frame further includes a magnet structure to releasably couple the frame to the machine component. Furthermore, the frame includes a cap being secured to the magnet structure. The cap includes a skin having at least one side extending beyond the magnet structure and contacting at least a portion of the machine component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Andrew McGregor
  • Patent number: 10525928
    Abstract: A system includes a bumper, an actuator fixed to the bumper, and a panel fixed to the actuator and moveable relative to the bumper. A first bracket is fixed to one of the bumper and the panel, and a second bracket is fixed to the other of the bumper and the panel. The second bracket is moveably engaged with the first bracket. A spring-loaded lock is fixed to the first bracket and is biased against the second bracket. The actuator may be triggered in response to a sensed pedestrian impact. In that case, the actuator moves the first and second brackets relative to each other to move the panel from a recessed position to an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: S. M. Iskander Farooq, Mohammad Omar Faruque, Nirmal Muralidharan, Srinivasan Sundararajan, Dean M. Jaradi
  • Patent number: 10246036
    Abstract: A bumper assembly includes a crush can, a bumper extending along a longitudinal axis and supported by the crush can, and a secondary bumper assembly. The secondary bumper assembly is supportable by the bumper, and includes a secondary bumper that extends along the longitudinal axis, and a hand-actuated release supported by the secondary bumper having an arm attachable to the bumper. The arm is moveable between an engaged position for engagement with the bumper and a disengaged position for disengagement with the bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Sudip Sankar Bhattacharjee, Mustafa Ahmed, Mohammed Shenaq, Martyn Swain, Daehyun Hwang
  • Patent number: 10179559
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame and a bumper pivotally connected to the frame. An actuator is mounted to the frame and coupled to the bumper. The actuator is operable to pivot the bumper relative to the frame between a substantially vertical position and an angled position. A user interface is used to activate the actuator. A vehicle controller is programmed to receive a signal from the user interface, and responsive to receiving the signal, activate the actuator to pivot the bumper. The controller may also issue warnings to the driver when the bumper is in an incorrect position for the current driving conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Swadad A. Carremm, Clara Bennie
  • Patent number: 10093258
    Abstract: An arrangement for absorbing kinetic energy acting on a front bumper of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, includes at least one pedestrian protection element which can be arranged on a cross member of the bumper, at least one absorption element which can be arranged on the cross member and is movable on the cross member in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle relative to the cross member between a front absorption position and a rear release position, and at least one locking device which can be arranged on the cross member by which the absorption element can be temporarily arrested in the absorption position thereof. The absorption element, in the absorption position thereof, is switched parallel to the pedestrian protection element in respect of a force initiated by the kinetic energy into the bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ulrich Koestler, Arne Koehler, Wilhelm Riedl, Tim Rudolph
  • Patent number: 10026342
    Abstract: An impact protection device for law enforcement and emergency vehicles includes a pair of bars. The bars are configured to couple to an undercarriage of a vehicle and extend in parallel such that endpoints of the bars are positioned proximate to opposing ends of a bumper of the vehicle. A plate is coupled to and extends between the endpoints. Each of a pair of shock absorbers is coupled to and extends linearly from a respective endpoint. A frame is coupled to and extends between the shock absorbers distal from the endpoints. A plurality of signs is coupled to the frame. The signs are configured to notify drivers proximate to the vehicle. The frame is configured to transfer a force from an impact to the frame through the shock absorbers to the plate. The plate is configured to substantially evenly transfer a reduced force from the impact to the bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: Philip Reingowsky
  • Patent number: 9855875
    Abstract: A roll off trailer is provided with a bumper assembly which may move between a deployed position and a collapsed position. The roll off trailer may include a trailer frame with a table top pivotally connected to the trailer such that the deployed position may be associated with a home position of the table top and the collapsed position may be associated with a tilted roll off position of the table top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: MAC TRAILER MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventor: Scott A. Kibler
  • Patent number: 9783144
    Abstract: A trailer includes front and rear ends and a cargo area. A rear bolster extends transversely to a longitudinal direction at a bottom rear edge of the cargo area. A rear impact guard includes a bumper having opposing distal ends spaced laterally across the trailer. A pair of distal end supports connect to the distal ends of the bumper, each including a diagonal truss member and a vertical stabilizer. The diagonal truss extends along an axis in a forward, inward and upward direction from the bumper. The vertical stabilizer members are separate from the diagonal truss members and extend upwardly from the bumper to the rear bolster. The vertical stabilizer reduces an offset component of buckling load on the diagonal truss member upon rear impact. At least one inboard post extends between the bumper and the rear bolster at a location between the pair of distal end supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: STI Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Patrick Miller, Gary Lynn Fenton
  • Patent number: 9771040
    Abstract: A trailer frame includes a rear bolster, cross-members, and corner gussets extending forwardly from ends of the rear bolster. A rear impact guard includes a bumper positioned at the rear end of the trailer and spaced below the rear bolster, pair of outboard posts, and at least one inboard post. The outboard posts extend between the bumper and the rear bolster adjacent respective opposed distal ends of the bumper, and the inboard post extends between the bumper and the rear bolster between the outboard posts. Each of the pair of outboard posts has a lower end that overlaps with a respective mounting bracket that protrudes upwardly toward the rear bolster from the bumper such that mounting holes of the outboard posts align with mounting holes of the mounting brackets. A laterally-outboard panel of each mounting bracket extends obliquely from the bumper in a direction with a laterally-outward component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: STI Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Patrick Miller, Francis Steven Smidler
  • Patent number: 9586555
    Abstract: A method for cushioning a pedestrian during contact with a moving vehicle. The method includes steps providing an energy-absorbing pedestrian interface structured to cushion the pedestrian during contact, providing an interface deployment mechanism operatively coupled to the interface and structured to move the interface between a stowed position and a deployed position, and moving the pedestrian interface to the deployed position when the vehicle is in motion and prior to contact between the pedestrian and the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Vidyakant C. Revankar, Larry M. Wilmot
  • Patent number: 9566923
    Abstract: A rear impact guard configured to be coupled to a rear end of a trailer includes (i) a bumper support member having an upper end configured to be coupled to the rear end of the trailer, and (ii) a horizontal bumper mounted at a lower end of the bumper support member. The bumper support member includes a hollow, generally triangular prism member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.
    Inventors: Andrzej Wylezinski, Brian C. Belcher
  • Patent number: 9475419
    Abstract: A roll off trailer is provided with a bumper assembly which may move between a deployed position and a collapsed position. The roll off trailer may include a trailer frame with a table top pivotally connected to the trailer such that the deployed position may be associated with a home position of the table top and the collapsed position may be associated with a tilted roll off position of the table top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: MAC TRAILER MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventor: Scott A. Kibler
  • Patent number: 9308880
    Abstract: A bumper protection device for an automobile including a parallel track mounted to an underside of an automobile, a bumper shield continuously disposed atop the parallel track, a pair of spring loaded hinges, a linear actuator, a central processing unit, and a power connector. The bumper shield has an extended position and an alternate retracted position. The central processing unit is configured to activate the linear actuator to transport the bumper shield along the parallel track to the extended position when a user selectively engages an automobile in a parking gear. The central processing unit is configured to activate the linear actuator to transport the bumper shield along the parallel track to the retracted position when the user selectively engages the automobile from the parking gear to an alternate gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Inventor: Darius Johnson
  • Patent number: 9180824
    Abstract: A device and a system operative for protecting an automobile door from dent and damage to the finish. The device has a shield that stows in a chamber in an automobile frame below an automobile door, the shield deploying upwardly from the chamber to a position adjacent to the automobile door. The shield is deployed by a hydraulic system coupled to the shield through a plurality of linkages on a track that deploys the shield out the chamber opening and retracts the shield into the chamber. The system has an actuator for actuating the hydraulic system, the actuator selectively actuating the hydraulic system to deploy the shield when the door is locked and selectively actuating the hydraulic system to deploy the shield when is door is opening. A remote control device actuates the hydraulic system in one example embodiment. A sensor actuates the hydraulic system in another example embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Inventors: David Rodriguez, Oscar Merced
  • Patent number: 9067552
    Abstract: An energy absorption system, comprises a vehicle bumper. An energy absorption member is attached to the bumper, the energy absorption member comprising a first piece and a second piece. A linear actuator connects the energy absorption member to the bumper. The actuator may be actuated based on the speed information from the onboard vehicle communication network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Chih Cheng, Mohammed Omar Faruque, Iskander Farooq, Sudip Sankar Bhattacharjee
  • Patent number: 8998291
    Abstract: The vehicle attachable carrier device includes a mounting bracket assembly for movably mounting a guard frame to a vehicle that includes a bracket coupled to the vehicle. A frame is movably coupled to the bracket. The frame may guard the vehicle. The frame is positionable between a stored position and an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: Joseph P. Addis
  • Publication number: 20150069771
    Abstract: A crash attenuator includes a frame having a first frame member and a second frame member rigidly connected with a hinge assembly in a pre-impact configuration. The first and second frames are hingedly connected with the hinge assembly in an impact configuration, wherein the hinge assembly comprises a living hinge when the hinge assembly is in the impact configuration. A method of using the crash attenuator is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: MICHAEL J. BUEHLER, SEAN THOMPSON, PATRICK A. LEONHARDT
  • Patent number: 8950800
    Abstract: A deployable pedestrian protection lower leg stiffen apparatus includes a left and a right linear actuator mountable adjacent to respective left and right forward frame members of a vehicle and a lower leg stiffener attached to and movable by the actuators. The actuators are extendable along respective deployment axes extending forward and downward relative to the vehicle to move the stiffener between a retracted position rearward of a forward surface of a front bumper beam and above a ground clearance plane and a deployed position forward of the retracted position and below the ground clearance plane. The actuators have rotational joints defining a horizontal pivot axis about which at least the forward portions of the piston may rotate upward along with the stiffener to prevent damage to the system if it strikes a road obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Iskander Farooq, Mohammed Omar Faruque, James Chih Cheng
  • Patent number: 8827592
    Abstract: A machine with a chassis and a push-roller assembly connected to the chassis. The push-roller assembly engages a vehicle, has a support frame with rollers, and support arms with a chassis end connected to the support frame and a linkage end connected to the chassis. The support frame moves relative to the chassis when the support arm pivots with respect to the chassis and the support frame. The machine includes an actuator controller associated with an actuator in the push-roller assembly. The actuator is connected to the support arm, causing the support arm to pivot with respect to the chassis and support frame, displacing the support frame relative to the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Toby A. Frelich, Rick L. Mings, Ryan T. Thiesse, Chad M. Thiesse, Aaron M. Case
  • Patent number: 8813340
    Abstract: An arrangement for mounting a substantially vertical mechanical element, as a technical front surface, on a structural transverse element of bodywork of a vehicle such as an upper crossbar, the mechanical element including at least one substantially horizontal portion or structural nozzle bearing on an upper surface of the crossbar. The arrangement includes at least one carrier plate for the mechanical element which is slid under the bodywork of the vehicle and then mounted vertically. The plate includes a yoke for receiving the vertical mechanical element and which is capable of holding the element between at least one vertical position inclined towards the front and a vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventors: Francois Combe, Michael Flandin, Nicolas Pietu
  • Patent number: 8660756
    Abstract: A collision mitigation system for a vehicle has a frame assembly including a pair of frame members extending longitudinally along opposite lateral sides of a vehicle. A bumper beam extends across forward end portions of the pair of frame members. The bumper beam has a curved asymmetrical profile for guiding movement of the vehicle during a front-end offset crash event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael A. Schrader
  • Publication number: 20130320684
    Abstract: The inventive device disclosed in the present application is a set of shock-absorbent panels that attach to the doors of a vehicle. The system is designed so each of the panels may be easily hooked onto the car doors and locked in place when the doors are closed, protecting the vehicle from collisions and objects which may inadvertently bump the doors, causing unsightly dents and scratches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Steven Darrett
  • Patent number: 8544905
    Abstract: A structural part for a motor vehicle includes an inner component having a generally rectangular cross section and configured in the form of a multichamber hollow section made of light metal, and an outer component having a generally rectangular cross section. The inner and outer components are movable in a telescoping manner relative to one another between an idle state and an activated state. A first locking mechanism is provided to lock the idle state and a second locking mechanism is provided to lock the activated state. The movement of the inner and outer components from the idle state to the activated state is hereby realized by an actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Handing, Kegham Arzoumanian, Andreas Hitz, Otto Buschsieweke
  • Patent number: 8356852
    Abstract: A storage compartment within an automotive vehicle rear body closure, such as a hatch or trunk, is accessed through a door that serves as a license plate attachment panel. The door may be part of a tub hinged along its lower edge and that occupies the storage compartment when the door is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Marc Jonathon Lucas, Kip Alan Ewing, Julie D'Annunzio
  • Patent number: 8317239
    Abstract: A flip-up bumper assembly for a motor vehicle having a at least one attachment assembly, a support member, a bumper frame, a lift height adjustment member, an extendable member. Additionally, the flip-up bumper assembly may further include a variable height bumper frame and/or a pivot member. The flip up bumper assembly is generally coupled to the motor vehicle. The bumper frame is operably connected to the support member wherein the bumper frame rotates about a pivot point on the support member. The extendable member is coupled to both the attachment member and the bumper frame. The extendable member extends in a generally horizontal direction and causes the bottom of the bumper frame to angularly deflect about the pivot point, resulting in an outward and upward translation. The variable height flip-up bumper assembly of the present invention allows for the use of a plurality of bumper sizes as selected by the vehicle owner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Four State International Trucks, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan E. Martin, Brice E. Martin
  • Patent number: 8312630
    Abstract: A method for mounting, on a motor vehicle, underbody elements and a technical front surface designed to be mounted at one end of a front structural element of the vehicle including side-members. The technical front surface is positioned on one of the underbody elements; the technical front surface is pivoted about a transverse axis from a position wherein it extends substantially transversely to a position wherein it is titled forward; the underbody elements and the tilted technical front surface are moved vertically downwards up to the vehicle; and the technical front surface is folded down from its tilted position to its normal position wherein it is opposite the structural element of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventors: Philippe Bogaert, Michael Flandin
  • Patent number: 8303021
    Abstract: A door edge protection device for a motor vehicle door which comprises a door edge protection member guided movably with respect to the door at at least two points lying one behind the other in a longitudinal direction of the door. The door edge protection member is driven via an eccentric lever mounted rotatably in the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Lichter, Thomas Benderoth, Armando Lopes dos Santos
  • Patent number: 8235432
    Abstract: A supplemental impact protection system for an automotive vehicle includes an external energy management structure having a first position for normal vehicle operation and a second position for deployment during an impact event. A mounting system allows selective positioning of the energy management structure in either the first or second position, as determined by a controller which assesses an impact potential of the vehicle and operates the mounting system to move the energy management structure to the second, or deployed, position in the event that the assessed impact potential satisfies a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: Sean Ryan, Rich Ruthinowski, Manoharprasad K. Rao
  • Publication number: 20120098280
    Abstract: A structural part for a motor vehicle includes an inner component having a generally rectangular cross section and configured in the form of a multichamber hollow section made of light metal, and an outer component having a generally rectangular cross section. The inner and outer components are movable in a telescoping manner relative to one another between an idle state and an activated state. A first locking mechanism is provided to lock the idle state and a second locking mechanism is provided to lock the activated state. The movement of the inner and outer components from the idle state to the activated state is hereby realized by an actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: CHRISTIAN HANDING, Kegham ARZOUMANIAN, Andreas HITZ, Otto BUSCHSIEWEKE
  • Patent number: 8146935
    Abstract: A device for a high-clearance motor vehicle is provided. Preferably, the device comprises an elongated step; and one or more supports, wherein each of the one or more supports includes: a lift bar; a base; and an actuator; wherein the base holds the actuator and the lift bar is pivotally attached to the base on a distal end and to the step on the opposite end; and wherein, when the device is operated, depending on user selection, the actuator either lowers the lift bar causing the step to be positioned for use or raises the lift bar causing the step to be retracted, and if retracted, the step blocks at least one door of the motor vehicle making it difficult to steal the motor vehicle. Additionally, when the step is retracted, the step impedes “ding” damage from an adjacent motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Gary Adams
  • Patent number: 8113555
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle impact mitigation system. The impact mitigation system can be configured to mitigate front impact situations. A main rail and an extendable rail—configured to move with respect to the main rail—are provided. A front module is attached to the extendable rail and attachable to the main rail. A spring is positioned between the front module and main rail, the spring is configured to apply a force to the front module when the front module is detached from the main rail. An actuator is configured to control attachment of the front module to the main rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Omar Faruque