End Gate Patents (Class 296/106)
  • Patent number: 11962264
    Abstract: A system and method for portable solar power generation is provided. The portable solar power generator will be mounted on a movable platform, making it easy to transport and install in different places. Using solar panels, the generator will create electricity, which will be stored in a battery and converted to alternating current (AC) via an inverter. The generator has a control panel that allows users to monitor and regulate power generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: KING FAISAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Abdulaziz Hassain Elsinawi, Ahmed Emad Almuhanna, Feras Fadhel Buzaid, Mahdi Hussain Ben Quti, Mohammed Shubber Alsaleh, Mohammed Radi Alhajji, Slim Adnene Chtourou
  • Patent number: 11881807
    Abstract: A system and method for portable solar power generation is provided. The portable solar power generator will be mounted on a movable platform, making it easy to transport and install in different places. Using solar panels, the generator will create electricity, which will be stored in a battery and converted to alternating current (AC) via an inverter. The generator has a control panel that allows users to monitor and regulate power generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: KING FAISAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Abdulaziz Hassain Elsinawi, Ahmed Emad Almuhanna, Feras Fadhel Buzaid, Mahdi Hussain Ben Quti, Mohammed Shubber Alsaleh, Mohammed Radi Alhajji, Slim Adnene Chtourou
  • Patent number: 11535201
    Abstract: A license plate lamp unit which, with a simple structure, enables easy attachment of components to the rear of the vehicle and which can prevent relative displacement among components, and a vehicle equipped with the license plate lamp unit are provided. This license plate lamp unit is provided with: a license plate lamp (301) which irradiates light onto the license plate; a vehicle mounted camera (100) having a camera lens (101A, 101B); a nozzle 3 for discharging a cleaning medium towards the camera lens (101A, 101B); and an attachment member (310) supporting the license plate lamp (301), the vehicle mounted camera (100) and a nozzle (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masayuki Kondo, Shigehiko Kazaoka
  • Patent number: 11345417
    Abstract: A modular tail assembly for a motor vehicle can include a tail-side frame element and a tailgate. The frame element is configured to form a part of a tail-side vehicle frame and be detachably fastened to another part of the vehicle frame. A motor vehicle can include the modular tail assembly. The motor vehicle has a vehicle body which is formed so that a cargo tray is arranged in the region of a tail-side vehicle trunk. The modular tail assembly can facilitate easier and quicker tail-side loading of a motor vehicle and can increase the storage space available for loading within a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Lichter, Hauke Weber, Armando Lopes dos Santos, Simone Breuer, Raja Raghava Sreepathy
  • Patent number: 11167665
    Abstract: A base frame for a vehicle seat comprising two lateral parts and swing arms pivoting in relation to the lateral parts. The base frame can be height adjusted by pivoting the swing arms. Pivoting the swing arms can be caused by operating at least one actuator arm. The actuator arm is rotatably mounted on an anchor point on one of the swing arms so that the swing arms, upon operation of the at least one actuator arm, can be pivoted along a direction of adjustment about a pivot point and, thereby, the lateral parts of the base frame are movable in a direction of height adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: FAURECIA AUTOSITZE GMBH
    Inventors: Marcin Cieślak, Mieszko Pazderski
  • Patent number: 11110971
    Abstract: A replacement tailgate for the purpose of elongating the pick up truck may be installed on a truck bed wherein the replacement tailgate can be unfolded in order to elongate a length of the truck bed. The replacement tailgate may have front and rear shells that are used to support objects placed in the truck bed as well as act as the new tailgate when the truck bed length is elongated. Various panels may be unfolded in order to trap objects within the truck bed when the replacement tailgate is unfolded in order to elongate the truck bed length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Singer
  • Patent number: 11097650
    Abstract: An integrated lamp-and-camera module (1) includes: a pair of license plate lamps (10R, 10L) that are disposed in a left-right direction of a license plate (LP) of a vehicle (VE), and apply light to the license plate (LP); a first camera (20) and a second camera (30) that are disposed between the pair of license plate lamps (10R, 10L) to capture an image of a rear side of the vehicle (VE); and a housing (70) to which the respective license plate lamps (10R, 10L), the first rear view camera (20), and the second camera (30) are attached. The housing (70) is attached to a vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masayuki Kondo, Hikaru Nagai, Masaru Sakai
  • Patent number: 10947770
    Abstract: An adjusting device for a vehicle part that is movable relative to the body of a vehicle, in particular for a vehicle door or panel, includes a drive assembly having a drive unit and a connecting unit for connecting the drive assembly to a superordinate assembly, i.e. an assembly not part of the adjusting device, either the body of the vehicle or the movable vehicle part, an adjusting element which can be displaced relative to the drive assembly by means of the drive unit and which comprises, at the free end thereof, an additional connecting unit for connecting the adjusting element to a superordinate assembly, i.e. an assembly not part of the adjusting device, either the movable vehicle part or the body of the vehicle, one connecting unit is connected to the drive assembly at a point that is remote from the free end of the drive assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Stabilus GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Reif
  • Patent number: 10883298
    Abstract: A lid controlling apparatus includes a casing having a target region, a lid, and a rod driving mechanism connected between the casing and the lid. The rod driving mechanism includes a first rod pivoted to the casing, a non-rotatable gear fixed to the casing, a driven gear pivoted to a side of the first rod and connected to the lid, and a planetary gear device pivoted to the side of the first rod and engaged with the non-rotatable gear and the driven gear for rotating between lifting and closed positions. When the planetary gear device rotates to the lifting position, the first rod pivots with rotation of the planetary gear device to have a first included angle relative to the casing, and the planetary gear device rotates the driven gear to make the lid have a second included angle relative to the first rod for exposing the target region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Qisda Corporation
    Inventors: Yung-Tsun Hsieh, Po-Jen Liau
  • Patent number: 10850662
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a movable panel assembly that is movable between a closed position and an open position, a track member that supports the movable panel assembly, and a structural member. The structural member includes a first wall portion that is connected to the track member and a second wall portion that is connected to the track member, and the track member is integrated into the structural member such that the first wall portion, the second wall portion, and the track member define part of a closed geometric cross-sectional profile of the structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Philipp J. Wolf, Samuel G. Fowle, Donald R. Monroe, John Raff, Antonio B. Martinez, Albert J. Golko, Ali Tavakoli Targhi, David J. Donohue, David E. Kingman, Ibuki Kamei
  • Patent number: 10828970
    Abstract: An actuation assembly for actuating a door of a sliding door assembly of a vehicle includes a motor inside a motor housing, a mid-pulley assembly comprising a mid-pulley wheel, a guide pulley assembly comprising a guide-pulley wheel, and a cable anchored to the vehicle and operatively coupling the mid-pulley assembly, the guide pulley assembly, and the motor. The motor turns to move the door along the cable and at least some portion of the cable is encased in a unitary casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank A. Richards, Tarakorn Soonthornwinate
  • Patent number: 10822855
    Abstract: A power back door for a vehicle, in which the back door is automatically opened and closed by left and right power back door drive devices, each of the power back door drive devices including an inner tube encompassed by an outer tube; a motor; a spindle screw that is turned by the motor; a spindle nut attached to one end of the inner tube and travels up and down the spindle screw to cause the inner tube to extend and contract relative to the outer tube over a length of travel; and a stopper fixed to the end of the spindle screw to stop the movement of the spindle nut. A length of travel of the left power back door drive device is different than a length of travel of the right power back door drive device so as to attenuate bouncing of the back door when the back door reaches a fully opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Norman C. Kerr, Jay L. Sackett
  • Patent number: 10815715
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a motor vehicle, such as a pickup truck, including a powered tailgate assembly and a corresponding method of using the same. An exemplary motor vehicle includes a powered tailgate assembly having a tailgate moveable between a fully closed position and a fully open position. The tailgate is also moveable to a neutral loading position near the fully open position. Further, the motor vehicle includes a controller configured to identify the onset of an active loading condition when the tailgate moves from the neutral loading position toward the fully open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Aaron Halonen, David Brian Glickman, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Pietro Buttolo
  • Patent number: 10800466
    Abstract: A dual motion tailgate is configured to undergo two distinct motions, each with advantages depending on circumstances. The tailgate can undergo a rotation (i.e., drop) motion as well as a swing down motion via one or more linkages and corresponding latches. The swing down motion allows closer access to the bed, and the tailgate extends less far from the rear of the vehicle as compared to the drop motion. Latches constrain one or more motions of the tailgate, allowing a desired motion of the tailgate. The motions may be manually controlled, or actuator controlled. When automatically controlled, a control system manages one or more latches and actuators to allow a desired motion of the tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: William Kirk Robinson, Sheetanshu Tyagi
  • Patent number: 10767412
    Abstract: An electromechanical strut is provided for moving a pivotal closure member between open and closed positions relative to a motor vehicle body. The electromechanical strut includes a drive mechanism having a motor-gearbox assembly, flex coupling assembly, and a spring-loaded supplemental friction assembly that are operable to drive a rotatable power screw. The drive mechanism converts rotary motion of the power screw into linear motion of an extensible member to move the extensible member between a retracted position corresponding to the closure member closed position and an extended position corresponding to the closure member open position. The motor-gearbox assembly includes a motor and a geartrain having an output component driven at a reduced speed relative to the motor speed. The flex coupling assembly is operably disposed between the output component and the power screw. The spring-loaded supplemental friction assembly generates and applies a supplemental frictional force to the flex coupling assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Scheuring, Wieslaw Nowicki
  • Patent number: 10717349
    Abstract: A vehicle door includes an inner panel formed from a resin and including an upper portion, and a lower portion positioned opposite the upper portion in a vertical direction, and a torsion bar assembly coupled to the inner panel, the torsion bar assembly including a lateral bar that extends across the upper portion of the inner panel in a lateral direction that is transverse to the vertical direction, a pair of vertical bars extending downward from the lateral bar, where the pair of vertical bars and the lateral bar define an inner cavity extending along the torsion bar assembly, and the lateral bar defines an access hole that provides access to the inner cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian T. Thurgate, William A. Hardy, Kevin O'Beirne, Johnny Rose, Wasim Ukra, Rajesh Chennagowni, Herb Meingast
  • Patent number: 10703422
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a cargo bed extending rearward of a vehicle seat where a front wall of the cargo bed is adjacent to the rearward side of the vehicle seat. The front wall of the cargo bed includes a handle and the front wall of the cargo bed is removable from the utility vehicle with at least a first connection, a second connection, and a third connection to allow access to the air cleaner once the front wall of the cargo bed is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert T. Wilson, III, Samira S. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10632905
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a movable panel assembly that is movable between a closed position and an open position, a track member that supports the movable panel assembly, and a structural member. The structural member includes a first wall portion that is connected to the track member and a second wall portion that is connected to the track member, and the track member is integrated into the structural member such that the first wall portion, the second wall portion, and the track member define part of a closed geometric cross-sectional profile of the structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Philipp J. Wolf, Samuel G. Fowle, Donald R. Monroe, John Raff, Antonio B. Martinez, Albert J. Golko, Ali Tavakoli Targhi, David J. Donohue, David E. Kingman, Ibuki Kamei
  • Patent number: 10527137
    Abstract: A spindle drive apparatus includes a guide tube having a connection unit for connecting the spindle drive apparatus to a superordinate assembly, the connection unit fastened to the guide tube for rotation relative thereto, an externally threaded spindle housed at least in part in the guide tube, a further connection unit rotationally fixed to the end of the spindle for connecting the spindle drive apparatus to a further superordinate assembly, a spindle nut is fastened to the guide tube in threaded engagement with the spindle, and a drive assembly has a drive unit, wherein a drive element that is driven by the drive unit surrounds the guide tube and is rotationally fixable thereto, and wherein the drive unit is supported on one of the superordinate assemblies or on an element connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Stabilus GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Oster
  • Patent number: 10350647
    Abstract: An external lens washing system has an aiming fixture configured to support and constrain an external lens which is exposed to the elements and apt to become soiled with debris. A nozzle assembly is configured to be supported and aimed toward the external lens by the aiming fixture and has at least one laterally offset washing nozzle projecting from the aiming fixture to a spray washing fluid toward the external lens surface, spraying at a shallow, glancing spray aiming angle to impinge upon and wash the lens external surface. Optionally, an integrated image sensor and lens washing assembly is configured for use with a remote control method for cleaning an exterior objective lens surface and includes a sealed image sensor housing assembly including an integral, remotely controllable lens cleaning system with an optimized configuration for aiming one or more cleansing sprays from one or more laterally offset fluidic oscillators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: DLHBOWLES, INC.
    Inventors: Alan Romack, Keith Berning, Russell Hester, Evan Hartranft, Robert Bower, Srinivasaiah Sridhara, Eric Koehler
  • Patent number: 10272003
    Abstract: A motor vehicle having a body, for transporting a wheelchair-confined passenger, and a rear liftgate, for providing ingress and egress for the passenger. The motor vehicle includes a tailgate frame operatively connected to the body and disposed adjacently to the rear liftgate. The tailgate frame defines an opening. A tailgate is movably coupled to the tailgate frame at the opening, wherein the tailgate includes a closed position and an open position. A latch is operatively connected to the tailgate. The latch includes a latched condition configured to latch the tailgate in the closed position, a lock condition configured to lock the tailgate in the closed position, and an unlatched condition configured to unlatch the tailgate for movement from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: THE BRAUN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael T. Zindler
  • Patent number: 10272749
    Abstract: A tailgate for vehicle may include a body panel including an internal panel and a reinforcing panel mounted on at least a portion of the internal panel, a cover panel mounted on the body panel by an adhesive to cover a portion of the body panel and having a cover body integrally formed with a spoiler portion, and a lamp device mounted on the cover panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Ho Sang Lee
  • Patent number: 10220688
    Abstract: An inner box for a motor vehicle tailgate, comprising a frame and a set of technical elements for components to pass through or be secured to, wherein said technical elements are carried by a technical panel fitted onto said frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Compagnie Plastic Omnium
    Inventors: Jean-Yves Demange, Philippe Coudron
  • Patent number: 10214083
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a vehicle back door device that improves workability when mounting a damper. The vehicle body-side mounting portion of the damper is positioned in a vehicle up-down direction and in vehicle front-rear direction relative to the bracket, by abutting an abutting piece provided at a vehicle body-side mounting portion of the damper against a positioning portion of a bracket. Further, by moving the abutting piece in a vehicle transverse direction, the vehicle body-side mounting portion of the damper can be supported by a pin of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Kato
  • Patent number: 9975412
    Abstract: A moon roof system includes a moon roof, a roller shade and a multifunction drive system. That multifunction drive system includes a single drive motor including a drive shaft, a first drive link connected to a first accessory or moon roof, a second drive link connected to a second accessory or roller shade and a transmission for selectively connecting the drive shaft to the first drive link and the second drive link. A related method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Adrian Nania
  • Patent number: 9783028
    Abstract: A vehicle closure including a rotatable lift gate and a decklid that is rotatably connected to the liftgate. First and second electrically powered actuators provide powered opening and powered closing of the liftgate and the decklid, respectively. The first powered actuator locks to prevent movement of the liftgate when the second powered actuator is actuated, and the second powered actuator locks to prevent movement of the decklid when the first powered actuator is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kosta Papanikolaou, Donald P. Iacovoni, Paul L. Heirtzler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9702180
    Abstract: A driving module of a motor-driven power trunk includes a pivotable lid hinge configured to open or close the trunk lid. A main arm is pivotably installed in a vehicle body. A sub arm constrains the lid hinge and is linked to the main arm. A motor is provided on the main arm and is configured to pivot the main arm and the sub arm so as to automatically open or close the trunk lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Yong Hyuck Im
  • Patent number: 9674887
    Abstract: A method is provided for a remotely-deployed field device to automatically select one of different mobile network modes to communicate with a server computing device. The field device is configured to maintain consistent and reliable connection with the server computing device by automatically switching between different mobile network modes that are selectively open and active based on various criteria, such as technical and/or business considerations. The automatic selection of mobile network modes is achieved in a submissive mobile network connection regime in which the remotely deployed field device autonomously operates to submit to whichever mobile network mode is open and active under preset criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Seeonic, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas Singh
  • Patent number: 9663042
    Abstract: A decorative structure (15) for a vehicle is provided with a left sealing member (27) between a left illuminating light (23) and a rear-window glass (25). The left illuminating light (23) is provided with a lens surface section (51) having a projecting surface section (56) which projects toward rear trim (22); a lens inner wall (66) opposing the left-side surface (45) of the rear window glass (25); and a rib-shaped section (53) projecting from the projecting surface section (56) toward the back-door (21) side. The left seating member (27) connects the lens-inner-wall surface (66a) of the lens inner wall (66) and the rib-wall surface (75a) of the rib-shaped section (53).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Kawamura, Kenichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9481325
    Abstract: A system for controlling access into a vehicle in the event of loss of electrical power is disclosed. The vehicle has an access opening into the vehicle's interior with a first door for access thereto, a cargo enclosure with a second door therefor, and an energy storage device for generating the electrical power. A first latch selectively latches and unlatches the first door, while a first switch operates the first latch. A second latch selectively latches and unlatches the second door, while an actuator connects the second door to the vehicle body and selectively opens and closes the second door. A second switch selectively connects a motor-generator to the energy storage device for operating the actuator in a first mode and disconnects the motor-generator from the energy storage device for generating electric current when the second door is operated manually to operate the first latch in a second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Richard J. Lange
  • Patent number: 9394742
    Abstract: An example of a vertically operating door includes a flexible panel comprising two pliable sheets of material with a plurality of pads or mats of thermal insulation between the two sheets. In some examples, a plurality of horizontally elongate baffles made of pliable strips of material are installed between the two sheets. The baffles effectively divide one large interior volume between the sheets into more manageable smaller volumes or chambers. The baffles restrict the air between the sheets from being forced to the bottom of the panel as the panel ascends and bends across an overhead roller. Without the baffles and smaller chambers, the panel sheets in the area near the bottom of the panel would tend to bulge outward as the door opens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Perry W. Knutson, Mark Ungs
  • Patent number: 9382741
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body having a pillar, a vehicle door movably coupled to the vehicle body, and an assembly for at least partially opening the vehicle door. The assembly is coupled to the vehicle door and includes an actuator having an actuator body and an actuator shaft movable relative to the actuator body between a retracted position and an extended position. Further, the assembly includes a lever pivotally coupled to the vehicle door and a spring coupled between the lever and the actuator shaft. The spring biases the lever toward the pillar. When the vehicle door is unlatched, the lever exerts a force on the pillar and, consequently, pushes the vehicle door away from the pillar to a partially open position. The present disclosure also relates to the assembly for at least partially opening the vehicle door as described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Konchan, Charles R. Fain, Richard J. Lange
  • Patent number: 8882168
    Abstract: A tailgate for an associated automotive vehicle. The tailgate is coupled via a rod to a motor. The tailgate includes a frame having a point of attachment to the rod. The rod passes through an opening in the vehicle body. The rod has a longitudinal axis that travels in a substantially linear axial direction in the region passing through the opening when the tailgate moves from a closed to an open position and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jacob Ivan Wasser, Makoto Watanabe, Travis Lonas
  • Patent number: 8845006
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a liftgate that opens and closes to provide access to a rear storage compartment of the vehicle. A rotatable crossbar is attached to an upper portion of the vehicle and is connected to the liftgate via a bracket. A lever extends from an outer end of the crossbar. A retractable arm has a first end and a second end. The first end is attached to the vehicle body, and the second end is pivotally connected to the lever. Retraction of the arm pivots the lever, which rotates the crossbar and opens the liftgate. The arm and the lever are substantially concealed by a rear pillar of the vehicle so as to not be visible when operating to open and close the liftgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Michael Lechkun, Murat Gueler
  • Patent number: 8727422
    Abstract: The present invention provides a back door for an automobile including an inner panel and an outer panel made of resin. A pair of reinforcement metal plates is disposed on an inner wall of the inner panel at end portions in a left-to-right direction of a space formed between the inner panel and the outer panel integrated together. The reinforcement metal plates each include a damper attachment portion to which a damper-connecting member connected to a damper is attached, and a hinge attachment portion to which a hinge extending toward a car body is fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Chemical Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayoshi Iwabuchi, Shigeo Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8690220
    Abstract: An inner panel of a lift gate includes an outer-frame forming portion comprising a pair of side edge frame portions including a pair of pillar portions and a lower end frame portion integrally formed at the side frame portions, an inner-frame forming portion formed at a lower edge portion of a window opening to connect to the outer-frame forming portion, and a panel portion covering over a portion enclosed by the outer-frame forming portion and the inner-frame forming portion. The panel portion comprises an outside panel portion provided to contact the outer panel and an inside panel portion integrally formed at the outside panel portion to connect to the outside panel portion and project toward a vehicle-compartment side beyond the outside panel portion and connects to the outer-frame forming portion and the inner-frame forming portion of said inner panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignees: Mazda Motor Corporation, DaikyoNishikawa Corporation
    Inventors: Natsuki Tsukiyama, Koichi Matsumoto, Issei Harima, Naoyuki Ikemizu, Tsuyoshi Igura, Junichiro Yamashita
  • Patent number: 8641122
    Abstract: A decklid assembly for a vehicle includes a first panel and a second panel spaced apart from the first panel to define a void therebetween. The decklid assembly also includes a deployable handle assembly at least partially disposed within the void and including a mounting element and a handle. The mounting element defines a cavity therein and is configured for attaching to at least one of the first panel and the second panel, wherein the mounting element extends into the void and abuts the first panel and the second panel. The handle is pivotably attached to the mounting element and is configured for transitioning between a stowed position wherein the handle covers the cavity, and a deployed position wherein the handle does not cover the cavity. A vehicle including the decklid assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Scott W. Thorpe, Scott D. Stacherski, Richard D. Janke
  • Patent number: 8608221
    Abstract: A counterbalanced hinge system rotatably attaches a closure panel to a body for rotation about a rotation axis. The counterbalanced hinge system applies an assist torque to the closure panel to bias the closure panel about the rotation axis from a closed position into an open position. A pop-up system is moveable from an un-sprung position into a sprung position to apply an opening force to the closure panel. A reset system includes a connecting cable interconnecting the counterbalanced hinge system and the pop-up system. The reset system converts a portion of the assist torque applied by the counterbalanced hinge system into linear motion of the connecting cable to move the pop-up system from the sprung position into the un-sprung position automatically upon the closure panel moving from the closed position into the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gary W. Krajenke, Alvin N. Standard, Stephen W. Krajenke
  • Patent number: 8585124
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device in vehicle component, comprising an electric drive motor, the armature shaft thereof being connected to a gearbox device for driving an output shaft. The gearbox device comprises at least one double gearbox unit, made of two gear stages having two changes in direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Juergen Oberle, Wilhelm Braun, Willi Schmidt, Siegfried Reichmann
  • Patent number: 8562062
    Abstract: A mechanism to secure a cover for an opening in a bumper includes a securing section at which an opening cover is secured to close the opening. A bumper-side securing portion is provided on one side with respect to a line passing shaft sections and extends from an edge of a bumper opening to a rear with respect to the bumper so as to reside farther from the shaft sections than a locus defined by movement of a one-side end of the opening cover turning about the shaft sections toward an inside with respect to the bumper. A cover-side securing piece is provided on the one-side end of the opening cover to engage with the bumper-side securing portion and has a front-side securing projection that engages with a surface of a secured portion of the bumper-side securing portion on a side of a design surface of the bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kohei Mineshima, Masaki Omura
  • Patent number: 8414059
    Abstract: A vehicle rear windshield structure includes a first rear windshield, a second rear windshield, and a light shielding wall. The first rear windshield is to secure rearward visibility from an inside of a vehicle body. The second rear windshield is provided below the first rear windshield to secure rearward visibility from the inside of the vehicle body. The light shielding wall is provided between the first rear windshield and the second rear windshield to reduce light coming from an outside of the vehicle body through the second rear windshield to the first rear windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Ohki, Syotaro Fujikawa
  • Patent number: 8403397
    Abstract: An adjustable tailgate support contains a fixed inner tube, which is connected to a lower housing part and on which is arranged a spiral spring. The spiral spring on the one hand is supported at the lower end on a setting element held on the inner tube and, on the other hand, is held fixed at a remote, upper, free end in the upper housing part. An increase or reduction in the spring force of the spiral spring can be set by turning the setting element, which has a supporting ring, on an external thread of the fixed inner tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stefan Adams, Frank Haunstetter, Michael Hubmann
  • Patent number: 8398140
    Abstract: An apparatus for a vehicle includes a first panel that defines a loading surface and has first and second sides. The apparatus also includes a support frame connected to the first panel and having first and second supports. A second panel is pivotably connected to the first panel. The first and second supports are configured to be selectively connectable to and releasable from the vehicle body. The apparatus is positionable in a stowed position when the supports are connected to the vehicle body. In the stowed position, the apparatus is within the interior cargo area and the first panel is substantially parallel with and above the floor. The apparatus is pivotable with respect to the vehicle body to a deployed position in which the supports are connected to the vehicle body and in which the apparatus extends at least partially out of the vehicle to provide additional cargo area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Kevin D. Dinger, James G. Gobart, Albert H. Butlin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8297683
    Abstract: A mounting frame member is provided for framing and sealing a frameless window pane of an after-market motor vehicle tailgate intended to replace a tailgate having a different structure. The mounting frame member includes a mounting frame body mounted to the motor vehicle, the mounting frame body including an integrally formed sealing weatherstrip at an inner peripheral region thereof. A supplemental sealing weatherstrip may be provided adjacent the sealing weatherstrip of the mounting frame body and over the frameless window pane. Accordingly, a single, unitary BIW structure may be utilized when effectuating after-market structural changes or replacements to an existing tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: MAGNA STEYR Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co KG
    Inventors: Gerhard Krachler, Jürgen Hammer
  • Patent number: 8292345
    Abstract: A rear hatch assembly of a vehicle includes a hatch frame pivotally connected to a vehicle body at a first pivot axis such that the hatch frame is capable of movement relative to the vehicle body about the first pivot axis. A tailgate is pivotally connected to the hatch frame at a second pivot axis such that the tailgate is capable of movement relative to the hatch frame about the second pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Paul Voyer
  • Patent number: 8256825
    Abstract: A vehicle body structure comprises at least one vehicle body panel, a hinge and a vehicle door. The vehicle body panel includes a roof ditch that is defined by a recessed support surface, a first wall surface and a second wall surface. The second wall surface is disposed outboard of the first wall surface. The hinge includes a base component and an arm component. The arm component is pivotally coupled to the base component. The base component is mounted to the recessed support surface of the roof ditch. The arm component includes a vehicle door mounting structure. The vehicle door is fixed to the arm component by the vehicle door mounting structure, which defines at least one fastening point that is situated at a location outboard of the second wall surface of the roof ditch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J Dryja
  • Patent number: 8226151
    Abstract: A rear door structure in which a rear door is openably and closably provided on a rear portion of a vehicle body, including a door panel, wherein: the door panel includes an upper door panel and a lower door panel provided on the lower portion of the upper door panel; and a lower edge portion of the upper door panel and an upper edge portion of the lower door panel mutually overlap so as to form a lateral beam having a closed cross section and extending in a vehicle width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Miyake, Kenichi Munenaga
  • Patent number: 8205299
    Abstract: A hinge and spring assembly is provided for supporting at least one synthetic enclosure access door's on an enclosure. The enclosure has at least a first wall and at least one second wail, the second wall being formed in part by the access door. The access door has a mounting rib integrated therein. The hinge and spring assembly comprises a primary support element having at least one first hinge member and a spring support member. A door mounting member is secured to the mounting rib of the synthetic enclosure access door and comprises a spring mounting member and a second hinge member. The second hinge member of the door mounting member is movably attached to the first hinge member of the primary support element to form an articulating hinge joint. At least one spring member has first and second ends, the first end being secured to the spring support member of the primary support element, and the second end bend secured to the spring mounting member of the door mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Jeremy Thomas Sims
  • Patent number: 8171673
    Abstract: A motorized door opener for a vehicle (such as a military or security vehicle), featuring a sensor system that determines door position to prevent door damage while the opener is in operation. The opener features an offset gear system that effectively changes the door's rotation point. Mechanical advantage is gained by using a lengthened lever arm with the gear system, providing increased leverage and allowing the motor to provide enough force to open and close a heavily armored door. The opener can use existing door hinges, and can be provided so as not to protrude into the door space, in order to facilitate passenger and equipment entry/exit through the doors. A safety release mechanism is included in some embodiments, allowing the door to be manually opened or closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Ibis Tek, LLC
    Inventor: James M. Helms
  • Patent number: 8167357
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body having a hatch frame slidably mounted thereto. A hatch closure is pivotally mounted to the hatch frame. The hatch frame is slidably movable between a slide closed position and a slide open position and the hatch closure is pivotally movable between a pivot closed position and a pivot open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Kitayama, Michael A. Schrader, Matthew Weyand Schmitt