Structural Detail Patents (Class 296/187.01)
  • Patent number: 8449018
    Abstract: A method of forming members of fiber reinforced thermoplastic members via molding, the members including at least one hollow chamber, formed by water injection into the melt in the mold, to stiffen the finished member. The thermoplastic is preferably selected from a group comprising polypropylene, Nylon, PET, ABS, TPO, and thermoplastic polyurethane, while the reinforcing fibers are preferably selected from a group comprising glass, aramid, carbon, and natural fibers. Preferably, the extruded melt is produced such that the average length of the reinforcing fibers is less than four millimeters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventors: Steven Grgac, Hans-Joachim Ludwig, Gerhard Fischer, Martin McLeod
  • Patent number: 8440279
    Abstract: This element (2) is of the type including a hollow elongate body (4) made of metal and having a closed section; and a continuous second body (6) made of plastics material overmolded on the metal first body (4), the plastics material second body (6) including at least two rings (24) surrounding the metal first body (4), the rings (24) being longitudinally spaced part. In any cross-section of the metal first body (4), the plastics material second body (6) is situated entirely outside the outline of the metal first body (4), and the ratio of the axial length of each ring (24) over the longitudinal distance between the rings (24) is less than 1. The invention is applicable to the front faces of motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Faurecia Bloc Avant
    Inventors: Caroline Riviere, Claude Laurent, Sébastien Berne
  • Publication number: 20130062912
    Abstract: The invention relates to a carrier element for a motor vehicle made of steel, which comprises at least one closed cross-sectional area and at least one rolled profile produced from a tailored strip, which extends in longitudinal direction of the carrier element. In addition to this, the invention relates to a body of a motor vehicle. The object of making available a carrier element for a motor vehicle that cannot only be produced in a simple manner and can provide high strengths with same manufacturing costs is solved in that through the rolled profile a carrier element having at least one at least partially closed cross-sectional area is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG
    Inventor: ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG
  • Patent number: 8366181
    Abstract: A structural member assembly includes a substantially hollow structural member and a structural reinforcer. The hollow structural member is formed by a plurality of panels. At least one of the panels includes a cut-out region extending from the edge of the panel to the interior of the panel so that the cut-out region is not fully enclosed by the panel. The structural reinforcer includes a rigid carrier and a bonding material. The structural reinforcer is installed in the interior of the structural member across said cut-out region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Sika Technology AG
    Inventors: Vincent Belpaire, Sebastien Delneufcourt, Francois Godillon, Gaetan Lison
  • Patent number: 8365411
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method capable of accurately producing a metal closed-section member in a relatively simple manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Naoko Saito, Kyosou Ishida, Tetsuo Hamamoto
  • Publication number: 20130020832
    Abstract: A reinforcing element for reinforcement in cavities of structural components including a substrate made of a plastics material, which is at least partially coated with a metal; and a foamable, thermosetting structural adhesive which is applied to the metal coating of the substrate; or a thermosetting structural adhesive which is applied to the metal coating of the substrate and is designed as a shape memory material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: SIKA TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventor: SIKA Technology AG
  • Patent number: 8313823
    Abstract: A method for coating a metallic substrate includes applying a powder coating composition to a majority of a surface of the metallic substrate, and applying an autodepositable coating composition to less than the majority of the surface of the metallic substrate. According to a preferred embodiment, the powder coating composition is applied to at least one continuous surface of the metallic substrate, while the autodepositable coating composition is applied to at least one discontinuous surface, such as an edge, of the metallic substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Spangler, Jonathan Savage, Gregory Osborn
  • Publication number: 20120280534
    Abstract: A method for producing a body-in-white of a passenger car is provided. A support structure assigned to the body-in-white of the motor vehicle and which includes at least one support part is produced. The support part of the support structure is, depending on a variant of the motor vehicle, at least in some regions provided with at least one reinforcing part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: Daimler AG
    Inventor: Konrad Eipper
  • Publication number: 20120269999
    Abstract: A method for producing continuous-fiber-reinforced molded parts from thermoplastic plastics. The method includes several steps. In a first step, preparing cut-to-size, substantially flat, unidirectionally fiber-reinforced mats are prepared with a thermoplastic matrix which at least partially surrounds the fibers. In a second step, the mats are transferred to a workpiece carrier which predetermines the rough contour of the molded part. In a third step, the mats are deposited and progressively built up on the workpiece carrier to form a three-dimensional preform such that the fiber orientation of the mats is adapted to the forces applied during the subsequent use of the molded part and to the load paths resulting therefrom within the molded part. In a fourth step, the mats are secured in place relative to each other during or after completion of the build-up of the perform. In a fifth step, the preform is heated up to or above the melting temperature of the thermoplastic matrix of the perform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: REHAU AG & Co.
    Inventors: Franz-Georg Kind, Peter Michel
  • Patent number: 8292353
    Abstract: A construction for an automotive vehicle having a generally vertically extending pillar positioned adjacent a door opening as well as a laterally extending cross member having one end aligned with the pillar adjacent its bottom. A gusset has one end secured to one end of the cross member and a second end secured to the pillar. A crush box is attached to the pillar and includes at least a portion aligned with the second end of the gusset to provide a controlled pillar deformation resulting in a constant force-deformation loading of the gusset during a side impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Toro Ishimaru, Jonathan R. Young, Robert D. Smith
  • Patent number: 8262151
    Abstract: An elongate mechanical device for vehicles, for absorbing impacts, which includes a profiled or tubular elongate part of polygonal cross section, and an end part mounted at one end of the elongate part, at an angle perpendicular to the axis of the elongate part, and intended for fastening to other elements. In the vicinity of its end, the elongate part includes cutouts, which create adjusted regions or faces, in the vicinity of edges of its cross section, and a rigid fastening is provided between the elongate part and the end part that maintains the adjusted regions in direct contact with the end part, the adjusted regions being dimensioned to withstand compressive loads and a tilting torque during impacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: ArcelorMittal Tubular Products Vitry
    Inventors: Wilder De Queiroz, Thierry Derchu, Raymond Deslande
  • Patent number: 8262155
    Abstract: A subassembly of a vehicle assembly is provided. The subassembly of the vehicle assembly includes at least one beam, at least one beam support having a plurality of holes, wherein the at least one beam and the at least one beam support are connected and reinforced by an overmolded joint. The overmolded joint includes a top portion, a bottom portion, and at least one load bearing wall. An end of the at least one beam support contacts the at least one beam, and the at least one load bearing wall abuts the at least one beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Anthony Leanza
  • Patent number: 8256828
    Abstract: A chassis component of a motor vehicle including a first outer component and a second inner component connected to the first outer component to form a composite, wherein the first outer component is formed of a material of greater ductility than the material of the second inner component whereby the force of impact on said composite component will be absorbed by deformation of said first outer component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Daniel Carle, Lutz-Eike Elend, Frank Venier
  • Publication number: 20120193939
    Abstract: A motor vehicle structure includes a metallic base body in the form of a three-dimensional metal sheet and a reinforcement element made of fiber composite having a matrix resin for coupling the reinforcement element with the base body in a coupling zone by a material joint. Arranged between the base body and the reinforcement element is a non-woven having voids through which the matrix resin is able to permeate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: Benteler SGL GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: CHRISTIAN HOWE, JOHANNES BÖKE, MARCO MACIEJ
  • Publication number: 20120161476
    Abstract: A vehicle body structure having improved roof strength and reduced weight is provided. The vehicle body structure includes a first roof rail, a second roof rail, a first rocker rail and a second rocker rail. A closed-section roof bow may join the first roof rail and the second roof rail. The closed roof bow is substantially perpendicular to the first and second roof rails. A B-Pillar may be provided for each of the first roof rail and the second roof rail. Each B-Pillar defines a B-Pillar hinge joint and each A-Pillar defines an A-Pillar hinge joint between the roof end and the cowl end. A cowl may also be provided which may be disposed substantially perpendicular to the first and second roof rails. The cowl may be coupled to the first and second roof rails via the A-Pillar corresponding to the first roof rail and the A-Pillar for the second roof rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Ridha Baccouche, Saeed David Barbat, Saied Nusier
  • Publication number: 20120161475
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle body structure that can increase the strength of desired positions in skeleton constituent members and improve shock-absorbing performance, without causing an increase in the weight of a vehicle. A vehicle body structure includes a front pillar, a center pillar, a roof side rail, and a side sill. A center pillar patch R/F is provided as a first reinforcing portion at a belt line portion of a front pillar outer R/F in the front pillar. Additionally, a high plate-thickness portion is formed as a second reinforcing portion over a region broader than a region including the center pillar patch R/F. Moreover, a high-strength portion is formed as a third reinforcing portion over a region broader than a region including the high plate-thickness portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takeo Mori
  • Patent number: 8167364
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a vehicle roof having a roof panel formed of molded fiberglass. The panel has a first surface and a second surface. An insert is molded into the roof panel. The insert has an interior surface generally concentrically disposed about an axis that is generally perpendicular to the first surface and the second surface of the roof panel. The insert is at least substantially embedded in the roof panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen F. Burns
  • Patent number: 8167363
    Abstract: Methods of prestressing a vehicle structural member include forming a support structure, applying a preformed reinforcing component to the support structure, the preformed reinforcing component having a size changing material that changes in dimension upon application of a stimulus and transforming the preformed reinforcing component from a first configuration to a second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Umesh N. Gandhi
  • Patent number: 8167359
    Abstract: An assembly configuration for a motor vehicle is provided that includes, but is not limited to a first assembly and a second assembly, a channel being at least partially implemented between the first assembly and the second assembly, a bulkhead plate being positioned transversely to the main direction of the channel and a gap being at least partially implemented between the lateral edge of the bulkhead plate and at least one of the assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Jörg Öhlmann
  • Publication number: 20120091755
    Abstract: A vehicle body and a cap are provided for closing off a hollow space formed by one or more structural components of a motor vehicle body with a carrier plate configured to the geometry of the hollow space, whose outer edge is provided with a thermally activatable sealant and/or adhesive and at least one function part is embedded in the carrier plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Werner ENDRICH, Bernd POHL, Stefan STANIK
  • Patent number: 8128157
    Abstract: A center pillar assembly of a 3-door vehicle may include a side outer panel, one end portion of which is formed with a quarter glass flange, an outer reinforcement member for a center pillar for reinforcing the side outer panel, in which its upper portion and its lower portion are formed in a cross section of ‘’-shape, a gusset for connecting the upper portion of the outer reinforcement member with the quarter glass flange, wherein one lateral side portion of the outer reinforcement member is connected to the gusset, and a side inner panel being arranged in an inner part of the side outer panel, one lateral side portion thereof being connected to the one lateral side portion of the outer reinforcement member and the gusset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Chul Hee Heo, Hee Dae Oh
  • Patent number: 8113541
    Abstract: A vehicle supplemental restraint system (SRS) can include an SRS control unit located rearward of the instrument panel in the vehicle. The SRS control unit can be located at or connected to a cross member of the vehicle frame that is located rearward of the instrument panel in the vehicle such that signals from a side sensor attached to a side portion of the vehicle frame are quickly transmitted to the SRS control unit with high signal strength. A space in the control panel or in the instrument panel of the vehicle can then be used to house a multi-axis or single axis satellite sensor to increase signal strength and sensor accuracy and speed for the front crash sensor or sensors in the vehicle. The SRS control unit can be equipped with an impact sensor. The position of the SRS control unit in combination with use of an impact sensor in the SRS control unit 10 can eliminate the need for certain saving sensors while providing for quick and efficient activation of an SRS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Christopher Mampe
  • Publication number: 20110316306
    Abstract: A method of forming members of fiber reinforced thermoplastic members via molding, the members including at least one hollow chamber, formed by water injection into the melt in the mold, to stiffen the finished member. The thermoplastic is preferably selected from a group comprising polypropylene, Nylon, PET, ABS, TPO, and thermoplastic polyurethane, while the reinforcing fibers are preferably selected from a group comprising glass, aramid, carbon, and natural fibers. Preferably, the extruded melt is produced such that the average length of the reinforcing fibers is less than four millimeters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Steven Grgac, Hans-Joachim Ludwig, Gerhard Fischer, Martin McLeod
  • Publication number: 20110298244
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing an overmoulded part that defines a structural part for a motor vehicle, comprising: a moulding step during which at least one member of the part is moulded from a first material containing a thermosetting material, using a mould shaped so that at least one portion of the member forms a material web, an overmoulding step during which a second material containing a thermoplastic material is overmoulded on at least one of the material webs of the member so that the material web is torn under the pressure of the second material, a passage for the second material being then formed through the member. It also concerns a structural part for a motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: COMPAGNIE PLASTIC OMNIUM
    Inventors: Fernando Ballesteros, Denis Gille, Patrick Bosg
  • Publication number: 20110278879
    Abstract: A reinforced composite material utility cart comprising a body including two side portions interconnecting an upper portion and a bottom portion adapted to secure ground contacting members thereto is provided, at least one of the portions including composite material and a reinforcement therein adapted to distribute a concentrated stress applied on the body to the composite material to prevent or reduce damages to the composite material. A method of manufacturing a reinforced composite panel adapted to be used in the construction of a utility cart adapted to be stowed in a bay of a galley of an airplane and locked in place with a lock disposed next to the bay in a position suitable to retain the utility cart in the bay by interfering with a reinforced edge of the utility cart is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Martin Bélanger, Mathieu Boivin, Martin Gauthier
  • Patent number: 8056958
    Abstract: A protection structure is formed from a platform and a forward pair and a rearward pair of load bearing members, where each load bearing member is attached at a lower end to the platform. A first and second pair of side beams are attached to the outer side of one of each of the pair of load bearing members, respectively. A pair of upper corner beams are attached to an upper end of each of the load bearing members and attached to an end of each of a forward pair and a rearward pair of transverse members, where a beam is attached to the opposite end of each of the pair of transverse members. Body panels may be attached to the protection structure to define and enclose the occupant compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Navistar Canada, Inc.
    Inventors: Leo Oriet, Andre Bocancea, Jules Cazabon, Nouri Matar, Blanca E Hernandez Villagomez
  • Publication number: 20110266831
    Abstract: A method of making a vehicle part, including growing a live mycelium mat from interwoven hyphae. The mycelium mat is cured to terminate mycelium growth. The mycelium is cut into a single structural component without further processing for use in a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Raymond Edward Kalisz, Charles Alan Rocco
  • Publication number: 20110254315
    Abstract: On a body structure (2) for an automobile (1) having a structural component (3) made of at least high-strength steel sheet, the structural component (3) is provided with a predetermined cutting location (5, 5a, 5b, 5c) for applying a separating tool. In the method for producing the structural component (3), a steel sheet is formed and subjected to heat treatment for forming regions with high strength and reduced strength. At least one region of the structural component (3, 7, 8, 12) with reduced strength is formed as a predetermined cutting location (5, 5a, 5b, 5c) for applying a separating tool during a hot-forming process of a steel sheet in a tool or during heat treatment of the structural component (3, 7, 8, 12) following a forming process in a tool by changing the mechanical properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: MARKUS PELLMANN, CHRISTIAN HIELSCHER
  • Patent number: 8020926
    Abstract: A structural vehicular frame assembly includes an inner panel of interconnected flange members forming a first common plate of material and an outer panel of interconnected flange member forming a second common plate of material. Each of the flange members of the outer panel is joined to a respective one of the flange members of the inner panel in alignment therewith by one or more web members coupled between the inner panel and the outer panel such that the inner panel and the outer panel are spaced apart from one another and generally span alongside one another in a common direction of the frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventor: John L. Enns
  • Publication number: 20110156443
    Abstract: The present invention is predicated upon the provision of systems and methods for reinforcement of a structural member. More particularly, the present invention is predicated upon unique carrier configurations and application of reinforcing material thereto. In one configuration, the application of reinforcing material is achieved without the use of fasteners, adhesives, or both, for placement, locating and restrictive movement of the reinforcing material onto the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: ZEPHYROS, INC.
    Inventors: Dean J. Schneider, Joseph L. Bolton
  • Patent number: 7967371
    Abstract: A machine includes a frame having ground engaging elements for propelling a machine, and a body mounted to the frame. The body includes a plurality of body components, one of which is contoured for mounting a camera that includes a continuous face and a pocket each formed in an outer surface thereof. The method of assembling a machine includes molding a unitary body component for machine body, the body component having an outer surface with a continuous face and a pocket. The method further includes mounting a camera within the pocket and establishing an electrical link between the camera and an electrical system of the machine via a port disposed in the pocket which extends through the outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kunaal Khanna, Rahul Visal, Craig B. Kelley
  • Publication number: 20110112689
    Abstract: A door for an entryway in a vehicle is provided. The door includes a latch mechanism configured to be fastened, such that the door maintains closure of the entryway, and capable of being activated and released, such that the door opens the entryway. The door also includes an interior-facing surface and an exterior-facing surface. The door additionally includes a control-surface portion operatively connected to, and incorporated into the interior-facing surface. The control-surface portion is moveable relative to the interior-facing surface, such that the moving of the control-surface portion relative to the interior-facing surface activates and releases the latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Alexander Thomas Riegelman, Michael Joseph Levy
  • Publication number: 20110074181
    Abstract: A vehicle with carriage anti-tilting structure, which comprises a frame and, a carriage of a cylindrical shape, with its central axis in parallel along the length of the vehicle and is connected with the frame in a free rotation state. The rotating axis of the carriage is the central axis of the carriage, and the gravity center of the carriage is lower than the rotating axis. An electrical locking mechanism for stopping the rotation of carriage is arranged between the carriage and frame, and is connected with a vehicle tilting angle detector which installed on the frame. The locking mechanism acts as an actuator of the vehicle tilting angle detector. In the event of tilting of the vehicle, the vehicle tilting angle detector detects the tilting condition, and then output signal to the electrical locking mechanism, which releases the locking of the carriage and enables it to stay leveled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: Siu Wa Wong
    Inventors: Chen Yuet Chan, Siu Wa Wong
  • Publication number: 20110057423
    Abstract: Provided is a clip structure which can prevent components from falling off an attaching body or an attached body with a simple structure. Further provided is a holding structure for an internal member of a vehicle which can prevent the components from falling off an exterior member or an interior member with a simple structure. A clip assembly (11) includes a first clip having a clip (34) attached to a bracket (25), and a joint (36) as a removable portion connected to the clip 34; and a pin (38) as a second clip connected to the joint (36) and sandwiching a roof head lining (14) between the pin (38) and the joint (36). A holding load (F5) for releasing connection between the clip (34) and the joint (36) is sufficiently small compared to a holding load (F6) for releasing connection between the joint (36) and the pin (38).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: NIFCO INC.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Tago, Michinori Kakumu, Sinji Tanaka, Motonori Kitayama
  • Patent number: 7901537
    Abstract: A cargo trailer includes a floor, a roof and a side wall extending vertically upward between the floor and roof. The side wall includes a substantially gas impermneable outer liner panel and a substantially gas impermeable inner liner panel. The inner liner panel includes at least one glass and polymer layer and one gas impermeable barrier layer. The inner liner panel can also be used to form the roof and replace the outer liner panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Great Dane Limited Partnership
    Inventors: John M. Jones, Charles R. Fetz, Daniel J. McCormack, Maung Aye Than, Melanie R. Tatum
  • Publication number: 20110025094
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lightweight component for a vehicle body, which forms at least one closed frame. The lateral parts of the frame are designed as cast components and joined by at least one reinforcement profile disposed between the lateral parts, the end regions of the reinforcement profile being cast around by the cast components with a positive and adhesive connection. The invention further relates to a method for the production of such lightweight components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: DAIMLER AG
    Inventor: Konrad Eipper
  • Publication number: 20100314904
    Abstract: An example cart includes a body establishing an opening for loading and unloading items from the body and a skirt extending downwardly from a portion of the body. A plurality of support ribs span between the body and the skirt. The support ribs establish a lifter receiving area together with an outwardly facing surface of the body and an inwardly facing surface of the skirt. A feature is disposed on an outwardly facing surface of the skirt. The feature indicates the location of the lifter receiving area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Shawn Kruse, DANIEL BARBALHO
  • Publication number: 20100264693
    Abstract: Methods of prestressing a vehicle structural member include forming a support structure, applying a preformed reinforcing component to the support structure, the preformed reinforcing component having a size changing material that changes in dimension upon application of a stimulus and transforming the preformed reinforcing component from a first configuration to a second configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Umesh N. Gandhi
  • Publication number: 20100237655
    Abstract: A cover assembly is provided for a vehicle-mounted device having an alignment feature on a face of the device. The cover assembly includes a rod portion, a securing arrangement coupled to the rod portion to secure the cover assembly to the device, and a cover portion coupled to the rod portion and configured to cover the alignment feature on the face of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas Mehs, Oliver Schwindt
  • Patent number: 7790280
    Abstract: A structural reinforcement for a hollow member comprising a rigid reinforcing member having a shape that substantially conforms to the cross section of the hollow member to be reinforced with an expandable adhesive material over at least a portion of the surface of the structural reinforcement having one or more extensions on its external surface which control and direct the direction in which the adhesive material expands to bond the reinforcing member to the internal surface of the hollow member, some of the extensions also provide improved reinforcement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Zephyros, Inc.
    Inventors: Dominique Busseuil, Jean Philippe Bourdin, Eric Le Gall, Serge Bieber, Jean Philippe Lutz
  • Patent number: 7784855
    Abstract: An installation device for a sensor on an outer surface of a component of a motor vehicle includes the following elements: a base member for accommodating the sensor; holding brackets for fastening the sensor to the base member; a contour ring for accommodating the base member and for attaching the base member to the component of the motor vehicle; tabs for fastening the base member to the contour ring; and spring elements for retaining the base member and contour ring on the component of the motor vehicle with force locking, the base member having a first rigid region and a second elastic region, and the contour ring being provided at an opening in the component of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Faass, Olaf Jordanek, Rebecca Talmon L'Armee
  • Patent number: 7735226
    Abstract: A structural element includes: at least one hollow metallic body (4) with a closed cross-section, an external surface (24), and at least one adhesion lug (22) formed on the external surface (24); and at least one plastic body (6) which is moulded over the metallic body, covering the external surface (24) of the metallic body in such a way as to at least partially cover the adhesion lug (22) in order to connect the plastic body (6) to the metallic body (4). According to one aspect of the invention, the adhesion lug (22) protrudes over the external surface (24) of the metallic body (4), the adhesion lug (22) being closed, connected to the metallic body (4), and having an undercut (40) in relation to the external surface (24) of the metallic body (4). The inventive structural element can be applied to the front of motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Faurecia Bloc Avant
    Inventors: Caroline Riviere, Sébastien Berne
  • Publication number: 20100139055
    Abstract: This description provides clamps for supporting one or more structural members for installation onto a vehicle structure. The clamps may include two or more curved portions joined by a living hinge. The living hinge may enable the curved portions to pivot relative to one another, providing the clamp with an open position and a closed position. The curved portions may include respective track portions, with the first and second track portions being approximately collinear when the clamp is in the closed position. An elongated rigid latch defines an elongated channel for receiving these respective track portions to provide a rigid structural link between the first and second curved portions. A mounting point is attached to the first or the second curved portion, with the mounting point being adapted to receive the structural members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Thi Nguyen Pham, David R. Gladish, Thomas Edward Hansen, Alan D. Lagervall
  • Publication number: 20100133876
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dashboard seal provided between the windshield (1), the sound-proofing wall (2) of the engine compartment and the dashboard (3) in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The dashboard seal is characterised in that the upper lip (6) includes a closed pocket (8) extending along a transverse section under the latter and limited by said upper lip (6), by the clamp (5) and, at the lower portion thereof, by a connection arm (8) connected both to the upper lip (6) and to the clamp (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: PEUGEOT CITROEN AUTOMOBILES S.A.
    Inventors: Philippe Barre, Jacques Matusik
  • Publication number: 20100133875
    Abstract: A fitting member for a door of an automobile, including a first attachment mechanism for direct attachment to the sheet metal of the door, the attachment being implemented in a central portion of the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: RENAULT S.A.S.
    Inventor: Jean Charles Bouillon
  • Patent number: 7726725
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanism for reinforcing a fascia including at least one reinforcement structure and at least one strengthening feature. The reinforcement structure is attached to the fascia so that at least a portion of the fascia is covered by the reinforcement structure. The strengthening feature is on at least one side of the reinforcement structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Thelen, Steven R. Roddy
  • Publication number: 20100096884
    Abstract: A vehicle body has a front or rear end region with a luggage compartment and an accessories compartment. The luggage compartment is bounded in the vehicle longitudinal direction by a first and second partition walls. The accessories compartment is bounded in the vehicle longitudinal direction by the second partition wall and a third partition wall. The luggage and accessories compartments are bounded in the transverse direction by two lateral longitudinal members. A sealing frame closes off from above the first partition wall, the second partition wall and the longitudinal members from the first partition wall to the third partition wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Tim Schmidt, Jens Thomer, Wolfgang Niedecken
  • Patent number: 7673930
    Abstract: An improved structural reinforcer is provided, some embodiments comprising expansible material disposed on a carrier, the carrier having a plurality of chambers arranged longitudinally, with locking slots and shutoffs that lock a portion of the expansible material to the carrier, and a channel that permits the flow of liquids within a structural member in which the structural reinforcer is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Sika Technology AG
    Inventor: Randy Stratman
  • Publication number: 20100052352
    Abstract: There is disclosed a vehicle console trim component. The trim component can include an articulated door with a plurality of slats, a substrate, and a flexible layer including a pattern for decoration disposed on and supported by the substrate. The flexible layer will maintain the pattern for decoration as the articulated door is cycled. The pattern for the vehicle trim component may be a photographic image. An overcoat also can be disposed on the flexible layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Jason M. Hipshier, Kristan Maria Pierce
  • Patent number: 7669917
    Abstract: A bearing structure of a motor vehicle has at least two opposite node elements. Each of the node elements has at least one longitudinal beam segment and one transverse beam connection. A transverse beam joins the transverse beam connections to each other. A profiled transverse beam segment emerges from each transverse beam connection. The transverse beam segments are joined together by a glue connection in an overlap segment, and at least one open beam profile is set thereon to form the transverse beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Dieter Schiebel, Andrea Lippold