Panel Means Patents (Class 296/191)
  • Patent number: 7784844
    Abstract: A concave notch portion to which an interference body is fitted is formed in an interference region with the interference body existing in an incorporated portion of at least one side edge portion of an interior trim member. A cushion body made of an elastically deformable material is arranged in a periphery including the concave notch portion, and a structure member made of a material which is light and harder than the cushion body is arranged in the other region than the arranged region of the cushion body in the interior trim member. The skin member, the structure member and the cushion body are integrated by a molding. Consequently, an interior trim member is removable from an incorporated position, even in the case that a post exists in a driver seat, in the rigid interior trim member incorporated in the driver seat of various work vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Kan'ichi Sato
  • Publication number: 20100215425
    Abstract: An inner top corner connector of a container body which comprises an angled fitting made of elastic ABS or PVC material and having an angle of 95°-105°, an inner roof sheet connecting portion of the angled fitting is provided with an outer seal blade inclining upward near an end thereof at an outer side thereof. An inner side panel connecting portion of the angled fitting is provided with a connecting plate for connecting a top end of the inner side panel of the container body. The connecting plate is provided with a guide blade. An inserting groove is jointly formed by the guide blade, the inner side panel connecting portion and a part of the connecting plate. The inner roof sheet connecting portion and the inner side panel connecting portion have warping portions directing outward at ends thereof, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicants: CHINA INTERNATIONAL MARINE CONTAINERS (GROUP) LTD., QINGDAO CIMC REEFER TRAILER CO., LTD., QINGDAO CIMC REEFER CONTAINER MANUFACTURE CO., LTD., QINGDAO CIMC SPECIAL REEFER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: T.H. HUANG, Robert WANG, Ryan XU, Jack ZHANG
  • Publication number: 20100213739
    Abstract: The invention relates to a panel part of the outer panel or inner panel of a motor vehicle. Said panel part comprises a base body (10) at least partially consisting of a transparent plastic material (12) carrying at least one solar module (16), the plastic material entirely surrounding the solar module (16) in a form-fitting manner, at least on the sun-facing side or the outer side of the panel part. The sun-facing side or outer side of the panel part is covered, at least in sections, by an essentially opaque and/or coloured covering layer (14) comprising a recess (18) associated with the solar module, in the arrangement region of the solar module (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: DAIMLER AG
    Inventors: Jan Krueger, Jens Humpenoeder, Ulrich Seiler
  • Publication number: 20100207427
    Abstract: A vehicle may have a load floor with a load receiving surface that is supported to the frame and a panel having first and second sides, the second side having a storage cavity. The panel may be adjustable between: (1) a first position where the first side defines at least a portion of the load receiving surface and the second side defines no portion of the load receiving surface; and, (2) a second position where the first side defines no portion of the load receiving surface and the second side defines at least a portion of the load receiving surface. When the panel is in the first position, a pillow may be at least partially received within the storage cavity and it may be hidden. When the panel is in the second position, the pillow may not be hidden.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Travis Reel
  • Patent number: 7770955
    Abstract: An automotive closure panel assembly may include an inner panel and an outer panel. The outer panel may have a flange that protrudes from a body of the outer panel. The outer panel may also have more than one tabs that are each spaced along the flange and that each extend away from the flange. Each of the tabs may be folded over the inner panel during a hemming process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard M. Kleber, John E. Carsley, Gary R. Pelowski
  • Patent number: 7765758
    Abstract: Reinforced wood flooring for truck trailers and containers and methods for making and using the same. A reinforced wood flooring may include a wood member. The wood member may include a plurality of wood strips that are attached together. The wood member may also have a top surface and a bottom surface. An essentially water impermeable underlay may be attached to the bottom surface of the wood member with a discontinuous layer of adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Rockland Flooring
    Inventors: Marc Chorney, Ziqiang Lu
  • Publication number: 20100187861
    Abstract: A vehicle body part (60) has a perforated grid portion (61) secured in an aperture in a non-perforated portion (601,602), an edge portion of the grid portion defining part of the edge of the body part. A support member (8) extends along the edge portion of the grid portion (60) and supported from the non-perforated portion (601,602), and a seal (9) for contact with an adjacent body part extends around at least said part of the edge of the body part. The seal has a cross-section which includes a first lobe (9c) which covers the edge portion of the grid (61) to protect a vehicle operator from injury by this edge portion and improving styling. The seal cross-section also has a second lobe (9d) which extends between the grid (61) and the support member (8) to prevent vibration of the grid and damage of the paint finish of these components. The seal cross-section also includes a U-shaped channel portion (9a) which encloses the edge of the support member (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: AGCO GMBH
    Inventor: Andreas Schmitz
  • Patent number: 7762618
    Abstract: A logistics panel includes a composite panel that is formed of inner and outer skins and a core member secured therebetween. The composite panel has top and bottom end portions and first and second side end portions. The composite panel further has an aperture set provided therethrough which defines at least one aperture which extends through the inner and outer skins and the core member and between the end portions. Multiple logistics panels can be used to form a sidewall of a trailer by joining the first side end portion of one panel to the second side end portion of an adjacent panel. Top and bottom rails are secured to the top and bottom end portions, respectively, of the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.
    Inventors: Wilfred E. Lewallen, Michael L. Thoma, Danny L. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 7748764
    Abstract: A compartmentalised skirt for flatbed trucks and utility vehicles including in combination a skirt section for attaching to the flatbed or rear tray of a vehicle, the skirt section incorporating compartments in the skirt section which can be used for the storage of tools and equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Paul Frankham
  • Patent number: 7740100
    Abstract: A body cover being formed by joining together a plurality of cover members including a maintenance cover which is detachably disposed on the side of the power unit. A pedal which is actuated by an individual operating the vehicle wherein the overall body frame is covered without modifying the structure and arrangement of the pedal. A suspension system wherein a swing arm type or an independent suspension type may be used in the vehicle. A light structure for a tail light wherein attaching lighting components such as a light emitting section are attached to a substrate formed in part of a lid of a utility box attached to a rear part of a vehicle. The lighting components such as the substrate are directly assembled in the concave section, and a lens is attached to the concave section by welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Takahashi, Kenzo Shimizu, Seiji Hanafusa, Takao Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7740306
    Abstract: A utility trailer structural panel (10) of the skin-stiffener type has a skin (15) supported by uniformly spaced stiffeners or roof bows (39). Stiffeners or roof bows (39) are secured to panel skin (15) and extend outwardly from the associated panel skin (15). Each stiffener (39) has central flange (35) from which extend webs (36, 37) to mounting flanges (41, 42). Mounting flanges (41, 42) have free edges and respective beads or curls (44, 46) formed thereon for stabilizing of flanges (41, 42) to improve load transfer at the interface between the roof bows (39) and the skin (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Utilicorp L.C.
    Inventor: Carlos M. Ochoa
  • Publication number: 20100143692
    Abstract: A reinforced composite substrate made from a composition of about 50 wt. % resin and about 50 wt. % reinforcing fibers, with the reinforcing fibers being 12K tow carbon fiber about one inch long and glass fibers present in a 40:60 ratio by weight is presented. The carbon fibers and glass fibers should be randomly distributed within the reinforced composite substrate. The tensile strength of the reinforced composite substrate is greater than about 170 MPa, the tensile modulus is greater than about 20 GPa, and the specific gravity is less than about 1.60.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: James P. Ryan
  • Patent number: 7704026
    Abstract: The improved composite panel trailer sidewall of the present invention provides a recessed groove or a pair of recessed grooves on the interior of the panel that are spaced apart from the edges of the panel. Slots are cut in the composite panel in the recessed groove or between the recessed grooves. An interior vertical support having logistics slots is seated in the recessed groove or grooves to provide additional locations to secure and divide cargo without creating snag points in the interior of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Vanguard National Trailer Corp.
    Inventors: Mark Roush, DeWayne Williams
  • Publication number: 20100090500
    Abstract: An element of a body of a vehicle has a substrate portion formed by a first material and an outer portion formed by a second material suitable to be coupled with each other. At least the outer portion is provided with coupling elements for releasably coupling the outer portion and the substrate portion with each other. The coupling elements are dimensioned to allow different expansion of the materials used for the substrate portion and the outer portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: CNH AMERICA LLC
    Inventors: Giampaolo Montineri, Ottorino Ori
  • Patent number: 7690719
    Abstract: A structural assembly such as for use in constructing a living space of a recreational vehicle includes a wall with vertical rails at the top and bottom. The rails fitting into complementary recess within floor and ceiling members. The bottom rail has a curved cross section and fits into a complementary shaped curved channel in a floor member such that to assemble the wall to the floor, the wall is rested on the floor member at an angle and is then tilted upright to lock it to the floor member. A first keeper is then placed into a gap between the wall and the floor member, and acts in compression to prevent rotation of the wall. A second keeper has portions that fit into recesses in the wall and the ceiling members, respectively. The second keeper acts in tension to prevent vertical separation of the wall and the ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Monaco Coach Corporation
    Inventors: Richard J. Goff, Dennis T. Bernabe, James V. Bertoch, Christopher Parcell, Lauro Budica, Alexander A. LeReaux
  • Patent number: 7686385
    Abstract: A vehicle skirt panel assembly includes a skirt panel comprising a thermoplastic material and including a plurality of panel sections each having one or more ribs on its exterior. The skirt panel is mounted to the vehicle so the skirt panel projects below the side of the vehicle and the skirt panel can move relative to the vehicle to allow for thermal expansion and contraction of the skirt panel without deforming the skirt panel. One or more struts are mounted between the vehicle and a lower portion of the skirt panel. The strut is adjustable and is deformable to absorb an impact to the exterior of the skirt panel. The strut is bendable by hand to allow the skirt panel to be returned to the original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: U-Haul International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Dolan, David L. Simpson
  • Publication number: 20100072783
    Abstract: A vehicle glazing panel assembly is provided with a polycarbonate panel adapted to be supported by a vehicle body and having a plurality of peripheral regions. A reinforcement member is mounted to the polycarbonate panel proximate at least one of the plurality of peripheral regions to stiffen the polycarbonate panel. A method of manufacturing a vehicle glazing panel assembly is provided with thermoforming a polycarbonate panel. A reinforcement member is injection molded. The reinforcement member is joined to the polycarbonate panel to stiffen the polycarbonate panel. A vehicle glazing panel assembly manufactured by a method is provided. A polycarbonate panel is thermoformed. A reinforcement member is formed and joined to the polycarbonate panel to stiffen the polycarbonate panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Kedzie Davis Fernholz, Richard Howard Wykoff
  • Patent number: 7677642
    Abstract: A butt joint assembles side panels of a side wall of a trailer to the base rail of the trailer. The butt joint positions the side panels over the base rail and vertically aligns the outer surfaces of the side panels and the base rail, which provides for an improved trailer side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.
    Inventor: Andrzej Wylezinski
  • Publication number: 20100060035
    Abstract: The invention is a chassis skirt for a motor vehicle's chassis. The chassis skirt has a panel assembly that releasably engages a frame assembly. The frame assembly mounts to a chassis, such as to a chassis mounted bracket like a battery box. The frame assembly has spaced apart bracket assemblies that can have a pin extending from a bracket to engage receivers in the panel assembly. Isolators in the frame assembly also engage the panel assembly. A spring is used to assist in moving the panel assembly away from the chassis to access the chassis mounted bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: Kevin Grady
  • Publication number: 20100032986
    Abstract: A side outer panel of a vehicle having an outer surface including an outer surface edge. The outer surface edge has a predetermined curved path that provides a styling shape to add an aesthetic element to the side outer panel. The side outer panel further includes a mounting portion integrally formed thereto. The mounting portion provides a structure for attaching the side outer panel to the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting portion includes a planar surface spaced apart from the outer surface and a step disposed between the outer surface edge and the planar surface. The planar surface at least one flange extending orthogonally therefrom to define a welding surface for welding the side outer panel to the body thereby providing structural reinforcement to the outer surface edge of the side outer panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Brian Wolbert, David Takeo Nakayama, Nigel Christopher Taylor
  • Patent number: 7651158
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle body structure which has a sub-window plate and a front fender each disposed at the rear of a headlamp lens on a sidewall of a vehicle body. In the vehicle body structure, a longitudinally-extending concave portion 60 is defined between the front fender 4 and a combination of a front pillar 52 and a hood 2. The concave portion 60 has at least a frontward region partly receiving therein a headlamp lens 10 and a rearward region receiving therein the sub-window plate 30 at the rear of the headlamp lens 10, whereby a plurality of components including at least the headlamp lens 10 and the sub-window plate 30 are received in the concave portion 60 to form a belt-line surface module F which continuously covers the concave portion 60 to define a transparent or semi-transparent exterior surface on the sidewall of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Iwao Koizumi, Kenji Nonaka, Kouji Kishino, Masayoshi Sannomiya, Tsuneaki Zenitani
  • Publication number: 20100007175
    Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes an interior cargo area having an interior wall, a track and a cargo accessory. The track is fixedly attached to the interior wall. The track also includes a pair of parallel spaced apart wall portions defining a track slot therebetween. The cargo accessory includes a cargo supporting portion and an attachment portion connected to one another in a non-threaded manner. The cargo supporting portion is operable to attach the attachment portion to the spaced apart wall portions of the track retaining the cargo accessory in position in a tool-less manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: NISSAN TECHNICAL CENTER NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Brenna MAYER, Tomohito HASHIKAWA
  • Publication number: 20090309388
    Abstract: A vehicle cladding mounting arrangement and method for securing a cladding panel to a vehicle body include a plastic body cladding having a main panel portion and an integrally formed cladding clip structure extending from the main panel portion and a plastic support bracket having a body portion for overlaying the main panel portion of the body cladding and an integrally formed bracket clip structure extending from the body portion. A vehicle body defines a mounting aperture. The integrally formed bracket clip structure is received in the mounting aperture. The integrally formed cladding clip structure is also received in the mounting aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: Terrie Ellison
  • Publication number: 20090309389
    Abstract: A vehicle body panel having an integrated mounting device for mounting the body panel to a vehicle substrate is provided. The integrated mounting device includes a tower portion with a U-shaped base and an extended portion, and a U-shaped spring clip. The base has an open front and back and includes two opposing side walls and an upper portion. The upper portion is a two-tiered top where a first tier has a width greater than a width of the second tier. The extended portion has an inverted U-shape and is an extension of the second tier and is adapted to receive the spring clip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Brian Boggess, Grant Foreman, Matthew Seman
  • Publication number: 20090301810
    Abstract: A panel that can change its stiffness and/or surface roughness and thereby its sound quality is provided. The panel includes a layer having an outer surface and an inner surface oppositely disposed from the outer surface. The panel can also include an electroactive actuator that is operable to change its shape when a voltage is applied thereto. The change in shape of the electroactive actuator results in a change in stiffness and/or surface roughness of the panel and therefore a change in the panel's acoustic characteristics. In some instances, the electroactive actuator is at least partially within the panel and upon changing of its shape results in a change in the roughness of a surface that faces a sound source. In other instances, the activation of the electroactive actuator results in an increase in stiffness of the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Umesh N. Gandhi
  • Patent number: 7614471
    Abstract: A motorcycle having a meter device and a handlebar cover arranged to inhibit damage or the adherence of powder coating to the meter device from the handlebar cover. In one embodiment, a rear cover comprises a peripheral wall, which surrounds an outer periphery of a meter device. At least a front portion of the peripheral wall, which surrounds a front side of the meter device, comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is positioned inside the front cover. An outer surface of the second portion is exposed between a rear edge of the front cover and the meter. A dimension of the first portion and the second portion are the same in a longitudinal direction of the motorcycle, or the second portion is smaller than the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masafumi Shimizu, Tadashi Shimomura
  • Patent number: 7611308
    Abstract: A panel for supporting the sidewalls of an excavation includes a plate, longitudinal members and vertical members. Each longitudinal member includes a first leg extending along the length, substantially parallel to and spaced laterally from the plate. The first leg of each longitudinal member being located adjacent and secured to the first leg of another member. A second leg, integral with the first leg, extends along the length, away from the first leg and toward the plate, the second leg being secured to the plate. Axially spaced vertical members are welded to the plate and to the longitudinal members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Kundel, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7600809
    Abstract: A vehicle body panel having an integrated mounting device for mounting the body panel to a vehicle substrate is provided. The integrated mounting device includes a tower portion with a U-shaped base and an extended portion, and a U-shaped spring clip. The base has an open front and back and includes two opposing side walls and a top. The top is a two-tiered top where a first tier has a width greater than a width of the second tier. The extended portion has an inverted U-shape and is an extension of the second tier and is adapted to receive the spring clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian Boggess, Grant Foreman, Matthew Seman
  • Publication number: 20090243340
    Abstract: A system and method for temporarily attaching an accessory component such as a fog light cover, to a vehicle body panel prior to a painting operation are described. The system and method eliminate the need for jigs or other support structures typically used to support the accessory during painting of the accessory and body panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Nicholas Goldsberry
  • Publication number: 20090243341
    Abstract: A garnish for a vehicle, which has a long form made of a resin material, and is attached to a member of the body of the vehicle. A recessed portion having a substantially U-shaped section is integrally formed at an edge of a main body of the garnish in the longitudinal direction thereof, and continuously formed along the length of the main body. Typically, the edge of the main body in the longitudinal direction is attached to the body of the vehicle substantially horizontally; and the recessed portion is formed at the upper edge of the main body of the garnish when the main body is attached to the body of the vehicle. Preferably, the recessed portion has a bottom wall, which has a thin part having a smaller thickness in comparison with the other parts of the recessed portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yosuke Kimura, Tomofumi Ichinose
  • Publication number: 20090230728
    Abstract: An automotive closure panel assembly may include an inner panel and an outer panel. The outer panel may have a flange that protrudes from a body of the outer panel. The outer panel may also have more than one tabs that are each spaced along the flange and that each extend away from the flange. Each of the tabs may be folded over the inner panel during a hemming process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard M. Kleber, John E. Carsley, Gary R. Pelowski
  • Patent number: 7588286
    Abstract: A logistics panel of the invention is formed of a composite panel, a logistics plate and a splicing plate. The composite panel is formed of inner and outer skins and a core member secured therebetween. The composite panel has top and bottom end portions and first and second side end portions. The composite panel further has an aperture set provided therethrough which defines at least one aperture which extends through the inner and outer skins and the core member and between the end portions. The logistics plate has a plurality of logistics apertures provided therethrough. The logistics plate is secured to the composite panel such that the plurality of logistics apertures are in alignment with the aperture set such that the aperture set is accessible through the logistics plate. The splicing plate is positioned to cover the aperture set such that the aperture set is inaccessible through the splicing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.
    Inventors: Wilfred E. Lewallen, Michael L. Thoma, Danny L. Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20090212599
    Abstract: Structural element, such as a panel, which is embossed with a mode shape (?total), i.e. with any of the various stationary vibration modes (?n) of which the structural element is capable, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2005
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Anders Hedlund, Claes Fredo
  • Patent number: 7578546
    Abstract: The invention is a chassis skirt for a motor vehicle's chassis. The chassis skirt has a panel assembly that releasably engages a frame assembly. The frame assembly mounts to a chassis, such as to a chassis mounted bracket like a battery box. The frame assembly has spaced apart bracket assemblies that can have a pin extending from a bracket to engage receivers in the panel assembly. Isolators in the frame assembly also engage the panel assembly. A spring is used to assist in moving the panel assembly away from the chassis to access the chassis mounted bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin L. Grady, Matthew D. Friede, Michael C. DePoy, Brad D. Singer, Harry A. Manges, Arden L. King
  • Patent number: 7578547
    Abstract: A support system includes a first panel and a second panel spaced from the first panel. The first panel defines an opening and includes a rim which surrounds the opening. A member is disposed between the panels. The member is attached to the first panel and provides support to the second panel to prevent the second panel from “oil canning” or flexing toward the first panel. The member includes a base, a first leg, and a second leg. A retaining feature is disposed on each of the legs which engages the rim of the first panel. While the retaining feature engages the rim of the first panel, the base supports the second panel such that the second panel is prevented from flexing toward the first panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Allyn R. Mackay, Thomas M. Larocca
  • Publication number: 20090206631
    Abstract: A logistics panel includes a composite panel that is formed of inner and outer skins and a core member secured therebetween. The composite panel has top and bottom end portions and first and second side end portions. The composite panel further has an aperture set provided therethrough which defines at least one aperture which extends through the inner and outer skins and the core member and between the end portions. Multiple logistics panels can be used to form a sidewall of a trailer by joining the first side end portion of one panel to the second side end portion of an adjacent panel. Top and bottom rails are secured to the top and bottom end portions, respectively, of the panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Wilfred E. Lewallen, Michael L. Thoma, Danny L. Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20090189415
    Abstract: The invention relates to a modular, replaceable side panel (1) for a vehicle, in particular for an omnibus. The side panel comprises in this case a pivotable cover plate (10) which is connected to a vehicle chassis (3) by an upper fastening and a lower fastening (2, 18). In this case a frame of the CO-BOLT® system is suitable, in particular, as a vehicle chassis (3). The upper fastening (2) comprises in this case a joint (7), in particular a film hinge (7). A securing device of the joint (7) is also present and the lower fastening (18) comprises a releasable locking device, the cover plate (10) being held in a closed position by the upper fastening and the lower fastening. The securing device comprises a lever (13) attached to the cover plate (10) with a spring clip (16) articulated thereto, the lever (13) and clip (16) together forming a toggle joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: Carrosserie Hess AG
    Inventors: Max NAEF, Alex Naef
  • Publication number: 20090184542
    Abstract: A pair of rear floor frames extend in a fore-and-aft direction in a lower part of a vehicle body. A pair of rear horizontal frames extend in the fore-and-aft direction above corresponding rear wheels. A door beam extends in the fore-and-aft direction in each side door in alignment with the corresponding rear horizontal frame. A pair of rear vertical frames each extend vertically behind the corresponding rear wheel and join rear ends of the corresponding rear floor frame and rear horizontal frame to each other. In a rear end crash with a vehicle having a front bumper at a relatively high position, the rear vertical frames allow the impact energy of the rear end crash to be evenly distributed, and deformation of the passenger compartment is minimized. The rear horizontal frames allow the impact energy to be transmitted to the door beams, contributing to reinforcement of the passenger compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takumi Tsuyuzaki, Toshizumi Yamaguchi, Hiro Nushii
  • Publication number: 20090179458
    Abstract: An automotive assembly having a rigid substructure with at least one opening. A panel having a substrate and a cushioned layer which is disposed over one side of the substrate. At least one clip extends outwardly from the other side of the substrate and the clip is complementary in shape and aligned with the opening in the substructure. An attachment mechanism secures only a portion of the outer periphery of the panel to the substructure upon insertion of the clip into its corresponding opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Miki
  • Publication number: 20090179459
    Abstract: In a device for retaining, in particular, a roof strip (34) in a roof channel (44) of a motor vehicle, a base part (1) and a head part (7) are present. On the base part (1) as well as on the head part (7) a rail arrangement is configured (19, 23), by means of which the head part (7) is displaceably guided with respect to the base part (1) between a pre-assembly position and a final assembly position. Furthermore, a locking arrangement (26, 33; 20, 21) is configured on the head part (7) as well as on the base part (1), by means of which the head part (7) is blocked in the final assembly position in relation to the base part (1) at least for a displacement into the pre-assembly position. Thus, due to the floating mount a simple and reliable connection can be achieved for a roof strip (34), particularly on a motor vehicle, even in the case of relatively large dimensional tolerances of a roof channel (44) and of the roof strip (34) itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: A. RAYMOND ET CIE
    Inventors: Jan Regensburger, Günter Tremmel
  • Publication number: 20090160219
    Abstract: A device for covering a recess (4) formed in a covering strip (5) has a flap (3), which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis, and a bearing arrangement for holding the flap (3) in bearing regions on the end side. There are journals (15, 16) with resilient fork limbs (18, 19) on the end side, wherein at least one fork limb (18, 19) is designed with a latching lug (20) on the end side. Furthermore, bearing sleeves (7, 8) are formed which each have a journal-receiving space (9) which extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the flap (3) and into which a journal (15, 16) can be fitted until it engages behind an edge side of the bearing sleeve (7, 8) by means of a latching lug (20). As a result, the device can be handled in a simple manner as a unit with relatively little outlay on material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Mathieu Cochard
  • Publication number: 20090160218
    Abstract: A garnish for a vehicle body including a plastic exterior skin and a metal reinforcement member. The garnish is installed on the vehicle for coating or painting and then the garnish and the vehicle body are sent through a bake oven to cure the coating or paint. After exposure to the bake oven, the garnish is removed from the vehicle body for installation of a headlight assembly. The garnish is then reinstalled on the vehicle body after the headlight assembly is installed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Onuma, Mark Kralevich, Aron Madsen, Derek Paul
  • Publication number: 20090145674
    Abstract: A highly energy efficient automobile that provides payload, safety and performance capacities similar to a comparable vehicle of a given vehicle class. The current invention is ideal for short to medium range urban and suburban driving. The current invention incorporates components in a unique and novel way, in which these components combine to form a system that produces an automobile that reduces overall air pollution while encouraging the commercialization of alternative energy sources. The current invention features an lightweight, low rolling resistance, digitally controlled and direct-drive electric propulsion system. A lightweight spaceframe with a suspension system provides a structure for mounting a low-aerodynamic-drag body system and other components. An intelligent power and thermal management system coupled with a removable auxiliary power module supplies the electrical energy required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: David Warren Lee, Roeland M.M. Hogt
  • Publication number: 20090146454
    Abstract: A wall or roof of a trailer are formed from a first panel and a second panel which are joined together by a cap and a strip which interengage. The cap includes a base wall and an interlock provided thereon. The base wall abuts the outer surfaces of the panels. The strip includes a base wall and an interlock provided thereon. The strip and cap are separate members. The base wall of the strip abuts the inner surfaces of the panels. The interlock of the strip and the interlock of the cap mate together to form a joint. The interlocks extend between the panels. The panels may be composite panels or may be from a single sheet or multiple sheets of metal. An adhesive may be provided between the base wall of the cap and the outer surfaces, and an adhesive may be provided between the base wall of the strip and the inner surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: KEVIN RILEY, FRANCIS S. SMIDLER, VICTOR VARGAS, ROBERT L. HANCOCK, LEONARD BAKER
  • Publication number: 20090140548
    Abstract: A sliding panel arrangement for a vehicle wherein a panel is adapted to be coupled to a vehicle body, at least two linear bearings or at least one longitudinal member being disposed on the panel, the other of the at least two linear bearings or at least one longitudinal member being adapted to be coupled to the vehicle body. The longitudinal member is sized and disposed to slide within the linear bearings, the panel sliding between closed and open positions over a vehicle compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR PAVING PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Andrew James Krolnik, John Marsolek
  • Patent number: 7540085
    Abstract: A method of constructing a cargo body, including providing a first cargo body panel having a main portion with a thickness and providing a second cargo body panel. Further, forming a post portion in the first cargo body panel integrally with the main portion and forming a base portion of the post portion. Additionally, forming a distal portion of the post portion that is located a distance from the base portion that is substantially greater than the thickness of the main portion. In addition, overlapping at least part of the first cargo body panel over the second cargo body panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: STI Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary L. Fenton, Jeffrey W. Liebelt
  • Patent number: 7537271
    Abstract: Vehicles, such as all terrain vehicles, can be provided with a frame and a fender assembly. The fender assembly can have layered fender panels attached together with a bolt and T-nut. A channel can be formed between the fender panels to facilitate passage of fluid along a predetermined pathway. A seat includes a compression surface for sandwiching the fender assembly with respect to the frame. Front and rear fender assemblies can be attached to the frame by a midpoint fastener passing through respective apertures in each of the front and rear fender assemblies, through a grommet, and into the frame. A stay assembly attaches a mudguard to the fender assembly, and can involve a swivel clip. Methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Stephen Hlopick, Darin D. King, Daniel Thomas Sellars, Matthew Alexander, Scott Daniel Batdorf
  • Publication number: 20090127838
    Abstract: An interior component and an airbag apparatus for a vehicle are provided with less limits in terms of the design and which are able to restrain the appearance thereof from being deteriorated due to an environmental deterioration test or the deterioration with time due to a severe environment of usage. An interior component for a vehicle according to one form of the present invention includes a panel portion having a front surface to be exposed in a cabin. A covering member is bonded to the side of the front surface of a body portion which constitutes the panel portion, and a thinned portion having a thickness smaller than that of other portions formed partly on the body portion, and the thinned portion includes a recess which defines a void between the thinned portion and the covering member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: TAKATA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shinji HAYASHI
  • Patent number: 7530629
    Abstract: Vehicles, such as all terrain vehicles, can be provided with a frame and a fender assembly. The fender assembly can have layered fender panels attached together with a bolt and T-nut. A channel can be formed between the fender panels to facilitate passage of fluid along a predetermined pathway. A seat includes a compression surface for sandwiching the fender assembly with respect to the frame. Front and rear fender assemblies can be attached to the frame by a midpoint fastener passing through respective apertures in each of the front and rear fender assemblies, through a grommet, and into the frame. A stay assembly attaches a mudguard to the fender assembly, and can involve a swivel clip. Methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Darin D. King, Shinichi Karube, Stephen Hlopick
  • Patent number: 7530623
    Abstract: A cab for a vehicle, such as an all terrain vehicle, a tractor, or small construction vehicle, is constructed of twin-sheet plastic panels that can be easily assembled, preferably with snap-together interlocking features. One of the panels can be a door panel having a door hinged to a door frame to control passage through a doorway. Both the door and the door frame have spaced apart hinge knuckles that interleave along a hinge axis to allow the door to pivot about a hinge pin. The door and door frame can be molded in a single twin-sheet panel. The two walls of the panel are fused together along the outer periphery of the panel door portion and the inner periphery of the panel door frame portion. The door is separated from the door frame by cutting the each of the walls along a door perimeter between the door and door frame portions of the molded panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: Lance T. Hampel