Corners And Joints Patents (Class 296/29)
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Patent number: 12221166Abstract: An embodiment connection structure of tubular type pillars includes an outer joint bracket coupled to a sill outer member of a side sill, wherein a lower portion of a pillar member is fitted and coupled to the outer joint bracket along a vehicle width direction, and an inner joint bracket coupled to a sill inner member and coupled to the outer joint bracket, wherein the sill inner member and the sill outer member are joined to each other.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2022Date of Patent: February 11, 2025Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia CorporationInventors: Joonghyun Shin, Chulhee Heo, Dae Seung Kim, Heedae Oh, Jung Jong Chun, Minsoo Kim
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Patent number: 12220980Abstract: A battery case structure for an electric vehicle, includes a side member in which a flange of the side member laterally provided in a battery case is deformed or broken from a partition to absorb an impact when a side collision occurs, minimizing the impact which is caused by the collision and is provided to penetrate into a battery. Furthermore, the partition of the side member is designed based on topology optimization to secure rigidity, protecting the battery against the impact.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2022Date of Patent: February 11, 2025Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia CorporationInventors: Kang Won Lee, So Young Jo, Jeong Hun Seo, In Gook Son
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Patent number: 12146313Abstract: A connection and a method of making a connection between an outer member and one or more inner structural members of a structure such as a building, the connection having a compression strut having an inner portion and an outer portion, the inner portion being supported by one of the one or more inner structural members, the outer portion being in contact with the outer member, a connector plate engaging the compression strut and the outer member and one or more tension fasteners attaching the connector plate to one or more of the one or more inner structural members.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2020Date of Patent: November 19, 2024Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc.Inventors: Rachel Marie Holland, Timothy M. Stauffer, Jin-Jie Lin, Benedict Ang
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Patent number: 12128956Abstract: A vehicle of unibody construction includes a left rail, right rail, first kickup member, and second kickup member. A left transition portion of the left rail extends inboard and upward from a left forward portion to a left rear portion. A right transition portion of the right rail extends inboard and upward from the right forward portion to the right rear portion. A left end of the first kickup member is coupled to the left forward portion and a right end of the first kickup member is coupled to the right forward portion. The second kickup member is rearward of the first kickup member. A left end of the second kickup member is coupled to at least one of the left forward and left transition portions. A right end of the second kickup member is coupled to at least one of the right forward and right transition portions.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2022Date of Patent: October 29, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jamil M. Alwan, Djamal Eddine Midoun, Sean Timothy Ryan, Peyman Aghssa, Zakareia H. Hussain, Stephen William Gallagher
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Patent number: 12059741Abstract: A method for manufacturing a liquid cooling jacket has a feature of using a primary joining rotary tool provided with a tip side pin and a base side pin having a taper angle larger than a taper angle of the tip side pin and comprising a first primary joining process in which inserting the tip side pin and the base side pin of the rotary tool that is rotating into the sealing body member and moving the rotary tool along the first abutted portion with an outer circumferential face of the base side pin being in contact with a front face of the sealing body member and with the outer circumferential face of the tip side pin being kept off a step side face of the peripheral wall step portion while having a second aluminum alloy of the sealing body member flow into the gap.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2018Date of Patent: August 13, 2024Assignee: NIPPON LIGHT METAL COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Hisashi Hori, Nobushiro Seo, Kosuke Yamanaka
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Patent number: 11987033Abstract: A system and method for dielectric bonding including a dielectric heater having a pair of opposing electrode plates, a nest removably coupled to a first electrode plate of the pair of electrode plates, and an interchangeable electrode assembly removably coupled to a second electrode plate of the pair of electrode plates. The nest having a plurality of cooling channels defined in a body thereof in which a cooling fluid circulates to cool a material assembly that is supported by the nest. The interchangeable electrode assembly having a plurality of concentrator members that are configured to concentrate energy from a voltage source in predetermined locations on the material assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2022Date of Patent: May 21, 2024Assignee: Teijin Automotive Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hugh Foran, Noriyuki Amano, Joshua Dech
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Patent number: 11970229Abstract: An electric vehicle chassis includes a chassis frame having a front portion, a rear portion, and a central portion disposed between the front portion and the rear portion. The chassis includes a front bumper assembly connected to the chassis at the front portion and a left-front and right-front suspension assembly connected to the chassis at the front portion, with each front suspension assembly including upper and lower control arms and a shock absorber. The chassis includes a power supply storage compartment disposed in the central portion, the power supply storage compartment being configured to hold a power supply which is selectively detachable from the chassis frame. The chassis further includes a rear bumper assembly connected to the chassis at the rear portion, as well as a left-rear and right-rear suspension assembly connected to the chassis at the rear portion and the central section.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2023Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Inventor: Edward Y Lee
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Patent number: 11945364Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes a hood outer panel, hood inner panel, and engine compartment. A fender attachment bracket is disposed within the engine compartment, and a headlight assembly includes an attachment portion that couples the headlight assembly to the fender attachment bracket. The headlight assembly also includes a load block or loading block sized and shaped so that when the hood outer panel and hood inner panel are deformed by the impact of an object, the hood inner panel contacts the load block.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2021Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventor: Aaron R. Steinhilb
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Patent number: 11926364Abstract: A frame for a purpose-built vehicle (PBV) includes: a front part frame positioned at a front side of a vehicle; a rear part frame positioned at a rear side of the vehicle; and a center part frame. The center part frame has a rectangular planar shape and is coupled between the front part frame and the rear part frame.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2022Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA CORPORATIONInventors: Nam Ho Kim, Won Hae Lee, Byung Joo Chung, Seung Hak Lee, Min Seok Kim
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Patent number: 11897563Abstract: At least one machine configuration system provides formation of machines/tools in order to realize different works by means of various components and equipment which can be essentially fixed onto and removed from at least one body having at least one drive element, at least one wheel which is moved by said drive element, and at least one chassis whereon said wheel and the drive element are positioned. The novel side of the machine configuration is that in order to transfer any item from one location to another location, there is essentially at least one platform which is positioned at the upper vicinity of said body.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2020Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: MODULER MAKINA SANAYI VE TICARET ANONIM SIRKETIInventor: Mansuri Caynak
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Patent number: 11878738Abstract: The present teachings provide a reinforcement for a cavity. The reinforcement may include a carrier having a length extending along an axis between a first end and a second end. The carrier may include one or more longitudinal structures and one or more transverse structures. The carrier may also include one or more walls joined together to form one or more cavities extending along the axis. The carrier may have a cross-sectional shape roughly corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of interior of a hollow structural member. The device may also include a secondary material placed over the carrier. The secondary material is configured to expand, seal, reinforce, or a combination thereof upon application of a selectable stimuli and adhere to the interior of the cavity to provide reinforcement of the same.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2020Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Assignee: Zephyros, Inc.Inventor: Henry Richardson
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Patent number: 11787484Abstract: A hybrid structural assembly includes a vehicle structural member extending from a first end to a second end, and a composite reinforcement member attached to the vehicle structural member between the first and second ends of the vehicle structural member. The composite reinforcement member being formed by a continuous method and cut to a predetermined length extending from the first end to the second end.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2021Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Rohit Telukunta, Steven Frank, Leonard Anthony Shaner, Dragan B. Stojkovic, Sankarsh Kanth Aekbote Vishnukanth
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Patent number: 11724746Abstract: A chassis assembly having mixed material for reduced mass is provided. The assembly comprises an upper structure comprised of metal. The upper structure has a plurality of first bond surfaces, each of which is parallel with each other at varying elevations relative to a z-axis of a 3-dimensional coordinate thereof. The assembly further comprises a lower structure made of a polymer composite. The lower structure has a plurality of second bond surfaces, each of which is parallel with each other at varying elevations relative to the z-axis thereof. The second bond surfaces are arranged to align with the first bond surfaces in complementing relation such that the lower structure is joined with the upper structure at the first and second bond surfaces. The assembly further comprises an adhesive disposed between the first and second bond surfaces to join the lower and upper structures at the first and second bond surfaces, defining a bond gap between the first and second bond surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2021Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Balbir Singh Sangha, Len V. Peschansky, Manish Pamwar, Fred M. Marquardt, William R. Rodgers, Bruce N. Greve, David Kennedy, Adrian Bica, Bikramjit Sarkaria
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Patent number: 11718346Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body defining a front wheel well. The vehicle body includes a rear wall vehicle-rearward of the front wheel well. The vehicle includes one or more cables supported at the rear wall. The cables are movable from a slack position to a taut position. The vehicle includes a pyrotechnic actuator operatively coupled to the cables to move the cables from the slack position to the taut position upon actuation of the pyrotechnic actuator.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2021Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Dean M. Jaradi, Mohammad Omar Faruque, S. M. Iskander Farooq, Saeed D. Barbat
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Patent number: 11643145Abstract: A method for manufacturing a unitary body side structural frame for a vehicle is provided. The method comprises providing a plurality of blanks, joining the blanks to each other to form a composite blank wherein joining the blanks includes forming one or more overlapping regions formed by partially overlapping two blanks and deforming the composite blank to form the unitary body side structural frame. A unitary body side structural frame as obtained by any of the methods herein described is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2019Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: AUTOTECH ENGINEERING S.L.Inventors: Marti Meca Martinez, Xavier Valencia Carrio
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Patent number: 11643146Abstract: The invention relates to an elongate steel structure (10) for a vehicle comprising:—first steel sheet element (11), and a second steel sheet element (12), said first and second steel sheet elements constituting opposite ends of the elongate steel structure and said first and second steel sheet elements overlapping each other in a mid-portion of said elongate steel structure, wherein the first and the second steel sheet elements have an overlapping hat profile including a central portion (17), two webs (18), and two flanges (19), wherein at least one of the first and second steel sheet elements include cut-outs (13) along the flanges (19) such that the overlap is interrupted along said flanges (19).Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2019Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: Gestamp Hardtech ABInventors: Hans Bodin, Joakim Johansson
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Patent number: 11577788Abstract: In a vehicle to which the present joining structure of vehicle steel plates is applied, a third welded portion is set between a first welded portion and a second welded portion, wherein at the first welded portion, a pillar outer rear flange, an SM outer rear flange, a pillar inner rear flange are joined to one another; and at the second welded portion, the pillar outer rear flange and the pillar inner rear flange are joined to each other. At the third welded portion, the pillar outer rear flange and the SM outer rear flange are joined to each other. Accordingly, a tensile load F acting on the pillar outer rear flange is distributed toward the SM outer rear flange side.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2019Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kohei Hisada, Hiroki Sugino
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Patent number: 11548460Abstract: A connecting structure for exterior members includes: a first exterior member provided on a vehicle body; a second exterior member disposed adjacent to the first exterior member; an engaging portion provided on one of the first and second exterior members; and an engaged portion provided on the other one of the first and second exterior members. The connecting structure has a parting line formed between the first exterior member and the second exterior member by disposing the second exterior member on the vehicle body adjacent to the first exterior member. Sliding one of the first and second exterior members relative to the other one of the first and second exterior members along, the parting line causes the engaging portion and the engaged portion to be brought into engagement with each other in a direction intersecting a sliding direction of the one of the first and second exterior members.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2020Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Kohei Mineshima
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Patent number: 11492046Abstract: Provide is a roof structure of a vehicle, in which, a roof side outer panel, a roof panel, and a rear garter panel are joined. The roof side outer panel has: a roof joint surface portion, an up-down direction joint surface portion, and a front-back direction joint surface portion. The roof panel is joined to the roof joint surface portion in a state of being abutted against the roof joint surface portion. The up-down direction joint surface portion is formed at a lower end of the roof joint surface portion, and the rear garter panel is joined to the up-down direction joint surface portion. The front-back direction joint surface portion is formed at back ends of the up-down direction joint surface portion and the roof joint surface portion in a vehicle body front-back direction, and is joined to the rear garter panel.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2021Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hironori Soshino, Koh Shida
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Patent number: 11413943Abstract: A vehicle body structure of a tailgate opening enhances rigidity and strength of a lower portion of an opening through a change in the vehicle body structure of a tailgate opening. The vehicle body structure includes: a D-pillar member configured to form a closed cross-section structure and vertically installed on each of both sides of a tailgate opening; and a transverse member installed in a lower portion of the tailgate opening in a left-right direction and including side portions at both ends of the transverse member. In particular, the side portions are inserted into a lower end of the D-pillar member such that the side portions are surrounded by and coupled to an inner surface of the lower end of the D-pillar member to form a closed cross-section structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2020Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATIONInventor: Seung Hyun Kang
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Patent number: 11345408Abstract: A body reinforcing apparatus for a vehicle is provided at a junction where multiple body members are gathered together and connected to each other to couple the body members. In particular, the body reinforcing apparatus includes: a reinforcing body formed in a 3D-truss structure by a 3D-printing process, and having a plurality of extended portions extended toward the body members; and a fastening member integrally formed with an end of each of the extended portions by inserting the fastening member during the 3D printing process, and having a first end inserted in the extended portion and integrated with the extended portion, and a second end fastened to each of the body members.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2020Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATIONInventor: Won Ki Song
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Patent number: 11332194Abstract: A vehicle body structure including: a pair of left and right first vehicle body framework members manufactured by die-casting, and being provided at vehicle width direction outer sides of a vehicle and extending along a vehicle front-rear direction; a pair of left and right second vehicle body framework members manufactured from sheet steel and being joined to a length direction end portion of a corresponding first vehicle body framework member and extending along the vehicle front-rear direction; and a load transmission portion provided at either the first vehicle body framework members or the second vehicle body framework members, the load transmission portion configured to abut the other the first vehicle body framework members or the second vehicle body framework members when a collision load acting substantially along the vehicle front-rear direction is input to the first vehicle body framework members or the second vehicle body framework members.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2020Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Ayaka Kagami, Soshiro Murata, Takashi Sagisaka, Takahiro Tashiro
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Patent number: 11180198Abstract: A vehicle structural assembly includes at least a first member and a second member each having overlapping area. The overlapping area of the first member overlays the overlapping area of the second member where the first member and second member are welded to one another. The overlapping area of the first member defines an overlap extension and the overlapping area of the second member define another overlap extension.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2019Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Patrick Grattan, Nicholas Bulski
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Patent number: 11130440Abstract: A vehicle structure assembly, including: a first component including a hem structure defining an internal space disposed along an outer edge thereof; and a second component including one of an outer edge and a corresponding hem structure defining a corresponding internal space, wherein the one of the outer edge and the corresponding hem structure defining the corresponding internal space of the second component is adapted to securely engage the hem structure defining the internal space of the first component, thereby joining the second component to the first component. The first component includes a planar body portion and the hem structure includes a retaining arm or flap structure disposed substantially parallel to the planar body portion, wherein the retaining arm or flap structure and the planar body portion are integrally formed and collectively define the internal space.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2019Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: Volvo Car CorporationInventor: Håkan Runius
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Patent number: 11110968Abstract: A floor structure for a vehicle includes: a center floor panel; a plurality of seat crossmembers extending in a width direction of a vehicle; a rail member disposed to be orthogonal to the plurality of seat crossmembers; a pair of side sills disposed on both sides of the center floor panel; and a pair of battery mounting beams coupled to the pair of side sills, respectively, wherein each battery mounting beam is coupled to an inboard sidewall of each side sill, and cylindrical nuts for mounting a battery assembly are individually disposed on the battery mounting beams and the seat crossmembers.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2019Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATIONInventors: Hyun Ahn, Jae Ha Shim, Hee Suk Chung, Young Ho Lee
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Patent number: 10589791Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a first structural member, a second structural member, and a ridge portion. The first structural member has a first linear expansion coefficient and is provided with a joined portion. The second structural member has a second linear expansion coefficient exceeding the first linear expansion coefficient and is provided with a plurality of joining portions at an outer edge portion of the second structural member, and the joining portions are joined to the joined portion. The ridge portion is formed in the outer edge portion to protrude in a plane intersection direction intersecting with a joining surface of the joining portion and is continuous from one of the joining portions to another one of the joining portions.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2018Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Soshiro Murata, Takashi Sagisaka, Ayaka Kagami, Hiroki Hyodo
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Patent number: 10513886Abstract: A splicing metal plate includes at least one pair of an elongated first and second connecting plate, the elongated first connecting plate having a side edge that extends downwardly vertically with an accommodating portion having an opening, the elongated second connecting plate having a side edge that extends downwardly vertically with an embedded portion, and the accommodating portion of the first connecting plate is embedded within the embedded portion of the second connecting plate. A front-end cover connected to a front-end of the first and second connecting plates along a length direction. A rear-end cover connected to a rear-end of the first and second connecting plates along the length direction. A supporting portion for the front-end and rear-end covers disposed at bottom portions of the first and second connecting plates.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2015Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: XIAMEN GRAND-ONE INDUSTRIAL DESIGNS CO., LTD.Inventor: Luhao Leng
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Patent number: 10513295Abstract: A vehicle lower portion structure includes a pair of rocker panels, the rocker panels being separated from each other in a vehicle width direction and extending in a vehicle front-rear direction, an intermediate cross member disposed between the rocker panels and extending in the vehicle width direction, an intermediate connecting member disposed in an end portion of the intermediate cross member in the vehicle width direction and provided with a first contact portion which is contact with the rocker panel and a second contact portion which is contact with the intermediate cross member, a first bonding portion bonding the first contact portion to the rocker panel, and a second bonding portion bonding the second contact portion to the intermediate cross member.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2018Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Naoki Takahashi
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Patent number: 10328669Abstract: A method is provided for assembling a stack-up including a first workpiece with a clearance hole and a second workpiece. The method comprises adhering an adhesive to a first face of the first workpiece so as to completely cover and close the clearance hole and securing the second workpiece to a second face of the first workpiece with an adhesive. A stack-up and the method of capturing adhesive squeeze-out during a stack-up assembly process are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2016Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Garret Sankey Huff, Amanda Kay Freis
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Patent number: 10150518Abstract: A beam has a first exterior surface and a second exterior surface opposite the first exterior surface with an opening extending through the beam. A sleeve member extends through the opening from the first exterior surface to the second exterior surface. A first collar defines a first aperture with a first end of the sleeve member extending through the first aperture. The first collar contacts the first exterior surface. A second collar has a second attachment flange that overlays a portion of the second exterior surface of the beam. The second collar has a second aperture with the sleeve member extending therethrough. The first collar and the second collar are positioned and fixedly attached to the beam such that the sleeve member is spaced apart from interior surfaces of the beam that define the opening.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2018Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.Inventor: Patrick Grattan
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Patent number: 10053176Abstract: A fuel tank of a motorcycle is disposed between a head pipe and a rider's seat. A cylindrical body forming a filler port is disposed at an upper portion of a tank main body of the fuel tank. A first mounting portion is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body projecting from the upper portion of the tank main body. A tank upper portion cover is mounted on the first mounting portion so as to cover an upper portion of the fuel tank.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2016Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Ryuji Kajio, Takeshi Kashihara, Satoshi Morotomi
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Patent number: 9944157Abstract: A window molding includes a main body and a lip part. The body includes an upper surface configured to be affixed to an inner surface of a window and the body is configured to be arranged between the inner surface and a bottom surface part of a frame. The lip part is provided on a portion of the body located on the peripheral wall part side of the frame. In an assembled state, at least a portion of the lip part extends to be closer to the bottom surface part as approaching from the body side to the peripheral wall part side, and a distance from the upper surface to the bottom surface part is defined as L. When the molding is in an unloaded state, the lip part has a portion in which the distance from the upper surface is longer than L.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKIInventor: Akira Moriyama
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Patent number: 9938719Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to building panel including an end portion along one perimeter side thereof and a dovetail configuration along the end portion. The disclosed subject matter also relates to joints formed between such building panel, electrical/telecommunications, plumbing and HVAC chases and conduits in the building panels and procedures for manufacturing the building panels.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Inventor: Jason Derleth
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Patent number: 9845599Abstract: Embodiments of the invention included structural decking systems with at least a four-layered seam and methods for manufacturing and assembling structural decking systems with at least four-layered seams. The decking panels may be provided with an edge having an exposed “male lip” with two layers, and an opposite edge having a “female lip” with two layers. Individual panels may be coupled together by placing the female lip of a first panel over the male lip of an adjacent panel, thus creating an unjoined seam. In order to couple the panels together, the panels may be secured through various couplings configurations. The couplings may be formed by deforming, cutting, and/or welding the seam. Not only do the couplings help prevent vertical separation between adjacent panels, the couplings minimize lateral shifting along the seam, and ensure a desired level of shear strength in the seam and across the structural decking system.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: NUCOR CORPORATIONInventors: Brian Hansen Bogh, Christopher Lawrence Brown, Jeffrey Reino Martin
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Patent number: 9840288Abstract: A joint for a motor vehicle body comprises a first structural member fabricated from aluminum attached to a second structural member fabricated from steel. The second structural member has an adjoining portion that is in substantially juxtaposed abutting relation with the first structural member when the second structural member is attached to the first structural member. The second structural member has a ramp portion terminating in a bare exposed edge on the second structural member and upon which the bare exposed edge is disposed. The bare exposed edge is displaced from the first structural member to form a gap between the first structural member and the bare exposed edge to prevent corrosion of the bare exposed edge without the use of adhesives and sealants.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2016Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Dragan B. Stojkovic, Colleen Marie Hoffman, Kimberly Ann Lazarz, Jack Lashbrook, Chris Verschaeve
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Patent number: 9803361Abstract: A moveable and demountable wall panel system that is secured between a floor of a room and a ceiling rail secured to a ceiling of the room. The wall panel includes a lower trim assembly that is both removably connected to a wall panel of the wall panel system and pivotably connected to a floor channel of the wall panel system. The lower trim panel is further configured to adjust in conjunction with wall panel height adjustments made by one or more height adjustment assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2015Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: ALLSTEEL Inc.Inventors: Eberhard Von Hoyningen Huene, Scott Shovar, Matthew C. Brown
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Patent number: 9611878Abstract: A tethered fastener assembly includes a first connector portion, a second connector portion, and a tether portion. The tether portion couples the first connector portion to the second connector portion and includes a first releasable holding feature, a first cooperating releasable holding feature, a second releasable holding feature, and a second cooperating releasable holding feature. The first releasable holding feature is engageable with the first cooperating releasable holding feature. The second releasable holding feature is engageable with the second cooperating releasable holding feature. The first releasable holding feature engages the first cooperating releasable holding feature, and the second releasable holding feature engages the second cooperating releasable holding feature, to retain the tether portion in a folded configuration.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2014Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventors: Steven Michael Benedetti, Wayne Robert Boylan, Grant Gerbasi Garrett
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Patent number: 9381953Abstract: A structural hydroformed joint member has projecting portions (30a, 30b) formed integrally on an outer peripheral face of a hollow main tube part (20) by hydroforming an element tube with an outside diameter D. In this case, both intersecting planes (35a, 35b), which are projecting planes of end faces (33a, 33b) of the projecting portions (30a, 30b) toward the main tube part (20), share a plane perpendicular to the main axis (40) of the main tube part (20) only in portions (36a, 36b) of the intersecting planes (35a, 35b). At that time, by setting areas of the portions (36a, 36b) to 30% or more and 90% or less relative to an area of each of the intersecting planes (35a, 35b), a projecting height of each of the projecting portions (30a, 30b) is 0.3D or higher for functioning as a joint.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2014Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: NIPPON STEEL & SUMITOMO METAL CORPORATIONInventors: Manabu Wada, Masaaki Mizumura, Koichi Sato
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Patent number: 9370997Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a tail trim using a clad metal plate, and a tail trim made of a clad metal plate, which thus enables decrease in weight and improved corrosion resistance, and which further enables increased heat resistance. The method includes rolling two washed metal materials to obtain an initial clad metal plate, and then heat treating and further rolling the initial clad metal plate to obtain a final clad metal plate; pressing the final clad metal plate, thus forming a main tail trim and a housing, the housing including a tail trim upper cover and a tail trim lower cover; and subjecting the main tail trim and the housing to tungsten inert gas welding, thus manufacturing the tail trim.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Chang Yeol Yoo, Gwang Min Yoon
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Patent number: 9290134Abstract: A coupling assembly can couple first and second panels together. The second panel defines a panel hole. The coupling assembly includes a clip configured to be at least partially received in the panel hole. Moreover, the clip extending from the first panel and includes a clip body and at least one resilient leg extending from the clip body. The clip body extends along a longitudinal axis. The clip defines a clip hole extending into the clip body along the longitudinal axis. The coupling assembly further includes an insert comprising a polymer. The insert is at least partially disposed in the clip hole.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: David T. Renke, Ronald Edward Chupick
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Patent number: 9221324Abstract: A structure of an exterior door strip includes a mounting portion mounted to an outer side of a outer door panel positioned, and a SUS trim coupled to an outer side of the mounting portion, and including: a first mounting portion formed in a longitudinal direction and having an end piece; a bridge connected to an other end of the first mounting portion; and a second mounting portion connected to the other end of the bridge and having a screw hole, in which the first mounting portion, the bridge, and the second mounting portion are integrally formed, and torque caused by screw engagement of the second mounting portion is not transmitted to the first mounting portion, thereby resolving a problem regarding quality in external appearance of the vehicle, preventing corrosion caused by rain water, and reducing production costs of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2013Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Sung-Sik Kong, Chang-Dong Kim, Young-Joon Park, Seung-Hwan Lee, Won-Seok Jun, Joon-Young Hong
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Patent number: 9156419Abstract: A bumper attachment structure includes a flange of a bumper fascia provided with a guide portion protruding therefrom and a flange of a fender panel having an insertion hole into which the guide portion can be inserted. The bumper attachment structure also includes an attachment bracket having a groove in which the guide portion can be housed and an insertion fitting portion in which a tip portion of the attachment bracket can fit.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2013Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuo Yotsunaga, Tomoaki Matsuoka
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Patent number: 9157720Abstract: A method of establishing a dimensional reference datum for a vehicle front end assembly is provided. The method includes locating a positioning and reinforcement structure proximate a front end of a vehicle chassis. Also included is operably coupling the positioning and reinforcement structure to a first vehicle component, wherein the positioning and reinforcement structure is moveable relative to the first vehicle component. Further included is fixedly centering the positioning and reinforcement structure relative to a second vehicle component. Yet further included is positioning and operably coupling a plurality of front end components based on the dimensional reference datum provided by the fixed centered position of the positioning and reinforcement structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2013Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: James M. Townson, Mark L. Felzien, Duane T. Vanpamel, Derek L. Patterson
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Patent number: 9145174Abstract: At a bracket, a length in a vehicle vertical direction of a second supporting leg portion is set to be longer than a length in the vehicle vertical direction of a first supporting leg portion. A height position in the vehicle vertical direction of the second supporting portion is set to be lower than that of a first supporting portion. At the bracket, a first bent portion is formed at an upper portion of the first supporting leg portion, and a second bent portion is formed at an upper portion of the second supporting leg portion. The first bent portion and the second supporting leg portion are bent so as to be convex toward sides of moving apart from one another. A region of the first supporting leg portion and a region of the second supporting leg portion are connected by a connecting member.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2013Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yoshihiro Iwano
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Patent number: 9061644Abstract: A gusset for use with a roll-over protection system of work a vehicle is disclosed. The gusset may include a first sidewall, a second sidewall spaced apart from the first sidewall and an outer face extending between the first and second sidewalls. The outer face may at least partially define an opening. The opening may be configured such that at least one of the first sidewall or the second side wall deforms relative to the outer face when the work vehicle experiences a roll-over event.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2013Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventor: Shane M. Scott
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Patent number: 9039061Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle frame, includes: forming compatible threads on a first rail composed of a first material and a second rail composed of a second material; forming a pair of locators on the first and second rails, said locators configured to indicate an alignment condition of the first rail and second rail when screwed together; and screwing together the first rail and second rail.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2013Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: David Anthony Wagner, Michael M. Azzouz, Eric William Barrett, Xiaoming Chen, John Martin Knittel, Sanjay Mehta, John Joseph Uicker, Jeff A. Wallace
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Patent number: 9033401Abstract: A vehicle roof frame includes an adhering structure having an adhesive carrier and an expanding structural adhesive coupled to at least a portion of an outer surface of the adhesive carrier. The expanding structural adhesive includes an installation state and a structural state, and the structural state has a larger volume than the installation state. The vehicle roof frame also includes a plurality of vehicle frame members that cooperate to form a frame joint and a joint cavity defined within the frame joint. The adhering structure is disposed within the joint cavity and the adhesive carrier and the expanding structural adhesive in the structural state substantially occupies the joint cavity and fixably couples the plurality of framing members such that the frame joint is free of supplemental mechanical connections proximate the joint cavity.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2014Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Edgar Edward Donabedian, Darrin Neil Wagner, Mark Keller, Bruno M. Barthelemy
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Publication number: 20150115640Abstract: In a method for connecting at least two structural units for a body of a vehicle, which structural units have in each case at least one carrier unit which is in the form of a hollow profile and which has at least one reinforcement element arranged in the carrier unit, the respective reinforcement element is connected by means of structural foam to the corresponding carrier unit, wherein the reinforcement elements of the two structural units are formed in each case with a joining portion and are joined to one another. The structural units to be connected are aligned, and the reinforcement elements are pre-fixed in the carrier units before a heat treatment of the structural units, and are finally fixed by foaming and/or adhesive bonding after the heat treatment.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2013Publication date: April 30, 2015Applicant: Audi AGInventor: Anja Jäschke
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Patent number: 9004568Abstract: In a cowling fastening structure (1) for fastening a first cowling member (2) and a second cowling member (3) to each other by using a clip (30), the two cowling members are provided with opposing walls (13, 21) having a mutually aligned through holes (15, 26) formed therein, the clip is provided with a first member (31) and a second member (32) joined by a hinge (33). A free end of the first member formed with an engagement hole (39) is passed through the through holes, and a free end of the second member formed with an engagement claw (44) is passed around the opposing walls so as to engage the engagement claw with the engagement hole.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Nifco Inc.Inventors: Yusuke Inoue, Yotaro Abe, Hajime Naoi
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Patent number: 8998296Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 26, 2010Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Daimler AGInventor: Konrad Eipper