Corners And Joints Patents (Class 296/29)
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Publication number: 20130168998Abstract: An air splitter panel is attached to a vehicle fascia panel. One of the panels has a plurality of longitudinal extending slots and the other of the panels has a plurality of fastener holes that register with the slots. Fasteners are mounted in each of the holes and extend through the slot registered therewith to attach the panels together while permitting sliding movement of the splitter panel relative to the fascia panel. A yieldable detent acts between the fastener and the one of the panels with the slot to block the sliding movement of the splitter panel until a force applied upon the splitter panel overcomes the yieldable detent to permit the sliding movement of the splitter panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2011Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Phillip M. Turner, Russell J. Peyerk
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Publication number: 20130161970Abstract: An attachment structure for a resin part of a motorcycle includes an attaching portion with a nut on a vehicle main body, an attached portion of the resin part having a bolt insertion hole, and a shoulder bolt, wherein the shoulder bolt has a large diameter portion thicker than an threaded shaft portion, the bolt insertion hole has an inner diameter into which the large diameter portion is insertable, and a thin guide piece protruding toward a radially inner side for regulating radial movement of the shoulder bolt within a predetermined range is integrally formed on an inner circumferential surface of the bolt insertion hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2012Publication date: June 27, 2013Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
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Publication number: 20130134732Abstract: A fascia fixture interposed between an extended-directional end portion of a fascia and an auto body. The fascia fixture is interposed in such a way as to be extended in the extended direction of the fascia. The extended-directional end portion of the fascia is mounted on the auto body in such a way as to comprise a part of a wheel house.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2011Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: NEWFREY LLCInventors: Jason Aaron Meyers, Bradley David Smith
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Patent number: 8443923Abstract: A vibration isolator device securing a nonmetal panel to a metal frame of a work vehicle includes a metal member affixed to a surface of the nonmetal panel, the metal member facing the metal frame. An isolator mount plate is secured to the frame in a manner permitting a predetermined adjustment between the isolator mount plate and the frame in each of two directions. A vibration isolator is positioned between the metal member and the frame. A region of the isolator mount plate is configured to receive and maintain vibration isolation between the region of the isolator mount plate and the metal member, the region of the isolator mount plate providing a predetermined adjustment between the isolator mount plate and the metal member in a third direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2011Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Christopher Brosz, Logan C. Miller, Mark Allan Renard
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Patent number: 8440279Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 24, 2007Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Faurecia Bloc AvantInventors: Caroline Riviere, Claude Laurent, Sébastien Berne
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Patent number: 8439591Abstract: A tube arrangement comprises a first tube and at least one second tube, the first tube and the second tube being arranged in relation to one another with an offset transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the tubes and with a partial overlap region in the longitudinal direction of the tubes, so that a first end of the first tube is arranged at a side of the second tube and a second end of the second tube is arranged at a side of the first tube. The tube arrangement has, further, at least one connection element which fixedly connects the first tube and the second tube to one another in the overlap region.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2009Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Progress-Werk Oberkirch AGInventors: Hansjoerg Schmieder, Romaric Jonckheere, Arnaud Offner
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Patent number: 8424945Abstract: The connecting structure of a center filler and a quarter member of a vehicle may include a lateral junction portion formed at a front end of the quarter member, the lateral junction portion coupling with one side surface of the center filler in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The connection structure may further include a longitudinal coupling portion formed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle coupled with an outer quarter member of the quarter member, a trim coupling portion substantially the same length as the longitudinal coupling portion coupled with trim, and a connection portion connecting the longitudinal coupling portion and the trim coupling portion to each other, wherein the lateral junction portion extends at a front end of the longitudinal coupling portion, and the lateral junction portion is bent substantially perpendicular to contact to the center filler.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2011Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Kyunghoon Son
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Patent number: 8424961Abstract: The substitution of aluminum alloy roof panels for the low carbon steel roof panels most commonly used in motor vehicles is an attractive option for vehicle mass reduction. Often, however, the remainder of the vehicle body structure continues to be fabricated of steel. The combination of the aluminum alloy roof attached to the steel body may create compressive stresses in the aluminum roof when the body is subjected to elevated temperatures such as those required to cure or bake the paint applied to the body. These stresses may lead to unacceptable appearance features in the visible segment of the roof. By modifying the roof stamping to introduce a tabbed flange for attachment to the body and/or modifying the generally-vertical wall joining the flange to the roof interior, the stresses may be minimized and relocated to segments of the roof not normally visible.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2010Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: John E. Carsley, Chih-Cheng Hsu, Stewart Edmison
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Patent number: 8424958Abstract: A butt joint assembles side panels of a trailer to the base rail of the trailer to form a side wall. 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: GrantFiled: October 5, 2009Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Inventors: Andrzej Wylezinski, Melvin R. Norris, Leonard W. Baker
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Publication number: 20130088033Abstract: 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 0.3 D or higher for functioning as a joint.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2011Publication date: April 11, 2013Inventors: Manabu Wada, Masaaki Mizumura, Koichi Sato
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Patent number: 8414048Abstract: A vehicle interior assembly includes a main body, a side trim panel and a fastener part. The main body has a side surface through which a slot is defined and a top surface through which a fastener receiving aperture is defined. The fastener receiving aperture extends through the top surface to an inner cavity of the main body that is accessible through the slot. The side trim panel at least partially covers the side surface of the main body. The side trim panel has a projection that extends away from an inner surface of the side trim panel into the slot defined by the side surface. The fastener part extends through the fastener receiving aperture defined by the top surface and engages the projection to fixedly couple the side trim panel to the main body.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2011Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.Inventor: Chad Kwolek
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Patent number: 8414067Abstract: A mobile vehicle comprising body shell composite panels and a method of joining body shell composite panels of a mobile vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2010Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Bailey Caravans LimitedInventors: Nicholas George Howard, Andrew Grant Linklater
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Patent number: 8403391Abstract: An attachment bracket for mounting a fender of a vehicle to a side structural member includes a top portion that connects to the fender. A first vertical leg connects to the side structural member. The first vertical leg extends downwardly from an edge of the top portion. A second vertical leg connects to the side structural member. The second vertical leg extends downwardly from an opposite edge of the top portion. The first vertical leg includes a bend separating the first vertical leg into an upper portion and a lower portion. The first vertical leg has a central opening at the bend that is spaced vertically from the top portion and a bottom end of the first vertical leg.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2012Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Aaron Richard Steinhilb, Kyle Andrew Ott, Daniel Justin Koenen
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Patent number: 8403390Abstract: A sound-damped vehicle panel assembly, such as a dash panel, is attached to a structural member with one or more weld joints. The vehicle panel assembly may include a main panel member, a sound-damping patch, and a sound-damping adhesive layer arranged therebetween, where the patch covers at least a portion of an acoustically active region of the main panel member. The weld joints that attach the vehicle panel assembly to the structural member are preferably located at weld openings formed in the sound-damping patch and/or the sound-damping adhesive layer so that the weld joint can be formed without melting and vaporizing the adhesive during the welding operation, as such an operation would likely require additional ventilation equipment and could impact the quality of the weld joint.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2011Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignees: Shiloh Industries, Inc., GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jonathan E. Rich, Marcel R. Cannon, Terry A. Swartzell, Andrew W. White, Kenneth D. Schmid, James F. Keys, Jonathan W. Fisk, Stephen A. Fetsko, James J. Evangelista
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Publication number: 20130069392Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle frame comprises a plurality of frame members including at least two side plate members interlocked with a bottom plate member and a vertically loaded plate member. The bottom plate member and the vertically loaded plate member are non-parallel. The side plate members support the bottom plate member and the vertically loaded plate member through a plurality of tab and slot connections.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2011Publication date: March 21, 2013Inventor: Stephen Hall
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Patent number: 8398138Abstract: A body part of a front frame of a motor vehicle has a structural component of plastic arranged in a frame part. The structural component is connected with a cage nut through material connection. Via the cage nut a front axle is screwed to the body part. A carrying part for holding the cage nut is welded to the frame part for this purpose and connected to the structural component via over molding.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Udo Mildner, Jürgen Hulbert, Lothar Teske, Lutz Uhlenbruch
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Publication number: 20130043703Abstract: A node is configured for connecting body portions of a vehicle. The node includes a first portion configured for attachment to a first vehicle body portion, and a second portion configured for attachment to a second vehicle body portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2011Publication date: February 21, 2013Inventor: Duncan Whipps
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Publication number: 20130038079Abstract: The connecting structure of a center filler and a quarter member of a vehicle may include a lateral junction portion formed at a front end of the quarter member, the lateral junction portion coupling with one side surface of the center filler in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The connection structure may further include a longitudinal coupling portion formed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle coupled with an outer quarter member of the quarter member, a trim coupling portion substantially the same length as the longitudinal coupling portion coupled with trim, and a connection portion connecting the longitudinal coupling portion and the trim coupling portion to each other, wherein the lateral junction portion extends at a front end of the longitudinal coupling portion, and the lateral junction portion is bent substantially perpendicular to contact to the center filler.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2011Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicants: Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Kyunghoon Son
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Patent number: 8366181Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 31, 2010Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Sika Technology AGInventors: Vincent Belpaire, Sebastien Delneufcourt, Francois Godillon, Gaetan Lison
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Patent number: 8333419Abstract: An inner top corner connector for a container body includes an angled fitting of elastic material. An inner roof sheet connecting portion of the angled fitting has a first end portion bending toward the inner roof sheet and includes an outer seal blade inclining toward the inner roof sheet and the first end portion of the inner roof sheet connecting portion. An inner side panel connecting portion of the angled fitting is provided with a connecting plate for connecting to a top end portion of the inner side panel of the container body. The connecting plate is provided with a guide blade. An inserting groove is defined by the guide blade, the inner side panel connecting portion and a part of the connecting plate, wherein an angle of the angled fitting defined by the inner roof sheet connection portion and the inner side panel connecting portion is 95°-105°.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2010Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignees: 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: Tianhua Huang, Robert Wang, Ryan Xu, Jack Zhang
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Patent number: 8322771Abstract: A vehicle may include a roof panel having a segment that is formed of a thermoplastic material, a side panel having a segment that is formed of a metal, and a connection device. The roof panel may be connected to the side panel member by attaching the connection device to the side panel segment, heating the roof panel segment to melt at least a portion of it, enveloping the connection member within the melted portion of the roof panel segment; and, cooling the components.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2009Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ovidiu Cristian Mihai
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Patent number: 8317964Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle. A set of vehicle body structure components is assembled with interlocking mating features.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2007Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventor: Gregory Thomas Hedderly
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Publication number: 20120292938Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening of a longitudinal beam lining (1) on a longitudinal beam (2) of a motor vehicle, comprising a retaining element (3), which is fastened to the longitudinal beam (2). On the end region facing the retaining element (3), the longitudinal beam lining (1) comprises a detent element (4), which with the longitudinal beam element (3). To reduce the volume of the fastening in comparison with the prior art, the detent element (4) comprises a thickness-reducing indent (5) with respect to the adjoining surface (6) of the longitudinal beam lining (1) that is visible in the installed state of the longitudinal beam lining (1), and the detent element (4) comprises a detent hook (8) in the surface (7) of the longitudinal beam lining (1) that is opposite of the indent (5) and is not visible in the installed state of the longitudinal beam lining (1).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2011Publication date: November 22, 2012Inventors: Frank Hesse, Norbert Sandner, Egon Mayr, Holger Titze
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Publication number: 20120292944Abstract: A fastening device is provided for the releasable fastening of a panel element to the front wall structure of a motor vehicle body, with a brace, which on one end can be fastened with a fastening structure of the panel element and on the other end can be fastened with a fastening structure of the front wall structure. The brace is releasable and positively fastened to at least one of the fastening structures with at least one end section.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC.Inventors: Joachim LACROIX, Joerg SCHNEIDER
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Patent number: 8261501Abstract: A connector for connecting an outer plate of side panels and an outer corner post of a container body comprises a connecting plate for connecting the outer plate and the outer corner post of the container body and a cover plate. The connecting plate is perpendicularly provided with a strengthening stop plate at an inner side of a middle portion thereof and a stop groove for receiving the outer plate at an outer side of the middle portion thereof, and provided with a seat plate parallel to a base plate of the stop groove at an end thereof connecting the outer corner post. Two clipping strips are symmetrically provided on opposite sides of the seat plate and the base plate of the stop groove. The cover plate is provided with two elastic clipping strips which respectively engage with the two clipping strips and have a hook-shape cross section.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2009Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: China International Marine Containers (Group) Ltd.Inventors: Tianhua Huang, Robert Wang, Ryan Xu, Jack Zhang
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Patent number: 8262155Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 29, 2010Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Anthony Leanza
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Patent number: 8226133Abstract: A bumper attachment device is provided for attaching a bumper to a vehicle body disposed between the body and the bumper. A bumper support which can support the bumper and an attachment insert that can be rotatably attached to a securing part secured to the body are provided. The attachment insert has an insertion part inserted into and through a through hole in the bumper support, the insertion part is inserted into and through the through hole, and the insertion part is turned in the through hole while supporting the bumper support; in this way, a part of the attachment insert is caused to abut a part of the bumper support, and through that abutment, the position of the bumper support relative to the body is adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2009Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventor: Takahiro Sano
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Patent number: 8220865Abstract: A connecting arrangement (1) is provided for connecting a stiffening beam (2) to a bracket (3) in a motor vehicle. The stiffening beam (2) and the bracket (3) having mounting sections (4, 5) that can be plugged into one another. The mounting sections (4, 5) each have two slots (6, 7) situated opposite one another. The slots (6, 7) at least partially overlap in pairs and are offset from one another by a predetermined angle (?) in the mounted position of the mounting sections (4, 5) to facilitate the insertion of a fastening element (12) into the slot pairs (6, 7). The connecting arrangement (1) simplifies the mounting of the fastening element (12) and enables an even retroactive correction or alignment of the connecting arrangement (1) in the plugging-together direction (13) of the mounting sections (4,5).Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2010Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventor: Markus Brunner
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Patent number: 8210603Abstract: Described herein is a frame for a motor vehicle having a first body and a second body, which are rigidly connected to one another in such a way that they can be taken apart; the first body has a first connection bar set in a transverse direction, and the second body has a second connection bar set in a transverse direction, which is set parallel to, faces, and is in direct contact with the first connection bar and is bolted to the first connection bar itself by means of a number of bolts arranged vertically.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2006Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.Inventor: Fabrizio Favaretto
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Publication number: 20120119535Abstract: A fastening assembly fastens at least one component part to a vehicle frame. The vehicle frame includes a first, preferably closed cross-sectional profile. At least one carrier for a fastening device includes a second cross-sectional profile. The carrier extends from a first internal surface of the vehicle frame to at least a second internal surface of the vehicle frame and provides an opening for carrying the fastening device. An off-road utility vehicle having at least one fastening assembly is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2011Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: MAN NUTZFAHRZEUGE OESTERREICH AGInventors: RUDOLF PERTLIK, NORBERT THEIL
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Patent number: 8177277Abstract: A vehicle having a vehicle body component and a body panel. The vehicle body component has a body mating feature. The body panel has a body panel mating feature that engages the body mating feature to secure the body panel to the vehicle body component.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2007Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventor: Gregory Thomas Hedderly
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Patent number: 8177290Abstract: A cab reinforcement structure for reinforcing a cab by a gusset disposed in a corner at which a right rear pillar and a hollow rear lateral beam member joined to the right rear pillar meet each other is formed such that a gusset retaining member for sustaining a load from a gusset side is disposed within the rear lateral beam member in relation to the rear lateral beam member side end of the gusset and the gusset retaining member is composed of a plate-like member for blocking up the inside of the rear lateral beam member at a position corresponding to the rear lateral beam member side end of the gusset.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2008Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventor: Takeshi Kamimae
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Patent number: 8172285Abstract: The invention refers to a mounting system for attachment of a bumper covering at a motor vehicle body which includes a mounting strip, a guide profile and a locking slider which in mounted condition provides connection between the mounting strip and the guide profile, wherein at least the guide profile is configured as a separate component.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2010Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Peguform GmbHInventor: Jürgen Ruder
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Patent number: 8141939Abstract: A protector includes: a protector main body covering the lower portion of the vehicle body and a fixing plate for fixing the protector main body to the vehicle body. The protector main body has a surface portion and a recessed portion recessed from the surface portion to the vehicle body. The fixing plate has a plurality of the first insertion holes through which the fastening members for securing the protector main body to the vehicle body are passed. The recessed portion has second insertion holes through which fastening members are passed. The fixing plate is disposed in the recessed portion. The plurality of the first insertion holes are formed apart from one another.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2007Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tatsuya Matsuura
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Patent number: 8128145Abstract: A tether fastening device includes a tether clip and a strap to couple a first engagement structure, such as a vehicle chassis, and a second engagement structure, such as a body panel. The strap is coupled to the tether clip and couples the first engagement structure with the second engagement structure to allow for controlled detachment. When attached, the tether clip fastens the first engagement structure with the second engagement structure. For example, the tether clip and first engagement structure may detach from the second engagement structure; however, the strap controls the acceleration, speed and distance displaced between the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure. According to one embodiment, the tether clip may further include a tether cap integrated with the strap and a fastener clip operative to couple to the tether cap.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Termax CorporationInventors: Michael Walter Smith, Mark Fleydervish, Daniel James Dickinson, Joseph W. Lawry, Edward Sacha
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Patent number: 8118353Abstract: A front panel mounting structure 1 is formed of a front body 2 including two pins each having a locking portion and a clip member, and a front panel 30 including two fasteners each having an engaging portion and a flange portion. In a mounted state where the front panel 30 occludes an opening 3, the clip member engages with the flange portion while the pins respectively engage with the fasteners. In the mounted state, the locking portions engage with the engaging portions to restrict movement of the front panel 30 downward and in the vehicle-width direction. Moreover, the clip member sandwiches the flange portion in a longitudinal direction to restrict movement of the front panel 30 in the longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2007Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Isuzu Motors LimitedInventor: Hirokazu Tomimatsu
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Patent number: 8113572Abstract: In a motor vehicle body, plates of a rocker panel reinforcement situated inside a rocker panel are led up to a terminus part manufactured from plastic. A front wall of the terminus part is led up almost to a tire envelope curve. In the event of a crash of the motor vehicle, occurring forces are introduced particularly early into the plates of the rocker panel reinforcement.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2009Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Udo Mildner, Thomas Enderich, Lothar Teske
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Patent number: 8109561Abstract: A car body structure includes a roof side rail and a front pillar, and the roof side rail and the front pillar include a roof side rail reinforcement and a front pillar reinforcement. The roof side rail reinforcement extends in a front-to-rear direction of a car body, and the front pillar reinforcement extends in a direction that intersects the front-to-rear direction of the car body. The roof side rail reinforcement and the front pillar reinforcement are connected to each other so that an end of a lower side wall of the roof side rail reinforcement abuts an end of the outer side wall of the front pillar reinforcement in the front-to-rear direction of the car body and an end of an upper side wall of the roof side rail reinforcement overlaps an end of an inner side wall of the pillar front pillar reinforcement.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Katsuya Matsumura
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Patent number: 8083285Abstract: Because a vehicle lower portion 6 and a bracket 3 have an equal level of thermal expansion or thermal contraction, a bonded surface of the bracket 3 can be prevented from losing the bond with the vehicle lower portion 6 due to any deformation difference that might be caused if they have different thermal expansion coefficients. A side under spoiler 4 can be kept supported on the bracket 3 even if the side under spoiler 4 thermally expands or thermally contracts, and hence the side under spoiler 4 made of a different material from that of a vehicle body 2 can be more securely mounted on the vehicle body 2. The bracket 3 and the side under spoiler 4 after mounted can maintain their ability to be joined to the vehicle body 2 for a long term.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2009Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Honda Access CorporationInventors: Takayuki Yanagida, Yoshimasa Misonou, Hideomi Tamai
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Patent number: 8070216Abstract: A vehicle frame includes a plurality of hollow tubular members welded together. An opening in a side wall of the frame which receives a door or window of the vehicle is bordered by at least two hollow tubular members which are interconnected by a non-tubular, reinforcing corner member. The reinforcing corner member includes a pair of solid parallel plates spaced apart by a perpendicular cross-member. Each plate of the reinforcing corner member has integral first and second elongated portions extending on either side of a continuous curve therebetween which has a substantially constant radius of curvature such as to define a smooth transition between the integral first and second elongated portions of the plate. The reinforcing corner member distributes stress away from the curved corner and to the tubular members, thereby preventing stress concentration at a joint between the two tubular members surrounding the opening in the frame.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2008Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Nova Bus, Division de Groupe Volvo Canada Inc.Inventors: Frédéric Defoy, Stéphane Gagnon
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Patent number: 8070213Abstract: A method of reducing discordance among components of a molded trim piece assembly includes making each of the plurality of components according to a component configuration pattern adapted to mitigate deformation of the plurality of components, and making each of the plurality of components according to a joint configuration pattern adapted to mitigate misalignment between the plurality of components at a joint. A machine includes a molded trim piece assembly configured to amount to a body of the machine, such as to a fender of the machine, which includes a plurality of components having a component configuration pattern adapted to mitigate deformation of the plurality of components and a joint configuration pattern adapted to mitigate misalignment at a joint between the plurality of components, when mounted to the body.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2008Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Robert Egging, Darshit Gohel, Steven Wells
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Patent number: 8066321Abstract: A structural shear panel for forming a floor panel for support by a vehicle frame is formed by a composite of top and bottom sheets and a core with a vacuum infused resin. The panel is mainly planar and terminates at its side edges at a portion which lies in a common plane and portions are provided which are deformed out of the generally planar shape to form depending or elevated sections. The structure is formed on a generally flat plate defining the planar panel portion with removable sections to define the depending and elevated sections. Edge pieces are attached to the plate to define the edges of the panel. Accessories are attached to the panel without compressing the core by a base plate of the accessory which is bolted to a bracket which has a backer plate and collar through a hole in the panel.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2007Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Inventors: Kevin Lusk, William H. Stanton
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Patent number: 8052204Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly, system and method includes a vehicle frame assembly having a variable length longitudinal frame component. The longitudinal frame component is formed at a first length when used on a first vehicle type and formed at a second length when used on a second vehicle type.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2009Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Eric Boettcher, Robb Augustine
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Patent number: 8042862Abstract: A reinforcing brace is disclosed. The reinforcing brace supports a collar of a fastener. In addition, the reinforcing brace is configured to strengthen the connection between a frame rail and a cross member. By aligning side walls of the reinforcing brace with walls of the cross member, the reinforcing brace can continue the walls of the cross member through the frame rail to strengthen the connection between the frame rail and the cross member.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2010Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jared S. Cox
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Publication number: 20110210574Abstract: A joining mechanism includes a front lower cross member 110 formed from a front plate 112 and a back plate 114 joined together to form a space, the front lower cross member 110 extending in a vehicle width direction lower than a hood lock member 108 which supports a bottom part of the vicinity of a front end of an engine hood 104, and a hood lock brace 120 which extends in a vehicle height direction between the hood lock member 108 and the front lower cross member 110, the hood lock brace 120 joining the hood lock member 108 and the front lower cross member 110, wherein upper end vicinities of the front plate 112 and the back plate 114 of the front lower cross member 110 are fastened to the front side of the hood lock brace 120, and the upper end surface 112j of the front plate 112 and the upper end surface 114j of the back plate 114 are separated from the hood lock brace 120.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Kiyotaka HIRANO, Yuki SATAKE
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Patent number: 7993719Abstract: A vehicle primarily a mass transit vehicle is formed primarily of composite materials which define a roof section and a floor section of two fiber reinforced sheets connected by an integral core and two rigid side wall sections each formed from welded steel or optionally bolted aluminum defining a series of window openings in a row along the side wall section in a ladder shape. Releasable joints of adhesive are provided between the metal rails and the edges of the composite panels where a web of the panel and the web of the rail extend across the panel at an angle to the first and second surfaces different from 90 degrees so that the web of the panel meets the flange of the panel at an angle greater than 90 degrees.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2009Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Inventor: William H. Stanton
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Patent number: 7980615Abstract: A target tubular member with flange, such as a bumper stay, has a flange having an outer diameter larger than the diameter of an axial section and is formed by electromagnetic forming without excessive expansion. The tubular member with flange includes an axial member made of a tubular aluminum alloy extrudate and a flange member joined to an end of the axial member. The axial member has an end flange being integrated at its end and having an area smaller than that of the flange member. The flange member has a hole, and a cylindrical hole flange at the edge of the hole. The axial member fits in the hole of the flange member, the end flange is in intimate contact with the flange member, and the outer periphery of a small-diameter portion of the axial member is in intimate contact with the inner periphery of the hole flange. The hole flange is held between the end flange and a protrusion.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2009Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.Inventors: Narikazu Hashimoto, Masatoshi Yoshida, Hiroyuki Yamashita, Satoshi Nimura, Toru Hashimura, Yoshihaya Imamura, Kazumori Horiguchi
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Patent number: 7900984Abstract: An interface joint for a motor vehicle is provided that serves as a node to connect a longitudinal motor compartment frame rail, an energy absorbing device, referred to as a crush box, and an engine cradle. The interface joint is a unitary component having a plate portion, first and second flange portions, and an engine cradle attachment portion. The first flange portion extends longitudinally from the plate portion and is adapted for engagement with the crush box. The second flange portion extends longitudinally from the plate portion opposite the first flange portion and is adapted for engagement with the frame rail. The engine cradle attachment portion extends between the flange portions and is adapted for attachment to the engine cradle.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2009Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Soo A. Tan, Bradley E. Bowers
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Patent number: 7862101Abstract: A vehicle primarily a mass transit vehicle is formed primarily of composite materials which define a roof section and a floor section of two fiber reinforced sheets connected by an integral core and two rigid side wall sections each formed from welded steel or optionally bolted aluminum defining a series of window openings in a row along the side wall section in a ladder shape. The separate sections are connected to a front end cap and a rear end cap. Mountings for the seats are defined as well as conduits through the floor and roof for electrical and fluid connections. Releasable joints of adhesive are provided between the metal rails and the edges of the composite panels.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2007Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Faroex Ltd.Inventors: Kevin Lusk, Kenneth S. Church, William H. Stanton
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Patent number: RE42086Abstract: A utility vehicle having a cabin-frame assembly coupled to the vehicle body so as to cover rows of seats is provided. Typically, the assembly includes a main frame extended in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle substantially arcuately over the rows of seats, and an intermediate frame extended substantially arcuately and laterally across the vehicle body between the seat rows to support the main frame.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2009Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hideo Saito, Kazumasa Hisada, Aaron Bahner