Corners And Joints Patents (Class 296/29)
  • Patent number: 7854474
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jared S. Cox
  • Publication number: 20100314897
    Abstract: An improved device for attaching a truck top or appliance fitted with an angle on its base, which rests on a profile attached to the top of the side walls of the vehicle bed and standby parts for coupling to accessories to be used, thus making possible the installation and removal thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: MARLON MELO DINIZ
  • Patent number: 7828357
    Abstract: An aluminum roof outer panel (2) is spot welded to a roof side rail (3) consisting of galvanized steel sheet. The outer panel (4) of the roof side rail is made of galvannealed steel sheet that has a favorable property but cannot be favorably welded to the aluminum roof outer panel, but the inner panel (5, 6) of the roof side rail is made of non-galvannealed steel sheet that can be favorably welded to the aluminum roof outer panel. Flanges of the outer panel (4) and inner panel (5, 6) overlap each other, and the flange of the outer panel is provided with a plurality of notches (11) along an edge of the outer panel. A corresponding flange of the roof outer panel is welded to the parts of the inner panel exposed by the notches of the outer panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noboru Hayashi, Kazuyoshi Doira, Masaaki Fujimoto, Takayuki Yamada, Mitsuhiko Ueki, Kouji Furudate, Takuji Ishimoto
  • Publication number: 20100270819
    Abstract: An attachment arrangement is provided for attaching together a first and a second structure of a vehicle having a longitudinal extension and a transversal extension together forming a horizontal plane. The arrangement includes a first attachment member adapted to be attached to the first structure and a second attachment member adapted to be attached to the second structure. At least one of the first and second attachment members includes a first attachment panel. The first attachment member further includes a first and a second connection portion. A vehicle including such an arrangement and a method of attaching a first and a second vehicle structure utilizing such an attachment arrangement are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: Jens Gustafsson, Mattias Berglund, Benny LilJeblad, Matilda Johansson, Hayder Wokil, Hans Regnell
  • Patent number: 7819463
    Abstract: A truck box frame includes first and second laterally extending frame members and a frame side rail assembly. The frame side rail assembly includes first and second frame side rails. The first and second frame side rails generally extend between and are coupled to the first and second laterally extending frame members. The first and second laterally extending frame members are extendable laterally, creating a variable width truck box frame. The first and second frame side rails may be curved or swept so that the intermediate portions extend inwardly toward one another, forming a tapered portion of the frame side rail assembly. The length and curvature, or sweep, of the side frame rails may also be varied to create a variable length truck box frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventor: Mark F. Werner
  • Patent number: 7819454
    Abstract: A vehicle cabinet having cabinet cleats used in conjunction with a vehicle cabin having cabinet cleat receivers is provided for use with a vehicle for operation on the ground. The cabinet cleat receivers cooperate with the cabinet cleats in such a way that locating the receivers with the cleats is easy and requires minimal manipulation by an installer. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Robert C. Kittelson, Joel D. Reed, Patrick E. Temple, Timothy G. Siebert, Charles W. Kipfer
  • Patent number: 7819452
    Abstract: A joint for an automotive vehicle may be formed by applying an adhesive to at least one of a first member and a first surface of a composite member, placing the first member in contact with the first surface of the composite member, applying an adhesive to at least one of a second member and a second surface of the composite member, positioning a divot portion of the second member within an aperture of the composite member, placing the second member in contact with the second surface of the composite member, attaching the divot portion of the second member with the first member and curing the adhesives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignees: United States Council for Automotive Research, United States Automotive Materials Partnership, LLC
    Inventors: John P. Fuchs, John D. Fickes, Erik Arthur Banks, Elisabeth Jane Berger
  • Patent number: 7810876
    Abstract: A vehicle having a rear end body structure that includes first and second rear side castings. The first and second rear side castings interlock with at least one structure that at least partially defines a passenger compartment of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Gregory Thomas Hedderly
  • Patent number: 7810872
    Abstract: A roof structure for a vehicle body includes a roof having a roof opening that is closed by a cover member. The roof structure comprises a frame member, a left side panel member and a right side panel member. The frame member is configured to frame the roof opening. The frame member supports the cover member. Each side panel member forms a part of the vehicle body and is adhesively secured to the frame member. A peripheral edge portion of each side panel member includes at least one channel adapted to allow escape of an adhesive disposed between the side panel member and the frame member for ease of assembly of the roof structure to the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiko Kuribayashi, Brent Nathaniel Gaertner, Michael E. Franz, Yan Beaudoin
  • Patent number: 7806468
    Abstract: In a body extension for a motor vehicle, a transverse profile of a roof frame has a central profile section and retaining profile sections arranged at the ends of the central profile section. The retaining profile sections have an embossed area for securing a sun roller blind, and border a trough for accommodating a guide section of a retractable sun roller blind. As a result, the central profile section can be fabricated with a constant cross section using a high grade of steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Roland Lessmeister
  • Publication number: 20100237647
    Abstract: A post assembly is suitable for use with a curtain side trailer having a side rail and a top rail disposed above the side rail. The post assembly has a post and a clamping assembly for selectively coupling the lower end of the post to the side rail. The clamp assembly includes first and second clamp fittings. The first clamp fitting is coupled to the post to engage a lower surface of the side rail. The second clamp fitting slidably coupled to the post and to engage an upper surface of the side rail. A linkage is coupled to the post and to the second clamp fitting. Movement of the linkage reciprocates the second clamp fitting between a clamped position and an unclamped position. In the clamped position, the second clamp fitting and the first clamp fitting cooperate to apply a clamping force to the side rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Jerald M. Whitehead, Todd Swanstrom
  • Patent number: 7775586
    Abstract: A roof structure for a motor vehicle, which has a roof-supporting roof frame, which is suitable to receive different roof modules, such as panoramic roofs, sliding roofs etc. The roof frame of the roof structure according to the invention has a surrounding flange directed towards the roof centre. The flange is additionally formed on the side of the vehicle such that it has a longitudinal supporting section, which extends parallel to the roof frame over the length of the roof frame from the free end of the flange in the direction of the center of the vehicle roof. The flange and the supporting section are formed in one piece according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthias Hallik
  • 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: 7735226
    Abstract: A structural element includes: at least one hollow metallic body (4) with a closed cross-section, an external surface (24), and at least one adhesion lug (22) formed on the external surface (24); and at least one plastic body (6) which is moulded over the metallic body, covering the external surface (24) of the metallic body in such a way as to at least partially cover the adhesion lug (22) in order to connect the plastic body (6) to the metallic body (4). According to one aspect of the invention, the adhesion lug (22) protrudes over the external surface (24) of the metallic body (4), the adhesion lug (22) being closed, connected to the metallic body (4), and having an undercut (40) in relation to the external surface (24) of the metallic body (4). The inventive structural element can be applied to the front of motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Faurecia Bloc Avant
    Inventors: Caroline Riviere, Sébastien Berne
  • Patent number: 7735891
    Abstract: A corner rail extrusion (124) is disclosed for facilitating the sealing of joints at the corners of structures such as recreational vehicles. The corner rail extrusion (124) includes a pair of outwardly and generally perpendicularly extending legs comprising a first leg (126) and a second leg (128). The rail extrusion (124) also includes a central bulbous interior (130). The central bulbous interior (130) is positioned so as to span a corner formed by a side wall (104) and rear wall (106), with the bulbous interior (130) essentially “fitting into” a gap (122).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Titan Distribution, LLC
    Inventor: Tobin Michael Goode
  • Patent number: 7726718
    Abstract: A structural support for a bolt collar in an automotive vehicle main structural support is provided and includes a rear wall having a rounded portion, a pair of side walls extending substantially perpendicular from the rear wall and a base extending from a lower portion of the rear wall and from a lower portion of the rounded portion in a direction opposite to that of the pair of side walls. The rounded portion extends outwardly from the rear wall in the same direction as the base in an arc-like fashion and forms a recess on an inside surface of the rear wall. Further, the rounded portion extends approximately halfway up the rear wall from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jamison Weirup
  • Patent number: 7699374
    Abstract: A connective system for connecting a first body to a second body having an aperture, is provided. The system includes a pin connected with the first body. The pin has a detent surface. A retainer ring having a snap fit engagement with the pin detent surface is provided. The retainer ring also has a locking arm for entry into the aperture of the second body with snap fit engagement with a surface of the second body thereby retaining the second body with said first body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Pilette, Martin R. Matthews
  • Patent number: 7690721
    Abstract: The invention relates to a junction structure for connecting two profiles(1, 2), especially in a vehicle support frame. The first profile (1) has at least two planar, parallel sides and the second profile (2) comprises two parallel, opposite girders (3, 4) and at least one strip (5, 6) connecting the girders (3, 4). The girders (3, 4), with their lateral ends, project relative to the strip (5, 6), the projections forming paired, parallel flanges (31, 41, 32, 42). The junction structure is characterized in that the first profile (1) at the location of connection, is provided with a recess (7) into which the second profile (2) is inserted on the front side in such a manner that the parallel sides of the opposite ends (8, 9) of the first profile limiting the recess (7) rest in a form fit against the insides (31a, 41a, 32a, 42a) of the opposite flanges (31, 41, 32, 42) of the second profile (2) and are connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG
    Inventors: Axel Grüneklee, Lothar Patberg
  • 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: 7677649
    Abstract: A vehicle having an interlocking floor assembly including a first floor structure having a first set of mating features and a second floor structure having a second set of mating features. The first and second sets of mating features interlock to couple the first and second floor structures together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Gregory Thomas Hedderly
  • Patent number: 7677343
    Abstract: A four-wheeled utility vehicle including an engine unit mounted in the utility vehicle; and a vehicle body frame including a frame member that is disposed in the vicinity of the engine unit and is partially movable relative to the engine unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Haruo Kitai, Toru Minami, Hiroyuki Fujimoto
  • 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: 7658421
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Narikazu Hashimoto, Masatoshi Yoshida, Hiroyuki Yamashita, Satoshi Nimura, Toru Hashimura, Yoshihaya Imamura, Kazumori Horiguchi
  • Publication number: 20100026028
    Abstract: A fastener clip includes a base plate and a first and second pair of laterally offset legs extending from the base plate. At least one first wing extends from the first pair of laterally offset legs. The at least one first wing has an engagement region. At least one second wing extends from the second pair of laterally offset legs. The at least one second wing also has an engagement region. The engagement regions include a depressed portion operable to adapt to variations or movement of a slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Walter Smith, Daniel James Dickenson
  • Publication number: 20090278371
    Abstract: A joint for an automotive vehicle may be formed by applying an adhesive to at least one of a first member and a first surface of a composite member, placing the first member in contact with the first surface of the composite member, applying an adhesive to at least one of a second member and a second surface of the composite member, positioning a divot portion of the second member within an aperture of the composite member, placing the second member in contact with the second surface of the composite member, attaching the divot portion of the second member with the first member and curing the adhesives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: John P. Fuchs, John D. Fickes, Erik Arthur Banks, Elisabeth Jane Berger
  • Patent number: 7578523
    Abstract: A four wheeled utility vehicle includes a pair of right and left rear wheels, a cabin arranged between the front wheels and the rear wheels, the cabin being defined with a cabin frame and accommodating an operational unit for the vehicle and seats for a passenger of the vehicle, a front fender for covering the front wheel and a front portion of the cabin frame, a protective frame disposed from a front portion of the cabin to a rear portion of the cabin through an upper portion of the cabin, and a front fixing member fixed rigidly to the front portion of the cabin frame so as to extend upward and project from the front fender through a through hole formed in the front fender, wherein a fore lower end of the protective frame is detachably and attachably fixed to the front fixing member at an upper end portion of the front fixing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideyoshi Kosuge, Naoki Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 7556469
    Abstract: A swivel frame structure for a hydraulic excavator, said swing frame structure being to be arranged in a swing upperstructure 21, has a center frame 1 composed of side plates 6,7 and a reinforcement plate 8 joined to each other. The swing frame structure is provided with mating portions for bringing the side plates 6,7 and the reinforcement plate 8 into engagement with each other. These mating portions comprise plug-in structure portions, which in turn comprise holes 6a,7a formed through the respective side plates 6,7 and lugs 8a,8b arranged on opposite side edge portions of the reinforcement plate 8 and to be inserted into the holes 6a,7a of the corresponding side plates 6,7. The center frame can be fabricated without needing any jigs for fixedly holding the side plates and a bottom plate together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nozomu Tanaka, Yasuo Koide, Hiroyuki Isobe
  • Patent number: 7540550
    Abstract: A vehicle body structure is provided with a bumper fascia panel with a bumper fascia mounting flange, a fender body panel with a fender mounting flange and a mounting flange attachment that secures the mounting flanges together. The mounting flange attachment arrangement has a first fastening member overlying the bumper fascia mounting flange, a second fastening member overlying the fender mounting flange and a fastening element coupling the first and second fastening members together. The bumper fascia mounting flange and the fender mounting flange are sandwiched between the first and second fastening members. The fastening element has a tool engagement portion located on an inboard side of the mounting flange attachment and a center fastening axis angled in an inboard direction of the vehicle body structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Huber, Ryuu Sano
  • 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: 20090121511
    Abstract: A corner rail extrusion (124) is disclosed for facilitating the sealing of joints at the corners of structures such as recreational vehicles. The corner rail extrusion (124) includes a pair of outwardly and generally perpendicularly extending legs comprising a first leg (126) and a second leg (128). The rail extrusion (124) also includes a central bulbous interior (130). The central bulbous interior (130) is positioned so as to span a corner formed by a side wall (104) and rear wall (106), with the bulbous interior (130) essentially “fitting into” a gap (122).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: Titan Distribution, LLC
    Inventor: Tobin Michael Goode
  • 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: 7527322
    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 5, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Stephen Hlopick, Darin D. King, Daniel Thomas Sellars, Matthew Alexander, Scott Daniel Batdorf
  • Patent number: 7527323
    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 5, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael V. Peterson, Darin D. King, Stephen Hlopick, Shinichi Karube, Anthony M. Schroeder
  • Publication number: 20090102217
    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: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Brian Boggess, Grant Foreman, Matthew Seman
  • Patent number: 7520562
    Abstract: In the case of vehicle variants of one “vehicle family”, different fenders and different front opening hoods adjoining the fenders are attached to forward vehicle structures by means of identical supporting members. For this purpose, the supporting members have connection planes for the upper end sections of the fenders, which are situated horizontally above one another. Thus, a different course of the joints, such as between a fender and an opening hood, and differently shaped body panels can be achieved in the case of vehicle variants at comparatively low cost by use of this common supporting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Cristian Dragoi
  • Patent number: 7520560
    Abstract: A structural bonding and sealing system for motor vehicle structural joints may include a first structural joint member including a first bonding and sealing surface, and a second structural joint member including a second bonding and sealing surface. The system further includes the first bonding and sealing surface disposed generally adjacent the second bonding and sealing surface, and the first and second structural joint members generally forming the motor vehicle structural joint. An expandable structural adhesive may be disposed between the first and second structural joint members adjacent the respective first and second bonding and sealing surfaces. The expandable structural adhesive may be expandable to substantially fill an area between the first and second structural joint members, to substantially bond the first and second structural joint members, and to substantially seal the first and second structural joint members from water and air intrusion without use of a separate sealant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steve Frank, David Gary Dahlstrom
  • Patent number: 7503608
    Abstract: Provided is a lead-in structure of a front console side panel for guiding the assembly thereof to a driver side lower panel. The lead-in structure includes a substrate having an elongated aperture and a plurality of lead-in bumps, whereas the lead-in bumps are spaced apart and aligned in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aperture. The lead-in bumps collectively have a lead-in surface and are connected onto the substrate and separated from the aperture by a distance. The lead-in bumps optionally are merged to form a singly elongated bump. The angle between the lead-in surface and the aperture is greater than 90 degree, preferably greater than 110 degrees, and more preferably greater than 130 degrees. The number of the lead-in bumps aligned is an integer between 2 and 10. Alternatively, the lead-in bumps are resiliently deformable so as to minimize contact friction during panel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Samaneh Shahidehpour
  • Patent number: 7503623
    Abstract: A metal frame made up of a plurality of linear bars, which have a constant cross section, are obtained by extrusion, and are joined to one another by means of welding at structural nodes defined by jointing bodies provided with pockets for housing the linear bars. The jointing bodies have box type structures and are made up of the union of respective a load-bearing element, which is obtained by extrusion and has a given direction of extrusion, with a pair of plane closing metal sheets, which are set perpendicular to the direction of extrusion and are welded to the load-bearing element on opposite sides of the load-bearing element. The load-bearing element may also be formed by the lateral union of a number of simple elements, each of the simple elements being obtained directly via extrusion and having a given direction of extrusion parallel to the direction of extrusion of the other simple elements, and wherein the simple elements are joined to one another laterally by mechanical slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.
    Inventor: Fabrizio Favaretto
  • Patent number: 7494177
    Abstract: A bulkhead for a transport vehicle, such as a flatbed trailer, includes a corrugated front panel, side panels attached to the sides of the front panel and a top panel attached to the upper edge of the front panel. The side and top panels are formed from two interlocking extrusions that are substantially identical whether used to form the top panel or the side panels. The extrusions include a first extrusion with a substantially forward facing wall that is angled and curved relative to the front panel. A second extrusion is connected to the first through a male-female interlocking connection along the mutual length of the extrusions. The second extrusion includes a side facing wall and a forward facing wall portion that merges with the forward facing wall of the first extrusion to form non-perpendicular side corners of the bulkhead. The side and top panels combine to form open upper corners that support a light assembly and corner bezel. A decorative panel is mounted to and covering the corrugated front panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Aero Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven A. Henning
  • Patent number: 7488022
    Abstract: A structural joint configuration is formed in an automotive frame in which the frame members are bent into an angular orientation and joined together to form a structural joint in the automotive frame in which loads imposed on any of the frame members forming the joint will be transferred to and shared with the other frame members in the joint. The structural joint can be configured with as many legs as needed to conform to the number of frame members entering the joint. The frame members can be formed with any cross-sectional shape and from any conventional material or combination of materials. Joining the frame members at the structural joint can be accomplished by welding or by applying adhesives. Load distribution through the frame members forming the structural joint enables the joint to withstand an application of high loads without major cracks or bending at the structural joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jamel Belwafa, Bahig Fileta, Saied Nusier, Hikmat Mahmood
  • Patent number: 7488023
    Abstract: A structural joint for a vehicle is provided that includes a first tubular beam with forward and rear faces extending in a non-fore and aft direction. A bracket has a first leg abutting the first beam's forward face and a second leg transverse to the forward and rearward faces. The bracket has a third leg extending generally outward from the second leg. A mound is connected with the bracket and extending outwardly from the bracket's third leg provides a presentation surface spaced away from the bracket third leg. A second tubular beam has an end with a generally inverted U-shaped rear face with a central portion that abuts the mound. The second beam rear face also has vertical end portions abutting the bracket third leg. The second tubular beam has a front face which is spaced from the bracket third leg. Threaded fasteners connect the bracket and the second tubular beam together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Magna International
    Inventors: Ameil A. Kapadia, Martin R. Matthews, Hao Chen
  • Publication number: 20090001744
    Abstract: A structural joint for a vehicle is provided that includes a first tubular beam with forward and rear faces extending in a non-fore and aft direction. A bracket has a first leg abutting the first beam's forward face and a second leg transverse to the forward and rearward faces. The bracket has a third leg extending generally outward from the second leg. A mound is connected with the bracket and extending outwardly from the bracket's third leg provides a presentation surface spaced away from the bracket third leg. A second tubular beam has an end with a generally inverted U-shaped rear face with a central portion that abuts the mound. The second beam rear face also has vertical end portions abutting the bracket third leg. The second tubular beam has a front face which is spaced from the bracket third leg. Threaded fasteners connect the bracket and the second tubular beam together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Ameil A. Kapadia, Martin R. Matthews, Hao Chen
  • Patent number: 7441819
    Abstract: A structural joint is formed between the upper frame rail, which bends downwardly to define a generally vertically extending portion, and a generally fore-and-aft extending lower frame rail that can be tuned to manage the flow of crash energy during an impact situation. The upper frame rail is formed as a conventional four-sided tube, but is reformed at the intersection with the lower frame rail into a multiple-sided configuration that defines a mating surface for connection to the lower frame rail. The size of the mating surface has a fore-and-aft width dimension of between 20 and 40 millimeters and can be tuned to selectively control the management of crash forces encountered during an impact. The welded connection between the upper and lower frame rails forming this structural joint provides adequate stiffness and rigidity for the function of an automotive frame, yet presents a reduced shear strength in the fore-and-aft direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Azzouz, Musa Azzouz, Tim Mouch, Ridha Baccouche
  • Patent number: 7441831
    Abstract: An attachment mount apparatus connects a subframe component to the lower frame midrail structure for an automotive vehicle that is formed from a pair of tubular members manufactured through a hydroforming process. The two tubular members are formed with a pair of opposing semi-cylindrical depressions to receive a cylindrical mounting member internally of the frame structure. One of the semi-cylindrical depressions and the corresponding outer wall of the tubular member are pierced to receive the cylindrical mount and a mounting plate. The opposing semi-cylindrical depression serves as a stop to locate the cylindrical mount along the centerline of the frame structure. The mounting plate spans the entire frame structure and is supported on four wall thicknesses to provide a stable mount structure for subframe components. The cylindrical mounting member is threaded to receive a fastener for the mounting of the subframe member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ari Caliskan, Dean Gericke
  • Patent number: 7438350
    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: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael V. Peterson, Darin D. King, Stephen Hlopick, Shinichi Karube, Daryl Nolt
  • Publication number: 20080246312
    Abstract: In a rear section structure of a vehicle, corners are defined by upstanding rear pillars at opposite ends of a back door opening and a lower back extending below the back door opening and extending laterally of the vehicle. A lower back inner part is extended to just below a rear pillar outer reinforcement to be joined to a lower portion of the rear pillar outer reinforcement. As a result, the corners can be reinforced without substantially increasing number of parts and assembling man-power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: HINO MOTORS, LTD.
    Inventor: Hideaki KATOH
  • Patent number: 7431384
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a locating pin and a retention clip. The locating pin and the retention clip allow alignment of the front end module with the body structure and the retention clip secures the two assemblies in place which allows alignment of fastener holes. This conserves time in the assembly line and allows more accurate and rapid assembly of the front end module on the body structure reducing the time necessary for assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Magna International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ameil A. Kapadia, Gari M. Schalte, Thomas Pilette
  • Patent number: 7422272
    Abstract: A module for a frame for a motor vehicle and a method of forming a frame assembly with a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending central side rail structures includes, in one embodiment, using a pair of tubular hydroformed side rail members and a laterally extending connecting structure connected between the pair of side rail members to secure the pair of side rail members in laterally spaced, fixed relation to one another. Each first portion of the pair of side rail members extending longitudinally and each second portion of the pair of side rail members extending laterally relative to the respective first portion and each second portion having an end being constructed and arranged to form a joint with a portion of a respective central side rail structure such that the end of each of the pair of side rail members extends generally laterally through a side of the respective central side rail structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Frank A. Horton, Gianfranco Gabbianelli, Richard D. Ashley, David Cumming
  • Publication number: 20080169682
    Abstract: A vehicle having a rear end body structure that includes first and second rear side castings. The first and second rear side castings interlock with at least one structure that at least partially defines a passenger compartment of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Gregory Thomas Hedderly
  • Publication number: 20080169665
    Abstract: A vehicle having a body structure for at least a portion of a passenger compartment of the vehicle disposed adjacent to a front portion of the passenger compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Gregory Thomas Hedderly