With Specific Mounting Means Therefor Patents (Class 296/97.9)
  • Patent number: 11975597
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are accessory devices and systems for vehicles including: a base plate assembly comprising a base plate and an articulating bracket, the base plate configured to be fixedly secured to a portion of a vehicle and the articulating bracket configured to be releasably secured to the vehicle using the base plate at a plurality of locations; and at least one auxiliary visor panel or accessory connected to the base plate assembly. Also disclosed herein are method of using the disclosed devices and systems for interchangeably moving the base plate assembly with connected auxiliary visor panel or accessory between vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Smart Additions, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Johananoff
  • Patent number: 11370277
    Abstract: A sun visor assembly includes a sun visor panel. A first arm extends from the sun visor panel. An attachment assembly is supported by the first arm. The first arm is rotatably coupled with the attachment assembly. The attachment assembly is configured to detachably connect with a second arm of a second sun visor panel. The attachment assembly includes a connection block. The connection block includes an orifice. A connection arm includes a projection at a first end of the connection arm. The projection is configured to releasably connect with the orifice of the connection block. A connection loop extends from a second end of the connection arm. The connection loop is configured to connect with the second arm of the second sun visor panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Inventors: Ilene Mecker, Christopher Donnellan
  • Patent number: 11142046
    Abstract: A vehicle side-window sun shield detachably mounts to a vehicle side-window to block sunlight from the outer arm of the driver or passenger in a vehicle. The sun shield includes a flat lower portion panel having two legs that fit into the slot between the window and rubber strip along window. The sun shield also includes a flat upper portion panel integrally formed with the lower portion panel. Upper portion panel is disposed at an angle of at least 45° relative to the lower portion panel to shade the outer arm from the ultra violet light of the sun. The upper portion panel extends towards the interior of the vehicle above the driver or passenger arm to block sunlight. The upper portion panel may extend out 5¼? over the arm of the driver. A film overlays the panels to block the ultraviolet light of sun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Inventor: Scott Catuzza
  • Patent number: 10988003
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a support structure. A headliner is disposed proximate the support structure and includes a substrate and a cover stock disposed over the substrate. The substrate defines an elongated recess. A visor assembly includes a visor coupled to the headliner via a shaft on a first side of the visor. The visor includes a coupling member on a second opposing side of the visor. The check assembly is coupled to the headliner within the elongated recess and selectively engages the coupling member of the visor. The check assembly includes an upper check member and a lower check member configured to at least partially separate from the upper check member and translate along the elongated recess in response to a predetermined force acting on the lower check member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey T. Baxter
  • Patent number: 10926612
    Abstract: A door curtain assembly having a variable screening rate structure may include an internal curtain provided to be wound in a door trim and having patterns; an external curtain provided to be wound in the door trim and having a plurality of patterns; a control knob to which an upper edge portion of the internal curtain and an upper edge portion of the external curtain are fixed, and which is configured to adjust the positions of the internal and external curtains so that a rate at which the patterns of the internal curtain and the patterns of the external curtain overlap with each other may be changed, whereby the screening rate may be adjusted; and a curtain hook disposed on an upper end portion of a door frame so that the control knob may be locked to the curtain hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Do-Won Kim
  • Patent number: 9434241
    Abstract: A vehicle sun visor includes: a sun visor body; a support shaft; and a damper configured to apply braking force at the time when the sun visor body turns. The damper includes: a rotor and a rotor case that supports the rotor such that the rotor is rotatable around its axis. The rotor includes a cylindrical portion in which the support shaft is inserted, the cylindrical portion being held so as to be non-rotatable with respect to the support shaft. The rotor case is held by the sun visor body in a state where the rotor case is non-rotatable with respect to the sun visor body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: KYOWA SANGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Asai, Kosuke Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 9085930
    Abstract: The system provides a removable sun screen that can provide shade and/or UV protection for strollers, car seats, and other carriers for infants and toddlers. The device has adjustable fastening means that allow it to be used with a plurality of carriers. The device includes at least four deformable and semi-rigid fastening mechanisms that are pivotally mounted to a screen member. The pivotal mounting allows the fastening mechanisms to be repositioned as desired, allowing the device to have more universal application to a multiple of carriers. The device includes two top straps that are also bendable and can be pivoted to aid in affixing the screen member to a carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: STEINER INNOVATIONS
    Inventors: Richard Francis Steiner, Donald William Steiner, Scott Jewett
  • Patent number: 9061568
    Abstract: Improved visors for mounting to golf carts are provided. A shade member can be connected to at least one mounting bracket. The bracket can be configured to include two mounting arms each having a substantially flat portion including an aperture therethrough and an arcturate portion. A mounting member can be fixedly connected to a golf cart frame and rotationally connected to the shade member thereby allowing rotation of the shade member to a plurality of stable positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: GOLF CART VISORS, LLC
    Inventor: John O'Flynn
  • Patent number: 9033392
    Abstract: A vehicle sun visor includes: a sun visor body; a support shaft; and a damper configured to apply braking force at the time when the sun visor body turns. The damper includes: a rotor and a rotor case that supports the rotor such that the rotor is rotatable around its axis. The rotor includes a cylindrical portion in which the support shaft is inserted, the cylindrical portion being held so as to be non-rotatable with respect to the support shaft. The rotor case is held by the sun visor body in a state where the rotor case is non-rotatable with respect to the sun visor body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: KYOWA SANGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Asai, Kosuke Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 8960762
    Abstract: A check assembly for a visor assembly of a vehicle is coupled with a headliner of a vehicle roof near a center portion of the vehicle, away from the vehicle door or windows. A clip on the check assembly is adapted to secure small lightweight items and deter such items from being exposed to weather or wind conditions near vehicle door windows, a vehicle sunroof, or an exposed top. The visor portion may engage a clasp on the check assembly and operate between deployed and non-deployed positions, whereby the clip of the check assembly may be concealed in the non-deployed position. According to one embodiment, the check assembly includes a resilient clip protruding rearward from a body portion thereof over a depressed area on the headliner for holding a lightweight item therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Huelke, Phil Joseph Linson, Jim Allen Stec, Justin Lee Healy, Jeff Todd Baxter, John Andrew Stakoe, Alexander V. Deych
  • Patent number: 8931822
    Abstract: A vehicle sun visor includes: an urging member that applies turning force toward a storage position to a sun visor body when a turning angle of the sun visor body from the storage position is a predetermined angle or smaller; and a damper that applies braking force when the sun visor body turns. When a turning speed of the sun visor body toward the storage position is a predetermined speed or lower, the damper braking force is smaller than a value obtained by subtracting turning force based on the weight of the sun visor body from the turning force of the urging member, and, when the turning speed exceeds the predetermined speed, the damper braking force is larger than or equal to the value obtained by subtracting the turning force based on the weight of the sun visor body from the turning force of the urging member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Kyowa Sangyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Asai, Kosuke Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20150008696
    Abstract: Improved visors for mounting to golf carts are provided. A shade member can be connected to at least one mounting bracket. The bracket can be configured to include two mounting arms each having a substantially flat portion including an aperture therethrough and an arcturate portion. A mounting member can be fixedly connected to a golf cart frame and rotationally connected to the shade member thereby allowing rotation of the shade member to a plurality of stable positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: John O'Flynn
  • Patent number: 8919856
    Abstract: A sunshade hook includes a generally j-shaped hook member having a first leg portion and a second leg portion connected thereto along a bight region. A base has a substantially planar first portion that extends substantially perpendicular to the first leg portion of the hook member, and a second portion that extends generally parallel relation to the base first portion. A snap tab selectively deflects as the base is advanced over a bracket for mounting the one-piece hook in an associated automotive vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Generoso Tan Sia, Jr., Shinichi Yamase
  • Patent number: 8876186
    Abstract: A vehicle visor assembly having a visor which includes a first end pivotally coupled with a header, an intermediate portion, and a second end. A retention check is coupled with the header about a fastener. The retention check includes an outward protruding member for retaining the second end of the visor. A perforation is disposed between the member and the fastener and it is configured to fracture when the member receives an impact force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: David Huelke
  • Patent number: 8851150
    Abstract: A sunshade hook assembly includes a body having a generally J-shaped hook. The hook has a first, proximal portion that merges into the body, and a second, distal portion forming an open-ended terminal end dimensioned to receive a rod of the associated sunshade. An attachment member extends from the body and includes a detent mechanism that requires a predetermined force for securing the body to an associated bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventors: Shinichi Yamase, Konrad P. Szwed
  • Patent number: 8845003
    Abstract: A snap-in fastener is provided for securing a vehicle component to a vehicle structure. The fastener comprises a base having a longitudinal axis, a first leg extending downwardly and outwardly from the base and configured to apply a force to the vehicle structure in a first direction, and a second leg extending downwardly from the base and configured to apply a force to the vehicle structure in a second direction that is substantially opposite the first direction. The first leg may have a first portion extending from the base at a first angle relative to the longitudinal axis and a second portion extending from the first portion at a second angle relative to the longitudinal axis that is different than the first angle. The first leg may also have a foot having a contact surface with an inwardly extending profile for engaging an edge of the vehicle structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Kevin A. Still, Kenneth Kreuze, Michael Selle, Ronald C. Perry, Rodney J. Tindall
  • Publication number: 20140265423
    Abstract: A sunshade hook includes a generally j-shaped hook member having a first leg portion and a second leg portion connected thereto along a bight region. A base has a substantially planar first portion that extends substantially perpendicular to the first leg portion of the hook member, and a second portion that extends generally parallel relation to the base first portion. A snap tab selectively deflects as the base is advanced over a bracket for mounting the one-piece hook in an associated automotive vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
  • Patent number: 8789870
    Abstract: A vehicle visor extension that provides glare protection at sunset and sunrise by providing an auxiliary sun visor that has an upper portion which slidingly engages a cavity within an extant vehicle visor and that has a lower portion that selectively pivotally engages a bottom side of the upper portion, and that also is formed of glare reduction material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: Dorothy M. Tolbert
  • Patent number: 8764093
    Abstract: The invention concerns a fixture, for example a sun visor used in a vehicle, comprising a covering element provided with a latch member and a basic body rotatably carried on a spindle element. The spindle element includes a positioning member. When the covering element and basic body are counter-rotated on the spindle element, the positioning member moves the latch member from a mounting position to a fitted position. The fixture when installed can be locked by means of the latch member on a fitted body which, for example, may be an interior trim piece of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Interiors GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Patrick Welter
  • Patent number: 8757241
    Abstract: A protective screen for a vehicle, in particular a sun screen for a vehicle roof is configured as a flexible planar structure for fastening in the region of the vehicle roof or of a trunk compartment. The flexible planar structure has a first layer, which, at least in some sections, is of elastically stretchable configuration, and an overlying second layer, which is configured as a UV protective layer. Alternatively, the flexible planar structure has a main region having lower elasticity and/or air permeability, and secondary regions of a first type, having higher elasticity and/or air permeability than the main region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: BOS GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Stark
  • Publication number: 20140091592
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sun visor for a vehicle which has a visor body and a fastening region, wherein the fastening region is for fastening the visor body to a counterpart attached to a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Interiors GmbH & Co.KG
    Inventor: Jacky Dolisy
  • Patent number: 8678468
    Abstract: A check assembly portion of a visor assembly for a vehicle is generally fixedly coupled with the headliner of the vehicle roof near a center portion of the vehicle, away from the vehicle door or windows. Adapting a clip to a check assembly portion of a visor assembly to secure small lightweight items will deter such items from being exposed to weather or wind conditions near a vehicle door, a vehicle sunroof, or an exposed top, which a visor portion of a visor assembly typically becomes closer to such locations. The visor portion may also be operable between a deployed and a non-deployed position, wherein the clip on the check assembly may be concealed in the non-deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Huelke, Phil Joseph Linson, James Allen Stec, Justin Lee Healy, John Andrew Stakoe, Alexander V. Deych, Jeff Todd Baxter
  • Patent number: 8657357
    Abstract: A visor has a curvilinear section which is pivotally mounted to the header rail of a vehicle and, when in a stored position, conforms closely to the geometry of the header rail. It is mounted to allow the visor to pivot away from the windshield toward the driver or passenger, lowering the visor to provide sun-blocking protection. It can be rotated further until it extends through the open area of the roof, when the roof is removed, to provide sun-blocking above the header rail. The curvilinear visor body may also include a glare shield which can be extended from the lower edge of the visor to provide additional sun-blocking protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Marcus Automotive, LLC
    Inventors: Brian R. Dexter, Jonathan P. Marcus
  • Patent number: 8646828
    Abstract: A sunshade assembly wherein the sunshade is secured in a deployed position at a single location, and wherein when the sunshade is retracted, the field of view through the window is unobstructed by securing members or the like. More particularly, the sunshade assembly utilizes a recessed hook or hook retainer within a trim panel adjacent the window as an anchor point, while a handgrip secured to the window shade is configured to pivot into a position to permit a hook or hook retainer associated therewith to be inserted into the recessed anchor point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Charles Stephen Haase, Shinichi Yamase, Generoso Tan Sia, Jr., Ruben E. Guanzon, Ryuichi Fukuyama
  • Publication number: 20140021735
    Abstract: A check assembly portion of a visor assembly for a vehicle is generally fixedly coupled with the headliner of the vehicle roof near a center portion of the vehicle, away from the vehicle door or windows. Adapting a clip to a check assembly portion of a visor assembly to secure small lightweight items will deter such items from being exposed to weather or wind conditions near a vehicle door, a vehicle sunroof, or an exposed top, which a visor portion of a visor assembly typically becomes closer to such locations. The visor portion may also be operable between a deployed and a non-deployed position, wherein the clip on the check assembly may be concealed in the non-deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: David Huelke, Phil Joseph Linson, James Allen Stec, Justin Lee Healy, John Andrew Stakoe, Alexander V. Deych, Jeff Todd Baxter
  • Publication number: 20130320702
    Abstract: A vehicle sun visor includes: a sun visor body; a support shaft; and a damper configured to apply braking force at the time when the sun visor body turns. The damper includes: a rotor and a rotor case that supports the rotor such that the rotor is rotatable around its axis. The rotor includes a cylindrical portion in which the support shaft is inserted, the cylindrical portion being held so as to be non-rotatable with respect to the support shaft. The rotor case is held by the sun visor body in a state where the rotor case is non-rotatable with respect to the sun visor body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Takashi ASAI, Kosuke YAMAZAKI
  • Publication number: 20130313853
    Abstract: A wire frame visor includes a generally U-shaped wire frame having inwardly extending spaced-apart opposed ends. An envelope of sun-blocking material is fastened over the generally rectangular wire frame. A mounting structure pivotally receives the opposed ends of the wire frame and is adapted to be secured to a location in a vehicle for use of the visor. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mounting structure includes at least one adjustable torque clip which receives an inwardly projecting end of the wire frame to control the pivotal motion of the visor. In one embodiment the torque clip includes a loop which surrounds the end of the wire frame and an adjustment screw for tightening the loop around the wire end. Straps can be employed to attach the mounting structure to a side tubular member of a vehicle when so equipped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Marcus Automotive, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Marcus, William J. Fluharty, Kirk William Edwards, Craig William Brekke
  • Patent number: 8579010
    Abstract: A sunshade hook is provided which has an improved hook shape configuration that overlaps the rod-shaped member of the sunshade to prevent inadvertent pullout. An access passage is modified and dimensional relationships established between the hook and the sunshade to prevent inadvertent removal. The stem is also modified to increase the perimeter engagement with an opening in the bracket and increase the ability to withstand shearing stress imposed by wind forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Troy Medlar, Shinichi Yamase
  • Patent number: 8424950
    Abstract: A vehicle sun visor includes: a sun visor body; a support shaft that supports the sun visor body; a mounting bracket that attaches the support shaft to a vehicle; a pair of first conductive element and second conductive element that are provided at a shaft end of the support shaft adjacent to the mounting bracket and inside the support shaft; a divider that is interposed between first ends; and a pair of terminals that supply electric power to the first ends. A gap is formed between the divider and at least one of the first ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Kyowa Sangyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Norio Ebisuoka
  • Publication number: 20130082479
    Abstract: A side window visor is mounted to a header to pivot downwardly away from the windshield. The visor is secured to the vehicle with a two axis angled mounting assembly which allows the side window visor to pivot downwardly away from the headliner and then upwardly and to the side for blocking sun entering from the side window without encroaching in the user's head space. A visor assembly including the side window visor also has a primary visor which is mounted to pivot downwardly away from the windshield and a rotatable glare shield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: Marcus Automotive, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Marcus, Brian R. Dexter
  • Publication number: 20130001976
    Abstract: A visor has a curvilinear section which is pivotally mounted to the header rail of a vehicle and, when in a stored position, conforms closely to the geometry of the header rail. It is mounted to allow the visor to pivot away from the windshield toward the driver or passenger, lowering the visor to provide sun-blocking protection. It can be rotated further until it extends through the open area of the roof, when the roof is removed, to provide sun-blocking above the header rail. The curvilinear visor body may also include a glare shield which can be extended from the lower edge of the visor to provide additional sun-blocking protection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Brian R. Dexter, Jonathan P. Marcus
  • Patent number: 8287025
    Abstract: The removable windshield sun screen device provides for screening sun that typically comes in adjacent to and near a rearview mirror inside a windshield of an auto. An area surrounding the rearview mirror is typically not sufficiently shielded by existing auto sun visors, hence the value of the present device. Further, the present device is pliable and removable, and therefore easily transported and stored. The device may be removably fastened to a windshield interior by more than one means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventors: Gerald Bandola, Pearl Bandola
  • Publication number: 20120228896
    Abstract: A sunshade hook is provided which has an improved hook shape configuration that overlaps the rod-shaped member of the sunshade to prevent inadvertent pullout. An access passage is modified and dimensional relationships established between the hook and the sunshade to prevent inadvertent removal. The stem is also modified to increase the perimeter engagement with an opening in the bracket and increase the ability to withstand shearing stress imposed by wind forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Troy Medlar, Shinichi Yamase
  • Patent number: 8220858
    Abstract: A headliner assembly configured to retain a visor to the headliner. The headliner has an outer surface opposite an inner surface, and a visor rod aperture. The visor rod aperture is in communication with the inner and outer surface. The headliner assembly including a clip configured to retain an end portion of the visor rod. The clip is disposed on the inner surface of the headliner. The headliner assembly further includes a base having a first portion configured to retain the clip and a second portion. The outer edge of the second portion extends a predetermined distance from the first portion so as to create a moment in equal magnitude of the moment experienced by the clip when the visor rod is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Keith Moenter
  • Patent number: 8210588
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle grab handle (10) having a handle (12) and at least one bearing support (14) for attaching the vehicle grab handle (10) to a vehicle body, a bearing section (18) of the handle (12) being pivotally mounted to the bearing support (14), two shaft stubs (22, 24) being provided on the bearing support (14) which define a pivot axis (S) for the handle (12) and which can be shifted along the pivot axis (S) from an initial position to a connection position, and the shaft stubs (22, 24) coupling the handle (12) and the bearing support (14) to one another in the connection position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH
    Inventors: Jan Boehner, Hubert Loewe
  • Patent number: 8141832
    Abstract: A one-piece molded holder clip is provided for retaining an associated sunshade rod. The clip has a body in which a hook element is formed with the body and having a generally C-shaped conformation to receive the rod therein. A sunshade guide surface is formed in the body and extends substantially tangentially from the hook element. A fastener is formed with the body and extends from a rear surface of the sunshade guide surface. First and second legs are received over a bracket extending from the automotive vehicle frame and at least one of the legs includes a locking tab dimensioned for snap-fit engagement with an associated bracket. A cover is formed with the one-piece body and extends from the hook element, and covers the fastener to provide an aesthetically pleasing design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Timothy Chak
  • Patent number: 8091946
    Abstract: A screwless visor for use in a vehicle is disclosed. The visor includes a body, and an arm having a first end and a second end with the second end arranged in the body. The arm also has an elbow arranged near the first end. The visor also includes a mounting assembly secured to the headliner. The mounting assembly includes an inner collar arranged over the first end of the arm and a bracket in contact with the inner collar. The bracket has a hook extending from a surface thereof wherein the hook is in contact with the headliner. The screwless mount assembly will allow for easier installation and removal of the visor from the headliner of the interior of an automotive vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Irvin Automotive Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David Huff, Shane DeVoe
  • Patent number: 8070209
    Abstract: A sun visor assembly includes a sun visor in which the corners associated with one of the longer edges are rotatably mounted to an automotive vehicle, one corner of which is fixed and the other corner being removable from a mount affixed to the vehicle. The removable corner has a cutout with a cylindrical pin coupled to the cutout at both ends of the pin. The mount has an arcuate cradle to engage the pin over less than half of its circumference. The opening to gain access to the cradle faces generally downward when installed and the pin is held in the mount by magnetic attraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chi Li, John Andrew Stakoe, Todd Jared Konet
  • Patent number: 8066316
    Abstract: An adjustable mounting system for a vehicular body component includes a base having a number of slide rails, with retainers slidingly engaged with the slide rails. Each retainer has a retention section for mounting the base to a surface within the vehicular body, which is attached to a slidably mounted pediment. Fastener retainers located within the pediments allow devices such as interior trim pieces to be attached to the adjustable mounting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventor: David Huelke
  • Patent number: 8038199
    Abstract: A visor is mounted to a vehicle such that it pivots from a pocket in a vehicle headliner adjacent the windshield downwardly away from the windshield from the stored position to a use position. A mounting bracket coupled to the visor and mounting clip coupled to the vehicle cooperate to hold the visor in a stored position and allow its pivoting to a lowered use position and movement in connection with a pivot rod assembly on the opposite end of the visor to a side window position. The pivot rod assembly includes a cam mechanism for lowering the visor as it pivots from the front window position to the side window position. A push-push spring-loaded pivoted extender panel can be deployed from an edge of the visor to increase sun blocking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Marcus Automotive, LLC
    Inventors: Kónrad H. Marcus, Peter T. LaDuke, Timothy A. Bindon
  • Patent number: 8020914
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a visor support and a method of supporting a visor. In one embodiment, the support comprises a body and a flange with the visor is attached to the body such that the visor moves with respect to the body. A fastener attaches the body to the flange such that the body moves with respect to the flange. A first detent is disposed on the flange. A first ball is disposed on the body. The first ball is engageable with the first detent to control vertical movement of the visor. A second detent is disposed on the visor. A second ball is disposed on the body. The second ball is engageable with the second detent to control horizontal movement of the visor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen F. Burns
  • Patent number: 7992918
    Abstract: In daily driving one is constant bombarded with distractions. Falling victim to the blinding sunlight can be one, such outcome that can lead to a disastrous of car accident. My invention will provide drivers and passengers added security by adding a transparent light color visor to the original car visor thus shielding the user from unwanted light. this is accomplished by employing two parallel rows visor, the first row which uses the transparent light color visor, the second row which is the existing factory visor, the two row of visors will use the existing mounting bracket along with a bracket adapter to mounted it the two rows visor may overlap each other and be used separately at various position to shield the eyes of the automobile driver and passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Tony Mintung Mac
  • Publication number: 20110163568
    Abstract: A sun visor assembly includes a sun visor in which the corners associated with one of the longer edges are rotatably mounted to an automotive vehicle, one corner of which is fixed and the other corner being removable from a mount affixed to the vehicle. The removable corner has a cutout with a cylindrical pin coupled to the cutout at both ends of the pin. The mount has an arcuate cradle to engage the pin over less than half of its circumference. The opening to gain access to the cradle faces generally downward when installed and the pin is held in the mount by magnetic attraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Chi Li, John Andrew Stakoe, Todd Jared Konet
  • Patent number: 7967266
    Abstract: The hook includes a body having a receiving space for receiving the journal and, within the body, a clip for coupling to the journal and an actuator for actuating the clip. The clip includes a semi-cylindrical wall, two flaps and two hinges for pivotal hinging of each flap to a respective one of the walls. The clip has a closed position in which the flaps have come towards each other to form with the wall a bearing for the journal, and an open position in which the flaps are separated for freeing and insertion of the journal from/into the receiving space. The passage from one position to the other is actuated by the actuator by pressing the journal on the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: I.T.W. de France
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Lesecq, Emile Droche, Jean-Pierre Cordola
  • Patent number: 7965051
    Abstract: A user selectable optional power tinting system. A typical OPTS includes a user selection interface operable to allow a user to select a tinting option from a plurality of tinting options, a panel selection assembly coupled to the user selection interface and operable to engage a window panel corresponding to an option selected by the user selection interface, an actuator motor operable to engage the panel selection assembly when an option is selected from the user selection interface, and a plurality of differently tinted panels operable to be engaged by the panel selection assembly when an option is selected from the user selection interface, each differently tinted panel corresponding to one of the plurality of tinting options.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventors: Wayne Walker, Earnie Lee Walker
  • Patent number: 7954875
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sun visor for a motor vehicle, with a planar, elongate main visor body which is mounted rotatably on a rotary spindle running approximately perpendicularly to the longitudinal extent of the main visor body, the rotary spindle being coupled to a main swivel spindle for swiveling the main visor body from a not-in-use position into a use position and vice versa, the main swivel spindle, in the not-in-use position, being integrated in the roof (6) of the motor vehicle parallel to the longitudinal extent of the main visor body and at a distance from the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Jan Bohner, Hans-Juergen Franz, Klaus Pflaumbaum
  • Publication number: 20110127795
    Abstract: A snap-in fastener is provided for securing a vehicle component to a vehicle structure. The fastener comprises a base having a longitudinal axis, a first leg extending downwardly and outwardly from the base and configured to apply a force to the vehicle structure in a first direction, and a second leg extending downwardly from the base and configured to apply a force to the vehicle structure in a second direction that is substantially opposite the first direction. The first leg may have a first portion extending from the base at a first angle relative to the longitudinal axis and a second portion extending from the first portion at a second angle relative to the longitudinal axis that is different than the first angle. The first leg may also have a foot having a contact surface with an inwardly extending profile for engaging an edge of the vehicle structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: Kevin A. Still, Kenneth Kreuze, Michael Selle, Ronald C. Perry, Rodney J. Tindall
  • Publication number: 20110101726
    Abstract: A headliner assembly configured to retain a visor to the headliner. The headliner has an outer surface opposite an inner surface, and a visor rod aperture. The visor rod aperture is in communication with the inner and outer surface. The headliner assembly including a clip configured to retain an end portion of the visor rod. The clip is disposed on the inner surface of the headliner. The headliner assembly further includes a base having a first portion configured to retain the clip and a second portion. The outer edge of the second portion extends a predetermined distance from the first portion so as to create a moment in equal magnitude of the moment experienced by the clip when the visor rod is installed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Keith Moenter
  • Publication number: 20110101725
    Abstract: In daily driving one is constant bombarded with distractions. Falling victim to the blinding sunlight can be one, such outcome that can lead to a disastrous of car accident. My invention will provide drivers and passengers added security by adding a transparent light color visor to the original car visor thus shielding the user from unwanted light. this is accomplished by employing two parallel rows visor, the first row which uses the transparent light color visor. the second row which is the existing factory visor. the two row of visors will use the existing mounting bracket along with a bracket adapter to mounted it the two rows visor may overlap each other and be used separately at various position to shield the eyes of the automobile driver and passenger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Tony Mintung Mac
  • Patent number: 7926864
    Abstract: A sun visor, such as for a vehicle, includes a spindle about which the sun visor may be pivoted and along which the sun visor may be displaced longitudinally. The spindle has a flattened portion. A latching-spring cage has a first pressure means. A tube receives a displaceable slide, while the slide receives the latching-spring cage, which in turn receives the spindle. A braking moment with regard to longitudinal displacement of the sun visor along the spindle is provided by second pressure means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Patrick Welter