For Automotive Vehicles Patents (Class 70/237)
  • Publication number: 20090160211
    Abstract: A passive entry system for an vehicle door requires no active operator input to gain entrance to the vehicle. A door module recognizes the signal transmitted by an authorized key fob to identify the operator of the vehicle. The authentication of the operator coupled with the operator touching a sensor on the door to be opened actuates a release actuator that unlatches the selected door. The spring-load provided by the door seal will pop the door open from the closed position. A key cylinder, which can be located substantially anywhere on the door, is coupled mechanically to the release latch for use if the battery is weak and cannot activate the release actuator. An LED signals the state of the opening sequence for the door. The fixed door handle can incorporate a membrane switch or a capacitive sensor to indicate the selection of the door by the operator when touched.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 25, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Venkatesh Krishnan, James Joseph Loschiavo, Kosta Papanikolaou
  • Publication number: 20090151411
    Abstract: A locking device for a vehicle that is equipped with a rotor having a notch to break the rotor when an excessive external force is applied from the outside may include a retaining groove that is recessed from outer surface of the rotor toward the center thereof, and/or a locking pin coupling the rotor and a rotor case, the locking pin inserted into the retaining groove of the rotor through the rotor case, wherein the rotor is rotatably coupled to the rotor case therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Sangsub Um, Yongbeom Ko
  • Publication number: 20090145183
    Abstract: A lock device for a vehicle includes a base plate provided with an entrance/retracting groove for receiving or retracting a striker and a latch pivotally supported on the base plate by a latch axis. The latch includes a lock groove engaging with or disengaging from the striker entering the entrance/retracting groove and rotatable between a lock release position allowing the striker entering into the entrance/retracting groove and a lock position for holding the striker in the entrance/retracting groove by the movement of the striker. A first biasing member is provided for biasing the latch in the rotational direction to the release position to bias the pawl in a rotational direction towards the release preventing position and a second biasing member is provided for biasing the rotation plate in a rotational direction towards the release position of the latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenji MAETA, Kouji Kondoh, Takuya Mizuno
  • Publication number: 20090145181
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrically-openable lock fitting for a motor vehicle, connected to main electric supply means (3) and to emergency electric supply means for the lock in the event of a malfunction of the main means. The emergency supply means comprise a power reserve component (6) and electric energy reserve means (6), and an identification element (4, 8D) ensuring the identification of the user. The identification element comprises at least one signal receiver (4) communicating with an element which can deliver a signal in order to identify the user. According to the invention, connection of said power reserve means (9) is controlled in such a way that the power reserve means (9) supply the energy reserve component (6) once identification has been made and authorized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Jean-Christophe Pecoul, Tamim Belhaj
  • Publication number: 20090145182
    Abstract: An auxiliary locking drive for a motor vehicle lock having its own drive housing and being located separate from the vehicle lock in the installed state. The auxiliary locking drive can be coupled to the vehicle lock by way of a transmission that transmits a linear driving motion produced by a drive motor to the vehicle lock for transferring the vehicle lock from the half-locked state into the main locked state by the driving motion. The auxiliary locking drive, for producing the linear driving motion, has a feed gear mechanism which is connected downstream of the drive motor and is made as a spindle-spindle nut gearing with a spindle and a spindle nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: BROSE SCHLIESSSYSTEME GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Axel Bettin, Gregor Buedding, Simon Brose, Michael Langferman
  • Publication number: 20090126426
    Abstract: A steering lock device includes a supporting bracket which is attached to a steering lock body including a lock member restricting rotation of a steering shaft within a steering column and is fastened to the steering lock body to fix the steering lock body to the steering column. The supporting bracket includes a shaft supporting portion pivotally supported by a supporting shaft; a shaft support cancellation preventing portion preventing to cancel the pivotable support of the shaft supporting portion by the supporting shaft; and an engagement holding portion holding the shaft support cancellation preventing portion. The steering body is provided with bearing portions through which the supporting shaft is inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Alpha Corporation
    Inventor: Takahiro Okada
  • Publication number: 20090090147
    Abstract: Locking structures each include a locking claw portion formed on a desired object, and a locking clamp mechanism formed on at least one of left and right wall portions of a console device. The clamp mechanism hash a fitting hole portion formed in the wall portion for fitting therein of the locking claw portion, a locking support portion for lockingly supporting the claw portion fitted in the fitting hole portion, and a pair of opposed movement-preventing projecting portions formed on opposite ends of the support portion for preventing movement of the object between the opposite ends. The clamp mechanism also having a resiliently-deformable elastic portion formed integrally with the wall portion to extend into the hole portion for resiliently pressing the claw portion against the support portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Isayama, Hajime Seino
  • Publication number: 20090082916
    Abstract: A charging system provided for vehicles prevents theft of a charging cable, insertion of foreign matter into a vehicle-side receptacle, or tampering when an onboard battery usable for running power is charged from a household power supply. A cable connector of the charging cable is opposed to the vehicle-side receptacle in a connecting part to prepare for charging. When a PHV is exited, a switching command switching from an unlocked state of a door locking mechanism to a locked state is inputted to a PHV ECU responsive to an inputting manipulation performed on a key or door key sensor. The PHV ECU allows the door locking mechanism to switch from the unlocked state to the locked state. The PHV ECU allows locking mechanisms to switch from the unlocked states to the locked states in the manner interlocked with the switching action of the door locking mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20090071206
    Abstract: An automobile steering lock includes a steering wheel lock, provided with a base, a locking portion and a stationary rod. The base has a through groove bored with a dead bolt hole on its inner sidewall. A pressing lock core located outside the base has a dead bolt to be inserted into the dead bolt hole. A restricting plate fixed on a bottom of the through groove has a sliding rail and plural through holes. A locking member has a sliding rod formed at its top for being fitted in the through groove, a through hole bored through the sliding rod for being inserted by the dead bolt, and at least one sliding groove cut near a bottom of the sliding rod. The locking member also has a blocking plate at a bottom. The steering wheel lock is easy to use but uneasy to be broken, achieving anti-theft purpose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: Pin-Ying YU
  • Publication number: 20090064741
    Abstract: A valet key storage device, includes a valet key storage portion for storing a valet key having an opening, a locking bar for locking the valet key, a driving member for driving the locking bar to be inserted into the opening of the valet key, a locking pin for locking the locking bar, a driving section for driving the locking pin to lock the locking bar; and a control section for controlling the driving section to plunge or remove the locking pin into or from the locking bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventor: Toshiharu KATAGIRI
  • Publication number: 20090064739
    Abstract: The invention relates to a locking device for the locking and/or unlocking of a component essential for the function of a vehicle with a casing, which more preferably serves for the fastening of the locking device to the component essential for the function and a moveable locking member, which can assume at least two positions, namely a locking position, in which the locking member protrudes from the casing through an opening and is actively connected with the component essentially for the function and an unlocking position, in which the locking member is not actively connected with the component essential for the function and an arresting part which in an arresting position arrests the locking member in the locking position in the event that the locking device is opened without authorization. To this end it is provided according to the invention that the arresting part is positively held in the arresting position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicants: HUF HULSBECK & FURST GMBH & CO. KG, NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD
    Inventors: Werner TRISCHBERGER, Kenjirou HAYASHI, Yoshio WATANUKI
  • Publication number: 20090064740
    Abstract: A valet key storage device, includes a valet key storage portion for storing a valet key having an opening, a locking bar for locking the valet key, a driving section for driving the locking bar to be inserted into the opening of the valet key, and a control section for controlling the driving section to insert the locking bar into the opening of the valet key or remove the locking bar therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Toshiharu KATAGIRI, Yoshiyuki SEKI
  • Publication number: 20090051173
    Abstract: A door lock apparatus for a vehicle includes a latch mechanism, an open operation lever, an open lever operatively connected to the open operation lever, a locking lever being switchable between an unlocked position and a locked position, a link operation lever operatively connected to the locking lever, a link member operatively connected to the link operation lever, the link member being able to transmit an operation of the open lever to the latch mechanism when the locking lever is in the unlocked position, the link member being unable to transmit the operation of the open lever to the latch mechanism when the locking lever is in the locked position, and a lever member operatively connected to the open lever and the locking lever, the lever member moving the locking lever from the locked position to the unlocked position by means of the operation of the open lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ryujiro AKIZUKI, Takashi Nishio, Kazumasa Seo, Yusuke Yamada
  • Publication number: 20090038352
    Abstract: A lock system includes a lock mechanism for holding a lid element in a locked state, an electric actuator for driving the lock mechanism to an unlocking side based on an operation of an open switch, and a key cylinder adapted to be operated to rotate by a key so as to be switched through the rotational operation to an “UNLOCK” position where the open switch is enabled to function and a “LOCK” position where the open switch is disabled from functioning, whereby unlocking of the lid element is prohibited through a rotational operation of the key cylinder to the “LOCK” position. An operating unit of the lock system causes the key cylinder and the lock mechanism to be mechanically linked with each other by a wire cable, whereby the lock mechanism is forcibly driven to the unlocking side through a: rotational. operation of the key cylinder to the “OPEN” position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Taishi Yamaguchi, Yasuhiro Sakakibara
  • Publication number: 20090025439
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for starting and operating an engine in a motor vehicle. Said device comprises an ID generator (20) which can be inserted into a stationary receptacle of the motor vehicle and is provided with an engaging means (25.1, 25.2) on at least one sidewall. At least one lever (30.1, 30.2) of the first class that encompasses a retaining arm and a control arm (32.1, 32.2) is used for retaining the ID generator (20) in the receptacle. The retaining arm is fitted with opposite engaging means (25.1, 25.2) while the control arm (32.1, 32.2) is equipped with a control point for the swiveling movement of the lever (30.1, 30.2) as well as a locking point (34.1) for a locking device which secures the inserted position of the ID generator (20). In order to embody the inventive device in a compact manner, a stationarily pivot-mounted elbow lever (30.1, 30.2) whose control arm (32.1, 32.2) extends perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the ID generator (20) is used in the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Andre Pitschke
  • Publication number: 20090019902
    Abstract: Disclosed are a number of novel features. Among them are configuring the casing of the present invention such that once deployed an attempted forced or unauthorized removal of the casing from the vehicle will render the vital vehicle component encased by the casing inoperable. This inoperability may include, but is not limited to, detaching from the vital vehicle component at least one wire extending from the vital vehicle component. Alternatively, the casing may be fabricated from a material with a relatively low melting point and the casing may be deployed such that an attempted unauthorized removal using a cutting torch will cause portions of the casing to melt such that molten casing material will fall onto and damage the vital vehicle component and render it inoperable. Another feature is that of configuring the casing from a material having a first set of material properties and attaching the casing element one to another using connectors having a second set of material properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: Richard Baranek
  • Patent number: 7467530
    Abstract: The vehicle brake-rotor lock includes a mounting bracket, and a lock mechanism, including at least one deadbolt shaft, which is preferably made of steel, stainless steel, titanium, tungsten, boron, or any other dense metal, used to mechanically immobilize the vehicle. The bracket is preferably permanently attached to the protected vehicle. In a locked state, the deadbolt shaft extends through a cross-drilled ventilation hole or slot on the brake rotor of the vehicle, thereby preventing rotation of the brake rotor and the wheel. The lock mechanism preferably prevents any forward or rearward movement of the vehicle when engaged to allow for a heightened security for any vehicle using a disc braking system. In one embodiment, the lock mechanism is mechanically actuated. In another embodiment, the lock mechanism is electronically actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: New Hampton Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Mark Torrado, Eric Xavier, Adam Xavier
  • Patent number: 7448237
    Abstract: To prevent an erroneous installation of a rotational detection lever and a rotational element, one of a plurality of toothed portions of a rotational element is made into a larger toothed portion which is larger in pitch and/or tooth height, and one of a plurality of tooth grooves of a rotation detection lever is made into a larger tooth groove which can mesh with the larger toothed portion when the rotational element and the rotation detection lever are positioned so as to correspond to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Ohi Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Shimada, Shingo Gotou, Hirotsugu Takai, Takasi Ogawa
  • Publication number: 20080271503
    Abstract: A lock comprises a rotary latch (10) with a pre-latch position (12) and a main latch position (11), the latch being retained by a catch (20). A combined, power-driven closing and opening aid ensures an increased comfort when closing or opening the door by means of two drive elements (50, 60) that can be moved simultaneously, namely a closing element (50) and an opening element (60). In order to obtain a compact lock, both drive elements (50, 60) are arranged on a common drive wheel (40) with a mutual axial offset. Moreover, the closing element (50) is movable relative to the opening element (60) in two rotation planes which are axially offset relative to one another. A carrier (14) is also provided on the rotary latch (10), in the plane of the closing element (50), while the catch (20) has a release finger (23) arranged in the plane of the opening element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Gerd Buschmann
  • Publication number: 20080264120
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for a bidirectional displacement of a means or a connecting element, along a guide, which can be reversibly moved between at least two positions along the guide, with a means for driving that can be engaged with the means or connecting element, which is capable along the guide to displace the means or connecting element in a direction while being subjected to force and an actuator engaged with the means or connecting element, which is capable of displacing the means or connecting element in the opposite direction along the guide while being subjected to the force and wherein the actuator is actuatable by a converter material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Tobias Melz, Bjorn Seipel
  • Patent number: 7434428
    Abstract: A portable anti-theft brake pedal locking device for a motor vehicle, comprising a horizontal barrier member, upwardly extending, u-shaped rod shackle engaging members, and a manner of locking the device against removal from beneath existing brake/clutch pedal(s). The manner of locking may be either by a lock integral to the anti-theft device, in the form of a pivoting catching lock member, or by a lock independent of the anti-theft device, such as by a padlock. This portable anti-theft device in its preferred embodiment may be double-locked through use of the lock integral to the anti-theft device, and also secondarily by use of the independent locking padlock. Through the placement of this device beneath the under edge of a brake pedal shaft, the under edge of a clutch pedal shaft when present, against the vehicle floorboard, and locking the device to the brake pedal shaft, a resulting disabling of the operation of such pedals is accomplished by preventing the pedals being depressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: John William Carroll
  • Publication number: 20080236219
    Abstract: There are provided a striker, a latch to engage with the striker, the latch including a restriction portion operative to restrict a movement of a closure in a direction of a rotational axis of the closure by contacting the striker, wherein a low-friction material having lubricant function is provided at a contact portion of at least one of the striker and the restriction portion. Accordingly, there can be provided a lock device of a closure for a vehicle equipped with the restriction portion at the latch that can improve responsiveness of deformation of a vehicle body properly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nobuo SAKATE, Shinji KADOSHIMA, Katsuhiro DEGUCHI, Tsukasa ITO, Hideaki FUJII, Takahiko SHIGYOU
  • Publication number: 20080202176
    Abstract: Taught is motor vehicle door latch with at least one locking mechanism (1, 2) comprising a catch (1); a pawl (2); a friction brake device (10); an end stop (13); and at least one cam (14). The friction brake device (10) cooperates with the cam (14) during the closing movement of the locking mechanisms (1, 2) and shortly before said friction brake device (10) reaches the end stop (13). The cam (14) and the catch (1) each comprise means for reducing noise associated with the closing movement of the locking mechanisms (1, 2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: KIEKERT AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Omer Inan, Frank Kunst
  • Publication number: 20080185850
    Abstract: A handle knob to conduct an opening/closing operation of a front door is provided on an outer-face side of an outer panel, and a handle base to pivotally support the handle knob is provided on an inner-face side of the outer panel. A beltline reinforcement to reinforce an beltline portion of the outer panel is provided on the inner-face side of the outer panel. The handle base is connected to the beltline reinforcement via an connecting portion. Thereby, the support rigidity of the handle base can be increased, thereby properly preventing the handle base from moving by an improper access.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hirotaka TAKAYA, Kohji TAKADA, Toyohiko KOBAYASHI, Noboru SHONO
  • Publication number: 20080178647
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary cylinder lock (1) which is designed to be actuated with a multi-groove key. The inventive lock comprises: a rotor (10) which is mounted such that it can rotate inside a stator (20) and at least one spring which is mounted such that it can move inside a guide housing (41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46) between a locked position and an unlocked position each spring being coupled to an elastic return means which moves same into the locked position. The invention is characterised in that each guide housing (41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46) can receive two different types of springs which can co-operate respectively with each of the two key grooves which extend such as to oppose the drive force exerted by the associated elastic return means when the key is inserted into the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: Valeo Securite Habitacle
    Inventor: Herve Calor
  • Publication number: 20080168810
    Abstract: The invention concerns a disengageable lock (10), in particular for motor vehicle locking system, comprising a fixed stator (14), an intermediate tubular sleeve (16) which is mounted rotatably about its axis in the stator and which is axially stationary relative to the stator, a rotor (12) which is mounted rotatably in the sleeve, which is axially stationary in the sleeve and which comprises springs (32) radially mobile under the action of a key designed to be introduced axially into the rotor, the rotor (12) and the intermediate sleeve (16) being locked in rotation relative to each other by the springs when the key is not compatible, a driving member (26) coupling the rotor and a control lever (24), called locking-interlocking lever, when the key is compatible and an indexer (28) which is axially mobile between a rest position and a disengaged position, under the effect of a rotation of the sleeve relative to the stator following the rotation of the rotor of a non-compatible key, to move axially the driving
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: VALEO SECURITE HABITACLE
    Inventor: Christian Flandrinck
  • Publication number: 20080129101
    Abstract: An armrest locking device for preventing unintentional unlocking thereof upon a car crash is disclosed. The armrest locking device includes an armrest body defining a receiving space therein, an armrest cover pivotally rotatably coupled to the armrest body for opening and closing the armrest body, a push button provided at the armrest cover for regulating locking and unlocking of the armrest, a hook member configured to move along with the push button, so as to be caught by the armrest body, an elastic member provided at the rear side of the push button for providing the push button with an elastic force in a protruding direction of the push button, and a sensor member having a rotating shaft pivotally rotatably disposed in a space defined at the rear side of the hook member, a supporting portion for supporting the hook member, and a weight connected to the rotating shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hyungsang PARK
  • Patent number: 7370500
    Abstract: A vehicle interior trim panel comprising a mounting opening with opposing walls for slidably engaging a component into fixed relationship with the mounting opening wherein molded features in the walls of the mounting opening engage the component to align and fixedly retain the component in the mounting opening. In addition, a locking system for preventing theft is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Collins & Aikman Products Co.
    Inventor: Kelvin L. Kapteyn
  • Publication number: 20080105011
    Abstract: A door locking system for a vehicle includes a striker, a latch, a pawl allowing and regulating the latch to rotate, a lock release operating portion moving the pawl to release the regulation on the latch rotation, a latch driving motor driven in one direction to shift the door to a fully closed state from a half-closed state, the latch driving motor driven in the other direction to move the pawl to be release position when the lock release operating portion is operated, and a power transmission system switching mechanism connecting a motor output shaft of the motor to the latch for driving the latch in the locking direction, the power transmission system switching mechanism connecting the motor output shaft of the motor to the pawl for moving the pawl to the release position and including a first canceling mechanism for switching a power state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicants: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN KIKO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshio MACHIDA, Jun ISHIDA, Yoshinobu OGURA, Shinsuke TAKAYANAGI
  • Publication number: 20080078219
    Abstract: A door lock system includes a ratchet, a latch, a ratchet lever that disengages the ratchet from the latch when a disengaging operation is performed, a first link lever that moves to and from a transmitting position and a non-transmitting position, wherein when the first link lever is at the transmitting position, the ratchet lever is allowed to disengage the ratchet from the latch, and when the first link lever is at the non-transmitting position, the ratchet lever is inhibited from disengaging the ratchet from the latch, a second link lever that is pivotally coupled to a base end of the first link lever at a base end of the second link lever and that moves in response to a locking operation and an unlocking operation, and a panic spring that transmits, when the unlocking operation is performed, a motion of the second link lever to the first link lever using a resilient force of the panic spring to move the first link lever to the transmitting position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Ishiguro
  • Publication number: 20080060397
    Abstract: The present invention realizes a locking device for vehicle free from the occurrence of rattle at the portion where the striker is locked. When a lock plate 5 and a latch plate 4 are brought into a locked state and a latch-side recessed portion 4d of the latch plate 4 is engaged with a striker 20, a plate pressing cam 7 rotates clockwise by a restoring force by a coil spring 12, so that its depressing-side cam portion 7e depresses a tip end 6c of a rattle-removing plate 6. A rattle removing-side recessed portion 6d of the rattle-removing plate 6 engages with the peripheral surface of the striker 20, to suppress the rattle of the striker 20. Since the rattle removing-side recessed portion 6d is formed into the shape that matches the peripheral surface of the striker 20, occurrence of rattle can be strictly suppressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA IMASEN DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventor: Yusuke SATO
  • Publication number: 20080060395
    Abstract: A motor vehicle door lock (3) provided for connection to a vehicle door, in which the motor vehicle door lock (3) comprises a carrier plate (4) whereon the locking pieces (2, 21, 22) are mounted, and a lock housing (32) which at least partially surrounds the locking pieces (2, 21, 22) comprising the carrier plate (4), comprising a counter piece (34) formed from the side (36) of the lock housing (32), which is opposite to the carrier plate (4), the counter piece (34) being provided in such a way that it co-operates with a connection element (7) in the vehicle door (8) by means of a through opening (43) in the carrier plate (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: KIEKERT AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Dirk Hanisch
  • Publication number: 20080028884
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a steering column, a steering post, and a locking mechanism. The steering post comprises a first opening and a second opening and the first opening parallel to the second opening. The steering post is contained within the steering column. The locking mechanism is coupled to the steering column and comprises a first member including a first diameter; and a second member including a second diameter. The first diameter is larger than the second diameter, and the second member is to telescopically extend from the first member. The second member is to substantially fit inside the first member when the second member is not extended, and the second member is to extend through both the first opening and the second opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventor: Albert Monash
  • Publication number: 20080028807
    Abstract: An ignition lock for a motor vehicle includes a carrier element for holding an ignition key that is inserted in the ignition lock. The carrier element is movable along a longitudinal axis of the ignition lock. The carrier element pushes a slide bar from a blocking position to an unblocking position when the carrier element moves along the longitudinal axis. A latch bar, when in its latching position, restricts a movement of the carrier element along the longitudinal axis and, when in its unlatching position, allows the carrier element to move along the longitudinal axis. When the latch bar is in its unlatching position and the slide bar is in its blocking position, the slide bar prevents the latch bar from moving from the unlatching position to the latching position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Frohne, Ralf Borngraber, Steffen Buhl, Dennis Messmer, Thomas Schwarz
  • Patent number: 7251969
    Abstract: A control pedal disabling device includes a housing having a side opening or notch for receiving a pedal assembly component. The opening has a forward surface for bearing against the underside of a pedal assembly component. A rod is slidably mounted to the housing. The rod is movable across the opening to trap the pedal assembly component in the opening. The rod is also movable forwardly from the housing to bear against a vehicle floor, thereby preventing movement of the pedal assembly component toward the vehicle floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: David Simon
  • Patent number: 7213428
    Abstract: An apparatus for locking and unlocking a vehicle door includes a cylinder lock having a rotor, a door lock mechanism including a key operation input shaft which rotates to switch a locked state and an unlocked state of a door, and a torque cable for transmitting rotation of the rotor to the key operation input shaft. One end of the torque cable is connected to the rotor via a gear transmission mechanism accommodated in a gear case. The gear transmission mechanism is constructed by a face gear coaxially connected to the rotor, and a pinion gear which has an axial line perpendicular to an axial line of the face gear, is connected to the torque cable, and is meshed with the face gear. The pinion gear is accommodated in the gear case to be capable of being displaced in an axial direction in a limited range while keeping a meshed state with the face gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Harada, Hidetoshi Ijuin, Nobuyuki Kishikawa, Kozou Munezane, Naoki Katsumata
  • Patent number: 7210715
    Abstract: A door handle device includes a frame fixed to the inside of an outer panel of a vehicle door and a grip provided on the frame from the outside of a vehicle and including an electrical component. The frame is integrally provided with a circuit electrically connected to the electrical component. The door handle device further includes a chassis integrally formed with the frame, and the circuit is provided within the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Norikazu Kobayashi, Yuichi Murakami, Koji Aoki, Katsutoshi Fukunaga
  • Patent number: 7086257
    Abstract: A lock system is provided with a function controlling mechanism for control of the lock states unlocked, locked and optionally theft secure and child safety. The lock system is characterized by very short times for controlling the desired locking states and good suitability to various requirements with regard to construction space and functionality. The lock system comprises locking pieces, for example a turning latch or lock handle, in a lock for the mechanical locking of the door, at least one operating device in the form of an external door opener and/or an internal door opener, an optional locking cylinder, and elements for transmitting the operating force from the operating device to the locking pieces. The pieces of the function controlling mechanism (FSM), involved in controlling the locking state are not involved in the force path between the operating device and the locking pieces of the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, Coburg
    Inventors: Rolf Bücker, Uwe Sommer, Jörg Übelein, Andre Görtz
  • Patent number: 7051558
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for deterring unauthorized operation of a designated vehicle control adjunct. The device is adapted to secure the designated control to prevent manipulation thereof. The device includes a clevis pin, a clevis and a padlock and a hasp. The hasp is secured directly to a permanent planar surface of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Robert Mathers
  • Patent number: 7029056
    Abstract: In combination with a vehicle and a closure, one or more lockdown regions disposed between the closure and the vehicle body, the one or more lockdown includes a device including an active material disposed in operative communication with the closure and the vehicle body, wherein the active material includes a shape memory alloy, a magnetic shape memory material, a shape memory polymer, a magnetorheological fluid, an electroactive polymer, a magnetorheological elastomer, an electrorheological fluid, a piezoelectric material, or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing active materials; and an activation device coupled to the active material, the activation device being operable to selectively provide an activation signal to the active material and effectuate a change in a dimension, a shape, and/or a flexural modulus property of the active material, wherein the change in the dimension, a shape, and/or flexural modulus of the active material locks down or releases the closure from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7018214
    Abstract: A handle device includes a handle grip member including a front arm portion, a transmitting connector fixed to the front arm portion, a receiving connector to be connected to the transmitting connector, a handle frame member to be assembled to the handle grip member, the front arm portion to be positioned inside the handle frame member, a position-determining projection portion formed on a side of a front end portion of the front arm portion, a fixing groove formed on each of top and bottom surfaces of a front end of the front arm portion, a direction determining projection portion formed on each of top and bottom surfaces of the handle frame member, a slot formed on the handle frame member, a guide formed inside the slot, a guide projection portion formed inside the handle frame member, and a fixing projection portion to be fixed to the fixing groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsutoshi Fukunaga, Makoto Suzumura, Yukinobu Kunimatsu
  • Patent number: 7005972
    Abstract: When the connection of a cable to a control interface is confirmed, and thereafter a write command is received, a data write process is executed to renew contents of a conversion table stored in a memory based on link data attached to the write command. Furthermore, when a read command is received, a data read process is executed to retrieve the contents of the conversion table stored in the memory and thereafter to transmit the retrieved data to an external device through the control interface. Then, when disconnection of the cable is detected, the processes, each of which is executed according to the corresponding command transmitted from the external device, are bypassed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Munenori Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 6998969
    Abstract: A door lock apparatus for a vehicle includes an outside switch provided outside of a vehicle for detecting an opening operation of a door from the outside of the vehicle, an actuator for releasing an engagement of a latch mechanism of the door, a control device electrically connected to the outside switch for driving the actuator in response to the opening operation of the door being detected by the outside switch, and a detecting device for detecting an impact added to the vehicle. When the detecting device detects the impact added to the vehicle, the control device disables the opening operation of the door being detected by the outside switch within a first predetermined time from the detection of the impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takaya Aiyama, Koichi Hirota, Norikazu Kobayashi, Takayuki Ohta, Koji Aoki, Hidetoshi Kadoya
  • Patent number: 6938446
    Abstract: A vehicle door lock apparatus includes a lever mechanism directly connected with a key cylinder provided at the outside door handle for locking and unlocking the vehicle door in response to rotation operation of the key cylinder. The lever mechanism is provided with a key rotor directly connected with the key cylinder, and a key lever directly connected with the key rotor. An input shaft of the lever mechanism formed by the key rotor is inclinable relative to an output shaft of the lever mechanism formed by the key lever, and this inclination is absorbed through the connection between the key rotor and the key lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsutoshi Fukunaga, Makoto Suzumura, Ryujiro Akizuki, Norio Konomoto, Akira Muramatsu, Shigeru Hayakawa, Yasuhiko Sono
  • Patent number: 6920771
    Abstract: A lock-down device for use on an all-terrain vehicle, comprised of a rectangular base which mounts to a surface such as a garage floor or bed of a pick-up truck, four sockets mounted at each corner of the base, a flat rear panel with two bolts pivotally articulating on its bottom edge, a wheel cover, a flat rear panel which pivotally articulates with the wheel cover and which has two bolts on the bottom edge of the rear panel. The bolts on the rear panel and the front panel register with the four sockets on the base. The rear panel engages with the wheel cover by a latching mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventor: James Robert Griffith
  • Patent number: 6843085
    Abstract: A locking and latching system of modular construction in which some of the components of the system are pre-assembled prior to their installation into the structural framework of a vehicle door. The modular construction of the lock and latch system can include the outside and inside door handles, the outside and inside locks, the door latch itself, as well as linkages between these components. The modular components can further facilitate the assembly process by being of a design which simplifies the process of installing them into the structural framework of a vehicle door without requiring the use of specialized tools, thereby reducing the labor costs associated with assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Strattec Security Corporation
    Inventor: Steven J. Dimig
  • Patent number: 6796154
    Abstract: The trailer wheel locking device to prevent rotation of a set of wheels on a common axle has an elongated rod in which one end has a stop and a second end having an annular groove defined therein for receiving a locking mechanism. The length of the rod spans the width of the vehicle, thereby spanning the wheels on the common axle being locked. The device is installed by passing the rod through the openings of the wheels and includes two movable washers placed on the rod at opposite ends in order to prevent the device from passing through the wheel openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventors: Chad Gebow, Gerald D. Wagner
  • Patent number: 6792780
    Abstract: A portable universal anti-theft device for immobilizing a brake pedal of a motor vehicle having first, second and third shafts assembled in telescopic relation with an end of the first shaft providing a stand-off for engaging a vehicle body and the second and third shafts having, respectively, upper and lower clamping jaws extending transversely therefrom. One clamping jaw comprises a hook and another clamping jaw comprising a wedge so that relative axial movement of the second and third shafts together brings the jaws together about a brake pedal therebetween with the wedge member urging the brake pedal into the hook. The first and second shafts are locked together to maintain a selected separation of the wedge member from the lower end of the first shaft and the vehicle body preventing depression of the brake pedal. The wedge is pivotable into and out from alignment with the hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Achille A. De Lucia
  • Patent number: RE38951
    Abstract: A device for locking the a brake pedal and brake pedal shaft of a vehicle and preventing its theft comprising: , which includes a base member for a placement on the a floorboard of a the vehicle beneath a the brake pedal; a and break pedal shaft. A U-shaped housing extending extends downward and having has a first arm attached to the base and having a second shorter arm defining a gap an opening for receipt of a the brake pedal shaft, said space . The opening between the first and second arms defining defines a slot for receiving the brake pedal shaft and permitting its permits full extension of the brake pedal shaft upward through said shaft; and slot. A locking means mechanism is associated with the second first arm for locking the an underside of the pedal shaft within the slot such that the brake pedal cannot be depressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Unbreakable Company
    Inventor: Robert A. Vito
  • Patent number: RE39248
    Abstract: A device for locking the a brake pedal and brake pedal shaft of a vehicle, and preventing its theft comprising: which includes a base member for a placement on the a floorboard of a the vehicle beneath a the brake pedal; and brake pedal shaft. a A U-shaped housing extending extends downward and having has a first arm attached to the base and having a second shorter arm defining a gap an opening for receipt of a the brake pedal shaft, said space . The opening between the first and second arms defining defines a slot for receiving the brake pedal shaft and permitting its permits full extension of the brake pedal shaft upward through said shaft; and slot. A locking means mechanism is associated with the second first arm for locking the an underside of the pedal shaft within the slot such that the brake pedal cannot be depressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Unbreakable Company
    Inventor: Robert A. Vito