Patent Grant
11021108
Embodiments of the present technology generally relate to the field of vehicle accessories, and more particularly, to a vehicle and a vehicle step apparatus with multiple drive motors.
In relative art, a vehicle step apparatus of a vehicle uses a driving mechanism (with motor) and a driven mechanism (without motor) to drive a step to move. That is to say, the vehicle step apparatus uses one motor to drive the step to move. Thus, all of load is borne by the one motor, such that the load of the one motor is very high. Thus, a requirement for performance of the one motor is very high, a manufacturing difficulty, a manufacturing cost and a failure rate of the one motor are increased and a working life of the one motor is shortened.
Moreover, because the driving mechanism has a function of self-lock and the driven mechanism does not have a function of self-lock, the driven mechanism is easy to droop, especially when the step is very long.
The present technology seeks to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the related art. Accordingly, a first aspect of the present technology provides a vehicle step apparatus.
A second aspect of the present technology provides a vehicle, which includes the above vehicle step apparatus.
Embodiments of a first aspect of the present technology provide a vehicle step apparatus, including: a first extending and retracting device comprising a first mounting bracket, a first step bracket, and a first arm assembly coupled between the first mounting bracket and the first step bracket and configured to drive the first step bracket to move between a first extended position and a first retracted position; a second extending and retracting device comprising a second mounting bracket, a second step bracket, and a second arm assembly coupled between the second mounting bracket and the second step bracket and configured to drive the second step bracket to move between a second extended position and a second retracted position; a step mounted on the first step bracket and the second step bracket; a first permanent magnet direct current motor mounted on the first mounting bracket and coupled with the first arm assembly to drive the first arm assembly; and a second permanent magnet direct current motor mounted on the second mounting bracket and coupled with the second arm assembly to drive the second arm assembly.
With the vehicle step apparatus according to embodiments of the first aspect of the present technology, the vehicle step apparatus is low in manufacturing cost, low in failure rate, and long in working life, has good synchronization, and drooping of the vehicle step apparatus can be prevented.
Embodiments of a second aspect of the present technology provide a vehicle, including: a first extending and retracting device comprising a first mounting bracket, a first step bracket, and a first arm assembly coupled between the first mounting bracket and the first step bracket and configured to drive the first step bracket to move between a first extended position and a first retracted position; a second extending and retracting device comprising a second mounting bracket, a second step bracket, and a second arm assembly coupled between the second mounting bracket and the second step bracket and configured to drive the second step bracket to move between a second extended position and a second retracted position; a step mounted on the first step bracket and the second step bracket; a first permanent magnet direct current motor mounted on the first mounting bracket and having a first motor shaft coupled with the first arm assembly; and a second permanent magnet direct current motor mounted on the second mounting bracket and having a second motor shaft coupled with the second arm assembly.
The vehicle is low in manufacturing cost, low in failure rate, and long in working life.
Reference will be made in detail to embodiments of the present technology. Embodiments of the present technology will be shown in drawings, in which the same or similar members and the members having same or similar functions are denoted by like reference numerals throughout the descriptions. The embodiments described herein according to drawings are explanatory and illustrative, not construed to limit the present technology.
The following description provides a plurality of embodiments or examples configured to achieve different structures of the present technology. In order to simplify the publication of the present technology, components and dispositions of the particular embodiment are described in the following, which are only explanatory and not construed to limit the present technology. In addition, the present technology may repeat the reference number and/or letter in different embodiments for the purpose of simplicity and clarity, and the repetition does not indicate the relationship of the plurality of embodiments and/or dispositions. Moreover, in description of the embodiments, the structure of the second characteristic “above” the first characteristic may include an embodiment formed by the first and second characteristic contacted directly, and also may include another embodiment formed between the first and the second characteristic, in which the first characteristic and the second characteristic may not contact directly.
In the description of the present technology, unless specified or limitation otherwise, it should be noted that, terms “mounted,” “coupled,” “coupled to,” and “coupled with” may be understood broadly, such as electronic connection or mechanical connection, inner communication between two members, direct connection or indirect connection via intermediary. Those having ordinary skills in the art should understand the specific meanings in the present technology according to specific situations.
At present, the vehicle industry is increasingly developing, and vehicle design is becoming more and more detailed and humanized. For some vehicles with high chassis, it is quite difficult for passengers to get on and off, especially for the elderly, the weak, the sick and pregnant passengers, who have difficulty getting on and off high chassis vehicles by themselves.
In order to address these challenges and problems, conventional methods in existing applications is to add a step (also referred to as a pedal or running board) to each passenger entry side of the vehicle. Some examples include a fixed (non-moveable) pedal, whereas other conventional methods include providing a moveable pedal, such as a manually retractable pedal or an electrically retractable pedal. Today, mainstream electric retractable steps in the market are driven by a one-sided single motor. Yet, a single drive motor requires high motor performance, which results in high manufacturing difficulty and high cost.
In some aspects, a vehicle step apparatus and a vehicle having a vehicle step apparatus in accordance with the disclosed embodiments are described. A vehicle 1000 according to embodiments of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in
The first extending and retracting device 10a includes a first mounting bracket 11a, a first step bracket 12a and a first arm assembly 13a. The first arm assembly 13a is coupled between the first mounting bracket 11a and the first step bracket 12a and configured to drive the first step bracket 12a to move between a first extended position and a first retracted position. The first mounting bracket 11a is mounted on the chassis 40.
The second extending and retracting device 10b includes a second mounting bracket 11b, a second step bracket 12b and a second arm assembly 13b. The second arm assembly 13b is coupled between the second mounting bracket 11b and the second step bracket 12b and configured to drive the second step bracket 12b to move between a second extended position and a second retracted position. The second mounting bracket 11b is mounted on the chassis 40.
The step 20 is mounted on the first step bracket 12a and the second step bracket 12b. The first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a is mounted on the first mounting bracket 11a and coupled with the first arm assembly 13a to drive the first arm assembly 13a. The second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b is mounted on the second mounting bracket 11b and coupled with the second arm assembly 13b to drive the second arm assembly 13b.
In some embodiments, the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a has a first motor shaft 32a coupled with the first arm assembly 13a. The second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b has a second motor shaft 32b coupled with the second arm assembly 13b.
Thus, the first step bracket 12a is driven to move between the first extended position and the first retracted position by the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a via the first arm assembly 13a, and the second step bracket 12b is driven to move between the second extended position and the second retracted position by the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b via the second arm assembly 13b. In other words, the vehicle 1000 uses the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a and the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b to drive the step 20 to extend and retract.
The vehicle 1000 uses two motors, i.e. the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a and the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b, to drive the step 20 to extend and retract, thus a load applied to the vehicle step apparatus 100 is distributed to the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a and the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b.
Thus, comparing to the vehicle step apparatus 100 employing only one motor, the load of the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a is decreased so as to decrease a failure rate of the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a, and the load of the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b is decreased so as to decrease a failure rate of the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b, thus prolonging a working life of the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a and a working life of the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b.
Because the load of the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a is low, a requirement for performance of the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a is decreased so as to lower a manufacturing difficulty and a manufacturing cost of the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a.
Similarly, the load of the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b is low, a requirement for performance of the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b is decreased so as to lower a manufacturing difficulty and a manufacturing cost of the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b.
Because both the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a and the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b have a function of self-lock, even the step 20 is very long, both the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a and the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b can be prevented from drooping.
Additionally, for the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a and the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b, a rotational speed is related to a load. Thus, a rotational speed of a motor will be decreased due to an increasing load, and a rotational speed of a motor will be increased due to a decreasing load.
Thus, a rotational speed of the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a is dynamically balanced with a rotational speed of the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b, so as to realize a synchronized motion of the first extending and retracting device 10a and the second extending and retracting device 10b.
Thus, the vehicle step apparatus 100 according to embodiments of the present technology is low in manufacturing cost, low in failure rate, long in working life, and has good synchronization, and the vehicle step apparatus 100 can be prevented from drooping.
As shown in
The first extending and retracting device 10a includes the first mounting bracket 11a, the first step bracket 12a and the first arm assembly 13a. The first mounting bracket 11a is mounted on the chassis 40. The first step bracket 12a is used to mount the step 20. The first arm assembly 13a is coupled between the first mounting bracket 11a and the first step bracket 12a and configured to drive the first step bracket 12a to move between the first extended position and the first retracted position.
The second extending and retracting device 10b includes the second mounting bracket 11b, the second step bracket 12b and the second arm assembly 13b. The second mounting bracket 11b is mounted on the chassis 40. The second step bracket 12b is used to mount the step 20. The second arm assembly 13b is coupled between the second mounting bracket 11b and the second step bracket 12b and configured to drive the second step bracket 12b to move between the second extended position and the second retracted position.
Both the first mounting bracket 11a and the second mounting bracket 11b may be mounted on the chassis 40 in well-known manner. The step 20 is mounted on the first step bracket 12a and the second step bracket 12b by known means.
As shown in
As shown in
The first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a is mounted on the first mounting bracket 11a, and the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b is mounted on the second mounting bracket 11b. As shown in
As shown in
Alternatively, the first extending and retracting device 10a is configured in the form of four-link mechanism 10a1, five-link mechanism 10a2 or six-link mechanism 10a3, and the second extending and retracting device 10b is configured in the form of the four-link mechanism 10a1, five-link mechanism 10a2 or six-link mechanism 10a3.
It can be understood that a structure of the second extending and retracting device 10b may be the same as that of the first extending and retracting device 10a. Thus, the first extending and retracting device 10a will be described below, and the second extending and retracting device 10b will be omitted here.
In an embodiment shown in
A first end (an upper end) of the first arm 131 is pivotally coupled with the first mounting bracket 11a via a first connection pin 136, and a second end (a lower end) of the first arm 131 is pivotally coupled with the first step bracket 12a via a second connection pin 137. A first end (an upper end) of the second arm 132 is pivotally coupled with the first mounting bracket 11a via a third connection pin 138, and a second end (a lower end) of the second arm 132 is pivotally coupled with the first step bracket 12a via a fourth connection pin 139.
The first motor shaft 32a of the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a is coupled with one of the first arm 131 and the second arm 132. Thus, the first motor shaft 32a drives the one of the first arm 131 and the second arm 132 to rotate, thereby drives the first step bracket 12a to extend and retract.
In an embodiment shown in
A first end (an upper end) of the first arm 131 is pivotally coupled with the first mounting bracket 11a via a first connection pin 136, and a second end (a lower end) of the first arm 131 is pivotally coupled with the first step bracket 12a via a second connection pin 137. A first end (an upper end) of the second arm 132 is pivotally coupled with the first mounting bracket 11a via a third connection pin 138, and a second end (a lower end) of the second arm 132 is pivotally coupled with a first end (an upper end) of the third arm 133 via a fifth connection pin 140. A second end (a lower end) of the third arm 133 is pivotally coupled with the first step bracket 12a via a fourth connection pin 139.
The first motor shaft 32a of the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a is coupled with one of the first arm 131 and the second arm 132. Thus, the first motor shaft 32a drives the one of the first arm 131 and the second arm 132 to rotate, thereby drives the first step bracket 12a to extend and retract.
In an embodiment shown in
A first end (an upper end) of the first arm 131 is pivotally coupled with the first mounting bracket 11a via a first connection pin 136, and a second end (a lower end) of the first arm 131 is pivotally coupled with the first step bracket 12a via a second connection pin 137. A first end (an upper end) of the second arm 132 is pivotally coupled with the first mounting bracket 11a via a third connection pin 138.
A first end (an upper end) of the third arm 133 is pivotally coupled with a second end (a lower end) of the second arm 132 via a fifth connection pin 140, and a second end (a lower end) of the third arm 133 is pivotally coupled with the first step bracket 12a via a fourth connection pin 139. A first end of the fourth arm 134 is pivotally coupled with both of the second end of the second arm 132 and the first end of the third arm 133, and a second end of the fourth arm 134 is pivotally coupled with a middle portion of the first arm 131 via a sixth connection pin 141.
The first motor shaft 32a of the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a is coupled with one of the first arm 131 and the second arm 132. Thus, the first motor shaft 32a drives the one of the first arm 131 and the second arm 132 to rotate, thereby drives the first step bracket 12a to extend and retract.
The vehicle step apparatus according to other embodiments of the present technology will be described with reference to
In some other embodiments, the vehicle step apparatus 100 includes the first extending and retracting device 10a, the second extending and retracting device 10b, the step 20, the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a, the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b, a first elastic member 50a and a second elastic member 50b.
The first elastic member 50a is configured to elastically deform so as to store energy when the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a drives the first step bracket 12a to move towards the first extended position, and to release energy so as to assist the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a to drive the first extending and retracting device 10a, i.e., to drive the first step bracket 12a, when the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a drives the first step bracket 12a to move towards the first retracted position.
The second elastic member 50b is configured to elastically deform so as to store energy when the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b drives the second step bracket 12b to move towards the second extended position, and to release energy so as to assist the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b to drive the second extending and retracting device 10b, i.e., to drive the second step bracket 12b, when the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b drives the second step bracket 12b to move towards the second retracted position.
The load of the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a during driving the step 20 to retract is bigger than that of the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a during driving the step 20 to extend, so that the working current of the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a during driving the step 20 to retract is larger than that of the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a during driving the step 20 to extend.
The load of the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b during driving the step 20 to retract is bigger than that of the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b during driving the step 20 to extend, so that the working current of the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b during driving the step 20 to retract is larger than that of the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b during driving the step 20 to extend.
For the vehicle step apparatus, when the step 20 is extending, the first motor shaft 32a drives the first elastic member 50a to move and the second motor shaft 32b drives the second elastic member 50b to move. Thus, both the first elastic member 50a and the second elastic member 50b are caused to be elastically deformed so as to store energy.
When the step 20 is retracting, the first elastic member 50a releases energy to assist the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a in driving the first extending and retracting device 10a, so that the load and the working current of the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a are decreased during driving the step 20 to retract. The second elastic member 50b releases energy to assist the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b in driving the second extending and retracting device 10b, so that the load and the working current of the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b are decreased during driving the step 20 to retract.
Thus, the working current of the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a in the processes of driving the step 20 to retract is generally consistent with that of the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a in the processes of driving the step 20 to extend; and the working current of the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b in the processes of driving the step 20 to retract is generally consistent with that of the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b in the processes of driving the step 20 to extend. Thus, the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a and the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b are protected effectively, and the working life of the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a and that of the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b are prolonged.
In some embodiments, the first elastic member 50a includes a first scroll spring, and the second elastic member 50b includes a second scroll spring. A first end 51a of the first scroll spring is fixed, and a second end 52a of the first scroll spring is driven by the first motor shaft 32a of the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a so as to twist. A first end 51b of the second scroll spring is fixed, and a second end 52b of the second scroll spring is driven by the second motor shaft 32b of the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b so as to twist.
As shown in
An end of the outermost ring of the second scroll spring is bent outwards to form the first end 51b, and an end of an innermost ring of the second scroll spring is bent inwards to form the second end 52b. The first end 51b includes the end of the outermost ring of the second scroll spring and a portion of the outermost ring coupled with the end of the outermost ring. The second end 52b includes the end of the innermost ring of the second scroll spring and a portion of the innermost ring coupled with the end of the innermost ring.
The first end 51a of the first scroll spring and the first end 51b of the second scroll spring are fixed with respect to the bracket 11a and the bracket 11b, respectively. When the step 20 is extending, the second end 52a of the first scroll spring rotates along with the first motor shaft 32a and is twisted tightly to store energy, and the second end 52b of the second scroll spring rotates along with the second motor shaft 32b and is twisted tightly to store energy.
When the step 20 is retracting, the second end 52a of the first scroll spring rotates along with the first motor shaft 32a and releases energy so as to assist the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a to drive the first extending and retracting device 10a to retract, and the second end 52b of the second scroll spring rotates along with the second motor shaft 32b and releases energy so as to assist the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b to drive the second extending and retracting device 10b to retract.
However, the present technology is not limited to this, both the first elastic member 50a and the second elastic member 50b may be a spring leaf, a disk spring or other units or parts easy to be deformed elastically.
As shown in
A first recess 312a is formed in a first motor casing 31a of the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a, and the first cover 70a covers the first recess 312a to define a first cavity. The first connection plate 60a is mounted within the first cavity and driven by the first motor shaft 32a of the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a to rotate. The first scroll spring is mounted within the first cavity, the first end 51a of the first scroll spring is fixed in the first cover 70a, and the second end 52a of the first scroll spring is coupled with the first connection plate 60a.
A second recess 312b is formed in a second motor casing 31b of the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b, and the second cover 70b covers the second recess 312b to define a second cavity. The second connection plate 60b is mounted within the second cavity and driven by the second motor shaft 32b of the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b to rotate. The second scroll spring is mounted within the second cavity, the first end 51b of the second scroll spring is fixed in the second cover 70b, and the second end 52b of the second scroll spring is coupled with the second connection plate 60b.
As shown in
The second cover 70b is detachably fastened to the second motor casing 31b of the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b. A second limitation notch 71b is formed in the second cover 70b, a second limitation column 111b is formed on the second mounting bracket 11b, the second limitation column 111b is fitted within the second limitation notch 71b to mount the second cover 70b on the second mounting bracket 11b. The first end 51b of the second scroll spring is fitted over the second limitation column 111b.
Specifically, the first connection plate 60a is configured as a substantially circular plate. The first connection plate 60a is disposed within the first cavity, and the first connection plate 60a defines a first surface opposing to the first recess 312a and a second surface opposing to the first cover 70a. The first connection plate 60a is coupled with the first motor shaft 32a directly or indirectly, so that the first connection plate 60a can rotate under the drive of the first motor shaft 32a. The first scroll spring is fitted over the first connection plate 60a, and the second end 52a of the first scroll spring is connected to the first connection plate 60a and rotates along with the first connection plate 60a in a same direction.
The second connection plate 60b is configured as a substantially circular plate. The second connection plate 60b is disposed within the second cavity, and the second connection plate 60b defines a first surface opposing to the second recess 312b and a second surface opposing to the second cover 70b. The second connection plate 60b is coupled with the second motor shaft 32b directly or indirectly, so that the second connection plate 60b can rotate under the drive of the second motor shaft 32b. The second scroll spring is fitted over the second connection plate 60b, and the second end 52b of the second scroll spring is connected to the second connection plate 60b and rotates along with the second connection plate 60b in a same direction.
Therefore, the first scroll spring and the second scroll spring can be integrated in the first permanent magnet direct current motor 30a and the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b respectively so as to decrease transmission loss and make the structure of the vehicle step apparatus 100 more compactly.
The first connection plate 60a, the second connection plate 60b, the first cover 70a, the second cover 70b, the first recess 312a and the second recess 312b may have a circular shape or an oval shape.
A number of each of the first limitation notch 71a, the first limitation column 111a, the second limitation notch 71b and the second limitation column 111b is not limited to two, and when there are more than two first limitation notches 71a and two second limitation notches 71b, the first limitation notches 71a are provided and evenly spaced apart from each other along a circumferential direction of the first cover 70a, and the second limitation notches 71b are provided and evenly spaced apart from each other along a circumferential direction of the second cover 70b.
A first catch groove 61a is formed in an outer circumferential surface of the first connection plate 60a, and the second end 52a of the first scroll spring is inserted into and fitted within the first catch groove 61a. The first connection plate 60a is fitted over the first connection shaft 80a and coupled with the first connection shaft 80a via spline coupling.
A second catch groove 61b is formed in an outer circumferential surface of the second connection plate 60b, and the second end 52b of the second scroll spring is inserted into and fitted within the second catch groove 61b. The second connection plate 60b is fitted over the second connection shaft 80b and coupled with the second connection shaft 80b via spline coupling.
As shown in
The first motor shaft 32a drives the first connection shaft 80a and the first connection plate 60a to rotate, and the second end 52a of the first scroll spring fixed on the first connection plate 60a rotates along with the first connection plate 60a. The second motor shaft 32b drives the second connection shaft 80b and the second connection plate 60b to rotate, and the second end 52b of the second scroll spring fixed on the second connection plate 60b rotates along with the second connection plate 60b.
Thus, the first scroll spring and the second scroll spring are gradually rolled up tightly, thus resulting in a simple and compact structure. In addition, the first connection shaft 80a is coupled with the first motor shaft 32a and the first connection plate 60a via spline connection so as to ensure driving force transmission and make installation and disassembly to be easy, and the second connection shaft 80b is coupled with the second motor shaft 32b and the second connection plate 60b via spline connection so as to ensure driving force transmission and make installation and disassembly to be easy.
As shown in
A second mounting hole 311b is formed in the second motor casing 31b, and the second limitation column 111b is passed through the second mounting hole 311b. A second threaded hole 1111b is formed in the second limitation column 111b, and the second permanent magnet direct current motor 30b is mounted on the second mounting bracket 11b via a second bolt 90b fitted within the second threaded hole 1111b.
The first limitation column 111a is passed through the first limitation notch 71a and bears against the first motor casing 31a. The first mounting hole 311a of the first motor casing 31a is opposite to the first threaded hole 1111a of the first limitation column 111a. The first bolt 90a is passed through the first mounting hole 311a and is fitted within the first threaded hole 1111a so as to mount the first motor casing 31a to the first mounting bracket 11a.
The second limitation column 111b is passed through the second limitation notch 71b and bears against the second motor casing 31b. The second mounting hole 311b of the second motor casing 31b is opposite to the second threaded hole 1111b of the second limitation column 111b. The second bolt 90b is passed through the second mounting hole 311b and is fitted within the second threaded hole 1111b so as to mount the second motor casing 31b to the second mounting bracket 11b.
Some example embodiments in accordance with the disclosed vehicle step apparatus are described below.
In an example embodiment in accordance with the present technology (example A1), a motorized step for a vehicle includes a first extending and retracting device comprising a first mounting bracket attachable to a chassis of a vehicle, a first step bracket, and a first arm assembly coupled to the first mounting bracket and the first step bracket and configured to drive the first step bracket to move between a first extended position and a first retracted position; a second extending and retracting device comprising a second mounting bracket attachable to the chassis of the vehicle, a second step bracket, and a second arm assembly coupled to the second mounting bracket and the second step bracket and configured to drive the second step bracket to move between a second extended position and a second retracted position, wherein the second extended position is aligned with the first extended position, and wherein the second retracted position is aligned with the first retracted position; a step coupled to the first step bracket and the second step bracket; a first permanent magnet direct current motor coupled with the first arm assembly to drive the first arm assembly; and a second permanent magnet direct current motor coupled with the second arm assembly to drive the second arm assembly, wherein the first permanent magnet direct current motor and the second permanent magnet direct current motor are configured to drive the first arm assembly and the second arm assembly, respectively, in unison and with synchronized motion as the step extends and retracts.
Example A2 includes the motorized vehicle step of example A1, wherein the first permanent magnet direct current motor comprises a first motor shaft that is coupled with a first connection shaft of the first arm assembly, and wherein the second permanent magnet direct current motor comprises a second motor shaft that is coupled with a second connection shaft of the second arm assembly.
Example A3 includes the motorized vehicle step of example A2, including a first elastic member configured to elastically deform so as to store energy when the first permanent magnet direct current motor drives the first step bracket to move towards the first extended position, and to release energy so as to assist the first permanent magnet direct current motor to drive the first extending and retracting device when the first permanent magnet direct current motor drives the first step bracket to move towards the first retracted position; and a second elastic member configured to elastically deform so as to store energy when the second permanent magnet direct current motor drives the second step bracket to move towards the second extended position, and to release energy so as to assist the second permanent magnet direct current motor to drive the second extending and retracting device when the second permanent magnet direct current motor drives the second step bracket to move towards the second retracted position.
Example A4 includes the motorized vehicle step of example A3, wherein the first elastic member comprises a first spring defining a fixed first end and a second end driven by the first motor shaft of the first permanent magnet direct current motor so as to change shape; wherein the second elastic member comprises a second spring defining a fixed first end and a second end driven by the second motor shaft of the second permanent magnet direct current motor so as to change shape.
Example A5 includes the motorized vehicle step of example A4, wherein the first spring and the second spring each include one of a scroll spring, a spring leaf, or a disk spring.
Example A6 includes the motorized vehicle step of example A4, wherein the first spring includes a first scroll spring, and the second spring includes a second scroll spring, the motorized vehicle step further including a first cover and a first connection plate, wherein a first recess is formed in a casing of the first permanent magnet direct current motor, and the first cover covers the first recess to define a first cavity, the first connection plate is mounted within the first cavity and driven by the first motor shaft of the first permanent magnet direct current motor to rotate, wherein the first scroll spring is mounted within the first cavity, the first end of the first scroll spring is fixed in the first cover, and the second end of the first scroll spring is coupled with the first connection plate; and a second cover and a second connection plate, wherein a second recess is formed in a casing of the second permanent magnet direct current motor, and the second cover covers the second recess to define a second cavity, the second connection plate is mounted within the second cavity and driven by the second motor shaft of the second permanent magnet direct current motor to rotate, wherein the second scroll spring is mounted within the second cavity, the first end of the second scroll spring is fixed in the second cover, and the second end of the second scroll spring is coupled with the second connection plate.
Example A7 includes the motorized vehicle step of example A1, wherein the first extending and retracting device includes a four-link mechanism, where the first arm assembly includes a first arm defining a first end pivotally coupled with the first mounting bracket, and a second end pivotally coupled with the first step bracket; and a second arm defining a first end pivotally coupled with the first mounting bracket, and a second end pivotally coupled with the first step bracket, wherein the first permanent magnet direct current motor is coupled with one of the first arm or the second arm.
Example A8 includes the motorized vehicle step of example A1, wherein the first extending and retracting device includes a five-link mechanism, where the first arm assembly includes a first arm defining a first end pivotally coupled with the first mounting bracket, and a second end pivotally coupled with the first step bracket; a second arm defining a first end pivotally coupled with the first mounting bracket, and a second end; and a third arm defining a first end pivotally coupled with the second end of the second arm, and a second end pivotally coupled with the first step bracket, wherein the first permanent magnet direct current motor is coupled with one of the first arm or the second arm.
Example A9 includes the motorized vehicle step of example A1, wherein the first extending and retracting device includes a six-link mechanism, where the first arm assembly includes a first arm defining a first end pivotally coupled with the first mounting bracket, and a second end pivotally coupled with the first step bracket; a second arm defining a first end pivotally coupled with the first mounting bracket, and a second end; a third arm defining a first end pivotally coupled with the second end of the second arm, and a second end pivotally coupled with the first step bracket; and a fourth arm defining a first end pivotally coupled with both of the second end of the second arm and the first end of the third arm, and a second end pivotally coupled with a middle portion of the first arm, wherein the first permanent magnet direct current motor is coupled with one of the first arm or the second arm.
Example A10 includes the motorized vehicle step of example A1, wherein the first permanent magnet direct current motor is coupled to the first mounting bracket, and the second permanent magnet direct current motor is coupled to the second mounting bracket.
Example A11 includes the motorized vehicle step of example A1, wherein the first permanent magnet direct current motor and the second permanent magnet direct current motor are operable to self-lock.
Example A12 includes the motorized vehicle step of example A1, wherein the first permanent magnet direct current motor and the second permanent magnet direct current motor are operable to drive the first arm assembly and the second arm assembly, respectively, at rotational speed that is related to a load, such that the rotational speed will be decreased due to an increasing load and the rotational speed will be increased due to a decreasing load.
In an example embodiment in accordance with the present technology (example A13), a motorized step for a vehicle includes a dual drive mechanism assembly, comprising a first extending and retracting device and a second extending and retracting device, the first extending and retracting device comprising a first mounting bracket attachable to a chassis of a vehicle, a first step bracket, and a first arm assembly coupled to the first mounting bracket and the first step bracket and configured to drive the first step bracket to move between a first extended position and a first retracted position, the second extending and retracting device comprising a second mounting bracket attachable to the chassis of the vehicle, a second step bracket, and a second arm assembly coupled to the second mounting bracket and the second step bracket and configured to drive the second step bracket to move between a second extended position and a second retracted position, wherein the second extended position is aligned with the first extended position, and wherein the second retracted position is aligned with the first retracted position; a step coupled to the first step bracket and the second step bracket; and a dual motor assembly comprising a first motor and a second motor, the first motor coupled with the first arm assembly to drive the first arm assembly, and the second motor coupled with the second arm assembly to drive the second arm assembly, wherein the dual motor assembly is operable to cause the step to extend and retract in a balanced orientation where neither side of the step is drooping with respect to the other based on the first motor and the second motor configured to drive the first arm assembly and the second arm assembly, respectively, in unison and with synchronized motion.
Example A14 includes the motorized vehicle step of example A13, wherein the dual drive mechanism assembly includes a four-link mechanism for one or both of the first extending and retracting device and the second extending and retracting device, wherein the four-link mechanism includes a first arm defining a first end to pivotally couple with a mounting bracket of the dual drive mechanism assembly, and a second end to pivotally couple with a step bracket of the dual drive mechanism assembly; and a second arm defining a first end to pivotally couple with the mounting bracket, and a second end to pivotally couple with the step bracket, wherein one of the first arm or the second arm is coupled with a motor of the dual motor assembly.
Example A15 includes the motorized vehicle step of example A13, wherein the dual drive mechanism assembly includes a five-link mechanism for one or both of the first extending and retracting device and the second extending and retracting device, wherein the five-link mechanism includes a first arm defining a first end to pivotally couple with a mounting bracket of the dual drive mechanism assembly, and a second end to pivotally couple with a step bracket of the dual drive mechanism assembly; a second arm defining a first end to pivotally couple with the mounting bracket, and a second end; and a third arm defining a first end pivotally coupled with the second end of the second arm, and a second end to pivotally couple with the step bracket, wherein one of the first arm or the second arm is coupled with a motor of the dual motor assembly.
Example A16 includes the motorized vehicle step of example A13, wherein the dual drive mechanism assembly includes a six-link mechanism for one or both of the first extending and retracting device and the second extending and retracting device, wherein the six-link mechanism includes a first arm defining a first end to pivotally couple with a mounting bracket of the dual drive mechanism assembly, and a second end to pivotally couple with a step bracket of the dual drive mechanism assembly; a second arm defining a first end to pivotally couple with the mounting bracket, and a second end; a third arm defining a first end pivotally coupled with the second end of the second arm, and a second end to pivotally couple with the step bracket; and a fourth arm defining a first end pivotally coupled with both of the second end of the second arm and the first end of the third arm, and a second end pivotally coupled with a middle portion of the first arm, wherein one of the first arm or the second arm is coupled with a motor of the dual motor assembly.
Example A17 includes the motorized vehicle step of example A13, wherein the first motor includes a first motor shaft that is coupled with a first connection shaft of the first arm assembly, and wherein the second motor comprises a second motor shaft that is coupled with a second connection shaft of the second arm assembly.
Example A18 includes the motorized vehicle step of example A17, including a first elastic member configured to elastically deform so as to store energy when the first motor drives the first step bracket to move towards the first extended position, and to release energy so as to assist the first motor to drive the first extending and retracting device when the first motor drives the first step bracket to move towards the first retracted position; and a second elastic member configured to elastically deform so as to store energy when the second motor drives the second step bracket to move towards the second extended position, and to release energy so as to assist the second motor to drive the second extending and retracting device when the second motor drives the second step bracket to move towards the second retracted position.
Example A19 includes the motorized vehicle step of example A18, wherein the first elastic member comprises a first spring defining a fixed first end and a second end driven by the first motor shaft of the first motor so as to change shape; wherein the second elastic member comprises a second spring defining a fixed first end and a second end driven by the second motor shaft of the second motor so as to change shape.
Example A20 includes the motorized vehicle step of example A19, wherein the first spring and the second spring each include one of a scroll spring, a spring leaf, or a disk spring.
In some aspects, a vehicle step apparatus with dual drive motors in accordance with the disclosed embodiments is described.
Motorized vehicle steps typically must carry substantial loads and therefore may be made of materials of relatively large weight and size, thereby putting demands on the motor. Conventional motorized vehicle step devices may include multiple extension-retraction devices coupled to the step with one motor driving one of the extension-retraction devices. A single drive motor requires high motor performance, which results in high manufacturing difficulty and high cost.
Conventional single motor-driven vehicle step devices do not provide durability and reliability of the motorized vehicle step, particularly after continuous uses. For example, after a conventional single motor-driven vehicle step device is used for a period of time (e.g., hundreds of extensions and retractions), the driven end of the step may sag relative to the motor-driving end of the step, which can create a larger gap between the driven end of the step and the vehicle body than the gap between the driving end of the step and the vehicle body, thus affecting the appearance and performance of the vehicle step device. Furthermore, when the driven end is not locked by the motor assembly, the failure rate of the motor of the motorized vehicle step is increased after the vehicle step vibrates for a long time, and the service life of the product is shortened. Yet it is challenging to provide a motorized vehicle step device that can employ multiple (e.g., two or more) motors to distribute the drive power for extending and retracting the step that sufficiently addresses and solves these problems with conventional systems.
Disclosed are devices and methods for driving a vehicle step assembly by multiple (e.g. two or more) motors by a motor assembly capable of self-locking of the of the vehicle step assembly.
As shown in
The first self-locking motor assembly 900a is coupled with an arm of the first arm assembly 13a′ (via a shaft, not shown), and the second self-locking motor assembly 900b is coupled with an arm of the second arm assembly 13b′ (via a shaft, not shown). The first self-locking motor assembly 900a is able to mount on the first mounting bracket 11a′, and the second self-locking motor assembly 900b is able to mount on the second mounting bracket 11b′.
Each extending and retracting device 10a′ and 10b′ of the vehicle step apparatus 100′ is equipped with a drive motor assembly capable of a reverse self-locking functionality based on configuration of the motor assembly. In implementations, for example, after receiving a movement instruction (e.g., from a controller device), both of the self-locking motor assemblies 900a and 900b operate synchronously, driving the respective extending and retracting devices 10a′ and 10b′ to operate according to a predetermined trajectory, thus driving the step 20 to operate between the extended position and the retracted position. When the respective extending and retracting devices 10a′ and 10b′ are in the retracted state, due to the reverse self-locking function of the motor assembly, the step 20 is located in the retracted position and held into the position without any further movement, e.g., the step 20 does not vibrate or result in sagging or drooping after several usages. For example, the reverse self-locking to maintain the step 20 in the retracted position (without vibrating, sagging or drooping) and the consistency in movement can occur even after thousands of operations of the vehicle step apparatus 100′ to move the step 20 between the extended and retracted positions.
The motor assembly 900 includes the worm gear 915 and the worm reduction mechanism (e.g., worm 911A coupled to the stator of the motor 911 via shaft 911B), which enables the motor assembly to have a reverse self-locking function. In multiple-motorized systems, there is a hidden danger of each motor operating out of synch, which in the case of the two motors in the dual-motor driving mode of vehicle step apparatus 100′, could lead to misalignment of the step brackets and result in sagging or drooping of the step. The worm gear 915 and worm reduction mechanism 911A can provide the motor assembly 900 with a means to synchronize two (or more) permanent magnet direct current motors that drive components (e.g., arm assemblies 13a′ and 13b′) without having to share a common shaft.
For example, a motor having a high rotating speed has an increased load and a decreased rotating speed, whereas a motor having a low rotating speed has a decreased load and an increased rotating speed. Thus, rotating speeds of the two mechanisms reach dynamic balance, thereby realizing the motion synchronization of the two mechanisms.
Referring to
In some embodiments, the vehicle step apparatus 100′ can also include the first elastic member 50a and the second elastic member 50b to further augment the drive capability of the first motor assembly 900a and the second motor assembly 900b, respectively. For example, similar to that shown in
The disclosed multi-motorized vehicle step device, such as the example vehicle step apparatus 100′, provide several advantages over conventional retractable steps, including but not limited to: (1) long service life of the device, e.g., as the multiple (dual) motor driving mode greatly improves the service life of the product and reduces the motor failure rate; (2) the structure is not prone to sag or droop, e.g., as both motors have a self-locking function (e.g., reversible self-locking) to prevent detrimental movements in the extended and retracted positions; (3) reduced costs of the motor system, e.g., as the dual motor driving mode reduces the requirements for motor performance, thereby allowing a motor that is more simple in manufacturing and lower in cost (such that the comprehensive cost of the double motor driving mode and the single motor driving mode is similar if not equivalent); and (4) the dual motor driving mode is more suitable for vehicles with longer and heavier steps.
Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “an example,” “a specific example,” or “some examples,” means that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. The appearances of the phrases throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment or example of the present invention. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.
Although explanatory embodiments have been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments cannot be construed to limit the present invention, and changes, alternatives, and modifications can be made in the embodiments without departing from spirit, principles and scope of the present invention.
While this patent document contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments of particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this patent document in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.
Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described in this patent document should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments.
Only a few implementations and examples are described and other implementations, enhancements and variations can be made based on what is described and illustrated in this patent document.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 201510468824.6 | Aug 2015 | CN | national |
| 201510469324.4 | Aug 2015 | CN | national |
| 201520576675.0 | Aug 2015 | CN | national |
| 201520580148.7 | Aug 2015 | CN | national |
| 201510731518.7 | Oct 2015 | CN | national |
| 201520860004.7 | Oct 2015 | CN | national |
The present application is a continuation of and claims priority to and all benefits of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/655,149, filed Oct. 16, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,618,472 B2, which is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to and all benefits of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/200,940, filed Jul. 1, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,479,278, which claims priority to and all benefits of Chinese Patent Application 201510731518.7 filed on Oct. 30, 2015, Chinese Patent Application 201520860004.7 filed on Oct. 30, 2015, Chinese Patent Application 201510468824.6 filed on Aug. 4, 2015, Chinese Patent Application 201520576675.0 filed on Aug. 4, 2015, Chinese Patent Application 201510469324.4 filed on Aug. 4, 2015, and Chinese Patent Application 201520580148.7 filed on Aug. 4, 2015, all of which are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7591 | Burdett | Aug 1850 | A |
| 634385 | Wolfe et al. | Oct 1899 | A |
| 724155 | Besse | Mar 1903 | A |
| 752031 | Chadwick | Feb 1904 | A |
| 817224 | Clifford | Apr 1906 | A |
| 955658 | Mitchell et al. | Apr 1910 | A |
| 1063643 | Blake et al. | Jun 1913 | A |
| 1169140 | Fassett et al. | Jan 1916 | A |
| 1176538 | Warner | Mar 1916 | A |
| 1182169 | Hansen | May 1916 | A |
| 1222127 | Perri | Apr 1917 | A |
| 1239892 | Dunderdale | Sep 1917 | A |
| 1242828 | Lyle | Oct 1917 | A |
| 1250604 | Lorenc | Dec 1917 | A |
| 1268335 | Fairchild | Jun 1918 | A |
| 1364697 | Branch | Jan 1921 | A |
| 1437648 | Gore | Dec 1922 | A |
| 1449031 | Blake | Mar 1923 | A |
| 1471972 | Miller | Oct 1923 | A |
| 1621479 | Cleveland et al. | Mar 1927 | A |
| 1755942 | Woolson | Apr 1930 | A |
| 1800162 | Stroud | Apr 1931 | A |
| 2029745 | Stiner | Feb 1936 | A |
| 2041640 | Goss | May 1936 | A |
| 2118557 | Hamilton | May 1938 | A |
| 2122040 | Machovec | Jun 1938 | A |
| 2125085 | Pool | Jul 1938 | A |
| 2197266 | Fredell | Apr 1940 | A |
| 2209576 | McDonald | Jul 1940 | A |
| 2246986 | Pellegrini | Jun 1941 | A |
| 2436961 | Gabriel | Mar 1948 | A |
| 2487921 | Culver | Nov 1949 | A |
| 2492068 | Schofield et al. | Dec 1949 | A |
| 2566401 | Bustin | Sep 1951 | A |
| 2575615 | Crump | Nov 1951 | A |
| 2583894 | Shuck | Jan 1952 | A |
| 2645504 | Branstrator et al. | Jul 1953 | A |
| 2669613 | Despard | Feb 1954 | A |
| 2678832 | Wright | May 1954 | A |
| 2682671 | Faure | Jul 1954 | A |
| 2764422 | McDonald | Sep 1956 | A |
| 2774494 | Malmström | Dec 1956 | A |
| 2825582 | McDonald | Mar 1958 | A |
| 2921643 | Vanderveld | Jan 1960 | A |
| 2925876 | Wagner | Feb 1960 | A |
| 2998265 | Kozicki | Aug 1961 | A |
| 3008533 | Haberle | Nov 1961 | A |
| 3012633 | Magee | Dec 1961 | A |
| 3039562 | Wagner | Jun 1962 | A |
| 3095216 | Browne et al. | Jun 1963 | A |
| 3164394 | Husko | Jan 1965 | A |
| 3172499 | Stairs | Mar 1965 | A |
| 3266594 | Antosh et al. | Aug 1966 | A |
| 3329443 | Lowder et al. | Jul 1967 | A |
| 3392990 | Wolf | Jul 1968 | A |
| 3488066 | Hansen | Jan 1970 | A |
| 3494634 | De Paula | Feb 1970 | A |
| 3515406 | Endsley | Jun 1970 | A |
| 3517942 | Cuffe et al. | Jun 1970 | A |
| 3522396 | Norden | Jul 1970 | A |
| 3528574 | Denner et al. | Sep 1970 | A |
| 3572754 | Fowler | Mar 1971 | A |
| 3608957 | Maneck | Sep 1971 | A |
| 3650423 | O'Brien | Mar 1972 | A |
| 3671058 | Kent | Jun 1972 | A |
| 3745595 | Nagy | Jul 1973 | A |
| 3756622 | Pyle et al. | Sep 1973 | A |
| 3762742 | Bucklen | Oct 1973 | A |
| 3784227 | Rogge | Jan 1974 | A |
| 3799288 | Manuel | Mar 1974 | A |
| 3807757 | Carpenter et al. | Apr 1974 | A |
| 3833240 | Weiler | Sep 1974 | A |
| 3853369 | Holden | Dec 1974 | A |
| 3863890 | Ruffing | Feb 1975 | A |
| 3865399 | Way | Feb 1975 | A |
| 3869022 | Wallk | Mar 1975 | A |
| 3869169 | Johnson et al. | Mar 1975 | A |
| 3887217 | Thomas | Jun 1975 | A |
| 3889997 | Schoneck | Jun 1975 | A |
| 3891261 | Finneman | Jun 1975 | A |
| 3913497 | Maroshick | Oct 1975 | A |
| 3915475 | Casella et al. | Oct 1975 | A |
| 3957284 | Wright | May 1976 | A |
| 3961809 | Clugston | Jun 1976 | A |
| 3980319 | Kirkpatrick | Sep 1976 | A |
| 3981515 | Rosborough | Sep 1976 | A |
| 3986724 | Rivinius | Oct 1976 | A |
| 3997211 | Graves | Dec 1976 | A |
| 4020920 | Abbott | May 1977 | A |
| 4053172 | McClure | Oct 1977 | A |
| 4058228 | Hall | Nov 1977 | A |
| 4068542 | Brand et al. | Jan 1978 | A |
| 4073502 | Frank et al. | Feb 1978 | A |
| 4089538 | Eastridge | May 1978 | A |
| 4098346 | Stanfill | Jul 1978 | A |
| 4106790 | Weiler | Aug 1978 | A |
| 4110673 | Nagy et al. | Aug 1978 | A |
| 4116457 | Nerem et al. | Sep 1978 | A |
| 4124099 | Dudynskyj | Nov 1978 | A |
| 4145066 | Shearin | Mar 1979 | A |
| 4164292 | Karkau | Aug 1979 | A |
| 4168764 | Walters | Sep 1979 | A |
| 4174021 | Barlock | Nov 1979 | A |
| 4180143 | Clugston | Dec 1979 | A |
| 4185849 | Jaeger | Jan 1980 | A |
| 4188889 | Favrel | Feb 1980 | A |
| 4194754 | Hightower | Mar 1980 | A |
| 4205862 | Tarvin | Jun 1980 | A |
| 4219104 | MacLeod | Aug 1980 | A |
| 4231583 | Learn | Nov 1980 | A |
| 4275664 | Reddy | Jun 1981 | A |
| 4325668 | Julian et al. | Apr 1982 | A |
| 4369984 | Hagen | Jan 1983 | A |
| 4424751 | Blochlinger | Jan 1984 | A |
| 4440364 | Cone et al. | Apr 1984 | A |
| 4462486 | Dignan | Jul 1984 | A |
| 4536004 | Brynielsson et al. | Aug 1985 | A |
| 4542805 | Hamlin et al. | Sep 1985 | A |
| 4570962 | Chavira | Feb 1986 | A |
| 4623160 | Trudell | Nov 1986 | A |
| D287001 | Jarvie et al. | Dec 1986 | S |
| 4676013 | Endo | Jun 1987 | A |
| 4679810 | Kimball | Jul 1987 | A |
| 4696349 | Harwood et al. | Sep 1987 | A |
| D292904 | Bielby | Nov 1987 | S |
| 4708355 | Tiede | Nov 1987 | A |
| 4711613 | Fretwell | Dec 1987 | A |
| 4720116 | Williams et al. | Jan 1988 | A |
| 4733752 | Sklar | Mar 1988 | A |
| 4757876 | Peacock | Jul 1988 | A |
| 4846487 | Criley | Jul 1989 | A |
| 4858888 | Cruz et al. | Aug 1989 | A |
| 4909700 | Fontecchio et al. | Mar 1990 | A |
| 4911264 | McCafferty | Mar 1990 | A |
| 4926965 | Fox | May 1990 | A |
| 4930973 | Robinson | Jun 1990 | A |
| 4958979 | Svensson | Sep 1990 | A |
| 4982974 | Guidry | Jan 1991 | A |
| 4991890 | Paulson | Feb 1991 | A |
| D316394 | Carr | Apr 1991 | S |
| 5005667 | Anderson | Apr 1991 | A |
| 5005850 | Baughman | Apr 1991 | A |
| 5007654 | Sauber | Apr 1991 | A |
| 5028063 | Andrews | Jul 1991 | A |
| 5039119 | Baughman | Aug 1991 | A |
| 5085450 | DeHart, Sr. | Feb 1992 | A |
| 5137294 | Martin | Aug 1992 | A |
| 5154125 | Renner et al. | Oct 1992 | A |
| 5195609 | Ham et al. | Mar 1993 | A |
| 5199731 | Martin | Apr 1993 | A |
| 5228707 | Yoder | Jul 1993 | A |
| 5228761 | Huebschen et al. | Jul 1993 | A |
| 5238300 | Slivon et al. | Aug 1993 | A |
| 5253973 | Fretwell | Oct 1993 | A |
| D340905 | Orth et al. | Nov 1993 | S |
| 5257767 | McConnell | Nov 1993 | A |
| 5257847 | Yonehara | Nov 1993 | A |
| 5261779 | Goodrich | Nov 1993 | A |
| 5280934 | Monte | Jan 1994 | A |
| 5284349 | Bruns et al. | Feb 1994 | A |
| 5286049 | Khan | Feb 1994 | A |
| 5342073 | Poole | Aug 1994 | A |
| 5358268 | Hawkins | Oct 1994 | A |
| 5375864 | McDaniel | Dec 1994 | A |
| 5423463 | Weeks | Jun 1995 | A |
| 5425615 | Hall et al. | Jun 1995 | A |
| 5439342 | Hall et al. | Aug 1995 | A |
| 5462302 | Leitner | Oct 1995 | A |
| 5478124 | Warrington | Dec 1995 | A |
| 5498012 | McDaniel et al. | Mar 1996 | A |
| 5501475 | Bundy | Mar 1996 | A |
| 5505476 | Maccabee | Apr 1996 | A |
| 5513866 | Sisson | May 1996 | A |
| 5538100 | Hedley | Jul 1996 | A |
| 5538265 | Chen et al. | Jul 1996 | A |
| 5538269 | McDaniel et al. | Jul 1996 | A |
| 5547040 | Hanser et al. | Aug 1996 | A |
| 5549312 | Garvert | Aug 1996 | A |
| 5584493 | Demski et al. | Dec 1996 | A |
| 5601300 | Fink et al. | Feb 1997 | A |
| 5624127 | Arreola et al. | Apr 1997 | A |
| 5697623 | Bermes et al. | Dec 1997 | A |
| 5697626 | McDaniel | Dec 1997 | A |
| 5727840 | Ochiai et al. | Mar 1998 | A |
| 5779208 | McGraw | Jul 1998 | A |
| 5842709 | Maccabee | Dec 1998 | A |
| 5876051 | Sage | Mar 1999 | A |
| 5897125 | Bundy | Apr 1999 | A |
| 5937468 | Wiedeck et al. | Aug 1999 | A |
| 5941342 | Lee | Aug 1999 | A |
| 5957237 | Tigner | Sep 1999 | A |
| 5980449 | Benson et al. | Nov 1999 | A |
| 5988970 | Holtom | Nov 1999 | A |
| 6012545 | Faleide | Jan 2000 | A |
| 6027090 | Liu | Feb 2000 | A |
| 6042052 | Smith et al. | Mar 2000 | A |
| 6055780 | Yamazaki | May 2000 | A |
| 6065924 | Budd | May 2000 | A |
| 6082693 | Benson et al. | Jul 2000 | A |
| 6082751 | Hanes et al. | Jul 2000 | A |
| 6112152 | Tuttle | Aug 2000 | A |
| 6135472 | Wilson et al. | Oct 2000 | A |
| 6149172 | Pascoe et al. | Nov 2000 | A |
| 6158756 | Hansen | Dec 2000 | A |
| 6168176 | Mueller | Jan 2001 | B1 |
| 6170842 | Mueller | Jan 2001 | B1 |
| 6179312 | Paschke et al. | Jan 2001 | B1 |
| 6179546 | Citrowske | Jan 2001 | B1 |
| 6203040 | Hutchins | Mar 2001 | B1 |
| 6213486 | Kunz et al. | Apr 2001 | B1 |
| 6224317 | Kann | May 2001 | B1 |
| 6264222 | Johnston et al. | Jul 2001 | B1 |
| 6270099 | Farkash | Aug 2001 | B1 |
| 6325397 | Pascoe | Dec 2001 | B1 |
| 6352295 | Leitner | Mar 2002 | B1 |
| 6357992 | Ringdahl et al. | Mar 2002 | B1 |
| 6375207 | Dean et al. | Apr 2002 | B1 |
| 6412799 | Schrempf | Jul 2002 | B1 |
| 6422342 | Armstrong et al. | Jul 2002 | B1 |
| 6425572 | Lehr | Jul 2002 | B1 |
| 6430164 | Jones et al. | Aug 2002 | B1 |
| 6435534 | Stone | Aug 2002 | B1 |
| 6439342 | Boykin | Aug 2002 | B1 |
| 6460915 | Bedi et al. | Oct 2002 | B1 |
| 6471002 | Weinermen | Oct 2002 | B1 |
| 6511086 | Schlicht | Jan 2003 | B2 |
| 6511402 | Shu | Jan 2003 | B2 |
| 6513821 | Heil | Feb 2003 | B1 |
| 6533303 | Watson | Mar 2003 | B1 |
| 6536790 | Ojanen | Mar 2003 | B1 |
| 6588783 | Fichter | Jul 2003 | B2 |
| 6612596 | Jeon et al. | Sep 2003 | B2 |
| 6641158 | Leitner | Nov 2003 | B2 |
| 6659484 | Knodle et al. | Dec 2003 | B2 |
| 6663125 | Cheng | Dec 2003 | B1 |
| 6746033 | McDaniel | Jun 2004 | B1 |
| 6769704 | Cipolla | Aug 2004 | B2 |
| 6810995 | Warford | Nov 2004 | B2 |
| 6812466 | O'Connor et al. | Nov 2004 | B2 |
| 6830257 | Leitner | Dec 2004 | B2 |
| 6834875 | Leitner | Dec 2004 | B2 |
| 6840526 | Anderson et al. | Jan 2005 | B2 |
| 6874801 | Fichter | Apr 2005 | B2 |
| 6880843 | Greer, Jr. | Apr 2005 | B1 |
| 6912912 | Reichinger et al. | Jul 2005 | B2 |
| 6918624 | Miller et al. | Jul 2005 | B2 |
| 6926295 | Berkebile et al. | Aug 2005 | B2 |
| 6938909 | Leitner | Sep 2005 | B2 |
| 6942233 | Leitner et al. | Sep 2005 | B2 |
| 6942272 | Livingston | Sep 2005 | B2 |
| 6948903 | Ablabutyan et al. | Sep 2005 | B2 |
| 6951357 | Armstrong et al. | Oct 2005 | B2 |
| 6955370 | Fabiano et al. | Oct 2005 | B2 |
| 6959937 | Schneider et al. | Nov 2005 | B2 |
| 6966597 | Tegtmeier | Nov 2005 | B2 |
| 6971652 | Bobbert et al. | Dec 2005 | B2 |
| 6997469 | Lanoue et al. | Feb 2006 | B2 |
| 7000932 | Heil et al. | Feb 2006 | B2 |
| 7007961 | Leitner | Mar 2006 | B2 |
| 7017927 | Henderson et al. | Mar 2006 | B2 |
| 7055839 | Leitner | Jun 2006 | B2 |
| 7090276 | Bruford et al. | Aug 2006 | B1 |
| 7111859 | Kim et al. | Sep 2006 | B2 |
| 7118120 | Lee et al. | Oct 2006 | B2 |
| 7163221 | Leitner | Jan 2007 | B2 |
| 7258386 | Leitner | Aug 2007 | B2 |
| 7287771 | Lee et al. | Oct 2007 | B2 |
| 7360779 | Crandall | Apr 2008 | B2 |
| 7367574 | Leitner | May 2008 | B2 |
| 7380807 | Leitner | Jun 2008 | B2 |
| 7398985 | Leitner et al. | Jul 2008 | B2 |
| 7413204 | Leitner | Aug 2008 | B2 |
| 7416202 | Fichter | Aug 2008 | B2 |
| 7487986 | Leither et al. | Feb 2009 | B2 |
| 7516703 | Tazreiter | Apr 2009 | B2 |
| 7566064 | Leitner et al. | Jul 2009 | B2 |
| 7584975 | Leitner | Sep 2009 | B2 |
| 7594672 | Piotrowski | Sep 2009 | B2 |
| 7621546 | Ross et al. | Nov 2009 | B2 |
| 7637519 | Leitner et al. | Dec 2009 | B2 |
| 7673892 | Kuntze et al. | Mar 2010 | B2 |
| 7717444 | Fichter | May 2010 | B2 |
| 7740261 | Leitner et al. | Jun 2010 | B2 |
| 7793596 | Hirtenlehner | Sep 2010 | B2 |
| 7823896 | VanBelle | Nov 2010 | B2 |
| 7874565 | Duncan | Jan 2011 | B2 |
| D634687 | Vukel | Mar 2011 | S |
| 7900944 | Watson | Mar 2011 | B2 |
| 7909344 | Bundy | Mar 2011 | B1 |
| 7934737 | Okada | May 2011 | B2 |
| 7976042 | Watson et al. | Jul 2011 | B2 |
| 8038164 | Stahl et al. | Oct 2011 | B2 |
| 8042821 | Yang | Oct 2011 | B2 |
| D649100 | Cheng | Nov 2011 | S |
| 8052162 | Yang et al. | Nov 2011 | B2 |
| 8056913 | Kuntze et al. | Nov 2011 | B2 |
| 8070173 | Watson | Dec 2011 | B2 |
| 8136826 | Watson | Mar 2012 | B2 |
| 8146935 | Adams | Apr 2012 | B1 |
| 8157277 | Leitner et al. | Apr 2012 | B2 |
| 8177247 | Carr | May 2012 | B1 |
| 8205901 | Yang et al. | Jun 2012 | B2 |
| D665713 | Pochurek et al. | Aug 2012 | S |
| 8262113 | Chafey et al. | Sep 2012 | B1 |
| 8297635 | Agoncillo et al. | Oct 2012 | B2 |
| D671874 | Kekich et al. | Dec 2012 | S |
| 8342550 | Stickles et al. | Jan 2013 | B2 |
| 8342551 | Watson et al. | Jan 2013 | B2 |
| 8360455 | Leitner et al. | Jan 2013 | B2 |
| 8408571 | Leitner et al. | Apr 2013 | B2 |
| 8419034 | Leitner et al. | Apr 2013 | B2 |
| 8469380 | Yang | Jun 2013 | B2 |
| 8602431 | May | Dec 2013 | B1 |
| 8827294 | Leitner et al. | Sep 2014 | B1 |
| 8833782 | Huotari et al. | Sep 2014 | B2 |
| 8844957 | Leitner et al. | Sep 2014 | B2 |
| D720674 | Stanesic et al. | Jan 2015 | S |
| 8936266 | Leitner et al. | Jan 2015 | B2 |
| 8944451 | Leitner et al. | Feb 2015 | B2 |
| 9156406 | Stanesic et al. | Oct 2015 | B2 |
| 9272667 | Smith | Mar 2016 | B2 |
| 9302626 | Leitner et al. | Apr 2016 | B2 |
| 9346404 | Bundy | May 2016 | B1 |
| 9346405 | Leitner et al. | May 2016 | B2 |
| 9511717 | Smith | Dec 2016 | B2 |
| 9522634 | Smith | Dec 2016 | B1 |
| 9527449 | Smith | Dec 2016 | B2 |
| 9550458 | Smith et al. | Jan 2017 | B2 |
| 9561751 | Leitner et al. | Feb 2017 | B2 |
| 9573467 | Chen et al. | Feb 2017 | B2 |
| 9656609 | Du et al. | May 2017 | B2 |
| 9669766 | Du et al. | Jun 2017 | B2 |
| 9669767 | Du et al. | Jun 2017 | B2 |
| 9688205 | Du et al. | Jun 2017 | B2 |
| 9701249 | Leitner et al. | Jul 2017 | B2 |
| 9764691 | Stickles et al. | Sep 2017 | B2 |
| 9809172 | Stanesic et al. | Nov 2017 | B2 |
| 9834147 | Smith | Dec 2017 | B2 |
| 9902328 | Mazur | Feb 2018 | B1 |
| 9944231 | Leitner et al. | Apr 2018 | B2 |
| 10053017 | Leitner et al. | Aug 2018 | B2 |
| 10065486 | Smith et al. | Sep 2018 | B2 |
| 10077016 | Smith et al. | Sep 2018 | B2 |
| 10081302 | Frederick et al. | Sep 2018 | B1 |
| 10106069 | Rasekhi | Oct 2018 | B2 |
| 10106086 | Eckstein et al. | Oct 2018 | B1 |
| 10106087 | Stojkovic et al. | Oct 2018 | B2 |
| 10106088 | Smith | Oct 2018 | B2 |
| 10118557 | Pribisic | Nov 2018 | B2 |
| 10124735 | Du et al. | Nov 2018 | B2 |
| 10124839 | Povinelli et al. | Nov 2018 | B2 |
| 10144345 | Stinson et al. | Dec 2018 | B2 |
| 10150419 | Derbis et al. | Dec 2018 | B2 |
| 10155474 | Salter et al. | Dec 2018 | B2 |
| 10173595 | Ulrich | Jan 2019 | B1 |
| 10183623 | Kirshnan et al. | Jan 2019 | B2 |
| 10183624 | Leitner et al. | Jan 2019 | B2 |
| 10189517 | Povinelli et al. | Jan 2019 | B2 |
| 10195997 | Smith | Feb 2019 | B2 |
| 10207598 | Reynolds et al. | Feb 2019 | B2 |
| 10214963 | Simula et al. | Feb 2019 | B2 |
| 10384614 | Du et al. | Aug 2019 | B1 |
| 10618472 | Du | Apr 2020 | B2 |
| 10649483 | Liu et al. | May 2020 | B2 |
| 10682960 | Du | Jun 2020 | B2 |
| 20020109446 | Arnold | Aug 2002 | A1 |
| 20020130531 | Leitner | Sep 2002 | A1 |
| 20020153201 | Warford | Oct 2002 | A1 |
| 20030038446 | Anderson | Feb 2003 | A1 |
| 20030090081 | Oakley | May 2003 | A1 |
| 20030094781 | Jaramillo et al. | May 2003 | A1 |
| 20030132595 | Fabiano | Jul 2003 | A1 |
| 20030200700 | Leitner | Oct 2003 | A1 |
| 20040100063 | Henderson et al. | May 2004 | A1 |
| 20040108678 | Berkebile | Jun 2004 | A1 |
| 20040135339 | Kim | Jul 2004 | A1 |
| 20050035568 | Lee | Feb 2005 | A1 |
| 20050146157 | Leitner | Jul 2005 | A1 |
| 20050231149 | Numauchi | Oct 2005 | A1 |
| 20050280242 | Fabiano et al. | Dec 2005 | A1 |
| 20060082096 | Sukonthapanich et al. | Apr 2006 | A1 |
| 20060214386 | Watson | Sep 2006 | A1 |
| 20060219484 | Ogura | Oct 2006 | A1 |
| 20060284440 | Leitner | Dec 2006 | A1 |
| 20080042396 | Watson | Feb 2008 | A1 |
| 20080100023 | Ross | May 2008 | A1 |
| 20080100025 | Leitner et al. | May 2008 | A1 |
| 20080116653 | Piotrowski | May 2008 | A1 |
| 20080271936 | Kuntze et al. | Nov 2008 | A1 |
| 20090250896 | Watson | Oct 2009 | A1 |
| 20090295114 | Yang et al. | Dec 2009 | A1 |
| 20100044993 | Watson | Feb 2010 | A1 |
| 20110115187 | Leitner et al. | May 2011 | A1 |
| 20120025485 | Yang | Feb 2012 | A1 |
| 20120046846 | Dollens | Feb 2012 | A1 |
| 20130154230 | Ziaylek | Jun 2013 | A1 |
| 20150097353 | Rasmussen et al. | Apr 2015 | A1 |
| 20150197199 | Kuo | Jul 2015 | A1 |
| 20150321612 | Leitner et al. | Nov 2015 | A1 |
| 20150321613 | Leitner et al. | Nov 2015 | A1 |
| 20160039346 | Yang et al. | Feb 2016 | A1 |
| 20160193964 | Stanesic et al. | Jul 2016 | A1 |
| 20170008459 | Leitner et al. | Jan 2017 | A1 |
| 20170036607 | Du et al. | Feb 2017 | A1 |
| 20170144606 | Smith | May 2017 | A1 |
| 20170190308 | Smith | Jun 2017 | A1 |
| 20170246993 | Smith | Aug 2017 | A1 |
| 20170267182 | Leitner | Sep 2017 | A1 |
| 20170355315 | Leitner | Dec 2017 | A1 |
| 20180141497 | Smith | May 2018 | A1 |
| 20180201194 | Stanesic | Jul 2018 | A1 |
| 20180257572 | Du et al. | Sep 2018 | A1 |
| 20180281687 | Derbis et al. | Oct 2018 | A1 |
| 20180326911 | Leitner | Nov 2018 | A1 |
| 20190009725 | Stojkovic et al. | Jan 2019 | A1 |
| 20190047477 | Crandall | Feb 2019 | A1 |
| 20190054961 | Ngo | Feb 2019 | A1 |
| 20190071021 | Pribisic | Mar 2019 | A1 |
| 20190071042 | Smith | Mar 2019 | A1 |
| 20190084482 | Long et al. | Mar 2019 | A1 |
| 20190084628 | Povinelli et al. | Mar 2019 | A1 |
| 20200023779 | Du et al. | Jan 2020 | A1 |
| 20200023780 | Du et al. | Jan 2020 | A1 |
| 20200047674 | Du et al. | Feb 2020 | A1 |
| 20200262354 | Du et al. | Aug 2020 | A1 |
| 20200265658 | Du et al. | Aug 2020 | A1 |
| 20200269763 | Du et al. | Aug 2020 | A1 |
| 20200277169 | Zhan | Sep 2020 | A1 |
| 20200282913 | Qing | Sep 2020 | A1 |
| 20200290424 | Zhan | Sep 2020 | A1 |
| 20200299116 | Fan | Sep 2020 | A1 |
| 20200282914 | Du et al. | Oct 2020 | A1 |
| 20200331396 | Du et al. | Oct 2020 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1021826 | Nov 1977 | CA |
| 2082177 | May 1994 | CA |
| 2218280 | Jun 1999 | CA |
| 2332193 | Sep 2001 | CA |
| 2370618 | Nov 2007 | CA |
| 2174368 | Aug 1994 | CN |
| 2806241 | Aug 2006 | CN |
| 1976833 | Jun 2007 | CN |
| 101279594 | Oct 2008 | CN |
| 202806579 | Mar 2013 | CN |
| 103507719 | Jan 2014 | CN |
| 203728468 | Jul 2014 | CN |
| 104192070 | Dec 2014 | CN |
| 2044474223 | Jul 2015 | CN |
| 105083136 | Nov 2015 | CN |
| 105083137 | Nov 2015 | CN |
| 105128751 | Dec 2015 | CN |
| 106249641 | Dec 2016 | CN |
| 106499293 | Mar 2017 | CN |
| 108263303 | Jul 2018 | CN |
| 108454518 | Aug 2018 | CN |
| 207758678 | Aug 2018 | CN |
| 108583446 | Sep 2018 | CN |
| 108791086 | Nov 2018 | CN |
| 208037900 | Nov 2018 | CN |
| 108973868 | Dec 2018 | CN |
| 208232903 | Dec 2018 | CN |
| 109253888 | Jan 2019 | CN |
| 208325054 | Jan 2019 | CN |
| 208344082 | Jan 2019 | CN |
| 1042403 | Oct 1958 | DE |
| 1220276 | Jun 1966 | DE |
| 2555468 | Jun 1977 | DE |
| 7922488 | Jul 1982 | DE |
| 3151621 | Jul 1983 | DE |
| 3932142 | Apr 1990 | DE |
| 8910933 | Oct 1990 | DE |
| 0066493 | Dec 1982 | EP |
| 373842 | Jun 1990 | EP |
| 0418615 | Mar 1991 | EP |
| 0559624 | Aug 1995 | EP |
| 0966367 | Sep 1998 | EP |
| 0901783 | Mar 1999 | EP |
| 1116840 | Jul 2001 | EP |
| 1213185 | Dec 2004 | EP |
| 3002157 | Apr 2016 | EP |
| 3176038 | Jan 2019 | EP |
| 3237254 | Feb 2019 | EP |
| 1271901 | Sep 1961 | FR |
| 1350593 | Dec 1963 | FR |
| 2225612 | Aug 1974 | FR |
| 2651739 | Mar 1991 | FR |
| 2764254 | Dec 1998 | FR |
| 191315077 | Aug 1913 | GB |
| 254426 | Jul 1926 | GB |
| 340162 | Dec 1930 | GB |
| 381672 | Oct 1932 | GB |
| 745918 | Mar 1956 | GB |
| 934387 | Aug 1963 | GB |
| 936846 | Sep 1963 | GB |
| 987846 | Mar 1965 | GB |
| 1430813 | Apr 1976 | GB |
| 1471256 | Apr 1977 | GB |
| 2045699 | Nov 1980 | GB |
| 2055705 | Mar 1981 | GB |
| 2129378 | May 1984 | GB |
| 2201511 | Sep 1988 | GB |
| 2288014 | Oct 1995 | GB |
| 201741011829 | Oct 2018 | IN |
| 63-255144 | Oct 1988 | JP |
| H04138944 | May 1992 | JP |
| H04339040 | Nov 1992 | JP |
| H04342629 | Nov 1992 | JP |
| H05310061 | Nov 1993 | JP |
| H05310081 | Nov 1993 | JP |
| H08132967 | May 1996 | JP |
| H10287182 | Oct 1998 | JP |
| 2018-177089 | Nov 2018 | JP |
| 2019-001222 | Jan 2019 | JP |
| 2000-0003099 | Feb 2000 | KR |
| 2017001699 | Aug 2018 | MX |
| 2017001700 | Aug 2018 | MX |
| 2017006328 | Aug 2018 | MX |
| 2017008032 | Sep 2018 | MX |
| 2017010183 | Sep 2018 | MX |
| 403594 | Nov 1973 | SU |
| 783097 | Nov 1980 | SU |
| 198805759 | Aug 1988 | WO |
| 199500359 | Jan 1995 | WO |
| 1997027139 | Jul 1997 | WO |
| 199843856 | Oct 1998 | WO |
| 2000047449 | Aug 2000 | WO |
| 2001000441 | Jan 2001 | WO |
| 2003039910 | May 2003 | WO |
| 2003039920 | May 2003 | WO |
| 2003066380 | Aug 2003 | WO |
| 2003069294 | Aug 2003 | WO |
| 2006050297 | May 2006 | WO |
| 2009103163 | Aug 2009 | WO |
| 2017176226 | Oct 2017 | WO |
| 2018148643 | Aug 2018 | WO |
| 2018197393 | Nov 2018 | WO |
| 2019009131 | Jan 2019 | WO |
| 2019034493 | Feb 2019 | WO |
| Entry |
|---|
| International Search Report and Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority for PCT International Application No. PCT/CN2015/097930 dated May 10, 2016. |
| U.S. Office Action dated Nov. 18, 2019 for U.S. Appl. No. 16/510,775, filed Jul. 12, 2019. (9 pages). |
| U.S. Office Action dated Dec. 20, 2019 for U.S. Appl. No. 16/655,149, filed Oct. 16, 2019. (11 pages). |
| International Search Report of the International Searching Authority for PCT International Application No. PCT/CN2019/077842 dated Oct. 12, 2019. (English Translation, p. 1-20). |
| International Search Report and Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority for PCT International Application No. PCT/CN2019/082919 dated Oct. 11, 2019. (English Translation, p. 1-20). |
| International Search Report and Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority for PCT International Application No. PCT/CN2019/075535 dated Nov. 11, 2019. (English translation, p. 1-21). |
| U.S. Office Action dated Jun. 9, 2020 for U.S. Appl. No. 15/931,474, filed May 13, 2020 (12 pages). |
| Final Office Action dated Oct. 27, 2020 for U.S. Appl. No. 15/931,474, filed Oct. 27, 2020 (13 pages). |
| U.S. Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 16/510,775 dated Feb. 3, 2020. |
| U.S. Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 16/655,149 dated Feb. 20, 2020. |
| No Author. Installation Guide, Part 78139. Apr. 5, 2017, pp. 1-15. |
| No Author. Installation Guide, Part 78151. Sep. 15, 2017, pp. 1-9. |
| No Author. Installation Guide, Part 78154. Jan. 3, 2019, pp. 1-11. |
| No Author. Installation Guide, Part 78234. Jun. 27, 2017, pp. 1-10. |
| No Author. Installation Guide, Part 78235. Jan. 2, 2019, pp. 1-10. |
| No Author. Installation Guide, Part 78239. Aug. 1, 2019, pp. 1-15. |
| No Author. Installation Guide, Part 78240. Mar. 3, 2020, pp. 1-11. |
| No Author. Installation Guide, Part 78254. Jan. 13, 2020, pp. 1-14. |
| U.S. Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 16/826,083 dated Oct. 9, 2020. |
| Australian Application No. 2019250149 Office Action dated Oct. 6, 2020, pp. 1-4). |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20200262354 A1 | Aug 2020 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16655149 | Oct 2019 | US |
| Child | 16826094 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15200940 | Jul 2016 | US |
| Child | 16655149 | US |
