Eric M Botten

US Patent:

20080197582, Aug 21, 2008

Filed:

Feb 19, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/676409

Inventors:

Eric M. Botten - Southgate MI, US
Sadayuki Makino - Nagoya-shi, JP
Norio Konomoto - Nagoya-shi, JP
Todd M. Remtema - Milford MI, US
Brett A. Campbell - Ann Arbor MI, US

International Classification:

F16J 15/06

US Classification:

277628

Abstract:

A gasket is used for sealing an interface between an outer surface of a door and a door handle of an automotive vehicle. The gasket includes opposite inner and outer surfaces, wherein the inner surface of the gasket faces the door and the outer surface of the gasket faces the handle. The gasket also includes a lip that protrudes outwardly relative to the outer surface of the gasket and extends longitudinally along an edge of the gasket to sealingly engage the handle. The lip is embossed so that it is recessed relative to the inner surface of the gasket to accommodate compression of the lip as the handle is displaced toward the door. A flattened portion extends from an end of the lip to dampen noise due to impact between the handle and a door outer panel of the door.

US Patent:

20100037529, Feb 18, 2010

Filed:

Oct 22, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/603636

Inventors:

Eric M. Botten - Southgate MI, US
Emiko Okuma - Novi MI, US
Sadayuki Makino - Aichi-Ken, JP
Norio Konomoto - Aichi-Ken, JP
Todd M. Remtema - Milford MI, US
Brett A. Campbell - Ann Arbor MI, US

International Classification:

E06B 7/16
E05B 1/00

US Classification:

494831, 2923363

Abstract:

A door handle for a door of an automotive vehicle having a first gasket attached at a distal end of the door handle and a second gasket attached at a proximate end of the door handle. The first gasket and second gasket have an inner surface facing the outer surface of the door and an outer surface facing the respective ends of the door handle. The first gasket and the second gasket also include a lip formed of a resilient material, which protrudes outwardly relative to the outer surface of gaskets and extends longitudinally along the edge of the gaskets to sealingly engage the ends of the door handle. The lip is embossed so that it is recessed relative to the inner surface of the gasket to accommodate compression of the lip as the handle is displaced towards the door. A flattened portion extends from an end of the lip on the first gasket to dampen noise due to impact between the distal end of the door handle and an outer surface of the door.

US Patent:

20210129789, May 6, 2021

Filed:

Nov 6, 2019

Appl. No.:

16/675760

Inventors:

- Plano TX, US
Kimberly A. Strigle - Ann Arbor MI, US
Eric M. Botten - Grosse Ile MI, US
Peter J. Finnie - Ann Arbor MI, US
Prashant K. Deore - Canton MI, US

International Classification:

B60R 21/38
B62D 25/12
E05D 5/06
E05D 11/00
E05D 11/06

Abstract:

Apparatuses, systems, and methods for absorbing energy in a hinge are provided. An apparatus may include a first portion, a second portion coupled to the first portion to move relative to the first portion, and a tab configured relative to the first and second portions to absorb energy imparted to the second portion during a collision. The tab may be bendable via rotation as the second portion moves towards the first portion during the collision. The first portion may be a hinge bracket securable to a vehicle body. The second portion may be a hinge arm securable to a vehicle hood. The tab may be positioned at least partially between the first portion and the second portion for selective interference of the tab with one of the first portion and the second portion.