Apparatus and methods for opening a vehicle hood

• US 6,361,091 B1
• Filed: 05/31/2000
• Issued: 03/26/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 05/31/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Weschler, Bradley R.
• Original Assignee: Weschler, Bradley R.
• Inventors: Weschler, Bradley R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Graham, Matthew C.
• Assistant Examiner(s): KRAMER, DEVON C
• Application Number:
  US09/584,284
• Time in Patent Office: 664 Days
• Field of Search: 292/336.3, 292/225, 292/133, 292/DIG.14, 745/024, 745/026
• US Class Current: 292/336.3
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 79/20 using flexible connections, e.g. Bowden cables
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 83/24 for car bonnets
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 292/14 Hood latches
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 292/1057 Flexible
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 292/57 Operators with knobs or handles

Abstract

Devices and methods of releasing engine compartment hoods, designed to be used in conjunction with vehicles equipped with passenger compartment hood releases allow a hood to be released from outside the vehicle. The disclosed devices are positioned between an existing lock assembly and the protective sheath of the existing release cable.

Claims

1. A supplemental vehicle hood release for use on a vehicle conventional hood lock assembly comprising a release cable comprising a proximal end located proximate a passenger compartment and a terminal end operatively connected to said hood lock assembly, a cable cover comprising a terminal end spaced from said cable terminal end, and a support abutting said terminal end of said cover, said supplemental vehicle hood release comprising:

a first member;

a second member movably positioned relative to said first member;

means for selectively moving said first member relative to said second member, wherein when said first member and said second member are positioned between said cover terminal end and said support, sufficient movement of said cover releases the vehicle hood.

2. A supplemental vehicle hood release according to claim 1 wherein said first member comprises a bracket.

3. A supplemental vehicle hood release according to claim 2 wherein said second member comprises a bracket.

4. A supplemental vehicle hood release according to claim 1 wherein said second member comprises a bracket.

5. A supplemental vehicle hood release according to claim 1 wherein said moving means comprises:

a cable comprising a proximal end and a distal, terminal end operatively connected to said second member,

a cable cover comprising a proximal end and a distal, terminal end operatively connected to said first member, and

an actuator connected to said proximal end of said cable and said proximal end of said cable cover for moving said cable relative to said cover.

6. A supplemental vehicle hood release according to claim 5 wherein said actuator is manually operated.

7. A supplemental vehicle hood release according to claim 5 wherein said actuator is electronically operated.

8. A supplemental vehicle hood release according to claim 1 wherein said moving means is manually operated.

9. A supplemental vehicle hood release according to claim 1 wherein said moving means is electronically operated.

10. A supplemental vehicle hood release according to claim 9 comprising a signal transmitter and a signal receiver.

11. A supplemental vehicle hood release according to claim 10 wherein said signal is a radio frequency signal.

12. A supplemental vehicle hood release according to claim 9 wherein said moving means comprises a solenoid.

13. A method of releasing a vehicle hood for use on a vehicle conventional hood lock assembly comprising a release cable comprising a proximal end located proximate a passenger compartment and a terminal end operatively connected to the hood lock assembly, a cable, comprising a terminal end spaced from the cable terminal end, and a support abutting the terminal end of the cover, the method comprising the steps of:

positioning a first member and second member which is movably positioned relative to the first member between the terminal end of said cable cover and said support, and

causing said first member to move relative to the second member sufficiently to release the vehicle hood.

14. A method according to claim 13 wherein said step of positioning a first member comprises positioning a bracket.

15. A method according to claim 14 wherein said second member comprises a bracket.

16. A method according to claim 13 wherein said step of positioning a second member comprises positioning a bracket.

17. A method according to claim 13 wherein said step of moving said first member relative to said second member comprises providing a cable comprising a proximal end and a distal, terminal end operatively connected to said second member,

a cable cover comprising a proximal end and a distal, terminal end operatively connected to said first member, and

an actuator connected to said proximal end of said cable and said proximal end of said cable cover for moving said cable relative to said cover.

18. A method according to claim 17 wherein said step of positioning an actuator comprises providing an actuator which is manually operated.

19. A method according to claim 17 wherein said step of positioning an actuator comprises providing an actuator which is electronically operated.

20. A method according to claim 13 wherein said movement causing step is performed manually.

21. A method according to claim 13 wherein said movement causing step is performed electronically.

22. A method according to claim 21 wherein said step of causing movement comprises generating an electromagnetic signal.

23. A method according to claim 22 wherein said step of causing movement comprises generating an electromagnetic radio frequency.

24. A method according to claim 23 wherein said step of causing movement comprises actuating a solenoid.