Brian A Shepard

US Patent:

8414066, Apr 9, 2013

Filed:

Feb 25, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/035562

Inventors:

Dan Hustyi - Waterford MI, US
Brian Shepard - Ypsilanti MI, US
Emily Hospodar - Berkley MI, US
Robert Blanchard - Fenton MI, US

Assignee:

Nissan North America, Inc. - Franklin TN

International Classification:

B60J 7/00

US Classification:

29619301

Abstract:

A reinforced vehicle structure includes a vehicle panel, an elongated structural support member, and a support structure. The vehicle panel includes a first panel surface and a second panel surface, and defines a first opening that extends through the vehicle panel between the first and second panel surfaces. The elongated structural support member supports a portion of the first panel surface of the vehicle panel, and defines a first channel extending along the vehicle panel. The support structure is coupled to the structural support member at least partially within the first channel, includes a mounting structure that is aligned with the first opening in the vehicle panel, and defines a second channel extending transversely to the first channel of the structural support member.

US Patent:

20100090499, Apr 15, 2010

Filed:

Oct 14, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/251185

Inventors:

Brian C. Shepard - Ypsilanti MI, US
Dave Coakley - Macomb Township MI, US

Assignee:

NISSAN TECHNICAL CENTER NORTH AMERICA, INC. - Farmington Hills MI

International Classification:

B62D 21/15
B62D 21/00

US Classification:

29618709, 29620302

Abstract:

A vehicle body stricture includes a vehicle frame having a pair of longitudinally extending first frame members spaced apart from one another supporting opposite lower side portions of a vehicle and a laterally extending second frame member extending between respective front portions of the first frame members. A vehicle body is supported on the vehicle frame. A bumper assembly is supported by at least one of the first frame members and the second frame member having a front bumper facia member with a lower edge that extends downward toward an underside of the second frame member. A compatibility member extends laterally between the first frame members, with at least a portion of the compatibility member extending below the second frame member. The compatibility member has at least one attachment point fixed to the second frame member.

US Patent:

20140001790, Jan 2, 2014

Filed:

Jun 27, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/535156

Inventors:

Jonathan ZISCHKE - Ypsilanti MI, US
Brian C. SHEPARD - Ypsilanti MI, US
Jeff PENCAK - Howell MI, US
Emily HOSPODAR - Berkley MI, US

Assignee:

Nissan North America, Inc. - Franklin TN

International Classification:

B62D 21/15

US Classification:

29618703, 29618708, 29618712, 296209

Abstract:

A vehicle cabin body structure a side sill, a floor fixedly attached to the side sill, a dash wall and an inner reinforcing bracket. The dash wall is fixedly being attached to the side sill and the floor at least partially defining a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The inner reinforcing bracket has a sill attachment section attached to an inboard surface of the side sill, a dash wall attachment section attached to an interior surface of the dash wall and a floor attachment section attached to an upper surface the floor.

US Patent:

20160200258, Jul 14, 2016

Filed:

Jan 9, 2015

Appl. No.:

14/593186

Inventors:

- Franklin TN, US
Brian SHEPARD - Ypsilanti MI, US
Kelly SCHLOTTERER - Commerce Township MI, US

International Classification:

B60R 7/04

Abstract:

A vehicle storage structure has a box structure with a cargo compartment, a lid and a locking mechanism. The lid is movable between a lowered orientation covering the cargo compartment and a raised orientation exposing the cargo compartment. The lid has a first section and a second section connected to one another via a hinge. The second section is pivotally movable such that with the first section in the lowered orientation, the second section pivots between a retracted position overlaying the first section and an extended position defining a flat cargo receiving surface. The locking mechanism is fixedly attached to the first section of the lid and is configured to releasably lock the lid in the lowered orientation.