Patents Assigned to MascoTech Automotive Systems Group, Inc.
  • Patent number: 5628536
    Abstract: An aesthetically appealing fascia cover to conceal a trailer hitch mounted to the rear of a vehicle. The fascia cover is mounted to the vehicle frame associated with the bumper hanging below the bumper to conceal the hitch assembly. A hinged or removal door facilitates access to the hitch sleeve for attaching the hitch ball and the trailer. The fascia is designed to blend with the vehicle body and bumper to form an integrated component of the body styling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Mascotech Automotive Systems Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary E. Fulkerson
  • Patent number: 5582454
    Abstract: A collapsible latching pin for the rear bow of a vehicle convertible top which facilitates latching of the top in the enclosing position while collapsing out of the way upon storage of the top within the boot well. The pin includes a spring to bias the pin downwardly to be latched by the closure mechanism of the top. As the top is stored within the vehicle, the rear bow will engage the bottom of the storage well collapsing the pin flush with the bottom increasing the storage room for the top. As the top is removed from the storage well the latching pin will be biased to the vertical latching position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Mascotech Automotive Systems Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian E. Grover
  • Patent number: 5544998
    Abstract: A selectively retractable load floor for the cargo compartment of a vehicle to improve access to cargo stored within the vehicle. The load floor includes a platform movable along dual rails for easy access to items stored even at the interior portion of the cargo compartment. The platform travels along low-profile rails to maximize interior cargo space and may be locked into position anywhere along the rail system. A spring-loaded latching system provides automatic locking to prevent inadvertent movement of the load floor. A single handle latch mechanism allows simple control of the movement of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: MascoTech Automotive Systems Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Leo Malinowski
  • Patent number: 5484091
    Abstract: A package or cargo organizer for the cargo area of a vehicle. The organizer is typically maintained in a lowered position providing a flat surface in the cargo area. The folded down organizer provides a durable surface and an aesthetically appealing cargo area. The organizer can be selectively folded up with one hand creating divided sections for maintaining cargo items from falling down. The organizer includes a frame and a foldable interior section which operates as a stand for the frame. Clips formed in the frame can be utilized to retain shopping bag handles to prevent spillage. The organizer may be used in the trunk cargo floor of the vehicle or as part of a rollout load floor for utility vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: MascoTech Automotive Systems Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Leo Malinowski, Terrance R. Evans
  • Patent number: 5470126
    Abstract: A retractable hardtop roof for a vehicle for selectively converting the passenger compartment from a closed compartment to an open air compartment. The roof moves along a low profile to permit opening even while the vehicle is moving. The roof conversion includes a frame track mounted within the vehicle body to guide and drive the roof panels. The retractable roof comprises a top panel and a back panel which are hingedly connected. The back panel is in turn hingedly connected to the frame for full pivotting movement of the panels relative to the vehicle body. A drive mechanism attached to the top panel moves the vehicle roof panels along overhead and rear tracks in the frame for full retraction rear of the passenger compartment. Power for the drive mechanism is conducted through metal components of the vehicle top eliminating the need for wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: MascoTech Automotive Systems Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles P. Hines, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5460424
    Abstract: A replaceable or serviceable window forms a portion of the flexible top of a convertible vehicle. The window includes a flexible transparent material which forms the window and a flexible channel retainer which detachably secures the transparent material to the flexible top material. The channel retainer includes a backing member having a longitudinal channel and a locking molding which is lockingly received by the backing member. In a preferred embodiment, the backing member is dielectrically bonded to the transport window material and insertion of the molding sandwiches the top material into the channel retainer. The flexible nature of the window and channel retainer allows the convertible top to be folded into a more compact top stack for storage on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: MascoTech Automotive Systems Group, Inc.
    Inventor: John J. Wagner