Patents by Inventor Christopher E. Dragan

Christopher E. Dragan has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11462923
    Abstract: Disclosed is a breakaway mobile device connection port for a vehicle. The breakaway mobile device connection port includes a socket within a surface of a vehicle, formed by one or more flexible retention members coupled to the surface. The port further includes a ball-type bearing positioned partially within the socket, a female connector positioned in the bearing outside the socket and configured to receive a male connector, and a harness cable coupled to the bearing, linking the female connector to an electrical system or data system of the vehicle. The bearing is configured to swivel on at least one axis within the socket, and an impact force on the male connector that exceeds a first threshold value causes the bearing to be pushed completely into the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Dragan, Travis M. Blais, Angela M. Piculi, Philip J. Babian
  • Patent number: 11420717
    Abstract: An oar for use in propelling a watercraft through water includes a first circular paddle portion. An edge hole extends into an edge of the first paddle portion. The oar also includes a second circular paddle portion, with an edge hole extending into an edge of the second paddle portion. The oar also includes a handle portion having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first paddle portion edge hole and the handle portion first end are structured so that the handle portion first end is detachably securable in the first paddle portion edge hole. The second paddle portion edge hole and the handle portion second end are structured so that the handle portion second end is detachably securable in the second paddle portion edge hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Dragan, Travis M. Blais, Angela Piculi, Philip J. Babian
  • Patent number: 11192503
    Abstract: Systems and apparatus for preventing spilling of a container inside a vehicle. The system includes an arm connected to a device or surface within the vehicle. The system also includes an engagement device connected to the arm and configured to engage a carrying device holding the container, the arm having a length such that the carrying device is suspended and avoids contact with any object inside of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Christopher E. Dragan
  • Publication number: 20210288510
    Abstract: Disclosed is a breakaway mobile device connection port for a vehicle. The breakaway mobile device connection port includes a socket within a surface of a vehicle, formed by one or more flexible retention members coupled to the surface. The port further includes a ball-type bearing positioned partially within the socket, a female connector positioned in the bearing outside the socket and configured to receive a male connector, and a harness cable coupled to the bearing, linking the female connector to an electrical system or data system of the vehicle. The bearing is configured to swivel on at least one axis within the socket, and an impact force on the male connector that exceeds a first threshold value causes the bearing to be pushed completely into the socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Christopher E. Dragan, Travis M. Blais, Angela M. Piculi, Philip J. Babian
  • Publication number: 20210155331
    Abstract: An oar for use in propelling a watercraft through water includes a first circular paddle portion. An edge hole extends into an edge of the first paddle portion. The oar also includes a second circular paddle portion, with an edge hole extending into an edge of the second paddle portion. The oar also includes a handle portion having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first paddle portion edge hole and the handle portion first end are structured so that the handle portion first end is detachably securable in the first paddle portion edge hole. The second paddle portion edge hole and the handle portion second end are structured so that the handle portion second end is detachably securable in the second paddle portion edge hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Inventors: Christopher E. Dragan, Travis M. Blais, Angela Piculi, Philip J. Babian
  • Publication number: 20210009043
    Abstract: Systems and apparatus for preventing spilling of a container inside a vehicle. The system includes an arm connected to a device or surface within the vehicle. The system also includes an engagement device connected to the arm and configured to engage a carrying device holding the container, the arm having a length such that the carrying device is suspended and avoids contact with any object inside of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventor: Christopher E. Dragan
  • Publication number: 20080011047
    Abstract: A vehicle crash test apparatus for conducting simulated automotive crash tests. The apparatus includes a pair of rails and a vehicle buck. A vehicle suspension system having characteristics analogous to an actual vehicle suspension system supports the buck above the rails. An actuator accelerates the rails with the attached vehicle buck at an acceleration rate corresponding to an actual vehicle crash.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Applicant: Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher E. Dragan