Patents by Inventor Frank Messano

Frank Messano 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: 7338335
    Abstract: A hybrid electric system designed to lower fuel consumption in heavy-duty long-haul vehicles, and in medium and light duty vehicles (trucks, buses, vans, SUVs, recreational vehicles, and the like), utilizing a multiplicity of thermal engines, regenerative power road-wheels, solar cells, and frontal area reducing adjustable-height suspension that are utilized singly or in combinations as suits the vehicle's mission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: Frank Messano
  • Patent number: 7000978
    Abstract: An extremely light weight one-piece “thin-skin” molded RV body that can be manufactured without a heavy steel chassis frame, and which construction method minimizes costly hand labor . . . while lending itself to automated assembly line manufacturing processes as used in the automotive and sport boat industries. Aspects include a variable-height suspension system to decrease frontal area when towed, and which raises the body for use of slideouts; a streamlined storage nose cap that reduces air turbulence to increase fuel economy of the tow vehicle; pivoting road wheels to eliminate tire scrub on multiple axles; steerable wheels for backing in restricted areas; adjustable tongue weight sliding suspension; and a pivoting nose wheel to minimize tongue weight on the tow vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Frank Messano
  • Patent number: 6840825
    Abstract: An amphibious recreational vehicle (motorhome, trailer, SUV, and the like) of conventional RV height, width, and length restricted dimensions necessary to travel on highways and roads, and which upon entering the water, the bottom of the vehicle expands outwardly and upwardly to form a fast planing, wide-beam, ground effects cathedral type double-tunnel hull. The hull makes use of a dynamic air cushion to augment the planing of the hulls, owing to the ground effect created by compression of the ram air stream (and water vapor) rushing through the two tapered tunnels separating the three hulls. The wheels of the vehicle are simultaneously raised out of the water to eliminate parasite drag. The resultant hull is substantially wider than the cabin, providing substantial ocean-going stability for the craft. The folded elements incorporated within the cabin rooftop, raise upward to form a traditional yacht flying bridge, complete with a windshield, steering station, seating, mast, and safety rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Frank Messano
  • Patent number: 6679543
    Abstract: A Comprehensive Modular RV Hybrid Electric Drive And Modular Construction System for recreational vehicles, including motorhomes, trailers, amphibious vehicles, and houseboats, and with full-length vehicle widening slide-outs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Frank Messano
  • Publication number: 20020153745
    Abstract: A Comprehensive Modular RV Hybrid Electric Drive And Modular Construction System for recreational vehicles, including motorhomes, trailers, amphibious vehicles, and houseboats, and with full-length vehicle widening slide-outs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: Frank Messano
  • Publication number: 20020125736
    Abstract: A vehicle rooftop deck system of affixed seating, handrails, and deck canopy-roof which raise for rooftop occupancy and lower for travel on recreational vehicles, amphibious vehicles, and watercraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: Frank Messano
  • Patent number: 6425625
    Abstract: A one-piece monocoque vehicle rooftop deck system for the top of a vehicle that includes furniture and safety handrails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Inventor: Frank Messano
  • Patent number: 6237988
    Abstract: A system of adjustable rooftop cowlings, folding safety handrails, hatchways, stairways, and furnishings affixed to the top of motorhomes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Frank Messano