Patents by Inventor James Joseph Franko

James Joseph Franko 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: 9085221
    Abstract: A vehicle door provides for the decoupling of the load path by a cut-out area formed in the door inner sheet-metal. In an impact event the front or lower portion of the door inner sheet-metal is pushed inboard while the cut-out area prevents the dragging of the rear or upper portion of the door inner sheet-metal. The cut-out area of the inner door sheet-metal is preferably elongated or can be another shape. It may be a close- or open-ended slot. A stiffening bead may be formed in the inner door sheet-metal adjacent the cut-out area. To provide a seal against water or debris, an adhesive material such as water-proof tape is positioned over the cut-out area. A door beam may be provided. A door spacer block may be positioned between the door beam and the door inner sheet-metal. Door trim padding may be provided over the inner door sheet-metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Shakeeb Rehman, Nitesh Chandrakant Jadhav, James Joseph Franko, Maggie Walker
  • Publication number: 20150137554
    Abstract: A vehicle door provides for the decoupling of the load path by a cut-out area formed in the door inner sheet-metal. In an impact event the front or lower portion of the door inner sheet-metal is pushed inboard while the cut-out area prevents the dragging of the rear or upper portion of the door inner sheet-metal. The cut-out area of the inner door sheet-metal is preferably elongated or can be another shape. It may be a close- or open-ended slot. A stiffening bead may be formed in the inner door sheet-metal adjacent the cut-out area. To provide a seal against water or debris an adhesive material such as water-proof tape is positioned over the cut-out area. A door beam may be provided. A door spacer block may be positioned between the door beam and the door inner sheet-metal. Door trim padding may be provided over the inner door sheet-metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Shakeeb Rehman, Nitesh Chandrakant Jadhav, James Joseph Franko, Maggie Walker
  • Patent number: 8322078
    Abstract: A door for a vehicle including a cast upper door frame having an upper halo portion including a central web. A glass run flange is connected to the central web by an intermediate connector. A door flange extends from the central web substantially orthogonally thereto. A stamped aluminum lower inner panel is operably connected to the cast upper frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Anthony Brancaleone, Tracy Christopher Bakos, Todd William Dishman, James Joseph Franko
  • Publication number: 20110167732
    Abstract: A door for a vehicle including a cast upper door frame having an upper halo portion including a central web. A glass run flange is connected to the central web by an intermediate connector. A door flange extends from the central web substantially orthogonally thereto. A stamped aluminum lower inner panel is operably connected to the cast upper frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Robert Anthony Brancaleone, Tracy Christopher Bakos, Todd William Dishman, James Joseph Franko