Patents by Inventor Michelle Vanbuskirk

Michelle Vanbuskirk 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).

  • Composite liftgate system
    Patent number: 8403399
    Abstract: The present invention is a thermoplastic composite liftgate system with reinforcements in key areas to allow the system to meet performance requirements, while lowering the tooling investment, lowering the system mass, and improving the styling flexibility. The present invention includes an inner panel and at least one bracket or reinforcement member connected to the inner panel such that when a force is applied to the bracket, the force is distributed to the inner panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Kuntze, Stephen R. Roddy, Martin McLeod, Michelle Vanbuskirk, Alexander Kiselev, Gari M. Schalte, Norman Guschewski
  • Composite Liftgate System
    Publication number: 20110074179
    Abstract: The present invention is a thermoplastic composite liftgate system with reinforcements in key areas to allow the system to meet performance requirements, while lowering the tooling investment, lowering the system mass, and improving the styling flexibility. The present invention includes an inner panel and at least one bracket or reinforcement member connected to the inner panel such that when a force is applied to the bracket, the force is distributed to the inner panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Christopher John Kuntze, Stephen R. Roddy, Martin Mcleod, Michelle Vanbuskirk, Alexander Kiselev, Gari M. Schalte, Norman Guschewski
  • Clip assembly—roof ditch molding
    Patent number: 7837257
    Abstract: The present invention is a clip assembly for positioning a trim strip in a first direction and a second direction having a body portion, at least one centering wing connected to the body portion, and at least one flange connected to the body portion, with the flange connectable to a trim strip. The present invention also includes a fastener connectable to a vehicle such that when the fastener is connected to the vehicle, the centering wing locates the clip assembly and the trim strip in the first direction, and the flange connects the clip assembly to the trim strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Kuntze, Michelle Vanbuskirk
  • Front end module with breakaway radiator
    Patent number: 7766112
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle is provided which includes a structural member, a bumper movable with respect to the structural member upon an impact of said vehicle with an object, and a radiator for cooling fluid of a component of the vehicle, the radiator being mounted with the structural member. Movement of the bumper within predetermined limits causes the radiator to be dismounted with respect to said structural member minimizing material damage to the radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Ameil A. Kapadia, Michelle Vanbuskirk, Martin R. Matthews
  • Clip Assembly - Roof Ditch Molding
    Publication number: 20090031539
    Abstract: The present invention is a clip assembly for positioning a trim strip in a first direction and a second direction having a body portion, at least one centering wing connected to the body portion, and at least one flange connected to the body portion, with the flange connectable to a trim strip. The present invention also includes a fastener connectable to a vehicle such that when the fastener is connected to the vehicle, the centering wing locates the clip assembly and the trim strip in the first direction, and the flange connects the clip assembly to the trim strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Christopher J. KUNTZE, Michelle Vanbuskirk
  • Front End Module with Breakaway Radiator
    Publication number: 20080308333
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle is provided which includes a structural member, a bumper movable with respect to the structural member upon an impact of said vehicle with an object, and a radiator for cooling fluid of a component of the vehicle, the radiator being mounted with the structural member. Movement of the bumper within predetermined limits causes the radiator to be dismounted with respect to said structural member minimizing material damage to the radiator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Ameil A. KAPADIA, Michelle Vanbuskirk, Martin R. Matthews