Patents by Inventor Robert M. Horner
Robert M. Horner 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).
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Patent number: 11975766Abstract: An access door for a vehicle including an open bed assembly including a front wall, two side walls and a rear wall. A door portion on one of the side walls of the liftgate opening on a substantially vertical hinged axis for providing side access to the truck bed.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2021Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Robert M. Horner, Larry R. Erickson, Andrew E. Sicherman, Michael S. Spagnuolo, Peter G. DeMarois, Brian Staley
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Patent number: 11927046Abstract: A multi-way liftgate assembly providing a plurality of dividers dividing the rear cargo area of a passenger vehicle into a plurality of secure areas assessable from a plurality of panels forming a liftgate to provide controlled access to one or more of those compartments. The vehicle operator has secure control of which portions of the cargo area can be selectively accessed. The multi-way liftgate assembly provides multiple secure openings to the cargo area of a vehicle that typically has only one secure opening to the cargo area.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2020Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Luyao Zhu, Marc Cogswell, Robert M. Horner
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Patent number: 11919577Abstract: An access door for a vehicle including an open bed assembly including a front wall, two side walls and a rear wall. A door portion on one of the side walls of the liftgate opening on a substantially vertical hinged axis for providing side access to the truck bed.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Robert M. Horner, Larry R. Erickson
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Publication number: 20230311626Abstract: A hard top removal assist system for a vehicle. The system includes a vehicle body having a plurality of rails mounted to the vehicle body. A hard top has a connection that is used to connect the hard top to the plurality of rails. There is at least one connection on the hard top that is slidable in the one or more rails between an installed position and a removed position. The hard top can be fully removed from the vehicle body and the one or more rails.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2021Publication date: October 5, 2023Applicant: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Marc COGSWELL, Larry R. ERICKSON, Robert M. HORNER, Brian STALEY, Luyao ZHU
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Publication number: 20230271487Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hardtop for a vehicle that has an exterior thermoplastic roof panel and sides. The hardtop includes a top frame formed of at least two longitudinal sides and at least one cross vehicle piece formed from fiber reinforced polymer. Connected to the top frame is at least one roof panel forming an outer surface of the hardtop. There are also one or more side frames each having a side panel connected thereto. The roof panel and side panel are all formed of thermoplastic, so it is possible to have a Class A finish paint surface or mold in color finish.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2021Publication date: August 31, 2023Applicant: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: John S. MUGLIA, Mohan GIRIJESHWAR, Keijo J. HUOTARI, Brian STALEY, Larry Richard ERICKSON, Marc COGSWELL, Robert M. HORNER, Luyao ZHU
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Publication number: 20230249760Abstract: An articulating tailgate assembly with improved accessibility into a cargo bed of a vehicle, incorporating at least one door. The tailgate system provides a tailgate with a combination of predetermined plurality of functions for accessibility into the cargo bed of the vehicle and to improve functionality of the tailgate assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2023Publication date: August 10, 2023Applicant: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Selle, Robert M. Horner, Larry R. Erickson
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Patent number: 11696383Abstract: An illumination system and method of ground and other illuminating that comprises a plurality of sensors that scan/detect the exterior area around the vehicle and at least one controller, the system selectively turning on/off a series of lighting elements placed strategically around the vehicle to allow light to be directed to at least one ground or other surface at the persons at all times or any predetermined time. A controller is provided to activate ground lighting in coordination with sensor signals identifying where an individual or object are located in predetermined proximity to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2020Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Larry R. Erickson, Robert M. Horner
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Patent number: 11639201Abstract: An articulating tailgate assembly with improved accessibility into a cargo bed of a pickup truck, incorporating at least one door. The tailgate system provides a tailgate with a combination of predetermined plurality of functions for accessibility into the cargo bed of the vehicle and to improve functionality of the tailgate assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2021Date of Patent: May 2, 2023Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Selle, Robert M. Horner, Larry R. Erickson
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Publication number: 20230076313Abstract: A molded panel that encompasses all forward surfaces of a vehicle. The molded panel extends from the forward edge from a driver side front wheel opening, laterally across the front of the vehicle and terminating at a forward edge of a passenger side wheel opening. The molded panel extends in the vertical direction (i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle) from a forward lower edge of a front valance up to a leading edge of one of a hood, a flunk, and a windshield of the vehicle. The molded anel further includes connection flanges formed on a back side surface for connection to a vehicle frame that does not have a front end module and front frame bulk head.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2021Publication date: March 9, 2023Applicant: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Marc Cogswell, Robert M. Horner, Daniel Vander Sluis, Mark T. Pilette, Larry R. Erickson
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Publication number: 20230015503Abstract: A modular gate combined with multiple functions which can be easily employed with existing tailgates without any hardware or mounting modifications to existing truck beds. There is provided a modular tailgate system having a tailgate portion in combination with a plurality of functions. The modular tailgate system integrates any combinations of at least two of the plurality of features without affecting existing body sides and/or existing truck beds. Integrated features include a multi-functional gate (e.g., swing, drop, etc), storage (e.g., normal, sealed, refrigerated, heated, etc), step(s), lighting (e.g., ingress/egress, bed interior, removable, trailer hitch, parking, etc), bed extension(s), power (e.g., 12v and/or 110v), tie downs (e.g., ratchets, anchors, etc), sawhorse, magnet(s), table(s), bench(es), seat(s), net(s), any other predetermined desired function, etc., and combinations thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2022Publication date: January 19, 2023Applicant: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Chris Williamson, Robert M. Horner, Marc Cogswell, Larry R. Erickson, Brian Staley
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Patent number: 11427265Abstract: A modular gate combined with multiple functions which can be easily employed with existing tailgates without any hardware or mounting modifications to existing truck beds. There is provided a modular tailgate system having a tailgate portion in combination with a plurality of functions. The modular tailgate system integrates any combinations of at least two of the plurality of features without affecting existing body sides and/or existing truck beds. Integrated features include a multi-functional gate (e.g., swing, drop, etc), storage (e.g., normal, sealed, refrigerated, heated, etc), step(s), lighting (e.g., ingress/egress, bed interior, removable, trailer hitch, parking, etc), bed extension(s), power (e.g., 12 v and/or 110 v), tie downs (e.g., ratchets, anchors, etc), sawhorse, magnet(s), table(s), bench(es), seat(s), net(s), any other predetermined desired function, etc., and combinations thereof.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2020Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Chris Williamson, Robert M. Horner, Marc Cogswell, Larry R. Erickson, Brian Staley
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Publication number: 20220242322Abstract: A multi-way liftgate assembly providing a plurality of dividers dividing the rear cargo area of a passenger vehicle into a plurality of secure areas assessable from a plurality of panels forming a liftgate to provide controlled access to one or more of those compartments. The vehicle operator has secure control of which portions of the cargo area can be selectively accessed. The multi-way liftgate assembly provides multiple secure openings to the cargo area of a vehicle that typically has only one secure opening to the cargo area.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2020Publication date: August 4, 2022Applicant: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Luyao Zhu, Marc Cogswell, Robert M. Horner
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Publication number: 20220161870Abstract: A tailgate assembly including at least two tailgate panels that both move between a closed position, a plurality of intermediate open positions, and a fully open position, where the tailgate panels selectively separate and articulate from the back of the cargo bed to the sides of the cargo bed. The tailgate panels move out of the way to provide direct access to the cargo area floor. The tailgate panels articulate in a small envelope of space, improving access to the rear in a confined space at the rear of the vehicle and reducing the risk of contacting objects that may be behind the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2021Publication date: May 26, 2022Applicant: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Robert M. Horner, Larry R. Erickson, Robert A. Selle, Peter G. DeMarois, Michael S. Spagnuolo, Andrew E. Sicherman, Brian Staley
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Publication number: 20220119045Abstract: An access door for a vehicle including an open bed assembly including a front wall, two side walls and a rear wall. A door portion on one of the side walls of the liftgate opening on a substantially vertical hinged axis for providing side access to the truck bed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2021Publication date: April 21, 2022Applicant: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Robert M. Horner, Larry R. Erickson, Andrew E. Sicherman, Michael S. Spagnuolo, Peter G. DeMarois, Brian Staley
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Publication number: 20220001939Abstract: An access door for a vehicle including an open bed assembly including a front wall, two side walls and a rear wall. A door portion on one of the side walls of the liftgate opening on a substantially vertical hinged axis for providing side access to the truck bed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2021Publication date: January 6, 2022Applicant: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Robert M. Horner, Larry R. Erickson
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Publication number: 20210253180Abstract: An articulating tailgate assembly with improved accessibility into a cargo bed of a pickup truck, incorporating at least one door. The tailgate system provides a tailgate with a combination of predetermined plurality of functions for accessibility into the cargo bed of the vehicle and to improve functionality of the tailgate assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2021Publication date: August 19, 2021Applicant: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Selle, Robert M. Horner, Larry R. Erickson
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Publication number: 20210039722Abstract: A modular gate combined with multiple functions which can be easily employed with existing tailgates without any hardware or mounting modifications to existing truck beds. There is provided a modular tailgate system having a tailgate portion in combination with a plurality of functions. The modular tailgate system integrates any combinations of at least two of the plurality of features without affecting existing body sides and/or existing truck beds. Integrated features include a multi-functional gate (e.g., swing, drop, etc), storage (e.g., normal, sealed, refrigerated, heated, etc), step(s), lighting (e.g., ingress/egress, bed interior, removable, trailer hitch, parking, etc), bed extension(s), power (e.g., 12 v and/or 110 v), tie downs (e.g., ratchets, anchors, etc), sawhorse, magnet(s), table(s), bench(es), seat(s), net(s), any other predetermined desired function, etc., and combinations thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2020Publication date: February 11, 2021Applicant: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Chris Williamson, Robert M. Horner, Marc Cogswell, Larry R. Erickson, Brian Staley
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Publication number: 20200392779Abstract: A multi-way liftgate assembly providing a plurality of dividers dividing the rear cargo area of a passenger vehicle into a plurality of secure areas assessable from a plurality of panels forming a liftgate to provide controlled access to one or more of those compartments. The vehicle operator has secure control of which portions of the cargo area can be selectively accessed. The multi-way liftgate assembly provides multiple secure openings to the cargo area of a vehicle that typically has only one secure opening to the cargo area. The multi-way liftgate assembly provides on-demand open height adjustment.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2020Publication date: December 17, 2020Applicant: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Luyao Zhu, Marc Cogswell, Robert M. Horner
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Publication number: 20200375006Abstract: An illumination system and method of ground and other illuminating that comprises a plurality of sensors that scan/detect the exterior area around the vehicle and at least one controller, the system selectively turning on/off a series of lighting elements placed strategically around the vehicle to allow light to be directed to at least one ground or other surface at the persons at all times or any predetermined time. A controller is provided to activate ground lighting in coordination with sensor signals identifying where an individual or object are located in predetermined proximity to the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2020Publication date: November 26, 2020Applicant: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Larry R. Erickson, Robert M. Horner
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Patent number: 9937868Abstract: A roof rail assembly (10) including at least one stanchion portion (12) having a cover (14) and at least one lighting device (16). A light permeable film (22) provides a predetermined surface appearance and/or design and is translucent to allow light from the lighting device (16) to pass through under predetermined conditions. When the lighting device (16) is not illuminating, the light permeable film (22) provides a predetermined surface appearance. The film (22) is operatively translucent when the lighting source (16) is illuminated and additionally provides a predetermined design appearance when backlit. The selective lighting on the stanchions of the roof rails (18) provides illumination and a higher location of the indicator of unlock for easier location of a vehicle at greater distances.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2014Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Magna International Inc.Inventors: Steven D. McClintock, Robert M. Horner, Brian A. Krull, Mark T. Pilette