Patents by Inventor Steven M. Kowalski

Steven M. Kowalski 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: 9731658
    Abstract: A liftgate cargo module having an integrated tailgate that unfolds from a hatch or liftgate of a vehicle that adds additional storage and provides a cargo load floor. When unfolded, there is an integrated pass through door formed in the hatch or liftgate permitting longer items to be hauled, while keeping the hatch or liftgate completely closed. The integrated tailgate includes an integrated tailgate taillight that indicates when the vehicle is braking or backing up. The integrated tailgate taillight also helps to show that the integrated tailgate is folded down from and extending from the hatch or liftgate of the vehicle. The integrated tailgate also includes integrated anchor points formed on the cargo load floor so items may be tied down and secured. An all-weather enclosure that is connectable to the cargo load floor for enclosing contents that are being hauled on the integrated tailgate may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: MAGNA INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Steven M. Kowalski
  • Publication number: 20160318453
    Abstract: A liftgate cargo module having an integrated tailgate that unfolds from a hatch or liftgate of a vehicle that adds additional storage and provides a cargo load floor. When unfolded, there is an integrated pass through door formed in the hatch or liftgate permiting longer items to be hauled, while keeping the hatch or liftgate completely closed. The integrated tailgate includes an integrated tailgate taillight that indicates when the vehicle is braking or backing up. The integrated tailgate taillight also helps to show that the integrated tailgate is folded down from and extending from the hatch or liftgate of the vehicle. The integrated tailgate also includes integrated anchor points formed on the cargo load floor so items may be tied down and secured. An all-weather enclosure that is connectable to the cargo load floor for enclosing contents that are being hauled on the integrated tailgate may also be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Applicant: Magna International Inc.
    Inventor: Steven M. Kowalski
  • Patent number: 8382132
    Abstract: A modular running board adaptable for use with various types of vehicles having different wheel bases. In a first embodiment, the running board includes a first long board and a second long board connectable to a pick-up truck having crew cab or quad cab with four full doors. In another embodiment, the first long board is connected to a short board, and both the long board and short board are connected to a pick-up truck having an extended cab, with two full doors and two half-doors. In either of the first two embodiments, a coupling piece is used for connecting the first long board to the second long board, or the first long board to the short board. In yet another embodiment, only the first long board is connected to a vehicle, such as a pickup truck having a regular cab with two full doors only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventor: Steven M. Kowalski
  • Patent number: 6719343
    Abstract: A console assembly for a vehicle including a video entertainment system includes a console housing having a storage compartment and a storage compartment closeout section pivotally connected to the console housing positionable between a raised position and a lowered position. An armrest is pivotally connected to the closeout section and is positionable between a closed position disposed adjacent the closeout section and an open position allowing access to a video monitor and monitor mount stored below. A video monitor mount pivotally connects the video monitor to the console assembly and allows for selective adjustment of the video monitor so that the screen is visible to rear seat occupants in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Emerling, Bruce F. Brewster, Joseph P. Taylor, Steven M. Kowalski, Erin Daly, Jason Whitman, Thomas S. Hicks, John Sumbera
  • Publication number: 20020163215
    Abstract: A console assembly for a vehicle including a video entertainment system includes a console housing having a storage compartment and a storage compartment closeout section pivotally connected to the console housing positionable between a raised position and a lowered position. An armrest is pivotally connected to the closeout section and is positionable between a closed position disposed adjacent the closeout section and an open position allowing access to a video monitor and monitor mount stored below. A video monitor mount pivotally connects the video monitor to the console assembly and allows for selective adjustment of the video monitor so that the screen is visible to rear seat occupants in the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: David M. Emerling, Bruce F. Brewster, Joseph P. Taylor, Steven M. Kowalski, Erin Daly, Jason Whitman, Thomas S. Hicks, John Sumbera