Patents by Inventor Thomas M. Pilette

Thomas M. Pilette 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: 8104827
    Abstract: The present invention is a component for providing alignment between at least two external components. The present invention is a bracket member having at least two attachment structures, and at least two externally visible components connected to the at least two attachment structures, and the at least two attachment structures provide adjustable positioning between the at least two externally visible components connected to the at least two attachment structures such that the position off the at least two externally visible components can be adjusted relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Crane, Tom Cobb, Thomas M. Pilette
  • Patent number: 7699374
    Abstract: A connective system for connecting a first body to a second body having an aperture, is provided. The system includes a pin connected with the first body. The pin has a detent surface. A retainer ring having a snap fit engagement with the pin detent surface is provided. The retainer ring also has a locking arm for entry into the aperture of the second body with snap fit engagement with a surface of the second body thereby retaining the second body with said first body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Pilette, Martin R. Matthews
  • Publication number: 20080238145
    Abstract: A connective system for connecting a first body to a second body having an aperture, is provided. The system includes a pin connected with the first body. The pin has a detent surface. A retainer ring having a snap fit engagement with the pin detent surface is provided. The retainer ring also has a locking arm for entry into the aperture of the second body with snap fit engagement with a surface of the second body thereby retaining the second body with said first body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas M. PILETTE, Martin R. Matthews
  • Publication number: 20080173775
    Abstract: The present invention is a component for providing alignment between at least two external components. The present invention is a bracket member having at least two attachment structures, and at least two externally visible components connected to the at least two attachment structures, and the at least two attachment structures provide adjustable positioning between the at least two externally visible components connected to the at least two attachment structures such that the position off the at least two externally visible components can be adjusted relative to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Michael CRANE, Tom Cobb, Thomas M. Pilette
  • Publication number: 20080157563
    Abstract: A The present invention is a support system for a panel having a carrier member to which a component support structure is attached, at least one component support structure to which a first externally visible component and the contoured finish panel require attachment, a first attachment structure for providing fixed position attachment of the first externally visible component, and a support member having a contoured surface for supported the contoured finished panel in a fixed position. The present invention also includes a second attachment structure which provides adjustable positioning of the support member to the support structure such that a close tolerance fit can be facilitated between the first externally visible component and the contoured finish panel by selecting the position of the support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Crane, Thomas M. Pilette, Martin R. Matthews, Anthony J. Povinelli
  • Publication number: 20080073473
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hood rod retention mechanism having a component, at least one extension, and a hood rod. The at least one extension is integrated into the component and has a base that extends from a surface of the component and a top. The hood rod is retained by the at least one extension when the hood rod is adjacent the at least one extension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Applicant: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Mervyn J. Archer, Thomas M. Pilette, Gari M. Schalte, Brad Stewart, Michael Crane
  • Patent number: 6959937
    Abstract: A running board support assembly (200) for fastening a running board step (104) to a vehicle includes a support bracket (204) for engagement with the running board step, and a mounting bracket (202) for coupling the support bracket (204) to the vehicle. The mounting bracket (202) includes a hooking end (212) and a pin (214). The support bracket (204) includes a hook (226) for engagement with the hooking end (212), and an aperture (218) for engagement with the pin (214). When assembled, the hook (226) and the aperture (218) cooperate to tension the mounting bracket (202) and thereby secure the support bracket (204) to the mounting bracket (202).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Decoma International Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Schneider, Michael A. Quesenberry, Thomas M. Pilette, Leszek T. Derbis, Bruce E. McDougall
  • Publication number: 20040070163
    Abstract: A running board support assembly (200) for fastening a running board step (104) to a vehicle includes a support bracket (204) for engagement with the running board step, and a mounting bracket (202) for coupling the support bracket (204) to the vehicle. The mounting bracket (202) includes a hooking end (212) and a pin (214). The support bracket (204) includes a hook (226) for engagement with the hooking end (212), and an aperture (218) for engagement with the pin (214).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Steven E Schneider, Michael A Quesenberry, Thomas M Pilette, Leszek T Derbis, Bruce E McDougall