Patents by Inventor Alan James Banks

Alan James Banks 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: 6038756
    Abstract: A method of mounting a suspension bumper (10) in a motor vehicle providing a high degree of manufacturing confidence. The method includes inserting a first end (54) of an installation tool (50) in a blind bore (20) of the suspension bumper; aligning a retaining tip (40) with an aperture (44) in the vehicle; applying an insertion force (60) on the suspension bumper to compress the retaining tip through the aperture and allow a retaining groove (48) to engage a periphery (49) of the aperture; and applying a withdrawal force in a direction opposite from the insertion force sufficient to remove the installation tool from the suspension bumper, the withdrawal force being smaller in magnitude than a force required to disengage the retaining groove from the periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan James Banks