Patents by Inventor Charles Fabros

Charles Fabros 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).

  • Publication number: 20230249737
    Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle may include an adjusting unit in which a steering spindle is mounted so as to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis extending in a longitudinal direction, a holding unit in which the adjusting unit is adjustably held, and a fixing device with a first clamping device and a second clamping device for the releasable fixing of the adjusting unit relative to the holding unit. The clamping devices are operatively connected to a clamping lever that can be selectively brought into a fixed position or into a released position. The clamping devices may be operatively arranged in parallel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2021
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Applicants: thyssenkrupp Presta AG, thyssenkrupp AG
    Inventors: Adam CASE, Charles FABROS
  • Patent number: 10166849
    Abstract: A tonneau clamp including a link slidably coupled to tonneau cover; a clamping link pivotably coupled to the link and having a clamping surface; and a handle pivotably coupled to the link and the clamping link and moveable between lowered and upper positions. The handle can be pivotably coupled to the link at a first pivot joint and to the clamping link at a second pivot joint. Handle movement causes the clamping link to pivot relative to the link to raise the clamping surface from an unclamped position to a clamped position in which the clamping surface applies a clamping force against the underside of a ledge of a vehicle cargo box. In the unclamped position the first pivot joint is on a first side of a line and in the clamped position the first pivot joint is on a second side of the line opposite the first side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome J. Facchinello, Charles A. Fabros
  • Patent number: 10144276
    Abstract: A tonneau cover system clamp can include first and second clamp members with first and second clamping surfaces, respectively. The second clamp member can be slidably coupled to an elongate member relative to the first clamp member. A locking mechanism can be movable to engage the elongate member to prevent lateral translation of the second clamping surface relative to the first clamping surface in response to the first and the second clamp members being in the locked position. The locking mechanism can be movable to release the elongate member to allow lateral translation of the second clamping surface relative to the first clamping surface in response to the first and the second clamp members being in the unlocked position. A biasing member can apply a biasing force biasing the first clamp member and the second clamp member toward the proximal end of the elongate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome J. Facchinello, Charles A. Fabros
  • Patent number: 10059182
    Abstract: A threaded rod can be pivotably coupled to the tonneau cover via a proximal end. A housing can have first and second housing portions slidably coupled to the threaded rod and moveable along the threaded rod relative to each other between locked and unlocked positions. The second housing portion can include a channel positioned to receive a downwardly disposed distal edge of an inboard flange. Locking pawls within the housing can move to engage threads of the rod to prevent movement of the channel relative to the elongate member when in the locked position. The locking pawls can move to release the threads of the rod to allow movement of the channel relative to the rod when in the unlocked position. A biasing member can apply a biasing force biasing the housing toward the proximal end of the elongate member and biasing the housing toward the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome J. Facchinello, Charles A. Fabros, Brian P. Kozlowski
  • Patent number: 10023034
    Abstract: Rigid panel sections can include a rigid panel, a first frame member, a second frame member and a coupling mechanism. The rigid panel can have a first face, a second face opposite the first face, and an edge therebetween. The first face can having a first margin adjacent the edge and the second face can have a second margin adjacent the edge. The first frame member can be disposed along at least a portion of the edge and can have a first flange overlying the first margin. A second frame member, distinct from the first frame member, can be disposed along at least a portion of the edge and can have a second flange overlying the second margin. The coupling mechanism connecting the second frame member and the first frame member together can be positioned outboard of the edge. Methods of assembling the rigid panel sections are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome J. Facchinello, Charles A. Fabros
  • Patent number: 9764628
    Abstract: A clamp to secure a tonneau cover to a frame of a cargo box includes a first clamp member coupled that has a first clamping surface. A second clamp member that has a second clamping surface. A ramp mechanism that causes lateral translation of the second clamping surface toward the first clamping surface, as the clamp moves between clamped and unclamped positions. A cam lock member positioned to engage with the second clamp member and includes a lever for placing the cam lock member in locked or unlocked states. When the cam lock member moves from the unlocked state to the locked state, the second clamp member moves toward the tonneau cover to the clamped position. When the cam lock member moves from the locked state to the unlocked state, the second clamp member moves away from the tonneau cover to the unclamped position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome J. Facchinello, Charles A. Fabros, Brian P. Kozlowski
  • Publication number: 20170197498
    Abstract: A tonneau cover system clamp can include first and second clamp members with first and second clamping surfaces, respectively. The second clamp member can be slidably coupled to an elongate member relative to the first clamp member. A locking mechanism can be movable to engage the elongate member to prevent lateral translation of the second clamping surface relative to the first clamping surface in response to the first and the second clamp members being in the locked position. The locking mechanism can be movable to release the elongate member to allow lateral translation of the second clamping surface relative to the first clamping surface in response to the first and the second clamp members being in the unlocked position. A biasing member can apply a biasing force biasing the first clamp member and the second clamp member toward the proximal end of the elongate member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Applicant: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome J. FACCHINELLO, Charles A. FABROS
  • Publication number: 20170151864
    Abstract: Rigid panel sections can include a rigid panel, a first frame member, a second frame member and a coupling mechanism. The rigid panel can have a first face, a second face opposite the first face, and an edge therebetween. The first face can having a first margin adjacent the edge and the second face can have a second margin adjacent the edge. The first frame member can be disposed along at least a portion of the edge and can have a first flange overlying the first margin. A second frame member, distinct from the first frame member, can be disposed along at least a portion of the edge and can have a second flange overlying the second margin. The coupling mechanism connecting the second frame member and the first frame member together can be positioned outboard of the edge. Methods of assembling the rigid panel sections are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Publication date: June 1, 2017
    Applicant: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome J. FACCHINELLO, Charles A. FABROS
  • Publication number: 20170144522
    Abstract: A tonneau clamp including a link slidably coupled to tonneau cover; a clamping link pivotably coupled to the link and having a clamping surface; and a handle pivotably coupled to the link and the clamping link and moveable between lowered and upper positions. The handle can be pivotably coupled to the link at a first pivot joint and to the clamping link at a second pivot joint. Handle movement causes the clamping link to pivot relative to the link to raise the clamping surface from an unclamped position to a clamped position in which the clamping surface applies a clamping force against the underside of a ledge of a vehicle cargo box. In the unclamped position the first pivot joint is on a first side of a line and in the clamped position the first pivot joint is on a second side of the line opposite the first side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Applicant: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome J. FACCHINELLO, Charles A. FABROS
  • Publication number: 20170144523
    Abstract: A threaded rod can be pivotably coupled to the tonneau cover via a proximal end. A housing can have first and second housing portions slidably coupled to the threaded rod and moveable along the threaded rod relative to each other between locked and unlocked positions. The second housing portion can include a channel positioned to receive a downwardly disposed distal edge of an inboard flange. Locking pawls within the housing can move to engage threads of the rod to prevent movement of the channel relative to the elongate member when in the locked position. The locking pawls can move to release the threads of the rod to allow movement of the channel relative to the rod when in the unlocked position. A biasing member can apply a biasing force biasing the housing toward the proximal end of the elongate member and biasing the housing toward the locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Applicant: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome J. FACCHINELLO, Charles A. FABROS, Brian P. KOZLOWSKI
  • Patent number: 9630479
    Abstract: A threaded rod can be pivotably coupled to the tonneau cover via a proximal end. A housing can have first and second housing portions slidably coupled to the threaded rod and moveable along the threaded rod relative to each other between locked and unlocked positions. The second housing portion can include a channel positioned to receive a downwardly disposed distal edge of an inboard flange. Locking pawls within the housing can move to engage threads of the rod to prevent movement of the channel relative to the elongate member when in the locked position. The locking pawls can move to release the threads of the rod to allow movement of the channel relative to the rod when in the unlocked position. A biasing member can apply a biasing force biasing the housing toward the proximal end of the elongate member and biasing the housing toward the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome J. Facchinello, Charles A. Fabros, Brian P. Kozlowski
  • Patent number: 9623737
    Abstract: Rigid panel sections can include a rigid panel, a first frame member, a second frame member and a coupling mechanism. The rigid panel can have a first face, a second face opposite the first face, and an edge therebetween. The first face can having a first margin adjacent the edge and the second face can have a second margin adjacent the edge. The first frame member can be disposed along at least a portion of the edge and can have a first flange overlying the first margin. A second frame member, distinct from the first frame member, can be disposed along at least a portion of the edge and can have a second flange overlying the second margin. The coupling mechanism connecting the second frame member and the first frame member together can be positioned outboard of the edge. Methods of assembling the rigid panel sections are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome J. Facchinello, Charles A. Fabros
  • Publication number: 20170066311
    Abstract: A clamp to secure a tonneau cover to a frame of a cargo box includes a first clamp member coupled that has a first clamping surface. A second clamp member that has a second clamping surface. A ramp mechanism that causes lateral translation of the second clamping surface toward the first clamping surface, as the clamp moves between clamped and unclamped positions. A cam lock member positioned to engage with the second clamp member and includes a lever for placing the cam lock member in locked or unlocked states. When the cam lock member moves from the unlocked state to the locked state, the second clamp member moves toward the tonneau cover to the clamped position. When the cam lock member moves from the locked state to the unlocked state, the second clamp member moves away from the tonneau cover to the unclamped position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Applicant: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome J. FACCHINELLO, Charles A. FABROS, Brian P. KOZLOWSKI
  • Patent number: 9545835
    Abstract: A clamp for clamping a tonneau cover to a vehicle cargo box. The clamp can include a first member, a second member, a rod, and a driving member. The first member can have a proximal end pivotably coupled to the cover and a distal end pivotably coupled to a proximal end of the second member. The second member can have a distal end extending at an angle relative to its proximal end and toward the cover. The rod can be coupled to the first member's proximal end and can extend through an opening intermediate the second member's proximal and distal ends. The driving member can be mounted on the rod to engage the second member between its proximal and distal ends to drive the second member along the rod and to cause the first and second members to pivot relative to each other between unclamped and clamped positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome J. Facchinello, Charles A. Fabros, Brian P. Kozlowski
  • Publication number: 20170001499
    Abstract: Rigid panel sections can include a rigid panel, a first frame member, a second frame member and a coupling mechanism. The rigid panel can have a first face, a second face opposite the first face, and an edge therebetween. The first face can having a first margin adjacent the edge and the second face can have a second margin adjacent the edge. The first frame member can be disposed along at least a portion of the edge and can have a first flange overlying the first margin. A second frame member, distinct from the first frame member, can be disposed along at least a portion of the edge and can have a second flange overlying the second margin. The coupling mechanism connecting the second frame member and the first frame member together can be positioned outboard of the edge. Methods of assembling the rigid panel sections are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Applicant: EXTANG CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jerome J. FACCHINELLO, Charles A. FABROS
  • Patent number: 9533555
    Abstract: A clamp to secure a tonneau cover to a frame of a cargo box includes a first clamp member coupled to the tonneau cover and has a first clamping surface. A second clamp member is coupled to the tonneau cover and has a second clamping surface. A ramp mechanism can include at least one ramp surface between the first and second clamp members shaped to cause lateral translation of the second clamping surface toward the first clamping surface in response to axial movement of the second clamp member toward the first clamp member as the clamp moves from an unclamped position to a clamped position. When in the clamped position, the first clamping surface of the first clamp member can be in opposed relationship to the second clamping surface to apply a clamping force therebetween, which can reinforce and prevent permanent deformation of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome J. Facchinello, Charles A. Fabros, Brian P. Kozlowski
  • Publication number: 20160096423
    Abstract: A clamp for clamping a tonneau cover to a vehicle cargo box. The clamp can include a first member, a second member, a rod, and a driving member. The first member can have a proximal end pivotably coupled to the cover and a distal end pivotably coupled to a proximal end of the second member. The second member can have a distal end extending at an angle relative to its proximal end and toward the cover. The rod can be coupled to the first member's proximal end and can extend through an opening intermediate the second member's proximal and distal ends. The driving member can be mounted on the rod to engage the second member between its proximal and distal ends to drive the second member along the rod and to cause the first and second members to pivot relative to each other between unclamped and clamped positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Applicant: EXTANG CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jerome J. FACCHINELLO, Charles A. FABROS, Brian P. KOZLOWSKI
  • Publication number: 20160096422
    Abstract: A threaded rod can be pivotably coupled to the tonneau cover via a proximal end. A housing can have first and second housing portions slidably coupled to the threaded rod and moveable along the threaded rod relative to each other between locked and unlocked positions. The second housing portion can include a channel positioned to receive a downwardly disposed distal edge of an inboard flange. Locking pawls within the housing can move to engage threads of the rod to prevent movement of the channel relative to the elongate member when in the locked position. The locking pawls can move to release the threads of the rod to allow movement of the channel relative to the rod when in the unlocked position. A biasing member can apply a biasing force biasing the housing toward the proximal end of the elongate member and biasing the housing toward the locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Applicant: EXTANG CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jerome J. FACCHINELLO, Charles A. FABROS, Brian P. KOZLOWSKI
  • Publication number: 20160096421
    Abstract: A clamp to secure a tonneau cover to a frame of a cargo box includes a first clamp member coupled to the tonneau cover and has a first clamping surface. A second clamp member is coupled to the tonneau cover and has a second clamping surface. A ramp mechanism can include at least one ramp surface between the first and second clamp members shaped to cause lateral translation of the second clamping surface toward the first clamping surface in response to axial movement of the second clamp member toward the first clamp member as the clamp moves from an unclamped position to a clamped position. When in the clamped position, the first clamping surface of the first clamp member can be in opposed relationship to the second clamping surface to apply a clamping force therebetween, which can reinforce and prevent permanent deformation of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Applicant: Extang Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome J. FACCHINELLO, Charles A. FABROS, Brian P. KOZLOWSKI
  • Patent number: 9303534
    Abstract: A cylinder valve system in an engine is provided. The cylinder valve system includes a first oil pressurized bore corresponding to a cylinder valve and in fluidic communication with a control valve assembly, the control valve assembly comprising at least one hydraulic valve and a second oil pressurized bore corresponding to the cylinder valve and in fluidic communication with the control valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Charles Fabros