Patents by Inventor Darrin F. Jones

Darrin F. Jones 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: 7412864
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of forming a trailer receiver for use in connection with a trailer hitch assembly for towing trailers, campers, boats and the like. The invention relates to an improved method for forming a trailer receiver that utilizes cold forward extrusion and a tooling arrangement to efficiently and cost effectively produce custom trailer receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Alliance Metal Forming, LLC
    Inventor: Darrin F. Jones
  • Publication number: 20070261459
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of forming a trailer receiver for use in connection with a trailer hitch assembly for towing trailers, campers, boats and the like. The invention relates to an improved method for forming a trailer receiver that utilizes cold forward extrusion and a tooling arrangement to efficiently and cost effectively produce custom trailer receivers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Applicant: Alliance Metal Forming, LLC
    Inventor: Darrin F. Jones
  • Patent number: 6931904
    Abstract: A method of forging a trailer receiver tube by providing a die having an inner surface defining a first portion and a second portion. Providing a hollow tube having an outer surface. Providing a punch having a body and a shaft extending therefrom sized to fit within the hollow tube. Loading the hollow tube within the first portion of the die. Inserting the punch into the hollow tube such that the body abuts an end of the hollow tube and the shaft extends therethrough. Advancing the punch and the hollow tube through the die such that a portion of the hollow tube is extruded into the second portion of the die and the outer surface of the hollow tube conforms to the inner surface of the die to thereby form the trailer receiver tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrin F. Jones, John A. Pale, David J. Slaughter