Patents by Inventor David P. Zink

David P. Zink 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: 8469440
    Abstract: A closure assembly includes a striker assembly and a latch mechanism. The striker assembly includes a first wedge block and a second wedge block disposed opposite each other across a path. The first wedge block rotates about a first axis and includes a first cam surface defining a continuously variable distance to the first axis for engaging the latch mechanism. The second wedge block rotates about a second axis and includes a second cam surface defining a continuously variable distance from to the second axis for engaging the latch mechanism. Abutting engagement between the latch mechanism and the first cam surface limits lateral movement of the latch mechanism relative to the path in a first direction, and abutting engagement between the latch mechanism and the second cam surface limits lateral movement of the latch mechanism relative to the path in a second direction, which is opposite the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Scott W. Thorpe, Matthew J. Nelson, David P. Zink, Altaf S. Imam, Shawn G. Quinn, Michael E. McGuire
  • Publication number: 20130031843
    Abstract: A closure assembly includes a striker assembly and a latch mechanism. The striker assembly includes a first wedge block and a second wedge block disposed opposite each other across a path. The first wedge block rotates about a first axis and includes a first cam surface defining a continuously variable distance to the first axis for engaging the latch mechanism. The second wedge block rotates about a second axis and includes a second cam surface defining a continuously variable distance from to the second axis for engaging the latch mechanism. Abutting engagement between the latch mechanism and the first cam surface limits lateral movement of the latch mechanism relative to the path in a first direction, and abutting engagement between the latch mechanism and the second cam surface limits lateral movement of the latch mechanism relative to the path in a second direction, which is opposite the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Scott W. Thorpe, Matthew J. Nelson, David P. Zink, Altaf S. Imam, Shawn G. Quinn, Michael E. McGuire
  • Patent number: 7469955
    Abstract: Disclosed is a rotatably-mountable bumper configured for rotatably and ergonomically mounting to a mounting member for cushioning the contact between the mounting member and a potentially interfering member. The bumper transmits reactive forces between two members, such as a vehicle hood and grille, if portions of one member over travels. A fastening member on the bumper rotatably engages an aperture on the mounting member to secure the bumper to the mounting member. A registration member on the bumper retentively holds the bumper in rotatably-mounted engagement with the mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek L. Patterson, David P. Zink
  • Publication number: 20080296931
    Abstract: Disclosed is a rotatably-mountable bumper configured for rotatably and ergonomically mounting to a mounting member for cushioning the contact between the mounting member and a potentially interfering member. The bumper transmits reactive forces between two members, such as a vehicle hood and grille, if portions of one member over travels. A fastening member on the bumper rotatably engages an aperture on the mounting member to secure the bumper to the mounting member. A registration member on the bumper retentively holds the bumper in rotatably-mounted engagement with the mounting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Derek L. Patterson, David P. Zink