Patents by Inventor David Thomas Flanagan

David Thomas Flanagan 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).

  • Tailgate lift-and-secure cable and latch assembly
    Patent number: 7637552
    Abstract: A lift and secure latch assembly for a vehicle tailgate includes a pair of cables capable of applying upward force to the tailgate and a tensioning mechanism positioned within the tailgate and connected to the support members to apply tension thereto. One of the cables extends from a first lateral end of the tailgate and the other of the cables extends from a second lateral end of the tailgate. The tensioning mechanism is operable between a first position wherein the cables are retracted with the tailgate closed and a second position wherein the cables are extended with the tailgate open. The tensioning mechanism includes a spring member biasing the tensioning mechanism toward the first position. A latch selectively engages the tensioning mechanism to releasably secure the tensioning mechanism in the first position with the tailgate closed. Preferably, the latch is centrally positioned between lateral ends of the tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Dura GloBal Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Phillip Ruhlander, Patrick Eugene Meysenburg, David Thomas Flanagan
  • Tailgate lift-and-secure cable and latch assembly
    Patent number: 7281748
    Abstract: A lift and secure latch assembly for a vehicle tailgate includes a pair of cables capable of applying upward force to the tailgate and a tensioning mechanism positioned within the tailgate and connected to the support members to apply tension thereto. One of the cables extends from a first lateral end of the tailgate and the other of the cables extends from a second lateral end of the tailgate. The tensioning mechanism is operable between a first position wherein the cables are retracted with the tailgate closed and a second position wherein the cables are extended with the tailgate open. The tensioning mechanism includes a spring member biasing the tensioning mechanism toward the first position. A latch selectively engages the tensioning mechanism to releasably secure the tensioning mechanism in the first position with the tailgate closed. Preferably, the latch is centrally positioned between lateral ends of the tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Phillip Ruhlander, Patrick Eugene Meysenburg, David Thomas Flanagan