Patents by Inventor Donald G. Graber

Donald G. Graber 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: 7197824
    Abstract: A two step system or stage is provided to manufacturer a bumper of “B” shape cross section including a roll forming-welding stage where a straight cross member of a length to mount on the front or rear of various models of automobiles and the bending stage where any curvature or sweep is introduced into the cross member as required by the design of the automobile. The roll forming welding stage include the spot or tack welding of the front wall to the web followed immediately by welding together without any gaps therebetween the abutting longitudinal edges utilizing a high frequency welder. Thus, the “B” shaped cross section of the bumper may be used to make different bumpers of various lengths and curvatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Trim Trends, Co., LLC
    Inventor: Donald G. Graber
  • Patent number: 6948749
    Abstract: A two step system or stage is provided to manufacturer a bumper of “B” shape cross section including a roll forming-welding stage where a straight cross member of a length to mount on the front or rear of various models of automobiles and the bending stage where any curvature or sweep is introduced into the cross member as required by the design of the automobile. The roll forming welding stage include the spot or tack welding of the front wall to the web followed immediately by welding together without any gaps therebetween the abutting longitudinal edges utilizing a high frequency welder. Thus, the “B” shaped cross section of the bumper may be used to make different bumpers of various lengths and curvatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Trim Trends Co., LLC
    Inventor: Donald G. Graber
  • Patent number: 6840571
    Abstract: The modular grill for vehicles such as trucks includes an elongated screen of generally rectangular configuration, with the longest dimension extending horizontally and with the screen having inner and outer surfaces. A plurality of vertically spaced elongated tubular bars are provided which extend horizontally across the screen in surface-to-surface contact with the outer surface of the screen. A plurality of vertically spaced straps are provided, one for each tubular bar, with the straps being in surface-to-surface contact with the inner surface of the screen. Fastening means extend through the straps, screen and tubular bars for retaining the bars on the screen. A roll forming method is disclosed for making the tubular bar with an integral rolled locking system which extends the entire length thereof and holds the bar in tension. The bar is preferably sweep along its longitudinal axis to create a curvature consistent with modern automotive designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Trim Trends Co, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald G. Graber
  • Patent number: 6817652
    Abstract: A door intrusion beam is of laminated construction and has a base metal stamping with end flanges, with metal stamping being of an inverted generally U-shaped cross section. Slidable and nested on the base metal stamping are a plurality of slidable and stackable elongated plastic elements each having a generally M-shaped configuration. The first plastic element next to the metal stamping and all stackable elongated plastic elements are secured together by layers of adhesives where surfaces contact one another. The plastic elements are of varying length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Trim Trends Co., LLC
    Inventors: Donald G. Graber, Frisco B. Borrero, James Stewart Green
  • Publication number: 20040174041
    Abstract: A door intrusion beam is of laminated construction and has a base metal stamping with end flanges, with the base metal stamping being of an inverted generally U-shaped cross section. Slidable and nested on the base metal stamping are a plurality of slidable and stackable elongated plastic elements each having a generally M-shaped configuration. The first plastic element next to the metal stamping and all stackable elongated plastic elements are secured together by layers of adhesives where surfaces contact one another. The plastic elements are of varying length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventors: Donald G. Graber, Frisco B. Borrero, James Stewart Green
  • Patent number: 6679540
    Abstract: A door intrusion beam is of laminated construction and has a base metal stamping with end flanges, with the base metal stamping being of an inverted generally U-shaped cross section. Slidable and nested on the base metal stamping are a plurality of slidable and stackable elongated plastic elements each having a generally M-shaped configuration. The first plastic element next to the metal stamping and all stackable elongated plastic elements are secured together by layers of adhesives where surfaces contact one another. The plastic elements are of varying length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Trim Trends Co., LLC
    Inventors: Donald G. Graber, Frisco B. Borrero, James Stewart Green
  • Patent number: 6557318
    Abstract: The flexible or expandable link for a heavy duty truck has an elongated U-shaped roll formed channel of a selected length made from a high strength metal and a pair of end brackets, each made from a sheet metal stamping of a lower strength metal, welded to the ends of the channel, with each end bracket having a pair of laterally spaced apart side walls having aligned openings in the side walls for receiving mounting pins or bushings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Trim Trends Co, LLC
    Inventor: Donald G. Graber
  • Patent number: 6520215
    Abstract: The modular grill for vehicles such as trucks includes an elongated screen of generally rectangular configuration, with the longest dimension extending horizontally and with the screen having inner and outer surfaces. A plurality of vertically spaced elongated tubular bars are provided which extend horizontally across the screen in surface-to-surface contact with the outer surface of the screen. A plurality of vertically spaced straps are provided, one for each tubular bar, with the straps being in surface-to-surface contact with the inner surface of the screen. Fastening structure extend through the straps, screen and tubular bars for retaining the bars on the screen. A roll forming method is disclosed for making the tubular bar with an integral rolled locking system which extends the entire length thereof and holds the bar in tension. The bar is preferably sweep along its longitudinal axis to create a curvature consistent with modern automotive designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Hayes-Albion Corporation
    Inventor: Donald G. Graber
  • Publication number: 20020162297
    Abstract: The flexible or expandable link for a heavy duty truck has an elongated U-shaped roll formed channel of a selected length made from a high strength metal and a pair of end brackets, each made from a sheet metal stamping of a lower strength metal, welded to the ends of the channel, with each end bracket having a pair of laterally spaced apart side walls having aligned openings in the side walls for receiving mounting pins or bushings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventor: Donald G. Graber
  • Publication number: 20020116974
    Abstract: The modular grill for vehicles such as trucks includes an elongated screen of generally rectangular configuration, with the longest dimension extending horizontally and with the screen having inner and outer surfaces. A plurality of vertically spaced elongated tubular bars are provided which extend horizontally across the screen in surface-to-surface contact with the outer surface of the screen. A plurality of vertically spaced straps are provided, one for each tubular bar, with the straps being in surface-to-surface contact with the inner surface of the screen. Fastening means extend through the straps, screen and tubular bars for retaining the bars on the screen. A roll forming method is disclosed for making the tubular bar with an integral rolled locking system which extends the entire length thereof and holds the bar in tension. The bar is preferably sweep along its longitudinal axis to create a curvature consistent with modern automotive designs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: Donald G. Graber