Patents by Inventor Ernest M. McDonald, II

Ernest M. McDonald, II 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: 20230373279
    Abstract: A pickup truck that includes a cab section located in front of a bed section is provided. The pickup truck comprises a tonneau cover that covers the bed section. The tonneau cover includes a plurality of panel sections; and wherein each of the plurality of panel sections is movable with respect to each other to allow access to, or conceal the bed section underneath. At least one prop rod assembly includes a longitudinally extending first rod having a first end and a second end. The first end of the longitudinally extending first rod is pivotably and removably coupled to a side rail that is secured to the first side of the bed section, and the second end of the longitudinally extending first rod is located opposite the first end and pivotably coupled to the first latch assembly of the third panel section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: Eugene A. Dylewski, II, Adrian Cook, Justin J. McGraw, Christopher David Mattison, Ernest M. McDonald, II
  • Publication number: 20230287716
    Abstract: A vehicle that includes a door, handle, shaft, and a latch assembly is provided. The latch assembly is coupled to the door to selectively secure the door. The latch assembly includes a security tether configured to prevent the shaft from moving the pawl when the lock lever is located in the locked condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Eugene A. Dylewski, II, Ernest M. McDonald, II
  • Patent number: 11718166
    Abstract: A pickup truck that includes a cab section located in front of a bed section is provided. The pickup truck comprises a tonneau cover that covers the bed section. The tonneau cover includes a plurality of panel sections; and wherein each of the plurality of panel sections is movable with respect to each other to allow access to, or conceal the bed section underneath. At least one prop rod assembly includes a longitudinally extending first rod having a first end and a second end. The first end of the longitudinally extending first rod is pivotably and removably coupled to a side rail that is secured to the first side of the bed section, and the second end of the longitudinally extending first rod is located opposite the first end and pivotably coupled to the first latch assembly of the third panel section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Leer Group
    Inventors: Eugene A. Dylewski, II, Adrian Cook, Justin J. McGraw, Christopher Davie Mattison, Ernest M. McDonald, II
  • Patent number: 11655657
    Abstract: A vehicle that includes a door, handle, shaft, and a latch assembly is provided. The latch assembly is coupled to the door to selectively secure the door. The latch assembly includes a security tether configured to prevent the shaft from moving the pawl when the lock lever is located in the locked condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Leer Group
    Inventors: Eugene A. Dylewski, II, Ernest M. McDonald, II
  • Publication number: 20230107288
    Abstract: A pickup truck having a tonneau cover is provided. The tonneau cover includes a first panel section pivotable with respect to the opposing first and second upward-extending side walls. A first latching assembly is attached to the first panel section and is configured to selectively secure and release the first panel section with respect to the first and second side walls of the pickup truck. The first latching assembly includes first and second pinch latch assemblies. The first pinch latch assembly is located adjacent the first upward-extending side wall of the pickup truck and the second pinch latch assembly is located adjacent the second upward-extending side wall of the pickup truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2022
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Inventors: Eugene A. Dylewski, II, Adrian Cook, Justin J. McGraw, Christopher David Mattison, Ernest M. McDonald, II
  • Patent number: 11578520
    Abstract: A commercial vehicle used for parcel delivery is installed with a control module. The control module communicates wirelessly with a transmitter to give control to the vehicle operator. The vehicle operator can access the vehicle's cargo compartment through the bulkhead door and/or the rear door solely by using the transmitter as opposed to manually actuating the door latch. A door actuator is added to the bulkhead door such that when the bulkhead door is wirelessly actuated the door opens without operator assistance, and the process of the door opening does not damage the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle operator can initiate the control module to allow a push-button start and stop of the vehicle's ignition system. Such elements contribute to time savings and cost savings for parcel delivery operators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: The Shyft Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest M. McDonald, II, James M. Newcomer, Michael Andrew Smith, Samuel Francis Colalillo, Jr., Shan Lentine, Marcia Ann Blevens
  • Publication number: 20210388649
    Abstract: A vehicle that includes a door, handle, shaft, and a latch assembly is provided. The latch assembly is coupled to the door to selectively secure the door. The latch assembly includes a security tether configured to prevent the shaft from moving the pawl when the lock lever is located in the locked condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Publication date: December 16, 2021
    Applicant: Truck Accessories Group, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene A. Dylewski, II, Ernest M. McDonald, II
  • Publication number: 20210332629
    Abstract: A commercial vehicle used for parcel delivery is installed with a control module. The control module communicates wirelessly with a transmitter to give control to the vehicle operator. The vehicle operator can access the vehicle's cargo compartment through the bulkhead door and/or the rear door solely by using the transmitter as opposed to manually actuating the door latch. A door actuator is added to the bulkhead door such that when the bulkhead door is wirelessly actuated the door opens without operator assistance, and the process of the door opening does not damage the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle operator can initiate the control module to allow a push-button start and stop of the vehicle's ignition system. Such elements contribute to time savings and cost savings for parcel delivery operators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: Ernest M. McDonald, II, James M. Newcomer, Michael Andrew Smith, Samuel Francis Colalillo, JR., Shan Lentine, Marcia Ann Blevens
  • Patent number: 11105129
    Abstract: A vehicle that includes a door, handle, shaft, and a latch assembly is provided. The latch assembly is coupled to the door to selectively secure the door. The latch assembly includes a security tether configured to prevent the shaft from moving the pawl when the lock lever is located in the locked condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Truck Accessories Group, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene A. Dylewski, II, Ernest M. McDonald, II
  • Patent number: 11035165
    Abstract: A commercial vehicle used for parcel delivery is installed with a control module. The control module communicates wirelessly with a transmitter to give control to the vehicle operator. The vehicle operator can access the vehicle's cargo compartment through the bulkhead door and/or the rear door solely by using the transmitter as opposed to manually actuating the door latch. A door actuator is added to the bulkhead door such that when the bulkhead door is wirelessly actuated the door opens without operator assistance, and the process of the door opening does not damage the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle operator can initiate the control module to allow a push-button start and stop of the vehicle's ignition system. Such elements contribute to time savings and cost savings for parcel delivery operators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: The Shyft Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest M. McDonald, II, James M. Newcomer, Michael Andrew Smith, Samuel Francis Colalillo, Jr., Shan Lentine, Marcia Ann Blevens
  • Publication number: 20210170849
    Abstract: A pickup truck that includes a cab section located in front of a bed section is provided. The pickup truck comprises a tonneau cover that covers the bed section. The tonneau cover includes a plurality of panel sections; and wherein each of the plurality of panel sections is movable with respect to each other to allow access to, or conceal the bed section underneath. At least one prop rod assembly includes a longitudinally extending first rod having a first end and a second end. The first end of the longitudinally extending first rod is pivotably and removably coupled to a side rail that is secured to the first side of the bed section, and the second end of the longitudinally extending first rod is located opposite the first end and pivotably coupled to the first latch assembly of the third panel section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Applicant: Truck Accessories Group, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene A. Dylewski, II, Adrian Cook, Justin J. McGraw, Christopher Davie Mattison, Ernest M. McDonald, II
  • Publication number: 20210129646
    Abstract: A latching assembly for use on a pick-up truck, and particularly on a truck bed cover configured to sit over a truck bed section is provided. The latching assembly includes an electronic release assembly and a mechanical override system. An electronic release assembly includes a first rod coupled to a first electronic actuator and a second rod coupled to a second electronic actuator. The electronic release assembly also includes a first electronic actuator that selectively moves the first latch catch and the second electronic actuator that selectively moves the second latch catch. A switch is engaged to send a signal to the first and second electronic actuators to cause the first and second latch catches to disengage from the truck bed section. The first and second rods and the first and second electronic actuators also serve as part of a mechanical override system that selectively unlatches at least a portion of the truck bed cover from the truck bed section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Applicant: TRUCK ACCESSORIES GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: ERNEST M. MCDONALD, II, EUGENE A. DYLEWSKI, II, CHRISTOPHER DAVID MATTISON
  • Patent number: 10960745
    Abstract: A pickup truck that includes a cab section located in front of a bed section is provided. The pickup truck comprises a tonneau cover that covers the bed section. The tonneau cover includes a plurality of panel sections; and wherein each of the plurality of panel sections is movable with respect to each other to allow access to, or conceal the bed section underneath. At least one prop rod assembly includes a longitudinally extending first rod having a first end and a second end. The first end of the longitudinally extending first rod is pivotably and removably coupled to a side rail that is secured to the first side of the bed section, and the second end of the longitudinally extending first rod is located opposite the first end and pivotably coupled to the first latch assembly of the third panel section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: TRUCK ACCESSORIES GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene A. Dylewski, II, Adrian Cook, Justin J. McGraw, Christopher David Mattison, Ernest M. McDonald, II
  • Patent number: 10889169
    Abstract: A latching assembly for use on a pick-up truck, and particularly on a truck bed cover configured to sit over a truck bed section is provided. The latching assembly includes an electronic release assembly and a mechanical override system. An electronic release assembly includes a first rod coupled to a first electronic actuator and a second rod coupled to a second electronic actuator. The electronic release assembly also includes a first electronic actuator that selectively moves the first latch catch and the second electronic actuator that selectively moves the second latch catch. A switch is engaged to send a signal to the first and second electronic actuators to cause the first and second latch catches to disengage from the truck bed section. The first and second rods and the first and second electronic actuators also serve as part of a mechanical override system that selectively unlatches at least a portion of the truck bed cover from the truck bed section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Truck Accessories Group, LLC
    Inventors: Ernest M. Mcdonald, II, Eugene Andrew Dylewski, II, Christopher David Mattison
  • Publication number: 20200346533
    Abstract: A pickup truck having a tonneau cover is provided. The tonneau cover includes a first panel section pivotable with respect to the opposing first and second upward-extending side walls. A first latching assembly is attached to the first panel section and is configured to selectively secure and release the first panel section with respect to the first and second side walls of the pickup truck. The first latching assembly includes first and second pinch latch assemblies. The first pinch latch assembly is located adjacent the first upward-extending side wall of the pickup truck and the second pinch latch assembly is located adjacent the second upward-extending side wall of the pickup truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2020
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Applicant: Truck Accessories Group, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene A. Dylewski, II, Adrian Cook, Justin J. McGraw, Christopher David Mattison, Ernest M. McDonald, II
  • Patent number: 10717350
    Abstract: A pickup truck having a tonneau cover is provided. The tonneau cover includes a first panel section pivotable with respect to the opposing first and second upward-extending side walls. A first latching assembly is attached to the first panel section and is configured to selectively secure and release the first panel section with respect to the first and second side walls of the pickup truck. The first latching assembly includes first and second pinch latch assemblies. The first pinch latch assembly is located adjacent the first upward-extending side wall of the pickup truck and the second pinch latch assembly is located adjacent the second upward-extending side wall of the pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: TRUCK ACCESSORIES GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene A. Dylewski, II, Adrian Cook, Justin J. McGraw, Christopher David Mattison, Ernest M. McDonald, II
  • Publication number: 20190390490
    Abstract: A vehicle that includes a door, handle, shaft, and a latch assembly is provided. The latch assembly is coupled to the door to selectively secure the door. The latch assembly includes a security tether configured to prevent the shaft from moving the pawl when the lock lever is located in the locked condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Applicant: Truck Accessories Group, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene A. Dylewski, II, Ernest M. McDonald, II
  • Patent number: 10407953
    Abstract: A vehicle that includes a door, handle, shaft, and a latch assembly is provided. The latch assembly is coupled to the door to selectively secure the door. The latch assembly includes a security tether configured to prevent the shaft from moving the pawl when the lock lever is located in the locked condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Truck Accessories Group, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene A. Dylewski, II, Ernest M. McDonald, II
  • Patent number: D859281
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Truck Accessories Group, LLC
    Inventors: Ernest M. McDonald, II, Shane R. Demitruk, Eugene A. Dylewski, II
  • Patent number: D975619
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Leer Group
    Inventors: Ernest M McDonald, II, Shane R. Demitruk, Eugene A. Dylewski, II