Patents by Inventor Francesco Cumbo

Francesco Cumbo 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: 20250116137
    Abstract: A latch assembly for a closure system having first and second closure members each movable between open and closed positions and method of operation are provided. The assembly includes a primary latch mechanism that has a primary actuation group to control actuation of the first closure member. The latch assembly also includes a secondary latch mechanism that has a secondary actuation group operable to control actuation of the second closure member. A controller unit is coupled to the primary and secondary actuation groups and determines which of the primary actuation group and the secondary actuation group to actuate and controls actuation of at least one of the primary actuation group and the secondary actuation group accordingly. The primary and secondary latch mechanisms, primary and secondary actuation groups, and controller unit are all integrated into the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2024
    Publication date: April 10, 2025
    Inventors: Franco Giovanni OTTINO, Francesco CUMBO
  • Patent number: 12252908
    Abstract: A closure latch assembly includes a latch module having a ratchet and a pawl, with the ratchet being moveable between a striker capture position and a striker release position and the pawl being moveable between a ratchet holding position, whereat the ratchet is maintained in the striker capture position, the a ratchet release position, whereat the ratchet is biased toward the striker release position. An actuator module including a power actuator is operably coupled to a drive gear. The drive gear has an actuation feature fixed thereto. A latch release mechanism operably couples the actuation feature to the pawl, wherein rotation of the drive gear via energization of the power actuator causes the latch release mechanism to move the pawl between the ratchet holding position and the ratchet release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2025
    Assignee: Magna Closures Inc.
    Inventors: Francesco Cumbo, Roman Cetnar
  • Publication number: 20250052096
    Abstract: A closure latch assembly for installation in a vehicle door and method of construction thereof is provided. The closure latch assembly has at least one ratchet, a primary pawl, and an auxiliary pawl. At least one ratchet is moveable between a striker capture position and a striker release position. The primary pawl is moveable between a closed position and an open position. The auxiliary pawl is moveable between a closed position and an open position. An auxiliary pawl release lever is moveable between a rest position, whereat the auxiliary pawl is located in its closed position and the primary pawl is located in its closed position, and an engaged position, whereat the auxiliary pawl is moved to its open position and the primary pawl is moved to its open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2024
    Publication date: February 13, 2025
    Inventors: Francesco CUMBO, Marco TAURASI, Enrico BOERI
  • Patent number: 12215527
    Abstract: A latch assembly for a closure system having first and second closure members each movable between open and closed positions and method of operation are provided. The assembly includes a primary latch mechanism that has a primary actuation group to control actuation of the first closure member. The latch assembly also includes a secondary latch mechanism that has a secondary actuation group operable to control actuation of the second closure member. A controller unit is coupled to the primary and secondary actuation groups and determines which of the primary actuation group and the secondary actuation group to actuate and controls actuation of at least one of the primary actuation group and the secondary actuation group accordingly. The primary and secondary latch mechanisms, primary and secondary actuation groups, and controller unit are all integrated into the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2025
    Assignee: Magna Closures Inc.
    Inventors: Franco Giovanni Ottino, Francesco Cumbo
  • Publication number: 20240426152
    Abstract: A hinge system for moving a closure panel relative to a vehicle body of a motor vehicle between open and closed positions includes a closure panel bracket configured for attachment to the closure panel; a mount bracket configured for attachment to the vehicle body, and a hinge member pivotably coupled to the closure panel bracket about a first axis of rotation and to the mount bracket about a second axis of rotation. The hinge member is configured to pivot about both the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation over a first range of motion between the open and closed position, and is configured to pivot about one of the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation over a second range of motion between the open and closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2024
    Publication date: December 26, 2024
    Inventors: Francesco CUMBO, Luca FARNESI, Dunia Sardelli
  • Patent number: 12158029
    Abstract: A closure latch assembly for installation in a vehicle door and method of construction thereof is provided. The closure latch assembly has at least one ratchet, a primary pawl, and an auxiliary pawl. At least one ratchet is moveable between a striker capture position and a striker release position. The primary pawl is moveable between a closed position and an open position. The auxiliary pawl is moveable between a closed position and an open position. An auxiliary pawl release lever is moveable between a rest position, whereat the auxiliary pawl is located in its closed position and the primary pawl is located in its closed position, and an engaged position, whereat the auxiliary pawl is moved to its open position and the primary pawl is moved to its open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2024
    Assignee: Magna Closures Inc.
    Inventors: Francesco Cumbo, Marco Taurasi, Enrico Boeri
  • Publication number: 20240384574
    Abstract: A closure latch assembly, operable in one of a normal operating mode and an emergency mode, has a power release motor, a ratchet and a pawl, with the ratchet being moveable between a striker capture position and a striker release position and the pawl being moveable between a ratchet holding position, whereat ratchet is maintained in the striker capture position, and a ratchet release position, whereat ratchet is biased toward the striker release position. The power release motor is configured to operate using primary control signals received from a primary controller external to closure latch assembly during the normal operating mode of closure latch assembly and to operate using secondary control signals received from a secondary controller internal to closure latch assembly during the emergency operating mode of closure latch assembly and not operate using the secondary control signals received from secondary controller during the normal operating mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2024
    Publication date: November 21, 2024
    Inventors: Emanuele LEONARDI, Enrico MARGHERITTI, Cristiano SILEO, Francesco PATANE, Francesco CUMBO, Marco MARLIA, Enrico BOERI
  • Publication number: 20240318472
    Abstract: A closure latch assembly and system therewith configured for retaining a closure panel of a motor vehicle in a closed position relative to a vehicle body during and upon the latch assembly experiencing a sudden force during a crash condition and prior to the latch assembly having been intentionally actuated to move to an unlatched state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2024
    Publication date: September 26, 2024
    Inventors: Ann-Margaret MOZOLA, Francesco CUMBO, Roman CETNAR
  • Patent number: 12077996
    Abstract: A closure latch assembly, operable in one of a normal operating mode and an emergency mode, has a power release motor, a ratchet and a pawl, with the ratchet being moveable between a striker capture position and a striker release position and the pawl being moveable between a ratchet holding position, whereat ratchet is maintained in the striker capture position, and a ratchet release position, whereat ratchet is biased toward the striker release position. The power release motor is configured to operate using primary control signals received from a primary controller external to closure latch assembly during the normal operating mode of closure latch assembly and to operate using secondary control signals received from a secondary controller internal to closure latch assembly during the emergency operating mode of closure latch assembly and not operate using the secondary control signals received from secondary controller during the normal operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES INC.
    Inventors: Emanuele Leonardi, Enrico Margheritti, Cristiano Sileo, Francesco Patane, Francesco Cumbo, Marco Marlia, Enrico Boeri
  • Patent number: 12054972
    Abstract: A closure latch assembly and method for cinching a closure panel from a partially closed position to a fully closed position without pinching an object between the closure panel and a structural portion of a motor vehicle are provided. The latch assembly has a latch cinch mechanism including a cinch lever operably moveable from a cinch start position to a cinch stop position to cause a cinch link to move a ratchet from a secondary striker capture position to a primary striker capture position. A power-operated cinch actuator receives a first signal to move the cinch lever from the cinch start position to the cinch stop position and receives a second signal, in response to an object detected between the closure panel and the structural portion, to stop moving the cinch lever from the cinch start position toward the cinch stop position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES INC.
    Inventor: Francesco Cumbo
  • Publication number: 20240254813
    Abstract: A closure panel movement system for moving a closure panel of a frunk of a vehicle between a fully closed position and a fully open position, the system comprising: a latch mounted to a body of the vehicle, the latch for maintaining the closure panel in the fully closed position; a presentment mechanism positioned between the closure panel and the body; and a drive unit coupled to the closure panel for driving the closure panel when unlatched to and from the fully open position; wherein the presentment mechanism assists in movement of the closure panel between a pop up position of the closure panel and an unlatched position of the latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2024
    Publication date: August 1, 2024
    Inventors: Ryan HERMAN, Francesco CUMBO
  • Publication number: 20240151073
    Abstract: A latch assembly and system therewith configured for retaining a closure panel of a motor vehicle in a closed position relative to a vehicle body during and upon the latch assembly experiencing an impact force during a crash condition and/or a power shortage to the latch assembly and prior to the latch assembly having been intentionally actuated to move to an unlatched state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2023
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Inventors: Ann-Margaret MOZOLA, Roman CETNAR, Francesco CUMBO
  • Publication number: 20240035329
    Abstract: A door system, presenter assembly and method for controlling movement of a motor vehicle closure panel between a closed position, a presented position and an open position are provided. Presenter assembly includes an electric motor having a drive shaft that extends along a drive shaft axis. A clutch assembly has an engaged state when electric motor is energized and a disengaged state when electric motor is de-energized. A presenter unit has a presenter lead screw and an extensible member configured for movement between a retracted position corresponding to the closed position and an extended position corresponding to the presented position. Extensible member is biased toward the retracted position by a presenter biasing member. Presenter lead screw is rotatably driven by the output member when electric motor is energized and when clutch assembly is in the engaged state to move the extensible member against the bias of the presenter biasing member to the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventors: Francesco CUMBO, Arthur J.W. HENES
  • Patent number: 11885158
    Abstract: A vehicular door actuation system for a door of a vehicle includes a handle assembly, a latch and an actuator. The handle assembly includes a handle portion and a base portion. The base portion is disposed at the door of the vehicle and the handle portion is movable between a recessed position, where the handle portion nests at least partially in the base portion, and a ready position, where the handle portion extends from the base portion. The actuator is disposed at the door of the vehicle separate and remote from the handle assembly. A handle linkage operatively couples operation of the actuator to the handle portion to move the handle portion from the recessed position to the ready position. The latch mechanism latches the door in a closed state, and unlatches the door responsive to a user pulling the handle portion from the ready position to open the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Francesco Cumbo, Franco Ottino
  • Patent number: 11814891
    Abstract: A door system presenter assembly and method for controlling movement of a motor vehicle closure panel between a closed position, a presented position and an open position. Presenter assembly includes an electric motor and a clutch assembly having an engaged state when electric motor is energized and a disengaged state when electric motor is de-energized. A presenter unit has a presenter lead screw and an extensible member moveable between a retracted position corresponding to the closed position and an extended position corresponding to the presented position. Presenter lead screw is rotatably driven when electric motor is energized and when clutch assembly is in the engaged state to move the extensible member to the extended position. Extensible member is automatically biased to the retracted position by a presenter biasing member when the electric motor is de-energized and when the clutch assembly is in the disengaged state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES INC.
    Inventors: Francesco Cumbo, Arthur J. W. Henes
  • Publication number: 20230358080
    Abstract: A power latch assembly for motor vehicle closure applications has a single motor operable to move a pawl from a ratchet holding position to a ratchet releasing position; place the power latch assembly in a double pull mechanical release state, and place the power latch assembly in a child lock state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Marco TAURASI, Francesco CUMBO
  • Patent number: 11781349
    Abstract: A pedestrian protection feature for a closure latch assembly and method for moving a hood of a motor vehicle to a pop-up position and an open position are provided. The pedestrian protection feature includes an actuator configured to translate a slide cam member to cause a hook to pivot into a striker retaining position to prevent removal of a striker from the closure latch assembly and to pivot a lift lever into engagement with the striker to move the striker toward the hook, whereat the hood is moved to the pop-up position, and optionally a release feature to move the hook from the striker retaining position to a striker releasing position to allow the hood to be moved from the pop-up position to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES INC.
    Inventors: Jörg Thomas Klein, Francesco Cumbo
  • Publication number: 20230304329
    Abstract: A latch for a closure panel of a vehicle comprising: a housing; a ratchet pivotally mounted the housing for moving between an open position and a primary position; a pawl pivotally mounted on the housing, the pawl biased towards the ratchet for holding the ratchet in a secondary position and in the primary position, the secondary position located between the open position and the primary position; and a position sensor for detecting a first position of the ratchet when at the primary position as well as a second position when the ratchet is at the secondary position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Jianjun YU, Chris HUANG, Young XUE, Francesco CUMBO
  • Publication number: 20230104484
    Abstract: A power latch assembly for a vehicle door of a motor vehicle includes a ratchet configured for movement between striker capture and striker release positions, wherein the ratchet is biased toward the striker release position, and a pawl configured for movement between a ratchet holding position, whereat the pawl maintains the ratchet in the striker capture position, and a ratchet releasing position, whereat the pawl releases the ratchet to the striker release position. A powered actuator is energizable to move in a first direction to move the pawl under a first release torque from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet releasing position and the powered actuator is energizable to move in a second direction to move the pawl under a second release torque from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet releasing position, wherein the second release torque is greater than the first release torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2022
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Inventors: Francesco Cumbo, Luca Bigazzi
  • Patent number: 11598401
    Abstract: A gear arrangement comprising: a housing having a gear axis and a housing stop, the housing stop having a first and second abutment; a rotatable member mounted on the gear axis having a first side having a first stop and a second having a second stop, the first stop is positioned between the first abutment and the second abutment; and a gear mounted on the gear axis having a first gear side, and a second gear side having a gear stop, the gear stop is engageable and disengageable with the second stop during rotation of the gear about the gear axis, the rotatable member positioned between the housing and the gear; wherein said rotation of the gear is hindered while the gear stop and the second stop are engaged when the first stop enters into engagement with either the first abutment or the second abutment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Inventors: Giulio Biondi, Luca Bigazzi, Francesco Cumbo