Patents by Inventor Gary M. Sopko

Gary M. Sopko 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: 5364172
    Abstract: A wheel and cover assembly for an automotive vehicle is provided which includes standoff ribs formed on the laterally inner side of a wheel cover which have a free end that includes a curved surface, which may be formed as a radius tangent to the adjacent wheel surface, for accommodating manufacturing tolerances which result in variance in lateral spacing between the wheel cover and the wheel when the wheel cover is mechanically secured to the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Gary M. Sopko, Gerald F. Herbert, Syed H. Sarmast
  • Patent number: 4914970
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for releasably securing a steering column of a motor vehicle to the chassis of the vehicle includes a bracket attached to the steering column, with the bracket having a plurality of rearwardly opening primary apertures therein, and a plurality of modules molded in place upon the bracket, with each of the modules registered with one of the rearwardly opening apertures, and with each of the modules including a solid body having an annular groove which (i) is formed during the molding of the module; (ii) which circumscribes a portion of the module and (iii) which is in contact with the bracket. Each module has an aperture through which a fastener may be inserted so as to secure the bracket to the chassis of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Luigi Mastrofrancesco, Gary M. Sopko