Patents by Inventor Gerald E. McLaughlin

Gerald E. McLaughlin 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).

  • Light weight tailgate structure
    Patent number: 9573630
    Abstract: A pick-up truck tailgate is disclosed that is constructed of components made of aluminum alloys. A hinge reinforcement and hinge plate reinforce a lower corner of the tailgate. A transversely extending reinforcement, including a U-shaped body, is provided within the tailgate that reinforces the central portion of the tailgate. An access panel is provided on the inner panel of the tailgate and includes a hem and fasteners that are assembled to the inner panel through holes formed inboard of the hem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Gray, Jeffrey Alan Firzlaff, Vince Chimento, Joshua Hemphill, Robert Reiners, Kevin Laws, Gerald E. McLaughlin
  • Light Weight Tailgate Structure
    Publication number: 20150375804
    Abstract: A pick-up truck tailgate is disclosed that is constructed of components made of aluminum alloys. A hinge reinforcement and hinge plate reinforce a lower corner of the tailgate. A transversely extending reinforcement, including a U-shaped body, is provided within the tailgate that reinforces the central portion of the tailgate. An access panel is provided on the inner panel of the tailgate and includes a hem and fasteners that are assembled to the inner panel through holes formed inboard of the hem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Jeffrey Gray, Jeffrey Alan Firzlaff, Vince Chimento, Joshua Hemphill, Robert Reiners, Kevin Laws, Gerald E. McLaughlin