Patents by Inventor James N. Kettinger

James N. Kettinger 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: 6811208
    Abstract: A self-camming torque rod assembly for an endgate of a vehicle includes a dual-pivot hinge assembly connected to the endgate and a vehicle body of the vehicle and having a dual pivot to allow the endgate to pivot to a first open position and a second open position and to a closed position relative to the vehicle body. The self-camming torque rod assembly also includes a roller rotatably connected to the dual-pivot hinge assembly. The self-camming torque rod assembly further includes a self-camming torque rod to interface with the roller having a first portion for connection to the endgate and a second portion extending from the first portion and spaced from the roller when the endgate is in the closed position and cooperating with the roller when the endgate is moved between the closed position and the first open position and the second open position to counterbalance a weight of the endgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: James N. Kettinger