Patents by Inventor Jeffery E Long

Jeffery E Long 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: 20230158870
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body including a truck bed at least partially defining a cargo area, a vehicle interior with passenger seating, and a multi-component hard top assembly configured to selectively and removably couple to the vehicle body to provide an enclosed configuration at least partially enclosing the vehicle interior. The multi-component hard top assembly includes a rear window assembly configured to selectively and removably couple to the vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2023
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Inventors: Michael S Boyle, Joshua Hall, Robert Rizzo, Cole T Schaenzer, Christopher J Allen, Jimmy L Suder, Jeffery E Long, Robert H Perkins, Mikil L Sockow, David C Fischer
  • Patent number: 11584206
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body including a truck bed at least partially defining a cargo area, a vehicle interior with passenger seating, and a multi-component hard top assembly configured to selectively and removably couple to the vehicle body to provide an enclosed configuration at least partially enclosing the vehicle interior. The multi-component hard top assembly includes a rear window assembly configured to selectively and removably couple to the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Michael S Boyle, Joshua Hall, Robert Rizzo, Cole T Schaenzer, Christopher J Allen, Jimmy L Suder, Jeffery E Long, Robert H Perkins, Mikil L Sockow, David C Fischer
  • Patent number: 11420687
    Abstract: A multi-functional coupler for one or more vehicle components includes a shank, a head connected to the shank, a connector carried by the shank, and a tool. The tool is carried by the head or shank spaced from the connector, and the tool has a fastener engaging portion by which a fastener may be moved to install or remove the fastener from a component. The coupler may be used to both coupled together two or more components, and to remove fasteners or other connections via the tool of the coupler. Conveniently, as the coupler is normally installed on the vehicle to couple together two or more vehicle components, the coupler is readily available to a user wanting to remove fasteners compatible/drivable with the tool of the coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J Allen, Robert Rizzo, Cole T Schaenzer, Jimmy L Suder, Michael Boyle, Jeffery E Long
  • Publication number: 20220144350
    Abstract: A multi-functional coupler for one or more vehicle components includes a shank, a head connected to the shank, a connector carried by the shank, and a tool. The tool is carried by the head or shank spaced from the connector, and the tool has a fastener engaging portion by which a fastener may be moved to install or remove the fastener from a component. The coupler may be used to both coupled together two or more components, and to remove fasteners or other connections via the tool of the coupler. Conveniently, as the coupler is normally installed on the vehicle to couple together two or more vehicle components, the coupler is readily available to a user wanting to remove fasteners compatible/drivable with the tool of the coupler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventors: Christopher J Allen, Robert Rizzo, Cole T Schaenzer, Jimmy L Suder, Michael Boyle, Jeffery E Long
  • Patent number: 11117507
    Abstract: A multi-configurable load ramp for a vehicle includes an outer ramp member, an inner ramp member pivotably coupled to the outer ramp member and movable between a deployed position extending from the outer ramp member, and a folded position where the inner ramp member is disposed nestingly within outer ramp member, and a vehicle attachment device coupled to one of the inner and outer ramp members. The vehicle attachment device includes a plate member and a hook member extending therefrom, the hook member having an upper jaw and a lower jaw at least partially defining a receiving slot to receive a portion of a tailgate. In the deployed position, one of the inner and outer ramp members is configured to couple to the tailgate via the vehicle attachment device to provide a ramp surface to load and/or unload objects from a cargo area of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Teodorof, Andrew Partin, Bryan J Macek, Paul A Gardiner, Chad J Vermeulen, Kushal Pradhan, Kyle Neighbors, Jeffery E Long, James B Hunter, James J Metcalf, Charles R Kaiser, Jacob L Carpenter, Jereme A Berube
  • Publication number: 20210178873
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body including a truck bed at least partially defining a cargo area, a vehicle interior with passenger seating, and a multi-component hard top assembly configured to selectively and removably couple to the vehicle body to provide an enclosed configuration at least partially enclosing the vehicle interior. The multi-component hard top assembly includes a rear window assembly configured to selectively and removably couple to the vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventors: Michael S. Boyle, Joshua Hall, Robert Rizzo, Cole T. Schaenzer, Christopher J. Allen, Jimmy L. Suder, Jeffery E. Long, Robert H. Perkins, Mikil L. Sockow, David C. Fischer
  • Publication number: 20200269742
    Abstract: A multi-configurable load ramp for a vehicle includes an outer ramp member, an inner ramp member pivotably coupled to the outer ramp member and movable between a deployed position extending from the outer ramp member, and a folded position where the inner ramp member is disposed nestingly within outer ramp member, and a vehicle attachment device coupled to one of the inner and outer ramp members. The vehicle attachment device includes a plate member and a hook member extending therefrom, the hook member having an upper jaw and a lower jaw at least partially defining a receiving slot to receive a portion of a tailgate, In the deployed position, one of the inner and outer ramp members is configured to couple to the tailgate via the vehicle attachment device to provide a ramp surface to load and/or unload objects from a cargo area of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Publication date: August 27, 2020
    Inventors: Daniel Teodorof, Andrew Partin, Bryan J. Macek, Paul A. Gardiner, Chad J. Vermeulen, Kushal Pradhan, Kyle Neighbors, Jeffery E. Long, James B. Hunter, James J. Metcalf, Charles R. Kaiser, Jacob L. Carpenter, Jereme A. Berube
  • Patent number: 10137841
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle has an expandable underseat storage compartment. An elongated seat support member supports a row of vehicle seats and has a middle portion and right and left end pedestals. A front panel assembly extends laterally across the vehicle in front of the right and left end pedestals and is movable between retracted and extended positions position wherein when the front panel assembly is in the extended position the storage space of the storage compartment is larger than when the front panel assembly is in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Dorinel Neag, Jeffery E Long, Kyle Neighbors, Jimmy L Suder, Stuart E Collins, Steven J Schenten
  • Patent number: 10137806
    Abstract: A vehicle including a storage compartment associated with the load floor, a stowable seat having a seat structure and configured to move between a deployed position and a stowed position where the stowable seat is stowed within the storage compartment, and a load floor access panel assembly. The load floor access panel assembly is movable between an open position providing access to the storage compartment, and a closed position where the load floor access panel assembly is in a substantially flat load floor configuration covering the storage compartment. The rearward panel includes a channel formed therein configured to receive the seat structure, and a seat structure access panel pivotally coupled to the rearward panel and configured to move between a load floor position where the seat structure access panel covers the channel, and an access position where the seat structure access panel is pivoted away from the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Inventors: Kyle J Neighbors, Jeffery E Long, Jimmy L Suder, James J Metcalf, Stuart E Collins, Jereme A Berube
  • Patent number: 9956995
    Abstract: A tailgate assembly is provided for a vehicle having a cargo area disposed between first and second bedsides. A tailgate having at least one step is pivotally supported on the first and second besides. A tailgate latch assembly releasably retains the tailgate in a stowed position. First and second swing links are pivotally connected to first and second close faces of the tailgate. First and second swing link latch assemblies releasably retain the first and second swing links in a stored position. First and second support cables are connected to the first and second swing links to limit rotation of the tailgate between the stowed position and a first open position when the first and second swing links are in the stored position and to limit rotation between the first open position and a second open position when the first and second swing links are in a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Kyle Neighbors, Jeffery E Long, Jereme A Berube, Jimmy L Suder
  • Patent number: 9783246
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a cargo bed attached to a rear of a cab. The cargo bed includes a plurality of walls defining a periphery of the cargo bed. At least one of the plurality of walls includes a storage compartment formed therein. A work surface assembly includes a worktable and a plurality of arms attached to the worktable and pivotally attached to a wall of the storage compartment at a location inside of the storage compartment. The work surface assembly is pivotal between a stowed position in which the work surface assembly is wholly contained within the storage compartment and a deployed position in which the worktable and a portion of each arm extend out of the storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Jeffery E Long, Jereme A Berube, Kyle Neighbors
  • Publication number: 20170267131
    Abstract: A vehicle including a storage compartment associated with the load floor, a stowable seat having a seat structure and configured to move between a deployed position and a stowed position where the stowable seat is stowed within the storage compartment, and a load floor access panel assembly. The load floor access panel assembly is movable between an open position providing access to the storage compartment, and a closed position where the load floor access panel assembly is in a substantially flat load floor configuration covering the storage compartment. The rearward panel includes a channel formed therein configured to receive the seat structure, and a seat structure access panel pivotally coupled to the rearward panel and configured to move between a load floor position where the seat structure access panel covers the channel, and an access position where the seat structure access panel is pivoted away from the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Kyle J. Neighbors, Jeffery E. Long, Jimmy L. Suder, James J. Metcalf, Stuart E. Collins, Jereme A. Berube
  • Patent number: 8397397
    Abstract: A measurement device for a vehicle having a first pedal and a second pedal is provided and may include a fixture releasably attached to one of the first pedal and the second pedal. A first bar may be supported by the fixture and may extend toward the other of the first pedal and the second pedal and a housing may be slidably attached to the first bar. A second bar may be slidably attached to the housing may include a first surface that engages a first portion of the other of the first pedal and the second pedal and a second surface that engages a second portion of the other of the first pedal and the second pedal. The housing may identify the relative position of the first pedal and the second pedal once in contact with the first portion and the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Jeffery E. Long, Preston Scott Reynolds, Jerry W. Burke
  • Patent number: 8393235
    Abstract: A testing device for a vehicle part having an interior space is disclosed. The testing device includes a conduit, a test material source, and a controller. The conduit includes a first end and a second end, the first end operable to be disposed within the interior space of the vehicle part and the second end operable to be disposed outside the vehicle part. The test material source is in fluid communication with the conduit to provide a test material to the conduit. The controller is configured to direct the test material from the test material source through the conduit to the interior space in a predetermined manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Ciborowski, Jeffery E. Long, Preston S. Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20130047454
    Abstract: A measurement device for a vehicle having a first pedal and a second pedal is provided and may include a fixture releasably attached to one of the first pedal and the second pedal. A first bar may be supported by the fixture and may extend toward the other of the first pedal and the second pedal and a housing may be slidably attached to the first bar. A second bar may be slidably attached to the housing may include a first surface that engages a first portion of the other of the first pedal and the second pedal and a second surface that engages a second portion of the other of the first pedal and the second pedal. The housing may identify the relative position of the first pedal and the second pedal once in contact with the first portion and the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC
    Inventors: Jeffery E. Long, Preston Scott Reynolds, Jerry W. Burke
  • Publication number: 20120285272
    Abstract: A testing device for a vehicle part having an interior space is disclosed. The testing device includes a conduit, a test material source, and a controller. The conduit includes a first end and a second end, the first end operable to be disposed within the interior space of the vehicle part and the second end operable to be disposed outside the vehicle part. The test material source is in fluid communication with the conduit to provide a test material to the conduit. The controller is configured to direct the test material from the test material source through the conduit to the interior space in a predetermined manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Robert E. Ciborowski, Jeffery E. Long, Preston S. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 7618094
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a frame operably attached to a vehicle. A seat bottom is operably attached to the frame. The seat bottom is repositionable between a seating position and a stowed position. A seat back is operably attached to the frame. The seat back is repositionable between a seating position and a stowed position. The seat back rotates about a longitudinal axis during repositioning of the seat back between the seating and the stowed positions. A method of repositioning the seat assemblies includes repositioning a seat bottom between a seating position and a stowed position, and repositioning a seat back between a seating position and a stowed position about a longitudinal axis. Another seat assembly includes a seat bottom operably attached to the frame with at least one pivoting link and at least one sliding link. The seat bottom is repositionable between a seating position and an elevated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Louis D DeLellis, John E Schambre, Lloyd G Montford, Jeffery E Long, Leonard C Paul, Jr., Michael O Forker
  • Patent number: 6926348
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an enclosed cargo area having a floor with a recessed area. A reversible load floor covers the recess, and includes a first, substantially flat surface and a second surface with a perimetric wall projecting therefrom. The reversible load floor is configured to cover the recess in a first position wherein the first surface is substantially flush with the surrounding floor, and in a second inverted position wherein the second surface is substantially flush with the surrounding floor. In the second position, the perimetric wall projects upwardly to form a basin for receiving cargo in a fluid tight manner to prevent spillage in the rest of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Eberhard Krueger, Preston Reynolds, Jeffery E Long, Al Maceri, Dennis Walden
  • Patent number: 5791533
    Abstract: A system for mounting a spare tire on a vehicle that has a hatch and a door frame that partially surrounds the hatch. The system includes an exterior tire mounted mode and an interior tire mounted mode. The system also includes an exterior holder device disposed in the hatch and an interior holder device disposed in an inner side wall of the vehicle. Further provided is an arm that is swivelably mounted to one side of the door frame of the vehicle at a first end portion. The arm has a middle portion and second end portion that has the spare tire mounted thereon. The system further provides an engagement member attached at the second end portion of the arm. The engagement member includes a device for engaging the exterior holder device when the system is in the exterior tire mounted mode and for engaging the interior holder device when the system is in the interior tire mounted mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Dorinel D. Neag, Thomas R. Carbone, James P. Salva, Stylianos A. Meidanis, Leonard C. Paul, Jr., Jeffery E. Long