Patents by Inventor Jerry L. Thorlton

Jerry L. Thorlton 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: 5551738
    Abstract: A system is configured to hold a pivotable hatch of a vehicle in a partially open position and to close a switch indicating that the pivotable hatch is open. The system includes a one piece latch extender including a base configured to engage a locking mechanism of the vehicle and coupling member formed on the latch extender. The coupling member is configured to apply a spring force to a hasp on the hatch of the vehicle to couple the latch extender to the hasp and to position the base a predetermined distance from the hasp so that the pivotable hatch remains in a partially open position upon engagement of the base with the locking mechanism. The system also includes an auxiliary post configured to be attached to a post coupled to the hatch of the vehicle to engage and close the switch when the pivotable hatch is in the partially open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Inventor: Jerry L. Thorlton