Patents by Inventor Joseph M. Grace

Joseph M. Grace 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: 5502926
    Abstract: An improved liftplate attachment arrangement used to support an automotive door window. The liftplate is formed with a recessed attachment area adjacent a bracket which supports a lower edge of the window. The window, having a circular hole, is fixedly attached at the recessed area by means of a retainer assembly comprising a plastic disc-cap encasing a T-nut. The T-nut has a central internally threaded tubular portion concentrically surrounded by a plurality of disc-cap spring fingers, the inboard ends of which are formed with radially extending crossheads the outer ends of which are adapted for snap-in reception in the window hole. A screw shank, after being passed though a slot in the liftplate recess, is threaded in the T-nut tubular portion, while the shank blocks juxtaposed inner ends of the crosshead from being flexed inward for release of the fingers thereby locking the retainer assembly against removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph M. Grace, Michael A. Puscas, Thomas Medebach