Patents by Inventor Ken Wardell

Ken Wardell 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).

  • Hinge assembly for a folding fabric top
    Patent number: 6944913
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for securing a folding fabric top of an automotive vehicle between an open and closed position includes a front pivot bracket pivotally connected to a rear pivot bracket for pivotal movement between the closed position wherein the brackets are aligned axially and the open position wherein the brackets are overlapping. A first locking tab extends from each of said front and rear pivot brackets for releasably interlocking and retaining the brackets in the axially aligned closed position. A second locking tab extends from each of the front and rear pivot brackets for releasably interlocking and retaining the brackets in the overlapping open position. The front and rear pivot brackets support respective front and rear support frames supporting and attaching a folding fabric top to the automotive vehicle for pivotal movement between the open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Decoma International Inc.
    Inventors: Jack V. Henderson, Joel Dawson, Ken Wardell, Charles Turney, Gregory A. Brower
  • Hinge assembly for a folding fabric top
    Publication number: 20040216276
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for securing a folding fabric top of an automotive vehicle between an open and closed position includes a front pivot bracket pivotally connected to a rear pivot bracket for pivotal movement between the closed position wherein the brackets are aligned axially and the open position wherein the brackets are overlapping. A first locking tab extends from each of said front and rear pivot brackets for releasably interlocking and retaining the brackets in the axially aligned closed position. A second locking tab extends from each of the front and rear pivot brackets for releasably interlocking and retaining the brackets in the overlapping open position. The front and rear pivot brackets support respective front and rear support frames supporting and attaching a folding fabric top to the automotive vehicle for pivotal movement between the open and closed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Jack V Henderson, Joel Dawson, Ken Wardell, Charles Turney, Gregory a Brower