Patents by Inventor Laura L. Tanton

Laura L. Tanton 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: 11052847
    Abstract: An exemplary impact beam for a vehicle includes a body defining a longitudinal axis of the impact beam. The body has a first longitudinal surface laterally separated from a second longitudinal surface, a first end including a first extension and a second extension such that the first and second extensions form a “T”-shape with the first and second longitudinal surfaces of the body, and a second end opposite the first end, the second end including a first extended portion and a second extended portion connected to the first extended portion by a connecting surface. The first extended portion is configured to extend into a first crush space defined by a fascia of the vehicle and the second extended portion is configured to extend into a second crush space defined by the fascia of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Luke A. Reini, Julie A. Bryce, Laura L. Tanton
  • Publication number: 20210146865
    Abstract: An exemplary impact beam for a vehicle includes a body defining a longitudinal axis of the impact beam. The body has a first longitudinal surface laterally separated from a second longitudinal surface, a first end including a first extension and a second extension such that the first and second extensions form a “T”-shape with the first and second longitudinal surfaces of the body, and a second end opposite the first end, the second end including a first extended portion and a second extended portion connected to the first extended portion by a connecting surface. The first extended portion is configured to extend into a first crush space defined by a fascia of the vehicle and the second extended portion is configured to extend into a second crush space defined by the fascia of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Luke A. Reini, Julie A. Bryce, Laura L. Tanton
  • Publication number: 20130093200
    Abstract: An energy absorber for an automotive bumper assembly having an impact beam includes a first component positioned adjacent the impact beam. The energy absorber also includes a second component positioned such that the first component is disposed substantially between the second component and the impact beam. The energy absorber additionally includes a locking feature configured to join the first component and the second component. A vehicle having a bumper assembly with such an energy absorber is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Laura L. Tanton
  • Patent number: 8408613
    Abstract: An energy absorber for an automotive bumper assembly having an impact beam includes a first component positioned adjacent the impact beam. The energy absorber also includes a second component positioned such that the first component is disposed substantially between the second component and the impact beam. The energy absorber additionally includes a locking feature configured to join the first component and the second component. A vehicle having a bumper assembly with such an energy absorber is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Laura L. Tanton