Patents by Inventor Mark C. Towns

Mark C. Towns 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).

  • Locking mechanism for automobile luggage racks
    Patent number: 5326007
    Abstract: An article securing member for an automobile luggage rack is provided with a spring biased retractable lock pin which can selectively engage a plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures formed in the side rail of the rack. A push button is provided for actuating a lever link which lifts the retractable lock pin against the spring bias when the button is depressed to disengage the lock pin from the apertures and permit sliding movement of the article securing member along the side rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Masco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard I. Pudney, Charles R. Schriner, Charles E. Stringer, Mark C. Towns, Gary M. Cronce
  • Luggage carrier with pop-up frame
    Patent number: 5253792
    Abstract: A luggage carrier for a vehicle having a frame which is adjustable between an elevated position spaced apart from the vehicle surface and a stored position substantially flush with the vehicle surface. The carrier frame can be moved to the stored position when not in use thereby reducing aerodynamic drag and improving the aesthetics of the vehicle. The frame is connected to a series of pivotable stanchions extending from base members mounted to the vehicle surface. The support stanchions incorporate locking assemblies which locks the frame in either position. As the support stanchions are pivoted into their respective base members, the frame will pivot downwardly until flush with the vehicle surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Huron/St. Clair Incorporated
    Inventors: Jerald J. Foster, Craig A. Stapleton, Curtis J. Nordin, Mark C. Towns
  • Locking mechanism for automobile luggage racks
    Patent number: 5205453
    Abstract: An article securing member for an automobile luggage rack is provided with a spring biased retractable lock pin which can selectively engage a plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures formed in the side rail of the rack. A push button is provided for actuating a lever link which lifts the retractable lock pin against the spring bias when the button is depressed to disengage the lock pin from the apertures and permit sliding movement of the article securing member along the side rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Masco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard I. Pudney, Charles R. Schriner, Charles E. Stringer, Mark C. Towns, Gary M. Cronce
  • Luggage carrier with pop-up frame
    Patent number: 5096106
    Abstract: A luggage carrier for a vehicle having a frame which is adjustable between an elevated position spaced apart from the vehicle surface and a stored position substantially flush with the vehicle surface. The carrier frame can be moved to the stored position when not in use thereby reducing aerodynamic drag and improving the aesthetics of the vehicle. The frame is connected to a series of pivotable stanchions extending from base members mounted to the vehicle surface. The support stanchions incorporate locking assemblies which locks the frame in either position. As the support stanchions are pivoted into their respective base members, the frame will pivot downwardly until flush with the vehicle surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: Huron/St. Clair Incorporated
    Inventors: Jerald J. Foster, Craig A. Stapleton, Curtis J. Nordin, Mark C. Towns
  • Spoiler for the rear deck of an automobile
    Patent number: D319995
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Huron/St. Clair Incorporated
    Inventors: Craig A. Stapleton, Curtis J. Nordin, Mark C. Towns, Charles R. Schriner
  • Crossbar support for an article carrier
    Patent number: D325552
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: Huron/St. Clair Incorporated
    Inventors: Craig A. Stapleton, Curtis J. Nordin, Mark C. Towns, Charles R. Schriner
  • Article carrier for rear deck of an automobile
    Patent number: D330355
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Huron/St. Clair Incorporated
    Inventors: Craig A. Stapleton, Curtis J. Nordin, Mark C. Towns, Charles R. Schriner