Patents by Inventor Michael VanBelle

Michael VanBelle 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).

  • Articulated step system for automotive vehicle
    Patent number: 7823896
    Abstract: An articulated step system for an automotive vehicle includes a step housing attached to the vehicle frame by means of at least one standoff bracket and a tension strut extending generally downwardly from a first end attached to a vehicle body to a second end attached to the step housing. The articulated step has a stowed position generally underlying the body, and a deployed position extending generally outwardly from the body. Movement of the step may be either translational or rotational with respect to the step housing. In one embodiment, the step extends for the full length of the cab of the vehicle, and partially under a load carrying body at the rear of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, Multimatic, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael VanBelle, Louis Caballero, Sven Sauerwein, David Barrett
  • Vehicle step with hinged pedestal mount
    Patent number: 7740260
    Abstract: A vehicle step assembly uses hinged pedestals and attitude links to position step stringers and an attached step beam in a generally horizontal and elevated deployed position, while permitting a space-saving tucked-in stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, Multimatic, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael VanBelle, Louis Caballero, Sven Sauerwein, David Barrett
  • VEHICLE STEP WITH HINGED PEDESTAL MOUNT
    Publication number: 20080100022
    Abstract: A vehicle step assembly uses hinged pedestals, attitude links and an energy storage device to position step stringers and an attached step beam in a generally horizontal and elevated deployed position, while permitting a space-saving tucked-in stowed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Michael VanBelle, Louis Caballero, Sven Sauerwein, David Barrett
  • Vehicle Step With Hinged Pedestal Mount
    Publication number: 20070278760
    Abstract: A vehicle step assembly uses hinged pedestals and attitude links to position step stringers and an attached step beam in a generally horizontal and elevated deployed position, while permitting a space-saving tucked-in stowed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Applicants: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, MULTIMATIC INC.
    Inventors: Michael VanBelle, Louis Caballero, Sven Sauerwein, David Barrett
  • Articulated Step System for Automotive Vehicle
    Publication number: 20070176389
    Abstract: An articulated step system for an automotive vehicle includes a step housing attached to the vehicle frame by means of at least one standoff bracket and a tension strut extending generally downwardly from a first end attached to a vehicle body to a second end attached to the step housing. The articulated step has a stowed position generally underlying the body, and a deployed position extending generally outwardly from the body. Movement of the step may be either translational or rotational with respect to the step housing. In one embodiment, the step extends for the full length of the cab of the vehicle, and partially under a load carrying body at the rear of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Michael VanBelle, Louis Caballero, Sven Sauerwein, David Barrett