Patents by Inventor Mike J. Zapinski

Mike J. Zapinski 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).

  • Low-friction sleeve insert for a visor bearing
    Patent number: 7055884
    Abstract: A sleeve insert (14) has a one piece construction with a cylindrical portion (26) disposed within a hole (24) of a bearing member (12) for the visor assembly (10). The cylindrical portion (26) has an inner surface (32) with a substantially low coefficient of friction for rotating and sliding an arm member (16) of the visor assembly (10) through the sleeve insert (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Mike J. Zapinski, Von Gallaher
  • Sun visor arm with notched break points
    Patent number: 6799795
    Abstract: The present invention provides for the absorbing of energy during an impact with the front edge of the sun visor and directing the sun visor out of the impact area such that the sun visor front edge does not break under impact by the use of a sun visor arm that incorporates energy absorbing and directional collapsing through the use of breakaway notches in the sun visor arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Mike J. Zapinski