Patents by Inventor Rich Boatright

Rich Boatright 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).

  • Swing and fold down tailgate actioning mechanism
    Patent number: 7547056
    Abstract: The present invention is a swing and fold down tailgate mechanism which includes an inner panel, a first handle supported by the inner panel operably associated with a first latch and a second latch, a second handle supported by the inner panel operably associated with the first handle and a third latch. The present invention also includes a hinge member operably associated with the first handle and the second handle for providing hinged support of the tailgate such that the tailgate pivots in a drop down direction and alternatively in a swing open direction. When the first handle is actuated, the first and second latch will release and the second handle will be deactivated, allowing the tailgate to pivot using the third latch and hinge. When the second handle is actuated, the second and latch will release and the first handle will be deactivated, allowing the tailgate to pivot about the first latch and hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Magna International
    Inventors: Miguel Waldner, Herbert Gruber, Rich Boatright
  • Swing and fold down tailgate actioning mechanism
    Publication number: 20080252092
    Abstract: The present invention is a swing and fold down tailgate mechanism which includes an inner panel, a first handle supported by the inner panel operably associated with a first latch and a second latch, a second handle supported by the inner panel operably associated with the first handle and a third latch. The present invention also includes a hinge member operably associated with the first handle and the second handle for providing hinged support of the tailgate such that the tailgate pivots in a drop down direction and alternatively in a swing open direction. When the first handle is actuated, the first and second latch will release and the second handle will be deactivated, allowing the tailgate to pivot using the third latch and hinge. When the second handle is actuated, the second and latch will release and the first handle will be deactivated, allowing the tailgate to pivot about the first latch and hinge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Miguel Waldner, Herbert Gruber, Rich Boatright