Patents by Inventor Robert E. Tait

Robert E. Tait 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: 8056944
    Abstract: An improved latch assembly (14) is provided for securing a vehicle door (12) in a closed position. Specifically, in one embodiment, the improved latch assembly (14) is intended to secure a first door fastener (16) to an opposing second door fastener (18) when the vehicle door (12) is subjected to a substantial acceleration. In this embodiment, the improved latch assembly (14) includes a release lever (26) coupled to the first door fastener (16). This release lever (26) is intended to selectively disengage the first door fastener (16) from the opposing second door fastener (18) thereby releasing the vehicle door (12) from its closed position. The Improved latch assembly (14) further includes an inertia-actuated detent lever (38) that is intended to block a predetermined path of the release lever (26) and prevent the release lever (26) from unlatching the vehicle door (12) from its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: Krystof P. Jankowski, Igor Pereverzev, Robert E. Tait, Raymond E. Zeller, Venkatesh Krishnan, David Vern Cieglo, James Joseph Loschiavo, Carsten C. Buettner
  • Publication number: 20030234544
    Abstract: An emergency-locking latch assembly (14) is provided for securing a vehicle door (12) in a closed position. Specifically, in one embodiment, the emergency-locking latch assembly (14) is intended to secure a first door fastener (16) to an opposing second door fastener (18) when the vehicle door (12) is subjected to a substantial acceleration. In this embodiment, the emergency-locking latch assembly (14) includes a release lever (26) coupled to the first door fastener (16). This release lever (26) is intended to selectively disengage the first door fastener (16) from the opposing second door fastener (18) thereby releasing the vehicle door (12) from its closed position. The emergency-locking latch assembly (14) further includes an inertia-actuated detent lever (38) that is intended to block a predetermined path of the release lever (26) and prevent the release lever (26) from unlatching the vehicle door (12) from its closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicants: Ford Motor Company, Intier Automotive
    Inventors: Krystof P. Jankowski, Igor Pereverzev, Robert E. Tait, Raymond E. Zeller, Venkatesh Krishnan, David Vern Cieglo, James Joseph Loschiavo, Carsten C. Buettner
  • Patent number: 4878272
    Abstract: A tongue assembly is used in a safety apparatus having a belt for restraining movement of an occupant of a vehicle. The tongue assembly includes a base having a flat leading end portion, a flat trailing end portion which is offset from and extends parallel to the leading end portion, and a connector portion extending between the leading and trailing end portions. The base has an opening which extends through the trailing end portion and through the connector portion. A locking bar spans the opening in the base. The belt extends through the opening, across the bar and back through the opening. When the tongue assembly is disconnected from a buckle, the belt extends through the tongue assembly so that the belt has first and second straight portions with the angle between the first and second straight portions of the belt being at least 154.degree..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander P. Kotikovsky, Robert E. Tait
  • Patent number: 4735431
    Abstract: A wheelchair is propelled by movement of a pair of normally horizontal handles which are pivotally mounted on either side of the chair. Up and down movement of the levers drives a clutch which in turn is connected to the driven wheels for propulsion. The up and down motion of the levers allows the occupant to use their weight to assist propulsion as well as partially and intermittently relieving the ischial tuberosities of weight bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1988
    Inventor: Robert E. Tait