Patents by Inventor Stephen J. Lewis
Stephen J. Lewis 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).
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Patent number: 11364779Abstract: An articulating soft front cockpit cover assembly including an auxiliary tensioning link, coupling link and cross-car bow. A pivot point rotatable joining the auxiliary tensioning link and coupling link is located at the top of the auxiliary tensioning link. A bracket is provided on the auxiliary tensioning link or coupling link and extends cross-car and attaches to the front or rear edge of the cross-car bow. The soft front cockpit cover assembly in sealing engagement with a rearward top portion of a roof. The articulating portion movable between at least a closed position over about the front vehicle cockpit and at least one open position for an open-air feel.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2020Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventor: Stephen J. Lewis
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Patent number: 11345219Abstract: A side door assembly is provided for an automotive vehicle body having a side opening. The side door assembly includes an upper door half incorporating a unique outer panel coupled to or integrally formed with a structural portion. Soft goods are operably coupled to the structural portion of the upper door half. The side door assembly includes a one-piece casting for hinged connection to the vehicle body. The casting forms a frame. At least one panel insert is selectively connected from the interior of the vehicle outward by a plurality of rotary attachment features to the frame. The frame includes a plurality of reinforcement features to add structure and rigidity, while reducing weight, to the side door assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2020Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Eric D. Getzschman, George C. Stickles, William H. Haberkamp, Stephen J. Lewis
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Publication number: 20220161055Abstract: The present disclosure relates to using a light signal (e.g., an infrared (IR) light signal) for long-term modulation of peripheral nerve activity. Light generated with parameters (including intensity and time) can be applied to a peripheral nerve to achieve a target biological response. The target biological response can extend for a period after the light is applied. For example, when the light is applied for short period of time (e.g., 20 seconds), the target biological response can extend for a long period of time (e.g., over one hour).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2022Publication date: May 26, 2022Inventors: Michael W. JENKINS, Stephen J. LEWIS, Hillel J. CHIEL, Eric Duco JANSEN, Junqi ZHOU, Emilie LOTHET, Gjinovefa KOLA
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Patent number: 11338650Abstract: A quarter window assembly for a soft top cover assembly that is removable. The quarter window assembly is connectable to the soft cover assembly. The quarter window assembly has a hard corner assembly mountable to features connected to a vehicle. The hard corner assembly is an injection molded plastic assembly. The quarter window assembly also has a panel carrying at least one window, and the panel is secured to the hard corner assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2021Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, Charles C. Turney, Jonathon G. Moore, Duane C. Junkin
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Patent number: 11338657Abstract: A panel top assembly for a vehicle including a controlled guide roller management system and install/release mechanism. A pivotal portion, that is rotatable between a closed position and open position, is coupled to guide assemblies slidably connected to guide track assemblies. Each guide track assembly includes a forward isolator assembly that restricts undesired movement/rattling of a roller in a guide track. A rearward isolator assembly restricts undesired movement/rattling of the roller in each guide track, and selectively keeps the roller in the track when the panel top assembly is in a down/open position. The rearward isolator assembly also includes an isolator that selectively allows an opening in the track for releasing the guide assembly from the track to move the panel top assembly to an open/stowed position, and, reinstalling the guide assembly to the track.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2020Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, Tavis Lutzka
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Publication number: 20220153102Abstract: A door rail surround assembly incorporating an anti-rotation feature added to a door rail clamp of the assembly. The anti-rotation feature is a net fit cross vehicle with a hole in the vehicle sport bar thereby eliminating any free movement of the door rail clamp assembly. A second clamp is rotatable for also receiving a fastener of the door rail clamp. A clamp load is applied to the vehicle when the fastener is inserted and torqued to its predetermined value. This clamping load prevents any free movement in the door rail clamp assembly when the door seal load is applied when the vehicle door is closed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2022Publication date: May 19, 2022Applicant: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, David A. Smith, Duane C. Junkin, Jonathon G. Moore
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Patent number: 11331989Abstract: A tonneau cover access panel assembly connectable to a vehicle that eliminates the need for side rails to both locate and tension a tonneau cover. The assembly also reduces weight and complexity. The assembly incorporates a readily accessible rear latching system that reduces or eliminates interference with the tonneau cover during operation. The assembly also incorporates a tonneau cover tensioning system. The tension seals out environmental elements and holds the tonneau cover and locating bows in place. The assembly holds the tonneau in the closed tension state keeping the tonneau cover secured and tight until the cover is opened by an operator. The assembly is movable between a closed position and a fully open/stowable position and any intermediate positions. The assembly is also movable between at least a first open position and the deployed position for more limiting access to the cargo bed of the vehicle when desired.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2020Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Tavis Lutzka, Stephen J. Lewis, David A. Smith
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Publication number: 20220144053Abstract: A frame and soft top assembly which includes lift assist and improved fabric management. The assembly includes a pair of front arms pivotally attached to rear side rails and are attached to the vehicle roll bar. A plurality of fabric control bows connected with pivot links provide fabric control to the top material during pivoting of the front side rails. A pair of bow pivot links are pivotally connected to the rear side rail. A rear gas strut and a front gas strut are attached longitudinally to either side of the pair of bow pivot links, one providing lift assistance at the start of the pivotal opening of the sunroof while the other of the struts gets loaded as the top is deployed and buffers the closing of the roof which also loads the strut to provide assistance in the closing direction when it is time to close the sunroof.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2022Publication date: May 12, 2022Applicant: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, Duane C. Junkin
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Publication number: 20220126658Abstract: A soft top assembly which includes lift assist and improved fabric management. The assembly includes front side rails pivotally connected to rear side rails. A plurality of fabric control bows with control linkages provide fabric control to the top material during pivoting of the front side rails. A first and second gas strut are attached to the rear side rails to assist lifting and controlled motion as the top is moved between a closed position and open sunroof position, as one strut is fully loaded and compressed while the other strut is fully loaded and open, for lift assist and dampening.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2022Publication date: April 28, 2022Applicant: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, Tavis Lutzka, William H. Haberkamp, Eric D. Getzschman, Jose N. Vigil, Andy Waite
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Publication number: 20220118837Abstract: An articulating roof top cover assembly for a vehicle adapted for sealing engagement with an existing portion of a hard top roof. The articulating roof top cover assembly includes an articulating portion incorporating at least a rotatable portion and slidable portion. The articulating portion is movable between at least a closed position adapted to close off the front vehicle compartment, an open sunroof position exposing the front driver/passenger compartment for an open air feel, and a further open position exposing the rear passenger compartment for an open air feel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2021Publication date: April 21, 2022Applicant: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, David A. Smith
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Publication number: 20220111704Abstract: A quarter window assembly for a soft top cover assembly that is removable. The quarter window assembly is connectable to the soft cover assembly. The quarter window assembly has a hard corner assembly mountable to features connected to a vehicle. The hard corner assembly is an injection molded plastic assembly. The quarter window assembly also has a panel carrying at least one window, and the panel is secured to the hard corner assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2021Publication date: April 14, 2022Applicant: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, Charles C. Turney, Jonathon G. Moore, Duane C. Junkin
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Publication number: 20220080813Abstract: An articulating front top cover assembly for a vehicle in sealing engagement with a hard top portion of a roof. The articulating portion is operably connected to a frame. An articulating portion movable between at least a closed position over the front vehicle compartment and open position for an open air feel.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2021Publication date: March 17, 2022Applicant: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: William H. Haberkamp, George C. Stickles, Duane C. Junkin, Stephen J. Lewis
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Patent number: 11267322Abstract: A door rail surround assembly incorporating an anti-rotation feature added to a door rail clamp of the assembly. The anti-rotation feature is a net fit cross vehicle with a hole in the vehicle sport bar thereby eliminating any free movement of the door rail clamp assembly. A second clamp is rotatable for also receiving a fastener of the door rail clamp. A clamp load is applied to the vehicle when the fastener is inserted and torqued to its predetermined value. This clamping load prevents any free movement in the door rail clamp assembly when the door seal load is applied when the vehicle door is closed.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2020Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, David A. Smith, Duane C. Junkin, Jonathon G. Moore
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Patent number: 11260733Abstract: A frame and soft top assembly which includes lift assist and improved fabric management. The assembly includes a pair of front arms pivotally attached to rear side rails and are attached to the vehicle roll bar. A plurality of fabric control bows connected with pivot links provide fabric control to the top material during pivoting of the front side rails. A pair of bow pivot links are pivotally connected to the rear side rail. A rear gas strut and a front gas strut are attached longitudinally to either side of the pair of bow pivot links, one providing lift assistance at the start of the pivotal opening of the sunroof while the other of the struts gets loaded as the top is deployed and buffers the closing of the roof which also loads the strut to provide assistance in the closing direction when it is time to close the sunroof.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2020Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, Duane C. Junkin
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Publication number: 20220055465Abstract: A top for a Jeep type vehicle is provided having a rear cargo area and parallel spaced roll bars. The top includes parallel spaced apart C pillars, each C pillar including front and rear vertical columns, the rear columns having a perpendicularly connected seat belt pass-through. The C pillars also have bottom plates connecting the front and rear columns that extend beyond the rear column. A top plate connects the front and rear columns together. The C pillars include pivotally connected sealing plates for sealing a top end of a rear door, the sealing plates being connected to the roll bars. A vertical rear window extending between said C pillar rear columns is provided, the rear window having a cutout portion for allowance of passage of a seat belt therethrough. A fabric cover providing a top deck extends over said front and rear seating portion of said vehicle and also covers the C pillars. A tonneau cover is provided for covering the rear cargo area providing a flat surface enclosure over the cargo area.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2021Publication date: February 24, 2022Applicant: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: George C. Stickles, Eric D. Getzschman, Stephen J. Lewis
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Patent number: 11247542Abstract: A soft top assembly which includes lift assist and improved fabric management. The assembly includes front side rails pivotally connected to rear side rails. A plurality of fabric control bows with control linkages provide fabric control to the top material during pivoting of the front side rails. A first and second gas strut are attached to the rear side rails to assist lifting and controlled motion as the top is moved between a closed position and open sunroof position, as one strut is fully loaded and compressed while the other strut is fully loaded and open, for lift assist and dampening.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2019Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, Tavis Lutzka, William H. Haberkamp, Eric D. Getzschman, Jose N. Vigil, Andy Waite
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Publication number: 20220032849Abstract: A rear door shelf assembly having a mounting base portion and a shelf rotatably connected to the mounting base portion for moving between an open position and a closed position. A spring-loaded prop rod is rotatably connected to the assembly. Storage features are connectable to the prop rod to provide multi-functionality of the assembly as a utility table and a storage unit. A one-touch latching mechanism holds the shelf in the closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2021Publication date: February 3, 2022Applicant: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, Jonathon Moore, Charles C. Turney
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Publication number: 20220016962Abstract: A soft top cover assembly including a pivotal portion adapted for attaching at a roof top opening of a vehicle to selectively close off the roof top opening and open up the roof top opening for an open-air experience. The assembly has a cover attached to a first bow member of the pivotal portion and a rear header. Selectively rotating the pivotal portion covers and uncovers the roof top opening. The assembly has at least one pair of shutface appliques adjacent to the sides of the roof top opening. At least one pair of rear side belt mounts incorporating a belt rail and adapted to connect to the vehicle and operable to attach LH/RH rear side windows.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2021Publication date: January 20, 2022Applicant: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, Eric D. Getzschman, Duane C. Junkin, David A. Smith, Charles C. Turney, Edward S. Piec, Jonathon G. Moore, Brandon Kincaid, Eric J. Hanson
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Patent number: 11203257Abstract: A top for a Jeep type vehicle is provided having a rear cargo area and parallel spaced roll bars. The top includes parallel spaced apart C pillars, each C pillar including front and rear vertical columns, the rear columns having a perpendicularly connected seat belt pass-through. The C pillars also have bottom plates connecting the front and rear columns that extend beyond the rear column. A top plate connects the front and rear columns together. The C pillars include pivotally connected sealing plates for sealing a top end of a rear door, the sealing plates being connected to the roll bars. A vertical rear window extending between said C pillar rear columns is provided, the rear window having a cutout portion for allowance of passage of a seat belt therethrough. A fabric cover providing a top deck extends over said front and rear seating portion of said vehicle and also covers the C pillars. A tonneau cover is provided for covering the rear cargo area providing a flat surface enclosure over the cargo area.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2019Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: George C. Stickles, Eric D. Getzschman, Stephen J. Lewis
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Patent number: D940021Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2017Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, Charles C. Turney, Jonathon Moore, Duane C. Junkin