Patents by Inventor Thomas Bernath

Thomas Bernath 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: 11541734
    Abstract: A structure, for example a vehicle roof, may define an opening receiving one or more removable panels. The removable panels may each include a panel body configured to cover the opening, and a plurality of latches. The latches may each be positioned adjacent a respective edge of the body and configured to translate between different positions. The removable panel may also include an actuator and a plurality of latch links, with each latch link having a first end connected to a corresponding one of the latches, and each latch link having a second end operably linked with the actuator. Rotation of the actuator may drive each of the latches from an open position of the latch to a closed position, while rotation of the actuator in an opposite direction may drive each of the latches from the closed position of the latch to the open position of the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Bernath
  • Publication number: 20220161642
    Abstract: A structure, for example a vehicle roof, may define an opening receiving one or more removable panels. The removable panels may each include a panel body configured to cover the opening, and a plurality of latches. The latches may each be positioned adjacent a respective edge of the body and configured to translate between different positions. The removable panel may also include an actuator and a plurality of latch links, with each latch link having a first end connected to a corresponding one of the latches, and each latch link having a second end operably linked with the actuator. Rotation of the actuator may drive each of the latches from an open position of the latch to a closed position, while rotation of the actuator in an opposite direction may drive each of the latches from the closed position of the latch to the open position of the latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Inventor: Thomas Bernath
  • Patent number: 10988007
    Abstract: A mounting package includes a sunroof assembly, a roof crossbeam, and a hanger hanging the roof crossbeam underneath the sunroof assembly. The sunroof assembly includes a guiderail. The hanger includes a lower hook hooked with the roof crossbeam, and an upper hook hooked with the guiderail. The hanger is configured to flexibly accommodate multidirectional movement of the roof crossbeam relative to the guiderail. The multidirectional movement includes lifting movement of the roof crossbeam relative to the guiderail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignees: Aisin Technical Center of America, Inc., Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Bernath, Joel T. Runyan, Kevin J. James, James D. Cunningham
  • Publication number: 20210107342
    Abstract: A mounting package includes a sunroof assembly, a roof crossbeam, and a hanger hanging the roof crossbeam underneath the sunroof assembly. The sunroof assembly includes a guiderail. The hanger includes a lower hook hooked with the roof crossbeam, and an upper hook hooked with the guiderail. The hanger is configured to flexibly accommodate multidirectional movement of the roof crossbeam relative to the guiderail. The multidirectional movement includes lifting movement of the roof crossbeam relative to the guiderail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Publication date: April 15, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas Bernath, Joel T. Runyan, Kevin J. James, James D. Cunningham