Patents by Inventor Vaughn D. Vanderpool

Vaughn D. Vanderpool 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: 11358447
    Abstract: A lift gate door having hinges installed for predetermined positioning into a vehicle. And a method of attaching a lift gate door to a vehicle while maintain proper tolerances. A first fixture holds a set of hinges in predetermined locations which correspond to assembly locations on a vehicle body. Hinges are temporarily attached to the fixture corresponding to the proper vehicle location. A second fixture holds the lift gate in a position which is a final installation position for attaching the lift gate to a vehicle. Self-adjusting moveable fastening nuts are provided in a set of holes in a hinge plate fastening area of the lift gate. The first fixture is moved into aligned orientation with the second feature and the hinges are attached to the lift gate with the fastener. The hinge is aligned in the proper installation orientation for maintaining the lift gate to vehicle gap in proper tolerances when the lift gate door with hinges is installed on the final vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.
    Inventor: Vaughn D. Vanderpool
  • Publication number: 20200070632
    Abstract: A lift gate door having hinges installed for predetermined positioning into a vehicle. And a method of attaching a lift gate door to a vehicle while maintain proper tolerances. A first fixture holds a set of hinges in predetermined locations which correspond to assembly locations on a vehicle body. Hinges are temporarily attached to the fixture corresponding to the proper vehicle location. A second fixture holds the lift gate in a position which is a final installation position for attaching the lift gate to a vehicle. Self-adjusting moveable fastening nuts are provided in a set of holes in a hinge plate fastening area of the lift gate. The first fixture is moved into aligned orientation with the second feature and the hinges are attached to the lift gate with the fastener. The hinge is aligned in the proper installation orientation for maintaining the lift gate to vehicle gap in proper tolerances when the lift gate door with hinges is installed on the final vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Applicant: Magna Exteriors Inc.
    Inventor: Vaughn D. Vanderpool
  • Patent number: 8020922
    Abstract: An interior trim component includes a body portion defining an inboard-surface, and an outboard-surface, wherein the body portion is further defined by a groove formed in the inboard-surface, and a passage extending through the body portion from the inboard-surface to the outboard-surface; and a bolster portion including a first end portion, and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion is disposed in the groove formed in the inboard-surface, wherein the second end portion is disposed in the passage. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Pianowski, Vaughn D. Vanderpool
  • Publication number: 20090200819
    Abstract: An interior trim component includes a body portion defining an inboard-surface, and an outboard-surface, wherein the body portion is further defined by a groove formed in the inboard-surface, and a passage extending through the body portion from the inboard-surface to the outboard-surface; and a bolster portion including a first end portion, and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion is disposed in the groove formed in the inboard-surface, wherein the second end portion is disposed in the passage. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: John C. PIANOWSKI, Vaughn D. Vanderpool
  • Publication number: 20080238063
    Abstract: A trim panel includes a skin layer and an insert having a base, a sidewall that extends generally perpendicularly from the base and a flange that extends generally perpendicularly from the sidewall and generally parallel to the base. The flange includes a first side and a second side. The skin layer extends over at least a portion of said first side and said second side of said flange. A method for manufacturing a trim panel is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Vaughn D. Vanderpool