Aaron J Schnepp

US Patent:

7891643, Feb 22, 2011

Filed:

Sep 11, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/853217

Inventors:

Paresh Rana - Clawson MI, US
Aaron Schnepp - Shelby Township MI, US
Louis A. Rhodes - Farmington Hills MI, US
George Konstantakopoulos - Birmingham MI, US
Robert S. Smyczynski - Metamora MI, US

Assignee:

Chrysler Group LLC - Auburn Hills MI

International Classification:

F16F 5/00

US Classification:

267 6412, 188300

Abstract:

A gas compression spring is mounted with an exterior element configured to allow a user to adjust the extension of the spring by rotating or sliding the exterior element. The user can line up an internal mechanism which is configured to limit the extension of the gas spring, and therefore stop the extension of the gas spring at a predetermined height. Additionally, an override mechanism is included where a user requires full extension of the gas spring. For example, the user can override the internal mechanism by applying a force in the direction of the extension, which disengages the mechanism allowing full extension. When the spring is compressed again, the mechanism resets and opens to the predetermined height. The gas spring can be utilized in a vehicle liftgate system, allowing the liftgate to open at one or more heights based upon the internal mechanism settings of the gas spring.

US Patent:

20080142559, Jun 19, 2008

Filed:

Dec 19, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/612845

Inventors:

Stephen T. Lim - Farmington Hills MI, US
Aaron J. Schnepp - Royal Oak MI, US
Louis A. Rhodes - Farmington Hills MI, US
Todd McKinzie - Goodrich MI, US

International Classification:

B60R 9/10

US Classification:

224489

Abstract:

The present invention is an integrated external bicycle rack that can be stored quickly and easily within the vehicle when not in use. The bicycle rack can hold up to two bicycles and other objects, and can be equipped on any type of vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment, the bicycle rack includes two support bars which extend rearward of the vehicle from the vehicle's rear frame rail. In another exemplary embodiment, the bicycle rack includes two support bars within a rack frame which is mounted to the vehicle frame, and the two support bars selectively extend rearward of the vehicle. Once the support bars are extended, then one or more load floor panels are relocated from within the vehicle and mounted to the support bars. The load floor panels include attachment device which are used to secure bicycles and the like to the load floor panels.

US Patent:

20080284192, Nov 20, 2008

Filed:

May 14, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/747944

Inventors:

Stephen T. Lim - Farmington Hills MI, US
Brett Ladetto - Clarkston MI, US
Aaron Schnepp - Shelby Township MI, US
Louis A. Rhodes - Farmington Hills MI, US
Paresh Rana - Clawson MI, US

International Classification:

B60R 7/00

US Classification:

296 375

Abstract:

The technology described herein provides a slidable, retractable, and foldable cargo floor organizer with a rotatable and extensible retention net frame and associated cargo retention net for the rear cargo floor area of a vehicle. The system additionally provides an interior cargo tray having multiple partitions. The system includes a cargo retention net frame disposed about the interior cargo tray, wherein the cargo retention net frame is extensible, and a cargo retention net, the cargo retention net being disposed about the retention net frame, and wherein the cargo retention net is extensible and extends as the cargo retention net frame extends. The system provides for the secure containment of cargo in the rear cargo floor area of a vehicle.