Graham S Foulkes

US Patent:

7850219, Dec 14, 2010

Filed:

Oct 8, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/247342

Inventors:

James M. Townson - Clarkston MI, US
Graham S. Foulkes - Washington Township MI, US
Eduardo S. Atar - Rochester Hills MI, US

Assignee:

GM Global Technology Operations, Inc. - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B60P 1/367

US Classification:

296 50, 296 571

Abstract:

A viscous rotary damping device for a vehicle end gate assembly is provided. The damping device includes a housing member configured to operatively attach to the vehicle body or the end gate assembly. The housing member defines a fluid chamber having viscous fluid therein. The damping device also includes an impeller member having a mast with a first end configured to operatively attach to the other of the vehicle body and the end gate assembly, and a second end having one or more blades projecting outward therefrom. The second end of the mast is rotatably received in the fluid chamber such that the impeller member dissipates kinetic energy generated by the end gate assembly when transitioning between a first, closed position and a second, open position. A cover plate member is preferably coupled to the housing member, and configured to fluidly seal the fluid chamber.

US Patent:

8100456, Jan 24, 2012

Filed:

Jan 18, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/016226

Inventors:

James M. Townson - Clarkston MI, US
Eduardo S. Atar - Rochester Hills MI, US
Edward L. Schulte - White Lake MI, US
Graham S. Foulkes - Washington Township MI, US
Gary W. Krajenke - Warren MI, US
Carl B. Corman - Famington Hills MI, US
Anthony J. Radman - Macomb Township MI, US

Assignee:

GM Global Technology Operations LLC - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B62D 33/03

US Classification:

296 571

Abstract:

A vehicle endgate hinge assembly is disclosed. The hinge assembly has a bodyside hinge strap including a hinge support boss extending through the endgate opening shut-face and having a central hole that is coaxial with the endgate pivot axis, a mounting plate located outboard of the shut-face, and a threaded portion extending from the mounting plate through the shut-face. The hinge assembly may have a crank including a hinge key pivotally coupled to a member mounted on the endgate, a pivot shaft extending from the hinge key through the central hole, a lever arm extending from the pivot shaft normal to the endgate pivot axis, and a ball extending from the lever arm spaced from the endgate pivot axis. A nut is located inboard of the endgate opening shut-face and threadably received on the threaded portion, and an energy storage mechanism is coupled to the ball.

US Patent:

8607416, Dec 17, 2013

Filed:

Apr 10, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/442920

Inventors:

Gary W. Krajenke - Warren MI, US
Alvin N. Standard - Clarkston MI, US
Graham S. Foulkes - Washington Township MI, US

Assignee:

GM Global Technology Operations LLC - Detroit MI

International Classification:

E05F 1/08

US Classification:

16297, 16324, 29614611

Abstract:

A decklid hinge assembly for a vehicle includes a counterbalance torque system having a torque storing assembly. The torque storing assembly includes a torque rod having a first axial end and a second axial end, and a torque tube having a first axial end and a second axial end. The first axial end of the torque rod is attached to a linkage system in torque transmitting engagement for transmitting torque therebetween, the second axial end of the torque rod is attached to the second axial end of the torque tube in torque transmitting engagement for transmitting torque therebetween, and the first axial end of the torque tube is attached to a hinge box in torque transmitting engagement for transmitting torque therebetween. The torque storing assembly is pre-loaded with a moment to generate a torque for assisting movement of the support member from a closed position into an open position.

US Patent:

20140333087, Nov 13, 2014

Filed:

May 13, 2013

Appl. No.:

13/892382

Inventors:

- Detroit MI, US
Graham S. Foulkes - Washington Township MI, US

Assignee:

GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B62D 25/12
F16F 7/08

US Classification:

296 76

Abstract:

A vehicle and a hinge assembly for a storage compartment of the vehicle are disclosed. The hinge assembly includes a first component and a second component coupled to the first component. The second component is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the first component. A damper device includes a housing assembly supported by the first component and a finger attached to the second component such that the finger is movable with the second component between the first and second positions. The finger and the housing assembly are spaced from each other when the second component is in the first position, and the finger slidingly engages the housing assembly as the second component moves to the second position such that frictional engagement between the finger and the housing assembly dampens movement of the second component relative to the first component.

US Patent:

20140290007, Oct 2, 2014

Filed:

Mar 29, 2013

Appl. No.:

13/853105

Inventors:

- Detroit MI, US
Graham S. Foulkes - Washington Township MI, US

Assignee:

GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B62D 25/12
E05F 5/06
E05D 7/083

US Classification:

16375

Abstract:

A hinge assembly includes a hinge box, and a decklid attachment bracket rotatably attached to the hinge box. The decklid attachment bracket includes a contoured surface. A compressible member is positioned for engagement with the contoured surface as the decklid attachment bracket moves between an open position and a closed position. The contoured surface defines an outer region, a recessed region, and an inner region. The outer region compresses the compressible member as the decklid attachment bracket moves between the open and closed positions to absorb energy and dampen movement of the decklid attachment bracket. The recessed region cradles the compressible member without substantially compressing the compressible member when the decklid attachment bracket is in the open position to secure the position of the decklid attachment bracket. The inner region compresses the compressible member to absorb energy, and limit movement of the decklid attachment bracket beyond the open position.