Michael J Mcgowan

US Patent:

7690711, Apr 6, 2010

Filed:

Sep 3, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/203225

Inventors:

Michael P. McGowan - Sterling Heights MI, US
Edward L. Schulte - White Lake MI, US
Derek L. Patterson - Shelby Township MI, US
Balakrishna Chinta - Troy MI, US

Assignee:

GM Global Technology Operations, Inc. - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B62D 33/03
B62D 33/033

US Classification:

296 571, 296 52, 296 59

Abstract:

An endgate assembly connectable to a vehicle body for opening and closing a vehicle bed formed by the body includes an endgate supportable by the vehicle body at a pivot connection and openable and closable by pivoting about the pivot connection. A keyed support member is securable to the vehicle body. A damper and a cable are connected to the endgate. Both the damper and the cable have ends that are configured to be retained by the keyed support member when the endgate is pivoted between the open and closed position. The cable and damper ends can be removed from the keyed support member without tools when the cable end is rotated relative to the keyed support member. A method of modifying the vehicle bed by detaching or reattaching the endgate assembly is also provided.

US Patent:

20110256418, Oct 20, 2011

Filed:

Apr 19, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/762629

Inventors:

Michael P. McGowan - Sterling Heights MI, US
Scott S. Moore - Royal Oak MI, US
Nicholas M. Bosway - Clarkston MI, US

Assignee:

GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC. - DETROIT MI

International Classification:

B32B 15/01
B32B 3/10
C25D 13/00
B32B 3/00

US Classification:

428594, 428172, 428137, 204471

Abstract:

An assembly for limiting corrosion between a first member made of a first material and a second member made of a second material, different from the first material, includes a plurality of cylindrical dimples defined in the first member. The cylindrical dimples are formed as a one-piece structure with the first member. The cylindrical dimples and the second member interact to define a plurality of galvanic contact zones. An electrocoat covers substantially all of the first member and the second member, but does not cover the galvanic contact zones. Therefore, the galvanic contact zones are not in contact with the electrocoat and are sealed to prevent contact with an electrolyte. A method of assembling a first member to a second member, to limit corrosion therebetween, is also provided.