| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20080197653 | Pivot and Stow Seating - A method is disclosed for stowing a bench seat or a segment of a bench seat into the floor of a vehicle. The steps include folding the backrest onto the seat base. The seat is then tilted upwards about an axis aligned with one side end of the seat to place the seat in a raised position. The raised seat is then rotated about a vertical axis until the seat is aligned for pivoting into the seat stowage compartment. The seat is then pivoted downwards into the stowage compartment. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080246296 | Static-Reducing Vehicle Seat - A vehicle seat is provided having at least one seat cushion for carrying a vehicle occupant, and having a static-reducing device positioned in sufficient proximity to the occupant for dissipating an electrostatic charge from the seat. The static-reducing device includes conductive threading woven into the seat cushion or into piping along the seat cushion seams, conductive wiring connected to the base to form a conductive path for dissipating the electrostatic charge, or a humidity-absorbing layer. A vehicle is also provided having a floor and a vehicle seat having a cushion and a base mounted to the floor. The cushion is operatively connected to the base and has a static-reducing device adapted to reduce electrostatic charge of the seat to thereby minimize the electrostatic discharge between the seat and a passenger when the passenger exits the vehicle, the static-reducing device including conductive threading, conductive wiring, or a humidity-absorbing mat. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080252091 | Cargo Retention Device and Method - A device and method is provided for retaining cargo within a vehicle passenger compartment including a retaining portion and a vehicle seat having a lower seat portion, an upper back portion, and a frame. The retaining portion comprises a strap or mat which is operatively attached at one end to a front portion of the vehicle seat, while the other end is accessible within a bite line formed between the mating seat and back portions. The retaining portion is connectable to a front portion of the vehicle seat by means of either an open-ended hook or a snap-hook and an anchor, or by a snap fastener, the retaining portion being configured to secure cargo with respect to one of the seat portions. The device also includes a retractor mechanism such as a spring and spool operable to retract the retaining portion into the bite line for stowage. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080277177 | Wiring System and Method for a Rearview Mirror - A wiring system and method are provided for an automobile having a windshield, a headliner, an auxiliary system, and a rearview mirror having a function and control mechanism associated with the auxiliary system. The wiring system includes a first interface coupled to the rearview mirror, and at least one conductor coupled to the first interface for coupling the auxiliary system to the function and control mechanism of the rearview mirror. A portion of the at least one conductor extends from the headliner to the first interface and at least half of the portion of the at least one conductor is bonded to the windshield. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080284195 | Vehicle Seat Assembly - A vehicle includes a seat assembly and a floor. The seat assembly includes a lower seat member operatively connected to the floor, a seatback member operatively connected to the lower seat member, and a head restraint operatively connected to the seatback member. The seat assembly is characterized by an occupiable configuration and a stowed configuration. The seat assembly is configured such that movement of the seat assembly from its occupiable configuration to its stowed configuration causes the head restraint to rotate in a first direction and then a second direction. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20090001787 | Ionized Air System and Method for Dissipating an Electrostatic Charge in a Vehicle - An apparatus is provided for dissipating an electrostatic charge from a vehicle seat and from an occupant seated thereon, wherein a blower directs ionized air through a vent toward the seat and occupant to neutralize an electrostatic charge accumulated on the surface and occupant. A sensor is configured to detect when the occupant is separating from the vehicle seat, and to activate the ionizer in response thereto. The apparatus also includes a seat cooling system for directing cool air through the seat, wherein a blower directs ionized air through vent holes in the seat when the cooling system is operating. A method is also provided for dissipating an electrostatic charge from a vehicle seat and an occupant seated thereon, including generating ionized air, sensing separation of a passenger from the seat, and directing ionized air toward the seat and occupant through one or more vents to dissipate the static charge. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090172919 | Directional Retention Device - A directional retention device is provided that provides reliable retention of items as desired when force is applied in one direction but allows easy removal or detachment of the items from one another when force is applied in another direction. Specifically, the directional retention device includes a generally cylindrical button that has a peripheral slot. The device also includes a ring that defines an aperture sized to fit around the button with the ring in the peripheral slot. The button and ring are configured such that the ring is secured to the button when a predetermined force is applied to the ring in a first direction but is released from the button when the predetermined force is applied to the ring in a second direction opposing the first direction. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090174217 | Integrated Shade Assembly for a Vehicle Window - A shade assembly for a vehicle is provided that includes a shade member that is “integrated” or “hidden” within vehicle body structure when not in use and yet is easily movable to a use position in which it covers a portion of an adjacent window. Specifically, a shade assembly is provided that includes vehicle body structure at least partially defining a body cavity. A shade member is operatively connected to the vehicle body structure and is configured to selectively move between a stowed position and a use position. The shade member at least partially covers a surface of the window in the use position. The window is substantially uncovered by the shade member in the stowed position because the shade member is nested in the cavity within the body structure. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090206581 | Airbag System - An embodiment of an airbag system includes a cavity configured to store an airbag, wherein the cavity has an aperture that provides an outlet for the airbag during deployment. The embodiment also includes a cover releasably attached over the aperture via an attachment mechanism having an initial attachment strength. The initial attachment strength is configured to reduce to a release attachment strength in response to receipt of a release signal at the attachment mechanism. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090218858 | MANIPULABLE SEAT BOLSTER UTILIZING ACTIVE MATERIAL ACTUATION - A manipulable seat bolster including an active material actuator configured to selectively cause or enable a condition, such as the geometric configuration, or position of the bolster to be modified, when the active material is activated. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090218859 | ADJUSTABLE SEAT RAMP UTILIZING ACTIVE MATERIAL ACTUATION - An adjustable seat ramp adapted for use with a seat base and defining a first angle of inclination, includes a structure translatably disposed within or integrally formed with the base and presenting a first position, and further includes an actuator employing a shape memory material element and configured to cause the structure to translate to a second position, wherein a second angle of inclination is defined. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090230275 | FORE-AFT POSITION ADJUSTER UTILIZING ACTIVE MATERIAL ACTUATION - A fore-aft positioning adjuster adapted for use with an object, such as a seat, includes a locking mechanism, and an actuator employing an active material element operable to undergo a reversible change when exposed to or occluded from an activation signal, and configured to selectively cause the mechanism to release, so that the object can be repositioned, as a result of the change. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090236884 | RECLINER RELEASE ACTUATION THROUGH ACTIVE MATERIALS - A recliner adjustment system and method utilizing active material based actuation is adapted for use with a recliner defining an engaging surface and operable to adjust the angle of inclination of the surface, and includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively prevent the surface from pivoting, an unlocking actuator including at least one active material element configured to release the mechanism when activated or deactivated, a signal source operable to generate and deliver to the element an activation signal, and more preferably, a second adjusting actuator including a second active material element configured to rotationally displace the surface, so as to adjust the angle, when activated or deactivated and the mechanism has been released. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20100244495 | PHASE CHANGE MATERIAL USAGE IN WINDOW TREATMENTS - The window assembly for a vehicle includes a first portion supported by the vehicle and a second portion located proximate to the first portion. The second portion includes a phase change material (PCM) barrier. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100273041 | TEMPERATURE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A system for managing the temperature of a battery, the battery having a first outer surface, is provided. The system comprises a first reservoir coupled to the first outer surface of the battery, and a first phase change material thermally coupled with the first outer surface of the battery, and retained by the first reservoir. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20110083431 | Thermally-Active Material Assemblies Including Phase Change Materials and Methods for Using Them - A thermally-activated material assembly transformable between an actuated condition and a non-actuated condition including an actuator material that, in response to being heated and cooled above/below an actuation temperature, causes the actuator element to actuate from a non-actuated shape to an actuated shape, and vice versa, respectively. The assembly also includes a drive mechanism connected to the actuator element and a phase-change material (PCM) associated with the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism causes the PCM to either (i) directly engage the actuator element when the actuator assembly is in the non-actuated condition and to be disengaged from the actuator element when the actuator assembly is in the actuated condition or (ii) directly engage the actuator element when the actuator assembly is in the actuated condition and to be disengaged from the actuator element when the actuator assembly is in the non-actuated condition. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110285120 | DEPLOYABLE PROTECTION SYSTEM FOR VEHICLES WITH OVERHEAD GLASS - An active material-enabled overhead protection system ( | 11-24-2011 |
| 20120001461 | STOWABLE ACTIVE MATERIAL ACTUATED REAR SEAT HEADREST - An active headrest adapted for use with a rear seat, including a translatable, conformable, or otherwise reconfigurable shell, an active material actuator disposed within and drivenly coupled to the shell, and preferably including a linkage system fixedly coupled to the seat and/or shell, wherein the actuator is operable to cause the headrest to achieve one of a plurality of achievable positions. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120267928 | USING RESTING LOAD TO AUGMENT ACTIVE MATERIAL ACTUATOR DEMAND IN POWER SEATS - A power seat adjustment assembly comprising an active material actuator, adapted for use when a resting load is present within the seat, and configured to reduce actuator demand, and therefore actuator size and/or rating, by modifying the load to augment performance. | 10-25-2012 |
| 20140264206 | ELASTICALLY DEFORMABLE CONDUIT ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF FITTINGLY RETAINING WIRES - An elastically deformable conduit assembly includes a conduit comprising an outer surface and formed of an elastically deformable material, the conduit configured to deform from a relaxed condition to an elastically deformed condition. Also included is a mating component configured to engage the outer surface of the conduit in the elastically deformed condition. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140298640 | ELASTIC RETAINING ASSEMBLY FOR MATABLE COMPONENTS AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLING - An elastic retaining assembly for matable components includes a first component having a first surface. Also included is a second component having a second surface and a third surface, wherein the second component is configured to be mated with the first component. Further included is a receiving feature formed proximate an engagement side of the second component and defining a pin perimeter surface. Yet further included is an elastically deformable pin operatively coupled to, and extending away from, the first surface, wherein the elastically deformable pin is formed of an elastically deformable material to elastically deform proximate the pin perimeter surface upon contact with the receiving feature. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140298962 | ELASTIC AVERAGING ALIGNMENT SYSTEM, METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME AND CUTTING PUNCH THEREFOR - An elastic averaging alignment system includes a first component comprising a surface, a thickness and a plurality of elastically deformable apertures spaced apart on the surface and extending through the thickness, each of the elastically deformable apertures comprising an aperture peripheral shape and having at least one slit extending radially-outwardly therefrom defining at least one elastically deformable wedge member. A method of making a component alignment system includes providing a first component having a surface and a thickness. The method also includes forming a plurality of alignment features through the thickness of the first component, the alignment features comprising a plurality of elastically deformable apertures spaced-apart on the surface and extending through the thickness, each of the elastically deformable apertures comprising an aperture peripheral shape and having at least one slit extending radially-outwardly therefrom defining at least one elastically deformable wedge member. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140300130 | ELASTIC RETAINING ARRANGEMENT FOR JOINTED COMPONENTS AND METHOD OF REDUCING A GAP BETWEEN JOINTED COMPONENTS - A retaining arrangement includes a first component having a first main body portion and a first interface edge. Also included is a second component operatively coupled to the first component, the second component comprising a second main body portion, a second interface edge in contact with the first interface edge, and an end portion in an overlapped configuration with the first main body portion of the first component. Further included is an aperture defined by an aperture wall and extending through the end portion of the second component. Yet further included is an elastically deformable protrusion extending away from the first main body portion of the first component, the elastically deformable protrusion configured to fittingly engage the aperture proximate an end region of the aperture wall, wherein the elastically deformable protrusion is formed of an elastically deformable material and configured to elastically deform upon engagement with the aperture wall. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140301777 | ELASTIC TUBULAR ATTACHMENT ASSEMBLY FOR MATING COMPONENTS AND METHOD OF MATING COMPONENTS - An elastic tubular attachment assembly for mating components is provided. The elastic tubular attachment assembly includes a first component having a first surface. Also included is a second component having a second surface, a third surface, and at least one aperture, wherein the second surface is configured to align and engage with the first surface of the first component. Further included is at least one elastically deformable tubular member operatively coupled to the first component proximate the first surface, the at least one elastically deformable tubular member comprising an outer surface, wherein the at least one elastically deformable tubular member is formed of an elastically deformable material and configured to elastically deform radially inwardly upon contact with at least one aperture wall of the second component. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140301778 | ELASTIC MATING ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF ELASTICALLY ASSEMBLING MATABLE COMPONENTS - An elastic mating assembly includes a first component comprising a substantially rigid material and an aperture defined by an aperture wall. The assembly also includes an elastically deformable second component having a cutout portion. The elastically deformable second component also includes a second component outer wall removably engaged with the aperture wall, wherein the second component is disposed substantially within the aperture. The elastic mating assembly further includes a third component removably engaged with the cutout portion of the elastically deformable second component, wherein the elastically deformable second component is configured to elastically deform proximate the cutout portion upon contact with an outer surface of the third component. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140360824 | ELASTICALLY DEFORMABLE ENERGY MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD OF MANAGING ENERGY ABSORPTION - An elastically deformable energy management arrangement includes a first component comprising a first surface and a second surface. Also included is a protrusion extending from the second surface of the first component and having an outer surface, the protrusion at least partially formed of an elastically deformable material. Further included is a second component in slideable engagement with the outer surface of the protrusion and spaced from the second surface of the first component. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140360826 | ELASTICALLY DEFORMABLE ENERGY MANAGEMENT ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF MANAGING ENERGY ABSORPTION - An elastically deformable energy management assembly includes a first component. Also included is at least one protrusion extending from the first component, the at least one protrusion having an outer surface. Further included is a second component comprising at least one aperture defined by an aperture wall, the aperture wall in slideable engagement with the outer surface of the at least one protrusion, wherein at least one of the protrusion and the aperture wall comprises an elastically deformable material. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140369742 | ELASTIC ATTACHMENT ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF REDUCING POSITIONAL VARIATION AND INCREASING STIFFNESS - An elastic attachment assembly is provided. The elastic attachment assembly includes a first component having a base outer surface. Also included is a plurality of elastically deformable protrusions extending from the base outer surface of the first component. Further included is a second component having a pocket portion configured to receive the first component therein, the pocket portion defined by a base wall and at least one sidewall extending from the base wall. Yet further included is a plurality of receiving structures defined by the base wall of the pocket portion and configured to receive the plurality of elastically deformable protrusions, wherein the plurality of elastically deformable protrusions is configured to elastically deform upon insertion to the plurality of receiving structures. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140369743 | ELASTIC RETAINING ASSEMBLY FOR MATABLE COMPONENTS AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLING - An elastic retaining assembly for matable components includes a first component having a first surface. Also included is a second component configured to be mated with the first component, the second component comprising a second surface. Further included is a receiving feature formed proximate an engagement side of the second component, the receiving feature having a first degree of curvature. Yet further included is an elastically deformable protrusion operatively coupled to, and extending away from, the first component, the elastically deformable protrusion having a second degree of curvature distinct from the first degree of curvature of the receiving feature, wherein the elastically deformable protrusion is formed of an elastically deformable material and configured to elastically deform upon engagement with the receiving feature. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20150016864 | ALIGNMENT ARRANGEMENT FOR MATED COMPONENTS AND METHOD - An alignment arrangement for mated components includes a first component having a first and second elastically deformable protrusion. Also included is a second component operatively coupled to the first component, the second component comprising a first and second slot, each of the slots defined by a first slot sidewall segment, a second slot sidewall segment, an inner slot wall segment and an outer slot wall segment, the first and second slot disposed in a substantially coaxial alignment. The elastically deformable protrusions are each disposed in a contact interference condition with the inner slot wall segment or the outer slot wall segment of the respective first slot and second slot, thereby reducing relative movement between the first and second components, wherein the elastically deformable protrusions are each formed of an elastically deformable material and configured to elastically deform upon engagement with the inner or outer slot wall segment. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150023724 | LOBULAR ELASTIC TUBE ALIGNMENT SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING PRECISE FOUR-WAY ALIGNMENT OF COMPONENTS - An elastically averaged alignment system includes a first component and a second component. The first component includes a first alignment member and an elastically deformable alignment element fixedly disposed with respect to the first alignment member. The second component includes a second alignment member and an alignment feature fixedly disposed with respect to the second alignment member. The elastically deformable alignment element is configured and disposed to interferingly, deformably and matingly engage the alignment feature. The elastically deformable alignment element includes a lobular hollow tube having a cross-section having at least three outwardly oriented lobes relative to a central axis of the hollow tube, and the alignment feature includes a circular aperture. Portions of the elastically deformable alignment element when inserted into the alignment feature elastically deform to an elastically averaged final configuration that aligns the first alignment member with the second alignment member in four planar orthogonal directions. | 01-22-2015 |
| 20150043959 | ALIGNMENT SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING PRECISE ALIGNMENT AND RETENTION OF COMPONENTS OF A SEALABLE COMPARTMENT - An elastically averaging alignment and retention system for a sealable compartment includes a first component and a second component. The first component includes a first alignment member and an elastically deformable alignment element fixedly disposed with respect to the first alignment member, the elastically deformable alignment element having an elongated hollow tube. The second component includes a second alignment member and an alignment feature fixedly disposed with respect to the second alignment member, the alignment feature having a blind-end pocket. The elastically deformable alignment element is configured and disposed to interferingly, deformably and matingly engage the alignment feature. Portions of the elastically deformable alignment element when inserted into the alignment feature elastically deform to an elastically averaged final configuration that aligns the first component relative to the second component in at least two of four planar orthogonal directions. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150050068 | ELASTICALLY AVERAGED ALIGNMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS THEREOF - In one aspect, an elastically averaged alignment system is provided. The system includes a first component comprising an alignment member and a second component comprising an inner wall defining an alignment aperture. The alignment aperture is configured to receive at least a portion of the alignment member to couple the first component and the second component. At least one of the alignment member and the inner wall is an elastically deformable material such that when the alignment member is inserted into the alignment aperture, at least one of the alignment member and the inner wall elastically deforms to an elastically averaged final configuration to facilitate aligning the first component and the second component in a desired orientation | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150052725 | ELASTIC AVERAGING ALIGNMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - An elastic averaging alignment system includes a first component having at least one wall member defining a thickness between opposing faces thereof, and a second component having a component surface with at least one receiver protruding therefrom, each of the at least one receiver having a first receiver wall with a first engagement surface and a second receiver wall with a second engagement surface, the first and the second engagement surfaces are positioned a distance apart less than the thickness such that at least one of the first and the second receiver walls elastically deform in response to having the at least one wall member positioned between the first and the second receiver walls. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150056009 | ELASTIC AVERAGING SNAP MEMBER ALIGNING AND FASTENING SYSTEM - An elastically averaging snap member aligning and fastening system has a first component and a second component. The first component includes a first body having a first surface portion and a second surface portion, the first body including one or more apertures extending between the first and second surface portions. The second component includes a second body having a first surface section and a second surface section, the second body including one or more elastically averaging snap members provided on one of the first and second surface sections. Each of the one or more elastically averaging snap members include a plurality of cantilevered snap elements configured and disposed to interferingly, deformably, elastically and matingly engage with corresponding ones of the one or more apertures. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150063943 | ELASTICALLY DEFORMABLE ALIGNMENT FASTENER AND SYSTEM - An elastically deformable alignment fastener has the form of a unitary object having a head portion and an integrally formed body portion. The body portion has an elastically deformable lobular hollow tube having a proximal end proximate the head portion and a distal end axially displaced from the head portion. The lobular hollow tube has an outer surface having one or more retention features oriented to provide a plurality of radially extending engagement surfaces along a length of the hollow tube. The head portion has a flange that circumscribes the proximal end of the lobular hollow tube. Portions of the elastically deformable lobular hollow tube when inserted into circular apertures of first and second components elastically deform to an elastically averaged final configuration that aligns the first and second components in four planar orthogonal directions. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150069779 | ELASTIC TUBE ALIGNMENT AND FASTENING SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING PRECISE ALIGNMENT AND FASTENING OF COMPONENTS - An elastically averaged alignment system includes a first component having a first alignment member, an attachment element, and a support element, and a second component having a second alignment member, an alignment aperture, and an engagement surface that engages with the support element. The attachment element includes an attachment portion and an elastically deformable alignment element portion. The elastically deformable alignment element portion is configured and disposed to interferingly, deformably and matingly engage the alignment aperture. The attachment portion includes a hollow tube having a first wall thickness, and the elastically deformable alignment element portion includes a hollow tube having a second wall thickness less than the first wall thickness. Portions of the elastically deformable alignment element portion when inserted into the alignment aperture elastically deform to an elastically averaged final configuration that aligns the first alignment member with the second alignment member in at least two planar orthogonal directions. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150078805 | ELASTICALLY AVERAGED ALIGNMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - In one aspect, an elastically averaged alignment system is provided. The system includes a first component including an alignment member, the alignment member including a plurality of segments. The system also includes a second component including an inner wall defining an alignment aperture, the alignment aperture configured to receive the alignment member to couple the first component and the second component. The alignment member is an elastically deformable material such that when the alignment member is inserted into the alignment aperture, the alignment member elastically deforms to an elastically averaged final configuration to facilitate aligning the first component and the second component in a desired orientation. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150086265 | SERVICEABLE ALIGNING AND SELF-RETAINING ELASTIC ARRANGEMENT FOR MATED COMPONENTS AND METHOD - A serviceable self-retaining elastic arrangement for mated components includes a first component having at least one protrusion having a retaining rib circumferentially extending around an outer surface of the at least one protrusion. Also included is a second component having at least one elastically deformable beam. Further included is at least one aperture defined by the at least one elastically deformable beam, the at least one aperture configured to receive the at least one protrusion therein and having at least one aperture dimension smaller than at least one protrusion dimension, wherein the at least one elastically deformable beam is elastically deformed in an engaged condition of the at least one protrusion with the at least one elastically deformable beam. | 03-26-2015 |
