Patents Assigned to Collins & Aikman
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Publication number: 20090045613Abstract: An energy management system includes a bolster panel configured to attach to vehicle structure and a plurality of ribs connected to the bolster panel. Each rib is deflectable during a vehicle impact. The bolster panel and the plurality of ribs are unitary and formed as one piece. The plurality of ribs are arranged in a manner forming an energy absorption pattern that is progressive. A second energy management system includes a bolster panel configured to attach to vehicle structure, a plurality of ribs connected to the bolster panel, and a steering column support structure connected to the bolster panel. The bolster panel, ribs, and steering column support structure are unitary and formed as one piece. A method for creating the energy management system is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2008Publication date: February 19, 2009Applicant: Collins & Aikman Products Co.Inventor: MAURICE ROSS BALDWIN
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Publication number: 20090024275Abstract: An improvement in the fit and finish of a center stack or console area of a vehicle is provided by integrating individual electronic module faceplate and trim bezels into a single faceplate which may be positioned independent of the individual modules. A jumper or flat wire connector provides communication between the controls on the faceplate and the module. A molded alignment guide is provided to direct pass-through media through a slot in the faceplate and into the module.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2007Publication date: January 22, 2009Applicant: COLLINS & AIKMAN PRODUCTS CO.Inventors: Marc A. HAYES, Yasuhiro UEDA, R. Reid SIGETY
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Publication number: 20080311357Abstract: A sheetstock having a bright metallic appearance, especially useful as signage, badging, automotive trim and appliance trim, is provided by applying an island coating system on the second surface of a transparent or translucent sheetstock. The island coating system may comprise a clear layer, a discontinuous metal layer and a backing layer. The sheetstock and/or clear layer may be colored, printed upon or contain decorative particles to enhance the appearance.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2007Publication date: December 18, 2008Applicant: COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATIONInventors: Donna Millette, Brian Porter, Robert O. Tibbetts
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Publication number: 20080257923Abstract: A modular system of storage is provided to tailor a vehicle to multiple activities by providing a plurality of storage modules which may be interchanged, instantly transforming the interior of the vehicle to a more efficient and customized storage condition. The modules may then be conveniently stored, for instance, in a garage and pre-packed to support a specific event or activity, then attached in a designated location in the interior vehicle trim. The modules may be merged together to form relatively larger modules and be designed to fit into a plurality of recesses/openings in the vehicle for transport (e.g. the cargo space or a floor recess) vs. immediate use locations (e.g. the console, glove box area, door panels, headliners, seat backs, etc.).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2007Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicant: COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATIONInventor: James D. DalPizzol
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Publication number: 20080224342Abstract: The present invention is directed at an improved method for forming two-tone trim panels for automobiles and the like, wherein the color demarcation line between color regions of the panel skin may be hidden in a narrow groove or joint. The groove in the formed skin may be formed by the expansion pressure of foam conforming the skin to a narrow projection in a foam mold. Alternatively, a narrow groove may be formed by skiving or embossing along the color demarcation line.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2007Publication date: September 18, 2008Applicant: COLLINS & AIKMAN PRODUCTS CO.Inventor: James D. DOWD
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Publication number: 20080136214Abstract: An apparatus for use in a motor vehicle having a roof system, the motor vehicle further having a body with a passenger compartment and a trunk space, the apparatus comprising a roof system comprising any one of a rigid panel hardtop, a retractable hardtop moveable from an extended position disposed above the passenger compartment to a retracted position, or a soft convertible top movable from an extended position disposed above the passenger compartment to a retracted position, wherein any one of the rigid panel hardtop, retractable hardtop or convertible soft top includes an attachment bracket. A transverse support beam having a first end and a second end is included, the support beam carrying any one of the rigid panel top, the retractable hardtop or the soft convertible top, wherein the first end and said second end include universal adapter brackets. The universal adapter brackets are connected to the attachment brackets and to the vehicle body.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2003Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: COLLINS & AIKMAN PRODUCTS CO.Inventors: Albert W. Harrison III, John Thomas
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Publication number: 20080110950Abstract: A portable storage device and filing system is provided for use in a transportation vehicle. The system comprises a case which may be engaged with an interior trim component, such as an interior sidewall, and the device may appear to be part of the interior vehicle trim. The device may be accessed by articulating the sides of the case away from one another to expose the interior of the case. The interior of the case may include an expandable compartment having dividers or folders for storage and organizing of loose pieces of paper. The case may be trimmed to coordinate with the interior theme of the vehicle when stored in the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2007Publication date: May 15, 2008Applicant: COLLINS & AIKMAN PRODUCTS CO.Inventors: James D. DOWD, Marc A. HAYES
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Patent number: 7370500Abstract: A vehicle interior trim panel comprising a mounting opening with opposing walls for slidably engaging a component into fixed relationship with the mounting opening wherein molded features in the walls of the mounting opening engage the component to align and fixedly retain the component in the mounting opening. In addition, a locking system for preventing theft is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2004Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Collins & Aikman Products Co.Inventor: Kelvin L. Kapteyn
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Publication number: 20070262632Abstract: The present invention relates to a slidable armrest that may be used in combination with a console within a transportation vehicle. The armrest may be slidably mounted to a mounting bracket and overlie a console lid/compartment and be moveable forward to provide arm support for vehicle occupants or rearward to allow access to an underlying storage compartment. Two exemplary embodiments of actuating mechanisms for controlling fore/aft positioning of the armrest are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2007Publication date: November 15, 2007Applicant: COLLINS & AIKMAN PRODUCTS CO.Inventors: Robert Cody, Daniel Haser, Philip Savalle, Scott Montesi, Mark Herrell, Andrew Roberts, Shawn Demers
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Publication number: 20070241582Abstract: An umbrella holder for a vehicle is provided, comprising a tube for receiving a collapsed umbrella, wherein the tube may be integrated into an end portion of an instrument panel. The tube may be angled downward and vented for drainage to the outside at a lower end. The upper end of the tube may cooperate with a depression in the adjacent door panel to allow the handle of the umbrella to protrude from the end of the instrument panel for relatively easy access when the vehicle door is opened.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2007Publication date: October 18, 2007Applicant: Collins & Aikman Products Co.Inventor: Joseph McKeever
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Patent number: 7278912Abstract: An air duct outlet housing has spaced-apart top and bottom walls, and spaced-apart first and second side walls that define an air passageway with an inlet and outlet. First and second air deflection members include elongated first and second panels with respective proximal and distal end portions. A flange extends from each distal end portion of the respective first and second panels. The first and second panel proximal ends are pivotally secured to the housing and are movable between first and second positions. The first and second panels are in face-to-face relationship with the respective first and second side walls when in respective first positions. The first and second panels extend in respective directions that are transverse to the respective first and second side walls when in respective second positions.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2005Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: Collins & Aikman Products Co.Inventors: Thomas F. J. Gehring, Ireneusz Jankowski, Dejan Havidic, Jeffrey A. McKerrall, Douglas Lim Hester
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Patent number: 7278654Abstract: An air bag door construction for air bag deployment comprises a trim panel and air bag door of unitary construction, at least a portion of the door defined by an area of reduced cross-section outlining at least a portion of the periphery thereof. One or more tethers are formed in the panel, outlined by an area of reduced cross-section, preferably in a dovetail shape which does not direct the propagation of tearing into the tether. A tear stop may be formed at the ends of the tether. The improvement comprises a stiffening frame that is attached to the backside of the panel just outboard of the air bag door periphery but not located across the tethers to improve deployment performance.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2004Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: Collins & Aikman Products Co.Inventor: Ulrich Weissert
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Patent number: 7273305Abstract: A lighting device especially suitable for automotive center-high-mounted-stop-light (CHMSL) and brake light applications is provided. The lighting device comprises a display panel having at least two interfaces therein, with at least one interface configured as a light reflective interface and at least one interface configured as a light emitting interface. At least a portion of light from a light source propagates through the display panel into contact with the light reflective interface and is reflected by the light reflective interface towards the light emitting interface using total internal reflection.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2001Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Collins & Aikman Development CompanyInventor: Ching Fong
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Publication number: 20070194487Abstract: A method of manufacturing decorative plastic composites having a decorative layer, a backing layer and a clear outer layer which provides exceptional “depth of image” is disclosed. Decorative or protective appliqués' having a wide range of decorative patterns may be formed by injection molding a backing layer behind and a clear outer layer on the top surface of a thin foil, film, fabric or veneer. A method is also disclosed for coating the exposed surface of the decorative layer between injection of the backing and outer layers to impart a desired visual effect or repair the surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2006Publication date: August 23, 2007Applicant: COLLINS & AIKMAN PRODUCTS CO.Inventor: Mark NEITZKE
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Publication number: 20070187969Abstract: An expandable/collapsible apparatus is provided for storing items within vehicle compartments that may be manipulated into an operative position or into a closed position. The apparatus may include a plurality of panels that are pivotally attached to one another so that the apparatus is movable between a closed position beneath, e.g., an upper panel or roof portion of a vehicle and an open position expanded for receiving items for storage. A spring loaded latch may be provided for securing the apparatus in either a collapsed or expanded (drop-down) position. Access to the apparatus may be through the trunk or rear cargo area of a vehicle or through a door formed in the package shelf of a vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2006Publication date: August 16, 2007Applicant: COLLINS & AIKMAN PRODUCTS CO.Inventors: James DOWD, Marc HAYES, Joseph McKEEVER
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Patent number: 7249782Abstract: An airbag door construction for airbag deployment comprising an instrument panel having an area outlining at least a portion of an airbag door. A reaction plate is attached to the underside of the panel at the airbag door location. The reaction plate contains first and second molded features, each such feature having a flexural strength (Fs), wherein the first molded feature's Fs is lower than the second molded feature's Fs. A tether is included that engages with the molded features in the reaction plate whereupon airbag deployment the tether is not retained by the first molded feature but is retained by the second molded feature.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2006Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Collins & Aikman Products Co.Inventors: Ulrich Weissert, Keith A. Riha
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Publication number: 20070145784Abstract: A water management system for convertible tops for motor vehicles is provided. The system attaches to a rear edge of the folding top, generally below the rear window and collects water which runs or sheets rearwardly off the surface of the top to direct the water to drainage tubes and expel the water from the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2006Publication date: June 28, 2007Applicant: COLLINS & AIKMAN PRODUCTS CO.Inventors: Michael Kapshandy, G. Joseph Frank, Michael Kilpinen
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Publication number: 20070108658Abstract: The present invention relates to the formation of a double angle V-groove in the backside of plastic shells to provide a preweakened section for a vehicle application. The double angle V-groove may be located at the airbag deployment opening of a vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2006Publication date: May 17, 2007Applicant: COLLINS & AIKMAN PRODUCTS CO.Inventors: Richard LELAND, Gary FUSSELL
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Patent number: 7201508Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of perforating the cover layer or soft skin of an automotive trim panel such as an instrument panel with a laser to allow light to bleed through the perforations. The light source would preferably be a low heat generating or “cool” type source such as an LED. The light source would be attached to a suitable substrate or incorporated in to a flexible printed circuit and coupled to the vehicle electrical system. This method would enable fill switch integration to a trim panel and provide a seamless styling opportunity regarding the electrical controls. This method would help reduce cost and weight, improve quality, and promote new seamless styling theme.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2003Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Collins & Aikman Products, Co.Inventor: David M. Misaras
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Patent number: 7195555Abstract: An air duct outlet includes a housing having spaced-apart top and bottom walls, and spaced-apart first and second side walls extending between the top and bottom walls to define an air passageway having an inlet and outlet. A first air return passageway is located adjacent to the first side wall, and diverts a portion of an air stream flowing through the air passageway as the air stream adheres to the first side wall. A second air return passageway is located adjacent to the second side wall, and diverts a portion of an air stream flowing through the air passageway as the air stream adheres to the second side wall. The continuous diversion of portions of an air stream flowing through the air passageway by the first and second air return passageways causes an oscillating, sweeping motion of the air stream as it exits from the air passageway outlet.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2005Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Collins & Aikman Products Co.Inventors: Thomas F. J. Gehring, Ireneusz Jankowski, Dejan Havidic, Jeffrey A. McKerrall, Douglas Lim Hester