Patents by Inventor David Ekern

David Ekern has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20050179306
    Abstract: A seat cushion and method of manufacturing a seat cushion suitable for use with a seat having a contour presenting device configured to move the seat cushion between a non-presented position and a presented position is disclosed. The seat cushion generally includes a substrate having a first portion and a second portion that are separated by a trench. A connector is provided for registering the substrate to a contour presenting device. The trench is designed to provide the seat cushion with a consistent, high quality craftsmanship, finish and appearance. According to one exemplary embodiment, the trench comprises a first side wall having a substantially vertical surface and a second side wall having an angled surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Publication date: August 18, 2005
    Inventors: Brennon White, David Ekern, Alan King, James Lefevre, Brent Hodge, Joseph Chantiny, Dalibor Dimovski
  • Publication number: 20050121966
    Abstract: A ventilated vehicle seat includes a first portion and a tongue portion. The first portion includes a porous upper surface layer, a non-porous first inner layer that is adjacent to the upper surface layer and that includes ventilation holes, a non-porous lower surface layer, and an expanded spacer layer between the non-porous layers that provides an air space. The tongue portion includes a tongue that is integrally-formed with the first portion. The tongue extends from the edge of the first portion and includes an opening in one of the non-porous layers. The opening provides access to the air space within the expanded spacer layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Publication date: June 9, 2005
    Inventors: David Ekern, Ronald Bedro
  • Patent number: 6220660
    Abstract: An activity center for a motor vehicle in which a platform is provided in the vehicle interior, preferably mounted to a seat back. The platform is movable from a stowed position to a horizontal use position overlying a seat cushion and seat back at a seating position for use as a work surface or a play surface. In addition, the activity center includes a storage compartment for toys and other items and may include cup holders, pencil holders, etc. Furthermore, toys such as a stud panel for use with building blocks and drawing toys, such as Etch-a-Sketch®, can be integrated into the activity center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Ronald Bedro, Jeffrey Arnoldy, David Ekern, John James Flannery, Vernon A. Stubbe, Mark Caye, Mark Symonik