Patents by Inventor John C. Hinken

John C. Hinken 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).

  • Trim panel
    Patent number: 8343607
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a trim panel. The method includes providing a preform laminate including a compressible material sandwiched between a flexible skin and a back skin. Positioning the preform laminate in the mold. Placing an insert with the preform laminate in the mold to created a step to establish a seam location and define a secondary area on the preform laminate. Compressing the compressible material by introducing a molten polymeric material to the mold forming a substrate and bonding the substrate to the preform laminate forming the trim component. The preform laminate folds onto itself and creates a crease along the step to simulate the seam and provide a contour change with the appearance of cushioning in the secondary area, and removing the trim panel component from the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Tony M. Pokorzynski, Heather Rae Springer, Nels R. Smith, Bart W. Fox, John C. Hinken, Jeffery T. Stout, Jason M. Hipshier
  • TRIM PANEL
    Publication number: 20100279051
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a trim panel. The method includes providing a preform laminate including a compressible material sandwiched between a flexible skin and a back skin. Positioning the preform laminate in the mold. Placing an insert with the preform laminate in the mold to created a step to establish a seam location and define a secondary area on the preform laminate. Compressing the compressible material by introducing a molten polymeric material to the mold forming a substrate and bonding the substrate to the preform laminate forming the trim component. The preform laminate folds onto itself and creates a crease along the step to simulate the seam and provide a contour change with the appearance of cushioning in the secondary area, and removing the trim panel component from the mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Tony M. Pokorzynski, Heather Rae Springer, Nels R. Smith, Bart W. Fox, John C. Hinken, Jeffery T. Stout, Jason M. Hipshier