Patents by Inventor Kristin Ann Hellman

Kristin Ann Hellman 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).

  • Patent number: 9533622
    Abstract: A vehicle dash panel storage compartment includes a storage compartment including at least a top, a bottom, and sides defining a storage slot, and a pivoting mechanism configured to translate the storage compartment between a stowed configuration within an interior of a housing of the instrument panel and a variety of deployed configurations. Optionally, the top may be hingedly connected to the storage compartment. The pivoting mechanism may include at least one strut pivotally connected at a first end to a support and at a second end to the storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Annette Lynn Huebner, Matthew B. Rutman, Kristin Ann Hellman, Ryan Welch
  • Patent number: 9481309
    Abstract: A vehicle seat retention system includes a vehicle seating assembly having a seat, which includes a seating surface and a seatback having seatback surface. A continuous peripheral rim is disposed on a first side, a second side, and a front of the vehicle seat, below the seating surface of the vehicle seating assembly. A first telescoping extension is disposed at a forward corner defined between the first side and the front of the vehicle seat. A second telescoping extension is disposed at a forward corner defined between the second side and the front of the vehicle seat. A deployable net is disposed between the seat and the peripheral rim. The deployable net is configured to be concealed within a seat base disposed below the seating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Artur Sakarian, Annette Lynn Huebner, Ryan Welch, Kristin Ann Hellman
  • Publication number: 20160297368
    Abstract: A vehicle dash panel storage compartment includes a storage compartment including at least a top, a bottom, and sides defining a storage slot, and a pivoting mechanism configured to translate the storage compartment between a stowed configuration within an interior of a housing of the instrument panel and a variety of deployed configurations. Optionally, the top may be hingedly connected to the storage compartment. The pivoting mechanism may include at least one strut pivotally connected at a first end to a support and at a second end to the storage compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Inventors: Annette Lynn Huebner, Matthew B. Rutman, Kristin Ann Hellman, Ryan Welch
  • Publication number: 20160288720
    Abstract: A storage system for a motor vehicle includes a floor panel, a cargo space overlying the floor panel, a storage compartment underlying the floor panel and a versatile tonneau cover. The tonneau cover is displaceable between a storage position in the storage compartment and at least one use position in the cargo space. A shelf support is provided in the cargo space above the floor panel. In one use position, the tonneau cover rests on the shelf support forming a shelf to hold different items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventors: Annette Lynn Huebner, Ryan Welch, Joshua Greiner, Kristin Ann Hellman, Matthew Rutman, Vichit Chea
  • Publication number: 20160214539
    Abstract: A vehicle having a storage compartment includes a floor defining a track, a plurality of panels pivotally connected to the floor, and an arm pivotally attached to an upper portion of each of the panels. The arm is adapted to be pivoted to a folded position in the plane of the panel to a floor supported position connected to the track. The arm is also adapted to be pivoted to a panel supported position connected to an adjacent panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Annette Lynn HUEBNER, Kristin Ann HELLMAN, Justin STRONG
  • Publication number: 20160193634
    Abstract: A screen cleaning system for a motor vehicle includes a screen cleaning device and a dedicated receiver for holding the screen cleaning device. That receiver is integrated into the interior trim of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Inventors: Annette Lynn Huebner, Kristin Ann Hellman, Scott Holmes Dunham, Coleen Reister, Vichit Chea
  • Patent number: 9358929
    Abstract: An electronic device holder includes a vehicle pillar in which a vertical track assembly is disposed. First and second pivoting arms are pivotally coupled to the track assembly and are vertically adjustable along a length of the track assembly between release and cinched positions. The first and second pivoting arms are configured to be unfolded from a stowed position to an extended position. The first and second pivoting arms are configured to retain an electronic device between inner surfaces of the first and second pivoting arms, when the first and second pivoting arms are in the cinched position around the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Annette Lynn Huebner, Kristin Ann Hellman, Joshua Greiner
  • Patent number: 9327629
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat and a seatback pivotally coupled with the seat. A seatcover assembly is disposed below the seat. The seatcover assembly is operable between a stored position and a deployed position. A spring-biased spindle is coupled with an attachment end of the seatcover assembly. A seatcover is configured to be wrapped around the spindle in the stored position and withdrawn from the spring-biased spindle in the deployed position. An engagement rod is coupled with an intermediate portion of the seatcover and is configured to securely engage a biteline disposed between the seat and the seatback. A plurality of engagement features removably secure side edges of the seatcover with the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Annette Lynn Huebner, Kristin Ann Hellman, Johnathan Andrew Line, Matthew B. Rutman, Lisa E. Petrauskas, Christian J. Hosbach, Ryan Welch, Josh Greiner, Artur Sakarian
  • Publication number: 20160090047
    Abstract: A storage assembly for positioning between vehicle seats, includes an enclosable compartment that has opposing longitudinal sidewalls and opposing lateral sidewalls that are connected to the opposing longitudinal sidewalls to define an interior volume. A plurality of retention features are spaced along an upper edge of the opposing longitudinal sidewalls and the opposing lateral sidewalls. A hanging storage module has a rigid panel suspended in the interior volume and a pair of support elements protrudes horizontally from opposing ends of the rigid panel to removably engage a corresponding pair of the plurality of retention features on a select one of the opposing longitudinal sidewalls and the opposing longitudinal sidewalls. The rigid panel has a side portion configured to vertically hold at least one object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Annette Lynn Huebner, Kristin Ann Hellman, Artur Sakarian, Ryan Welch, Scott H. Dunham, Stuart Salter, Cornel Gardner
  • Patent number: 9291324
    Abstract: A center high mounted stop light assembly for use in a vehicle includes a stop light housing movable in a passage located center high on a rear end of the vehicle between a first closed position and a second extended position in which utility lights coupled to the stop light housing are deployable and operable to illuminate an area near the rear end of the vehicle. A position sensor detects and signals the position of the stop light housing within the passage. The stop light housing may be manually operated between the open and closed position or may use an automated device for push button operation including of the utility lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Annette Lynn Huebner, Artur Sakarian, Kristin Ann Hellman, Ryan Welch, Gerald Douglas Neely, Josh Greiner
  • Publication number: 20160075274
    Abstract: An article storage assembly of a vehicle includes a storage pocket with an illumination colorant, and an attachment unit for detachably connecting the storage pocket to an interior part of the vehicle such that the storage pocket is connected to the interior part in a first position and is separate from the interior part in a second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventors: ANNETTE LYNN HUEBNER, KRISTIN ANN HELLMAN, SCOTT HOLMES DUNHAM, BERNARD GERARD MARCHETTI
  • Patent number: 9283890
    Abstract: An article storage assembly of a vehicle includes a storage pocket with an illumination colorant, and an attachment unit for detachably connecting the storage pocket to an interior part of the vehicle such that the storage pocket is connected to the interior part in a first position and is separate from the interior part in a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Annette Lynn Huebner, Kristin Ann Hellman, Scott Holmes Dunham, Bernard Gerard Marchetti
  • Publication number: 20160068089
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat and a seatback pivotally coupled with the seat. A seatcover assembly is disposed below the seat. The seatcover assembly is operable between a stored position and a deployed position. A spring-biased spindle is coupled with an attachment end of the seatcover assembly. A seatcover is configured to be wrapped around the spindle in the stored position and withdrawn from the spring-biased spindle in the deployed position. An engagement rod is coupled with an intermediate portion of the seatcover and is configured to securely engage a biteline disposed between the seat and the seatback. A plurality of engagement features removably secure side edges of the seatcover with the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Annette Lynn Huebner, Kristin Ann Hellman, Johnathan Andrew Line, Matthew B. Rutman, Lisa E. Petrauskas, Christian J. Hosbach, Ryan Welch, Josh Greiner, Artur Sakarian
  • Publication number: 20160059758
    Abstract: A seat leveler for a vehicle seating assembly includes a body having a cavity filled with a shape-conforming medium. A support surface is disposed above the body and includes a non-slip surface material and a raised peripheral rim. A seat engaging surface is arranged at an angle below the support surface. The seat engaging surface includes a flexible material configured to flex with the shape-conforming medium. The seat engaging surface is operably coupled to a first portion of an underside of the support surface and a second portion of the underside of the support surface is exposed and in contact with a vehicle seat. A height-adjustable rear wall is disposed between the support surface and the seat engaging surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Annette Lynn Huebner, Susan Drobyshewski, Kristin Ann Hellman, Johnathan Andrew Line
  • Patent number: 9238439
    Abstract: A storage assembly for positioning between vehicle seats, includes an enclosable compartment that has opposing longitudinal sidewalls and opposing lateral sidewalls that are connected to the opposing longitudinal sidewalls to define an interior volume. A plurality of retention features are spaced along an upper edge of the opposing longitudinal sidewalls and the opposing lateral sidewalls. A hanging storage module has a rigid panel suspended in the interior volume and a pair of support elements protrudes horizontally from opposing ends of the rigid panel to removably engage a corresponding pair of the plurality of retention features on a select one of the opposing longitudinal sidewalls and the opposing longitudinal sidewalls. The rigid panel has a side portion configured to vertically hold at least one object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Annette Lynn Huebner, Kristin Ann Hellman, Artur Sakarian, Ryan Welch, Scott H. Dunham, Stuart C. Salter, Cornel Lewis Gardner
  • Patent number: 9174582
    Abstract: A vehicular cargo retention system includes a first cargo retention rail pivotally coupled with a load floor. A second cargo retention rail is pivotally coupled with the load floor. The first cargo retention rail is configured to rotate to a position above the second cargo retention rail. First and second shelves are operably coupled to a vehicle seatback. The first and second shelves are operable between a stowed position, wherein each of the first and second shelves is generally coplanar with the seatback, and a deployed position, wherein the first and second shelves extend generally horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Annette Lynn Huebner, Artur Sakarian, Ryan Welch, Kristin Ann Hellman
  • Patent number: 9162627
    Abstract: An item holder for a vehicle interior includes first and second retention members which are operable between at-rest and recessed positions relative to one another. The first and second retention members have edge portions which are generally arranged in a parallel relationship and define a spacing therebetween for the insertion of an item in use. An item stored in the item holder is retained by the first and second retention members in that the first and second retention members are biased towards the at-rest position for engagement of an item therebetween. The item holder provides ready access to personal items as stored therein by a vehicle occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Josh Greiner, Annette Lynn Huebner, Ryan Welch, Kristin Ann Hellman, Artur Sakarian, Scott H. Dunham
  • Publication number: 20150283943
    Abstract: A light bar is provided and includes an elongated carrier having a surface extending along the carrier. Capacitive sensors are spaced along the carrier and positioned below the surface. Light sources are included for illuminating the surface, each associated with at least one capacitive sensor and positioned proximate thereto. A controller is included for detecting capacitive changes in the capacitive sensors, wherein when the controller detects a capacitive change in a capacitive sensor, the controller alters an illumination state of a light source associated therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Publication date: October 8, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Annette Lynn Huebner, Artur Sakarian, Ali Ammar, Kristin Ann Hellman, Ryan Welch, Josh Greiner, Cornel Lewis Gardner
  • Patent number: 9120426
    Abstract: A wheelhouse cladding step assembly includes a step movable between a closed position and an open or deployed position in which the step is located proximal the wheelhouse of the vehicle and provides improved access to the roof and/or rooftop cargo storage of the vehicle. The step is designed to have a shape matching the shape of the wheelhouse of the vehicle and is preferably curved and when in the closed position shows a surface that matches the vehicle trim to hide the step. The assembly includes hinges and a latching mechanism that are also contained within the assembly so they are hidden when the step is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Annette Lynn Huebner, Artur Sakarian, Ryan Welch, Kristin Ann Hellman, Matt Rutman
  • Publication number: 20150224935
    Abstract: A wheelhouse cladding step assembly includes a step movable between a closed position and an open or deployed position in which the step is located proximal the wheelhouse of the vehicle and provides improved access to the roof and/or rooftop cargo storage of the vehicle. The step is designed to have a shape matching the shape of the wheelhouse of the vehicle and is preferably curved and when in the closed position shows a surface that matches the vehicle trim to hide the step. The assembly includes hinges and a latching mechanism that are also contained within the assembly so they are hidden when the step is in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Annette Lynn Huebner, Artur Sakarian, Ryan Welch, Kristin Ann Hellman, Matt Rutman