Patents Represented by Attorney Bill C. Panagos

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  • Multi-purpose holder installed in a vehicle
    Patent number: 6779769
    Abstract: A multi-purpose holder for supporting an object in a vehicle includes a first support member defining an opening for receiving an object. The first support member has a first contact surface for supporting an object. A second support member is pivotally mounted on the first support member, and preferably has a second contact surface spaced apart from a third contact surface. The second and third contact surfaces further support the object. The second support member is pivotal so as to alter the position of the second and third contact surfaces such that the second and third contact surfaces support, in cooperation with the first contact surface, objects having different diameters. The second support member includes a pair of support arms. The support arms are spaced apart a distance and define substantially parallel support surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Robb York, James E. Carl
  • Locking and unlocking mechanism for an active headrest for a vehicle seat
    Patent number: 6779840
    Abstract: A vehicle seat and headrest assembly includes a seatback frame. A headrest assembly is provided and has a cushion portion and an impact target. The headrest assembly is rotatably connected to the seatback frame, wherein a rearward force applied upon the impact target causes the cushion portion to rotate upwardly and forwardly. A headrest assembly biasing member is operatively connected to the headrest assembly and the seatback frame and biases the headrest assembly against rotational movement. A locking mechanism is operatively connected to the headrest assembly and the seatback frame. The locking mechanism is movable between an unlocked position wherein the headrest assembly is permitted to rotate, and a locked position wherein the headrest assembly is prevented from rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Farquhar, Mladen Humer, Kaur Grewal, Kar Low, Kenneth McQueen, Nagarjun V. Yetukuri
  • Energy absorbing structure for automobile interior
    Patent number: 6779835
    Abstract: An impact absorbing member having a contact wall and base wall that are separated by first and second spacing walls. The spacing walls are oriented to be not aligned with the anticipated direction of an impact force. The spacing walls may be flat, curved, or formed in the shape of a bellows. The base wall may be provided with an adhesive or may include additional fastening features such as holes through which glue or fasteners may pass or may be formed as fastening rosettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Fox, George B. Byma
  • Flip head restraint
    Patent number: 6779839
    Abstract: A passenger seat having a seat back with a head restraint, the seat back pivotally attached to a seat cushion or a floor of a vehicle. When the seat back is folded down, the head restraint pivots up to allow the seat back to lay generally horizontal on the seat cushion thereby maximizing storage space without it contacting a front passenger seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: LEAR Corporation
    Inventors: Bengt Andreasson, Carina Stridsberg, Christer Andersson, Odd Jaegtnes, Lennart Nyström
  • Multi-function rotary vehicle switch mounted to a fixed stalk
    Patent number: 6774323
    Abstract: A switch assembly for a vehicle includes a stalk and a rotary switch. The stalk is fixed at one end to a steering column. The rotary switch is connected at one end to the other end of the stalk. The rotary switch is rotatable about a pivot axis normal to the other end of the stalk for switching between different rotary switch positions each associated with a respective vehicle control function. A rotatable knob may be connected to the other end of the rotary switch. The rotatable knob is rotatable about a rotational axis normal to the pivot axis of the rotary switch for switching between different rotatable knob positions each associated with a respective vehicle control function. The rotary switch may include control buttons each associated with a respective vehicle control function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Ohashi, Gerald O. Morrison, Bruce Banter, Brent A. Kuhn
  • Vehicle switch assembly with proximity activated illumination
    Patent number: 6774505
    Abstract: The inventive vehicle switch assembly includes a switch for producing a signal to control a vehicle accessory, a light for illuminating the assembly, and a sensor for actuating the light in response to detecting an object in proximity to the switch. Preferably, the switch is illuminated only when a hand of a vehicle occupant is placed within a predetermined distance of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Wnuk
  • Multiple foam energy absorbing substrate assembly
    Patent number: 6773795
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiple foam substrate of predetermined shape and a method of manufacturing the substrate. The substrate is a multiple foam substrate which may be manufactured by the method with a mold having first and second mold cavities. The method includes injecting a first foam into the first mold cavity sufficiently to fill the first mold cavity and storing the first foam in the first mold cavity for a predetermined time sufficient to form a substantially non-mixing surface on the first foam. The method further includes injecting a second foam into the second mold cavity and onto the non-mixing surface on the first foam sufficiently to fill the second mold cavity. The method further includes storing the second foam in the second mold cavity for a predetermined time sufficient to bond the first foam to the second foam along the non-mixing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: George B. Byma, Brian A. Cristea, Richard Mühlbacher
  • Door module water shield
    Patent number: 6767049
    Abstract: A door module has a water barrier for positioning between the interior surface of a vehicle door exterior panel and the door interior trim panel comprising a sheet of semi-rigid water impervious material having an inner face and an outer face. A permanent pressure sensitive adhesive bead is applied around the periphery of the inner face of the water barrier and is further defined as located inwardly of any openings for mounting the vehicle door exterior panel and the door interior trim panel together. The water barrier further comprises an access opening having a permanent welded hinged opening cover the opening cover having a permanently tacky re-sealable adhesive bead located around the periphery of the non-welded edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald O. Morrison, Carter Cannon, Iris C. Drew
  • Independent back slide and stow
    Patent number: 6767040
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a folding seat assembly for a vehicle having a floor, comprising a seat cushion mounted to said vehicle floor and a seat back independent of said seat cushion and pivotally mounted on tracks to allowing said seat back to be moved away from said seat cushion and folded forward into a substantially horizontal position producing a cargo area over said folded seat. The folding seat assembly being mountable in a vehicle without modification to the vehicle floor pan or the need for special mounting brackets to provide a seat storage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Nizar Freijy
  • Translatable head restraint for automotive seat backrest
    Patent number: 6767064
    Abstract: An occupant seat of a motor vehicle includes a backrest, and a headrest mounted atop the backrest on a pair of posts. The headrest includes a base portion supported by the posts, and an occupant-engaging contact portion that is supported by the base portion for relative translational movement along a pair of tracks defined on the base portion. In response to a suitable control signal, such as the tensioning of a Bowden cable in response to an applied force, the contact portion moves under the control of an articulated linkage against a return spring bias and away from the base portion. The translational movement of the contact portion relative to the base portion serves to control contact surface inclination throughout the range of movement of the contact portion relative to the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Eric C. Veine, Thomas J. Fowler, James C. Mulvihill
  • Electric switch
    Patent number: 6765165
    Abstract: There is disclosed an electrical switch having an extremely simple structure allowing up to six contact positions, based on a slightly lengthened control having a button end and a shaft end, equipped to close a first pair different circuits when it is moved in one longitudinal direction of the other, to close a second pair of different circuits when one of its shaft sides tilts forward or backward, and finally to close a third pair of different circuits through similar forward or backward movement by its other shaft side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Eduard Torrens
  • Low profile switch with flat wire harness
    Patent number: 6765158
    Abstract: A low profile modular switch, the switch including a switch plate including an actuator and a housing, and a sense plate including a switch mechanism configured to interface with the actuator, and a flat wiring harness having one end joined to the sense plate and another end having a connector, wherein tactile feel of the modular switch is determined by a property of the switch plate independent of the sense plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald O. Morrison, Iris C. Drew
  • Method for molding a soft trim component onto a substrate
    Patent number: 6764621
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a composite article that includes a soft trim component employs a pair of mold halves, wherein a suitable skin material is sprayed onto a first mold cavity surface to obtain an in-mold coating, and a substrate is positioned between the mold halves such that a first area of one side of the substrate is located in opposition with the in-mold coating. A sprue defined in the second mold half, in opposition with the other side of the substrate, directs injected foam through an aperture in the substrate and into a gap defined between the one side of the substrate and the in-mold coating. A portion of the first mold half includes a layer of a sealing material that is harder than the substrate material to thereby eliminate the need to otherwise trim the overmolded soft trim component upon release from the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Armin Schwaighofer
  • Multiple indentation load deflection foam molding
    Patent number: 6755475
    Abstract: A cushion structure having multiple indentation load deflection areas created by using inflatable preformed containers within a base cushion foam and method for making same. The invention can be utilized to make cushions for use with separately manufactured upholstery covers as well as for pour-in-place or foam-in-cover upholstered cushions. Such cushions are suitable for use in commercial and residential furniture as well as automobiles, buses, trains and aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Tiesler, Bari W. Brown, George B Byma
  • Method for manufacturing cockpit-type instrument panels
    Patent number: 6756004
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a modular plate for a cockpit-type instruments panel includes molding a modular plate having an outer peripheral rim and a plurality of apertures in a first shot of an two-shot injection molding process, and then overmolding a plurality of seals about the outer rim and at least one aperture during a second shot of the two-shot process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph J. Davis, Jr., Michael J. Hier
  • Vehicle seat having a movable head restraint
    Patent number: 6749256
    Abstract: A vehicle seat for use with a vehicle. The vehicle seat includes a seat back having a frame and a moveable head restraint arrangement. A hinge device having a hinge is attached to the frame and is adapted to receive the head restraint arrangement. Upon application of a rearward force, the hinge lengthens vertically and moves the head restraint arrangement from an initial position to a support position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Oliver Klier, Christoph Warnken
  • Blow molded multiple function assemblies for vehicle headliners
    Patent number: 6749255
    Abstract: A seamless plastic tubular air duct is formed by a blow molding process. The air duct is attached to upper surface of a vehicle headliner and controls the flow of air between the vehicle air circulation system and vents to the passenger compartment. Attachment points may be formed upon the outer surface of the air duct for securing other vehicle components to the headliner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Mike Dykman, Jim Mestemaker, David M. Fox
  • Interior vehicle cover system for use with a vehicle
    Patent number: 6746069
    Abstract: A cover system for use with a vehicle having a seat includes a mounting member that is attachable to the vehicle. The cover system further includes a cover movably associated with the mounting member such that the cover is unrollable from a stored position to a deployed position in which the cover extends at least partially over the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: John S. McKenzie
  • Control panel for a vehicle
    Patent number: 6746067
    Abstract: This invention relates to a control panel for a vehicle interior. The control panel includes a housing defining a recess formed therein. A panel is movably attached to the housing, such as by a pivot. The panel has at least one control mechanism mounted thereon. The panel is movable between first and second positions. In the first position, the panel generally covers at least a portion of the recess. In the second position, the panel generally exposes the recess. Preferably, the housing defines a first surface within the recess, and a second control mechanism is mounted on the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Schmidt, Vicki Mabee, Norman Becker, Aaron S. Deneweth, Jeffery K. Wiersing, Mark G. Feldman
  • Cabin communication system without acoustic echo cancellation
    Patent number: 6748086
    Abstract: A cabin communication system for improving clarity of a voice spoken within an interior cabin uses a microphone array including a first microphone, positioned at a first location within the cabin, for receiving the spoken voice primarily in a first direction and for converting the spoken voice into a first audio signal, and a second microphone, positioned at a second location within the cabin, for receiving the spoken voice primarily in the first direction and for converting the spoken voice into a second audio signal. A sound source, such as the speaker of an entertainment system, inputs sound into the cabin such that the input sound approaches the microphone array primarily in a second direction different from the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Saligrama R. Venkatesh, Alan M. Finn