Patents Assigned to Trim, Inc.
  • Patent number: 7806568
    Abstract: Reconfigurable lighting fixtures, household apparatuses and household fixtures include fixed components and a plurality of removable and interchangeable decorative adornments. The adornments each include at least one magnet that magnetically couples the adornment to a portion of the fixture or apparatus. Some or all of the set of interchangeable adornments may be interchanged to provide the fixtures or apparatus with a different appearance. The adornments may be of different shapes, sizes, and colors and they may be coupled to various non-fixed locations. The adornments may include multiple pieces coupled together and to the magnet using wire, string, chain or metal links. The fixtures or apparatus may be easily disassembled and reassembled by removing and replacing the adornments for cleaning or to change the appearance thereof. The fixture/apparatus may be a chandelier, candle holder, sconce, lamp, bobeche, tract lighting, ceiling fan, curtain rod, lampshade and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Magnificent Trimmings, Inc.
    Inventor: Colleen Nielson
  • Patent number: 7258885
    Abstract: A flavored artificial sweetener is made of a carrier, such as dextrose and the like, that is milled together with a flavoring agent. The mixture is then commingled with a second bulking agent, such as maltodextrin and a sweet agent, such as aspartame. The resulting sweetener has excellent taste characteristics and flowability. It can be packaged in small envelopes, canisters or bulk containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Tasty-Trim, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy Seltzer, Veronica Marano, David Skowronski
  • Patent number: 7217014
    Abstract: A reconfigurable chandelier includes fixed components and a plurality of removable and interchangeable decorative adornments. The adornments each include at least one magnet that magnetically couples the adornment to a portion of the chandelier. Some or all of the set of interchangeable adornments may be interchanged to provide the chandelier with a different appearance. The adornments may be of different shapes, sizes, and colors. The adornments may include multiple pieces coupled together and to the magnet using wire, string, chain or metal links. The chandelier may be easily disassembled and reassembled by removing and replacing the adornments for cleaning or to change the appearance of the chandelier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Magificent Trimmings, Inc.
    Inventor: Colleen Nielson
  • Patent number: 7005103
    Abstract: An automotive trim product is made as follows. A single or multiple layer sheet is extruded so as to include at least one color pigmented and/or metallized layer therein. The sheet is then thermoformed into a three-dimensionally shaped preform via vacuum forming or the like. The preform is placed into a cavity of an injection molding apparatus and heated semi-molten material is injected thereinto. The semi-molten material bonds to the preform in the cavity. After cycling, the molding apparatus ejects a final automotive trim part. Optionally, some processing (e.g. trimming) may be performed following ejection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Guardian Automotive Trim, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry H. Smith, John Sienkiewicz
  • Patent number: 6916145
    Abstract: A clip (10) for fastening a panel (50) to a support structure (52) is provided. The clip (10) has a plate (12) and a stem (14) extending from the plate. The stem 14 has a base (22) and a body section (24). The base (22) has a width greater than a width of the body section (24). A pair of tangs (16) extend from a distal end of the stem (14) toward the plate (12). A sealing flange (18) extends from the base (22). The sealing flange (18) is first molded from a material having a first durometer and then the plate (12), stem (14) and tangs (16) are molded from a material having a second durometer greater than the first durometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Decoma Exterior Trim, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Lydan
  • Patent number: 6747075
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a simulated limestone, a method of producing the simulated limestone, and a method of achieving a surface texture. The simulated limestone has been specifically formulated and designed in order to overcome the currently existing problems of other simulated or artificial stones that are currently available. The invention additionally discloses a method of producing the simulated limestone which provides unique characteristics. Also disclosed, is a method of preparing a surface texture which provides a product having the enhanced appearance of natural limestone. Both methods disclosed herein may be completed in a time efficient manner and produce a simulated limestone having the appearance of natural limestone and other benefits described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Cultured Trim, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Nardi, James P. Harper, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6722730
    Abstract: A mounting method for mounting a plastic panel (12) to a vehicle substrate provides a support flange (24) on an inner surface of the panel. A reference nodule (28) is positioned on the inner surface of the panel. An elongate bracket (14) has an upper edge (34) thereof engaging the support flange (24). The bracket (14) has a reference notch (40) engaging the reference nodule (28) positioning the bracket (14) relative to the panel (12). A plurality of retainers (18) are mounted on the bracket (14). A double-sided adhesive tape (16) has a first adhesive on a first side thereof compatible for adhesion to the bracket (14) and a second adhesive on a second side thereof compatible for adhesion to the panel (12). The first side of the adhesive tape (16) is applied to the bracket (14) and the second side is applied to the panel (12). The tape (16) allows expansion and contraction movement of the panel (12) while securely retaining the panel (12) to the vehicle substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Decoma Exterior Trim Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Christopher Lydan, Ronald A. Mueller, Amell A. Kapadia
  • Patent number: 6702359
    Abstract: A tonneau cover (10) for use on automotive vehicle has a plurality of panels (12, 14, 16). Each panel has a leading edge and a trailing edge configured to interlock with an adjacent panel. A pair of rails (18, 20) are mounted on opposite side walls (38, 40) of the vehicle in a position to support the panels. Each of the rails has a pivotally mounted plate (44) which pivots between a storage condition enabling the panels (12, 14, 16) to be received and stored between the rails and an operative condition supporting the panels. A plurality of latch assemblies (22, 42) operatively extends between each of the panels and each of the pair of rails. The latch assemblies (22, 42) selectively secure the plurality of panels (12, 14, 16) to the rails (18, 20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Decoma Exterior Trim Inc.
    Inventors: Bradford D. Armstrong, Willi Sitkei
  • Patent number: 6684733
    Abstract: A decorative strip for automotive bodies, and more particularly, for steering wheel rings, is formed of a thin vinyl substrate with an adhesive coating on one surface and a decorative design on the other. The surface with the decorative design is covered with a coat made of a clear resin. The strip has a generally arcuate shape so that it fits easily on the steering wheel ring thereby improving its esthetic look. Moreover the strip is elastic so that it can be bent as at is applied to the steering wheel thereby conforming naturally to its radius of curvature and forming a smooth and continuous cover without any ridges or other irregularities. In some instances the strip is formed of several parallel sections to allow the strip to adapt better to the curvature of the wheel ring. The sections may have linear lateral edges or the edges may be serrated to form interlocking profiles as the sections are abutted against each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: B & I Fender Trims, Inc.
    Inventor: Yzhak Faigenblat
  • Patent number: 6634065
    Abstract: A retainer clip receives a keypad and the like on a beltline molding. The clip has a face plate having a plurality of apertures. A wall extends from the face plate. The wall has a plurality of tangs spaced thereabout. The wall is configured to be received within an aperture in the beltline molding. The wall is sized to position the face plate in the aperture of the beltline molding. The tangs cooperate with the beltline molding to retain the faceplate to the beltline molding. The wall and keypad are configured to snappingly engage each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Decoma Exterior Trim, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey A. Chesson, Gerald Y. Ruppert, Steven D. Haar
  • Patent number: 6602591
    Abstract: An exterior automotive trim product, and method of making the same. In certain embodiments, a color pigmented thermoplastic layer is provided. A transparent clear coat is calendared to the color pigmented layer to form a composite or laminate. The laminate is subsequently vacuum-formed into a three dimensional shape approximating the desired shape of a final trim product. The vacuum-formed laminate is then inserted into an injection molding device, and semi-molten resin injected into the mold cavity behind the laminate. The resin fuses with the vacuum-formed laminate with the result being the final automotive trim product. Thus, no spray painting or spraying of solvents is required, and burdensome dry paint transfer techniques may be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Guardian Automotive Trim, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry H. Smith
  • Patent number: 6557304
    Abstract: A decorative molding assembly for a vehicle door frame having a window opening for a transitional window pane moveable between open and closed positions. The molding assembly includes a window seal mounted to the door frame and having a channel for selective sealing engagement with the window pane. A molding strip has an arm mating with the window seal and faces outward to provide an appealing appearance. A retaining member engages the arm of the molding strip and the window seal to secure the molding strip and the window seal within the window opening of the door frame such that the window pane is securely sealed within the window opening when the window pane is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Decoma Exterior Trim Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Ellis
  • Patent number: 6520558
    Abstract: A hinge assembly mounts a hard tonneau cover on a vehicle having a storage area. The assembly has a moveable hinge portion adapted for mounting on the tonneau cover and a stationary hinge portion adapted for mounting to the vehicle. A guided member co-acts with a guiding member for pivotally mounting the tonneau cover to the vehicle about an axis of rotation between a closed position. The guiding member positions the axis of rotation of the tonneau cover forwardly of an upper edge of the storage area allowing the forward edge of the tonneau cover to lift thereby minimizing damage to the peripheral seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Decoma Exterior Trim Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Katterloher, Willi Sitkei, Brad Armstrong, Frank Shelton
  • Patent number: 6471276
    Abstract: A process for insert molding at least a portion of a flexible webbing material within at least a portion of a plastic injection molded part produces a product having a plastic injection molded part with a contour formed by a front surface and a rear surface, and a flexible webbing material having at least a portion embedded within the injection molded plastic part, while a remaining portion of the flexible webbing material extends externally with respect to the injection molded plastic part. An injection molding die is provided for insert molding the portion of the flexible webbing material within at least a portion of the plastic injection molded part. The die defines a chamber for receiving molten plastic during an injection molding step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Universal Trim, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl J. Brunsman, James L. Curtis
  • Patent number: 6426130
    Abstract: An automotive trim panel has a thermoformable structural layer shaped into a non-flat contour with a pressure sensitive adhesive system applied to one side of the panel. The pressure sensitive adhesive is coated onto a release liner which is then attached to the structural layer. Both the adhesive and release liner are capable of withstanding the high heat of thermoforming. The trim panel can be applied to a substrate by peeling away the release liner and sticking the panel to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignees: Simco Automotive Trim, Inc., SIA Adhesives, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent H-H Jones, Edward Kuivinen, David W. Sloat, Jerry P. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6422342
    Abstract: A stowable step has a housing, a U-shaped step platform and a sliding member pivotally engaging the step platform. The sliding member is slidably mounted within the housing for reciprocating movement between a retracted stowed position wherein the platform extends into the housing and a deployed position wherein the platform can pivot relative to the sliding member to a substantially vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Decoma Exterior Trim Inc.
    Inventors: Bradford Armstrong, Willi Sitkei
  • Publication number: 20020009594
    Abstract: An automotive trim product is made as follows. A single or multiple layer sheet is extruded so as to include at least one color pigmented and/or metallized layer therein. The sheet is then thermoformed into a three-dimensionally shaped preform via vacuum forming or the like. The preform is placed into a cavity of an injection molding apparatus and heated semi-molten material is injected thereinto. The semi-molten material bonds to the preform in the cavity. After cycling, the molding apparatus ejects a final automotive trim part. Optionally, some processing (e.g. trimming) may be performed following ejection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Applicant: Guardian Automotive Trim, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry H. Smith, John Sienkiewicz
  • Patent number: 6325397
    Abstract: A power retractable running board assembly for a motor vehicle includes a substantially sealed housing assembly, a running board, a parallel linkage, a gear assembly, and a motor assembly. The running board presents an upper load carrying surface. The gear assembly is disposed in the sealed housing assembly and coupled to an arm of the parallel linkage. The motor assembly is drivingly coupled with the gear assembly and is constructed and arranged to pivot the running board between deployed and stored positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Decoma Exterior Trim Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Pascoe, Brad E. Watson
  • Patent number: 6319438
    Abstract: An automotive trim product is made as follows. A single or multiple layer sheet is extruded so as to include at least one color pigmented and/or metallized layer therein. The sheet is then thermoformed into a three-dimensionally shaped preform via vacuum forming or the like. The preform is placed into a cavity of an injection molding apparatus and heated semi-molten material is injected thereinto. The semi-molten material bonds to the preform in the cavity. After cycling, the molding apparatus ejects a final automotive trim part. Optionally, some processing (e.g. trimming) may be performed following ejection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Guardian Automotive Trim, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry H. Smith, John Sienkiewicz
  • Publication number: 20010021434
    Abstract: A multiple piece bodyside molding includes a cover piece connected to a base piece. The cover is formed in a manner and shape so that it may be chrome-plated while reducing the likelihood of bath/tank contamination during the chrome-plating process. Subsequent to being chrome-plated, the cover is connected to the base so as to form the resulting bodyside molding. The cover may be attached to the base via ultrasonic welding, vibration welding, snap-on connectors, or via heat-deforming or extension tabs in different embodiments of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Applicant: Guardian Automotive Trim, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian McCormack