Patents Examined by Kran Patel
  • Patent number: 6789831
    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 pivotally attached to the housing at a pivot axis. The panel has at least one control mechanism mounted thereon. The panel is movable between a first position, wherein the panel generally covers a portion of the recess, and a second position wherein the panel generally exposes the recess. The control panel further including one of a detent mechanism attached to the housing and the panel for biasing the panel in one of the first and second positions, a spring mechanism attached to the housing and the panel for biasing the panel towards one of the first and second positions, and a damper mechanism to dampen the motion of the panel during movement of the panel between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Schmidt, Mark G. Feldman, Michael A. Uleski