Patents by Inventor Anthony DeGrote

Anthony DeGrote 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: 11760276
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component provides a user interface with a display/image when illuminated. The component comprises a composite structure with a cover material providing a light-transmissive effect and a surface providing a surface effect (grain/wood texture) visible when the display is off. The image is presented at the cover surface when the display is on. The cover may comprise a wood veneer with backing (paper, fiber material, etc.). The composite structure may comprise a mask layer and a lens, filter, colorant, etc. The user interface may include a sensor. The light source may comprise a display panel, LED/array, module, etc. The image is visible at the user interface when display functionality is in operation; when display functionality is not in operation the surface effect of the cover (e.g. wood texture) is visible with substantially no indication of display functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Scott Allen Hansen, Anthony DeGrote, Chris J. Harmelink
  • Publication number: 20210229599
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a composite structure comprising a substrate and light guide and surface/cover with holes/pattern of apertures configured for illumination (by a light source/module) to provide an interface/display (with decorative and/or instrumentation region). The light guide may comprise a resin material formed as the set of projections in the pattern of apertures. The cover may comprise a decorative layer with backing configured to provide a visual/surface effect (e.g. natural material, wood veneer, etc.); the display may present a visual/decorative effect when illuminated at the pattern of apertures/light guide. The interface/display at the surface (by illuminated light guide/pattern of holes) may present indicia for a vehicle system and/or decorative effect. The component may comprise a trim/trim panel, instrument panel/dashboard, door panel/armrest, console, overhead trim/headliner, pillar/structure, seat, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Inventors: Anthony DeGrote, Christopher Kring, Scott Allen Hansen
  • Publication number: 20200369223
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component provides a user interface with a display/image when illuminated. The component comprises a composite structure with a cover material providing a light-transmissive effect and a surface providing a surface effect (grain/wood texture) visible when the display is off. The image is presented at the cover surface when the display is on. The cover may comprise a wood veneer with backing (paper, fiber material, etc.). The composite structure may comprise a mask layer and a lens, filter, colorant, etc. The user interface may include a sensor. The light source may comprise a display panel, LED/array, module, etc. The image is visible at the user interface when display functionality is in operation; when display functionality is not in operation the surface effect of the cover (e.g. wood texture) is visible with substantially no indication of display functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Publication date: November 26, 2020
    Inventors: Scott Allen Hansen, Anthony DeGrote, Chris J. Harmelink
  • Patent number: 10821889
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a composite structure comprising a substrate and light guide and surface/cover with holes/pattern of apertures configured for illumination (by a light source/module) to provide an interface/display (with decorative and/or instrumentation region). The light guide may comprise a resin material formed as the set of projections in the pattern of apertures. The cover may comprise a decorative layer with backing configured to provide a visual/surface effect (e.g. natural material, wood veneer, etc.); the display may present a visual/decorative effect when illuminated at the pattern of apertures/light guide. The interface/display at the surface (by illuminated light guide/pattern of holes) may present indicia for a vehicle system and/or decorative effect. The component may comprise a trim/trim panel, instrument panel/dashboard, door panel/armrest, console, overhead trim/headliner, pillar/structure, seat, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Inqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Anthony DeGrote, Christopher Kring, Scott Allen Hansen
  • Publication number: 20200164795
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a composite structure comprising a substrate and light guide and surface/cover with holes/pattern of apertures configured for illumination (by a light source/module) to provide an interface/display (with decorative and/or instrumentation region). The light guide may comprise a resin material formed as the set of projections in the pattern of apertures. The cover may comprise a decorative layer with backing configured to provide a visual/surface effect (e.g. natural material, wood veneer, etc.); the display may present a visual/decorative effect when illuminated at the pattern of apertures/light guide. The interface/display at the surface (by illuminated light guide/pattern of holes) may present indicia for a vehicle system and/or decorative effect. The component may comprise a trim/trim panel, instrument panel/dashboard, door panel/armrest, console, overhead trim/headliner, pillar/structure, seat, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Publication date: May 28, 2020
    Inventors: Anthony DeGrote, Christopher Kring, Scott Allen Hansen