Patents by Inventor Bart W. Fox
Bart W. Fox 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).
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Patent number: 10981532Abstract: A component for a vehicle interior is disclosed. The component may comprise a structural substrate, an airbag chute and a structure coupling the chute and structural substrate. The structure may comprise a rib injection molded onto the structural substrate; the structure may be bonded to the structural substrate. The chute may be welded to the structure and/or the structural substrate. The structural substrate may comprise a panel comprised of fibers; the structure may be comprised of resin. The structure may comprise an interface bonding the chute and structural substrate; the interface may comprise a molded feature/resin feature/mounting area on the structural substrate; a structure/material/rib injection molded on the structural substrate; a bond; an attachment; a composite or resin material; a material comprising fibers; polypropylene with fibers. The component may comprise a trim component; an instrument panel; a trim panel.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2019Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.Inventors: Jennifer A. Stroebe, Bart W. Fox, Michael E. Phillips, Dale Todd Glynn, Michael G. Zimmer, Mike Domine
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Publication number: 20200406513Abstract: A component for a vehicle interior is disclosed. The component may comprise a structural substrate comprising a fiber panel and a structure comprising a resin. The fiber panel may comprise a thickness along a periphery; the structure may comprise a border of the structural substrate along the thickness of the periphery of the fiber panel. The periphery of the fiber panel may comprise an edge; the structure may be formed on the edge. The fiber panel may comprise a compression-formed fiber panel. The fiber panel may comprise a plurality of fibers and a resin configured to bind the fibers. The structure may comprise a feature providing an ancillary component; the feature may comprise a molded resin. The structure may be formed in a hole in the fiber panel. The component may comprise at least one of a center console; floor console; door panel; instrument panel; headliner; overhead console; sun visor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2020Publication date: December 31, 2020Inventors: Bart W. Fox, Jeffrey A. DeYoung, Tony M. Pokorzynski
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Patent number: 10807283Abstract: A trim component for a vehicle interior is disclosed. The trim component may comprise a fiber panel comprising a compression-formed component and a structure comprising a resin. The compression-formed component may provide a structural substrate. The structure may comprise a border (e.g. edge, dimensionally accurate border, etc.); the structure may comprise a molded feature (e.g. rib, ridge, edge, ancillary component, etc.) configured to reinforce and/or support the fiber panel. The fiber panel may comprise a resin to bond the fibers; the structure comprising a resin (e.g. injection-molded plastic/material) may be bonded to the fiber panel. The trim component may comprise a cover for the structural substrate provided by the compression-formed component.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2019Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.Inventors: Bart W. Fox, Jeffrey A. DeYoung, Tony M. Pokorzynski
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Patent number: 10807284Abstract: A trim component for a vehicle interior is disclosed. The trim component may comprise a fiber panel comprising a compression-formed component and a structure comprising a resin. The compression-formed component may provide a structural substrate. The structure may comprise a molded resin feature for the structural substrate formed in at least one hole of the fiber panel. The structure may reinforce the structural substrate. The structure may also comprise a border. The fiber panel may comprise structural fibers and a resin. The structural fibers may comprise at least one of natural fibers; synthetic fibers; glass fibers; carbon fibers; polymeric fibers. The resin may comprise at least one of thermoplastic resin; polypropylene; acrylonitrile butadiene styrene; polycarbonate; thermoset resin; epoxy; polyimide; polyester; vinylester. The component may comprise at least one of a center console; a floor console; a door panel; an instrument panel; a headliner; an overhead console; a sun visor.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2019Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.Inventors: Bart W. Fox, Jeffrey A. DeYoung, Tony M. Pokorzynski
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Publication number: 20200079312Abstract: A component for a vehicle interior is disclosed. The component may comprise a structural substrate, an airbag chute and a structure coupling the chute and structural substrate. The structure may comprise a rib injection molded onto the structural substrate; the structure may be bonded to the structural substrate. The chute may be welded to the structure and/or the structural substrate. The structural substrate may comprise a panel comprised of fibers; the structure may be comprised of resin. The structure may comprise an interface bonding the chute and structural substrate; the interface may comprise a molded feature/resin feature/mounting area on the structural substrate; a structure/material/rib injection molded on the structural substrate; a bond; an attachment; a composite or resin material; a material comprising fibers; polypropylene with fibers. The component may comprise a trim component; an instrument panel; a trim panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2019Publication date: March 12, 2020Inventors: Jennifer A. Stroebe, Bart W. Fox, Michael E. Phillips, Dale Todd Glynn, Michael G. Zimmer, Mike Domine
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Publication number: 20200061883Abstract: A trim component for a vehicle interior is disclosed. The trim component may comprise a fiber panel comprising a compression-formed component and a structure comprising a resin. The compression-formed component may provide a structural substrate. The structure may comprise a molded resin feature for the structural substrate formed in at least one hole of the fiber panel. The structure may reinforce the structural substrate. The structure may also comprise a border. The fiber panel may comprise structural fibers and a resin. The structural fibers may comprise at least one of natural fibers; synthetic fibers; glass fibers; carbon fibers; polymeric fibers. The resin may comprise at least one of thermoplastic resin; polypropylene; acrylonitrile butadiene styrene; polycarbonate; thermoset resin; epoxy; polyimide; polyester; vinylester. The component may comprise at least one of a center console; a floor console; a door panel; an instrument panel; a headliner; an overhead console; a sun visor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2019Publication date: February 27, 2020Inventors: Bart W. Fox, Jeffrey A. DeYoung, Tony M. Pokorzynski
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Publication number: 20200055215Abstract: A trim component for a vehicle interior is disclosed. The trim component may comprise a fiber panel comprising a compression-formed component and a structure comprising a resin. The compression-formed component may provide a structural substrate. The structure may comprise a border (e.g. edge, dimensionally accurate border, etc.); the structure may comprise a molded feature (e.g. rib, ridge, edge, ancillary component, etc.) configured to reinforce and/or support the fiber panel. The fiber panel may comprise a resin to bond the fibers; the structure comprising a resin (e.g. injection-molded plastic/material) may be bonded to the fiber panel. The trim component may comprise a cover for the structural substrate provided by the compression-formed component.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2019Publication date: February 20, 2020Inventors: Bart W. Fox, Jeffrey A. DeYoung, Tony M. Pokorzynski
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Patent number: 10507609Abstract: A vehicle trim component is disclosed. The vehicle trim component may be prepared by a process comprising heating and placing a fiber panel into a mold cavity, compressing the fiber panel in the mold cavity to form a compression formed component providing a structural substrate having a thickness along an edge and injecting resin into the mold cavity with the structural substrate. A border may be formed along the thickness of the structural substrate by the injected resin; the border may provide dimensional accuracy at the edge of the structural substrate notwithstanding variations in the fiber panel. A resin feature (such as a part, component, connector, reinforcing element, weakened zone, shape, etc.) may be formed in or on the structural substrate by the injected resin (e.g. in a gap or void). The resin feature may comprise a rib to extend across an interface between the structural substrate and the border.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2018Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jianqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.Inventors: Bart W. Fox, Jeffrey A. Deyoung, Tony M. Pokorzynski
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Patent number: 10118325Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle trim component is provided that includes disposing a fiber panel onto a first surface of a mold cavity. The method also includes compressing the fiber panel between the first surface and a second surface of the mold cavity to form the fiber panel into a desired shape. The method further includes injecting resin into the mold cavity to fill at least one void between the first surface and the second surface adjacent to the fiber panel.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2015Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.Inventors: Bart W. Fox, Jeffrey A. Deyoung, Tony M. Pokorzynski
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Patent number: 10093268Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may be a trim component configured to support an airbag module providing an airbag configured to be deployed through an opening into the vehicle interior. The trim component may comprise a panel comprising a first material and providing a front side and a back side; and a structure formed from a second material molded on the back side of the panel. The panel may comprise a compression-formed component. The compression-formed component may be configured to provide the opening through a door established upon deployment of the airbag to facilitate deployment of the airbag. The structure may be configured to support the airbag module and to direct the airbag toward the door during deployment of the airbag.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2016Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.Inventors: Glenn A Cowelchuk, Bart W Fox, Jeffrey A Deyoung
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Publication number: 20180281246Abstract: A vehicle trim component is disclosed. The vehicle trim component may be prepared by a process comprising heating and placing a fiber panel into a mold cavity, compressing the fiber panel in the mold cavity to form a compression formed component providing a structural substrate having a thickness along an edge and injecting resin into the mold cavity with the structural substrate. A border may be formed along the thickness of the structural substrate by the injected resin; the border may provide dimensional accuracy at the edge of the structural substrate notwithstanding variations in the fiber panel. A resin feature (such as a part, component, connector, reinforcing element, weakened zone, shape, etc.) may be formed in or on the structural substrate by the injected resin (e.g. in a gap or void). The resin feature may comprise a rib to extend across an interface between the structural substrate and the border.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2018Publication date: October 4, 2018Inventors: Bart W. Fox, Jeffrey A. Deyoung, Tony M. Pokorzynski
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Publication number: 20170036638Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may be a trim component configured to support an airbag module providing an airbag configured to be deployed through an opening into the vehicle interior. The trim component may comprise a panel comprising a first material and providing a front side and a back side; and a structure formed from a second material molded on the back side of the panel. The panel may comprise a compression-formed component. The compression-formed component may be configured to provide the opening through a door established upon deployment of the airbag to facilitate deployment of the airbag. The structure may be configured to support the airbag module and to direct the airbag toward the door during deployment of the airbag.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2016Publication date: February 9, 2017Inventors: Glenn A Cowelchuk, Bart W Fox, Jeffrey A Deyoung
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Patent number: 9481337Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle trim component includes disposing a fiber panel within a mold cavity, and aligning an airbag chute assembly with the fiber panel. The method also includes compressing the fiber panel within the mold cavity to form the fiber panel into a desired shape. At least a portion of the fiber panel is compressed between a surface of the mold cavity and a surface of the airbag chute assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Inventors: Glenn A. Cowelchuk, Bart W. Fox, Jeffrey A. Deyoung
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Publication number: 20150328809Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle trim component is provided that includes disposing a fiber panel onto a first surface of a mold cavity. The method also includes compressing the fiber panel between the first surface and a second surface of the mold cavity to form the fiber panel into a desired shape. The method further includes injecting resin into the mold cavity to fill at least one void between the first surface and the second surface adjacent to the fiber panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2015Publication date: November 19, 2015Inventors: Bart W. Fox, Jeffrey A. Deyoung, Tony M. Pokorzynski
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Patent number: 9149961Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle trim component is provided that includes disposing a fiber panel onto a first surface of a mold cavity. The method also includes compressing the fiber panel between the first surface and a second surface of the mold cavity to form the fiber panel into a desired shape. The method further includes injecting resin into the mold cavity to fill at least one void between the first surface and the second surface adjacent to the fiber panel.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2013Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Inventors: Bart W. Fox, Jeffrey A. Deyoung, Tony M. Pokorzynski
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Publication number: 20150217712Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle trim component includes disposing a fiber panel within a mold cavity, and aligning an airbag chute assembly with the fiber panel. The method also includes compressing the fiber panel within the mold cavity to form the fiber panel into a desired shape. At least a portion of the fiber panel is compressed between a surface of the mold cavity and a surface of the airbag chute assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2013Publication date: August 6, 2015Inventors: Glenn A. Cowelchuk, Bart W. Fox, Jeffrey A. Deyoung
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Patent number: 8939745Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle trim component is provided that includes disposing a fiber panel onto a first surface of a mold cavity. The method also includes compressing the fiber panel between the first surface and a second surface of the mold cavity to form the fiber panel into a desired shape. The method further includes injecting resin into the mold cavity to fill at least one void between the first surface and the second surface adjacent to the fiber panel.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2012Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Bart W. Fox, Jeffrey A. Deyoung, Tony M. Pokorzynski
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Patent number: 8530028Abstract: A trim panel and method of forming a trim panel for a vehicle. The trim panel can include a localized cushioned portion of softness (150) at pre-selected locations on the panel.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2008Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Nels R. Smith, Bart W. Fox, Tony M. Pokorzynski
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Patent number: 8506003Abstract: The invention is also directed to a method for forming a component for a vehicle. The method comprises forming a substrate in a mold by injecting a first resin into a first cavity, reconfiguring a portion of the mold to form a second cavity, and injecting a second resin into a second cavity; providing a flexible member adjacent at least a portion of the substrate to form a cavity between the substrate and the flexible member; coupling at least a portion of the flexible member to the substrate; and introducing a material into the cavity after securing at least a portion of the flexible member to the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2005Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Nels R. Smith, Scott A. Hansen, Jeffrey T. Stout, Andy Butz, Bart W. Fox
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Patent number: 8458905Abstract: A process for providing a cushioned region (14) on a substrate (12) is disclosed. The substrate (12) is at least partially covered by a sheet (18) of preferably textured material. A skin (22) is coupled to the substrate (12) and a compressible material (24) (such as foam) is injected between the sheet (22) and skin (24). The sheet (18) is intended to promote adhesion to the compressible material (24) (e.g. mechanical and/or chemical joining or bonding). If portions of the coversheet (18) are exposed on a visible surface, the coversheet may also be configured to provide a decorative or ornamental appearances.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2010Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventor: Bart W. Fox