Patents by Inventor Christopher Kring

Christopher Kring 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: 12240327
    Abstract: A component for a vehicle interior may comprise a composite structure comprising a cover structure comprising a cover base, a cover layer and a cover surface; and a user interface system to present a user interface at the cover surface. The user interface system may comprise a light display and/or input device and/or actuator to provide feedback at the cover surface. The user interface may comprise the input device. The cover layer may cover at least a portion of the cover base. The cover base may comprise a core and a perimeter. The cover layer may be light-transmissive. The cover base may be opaque. The cover layer may form an illuminated border around the core. The cover layer may deform between the core and the perimeter. The cover structure may be integrally-formed. The cover layer may be molded on the cover base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2024
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2025
    Assignee: Yanfeng International Automotive Technology Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Christopher Kring, Dale Todd Glynn, Scott Allen Hansen
  • Patent number: 12083953
    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: April 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Anthony DeGrote, Christopher Kring, Scott Allen Hansen
  • Publication number: 20240262198
    Abstract: A component for a vehicle interior may comprise a composite structure comprising a cover structure comprising a cover base, a cover layer and a cover surface; and a user interface system to present a user interface at the cover surface. The user interface system may comprise a light display and/or input device and/or actuator to provide feedback at the cover surface. The user interface may comprise the input device. The cover layer may cover at least a portion of the cover base. The cover base may comprise a core and a perimeter. The cover layer may be light-transmissive. The cover base may be opaque. The cover layer may form an illuminated border around the core. The cover layer may deform between the core and the perimeter. The cover structure may be integrally-formed. The cover layer may be molded on the cover base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2024
    Publication date: August 8, 2024
    Inventors: Christopher Kring, Dale Todd Glynn, Scott Allen Hansen
  • Publication number: 20240246418
    Abstract: A component for a vehicle interior may comprise a composite structure comprising a cover structure comprising a cover base, a cover layer and a cover surface. The cover structure may provide a user interface comprising an input device. The cover layer may cover at least a portion of the cover base. The cover base may comprise a core and a perimeter. The cover layer may deform between the core and the perimeter. The core may provide the cover surface for the input device. The cover layer may be softer than the cover base. The cover layer may be molded on the cover base. The cover layer may comprise a projection fit within a recess in the cover base. The cover surface may comprise a surface of the core projecting above a surface of the cover layer. The cover structure may comprise a decorative layer on the cover layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2024
    Publication date: July 25, 2024
    Inventors: Christopher Kring, Dale Todd Glynn, Scott Allen Hansen
  • Publication number: 20240181980
    Abstract: A system/method using a sensor arrangement in a vehicle interior with an occupant and vehicle systems may comprise a user interface and computing system to process input/signal and data from data sources to facilitate operation and to provide output/signal with connectivity with occupants, vehicle systems, networks, etc. relating to operation, events, conditions, etc. Output may comprise information/interaction at a user interface, to vehicle systems, network communications, etc. The system may use data to provide output comprising enhancement and/or augmentation of input; output may comprise a signal based on data analytics/processing including application of artificial intelligence models and/or augmented reality models. The system may comprise a distributed sensor matrix to obtain data/input from a sensor field within the vehicle; data sources may comprise the sensor matrix, vehicle systems, data storage and/or networks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2024
    Publication date: June 6, 2024
    Inventors: Christopher Kring, Frances A. Elenbaas, Michael John Thomas, Ching Fong
  • Publication number: 20240157906
    Abstract: A component for a vehicle interior may comprise a light guide to allow light transmission from a light source, and a cover to cover the light guide. The light guide may comprise an icon or indicator and the cover may comprise a depression or indentation in an inner surface of the cover. The icon/indicator of the light guide may comprise a light-transmissive resin material configured to fit within the depression/indentation in the cover. The icon/indicator may be presented when illuminated and hidden by the cover when not illuminated. The cover may comprise a polymer material coupled to the light guide. The cover may present a user interface. A surface of the cover may comprise an information region and/or a decorative region. The component may comprise a steering wheel, console, floor console, center console, instrument panel, door panel, dashboard, display, armrest, or cockpit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2024
    Publication date: May 16, 2024
    Inventors: Christopher Kring, Dale Todd Glynn, Scott Allen Hansen, James Bradley Price, Bryan Todd Jones, Tyler Lacroix, Cheng Liu, Bin Wang, Qiongxia Duan
  • Patent number: 11912227
    Abstract: A component for a vehicle interior may comprise a light guide to allow light transmission from a light source for a user interface, and a cover to cover the light guide. The user interface may be presented at the cover. The cover may comprise a depression in an inner surface of the cover and the light guide may comprise a projection comprising a light-transmissive resin fit within the depression. The projection may comprise an icon to be presented at the user interface when illuminated, and to be hidden by the cover when not illuminated. The user interface may comprise a light display and an input device connected to a sensor. The icon may comprise an image. The cover thickness may be greater than the projection height. The component may comprise a steering wheel, console, floor console, center console, instrument panel, door panel, dashboard, display, armrest, or cockpit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher Kring, Dale Todd Glynn, Scott Allen Hansen, James Bradley Price, Bryan Todd Jones, Tyler Lacroix, Cheng Liu, Bin Wang, Qiongxia Duan
  • Publication number: 20230311804
    Abstract: A component for a vehicle interior may comprise a composite structure comprising a cover base; a cover layer to provide a cover surface at a surface level; and an element to present a visual object. The element may present the visual object at the cover surface of the composite structure. The cover layer may comprise an aperture. The element may project from the base into the aperture of the cover layer. The element may project to a level above or below the surface level of the cover surface of the cover layer. The visual object may comprise an image, symbol, icon, logo, indicator and/or an illuminable visual object. The element may comprise a decorative layer below an underside of the cover layer. The cover layer may be molded on the cover base. The cover base may comprise a light guide to illuminate the visual object when illuminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Dale Todd Glynn, Christopher Kring, Scott Allen Hansen, James Bradley Price, Bryan Todd Jones, Tyler LaCroix, Cheng LIU, Bin WANG, Qiongxia DUAN, Michael Robert Catlin
  • Patent number: 11766984
    Abstract: A component for a vehicle interior may comprise a housing; a cover structure comprising a cover surface; and a user interface at the cover surface comprising a light display. The light display may comprise a light guide comprising a projection. The cover structure may comprise a cover base and a cover layer. The cover layer may be molded on the cover base. The cover base may comprise the light guide. The cover layer may comprise an aperture. The projection may extend into the aperture. The cover base may comprise an aperture, recess, notch and/or indentation. The cover layer may comprise a generally opaque material preventing visibility of a recess in the cover base. The cover base may comprise a different color and/or softness than the cover layer. The cover structure may comprise apertures and/or recesses for the light guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher Kring, Dale Todd Glynn, Scott Allen Hansen, James Bradley Price, Bryan Todd Jones, Tyler Lacroix, Michael Robert Catlin
  • Publication number: 20230249640
    Abstract: A component for a vehicle interior may comprise a light guide to allow light transmission from a light source for a user interface, and a cover to cover the light guide. The user interface may be presented at the cover. The cover may comprise a depression in an inner surface of the cover and the light guide may comprise a projection comprising a light-transmissive resin fit within the depression. The projection may comprise an icon to be presented at the user interface when illuminated, and to be hidden by the cover when not illuminated. The user interface may comprise a light display and an input device connected to a sensor. The icon may comprise an image. The cover thickness may be greater than the projection height. The component may comprise a steering wheel, console, floor console, center console, instrument panel, door panel, dashboard, display, armrest, or cockpit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: Christopher Kring, Dale Todd Glynn, Scott Allen Hansen, James Bradley Price, Bryan Todd Jones, Tyler Lacroix, Cheng Liu, Bin Wang, Qiongxia Duan
  • Publication number: 20230211727
    Abstract: A component for a vehicle interior may comprise a housing; a cover structure comprising a cover surface; and a user interface at the cover surface comprising a light display. The light display may comprise a light guide comprising a projection. The cover structure may comprise a cover base and a cover layer. The cover layer may be molded on the cover base. The cover base may comprise the light guide. The cover layer may comprise an aperture. The projection may extend into the aperture. The cover base may comprise an aperture, recess, notch and/or indentation. The cover layer may comprise a generally opaque material preventing visibility of a recess in the cover base. The cover base may comprise a different color and/or softness than the cover layer. The cover structure may comprise apertures and/or recesses for the light guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2022
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Inventors: Christopher Kring, Dale Todd Glynn, Scott Allen Hansen, James Bradley Price, Bryan Todd Jones, Tyler Lacroix, Michael Robert Catlin
  • Patent number: 11661025
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component configured to present a user interface for a vehicle occupant with vehicle systems may comprise a housing, cover structure and user interface system to present the user interface at a cover surface. The user interface may comprise a light display to transmit light from a light source and/or an input device comprising a mechanical coupling to interface with a sensor arrangement. The user interface may comprise output from the light display and/or input by interaction with the input device at the cover surface. The component may comprise a module comprising the light display and the input device. The module may comprise an absorber. The light display may comprise a light guide and/or display panel. The light guide may comprise a projection and/or icon to transmit light through an aperture and/or recess of the cover structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher Kring, Dale Todd Glynn, Scott Allen Hansen, James Bradley Price, Bryan Todd Jones, Tyler Lacroix, Liu Cheng, Wang Bin, Qiongxia Duan
  • Patent number: 11397500
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component providing a user interface for an occupant is disclosed. The component may comprise a base; a cover comprising a surface; an intermediate layer comprising a foam material; and a sensor to detect an electrical signal in response to input at the user interface, contact at the surface of the cover, or compression of the foam material. The foam material may comprise electrical properties, conductivity, resistance, compression-responsive electrical properties, or variation in voltage. The foam material may comprise an additive, an additive material, a conductive material, a conductive additive, conductive particles, carbon particles, carbon black particles, carbon dust, carbon particles in a substrate, or carbon particles interspersed with a non-conductive substrate. The foam material may comprise foam with conductive particles, carbon foam, carbon additive foam, polyurethane foam, or polyurethane with carbon particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher Kring, Mario J. Enriquez Ortiz, Tyler J. Newkirk, Ankit Singh
  • Publication number: 20220212541
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component configured to present a user interface for a vehicle occupant with vehicle systems is disclosed. The component may comprise a housing, cover structure and user interface system to present the user interface at a cover surface. The user interface may comprise a light display to transmit light from a light source and/or an input device comprising a mechanical coupling to interface with a sensor arrangement. The user interface may comprise output from the light display and/or input by interaction with the input device at the cover surface. The component may comprise a module comprising the light display and the input device. The module may comprise an absorber. The light display may comprise a light guide and/or display panel. The light guide may comprise a projection and/or icon to transmit light through an aperture and/or recess of the cover structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2022
    Publication date: July 7, 2022
    Inventors: Christopher Kring, Dale Todd Glynn, Scott Allen Hansen, James Bradley Price, Bryan Todd Jones, Tyler Lacroix, Liu Cheng, Wang Bin, Qiongxia Duan
  • Patent number: 11345303
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component configured to present a user interface for a vehicle occupant with at least one vehicle system and/or network is disclosed. The component may comprise a housing, cover structure and user interface system configured to present the user interface at a cover surface. The user interface may comprise a light display configured to transmit light from a light source and/or an input device configured to interface with a sensor arrangement. The user interface may comprise output from the light display and/or input by interaction with the input device at the cover surface through the sensor arrangement. The component may comprise an interface module comprising the light display and the input device. The light display may comprise a light guide and/or display panel. The light guide may comprise a projection and/or icon configured to transmit light through an aperture and/or recess of the cover structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher Kring, Dale Todd Glynn, Scott Allen Hansen, James Bradley Price, Bryan Todd Jones, Tyler Lacroix, Liu Cheng, Wang Bin, Qiongxia Duan
  • Publication number: 20220001827
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component configured to present a user interface for a vehicle occupant with at least one vehicle system and/or network is disclosed. The component may comprise a housing, cover structure and user interface system configured to present the user interface at a cover surface. The user interface may comprise a light display configured to transmit light from a light source and/or an input device configured to interface with a sensor arrangement. The user interface may comprise output from the light display and/or input by interaction with the input device at the cover surface through the sensor arrangement. The component may comprise an interface module comprising the light display and the input device. The light display may comprise a light guide and/or display panel. The light guide may comprise a projection and/or icon configured to transmit light through an aperture and/or recess of the cover structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: Christopher Kring, Dale Todd Glynn, Scott Allen Hansen, James Bradley Price, Bryan Todd Jones, Tyler Lacroix, Liu Cheng, Wang Bin, Qiongxia Duan
  • 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
  • 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: 20200306398
    Abstract: A system and method of treating a surface in a vehicle interior by radiation/ultraviolet light is disclosed. The method may comprise determining a dose of radiation/ultraviolet light for the surface and directing ultraviolet light to the surface in the dose. The system may comprise a radiation/ultraviolet light source directed by a mechanism and operated by a controller to administer a dose of radiation/ultraviolet light for treatment of the surface. The controller may direct the radiation source on a path to multiple positions/zones of the vehicle interior. The system may comprise at least one apparatus comprising a base and mechanism and ultraviolet light source. Treatment/dose of ultraviolet light may be based on biomatter type potentially on the surface, distance from ultraviolet light source to surface, duration/intensity of applied ultraviolet light and/or other factors/parameters. The dose may be intended to substantially sanitize a surface; different doses may be applied to different surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Andrew K. Ruiter, Christopher Kring, Jiunn Tyng Chen
  • Publication number: 20200301531
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component providing a user interface for an occupant is disclosed. The component may comprise a base; a cover comprising a surface; an intermediate layer comprising a foam material; and a sensor to detect an electrical signal in response to input at the user interface, contact at the surface of the cover, or compression of the foam material. The foam material may comprise electrical properties, conductivity, resistance, compression-responsive electrical properties, or variation in voltage. The foam material may comprise an additive, an additive material, a conductive material, a conductive additive, conductive particles, carbon particles, carbon black particles, carbon dust, carbon particles in a substrate, or carbon particles interspersed with a non-conductive substrate. The foam material may comprise foam with conductive particles, carbon foam, carbon additive foam, polyurethane foam, or polyurethane with carbon particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2020
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher Kring, Mario J. Enriques Ortiz, Tyler J. Newkirk, Ankit Singh