Patents by Inventor CHRISTOPHER ROBERT WESTFALL

CHRISTOPHER ROBERT WESTFALL 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).

  • Publication number: 20230347829
    Abstract: A vehicle storage system includes a base that is configured to be disposed on seating assemblies within a rear seating space. A first partition is coupled to the base, and the first partition extends along a first edge of the base. A second partition is spaced from the first partition. The second partition is coupled to the base and extends along a second opposing edge of the base. A cross member is coupled to a top edge of each of the first partition and the second partition. The cross member extends adjacent to a headliner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Robert Westfall, John Granger Opfer, Adam C. Carlson, Matthew Williams, Samuel Martin Hoff
  • Patent number: 11738691
    Abstract: A vehicle storage system includes a base that is configured to be disposed on seating assemblies within a rear seating space. A first partition is coupled to the base, and the first partition extends along a first edge of the base. A second partition is spaced from the first partition. The second partition is coupled to the base and extends along a second opposing edge of the base. A cross member is coupled to a top edge of each of the first partition and the second partition. The cross member extends adjacent to a headliner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Robert Westfall, John Granger Opfer, Adam C. Carlson, Matthew Williams, Samuel Martin Hoff
  • Patent number: 11623574
    Abstract: A vehicle module system is disclosed. The system includes a track assembly operably coupled with a body of a vehicle. One or more modules may be removably and slidably coupled with the track assembly. The modules include base structure defining an attachment point. A rail feature is disposed along a bottom portion of the base structure. An attachment feature having a retainer for removably coupling to the attachment point to the base structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Prozzi, Tyler Carpenter, Jeremy John Malick, John Galin, Christopher Robert Westfall, Andres Almeida Senatore, Daniel Boccuccia, Siddharthan Selvasekar
  • Publication number: 20220348145
    Abstract: A vehicle storage system includes a base that is configured to be disposed on seating assemblies within a rear seating space. A first partition is coupled to the base, and the first partition extends along a first edge of the base. A second partition is spaced from the first partition. The second partition is coupled to the base and extends along a second opposing edge of the base. A cross member is coupled to a top edge of each of the first partition and the second partition. The cross member extends adjacent to a headliner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Robert Westfall, John Granger Opfer, Adam C. Carlson, Matthew Williams, Samuel Martin Hoff
  • Publication number: 20220144178
    Abstract: A vehicle module system is disclosed. The system includes a track assembly operably coupled with a body of a vehicle. One or more modules may be removably and slidably coupled with the track assembly. The modules include base structure defining an attachment point. A rail feature is disposed along a bottom portion of the base structure. An attachment feature having a retainer for removably coupling to the attachment point to the base structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Prozzi, Tyler Carpenter, Jeremy John Malick, John Galin, Christopher Robert Westfall, Andres Almeida Senatore, Daniel Boccuccia, Siddharthan Selvasekar
  • Patent number: 11267368
    Abstract: A vehicle module system is disclosed. The system includes a track assembly operably coupled with a body of a vehicle. One or more modules may be removably and slidably coupled with the track assembly. The modules include base structure defining an attachment point. A rail feature is disposed along a bottom portion of the base structure. An attachment feature having a retainer for removably coupling to the attachment point to the base structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Prozzi, Tyler Carpenter, Jeremy John Malick, John Galin, Christopher Robert Westfall, Andres Almeida Senatore, Daniel Boccuccia, Siddharthan Selvasekar
  • Patent number: 11104261
    Abstract: A vehicular module attachment assembly includes a vehicular cabin module having a peg that includes a foot. A locking device is slidably coupled to the peg. A slot is formed in a cabin floor including first and second grooves configured to retain the foot. The locking device adjusts between an unlocked position, wherein the peg is slidable between the first and second grooves, and a locked position, wherein the peg is retained in the second groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Robert Westfall
  • Patent number: 10889193
    Abstract: An electrically-propelled vehicle includes a traction battery and a conductive charging pad disposed beneath the vehicle and electrically coupled to the battery. The charging pad is configured to transfer power from at least one contact extension disposed at a charge station to charge the battery. A height from ground of the charging pad is configured to cause electrical engagement of the contact extension as a result of the vehicle entering a parking space proximate the charge station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Robert Westfall, Rathi Kannan Munukur, Christopher W. Bell, John Paul Gibeau
  • Publication number: 20200398702
    Abstract: A vehicle module system is disclosed. The system includes a track assembly operably coupled with a body of a vehicle. One or more modules may be removably and slidably coupled with the track assembly. The modules include base structure defining an attachment point. A rail feature is disposed along a bottom portion of the base structure. An attachment feature having a retainer for removably coupling to the attachment point to the base structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Anthony Prozzi, Tyler Carpenter, Jeremy John Malick, John Galin, Christopher Robert Westfall, Andres Almeida Senatore, Daniel Boccuccia, Siddharthan Selvasekar
  • Patent number: 10800293
    Abstract: A vehicle module system is disclosed. The system includes a track assembly operably coupled with a body of a vehicle. One or more modules may be removably and slidably coupled with the track assembly. The modules include base structure defining an attachment point. A rail feature is disposed along a bottom portion of the base structure. An attachment feature having a retainer for removably coupling to the attachment point to the base structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Prozzi, Tyler Carpenter, Jeremy John Malick, John Galin, Christopher Robert Westfall, Andres Almeida Senatore, Daniel Boccuccia, Siddharthan Selvasekar
  • Patent number: 10744396
    Abstract: A system includes a support structure that includes a bottom surface and a connector plate pivotably connected to the bottom surface, and a device including a wheel, the device being releaseably connectable to the connector plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Robert Westfall, Melvin Alfredo Dominguez, Kilian Vas, Tobias Ricke, Uwe Wagner
  • Patent number: 10703252
    Abstract: A cargo management system includes a support, having a plurality of receivers, a key, including a tongue that may be inserted into one receiver of the plurality of receivers and a locking mechanism releasably securing the key to the support and the tongue in the receiver. A first point of a strap is captured between the tongue and the receiver and extended over the cargo to be transported. A second key is then inserted into a second receiver to secure a second point of the strap and thereby hold the cargo in position on the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Robert Westfall
  • Publication number: 20200189405
    Abstract: An electrically-propelled vehicle includes a traction battery and a conductive charging pad disposed beneath the vehicle and electrically coupled to the battery. The charging pad is configured to transfer power from at least one contact extension disposed at a charge station to charge the battery. A height from ground of the charging pad is configured to cause electrical engagement of the contact extension as a result of the vehicle entering a parking space proximate the charge station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher Robert WESTFALL, Rathi Kannan MUNUKUR, Christopher W. BELL, John Paul GIBEAU
  • Publication number: 20200055423
    Abstract: A vehicle module system is disclosed. The system includes a track assembly operably coupled with a body of a vehicle. One or more modules may be removably and slidably coupled with the track assembly. The modules include base structure defining an attachment point. A rail feature is disposed along a bottom portion of the base structure. An attachment feature having a retainer for removably coupling to the attachment point to the base structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Anthony Prozzi, Tyler Carpenter, Jeremy John Malick, John Galin, Christopher Robert Westfall, Andres Almeida Senatore, Daniel Boccuccia, Siddharthan Selvasekar
  • Patent number: 10563859
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for distributing indirect lighting and airflow to an individual passenger in a motor vehicle. That apparatus includes a vent body having an air inlet and an air outlet. An air valve is carried on the vent body. The air valve is displaceable between an open position and a closed position. A flexible air guide carried on the vent body is adapted to direct air from the air outlet toward the individual passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Robert Westfall
  • Patent number: 10486502
    Abstract: An apparatus for shielding an occupant of a motor vehicle from sunlight passing through the side windows of the motor vehicle includes a guideway and a shade. The guideway includes a first open lateral end and a second open lateral end. The shade is displaceable along the guideway between a first use position projecting from the first open lateral end, a second use position projecting form the second open lateral end and an intermediate stowed position. A method of shielding an occupant of a motor vehicle from sunlight passing through a first side window and a second side window is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Robert Westfall
  • Publication number: 20190338942
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for distributing indirect lighting and airflow to an individual passenger in a motor vehicle. That apparatus includes a vent body having an air inlet and an air outlet. An air valve is carried on the vent body. The air valve is displaceable between an open position and a closed position. A flexible air guide carried on the vent body is adapted to direct air from the air outlet toward the individual passenger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Inventor: Christopher Robert Westfall
  • Publication number: 20190337440
    Abstract: A vehicular module attachment assembly includes a vehicular cabin module having a peg that includes a foot. A locking device is slidably coupled to the peg. A slot is formed in a cabin floor including first and second grooves configured to retain the foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Robert Westfall
  • Publication number: 20190255918
    Abstract: An apparatus for shielding an occupant of a motor vehicle from sunlight passing through the side windows of the motor vehicle includes a guideway and a shade. The guideway includes a first open lateral end and a second open lateral end. The shade is displaceable along the guideway between a first use position projecting from the first open lateral end, a second use position projecting form the second open lateral end and an intermediate stowed position. A method of shielding an occupant of a motor vehicle from sunlight passing through a first side window and a second side window is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventor: Christopher Robert Westfall
  • Publication number: 20190255985
    Abstract: A cargo management system includes a support, having a plurality of receivers, a key, including a tongue that may be inserted into one receiver of the plurality of receivers and a locking mechanism releasably securing the key to the support and the tongue in the receiver. A first point of a strap is captured between the tongue and the receiver and extended over the cargo to be transported. A second key is then inserted into a second receiver to secure a second point of the strap and thereby hold the cargo in position on the support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2018
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventor: Christopher Robert Westfall