Patents by Inventor Grant A. Compton

Grant A. Compton 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: 9409504
    Abstract: A vehicle seat suspension system includes first and second side supports defining a seatback structure. An upper component and a lower component are provided, each including at least two outwardly extending flex members. A passenger support includes a periphery operably coupled to distal ends of the flex members. An external peripheral gap is defined between the passenger support and the seatback structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Daniel Ferretti, John W. Jaranson, Grant A. Compton, Kendrick Alden Harper, Kevin VanNieulande
  • Patent number: 9399418
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat frame. A first leg support is pivotally coupled with a forward portion of the seat frame. The first leg support is operable between raised and lowered positions. A first extendable member is disposed on a top portion of the first leg support and is operable between extended and retracted positions. A second leg support is adjacent to and independent of the first leg support and is pivotally coupled with the forward portion of the seat frame. The second leg support is operable between raised and lowered positions. A second extendable member is disposed on a top portion of the second leg support and is operable between extended and refracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Marc Kondrad, John W. Jaranson, Kendrick Alden Harper, Daniel Ferretti, Michael Kolich, Lorne Joseph Lovelace, Kevin VanNieulande, Grant A. Compton
  • Patent number: 9126508
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes first and second side supports defining a seatback structure that is operable between upright and reclined positions. A motorized actuation assembly is disposed between the first and second side supports and is operably coupled to a pivot bar that is rotatably coupled with the seatback structure. An upper seatback suspension component is coupled to the pivot bar. The upper seatback suspension component automatically pivots relative to the pivot bar to a rearward position when the seatback structure is in the upright position and automatically pivots relative to the pivot bar to a forward position when the seatback structure is in the reclined position. An external peripheral gap is defined between the upper seatback suspension component and the seatback structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Daniel Ferretti, John W. Jaranson, Grant A. Compton, Kendrick Alden Harper
  • Patent number: 9126504
    Abstract: A vehicle headrest assembly includes a head restraint operably coupled to a vehicle seatback and having a head support surface. A flexible member includes a top portion operably coupled to the head restraint. The flexible member includes an intermediate portion adjacent the head support surface, a lower portion, and an upper back support disposed on the vehicle seatback and defining an elongated slot through which the flexible member extends. An actuation system is operably coupled to the lower portion of the flexible member. The actuation system operates to move the flexible member through the slot between a deployed position and a non-deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Daniel Ferretti, John W. Jaranson, Grant A. Compton, Kendrick Alden Harper
  • Publication number: 20150145303
    Abstract: A vehicle seat suspension system includes first and second side supports that define a seatback frame. A front trim piece is coupled between the first and second side supports. A suspension component is coupled with a central area of the front trim piece and has flexible members protruding forward and outward therefrom. A passenger support panel has a periphery coupled to distal ends of the flexible members and suspended away from the seatback frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Daniel Ferretti, Kevin VanNieulande, Marc Silva Kondrad, John W. Jaranson, Kendrick Alden Harper, Grant A. Compton
  • Patent number: 9016784
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat defining a seating area. An internal flex member is disposed in the seat. An external flex member is proximate a forward edge of the seat. A first actuation assembly is operably coupled to the internal flex member to raise a portion of the seat. A second actuation assembly translates the external flex member between a retracted position and an extended position that enlarges the effective seating area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Daniel Ferretti, John W. Jaranson, Grant A. Compton
  • Patent number: 9016783
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat defining a seating area and an actuation assembly. An elongate flexible member includes a first end pivotally coupled to the seat and a second end operably coupled with the actuation assembly. The elongate flexible member is pivotally moveable between raised and lowered positions and operable between a retracted position and an extended position. The elongate flexible member enlarges the effective seating area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Harry Zhong, John W. Jaranson, Daniel Ferretti, Grant A. Compton, Kevin VanNieulande
  • Publication number: 20140203606
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat defining a seating area and an actuation assembly. An elongate flexible member includes a first end pivotally coupled to the seat and a second end operably coupled with the actuation assembly. The elongate flexible member is pivotally moveable between raised and lowered positions and operable between a retracted position and an extended position. The elongate flexible member enlarges the effective seating area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Harry Zhong, John W. Jaranson, Daniel Ferretti, Grant A. Compton, Kevin VanNieulande
  • Publication number: 20140203614
    Abstract: A vehicle headrest assembly includes a head restraint operably coupled to a vehicle seatback and having a head support surface. A flexible member includes a top portion operably coupled to the head restraint. The flexible member includes an intermediate portion adjacent the head support surface, a lower portion, and an upper back support disposed on the vehicle seatback and defining an elongated slot through which the flexible member extends. An actuation system is operably coupled to the lower portion of the flexible member. The actuation system operates to move the flexible member through the slot between a deployed position and a non-deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Daniel Ferretti, John W. Jaranson, Grant A. Compton, Kendrick Alden Harper
  • Publication number: 20140203617
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat frame. A first leg support is pivotally coupled with a forward portion of the seat frame. The first leg support is operable between raised and lowered positions. A first extendable member is disposed on a top portion of the first leg support and is operable between extended and retracted positions. A second leg support is adjacent to and independent of the first leg support and is pivotally coupled with the forward portion of the seat frame. The second leg support is operable between raised and lowered positions. A second extendable member is disposed on a top portion of the second leg support and is operable between extended and refracted positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Marc Kondrad, John W. Jaranson, Kendrick Alden Harper, Daniel Ferretti, Michael Kolich, Lorne Joseph Lovelace, Kevin VanNieulande, Grant A. Compton
  • Publication number: 20140203607
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat defining a seating area. An internal flex member is disposed in the seat. An external flex member is proximate a forward edge of the seat. A first actuation assembly is operably coupled to the internal flex member to raise a portion of the seat. A second actuation assembly translates the external flex member between a retracted position and an extended position that enlarges the effective seating area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Daniel Ferretti, John W. Jaranson, Grant A. Compton
  • Publication number: 20140203610
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes first and second side supports defining a seatback structure that is operable between upright and reclined positions. A motorized actuation assembly is disposed between the first and second side supports and is operably coupled to a pivot bar that is rotatably coupled with the seatback structure. An upper seatback suspension component is coupled to the pivot bar. The upper seatback suspension component automatically pivots relative to the pivot bar to a rearward position when the seatback structure is in the upright position and automatically pivots relative to the pivot bar to a forward position when the seatback structure is in the reclined position. An external peripheral gap is defined between the upper seatback suspension component and the seatback structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Daniel Ferretti, John W. Jaranson, Grant A. Compton, Kendrick Alden Harper
  • Publication number: 20140203603
    Abstract: A vehicle seat suspension system includes first and second side supports defining a seatback structure. An upper component and a lower component are provided, each including at least two outwardly extending flex members. A passenger support includes a periphery operably coupled to distal ends of the flex members. An external peripheral gap is defined between the passenger support and the seatback structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Daniel Ferretti, John W. Jaranson, Grant A. Compton, Kendrick Alden Harper, Kevin VanNieulande
  • Publication number: 20140159457
    Abstract: A seat recliner system includes a seat back having a back support member configured to support the back of a passenger. A connecting member extends generally orthogonally from a lower end of the back support member. The connecting member includes a front portion and a rear portion. A seat base includes a forward link operably coupled to the front portion of the connecting member. A rearward link is operably coupled to the rear portion of the connecting member such that the seat back is rotatable about a virtual hip-point of a passenger that is above the seat base and forward of the seat back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Jaranson, Grant A. Compton, Johnathan Andrew Line, Kendrick Alden Harper
  • Patent number: 8727374
    Abstract: A vehicle seatback assembly includes a seatback side support that has a frame member that extends. A suspension component extends forward from the side support to define a peripheral gap. An airbag module is operably coupled to the frame member. A first trim piece conceals a rear area of the frame member and extends forward over the airbag module. A second trim piece is coupled to a forward portion of the frame member and is detachably coupled with the first trim piece along a seam. The airbag module is deployable forward through the seam to move the second trim piece into the peripheral gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Daniel Ferretti, John W. Jaranson, Grant A. Compton, Kendrick Alden Harper
  • Patent number: 8371344
    Abstract: A refilling system for a vehicle including a body panel having a fixed opening, an adjustable refilling assembly partially enclosed by the body panel, the adjustable refilling assembly including a first port and a second port, the adjustable refilling assembly movable between at least a first configuration in which the first port is aligned with the fixed opening and a second configuration in which the second port is aligned with the fixed opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Doug Vandervoort, Grant A. Compton, Stanley Jay Novak, Brenda Johnson, Kirk Rasmussen, Marius Efstate
  • Publication number: 20120217239
    Abstract: A refilling system for a vehicle including a body panel having a fixed opening, an adjustable refilling assembly partially enclosed by the body panel, the adjustable refilling assembly including a first port and a second port, the adjustable refilling assembly movable between at least a first configuration in which the first port is aligned with the fixed opening and a second configuration in which the second port is aligned with the fixed opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Doug Vandervoort, Grant A. Compton, Stanley Jay Novak, Brenda Johnson, Kirk Rasmussen, Marius Efstate
  • Patent number: 8167009
    Abstract: A refilling system for a vehicle including a body panel having a fixed opening, an adjustable refilling assembly partially enclosed by the body panel, the adjustable refilling assembly including a first port and a second port, the adjustable refilling assembly movable between at least a first configuration in which the first port is aligned with the fixed opening and a second configuration in which the second port is aligned with the fixed opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Gobal Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Doug Vandervoort, Grant A. Compton, Stanley Jay Novak, Brenda Johnson, Kirk Rasmussen, Marius Efstate
  • Patent number: 7686464
    Abstract: A conversation mirror assembly is provided for use in passenger compartments of motor vehicles. The conversation mirror assembly includes a mirror housing having a mirror support surface. A first conversation mirror face biased toward the driver is fitted to the mirror support surface. A second conversation mirror face biased toward the front seat passenger is fitted to the mirror support surface adjacent the first conversation mirror. The first conversation mirror face and the second conversation mirror face may be either spherical or aspherical. The first conversation mirror face may be separate from the second conversation mirror face. Alternatively, the first conversation mirror face and the second conversation mirror face define two facets of a single mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Grant A. Compton, Jay R. Degenkolb, Doug Vandervoort, George Walowich, Lynda Kristen Fulgenzi, Lisa Burns, Gerald L. Elrite
  • Publication number: 20100012205
    Abstract: A refilling system for a vehicle including a body panel having a fixed opening, an adjustable refilling assembly partially enclosed by the body panel, the adjustable refilling assembly including a first port and a second port, the adjustable refilling assembly movable between at least a first configuration in which the first port is aligned with the fixed opening and a second configuration in which the second port is aligned with the fixed opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Doug Vandervoort, Grant A. Compton, Stanley Jay Novak, Brenda Johnson, Kirk Rasmussen, Marius Efstate