Patents by Inventor Heather R. Springer

Heather R. Springer 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).

  • Vehicle interior panel
    Patent number: 9707919
    Abstract: An airbag deployment system is provided that includes a support structure, and a fabric material configured to form a show surface of a vehicle interior panel. A first portion of the fabric material is coupled to the support structure by a rigid connection, a second portion of the fabric material is coupled to the support structure by a detachable connection, and the detachable connection is configured to release the second portion of the fabric material from the support structure upon contact between an airbag and the fabric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventors: Glenn A. Cowelchuk, Nels Smith, Heather R. Springer, Mark S. Jurek, Ronald A. Bozio, Sandra L. Smith, Jeffrey A. Deyoung, Tony M. Pokorzynski, David John McCarthy
  • VEHICLE INTERIOR ZERO GAP SYSTEM AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20150360623
    Abstract: A vehicle interior comprises a zero-gap joint formed by a first component that holds a sheet-like flexible material that is supported by supports, and a protrusion of a second component that contacts and deforms the material. The material may comprise a fabric or coated material that is coordinated with the design of the interior. The joint may be formed between components that move relative to one another during normal operation of the vehicle, such as between an instrument panel and a vehicle door panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: December 17, 2015
    Inventors: Danny B. Larsen, Chris J. Harmelink, Tyler Newkirk, Heather R. Springer, David J. McCarthy, Glenn A. Cowelchuk, Nicholas T. Moelker
  • AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM FOR A FABRIC WRAPPED VEHICLE INTERIOR PLANEL
    Publication number: 20150224955
    Abstract: An airbag deployment system is provided that includes a support structure, and a fabric material configured to form a show surface of a vehicle interior panel. A first portion of the fabric material is coupled to the support structure by a rigid connection, a second portion of the fabric material is coupled to the support structure by a detachable connection, and the detachable connection is configured to release the second portion of the fabric material from the support structure upon contact between an airbag and the fabric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Inventors: Glenn A. Cowelchuk, Nels Smith, Heather R. Springer, Mark S. Jurek, Ronald A. Bozio, Sandra L. Smith, Jeffrey A. Deyoung, Tony M. Pokorzynski, David John McCarthy
  • Airbag deployment system for a fabric wrapped vehicle interior panel
    Patent number: 9016716
    Abstract: An airbag deployment system is provided that includes a support structure, and a fabric material configured to form a show surface of a vehicle interior panel. A first portion of the fabric material is coupled to the support structure by a rigid connection, a second portion of the fabric material is coupled to the support structure by a detachable connection, and the detachable connection is configured to release the second portion of the fabric material from the support structure upon contact between an airbag and the fabric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Glenn A. Cowelchuk, Nels Smith, Heather R. Springer, Mark S. Jurek, Ronald A. Bozio, Sandra L. Smith, Jeffrey A. Deyoung, Tony M. Pokorzynski, David John McCarthy
  • AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM FOR A FABRIC WRAPPED VEHICLE INTERIOR PANEL
    Publication number: 20140131983
    Abstract: An airbag deployment system is provided that includes a support structure, and a fabric material configured to form a show surface of a vehicle interior panel. A first portion of the fabric material is coupled to the support structure by a rigid connection, a second portion of the fabric material is coupled to the support structure by a detachable connection, and the detachable connection is configured to release the second portion of the fabric material from the support structure upon contact between an airbag and the fabric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    Inventors: Glenn A. Cowelchuk, Heather R. Springer, Mark S. Jurek, Ronald A. Bozio, Sandra L. Smith, Jeffrey A. Deyoung, Tony M. Pokorzynski, David John McCarthy
  • Glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic components
    Publication number: 20020135161
    Abstract: Plastic structural components suitable for use in automotive applications and exhibiting improved impact strength, energy absorption, and reduced fragmentation upon impact are made from a fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin. The improved properties are achieved by using reinforcing fibers having a weight average length of at least about 4 mm. Specific applications include vehicle instrument panel substrates that are used for supporting a foam padding and an aesthetic covering, and concealing an inflatable air bag that deploys into the occupant compartment of the vehicle in the event of a severe collision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Tony M. Lamb, Heather R. Springer