Patents by Inventor Kevin Michael Pline
Kevin Michael Pline 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: 11975680Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seatback and a seat portion supported by a frame assembly. The seat portion includes a carrier assembly and a displaceable platform pivotally coupled thereto for pivoting movement between a use position and a deployed position. A retraction mechanism includes a first bracket operably coupled to the frame assembly, and a second bracket operably coupled to the displaceable platform. The first and second brackets are operably coupled to one another by an actuator, and the second bracket is operable between first and second positions relative to the first bracket. A belt assembly includes a tether member and a belt member. The tether member is coupled between the first and second brackets, and the belt member is operable between a deployed position outside of the seatback, and a stowed position within an interior of the seatback.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2022Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Rachel Demerly, Raed EL-Jawahri, Robyne McBride, Benjamin Yilma, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Kevin Michael Pline, S. M. Akbar Berry
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Patent number: 11958435Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat portion having a frame assembly. A routing mechanism includes a plate member that is operably coupled to the frame assembly. The plate member includes a first portion having first and second raised portions spaced-apart from one another to define a channel therebetween. The routing mechanism further includes a connection assembly having upper and lower tabs spaced-apart from one another with a routing column assembly interconnecting the upper and lower tabs. A tether member includes a body portion that is routed through the routing mechanism, in that the body portion of the tether member is received in the channel of the routing mechanism and is wrapped around the routing column assembly and directed in forward direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Joseph Michael Kish, Macit Aktas, Benjamin Yilma, Derek Board, Kevin Michael Pline, Raed EL-Jawahri, Jeffrey Charles Paddock, James Robert Chascsa, II, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Rachel Demerly, Robyne McBride
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Patent number: 11904795Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seatback having an interior portion with a seatback frame disposed therein. A retraction mechanism includes a first bracket operably coupled to the seatback frame. A second bracket is operably coupled to the first bracket by an actuator that is operable between at-rest and actuated positions. A tether member includes a body portion that is operably coupled between the first and second brackets of the retraction mechanism for movement therewith. The tether member moves from a deployed position to a retracted position when the actuator moves from the at-rest position to the actuated position. A belt member is operably coupled to the tether member. The belt member is operable between a deployed position, wherein the belt member is disposed in front of the back support portion of the seatback, and a stowed position, wherein the belt member is received in the interior portion of the seatback.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2022Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Joseph Michael Kish, Macit Aktas, Benjamin Yilma, Derek Board, Kevin Michael Pline, Raed El-Jawahri, Jeff Charles Paddock, James Robert Chascsa, II, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Rachel Demerly, Robyne McBride
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Publication number: 20230406258Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seatback having an interior portion with a seatback frame disposed therein. A retraction mechanism includes a first bracket operably coupled to the seatback frame. A second bracket is operably coupled to the first bracket by an actuator that is operable between at-rest and actuated positions. A tether member includes a body portion that is operably coupled between the first and second brackets of the retraction mechanism for movement therewith. The tether member moves from a deployed position to a retracted position when the actuator moves from the at-rest position to the actuated position. A belt member is operably coupled to the tether member. The belt member is operable between a deployed position, wherein the belt member is disposed in front of the back support portion of the seatback, and a stowed position, wherein the belt member is received in the interior portion of the seatback.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2022Publication date: December 21, 2023Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Joseph Michael Kish, Macit Aktas, Benjamin Yilma, Derek Board, Kevin Michael Pline, Raed EL-Jawahri, Jeffrey Charles Paddock, James Robert Chascsa, II, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Rachel Demerly, Robyne McBride
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Publication number: 20230406177Abstract: A motor vehicle seating assembly includes a conventional common seat back frame, a plurality of forward soft trim carrier assemblies each having a unique configuration, a plurality of corresponding seat back panel and closeout assemblies, and an adapter carrier coupled with the common seat back frame and disposed between the forward soft trim carrier assembly and the corresponding seat back panel and closeout assembly. The adapter carrier includes a composite upper portion and a pair of depending frame attachment brackets coupled with a lower inboard and outboard lateral side of the composite upper portion of the adapter carrier. The pair of depending frame attachment brackets are coupled with a pair of opposed lateral side rails of the common seat back frame. The adapter carrier has a unique configuration corresponding with one of the plurality of forward soft trim carrier assemblies and the seat back panel and closeout assemblies.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2022Publication date: December 21, 2023Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: JOHNATHAN ANDREW LINE, Benjamin Yilma, Marcos Silva Kondrad, S M Akbar Berry, Raed Essa El-Jawahri, Kevin Michael Pline, Jeffrey Charles Paddock, Robyne McBride
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Publication number: 20230406260Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat portion having a frame assembly. A routing mechanism includes a plate member that is operably coupled to the frame assembly. The plate member includes a first portion having first and second raised portions spaced-apart from one another to define a channel therebetween. The routing mechanism further includes a connection assembly having upper and lower tabs spaced-apart from one another with a routing column assembly interconnecting the upper and lower tabs. A tether member includes a body portion that is routed through the routing mechanism, in that the body portion of the tether member is received in the channel of the routing mechanism and is wrapped around the routing column assembly and directed in forward direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2022Publication date: December 21, 2023Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Joseph Michael Kish, Macit Aktas, Benjamin Yilma, Derek Board, Kevin Michael Pline, Raed EL-Jawahri, Jeffrey Charles Paddock, James Robert Chascsa, II, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Rachel Demerly, Robyne McBride
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Publication number: 20230406259Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seatback and a seat portion supported by a frame assembly. The seat portion includes a carrier assembly and a displaceable platform pivotally coupled thereto for pivoting movement between a use position and a deployed position. A retraction mechanism includes a first bracket operably coupled to the frame assembly, and a second bracket operably coupled to the displaceable platform. The first and second brackets are operably coupled to one another by an actuator, and the second bracket is operable between first and second positions relative to the first bracket. A belt assembly includes a tether member and a belt member. The tether member is coupled between the first and second brackets, and the belt member is operable between a deployed position outside of the seatback, and a stowed position within an interior of the seatback.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2022Publication date: December 21, 2023Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Rachel Demerly, Raed EL-Jawahri, Robyne McBride, Benjamin Yilma, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Kevin Michael Pline, S.M. Akbar Berry
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Publication number: 20230406257Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat portion having a frame assembly, a carrier assembly and a displaceable platform operably coupled to the carrier assembly. The displaceable platform is operable between a use position and a deployed position. A retraction mechanism includes a first bracket operably coupled to the frame assembly, and a second bracket operably coupled to the displaceable platform. The first and second brackets are interconnected by an actuator that is operable between at-rest and actuated positions. The second bracket moves from a first position to a second position as the actuator moves from the at-rest position to the actuated position. At least one tether member is operably coupled to the first bracket and includes a body portion interlaced between the first and second brackets of the retraction mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2022Publication date: December 21, 2023Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Joseph Michael Kish, Macit Aktas, Benjamin Yilma, Derek Board, Kevin Michael Pline, Raed EL-Jawahri, Jeffrey Charles Paddock, James Robert Chascsa, II, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Rachel Demerly, Robyne McBride
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Patent number: 11453312Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to identify a child seat mounted to a vehicle seat and, then, to rotate the vehicle seat to a forward position.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2019Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Kevin Michael Pline
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Patent number: 10825359Abstract: A method includes receiving data including 3-dimensional scans of a plurality of torsos, dividing each scan into a plurality of cross-sections, calculating an area for each cross-section, and calculating a torso volume based on the calculated areas. The method may include fitting a curve defined by parameters to each cross-section. The area for each cross-section may be an area enclosed by the curve. The method may include receiving a desired torso volume percentile, and determining values for the parameters of the curves corresponding to the desired percentile.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2017Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Srinivasan Sundararajan, Parakrama Valentine Weerappuli, Kevin Michael Pline, Raed Essa El-Jawahri
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Patent number: 10800441Abstract: An assembly includes a steering column. The assembly includes a pair of steering handles pivotally supported by the steering column and pivotable from an extended position toward the steering column to a retracted position. The assembly includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to pivot the steering handles to the retracted position upon detecting a triggering event.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2018Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Derek Board, Srinivasan Sundararajan, Kevin Michael Pline
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Publication number: 20200298731Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to identify a child seat mounted to a vehicle seat and, then, to rotate the vehicle seat to a forward position.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2019Publication date: September 24, 2020Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Kevin Michael Pline
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Patent number: 10741097Abstract: A jacket includes a ventral piece; left and right inferior dorsal pieces shaped to cover a left and a right inferior dorsal torso, respectively; and a posterior piece shaped to cover a posterior. The ventral piece includes a ventral portion shaped to cover a ventral torso, a superior dorsal portion connected to the ventral portion and shaped to cover a superior dorsal torso, and a detachably attachable seam splitting the superior dorsal portion. The inferior dorsal pieces are each attachable to the ventral portion and detachably attachable to each other. The posterior piece is detachably attachable to the inferior dorsal pieces.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2018Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Parakrama Valentine Weerappuli, Srinivasan Sundararajan, Kevin Michael Pline
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Publication number: 20190259305Abstract: A jacket includes a ventral piece; left and right inferior dorsal pieces shaped to cover a left and a right inferior dorsal torso, respectively; and a posterior piece shaped to cover a posterior. The ventral piece includes a ventral portion shaped to cover a ventral torso, a superior dorsal portion connected to the ventral portion and shaped to cover a superior dorsal torso, and a detachably attachable seam splitting the superior dorsal portion. The inferior dorsal pieces are each attachable to the ventral portion and detachably attachable to each other. The posterior piece is detachably attachable to the inferior dorsal pieces.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2018Publication date: August 22, 2019Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Parakrama Valentine Weerappuli, Srinivasan Sundararajan, Kevin Michael Pline
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Patent number: 10384570Abstract: A restraint system includes a seatback having a top end portion; a retainer attached to the top end portion; a tether attachment bracket movable between a first position retained by the retainer and a second position below the first position along the seatback; and a spring coupled to the seatback and the tether attachment bracket and biasing the tether attachment bracket to the second position.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2017Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Kevin Michael Pline
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Patent number: 10328888Abstract: A seatbelt assembly includes webbing elongated along a length, a clip slidable along the length of the webbing, an indicator extending along the length of the webbing, and a sensor coupled to the clip and sensitive to the indicator. The seatbelt assembly measures a length of a lap band stretched across an occupant. Safety features may be tailored to the body type of the occupant.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2016Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Kevin Michael Pline
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Publication number: 20190071113Abstract: An assembly includes a steering column. The assembly includes a pair of steering handles pivotally supported by the steering column and pivotable from an extended position toward the steering column to a retracted position. The assembly includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to pivot the steering handles to the retracted position upon detecting a triggering event.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2018Publication date: March 7, 2019Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: DEREK BOARD, SRINIVASAN SUNDARARAJAN, KEVIN MICHAEL PLINE
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Patent number: 10112516Abstract: An armrest assembly for a vehicle includes a displaceable armrest element and a linkage assembly. The linkage assembly is configured for translating the displaceable armrest element between a deployed configuration and a folded configuration. The linkage assembly includes a spring-actuated pivoting over-center link configured to disengage the linkage assembly to allow the displaceable armrest element to rotate. An actuator is provided which on sensing an impact ruptures a frangible fastener holding the over-center link in a substantially parallel orientation to at least one drive link, thereby allowing the spring-actuated over-center linkage to pivot relative to the at least one drive link.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2016Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLCInventors: Srinivasan Sundararajan, Kevin Michael Pline, Derek Board, Rick Anderson, Ronald Anthony Bozio, David John McCarthy
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Publication number: 20180297496Abstract: A restraint system includes a seatback having a top end portion; a retainer attached to the top end portion; a tether attachment bracket movable between a first position retained by the retainer and a second position below the first position along the seatback; and a spring coupled to the seatback and the tether attachment bracket and biasing the tether attachment bracket to the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2017Publication date: October 18, 2018Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Kevin Michael Pline
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Publication number: 20180277020Abstract: A method includes receiving data including 3-dimensional scans of a plurality of torsos, dividing each scan into a plurality of cross-sections, calculating an area for each cross-section, and calculating a torso volume based on the calculated areas. The method may include fitting a curve defined by parameters to each cross-section. The area for each cross-section may be an area enclosed by the curve. The method may include receiving a desired torso volume percentile, and determining values for the parameters of the curves corresponding to the desired percentile.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2017Publication date: September 27, 2018Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Srinivasan Sundararajan, Parakrama Valentine Weerappuli, Kevin Michael Pline, Raed Essa EL-Jawahri