Patents by Inventor Michael Robert Catlin
Michael Robert Catlin 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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Publication number: 20240051489Abstract: A component for a vehicle interior may comprise a composite structure comprising a fiber panel and a cover. The fiber panel may comprise a conductor. The conductor may provide a functional circuit for the composite structure. The conductor may comprise a pattern of electrically conductive threads. Conductive thread may be within the fiber panel. Conductive thread may be stitched into/onto the fiber panel. The conductor may comprise a stitch pattern comprising conductive thread comprising the functional circuit. The functional circuit may comprise a user interface, an input device, an output device, and/or a circuit element. The composite structure may comprise a resin structure for the fiber panel adjacent to the functional circuit. The component may comprise a trim panel, instrument panel, door panel, overhead panel, console, overhead console, floor console, interior trim component, pillar trim, operator control, steering control/wheel, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2023Publication date: February 15, 2024Inventors: Jennifer A. Stroebe, Michael Robert Catlin, Jason Denbow, Michael Edward Phillips, Jason Mathew Hipshier, Michael Gerard Zimmer, Scott Allen Hansen, Michael John Thomas
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Publication number: 20230331069Abstract: A component configured to dispense scent in a vehicle interior may comprise a scent-dispensing apparatus configured for at least one scent-dispensing cartridge (removable/replaceable) containing scent media. The apparatus may comprise an actuator operable in a bypass mode or for selection/actuation of a cartridge. A selected cartridge may be actuated from a sealed state to prevent airflow to an unsealed state to allow airflow across/through scent media and into the vehicle interior. The actuator may comprise a mechanism (e.g. slider, cam mechanism); each cartridge may comprise a valve mechanism actuated by the actuator; each mechanism may comprise a spring. The scent-dispensing apparatus may comprise a retainer to retain the scent-dispensing cartridge for use and to release the scent-dispensing cartridge for removal and a plunger to present the scent-dispensing cartridge to facilitate removal. The component may comprise a console, overhead console, floor console, center console, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2023Publication date: October 19, 2023Inventors: Michael Robert Catlin, Thomas Scott Hodgson, Shane M. Vorac, Weining Song, Xiaohui Pan, Xinqing Zhu
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Publication number: 20230311804Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2023Publication date: October 5, 2023Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 11766984Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 14, 2022Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20230211651Abstract: A cartridge for a vehicle interior component configured to dispense scent from scent media may comprise a body comprising an inlet port and an outlet port and a chamber to contain scent media; and a valve assembly comprising an inlet valve, an outlet valve and a valve mechanism. The valve assembly may facilitate air flow across scent media in the chamber and may provide a seal to obstruct air flow in the chamber. The valve mechanism may comprise an inlet spring to actuate the inlet valve and an outlet spring to actuate the outlet valve. The inlet spring and the outlet spring may be configured to be compressed in alignment with a connector to facilitate air flow. The component may comprise a console, overhead console, floor console, center console, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2023Publication date: July 6, 2023Inventors: Michael Robert Catlin, Thomas Scott Hodgson, Shane M. Vorac, Weining Song, Xiaohui Pan, Xinqing Zhu
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Publication number: 20230211727Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2022Publication date: July 6, 2023Inventors: Christopher Kring, Dale Todd Glynn, Scott Allen Hansen, James Bradley Price, Bryan Todd Jones, Tyler Lacroix, Michael Robert Catlin
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Patent number: 11679648Abstract: A component for a vehicle interior configured to dispense scent in a vehicle interior is disclosed. The component may comprise a scent-dispensing apparatus comprising a module configured for at least one scent-dispensing cartridge (removable/replaceable) containing scent media. An actuator may be configured to operate the module in a bypass mode or for selection/actuation of a cartridge. A selected cartridge may be actuated from a sealed state to prevent airflow through scent media to an unsealed state to allow airflow across/through scent media and into the vehicle interior. The actuator may comprise a mechanism (e.g. slider, cam mechanism); each cartridge may comprise a valve mechanism actuated by the actuator; each mechanism may comprise a spring. The module may comprise a fan to provide airflow. The component may provide a user interface. The component may comprise a console, overhead console, floor console, center console, etc.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2021Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.Inventors: Michael Robert Catlin, Thomas Scott Hodgson, Shane M. Vorac, Weining Song, Xiaohui Pan, Xinqing Zhu
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Patent number: 11279293Abstract: A vehicle interior component comprising a bin moveable relative to a base is disclosed. The bin may provide a closed position and an open position for bin access. The open position may comprise a side access state and an end access state comprising a front access state and/or a rear access state. The bin may move laterally relative to the base to provide the end access state. The bin may pivot relative to the base to provide the side access state. The component may comprise a carrier for the bin to extend relative to the base to provide the front access state. The base may comprise an end door assembly to open for the bin in the end access state. The bin may pivot with a side door assembly in the side access state. The component may comprise a console; floor console; center console; or storage compartment.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2020Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.Inventors: Syed Razvi, Thomas Scott Hodgson, Michael Robert Catlin, Jiunn Tyng Chen
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Publication number: 20210394589Abstract: A component for a vehicle interior configured to dispense scent in a vehicle interior is disclosed. The component may comprise a scent-dispensing apparatus comprising a module configured for at least one scent-dispensing cartridge (removable/replaceable) containing scent media. An actuator may be configured to operate the module in a bypass mode or for selection/actuation of a cartridge. A selected cartridge may be actuated from a sealed state to prevent airflow through scent media to an unsealed state to allow airflow across/through scent media and into the vehicle interior. The actuator may comprise a mechanism (e.g. slider, cam mechanism); each cartridge may comprise a valve mechanism actuated by the actuator; each mechanism may comprise a spring. The module may comprise a fan to provide airflow. The component may provide a user interface. The component may comprise a console, overhead console, floor console, center console, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2021Publication date: December 23, 2021Inventors: Michael Robert Catlin, Thomas Scott Hodgson, Shane M. Vorac, Weining Song, Xiaohui Pan, Xinqing Zhu
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Publication number: 20200254936Abstract: A vehicle interior component comprising a bin moveable relative to a base is disclosed. The bin may provide a closed position and an open position for bin access. The open position may comprise a side access state and an end access state comprising a front access state and/or a rear access state. The bin may move laterally relative to the base to provide the end access state. The bin may pivot relative to the base to provide the side access state. The component may comprise a carrier for the bin to extend relative to the base to provide the front access state. The base may comprise an end door assembly to open for the bin in the end access state. The bin may pivot with a side door assembly in the side access state. The component may comprise a console; floor console; center console; or storage compartment.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2020Publication date: August 13, 2020Inventors: Syed Razvi, Thomas Scott Hodgson, Michael Robert Catlin, Jiunn Tyng Chen
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Patent number: 10737636Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a base comprising an opening and first and second layers extending through the opening. The first and second layers may form a structure extending through the opening to an extended position. The first layer may engage the second layer to form the structure. The first layer may separate from the second layer when retracted into the base. The structure may comprise a protrusion formed by the first layer with the second layer to move from a retracted position to the extended position. The protrusion may extend beyond the base by a first distance when the protrusion is retracted and by a second distance greater than the first when the protrusion is extended. The second layer may comprise a bottom; the first layer may comprise a top to couple to the bottom to form the structure as the structure extends.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2019Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.Inventors: Michael Robert Catlin, Jason Mathew Hipshier
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Publication number: 20200017032Abstract: A component for a vehicle interior is disclosed. The component may comprise a base comprising a compartment and a cover/door assembly moveable between a closed position and an open position through an intermediate/transition position with a force provided by a vehicle occupant. The component may comprise a mechanism configured to facilitate movement of the cover from the open position toward the intermediate position and from the intermediate position into a fully open position. The mechanism may be configured (e.g. designed, tuned, etc.) to provide a braking/restraining/resisting force and/or an assist/lifting/pulling/pushing force to facilitate movement of the cover in a track/guide between open/closed positions through the intermediate position so that operation is within a desired range of force/effort for the occupant. The base and/or door assembly may comprise the mechanism; the mechanism may comprise at least one spring.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2019Publication date: January 16, 2020Inventor: Michael Robert Catlin
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Publication number: 20190232845Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a base comprising an opening and first and second layers extending through the opening. The first and second layers may form a structure extending through the opening to an extended position. The first layer may engage the second layer to form the structure. The first layer may separate from the second layer when retracted into the base. The structure may comprise a protrusion formed by the first layer with the second layer to move from a retracted position to the extended position. The protrusion may extend beyond the base by a first distance when the protrusion is retracted and by a second distance greater than the first when the protrusion is extended. The second layer may comprise a bottom; the first layer may comprise a top to couple to the bottom to form the structure as the structure extends.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2019Publication date: August 1, 2019Inventors: Michael Robert Catlin, Jason Mathew Hipshier
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Patent number: 10155483Abstract: A component for a vehicle interior to position a mobile device in the vehicle interior is disclosed. The component may comprise a base and a mechanism coupled to the base with a shelf configured to move from a retracted position to an extended position. The shelf may support the mobile device in the extended position. The base may comprise a storage area and the mechanism may cover the storage area when the shelf is in the extended position. The mechanism may descend from the base to move the shelf from the extended position to the retracted position. The mechanism may comprise a lower arm coupled to an upper arm by a pin and a spring. The lower arm may slide and rotate to move the shelf between the retracted position and the extended position. The component may comprise a locking mechanism to lock the shelf in the extended position.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2017Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.Inventors: Michael Robert Catlin, Thomas Scott Hodgson
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Patent number: 10112544Abstract: A vehicle armrest assembly is disclosed. A component for a vehicle interior is also disclosed. The component may comprise a base comprising (1) a first divider configured to form a main compartment and a first side compartment and (2) a second divider configured to form the main compartment and a second side compartment; a cover configured to enclose the main compartment; a first door configured to enclose the first side compartment; and a second door configured to enclose the second side compartment. The cover may be configured to extend between the first divider and the second divider and move along the first divider and the second divider to uncover the main compartment.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2017Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqlao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.Inventors: Michael Robert Catlin, Tyler James Newkirk, Craig David Flowerday, David John McCarthy
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Publication number: 20180079369Abstract: A component for a vehicle interior to position a mobile device in the vehicle interior is disclosed. The component may comprise a base and a mechanism coupled to the base with a shelf configured to move from a retracted position to an extended position. The shelf may support the mobile device in the extended position. The base may comprise a storage area and the mechanism may cover the storage area when the shelf is in the extended position. The mechanism may descend from the base to move the shelf from the extended position to the retracted position. The mechanism may comprise a lower arm coupled to an upper arm by a pin and a spring. The lower arm may slide and rotate to move the shelf between the retracted position and the extended position. The component may comprise a locking mechanism to lock the shelf in the extended position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2017Publication date: March 22, 2018Inventors: Michael Robert Catlin, Thomas Scott Hodgson
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Patent number: 9783124Abstract: A vehicle console with a mobile device holder is disclosed. A mobile device holder for use in a vehicle is also disclosed. The mobile device holder may comprise a base having a compartment with an opening and a cover connected to the base and configured to move relative to the compartment from a closed position covering the opening to an open position where an underside of the cover is displayed. The cover may include a cradle on the cover underside configured to hold and display one or more mobile devices. The cradle may include an opening to allow a cable to be connected to one mobile device(s). The compartment may include an electronic port connectable to the cable. The mobile device holder may comprise a bin connected to the compartment and configured for holding the cable. The bin may include a cover member configured for providing access to the bin.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2017Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Inventors: Michael Robert Catlin, Randal John VanHoof
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Publication number: 20170267183Abstract: A vehicle armrest assembly is disclosed. A component for a vehicle interior is also disclosed. The component may comprise a base comprising (1) a first divider configured to form a main compartment and a first side compartment and (2) a second divider configured to form the main compartment and a second side compartment; a cover configured to enclose the main compartment; a first door configured to enclose the first side compartment; and a second door configured to enclose the second side compartment. The cover may be configured to extend between the first divider and the second divider and move along the first divider and the second divider to uncover the main compartment.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2017Publication date: September 21, 2017Inventors: Michael Robert Catlin, Tyler James Newkirk, Craig David Flowerday, David John McCarthy
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Publication number: 20170144613Abstract: A vehicle console with a mobile device holder is disclosed. A mobile device holder for use in a vehicle is also disclosed. The mobile device holder may comprise a base having a compartment with an opening and a cover connected to the base and configured to move relative to the compartment from a closed position covering the opening to an open position where an underside of the cover is displayed. The cover may include a cradle on the cover underside configured to hold and display one or more mobile devices. The cradle may include an opening to allow a cable to be connected to one mobile device(s). The compartment may include an electronic port connectable to the cable. The mobile device holder may comprise a bin connected to the compartment and configured for holding the cable. The bin may include a cover member configured for providing access to the bin.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2017Publication date: May 25, 2017Inventors: Michael Robert Catlin, Randal John VanHoof