Patents by Inventor Rick Alan Anderson

Rick Alan Anderson 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: 12139077
    Abstract: An example apparatus includes a cavity defined by a vehicle door, with the cavity being configured to stow and charge an accessory device. The apparatus may also include an accessory cradle movable within the cavity and configured to retain the vehicle accessory. Examples of a method may include providing a cavity in an end portion of a vehicle door, with the cavity being configured to stow and charge an accessory device. The method may further include installing an accessory cradle within the cavity, with the accessory cradle being movable within the cavity and configured to retain the vehicle accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Austin Frederickson, Ivan Sanchez, Mike Selle, William David Blair, Garrett Lewis, Rick Alan Anderson, Alexander Ursin, Scott Pontoni, Jason Hilbourne
  • Patent number: 11885171
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a base comprising a bin; a cover moveable from a closed to an open position through an unlatched position; and a mechanism moveable to an extended position to prevent the cover from opening when subjected to an inertial force. The mechanism may hold the cover in a blocked position partially uncovering the bin. The mechanism may be re-set by opening the cover. The mechanism may comprise a blocker to prevent the cover from moving from the unlatched position to the open position. The cover may comprise a cam surface configured to move the blocker to re-set the mechanism and allow the cover to open. The cover may comprise an interface/bottom surface accessible when the cover is blocked by the mechanism. The component may comprise a console; storage compartment; instrument panel; floor console; or center console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas Scott Hodgson, Rick Alan Anderson, Dennis Jack VanHouten, Randy Len Arendsen
  • Patent number: 11572723
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a cover movable relative to a base between closed and open positions and a latch mechanism comprising a magnet arrangement for movement within the cover for engaged and disengaged states. The magnet arrangement may maintain the disengaged state after the cover is released from the base. A magnet of the base may retain the engaged state, a magnet may retain the disengaged state. The magnet arrangement may be concealed within the cover; a magnet arrangement may be concealed within the base. The base may comprise a first magnet on a sidewall and a second magnet on another sidewall; the cover may comprise a first magnet to engage the first magnet of the base and a second magnet to engage the second magnet of the base. The component may comprise a trim component, console, floor console, center console, or compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Triim Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas Scott Hodgson, Rick Alan Anderson, Dennis Jack VanHouten, Jason Rutkowski, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20230034903
    Abstract: An example apparatus includes a cavity defined by a vehicle door, with the cavity being configured to stow and charge an accessory device. The apparatus may also include an accessory cradle movable within the cavity and configured to retain the vehicle accessory. Examples of a method may include providing a cavity in an end portion of a vehicle door, with the cavity being configured to stow and charge an accessory device. The method may further include installing an accessory cradle within the cavity, with the accessory cradle being movable within the cavity and configured to retain the vehicle accessory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Inventors: Austin Frederickson, Ivan Sanchez, Mike Selle, William David Blair, Garrett Lewis, Rick Alan Anderson, Alexander Ursin, Scott Pontoni, Jason Hilbourne
  • Patent number: 11318891
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a base structure comprising a functional region configured to present a first form and a second form comprising a receptacle. The base structure may comprise an illuminated section at the functional region. The functional region may comprise a movable illuminated platform. The platform may move between an elevated state for a default form and a lowered state for the second form. The platform may be configured to be presented at a first or generally horizontal orientation and a second or generally tilted orientation. The illuminated section may comprise a perimeter of the functional region. The component may comprise an actuator configured to operate a mechanism for the functional region. The functional region may comprise wireless charging capability. The component may comprise at least one of a console; floor console; tunnel console; armrest; instrument panel; door; door panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Chris J. Harmelink, Jonathan Alan Dykstra, Brandon Miller, Brian Scott DeBlaay, Thomas Scott Hodgson, Rick Alan Anderson, Natalie Bogdanov, Norbert Truxa, Lucas Eyl, Jesus Maria Galan Garcia, Ivo Erler, Wei Lange-Mao, Bogdan Muresan
  • Patent number: 11285881
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a base comprising an outer surface and a support comprising an outer surface and configured to move between a raised position and a lowered position. The component may comprise a light source to provide a lighted border around the support and/or illuminate walls of the cavity. The outer surface of the support and the outer surface of the base may comprise a substantially continuous surface when the support is in the raised position. The support may descend into the base to provide a cavity. The support may rotate and translate as it descends. The support may comprise a switch to send a signal to move the support. The component may comprise a pump and a valve. The component may comprise at least one of a console, floor console, tunnel console, armrest, instrument panel, door or door panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Chris J. Harmelink, Jonathan Alan Dykstra, Brandon Miller, Brian Scott DeBlaay, Thomas Scott Hodgson, Rick Alan Anderson, Natalie Bogdanov, Norbert Truxa, Lucas Eyl, Jesus Maria Galan Garcia, Ivo Erler, Wei Lange-Mao, Bogdan Muresan
  • Patent number: 11285882
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a base structure comprising a functional region configured to present a first form and a second form comprising a receptacle. The base structure may comprise an illuminated section at the functional region. The functional region may comprise a movable illuminated platform. The platform may move between an elevated state for a default form and a lowered state for the second form. The platform may be configured to be presented at a first or generally horizontal orientation and a second or generally tilted orientation. The illuminated section may comprise a perimeter of the functional region. The component may comprise an actuator configured to operate a mechanism for the functional region. The functional region may comprise wireless charging capability. The component may comprise at least one of a console; floor console; tunnel console; armrest; instrument panel; door; door panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. LTD.
    Inventors: Chris J Harmelink, Jonathan Alan Dykstra, Brandon Miller, Brian Scott DeBlaay, Thomas Scott Hodgson, Rick Alan Anderson
  • Publication number: 20220063504
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The vehicle interior component may comprise a base providing a compartment, a cover movable relative to the base comprising a first door and a second door movable between closed and open positions, and a mechanism to couple the doors. The mechanism may provide an engaged state coupling movement of the doors and a disengaged state decoupling movement of the doors. The mechanism may comprise a first member and a second member that may extend and/or retract relative to the first member. At least one of the members may flex relative to the other. The mechanism may comprise a linkage. An effective length of the linkage may comprise a default length to couple movement of the doors and a non-default length to allow independent movement of one door. The component may comprise at least one of a console, a center console, a floor console.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: Thomas Scott Hodgson, Rick Alan Anderson, Andrew K. Ruiter, Adam R. Gofton
  • Patent number: 11225196
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component comprising a cover movable relative to a base and a latch mechanism configured for movement within the base for an engaged state and a disengaged state is disclosed. The latch mechanism may maintain the disengaged state after the cover has been released from the base. The latch mechanism may comprise a magnet fixed to and concealed within the cover; the magnet of the base may be concealed within the base. The component may comprise an opening mechanism for opening of the cover upon release of external force from the cover. The opening mechanism may move the latch mechanism within the base. The latch mechanism may extend through an opening in a sidewall of the base to engage the cover to secure the cover to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Rick Alan Anderson, Loren Ray Washburn
  • Patent number: 11220197
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The vehicle interior component may comprise a base providing a compartment, two covers moveable between closed and open positions and a link to couple and decouple movement of the covers. One of the covers may remain open as the other is closed. The link may comprise two arms; one arm may move relative to the other to enable relative movement of the covers. One arm may comprise a depression and the other may comprise a protrusion to engage the depression to couple movement of the arms. The link may comprise a spring to hold the protrusion with the depression to couple movement of the arms; the spring may compress to enable disengagement of the protrusion and depression to enable relative movement of the covers. The component may comprise at least one of a console, a center console, a floor console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: SHANGHAI YANFENG JINQIAO AUTOMOTIVE TRIM SYSTEMS CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Thomas Scott Hodgson, Rick Alan Anderson, Andrew K. Ruiter
  • Publication number: 20210347305
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a base structure comprising a functional region configured to present a first form and a second form comprising a receptacle. The base structure may comprise an illuminated section at the functional region. The functional region may comprise a movable illuminated platform. The platform may move between an elevated state for a default form and a lowered state for the second form. The platform may be configured to be presented at a first or generally horizontal orientation and a second or generally tilted orientation. The illuminated section may comprise a perimeter of the functional region. The component may comprise an actuator configured to operate a mechanism for the functional region. The functional region may comprise wireless charging capability. The component may comprise at least one of a console; floor console; tunnel console; armrest; instrument panel; door; door panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Inventors: Chris J. Harmelink, Jonathan Alan Dykstra, Brandon Miller, Brian Scott DeBlaay, Thomas Scott Hodgson, Rick Alan Anderson
  • Publication number: 20210339665
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a base comprising an outer surface and a support comprising an outer surface and configured to move between a raised position and a lowered position. The component may comprise a light source to provide a lighted border around the support and/or illuminate walls of the cavity. The outer surface of the support and the outer surface of the base may comprise a substantially continuous surface when the support is in the raised position. The support may descend into the base to provide a cavity. The support may rotate and translate as it descends. The support may comprise a switch to send a signal to move the support. The component may comprise a pump and a valve. The component may comprise at least one of a console, floor console, tunnel console, armrest, instrument panel, door or door panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Chris J. Harmelink, Jonathan Alan Dykstra, Brandon Miller, Brian Scott DeBlaay, Thomas Scott Hodgson, Rick Alan Anderson, Natalie Bogdanov, Norbert Truxa, Lucas Eyl, Jesus Maria Galan Garcia, Ivo Erler, Wei Lange-Mao, Bogdan Muresan
  • Publication number: 20210323455
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a base structure comprising a functional region configured to present a first form and a second form comprising a receptacle. The base structure may comprise an illuminated section at the functional region. The functional region may comprise a movable illuminated platform. The platform may move between an elevated state for a default form and a lowered state for the second form. The platform may be configured to be presented at a first or generally horizontal orientation and a second or generally tilted orientation. The illuminated section may comprise a perimeter of the functional region. The component may comprise an actuator configured to operate a mechanism for the functional region. The functional region may comprise wireless charging capability. The component may comprise at least one of a console; floor console; tunnel console; armrest; instrument panel; door; door panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: Chris J. Harmelink, Jonathan Alan Dykstra, Brandon Miller, Brian Scott DeBlaay, Thomas Scott Hodgson, Rick Alan Anderson, Natalie Bogdanov, Norbert Truxa, Lucas Eyl, Jesus Maria Galan Garcia, Ivo Erler, Wei Lange-Mao, Bogdan Muresan
  • Patent number: 11072290
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a base comprising a surface and a support comprising a surface and configured to move between raised and lowered positions. The surfaces of the support and base may comprise a substantially continuous surface when the support is in the raised position. The support may descend into the base to provide a cavity. The component may comprise a light source to illuminate a border around the support and walls of the cavity. The component may comprise a mechanism to move the support. The support may comprise a switch to send a signal to the mechanism to move the support. The mechanism may comprise an adaptive volume mechanism. The component may comprise a wireless charger configured to send a signal to a controller to move the support. The component may comprise at least one of a console; armrest; instrument panel; door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Chris J. Harmelink, Jonathan Alan Dykstra, Brandon Miller, Brian Scott DeBlaay, Thomas Scott Hodgson, Rick Alan Anderson
  • Publication number: 20210086701
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a base comprising a surface and a support comprising a surface and configured to move between raised and lowered positions. The surfaces of the support and base may comprise a substantially continuous surface when the support is in the raised position. The support may descend into the base to provide a cavity. The component may comprise a light source to illuminate a border around the support and walls of the cavity. The component may comprise a mechanism to move the support. The support may comprise a switch to send a signal to the mechanism to move the support. The mechanism may comprise an adaptive volume mechanism. The component may comprise a wireless charger configured to send a signal to a controller to move the support. The component may comprise at least one of a console; armrest; instrument panel; door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2020
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Inventors: Chris J. Harmelink, Jonathan Alan Dykstra, Brandon Miller, Brian Scott DeBlaay, Thomas Scott Hodgson, Rick Alan Anderson
  • Publication number: 20200270920
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a cover movable relative to a base between closed and open positions and a latch mechanism comprising a magnet arrangement for movement within the cover for engaged and disengaged states. The magnet arrangement may maintain the disengaged state after the cover is released from the base. A magnet of the base may retain the engaged state, a magnet may retain the disengaged state. The magnet arrangement may be concealed within the cover; a magnet arrangement may be concealed within the base. The base may comprise a first magnet on a sidewall and a second magnet on another sidewall; the cover may comprise a first magnet to engage the first magnet of the base and a second magnet to engage the second magnet of the base. The component may comprise a trim component, console, floor console, center console, or compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Publication date: August 27, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas Scott Hodgson, Rick Alan Anderson, Dennis Jack VanHouten, Jason Rutkowski, JR.
  • Patent number: 10737628
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The vehicle interior component may comprise a console assembly such as a floor console. The vehicle interior component may comprise a base providing a compartment; a cover movable from a closed position to an open position; and a latch mechanism comprising an arm providing a latch feature to secure the cover to the base. The cover may comprise a latch feature; the arm may move between an elevated position for the latch feature of the arm to engage the latch feature of the cover to secure the cover to the base and a retracted position for the latch feature of the arm to disengage the latch feature of the cover to release the cover from the base. The vehicle interior component may comprise a mechanism to actuate movement of the cover to the open position. The latch mechanism may comprise a concealed magnetic latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Rick Alan Anderson, Loren Ray Washburn, Dennis Jack VanHouten
  • Patent number: 10717390
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component may comprise a console assembly such as a floor console. The vehicle interior component may comprise a base providing a compartment; a cover movable between a closed position and open position; and a latch mechanism comprising an arm providing a latch feature to secure the cover to the base. The cover may comprise a latch feature; the arm may move between an elevated position for the latch feature of the arm to engage the latch feature of the cover to secure the cover to the base and a retracted position for the latch feature of the arm to disengage the latch feature of the cover to release the cover from the base. The vehicle interior component may comprise a mechanism to actuate movement of the cover to the open position. The latch mechanism may comprise a concealed magnetic latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Rick Alan Anderson, Loren Ray Washburn, Dennis Jack VanHouten
  • Patent number: 10710509
    Abstract: A collapsible storage bin is provided for a motor vehicle. The collapsible storage bin includes a first sidewall that is displaceable between a collapsed position and an erected position. First and second self-erecting end walls are connected to the first sidewall. Further, an end wall locking handle is provided. That end wall locking handle is displaceable between a stowed position and an end wall locking position that functions to secure the storage bin in the erected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Yanfeng US Automotive Interior Systems I LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Rowland, Douglas Robert Thompson, Allan Wayne Getliff, Chris James Harmelink, Kenneth John Hulst, Tyler James Newkirk, Randy William Nurenberg, Rick Alan Anderson
  • Publication number: 20200207277
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component may comprise a cover movable relative to a base between closed and open positions and a latch mechanism comprising a magnet configured for movement within the base for an engaged state and a disengaged state to release the cover from the closed position. The latch mechanism may maintain the disengaged state after the cover has been released from the base. The latch mechanism may comprise a magnet fixed to and concealed within the cover. The magnet of the base may be concealed within the base. The component may comprise an opening mechanism to actuate opening of the cover upon release of external force from the cover. The opening mechanism may move the latch mechanism within the base as the cover opens. The latch mechanism may extend through an opening in a sidewall of the base to engage the cover to secure the cover to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Rick Alan Anderson, Loren Ray Washburn