Patents by Inventor Thomas Scott Hodgson

Thomas Scott Hodgson 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20230331069
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Robert Catlin, Thomas Scott Hodgson, Shane M. Vorac, Weining Song, Xiaohui Pan, Xinqing Zhu
  • Publication number: 20230211651
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2023
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Robert Catlin, Thomas Scott Hodgson, Shane M. Vorac, Weining Song, Xiaohui Pan, Xinqing Zhu
  • Patent number: 11679648
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Robert Catlin, Thomas Scott Hodgson, Shane M. Vorac, Weining Song, Xiaohui Pan, Xinqing Zhu
  • Patent number: 11578515
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component configured to be actuated by an inertia force is disclosed. The component may comprise a cover moveable relative to a base between closed and open positions and a latch mechanism to provide a latched state for the cover when actuated by the inertia force and to hold the cover in an unlatched state. The latch mechanism may be configured to change state of the cover from the unlatched state to the latched state when actuated by the inertia force. The cover may comprise the latch mechanism. The latch mechanism may extend from the cover in the latched state. The latch mechanism may form a generally continuous surface with a wall of the cover when unlatched. The latch mechanism may comprise a spring to hold the cover in the unlatched state. The component may comprise at least one of a console; center console; floor console; an armrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas Scott Hodgson
  • Patent number: 11577635
    Abstract: A component for a vehicle may comprise a roller rotatable relative to a base, a sheet coupled to the roller and movable between a retracted state and an extended state, a lock mechanism and a button. The lock mechanism may disengage to allow sheet movement and engage to block sheet movement. The lock mechanism may comprise an arm to engage the teeth on the roller to hold the sheet in the extended state. The button may comprise a latch to prevent engagement. The component may comprise an actuator to move the lock mechanism to block sheet movement and rotate the roller to provide tension in the sheet. The actuator may comprise a motor. The component may comprise a sensor and a controller for the actuator/motor. The component may comprise a cover or retractable table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas Scott Hodgson, Tamanna Nabar
  • 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.
  • Patent number: 11466479
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a cover moveable relative to a base and a latch mechanism to provide an unlatched state for the cover and a latched state when actuated by an external/inertia force (e.g. in an event such as a rollover). The latch mechanism may comprise a latch/member extending through an opening in the cover into the base when the cover is closed and retracted into the cover when the cover is open. When the cover is closed, the latch mechanism may provide an unlatched state with the latch in an intermediate position (for an occupant's ordinary use) and a latched state with the latch fully extended to engage a catch in the base (upon the event providing the external force to prevent the cover opening). The component may comprise a console providing a storage compartment or an armrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas Scott Hodgson, Tamanna Nabar
  • Patent number: 11318892
    Abstract: A component for use in a vehicle that may be subjected to an event/external force is disclosed. The component may comprise a bin; a cover moveable between closed and open positions; a latch mechanism to hold and release the cover; a catch mechanism moveable to a blocking position to prevent the cover from opening. The cover may be retained by the catch mechanism in the closed position. The catch mechanism may comprise a pin moveable relative to the cover within a catch/track of the cover. The catch mechanism may move from the blocking position to a second blocking position to prevent the cover from opening. The catch mechanism may release the cover to facilitate opening of the cover in response to (a) a first actuating force applied to the cover; (b) release of the first actuating force; and (c) a second actuating force applied to the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas Scott Hodgson
  • 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: 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
  • 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: 11279293
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Syed Razvi, Thomas Scott Hodgson, Michael Robert Catlin, Jiunn Tyng Chen
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20220009394
    Abstract: A component for a vehicle is disclosed. The component may comprise a roller rotatable relative to a base, a sheet coupled to the roller and movable between a retracted state and an extended state, a lock mechanism and a button. The lock mechanism may disengage to allow sheet movement and engage to block sheet movement. The lock mechanism may comprise an arm to engage the teeth on the roller to hold the sheet in the extended state. The button may comprise a latch to prevent engagement. The component may comprise an actuator to move the lock mechanism to block sheet movement and rotate the roller to provide tension in the sheet. The actuator may comprise a motor. The component may comprise a sensor and a controller for the actuator/motor. The component may comprise a cover or retractable table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Inventors: Thomas Scott Hodgson, Tamanna Nabar
  • 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: 20210394589
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Inventors: Michael Robert Catlin, Thomas Scott Hodgson, Shane M. Vorac, Weining Song, Xiaohui Pan, Xinqing Zhu
  • 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: 20210348425
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a cover moveable relative to a base and a latch mechanism to provide an unlatched state for the cover and a latched state when actuated by an external/inertia force (e.g. in an event such as a rollover). The latch mechanism may comprise a latch/member extending through an opening in the cover into the base when the cover is closed and retracted into the cover when the cover is open. When the cover is closed, the latch mechanism may provide an unlatched state with the latch in an intermediate position (for an occupant's ordinary use) and a latched state with the latch fully extended to engage a catch in the base (upon the event providing the external force to prevent the cover opening). The component may comprise a console providing a storage compartment or an armrest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas Scott Hodgson, Tamanna Nabar
  • 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