Patents by Inventor Tim Ray Beard

Tim Ray Beard 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).

  • SHROUDS FOR STOWABLE STEERING COLUMNS
    Publication number: 20260159009
    Abstract: Shrouds for stowable steering columns are disclosed. An example vehicle includes a steering column, a lower shroud positioned around a lower portion of the steering column, the lower shroud in a fixed position relative to the steering column when the steering column moves between an operating position and a stowed position, and an upper shroud positioned around an upper portion of the steering column opposite the lower portion, the upper shroud including a portion that moves relative to the steering column when the steering column moves between the operating position and the stowed position, wherein a front end of the lower shroud is positioned closer than a front end of the portion of the upper shroud to a front of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2026
    Publication date: June 11, 2026
    Inventors: Kalyanaraman Bharathan, Tim Ray Beard, Thomas Junior Luckett, Paul Cepeda, Alma Elisa Lopez Rayon, Benjamin John Keur
  • Shrouds for stowable steering columns
    Patent number: 12559047
    Abstract: An example apparatus includes a steering column movable between an operating position and a stowed position, a first shroud coupled to the steering column, the first shroud positioned around a lower portion of the steering column, and a second shroud positioned around an upper portion of the steering column, the second shroud including a first portion coupled to at least one of the first shroud or the steering column, and a second portion having an adjustable displacement relative to the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2026
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kalyanaraman Bharathan, Tim Ray Beard, Thomas Junior Luckett, Paul Cepeda, Alma Elisa Lopez Rayon, Benjamin John Keur
  • SHROUDS FOR STOWABLE STEERING COLUMNS
    Publication number: 20240227695
    Abstract: Shrouds for stowable steering columns are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a steering column movable between an operating position and a stowed position, a first shroud coupled to the steering column, the first shroud positioned around a lower portion of the steering column, and a second shroud positioned around an upper portion of the steering column, the second shroud including a first portion coupled to at least one of the first shroud or the steering column, and a second portion having an adjustable displacement relative to the first portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2023
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Inventors: Kalyanaraman Bharathan, Tim Ray Beard, Thomas Junior Luckett, Paul Cepeda, Alma Elisa Lopez Rayon, Benjamin John Keur