Prince Corporation

Dale J Frye

Michael J Suman

Alan L Kindig

Kenneth M Lindberg

Robert J Stander

David J Spykerman

Russell L Clark

Gordon B Kempkers

Scott S Bainbridge

Joseph B Buonodono

Nathan W Young

Jerry M DeJong

Russell P Shafer

Jeffrey D Gras

David A Ozios

Stewart D Reed

Robert P Ryan

A trim panel connecting link for one of the vehicle pillars, such as an A-pillar includes electrical conductors with a plug or socket at each opposite end thereof which connect with a mating socket or plug in the headliner and instrument panel for interconnecting the vehicle electrical system with the headliner electrical components. In a preferred embodiment an A-pillar display is mounted to the trim panel. In another embodiment the display is coupled to the conductors of the connecting link.

Trim panel connecting link

A console includes a housing which attaches to the underlying frame of a seat and moves with the seat such that it positions the console in fixed relationship to the occupant of the seat as the seat may be moved to different positions for different passengers or drivers. In one embodiment, the housing is L-shaped to provide storage along one side of the seat as well as along the front. In one embodiment the side of the housing includes an adjustable strap for holding articles such as a briefcase, purse or satchel to the side of the console. At least one storage bin which may or may not be covered is positioned for access from above.

Console

A universal connector mechanically couples any one or more of a variety of accessories to a vehicle. The universal connector comprises a first mounting member, which can extend along a section of a vehicle such as a door panel, instrument panel or the like and can be mounted in recessed relationship to the vehicle. The universal connector also includes a second mounting member associated with each accessory and shaped to lockably and removably engage the first mounting member. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one of the mounting members is made of a resilient material to allow a snap-fit interconnection of the two members.

Universal vehicle accessory mounting system

A flexible sun shading membrane has an edge coupled to a window frame and an opposite edge attached to a moveable member which has at least two stable positions, one being closed adjacent and conforming to the window frame and a second position extended and lowered from the window frame to stretch the membrane into a sun blocking position.

Flexible sun visor with over-center spring

A movable door actuating member is mechanically connected to a door latching control through a flexible sealing membrane in the door panel. The door actuating member is movably mounted to the door panel and includes a camming surface which deflects the membrane which in turn engages a cam follower of the latching mechanism for actuating the door latch for opening the door.

Vehicle door actuating control having a flexible sealing membrane

A door closing system includes a foot actuated pedal positioned conveniently near a vehicle door to be actuated, a flexible member having one end coupled to the pedal and a spring and interference fitting for coupling the flexible member to the door such that actuation of the pedal will provide a force to the door tending to close the door.

Pedal actuated vehicle door closer

A torque control for providing a desired frictional resistance to a pivotally mounted vehicle accessory, such as an armrest or headrest, which includes a resilient member having an irregular arcuate slot. A resistance element extends in the slot to move along the length thereof as the pivoted component pivots about the pivot axis. In one modification, the shape of the slot provides a desired predetermined frictional resistance and in another modification a cutout is made in one of the walls of the slot permitting such wall to flex.

Armrest torque control

A torque control for providing a desired frictional resistance to a pivotally mounted vehicle accessory, such as an armrest or headrest, which includes a resilient member having an irregular arcuate slot. A resistance element extends in the slot to move along the length thereof as the pivoted component pivots about the pivot axis. The shape of the slot provides a desired predetermined frictional resistance.

Growing community of inventors

Holland, MI, United States of America

Dale J Frye