Steven G Morris

US Patent:

7478860, Jan 20, 2009

Filed:

May 17, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/749766

Inventors:

Jennifer P. Lawall - Waterford MI, US
Diane K. McQueen - Leonard MI, US
Steven E. Morris - Fair Haven MI, US

Assignee:

GM Global Technology Operations, Inc. - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B60N 2/02

US Classification:

296 6501

Abstract:

A vehicle includes a seat assembly and a floor. The seat assembly includes a lower seat member operatively connected to the floor, a seatback member operatively connected to the lower seat member, and a head restraint operatively connected to the seatback member. The seat assembly is characterized by an occupiable configuration and a stowed configuration. The seat assembly is configured such that movement of the seat assembly from its occupiable configuration to its stowed configuration causes the head restraint to rotate in a first direction and then a second direction.

US Patent:

7766422, Aug 3, 2010

Filed:

Apr 13, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/734945

Inventors:

Gary R. Edwards - Fenton MI, US
Steven E. Morris - Fair Haven MI, US
Jennifer P. Lawall - Waterford MI, US
Kurt A. Galazka - Macomb MI, US

Assignee:

GM Global Technology Operations, Inc. - Detroit MI

International Classification:

A47C 7/62

US Classification:

29718801, 29718805, 29718821, 297475, 297485

Abstract:

A device and method is provided for retaining cargo within a vehicle passenger compartment including a retaining portion and a vehicle seat having a lower seat portion, an upper back portion, and a frame. The retaining portion comprises a strap or mat which is operatively attached at one end to a front portion of the vehicle seat, while the other end is accessible within a bite line formed between the mating seat and back portions. The retaining portion is connectable to a front portion of the vehicle seat by means of either an open-ended hook or a snap-hook and an anchor, or by a snap fastener, the retaining portion being configured to secure cargo with respect to one of the seat portions. The device also includes a retractor mechanism such as a spring and spool operable to retract the retaining portion into the bite line for stowage.

US Patent:

7784819, Aug 31, 2010

Filed:

Feb 14, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/030983

Inventors:

Jennifer P. Lawall - Waterford MI, US
Diane K. McQueen - Leonard MI, US
Steven E. Morris - Fair Haven MI, US
Alan L. Browne - Grosse Pointe MI, US
Nancy L. Johnson - Northville MI, US
Scott D. Thomas - Novi MI, US
Kenneth A. Strom - Washington MI, US

Assignee:

GM Global Technology Operations, Inc. - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B60R 21/20

US Classification:

2807283, 2807302, 280735, 2807432

Abstract:

An embodiment of an airbag system includes a cavity configured to store an airbag, wherein the cavity has an aperture that provides an outlet for the airbag during deployment. The embodiment also includes a cover releasably attached over the aperture via an attachment mechanism having an initial attachment strength. The initial attachment strength is configured to reduce to a release attachment strength in response to receipt of a release signal at the attachment mechanism.

US Patent:

7810837, Oct 12, 2010

Filed:

Feb 3, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/364872

Inventors:

Scott D. Thomas - Novi MI, US
David J. Gorman - Royal Oak MI, US
Steven E. Morris - Fair Haven MI, US

Assignee:

GM Global Technology Operations, Inc. - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B60R 21/045

US Classification:

2807301

Abstract:

An inflatable restraint system for selectively restraining an occupant of a motorized vehicle is presented herein. The inflatable restraint system includes a bladder having forward and rearward panel portions. The bladder is attached to the vehicle instrument panel, and configured to transition from a non-expanded state, in which the rearward panel portion is substantially flush with respect to the instrument panel, to an expanded state, in which the rearward panel portion is extended into the passenger compartment distal from the instrument panel. An inflation device is operatively coupled to the bladder, and configured to selectively transition the bladder from the non-expanded state to the expanded state. One or more trajectory control arms are attached at one end to the bladder, and a second end to the vehicle. The trajectory control arms are configured to redirect the bladder along an upward, arcuate path when transitioning to the expanded state.

US Patent:

7891623, Feb 22, 2011

Filed:

Jun 21, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/425401

Inventors:

Michel E. Haddad - Troy MI, US
Steven E. Morris - Fair Haven MI, US

Assignee:

GM Global Technology Operations LLC - Detroit MI

International Classification:

A47K 1/08

US Classification:

2483112, 224926, 296 2434, 312242

Abstract:

A stowable cup holder tray assembly is provided for a vehicle having an interior floor structure. The cup holder assembly includes a stowage compartment having a bottom portion with a plurality of opposing sidewalls extending therefrom and defining a stowage volume. The stowage compartment is mounted substantially adjacent to the interior floor structure. A cover member is hinged to one of said plurality of opposing sidewalls and operates to substantially close said stowage volume. A cup holder tray member is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The stowage volume is sufficiently configured to receive said cup holder tray member when in said stowed position. A vehicle incorporating the disclosed cup holder tray assembly is also provided. The cup holder tray assembly is configured to be sufficiently close to the floor when in the stowed position to provide limited barriers within the interior of the vehicle.

US Patent:

7905547, Mar 15, 2011

Filed:

Mar 9, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/400026

Inventors:

Jennifer P. Lawall - Waterford MI, US
Diane K. McQueen - Leonard MI, US
Steven E. Morris - Fair Haven MI, US
Nancy L. Johnson - Northville MI, US
Alan L. Browne - Grosse Pointe MI, US
Paul W. Alexander - Ypsilanti MI, US
Gary L. Jones - Farmington Hills MI, US
Nilesh D. Mankame - Ann Arbor MI, US

Assignee:

GM Global Technology Operations, LLC - Detroit MI

International Classification:

A47C 7/46

US Classification:

2972844, 2972841

Abstract:

A manipulable lumbar support adapted for use with a seat upright defining a first surface condition, includes a structure disposed within the upright and presenting a first configuration, and an actuator employing an active material element configured to cause the structure to achieve a second configuration when activated.

US Patent:

7909403, Mar 22, 2011

Filed:

Feb 24, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/392100

Inventors:

Jennifer P. Lawall - Waterford MI, US
Steven E. Morris - Fair Haven MI, US
Diane K. McQueen - Leonard MI, US
Nancy L. Johnson - Northville MI, US
Alan L. Browne - Grosse Pointe MI, US
Paul W. Alexander - Ypsilanti MI, US
Nilesh D. Mankame - Ann Arbor MI, US

Assignee:

GM Global Technology Operations LLC - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B60N 2/42

US Classification:

2972849, 296 68

Abstract:

A manipulable seat bolster including an active material actuator configured to selectively cause or enable a condition, such as the geometric configuration, or position of the bolster to be modified, when the active material is activated.

US Patent:

8100471, Jan 24, 2012

Filed:

Feb 25, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/392103

Inventors:

Jennifer P. Lawall - Waterford MI, US
Steven E. Morris - Fair Haven MI, US
Diane K. McQueen - Leonard MI, US
Paul W. Alexander - Ypsilanti MI, US
Nancy L. Johnson - Northville MI, US
Alan L. Browne - Grosse Pointe MI, US
Nilesh D. Mankame - Ann Arbor MI, US

Assignee:

GM Global Technology Operations LLC - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B60N 2/42
B60N 2/02
B60R 21/00

US Classification:

2972161, 29721619, 29728411, 297313

Abstract:

An adjustable seat ramp adapted for use with a seat base and defining a first angle of inclination, includes a structure translatably disposed within or integrally formed with the base and presenting a first position, and further includes an actuator employing a shape memory material element and configured to cause the structure to translate to a second position, wherein a second angle of inclination is defined.