Jack S Palazzolo

US Patent:

6364394, Apr 2, 2002

Filed:

Mar 1, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/516434

Inventors:

Jack S. Palazzolo - Dearborn MI

Assignee:

Lear Corporation - Southfield MI

International Classification:

B62D 2514

US Classification:

296 70, 29620301

Abstract:

An instrument panel for use in a vehicle is disclosed. The instrument panel has a cross-car beam which provides structural support for the instrument panel and a retainer for securing a wire harness to the cross-car beam. The present invention provides a means to easily secure a wire harness to an instrument panel. Moreover, the retainer shields the wire harness thereby protecting the wire harness from damage.

US Patent:

6378934, Apr 30, 2002

Filed:

Jun 30, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/608569

Inventors:

Jack S. Palazzolo - Dearborn MI
Davin J. Cauvin - Royal Oak MI
Jeffrey L. Soncrant - Sterling Heights MI

Assignee:

Lear Corporation - Southfield MI

International Classification:

B60J 700

US Classification:

296208, 296 70, 454127

Abstract:

A cross-guard duct for a motor vehicle comprising a first member and a second member joined together at sealing points to form at least two chambers. Each chamber is provided with at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The chamber inlet is adapted to align with an outlet of a HVAC case. The chamber outlet is adapted to be connected to a vent or register of the motor vehicle. A support member extends downward from one of the chambers. The support member is an integral part of one of the members. The support member is adapted to support the HVAC case. The support member is provided with at least one pocket for receiving an energy-absorbing bracket. The invention is also directed towards a steering column support bracket comprising a metal and plastic molded over the metal.

US Patent:

6441510, Aug 27, 2002

Filed:

Mar 6, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/519110

Inventors:

David A. Hein - Sterling Heights MI
David J. Berels - Plymouth MI
Arthur W. Hess - Novi MI
Jack S. Palazzolo - Dearborn MI
Michael J. Hier - Royal Oak MI
John P. Slaven - Harper Woods MI

Assignee:

Lear Corporation - Southfield MI

International Classification:

H02G 300

US Classification:

307 101, 307 91, 34082502, 34082521, 439 34, 701 36

Abstract:

A configurable instrument panel design is provided that integrates component designs so that an instrument panel can be configured for a specific vehicle content as late in the vehicle assembly process as possible. An electrical system and modular instrument cluster are provided that utilizes the same flat flexible cable for every vehicle independent of vehicle content. Instrument cluster modules are provided with universal connector arrangement, where the type and function of a particular module determine which connectors are live. A plurality of different multiplexing links are built-in to the electrical system and wiring arrangement allowing the system to be universal across all possible instrument cluster configurations. This allows the system to accommodate lower option vehicles at a lower cost than conventional technology. Instrument cluster features can be configured at the time of assembly, all without customizing the electrical system and wiring arrangement.

US Patent:

6468457, Oct 22, 2002

Filed:

Dec 8, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/733278

Inventors:

Dean Corrion - Grosse Pointe Park MI
Jack S. Palazzolo - Dearborn MI
Michael J. Hier - Royal Oak MI
Timothy R. Hubbert - Novi MI

Assignee:

Lear Corporation - Southfield MI

International Classification:

A45F 500

US Classification:

264242, 264255, 264254, 264264, 224281

Abstract:

The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a vehicle cup holder arm, and a vehicle cup holder assembly produced thereby. The method includes injection molding a first material to form a base including an attachment feature adapted for engagement within an aperture adjacent a cup holder opening in a vehicle. A second material is injection molded to form an arm cup around the base and includes an arm. The second material does not chemically bond to the first material so that the arm cup and arm are rotatable with respect to the base for adjustably securing a cup in the cup holder opening. A third material is injection molded onto the arm to form a soft rubber grip for engaging a cup. The cup holder arm may be movable vertically for adjustment with respect to differently-sized cups.

US Patent:

6511342, Jan 28, 2003

Filed:

Mar 6, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/519815

Inventors:

David A. Hein - Sterling Heights MI
David J. Berels - Plymouth MI
Arthur W. Hess - Novi MI
Jack S. Palazzolo - Dearborn MI
Michael J. Hier - Royal Oak MI
John P. Slaven - Harper Woods MI

Assignee:

Lear Corporation - Southfield MI

International Classification:

H01R 1100

US Classification:

439502, 307 101

Abstract:

A configurable instrument panel design is provided that integrates component designs so that an instrument panel can be configured for a specific vehicle content as late in the vehicle assembly process as possible. An electrical system is provided that utilizes a flat flexible cable that is the same for every vehicle independent of vehicle content. Electronic modules are provided with connectors that only connect to the specific wires required for a particular module. A plurality of different multiplexing links are built-in to the electrical system and wiring arrangement allowing the system to be universal across all possible instrument panel configurations. This allows the system to accommodate lower option vehicles at a lower cost than conventional technology. Thin smart switch units can be installed at a final stage in the instrument panel assembly process to configure the feature content of the instrument panel. Features that can be configured include selecting between different types of audio system, climate control system, and integrated instrument panel, all without customizing the electrical system and wiring arrangement.

US Patent:

6560872, May 13, 2003

Filed:

Sep 27, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/966432

Inventors:

Gerald O. Morrison - Beverly Hills MI
Mark A. Folkert - Farmington Hills MI
Jack S. Palazzolo - Dearborn MI
Ian D. Haynes - Windsor, CA

Assignee:

Lear Corporation - Southfield MI

International Classification:

B21D 5388

US Classification:

298972, 29458, 2952513

Abstract:

A method for manufacturing a cross car beam assembly for use with a vehicle includes joining first and second support brackets to opposite ends of a cross car beam using an adhesive, such that the adhesive is a primary attachment means for joining the support brackets to the cross car beam. Furthermore, the support brackets are attachable to the vehicle so as to support the cross car beam in the vehicle.

US Patent:

6568707, May 27, 2003

Filed:

Feb 23, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/791366

Inventors:

Michael J. Hier - Royal Oak MI
Joseph Davis, Jr. - Ortinville MI
Jack Palazzolo - Dearborn MI
John Faarup - Rochester Hills MI

Assignee:

Lear Corporation - Southfield MI

International Classification:

B60R 2116

US Classification:

280732, 2807283, 264255

Abstract:

The present invention involves a molded seamless vehicle interior panel having a seamless airbag door for concealing an airbag. The panel includes a retainer portion and a door portion circumscribed by the retainer portion. The retainer portion is disposed adjacent the airbag of the vehicle and has an opening to define a void over the airbag. The retainer portion has an appearance finish of an aesthetic look. The door portion disposed within the void integrally circumscribed by the retainer portion to define the seamless airbag door through which the airbag may deploy. The door portion has an appearance finish compatible to the appearance of the retainer portion such that no seam is visible. The door portion is molded together with the retainer portion and formed of a material different than the material of the retainer portion.

US Patent:

6582011, Jun 24, 2003

Filed:

Sep 24, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/961717

Inventors:

Jack S. Palazzolo - Dearborn MI
David J. Cauvin - Royal Oak MI
Jeffrey L. Soncrant - Sterling Heights MI

Assignee:

Lear Corporation - Southfield MI

International Classification:

B60K 3700

US Classification:

296208, 296 70, 454 69, 165171, 138117

Abstract:

A plastic cross car beam for a motor vehicle includes first and second members joined together at sealing points to form at least two ducts. The cross sectional shapes of the ducts are essentially constant along the length of the cross car beam and shaped to provide structural support for various types of loadings. Each duct is provided with at least one inlet, aligned with an HVAC assembly, and one outlet, aligned with a vent or register. Preferably a support member, which is integral with one of the members, extends downward from one of the ducts and supports an HVAC case. Also, preferably, the support member is provided with a pocket for receiving an energy absorbing bracket.