Patents by Inventor Steve Kober
Steve Kober 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).
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Patent number: 11833947Abstract: A guide device for a retaining rod of a headrest, having a guide structure forming a channel for guiding and supporting the retaining rod, having a latch device including a latch movable between a latching position and a release position. The latch cooperates with a latch structure of the retaining rod to prevent movement of the retaining rod relative to the guide structure in at least one direction. In the latching position the latch device is engaged with the latch structure of the retaining rod and in the release position the latch is disengaged from the latch structure. The latch device has a locking device movable between a locking position and a disengagement position and has a locking structure which, in the locking position, is in the movement path of the latch to prevent movement from the latching position into the release position and, in a disengagement position, enable movement of the latch into a release position.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2022Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: GRAMMER AGInventors: Sebastian Schmitt, Steve Kober, Gerd Truckenbrodt, Markus Gradl, Stefan Bergler
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Publication number: 20230035161Abstract: A guide device for a retaining rod of a headrest, having a guide structure forming a channel for guiding and supporting the retaining rod, having a latch device including a latch movable between a latching position and a release position. The latch cooperates with a latch structure of the retaining rod to prevent movement of the retaining rod relative to the guide structure in at least one direction. In the latching position the latch device is engaged with the latch structure of the retaining rod and in the release position the latch is disengaged from the latch structure. The latch device has a locking device movable between a locking position and a disengagement position and has a locking structure which, in the locking position, is in the movement path of the latch to prevent movement from the latching position into the release position and, in a disengagement position, enable movement of the latch into a release position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2022Publication date: February 2, 2023Inventors: Sebastian SCHMITT, Steve KOBER, Gerd TRUCKENBRODT, Markus GRADL, Stefan BERGLER
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Patent number: 11453321Abstract: The invention relates inter alia to an actuator (15) for operating an accessory in the vehicle passenger compartment, having an actuating element movable relative to a housing between an unactuated position and an actuated position in opposite adjustment directions (y, y,) and is urged by a resetting device into the unactuated position, wherein it is possible for the actuating element to displace an element of the accessory that cooperates with the actuating element. The special feature is that the resetting device comprises at least one spring (18) configured as a spiral spring and having an outer end (25) and an inner end (26).Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2020Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: GRAMMER AGInventors: Steve Kober, Robin Koerner, Mario Backmann-Kluetsch
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Publication number: 20210061151Abstract: The invention relates inter alia to an actuator (15) for operating an accessory in the vehicle passenger compartment, having an actuating element movable relative to a housing between an unactuated position and an actuated position in opposite adjustment directions (y1, y2) and is urged by a resetting device into the unactuated position, wherein it is possible for the actuating element to displace an element of the accessory that cooperates with the actuating element. The special feature is that the resetting device comprises at least one spring (18) configured as a spiral spring and having an outer end (25) and an inner end (26).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2020Publication date: March 4, 2021Inventors: Steve KOBER, Robin Koerner, Mario Backmann-Kluetsch
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Publication number: 20200180483Abstract: The invention relates to a motor-vehicle accessory, comprising a moveable first part and a vehicle-fixed second part, wherein the first part is guided on the second part by a guide (43), wherein the guide (43) comprises at least one rack (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b) in engagement with a gear (21a, 21b, 23a, 23b), wherein the rack (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b) is on one of the parts, and the gear (21a, 21b, 23a, 23b) is on the other part. The particular feature consists in that the guide additionally comprises a tolerance compensation that comprises at least one running rail (26a, 26b, 28a, 28b) on one of the parts and engages a running wheel (25a, 25b, 27a, 27b) on the other one of the parts, wherein the running wheel (25a, 25b, 27a, 27b) and/or the running rail (26a, 26b, 28a, 28b) is elastically deformable, and a press-fit is formed between the running rail and the running wheel, so that the meshing teeth of the first part and of the second part are urged into a defined position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2019Publication date: June 11, 2020Inventors: Steve KOBER, Walter MERTEL
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Patent number: 10550906Abstract: The invention relates to a spring, in particular to move at least one part of a fixture of the vehicle interior space. It was the object of the invention to create a spring, that does not cause disturbing noises due to vibrations. The object is solved by the spring being made of plastic.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2017Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: GRAMMER AGInventor: Steve Kober
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Patent number: 10471871Abstract: The invention relates to a headrest (10) comprising at least one support rod (12a, 12b) by means of which a support (15) of the headrest is mounted on a vehicle seat, and a head-support part (25) is mounted on the support (15) in a fixed or movable manner relative to support (15), and the head-support part (25) covers a front part and a rear cover (17) held on the support (15) covers a rear part of the support (15), and the head-support part (25) has a primary edge and the support (15) has a secondary edge, and wherein the primary edge and the secondary edge overlap. It was the object of the invention to create a headrest that can be produced more easily and which offers greater flexibility in relation to different headrest variants for different customers. The object was achieved in that the head-support part comprises a front cover (18) and a separate head-support plate (16), wherein the front cover (18) forms the edge of the head-support part (25) and can be fastened on the head-support plate (16).Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2017Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: GRAMMER AGInventors: Steve Kober, Walter Mertel
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Patent number: 10406954Abstract: Among other things, the invention relates to a straight guide with at least two support rods (12a, 12b), wherein each support rod is movably guided within amount (15a, 15b) and can be secured with a latch (16) with relation to the amount (15a, 15b), wherein the latch (16) comprises at least one elastically deformable strip (17) that is permanently arranged relative to the mount, having at least one freely movable end section (18a, 18b), wherein each end section (18a, 18b) interacts with at least one notch (23). It was the object of the invention to create a straight guide with a latch, where the possibilities of arranging an actuation of the latch are more versatile.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2017Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: GRAMMER AGInventors: Steve Kober, Sebastian Schmitt
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Publication number: 20180154813Abstract: The invention relates to a headrest (10) comprising at least one support rod (12a, 12b) by means of which a support (15) of the headrest is mounted on a vehicle seat, and a head-support part (25) is mounted on the support (15) in a fixed or movable manner relative to support (15), and the head-support part (25) covers a front part and a rear cover (17) held on the support (15) covers a rear part of the support (15), and the head-support part (25) has a primary edge and the support (15) has a secondary edge, and wherein the primary edge and the secondary edge overlap. It was the object of the invention to create a headrest that can be produced more easily and which offers greater flexibility in relation to different headrest variants for different customers. The object was achieved in that the head-support part comprises a front cover (18) and a separate head-support plate (16), wherein the front cover (18) forms the edge of the head-support part (25) and can be fastened on the head-support plate (16).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2017Publication date: June 7, 2018Inventors: Steve KOBER, Walter MERTEL
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Publication number: 20180142751Abstract: The invention relates to a spring, in particular to move at least one part of a fixture of the vehicle interior space. It was the object of the invention to create a spring, that does not cause disturbing noises due to vibrations. The object is solved by the spring being made of plastic.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2017Publication date: May 24, 2018Inventor: Steve KOBER
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Publication number: 20180134197Abstract: Among other things, the invention relates to a straight guide with at least two support rods (12a, 12b), wherein each support rod is movably guided within amount (15a, 15b) and can be secured with a latch (16) with relation to the amount (15a, 15b), wherein the latch (16) comprises at least one elastically deformable strip (17) that is permanently arranged relative to the mount, having at least one freely movable end section (18a, 18b), wherein each end section (18a, 18b) interacts with at least one notch (23). It was the object of the invention to create a straight guide with a latch, where the possibilities of arranging an actuation of the latch are more versatile.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2017Publication date: May 17, 2018Inventor: Steve Kober
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Patent number: 9764622Abstract: In the manufacturing of an operating element (10) for an air vent, a first partial element (12) is manufactured from a hard component in a first injection molding process and a second partial element (14) is manufactured from a soft component in a second injection molding process. The second partial element (14) forms a bearing (20) for a support of the operating element (10) on a vane (22) of the air vent. During its manufacture, the second partial element (14) is connected with the first partial element (12) by adhesion and/or by geometric shaping. The two partial elements (12, 14) that are captively connected with each other constitute a prefabricated unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2011Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Harald Noichl, Steve Kober
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Patent number: 9434238Abstract: An air vent (10) having a housing (12) and an air guiding means (14) that is swivel-mounted in the housing (12) includes a mounting (24) by means of which the air guiding means (14) is mounted on the housing (12) for swiveling about at least one swivel axis, the mounting (24) being formed by a ball joint (30) having a bearing shell (34) and a ball head (32) mounted in the bearing shell (34), and the ball head (32) being of a multipart configuration with at least two spherical segments (50, 52), and a spring member (54) being provided that acts upon the spherical segments (50, 52) of the ball head (32) with a force that seeks to push the spherical segments (50, 52) apart.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2011Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: ITW Fastener Products GmbHInventors: Steve Kober, Marco Kuesperth
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Patent number: 9073407Abstract: The operating element (10) for an air vent includes a narrow passage (14) from a first side (16) to an opposite second side (18) for a blade (12). The passage (14) is limited at least on one side by a frame-shaped lateral portion (10) having a slit (24). At least a part (22) of the lateral portion (20) may be elastically deflected.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2011Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbHInventors: Steve Kober, Werner Lottes
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Publication number: 20130267158Abstract: In the manufacturing of an operating element (10) for an air vent, a first partial element (12) is manufactured from a hard component in a first injection molding process and a second partial element (14) is manufactured from a soft component in a second injection molding process. The second partial element (14) forms a bearing (20) for a support of the operating element (10) on a vane (22) of the air vent. During its manufacture, the second partial element (14) is connected with the first partial element (12) by adhesion and/or by geometric shaping. The two partial elements (12, 14) that are captively connected with each other constitute a prefabricated unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2011Publication date: October 10, 2013Applicant: TRW AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS & COMPONENTS GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Harald Noichl, Steve Kober
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Publication number: 20130210333Abstract: An air vent (10) having a housing (12) and an air guiding means (14) that is swivel-mounted in the housing (12) includes a mounting (24) by means of which the air guiding means (14) is mounted on the housing (12) for swiveling about at least one swivel axis, the mounting (24) being formed by a ball joint (30) having a bearing shell (34) and a ball head (32) mounted in the bearing shell (34), and the ball head (32) being of a multipart configuration with at least two spherical segments (50, 52), and a spring member (54) being provided that acts upon the spherical segments (50, 52) of the ball head (32) with a force that seeks to push the spherical segments (50, 52) apart.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2011Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbHInventors: Steve Kober, Marco Kuesperth
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Patent number: 8272931Abstract: An air conducting device includes a rigid support, an outlet, a flexible element that is fixedly connected to the outlet and a deflecting means which allows the outlet to be tilted about at least one axis of rotation at least into a first and a second position. The flexible element is fixedly connected to the support at a distance from the outlet such that at least one of the axes of rotation is defined as a substantially stationary axis of rotation in the area of the outlet, at the level of the connection to the flexible element. The air conducting device includes a small size of the components and a small number of required individual parts.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2007Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Faurecia Innenraum Systeme GmbHInventors: Mike Kogler, Steve Kober, Marco Braun
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Publication number: 20120129444Abstract: The operating element (10) for an air vent includes a narrow passage (14) from a first side (16) to an opposite second side (18) for a blade (12). The passage (14) is limited at least on one side by a frame-shaped lateral portion (10) having a slit (24). At least a part (22) of the lateral portion (20) may be elastically deflected.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Inventors: Steve Kober, Werner Lottes
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Patent number: 8128148Abstract: A vehicle contains a vehicle body with two A pillars and two B pillars which bound a vehicle interior, and an instrument panel which is arranged in the interior between the A pillars. The instrument panel has an instrument panel reinforcement. The instrument panel reinforcement has at least one first section and/or one second section, and the first and/or second section extends/extend in each case transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle at least over part of the instrument panel, beginning in each case on the outside of the instrument panel, in order to stiffen the instrument panel against a high force acting on the outsides of the instrument panel, for example against a force which is produced by a side impact. The contour of the instrument panel, including the instrument panel reinforcement, lies at least partially at a height between the A pillars and the B pillars at least in the region of the respective outside of the instrument panel.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Faurecia Innenraum Systeme GmbHInventors: Steve Kober, Marco Braun, Christo Gavrilov
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Publication number: 20110207393Abstract: An air vent (10), in particular for vehicle ventilation, comprising a frame (12), a first vane system (18) mounted for pivoting movement about a first axis in the frame (12), and a second vane system (20) mounted for pivoting movement about a second axis in the frame (12), comprises a common operating element (28) for pivoting the vane systems (18, 20), which has a slider (26) mounted on a vane (22) of the first vane system (18), and a connecting element (38) cardanically coupled to the slider (26), the connecting element (38) being coupled to a vane (24) of the second vane system (20) by means of a slotted guide, wherein the connecting element (38) is configured so as to have the shape of a fork and in that the slotted guide is formed by two parallel grooves (48) realized on either side of the vane (24) and by two pins (44) provided on the inner side of the fork ends (42) of the connecting element (38).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2011Publication date: August 25, 2011Inventor: Steve Kober