Patents by Inventor David Epaud

David Epaud 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).

  • Patent number: 12252049
    Abstract: A method for assembling a tube into a frame part of a vehicle seat comprises the steps of: i) providing a tube such that a first free end of a first side of an end portion of the tube is offset longitudinally relative to a second free end of a second side of the end portion; ii) providing a frame part in the form of a metal plate; iii) arranging the first and second free ends of the tube in contact with the frame part, in two longitudinally offset areas of contact; and iv) successively creating, by means of a same laser, a weld at the first and second areas of contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2025
    Assignee: FAURECIA Sièges d'Automobile
    Inventors: Sylvain Roche, David Epaud, Farouk Bouzid
  • Publication number: 20250074260
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly comprises a squab frame, a slideway and a latching device selectively activatable to lock/unlock movement of the squab frame relative to a movable profile of the slideway. The latching device comprises a shaft, a hook movable between a latched position of the latching device and an unlatched position of the latching device, a latch cam movable to selectively latch the hook in its latched position, and a device for driving the latch cam between a latched position of the hook in its latched position of the latching device and another position. The drive device comprises a cam which drives the latch cam into motion as it travels along a fixed cam track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2024
    Publication date: March 6, 2025
    Inventors: Sylvain ROCHE, Farouk BOUZID, David EPAUD
  • Publication number: 20250074265
    Abstract: A vehicle seat comprising a squab, a slideway, a front connecting rod, a rear connecting rod, a linking rod, a latch and an elastic element, wherein: the slideway comprises a first element and a second element, the front connecting rod is rotatably mounted on the second element of the slideway about a lower front hinge axis, the rear connecting rod is rotatably mounted on the first element about a movable lower rear hinge axis, the linking rod is rotatably mounted on the front connecting rod and on the rear connecting rod, the elastic element urges the lower rear hinge axis to move, the seat is configured to move to a retracted configuration by moving the lower front hinge axis closer to the lower rear hinge axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2024
    Publication date: March 6, 2025
    Inventors: David EPAUD, Luis Filipe MARQUES ABREU
  • Publication number: 20250074266
    Abstract: In a vehicle seat assembly, a squab frame is pivotable relative to a movable element of a slideway. A connecting rod, connected to a fixed element of the slideway, is guided in translation relative to the squab frame. A stop limits the translation of the connecting rod. The length of travel of the slideway, the connecting rod and the stop are shaped so that an extension of the slideway while the connecting rod is in contact with the stop, causes the squab frame to rotate, supported by the action of a linear actuator mounted between the movable element of the slideway and the squab frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2024
    Publication date: March 6, 2025
    Inventors: David EPAUD, Farouk BOUZID, Luis Filipe MARQUES ABREU
  • Publication number: 20240424961
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat (1) comprising:—a seat frame (2),—anchoring means (3) for anchoring the seat (1) to the floor of a vehicle,—connecting means (4) for connecting the seat frame (2) to the anchoring means (3), allowing the seat frame (2) to be moved with respect to the anchoring means (3) at least in the longitudinal direction (X) and in the vertical direction (Z) of the seat (1),—a backrest (5) pivotably articulated to the seat frame (2) in the vicinity of its rear edge (AR) about a first transverse axis (Y1) of the seat (1),—an underframe (6) pivotably articulated to the anchoring means (3) about a second transverse axis (Y2) of the seat (1) and pivotably articulated to the backrest (5) about a third transverse axis (Y3) of the seat (1). The underframe (6) is articulated to the anchoring means (3) by way of an emergency connecting rod (10) that allows the seat to be tilted into an exit-facilitating emergency position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2022
    Publication date: December 26, 2024
    Inventors: Sylvain ROCHE, David EPAUD, Farouk BOUZID
  • Patent number: 11999273
    Abstract: A vehicle seat comprising a base, intended to be connected to the floor of the vehicle, a seating portion frame, hinged to the base so as to pivot about a transverse axis of the seat, a backrest hinged to the base so as to pivot about the transverse axis of the seat, hinge means connecting the seating portion frame to the backrest, configured so that the pivoting of the backrest relative to the base about the transverse axis causes the pivoting of the seating portion frame relative to the base about the transverse axis. The hinge means are also configured so as to connect the seating portion frame to the floor in order to move the front edge of the seating portion frame closer to or further away from the floor, the rear edge remaining fixed relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: FAURECIA Sièges d'Automobile
    Inventors: David Epaud, Andreas Rohlfing, Lucasz Tyl
  • Patent number: 11993181
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly comprising: a seat with: a seating portion having a front edge and a rear edge, means for connecting the seating portion to the floor of the vehicle, a backrest, rotatable relative to the seating portion about a first transverse axis, a control device comprising a detection means, comprising a signal transmitter and a receiver, and wherein the signal transmitter is configured so that the transmitted signal passes through a determined area for detecting an obstacle near the seat, the transmitter and the receiver being positioned so as to be able to detect an obstacle in the path of the seating portion and/or of the backrest when changing the position of the seating portion and/or of the backrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: FAURECIA Sièges d'Automobile
    Inventors: David Epaud, Farouk Bouzid, Sylvain Roche
  • Patent number: 11850974
    Abstract: A vehicle seat comprising: seatback; a seat bottom mounted pivoting relative to the seatback and a track comprising a fixed element and a mobile element moveable relative to the fixed element. The seat bottom pivots relative to the mobile element of the track. The seatback slides relative to the fixed element of the track. The seatback pivots relative to the fixed element of the track, around the mobile transverse axis. A stop limits the movement of the seatback. The seat bottom is shaped for pulling on the seatback and causing the rotation of the seatback, in case of movement of the mobile element of the track relative to the fixed part once the stop blocks the movement of the seatback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: FAURECIA Sièges d'Automobile
    Inventors: Sylvain Roche, David Epaud, Farouk Bouzid
  • Patent number: 11845366
    Abstract: A seat of a vehicle comprising a seat base, fixation means for fixing to the floor of a vehicle, a front connecting rod pivoting along a first axis at the fixation means and along a second axis at the base, a lower rear connecting rod pivoting along a third axis at the fixation means, an upper rear connecting rod pivoting along a fourth axis at the base and along a fifth axis at the lower rear connecting rod, a locking means able to transition: from a locked state, wherein it prevents the rotation of the lower rear connecting rod in relation to the upper rear connecting rod, to an unlocked state, wherein it enables the rotation of the lower rear connecting rod in relation to the upper rear connecting rod, and conversely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: FAURECIA Sièges d'Automobile
    Inventors: Sylvain Roche, David Epaud, Farouk Bouzid
  • Publication number: 20230373360
    Abstract: A vehicle seat having a seat bottom comprising a ramp and a stop, a slide comprising a first slide segment and a second slide segment, a movable element capable of being moved relative to the slide, the seat bottom being pivotally mounted relative to the movable element about a pivot axis, an articulation member that is stationary relative to the slide member, and a pivoting connecting rod having a first end that is articulated to the articulation member and a second end able to slide against the ramp during the movement of the movable element on the first slide segment, the pivoting connecting rod being shaped to push against the ramp and cause the rotation of the seat bottom during the movement of the movable element on the second slide segment, the second end of the connecting rod bearing against the stop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: Farouk BOUZID, Sylvain ROCHE, David EPAUD
  • Patent number: 11772524
    Abstract: A vehicle seat comprising: a seat base frame, anchoring means for anchoring to the floor of a vehicle, a backrest pivotably hinged to the seat base frame, a substructure pivotably hinged to the anchoring means and to the backrest, a front connecting rod pivotably hinged to the anchoring means and to the seat base frame, a sector gear pivotably hinged to the anchoring means, an irreversible electric motor configured to cause rotation of the sector gear relative to the anchoring means, a first locking means for locking the rotation of the substructure relative to the anchoring means, a second locking means for locking the rotation of the backrest relative to the substructure, a third locking means for locking the rotation of the front connecting rod relative to the sector gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: FAURECIA Sièges d'Automobile
    Inventors: Sylvain Roche, David Epaud, Farouk Bouzid
  • Patent number: 11623547
    Abstract: A vehicle seat configured to accommodate at least two users, comprising a base, and a seating portion frame comprising at least two seating areas, a first and a second backrest which are pivotally hinged to the base, wherein the seat further comprises a connection system connecting the first backrest to the seating portion frame, configured so that the pivoting of the first backrest relative to the base causes the simultaneous movement of the seating portion frame relative to the base, and wherein the second width portion of the seating portion frame is connected to the base, by means of a connection mechanism, configured to enable movement of the seating portion frame relative to the base during the movement of the seating portion frame relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: FAURECIA Siéges d'Automobile
    Inventors: David Epaud, Farouk Bouzid
  • Publication number: 20220363170
    Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises an underframe; a backrest with a backrest frame; and a flange on each side of the backrest. Each flange is mounted so as to pivot relative to the backrest frame about a first transverse axis, and relative to the underframe about a second transverse axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Uwe LINDENBERG, David EPAUD, Farouk BOUZID
  • Publication number: 20220324361
    Abstract: A method for assembling a tube into a frame part of a vehicle seat comprises the steps of: i) providing a tube such that a first free end of a first side of an end portion of the tube is offset longitudinally relative to a second free end of a second side of the end portion; ii) providing a frame part in the form of a metal plate; iii) arranging the first and second free ends of the tube in contact with the frame part, in two longitudinally offset areas of contact; and iv) successively creating, by means of a same laser, a weld at the first and second areas of contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: Sylvain ROCHE, David EPAUD, Farouk BOUZID
  • Patent number: 11465536
    Abstract: A motor vehicle comprises two front seats aligned in a transverse direction, and at least one rear seat. Said at least one rear seat comprises a seating portion with a seating portion frame, a backrest with a backrest frame. The backrest frame is pivotable relative to the seating portion frame about a first transverse axis, between at least one deployed position for receiving an occupant of the seat and a folded position in which the backrest frame is folded down to face the seating portion frame. Said at least one rear seat is adapted to have a configuration in which said at least one rear seat is in said folded position and the backrest of said at least one rear seat extends at least partly between the two front seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: FAURECIA Sièges d'Automobile
    Inventors: David Epaud, Farouk Bouzid, Mathieu Cluet
  • Publication number: 20220314843
    Abstract: A vehicle seat comprising: a seat base frame, anchoring means for anchoring to the floor of a vehicle, a backrest pivotably hinged to the seat base frame, a substructure pivotably hinged to the anchoring means and to the backrest, a front connecting rod pivotably hinged to the anchoring means and to the seat base frame, a sector gear pivotably hinged to the anchoring means, an irreversible electric motor configured to cause rotation of the sector gear relative to the anchoring means, a first locking means for locking the rotation of the substructure relative to the anchoring means, a second locking means for locking the rotation of the backrest relative to the substructure, a third locking means for locking the rotation of the front connecting rod relative to the sector gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2022
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Inventors: Sylvain ROCHE, David EPAUD, Farouk BOUZID
  • Publication number: 20220314842
    Abstract: A seat of a vehicle comprising a seat base, fixation means for fixing to the floor of a vehicle, a front connecting rod pivoting along a first axis at the fixation means and along a second axis at the base, a lower rear connecting rod pivoting along a third axis at the fixation means, an upper rear connecting rod pivoting along a fourth axis at the base and along a fifth axis at the lower rear connecting rod, a locking means able to transition: from a locked state, wherein it prevents the rotation of the lower rear connecting rod in relation to the upper rear connecting rod, to an unlocked state, wherein it enables the rotation of the lower rear connecting rod in relation to the upper rear connecting rod, and conversely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2022
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Inventors: Sylvain ROCHE, David EPAUD, Farouk BOUZID
  • Patent number: 11458869
    Abstract: A vehicle seat including a foldable seat kinematic which has a backrest part and a seat part, the seat kinematic being adjustable between a normal position and a folded-forward functional position, the seat kinematic being manually foldable from the normal position into the functional position, a motor, an activating system which is adapted to be driven by the motor between a deactivated position and an activated position, a connecting rod provided between the activating system and the seat kinematic. The seat kinematic is movable from the functional position into the normal position by the activating system and the connecting rod when the motor is actuated so as to drive the activating system from the deactivated position to the activated position, the activating system being configured to not interfere with the seat kinematic when the activating system is in the deactivated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: FAURECIA Sièges d'Automobile
    Inventors: Fabrice Lesbats, David Epaud
  • Patent number: 11400836
    Abstract: A vehicle seat comprising a seatback mounted pivoting by an articulation mechanism selectively lockable and unlockable, relative to a seatback footing selectively lockable and unlockable on a base, where the seat further comprises a seat cushion, first and second rear connecting rods connecting the seatback to the base, an actuating device being configured, by rotation of the first rear connecting rod, for driving the seatback into a folded down position when the articulation mechanism is unlocked and the seatback footing is locked on the base, and for driving the seat in a forward tilted position when the seatback footing is unlocked and the articulation mechanism is locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: FAURECIA Sièges d'Automobile
    Inventors: David Epaud, Farouk Bouzid, Sylvain Roche
  • Patent number: 11390196
    Abstract: A vehicle seat comprising a seat back with a seat back frame, a seat cushion with a seat cushion frame and one first and second links. The first link is mounted pivoting relative to the seat cushion frame around a first transverse axis, and relative to a seat support around a second transverse axis. The second link is mounted pivoting relative to the seat cushion frame around a third transverse axis, and relative to a seat support around a fourth transverse axis. The first and second links are configured in order to allow lifting a rear part of the seat cushion frame relative to said seat support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: FAURECIA Sièges d'Automobile
    Inventors: David Epaud, Farouk Bouzid