Patents by Inventor Heinrich Hammann

Heinrich Hammann 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: 10183593
    Abstract: A vehicle seat (1) has an easy-entry module (6). A backrest (2) is adjustable relative to a seat part (3) between at least one comfort position (P1) and at least one easy-entry position (P3). The backrest (2) is, together with the seat part (3), arranged so as to be longitudinally displaceable by way of rails (4) along a movement travel (W) over a longitudinal adjustment range (L) at least between two seat positions (S1.1 to S1.n). To limit the movement travel (W), at least one switchable abutment (10) is provided in the region of the rails (4). The backrest (2) is, at a predefined seat position (S2), settable upright by way of the switchable abutment (10) from the easy-entry position (P3) into the comfort position (P1) and lockable to the seat part (3) in the predefined seat position (S2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Adient Luxembourg Holding S.àr.l.
    Inventors: Christian Wolf, Jan Simo, Thomas Dill, Olaf Kreuels, Heinrich Hammann
  • Patent number: 10150393
    Abstract: A fitting (2) with a pivoting-forwards mechanism, positioning a backrest (1.1) of a vehicle seat (1) into a forward position, a comfort lock, positioning the backrest into a comfort region seat position (A to C), and an expanded comfort function, positioning the backrest beyond the front position into a loading platform position (E). The fitting includes a fitting part (2.1, 2.2) and a driver (4). A pivoting range of the backrest is limited in the forward position by an easy-entry latch (5) engaging in the fitting part (2.1). The easy-entry latch, when the backrest is adjusted between the seat positions in the comfort region, bears against a stop (7) mounted on the backrest and, in the forward position, is prevented by the stop from pivoting further forwards, and, when the backrest is set upright from the forward position into one of the seat positions, pivots controlled by the stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: ADIENT LUXEMBOURG HOLDING S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Pluta, Christian Wolf, Thomas Dill, Heinrich Hammann
  • Publication number: 20180236906
    Abstract: An adjustment device (1) for a rear seat bench (2) includes a seat part (3) and a divided backrest (4) that has at least one car body-side rest segment (4.1) and at least one adjacent rest segment (4.2). At least one of the car body-side rest segment (4.1) and the adjacent rest segment (4.2) is foldable from a use position into a non-use position, or vice versa, when in an unlocked state. A spring unit (7) is arranged between the adjacent rest segments (4.1, 4.2) and is functionally connected to the rest segments (4.1, 4.2) in a mechanical manner. A seat arrangement is also provided including such an adjustment device (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Inventors: Wolfgang PLUTA, Christian WOLF, Heinrich HAMMANN
  • Patent number: 9914374
    Abstract: An easy-entry system (EE) for a vehicle seat (1) with a backrest (1.1) and a seat cushion (1.2), in arrangement with a fitting (2) for adjusting the inclination of the backrest (1.1) relative to the seat cushion (1.2) at least within a comfort range and optionally with an extended comfort function for positioning the backrest (1.1) beyond an easy-entry position into a loading floor position. The system includes, for initiating an easy-entry function, at least one actuating lever (4) which is coupled via at least one tension element (6) to an unlocking lever (8) for unlocking the inclination adjustment of the backrest (1.1). A translatory movement of the tension element (6) is transformed by means of a sliding element (7.2) of a transmission arrangement (7) into a rotatory movement of the unlocking lever (8) for opening the fitting (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Wolfgang Pluta, Christian Wolf, Thomas Dill, Heinrich Hammann
  • Publication number: 20170217336
    Abstract: A vehicle seat (1) has an easy-entry module (6). A backrest (2) is adjustable relative to a seat part (3) between at least one comfort position (P1) and at least one easy-entry position (P3). The backrest (2) is, together with the seat part (3), arranged so as to be longitudinally displaceable by way of rails (4) along a movement travel (W) over a longitudinal adjustment range (L) at least between two seat positions (S1.1 to S1.n). To limit the movement travel (W), at least one switchable abutment (10) is provided in the region of the rails (4). The backrest (2) is, at a predefined seat position (S2), settable upright by way of the switchable abutment (10) from the easy-entry position (P3) into the comfort position (P1) and lockable to the seat part (3) in the predefined seat position (S2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Christian WOLF, Jan SIMO, Thomas DILL, Olaf KREUELS, Heinrich HAMMANN
  • Publication number: 20160368406
    Abstract: A backrest structure for a vehicle seat (1) includes a flat base sheet (30) and another structural part (20, 40) which are connected to each other by at least one laser weld seam (50) using a laser welding procedure. In a process, at least one tongue (28, 36, 38) of the base sheet (30) is bent by 180 DEG in the region of the weld seam (50) and placed on the remaining base sheet (30). The at least one weld seam (50) connects the bent tongues (28, 36, 38), the remaining base sheet (30), and the other structural part (20, 40) to one another. A vehicle seat (1) is also provided with such a backrest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: Wolfgang PLUTA, Heinrich HAMMANN, Thomas DILL, Christian WOLF
  • Publication number: 20160339810
    Abstract: A vehicle seat (1) has a seat segment (14) including a first seating location (11) having a first backrest (21), a second seating location (12) having a second backrest (22), and a seat part (24). The first backrest (21) and the second backrest (22) are connected to the seat part (24) and can be pivoted about a pivot axis (A) in relation to the seat part (24). A first fitting (61) has a first fitting part which is connected to the seat part (24) in a rotationally fixed manner and a second fitting part which is connected to the first backrest (21) in a rotationally fixed manner. A second fitting (62) has a first fitting part which is connected to the first backrest (21) in a rotationally fixed manner and a second fitting part which is connected to the second backrest (22) in a rotationally fixed manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Wolfgang PLUTA, Heinrich HAMMANN, Thomas DILL, Christian WOLF
  • Patent number: 9446689
    Abstract: A vehicle seat fitting system has a fitting, by which a backrest can be freely pivoted relative to a seat part and a rotatable memory flag disk coupled to the backrest during the free pivoting and to the seat part in the starting position. The flag disk includes disk toothing and a second toothing is allocated to the backrest. The toothings are engaged during the free pivoting. A control lever with a coupler hinged on the control lever, is coupled to an unlocking lever and moves the toothings into engagement. The flag disk is coupled to the seat part, in the starting position, by a lock receptacle and a control element movable relative to the lock receptacle and the lock receptacle is a section of a control contour by which the control element, arranged on the control lever, holds the control lever directed out during the free pivoting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: KEIPER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Christoffel, Heinrich Hammann, Christina Krisch
  • Publication number: 20160257224
    Abstract: An easy-entry system (EE) for a vehicle seat (1) with a backrest (1.1) and a seat cushion (1.2), in arrangement with a fitting (2) for adjusting the inclination of the backrest (1.1) relative to the seat cushion (1.2) at least within a comfort range and optionally with an extended comfort function for positioning the backrest (1.1) beyond an easy-entry position into a loading floor position. The system includes, for initiating an easy-entry function, at least one actuating lever (4) which is coupled via at least one tension element (6) to an unlocking lever (8) for unlocking the inclination adjustment of the backrest (1.1). A translatory movement of the tension element (6) is transformed by means of a sliding element (7.2) of a transmission arrangement (7) into a rotatory movement of the unlocking lever (8) for opening the fitting (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Inventors: Wolfgang PLUTA, Christian WOLF, Thomas DILL, Heinrich HAMMANN
  • Publication number: 20160185261
    Abstract: A vehicle seat (1) has a seat segment (14) with a first seat (11) having a first backrest (21) and a second seat (12) having a second backrest (22) and a seat part (24). The first backrest and the second backrest are pivotable about a pivot axis (A) relative to the seat part. A first fitting (51) and a second fitting (52) connect the first backrest to the seat part. The fittings (51, 52) each have a fitting part fixed to the seat part and a fitting part fixed to the backrest that are pivotable relative to one another. The second backrest is pivotable about the pivot axis (A) via a first rotary bearing point (71) that is a fixed bearing and via a second rotary bearing part (72) that is a floating bearing. The second rotary bearing point includes a rotary bearing sleeve (54) mounted on the first fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Heinrich HAMMANN, Wolfgang PLUTA, Thomas DILL, Viktor ENNS
  • Publication number: 20160176323
    Abstract: A fitting (2) with a pivoting-forwards mechanism, positioning a backrest (1.1) of a vehicle seat (1) into a forward position, a comfort lock, positioning the backrest into a comfort region seat position (A to C), and an expanded comfort function, positioning the backrest beyond the front position into a loading platform position (E). The fitting includes a fitting part (2.1, 2.2) and a driver (4). A pivoting range of the backrest is limited in the forward position by an easy-entry latch (5) engaging in the fitting part (2.1). The easy-entry latch, when the backrest is adjusted between the seat positions in the comfort region, bears against a stop (7) mounted on the backrest and, in the forward position, is prevented by the stop from pivoting further forwards, and, when the backrest is set upright from the forward position into one of the seat positions, pivots controlled by the stop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Wolfgang PLUTA, Christian WOLF, Thomas DILL, Heinrich HAMMANN
  • Publication number: 20160039316
    Abstract: An easy-entry system for a vehicle seat, having at least one fitting (5) with at least one fitting component (B) and a driver profile (5.1). The at least one fitting component (B) is coupled to a transmission element (6), and an unlocking lever (3) of the easy-entry system is connected at least indirectly to the transmission element (6). A comfort lever (4) of a backrest (1.1) engages with the driver profile (5.1), and a pivot region of the backrest (1.1) is limited by a pawl (7), which engages in the at least one fitting (5), when the easy-entry function is initiated. Engagement of the pawl (7) into the at least one fitting (5) can be cancelled by operating the comfort lever (4) for adjusting a position of the backrest (1.1). A vehicle seat is also provided, including such an easy-entry system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS COMPONENTS GMBH & CO. KG.
    Inventors: Thomas DILL, Heinrich HAMMANN, Wolfgang PLUTA, Christian WOLF, Christian MARKEL
  • Publication number: 20150375655
    Abstract: A backrest frame (2) for a seat, in particular a vehicle seat, includes a number of frame parts (2.1 to 2.4), which can be fixedly connected to a rear plate (1). At least one first frame part (2.1) is configured as an at least sectionally closed or semi-open hollow profile. At least one of the ends of the hollow profile is recessed in some regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS COMPONENTS GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang PLUTA, Thomas DILL, Heinrich HAMMANN, Viktor ENNS, Christian WOLF
  • Publication number: 20150307005
    Abstract: A vehicle seat (1) includes a first seat (11) with a first backrest (21) and a second seat (12) with a second backrest (22). The second backrest (22) is reinforced with at least one second longitudinal side piece (42, 44) formed from a frame part (52, 54). The first backrest (21) is reinforced with at least one first longitudinal side piece (41, 43) having an identical frame part (52, 54) and in addition a reinforcement part (51, 53, 55).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas DILL, Wolfgang PLUTA, Heinrich HAMMANN, Viktor ENNS
  • Publication number: 20150306984
    Abstract: A vehicle seat (1) includes a seat segment (14) with a first seat (11) including a first backrest (21) that can be pivoted about a pivot axis (A), and a second seat (12) including a second backrest (22) that can be pivoted about the pivot axis (A). A coupling (8, 9) couples the first backrest (21) to the second backrest (22) to be pivotable together when the backrests (21, 22) are coupled together. The second backrest (22) is pivotable independently of the first backrest (21) when the backrests (21, 22) are uncoupled. A belt outlet point for seat belt webbing, which is associated with the second seat (12), runs in a vertical direction in an approximately direct line over a longitudinal side piece (41) and a mounting (5) for the first backrest (21) of the first seat (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas DILL, Wolfgang PLUTA, Heinrich HAMMANN, Viktor ENNS
  • Patent number: 9162589
    Abstract: A longitudinal adjustor for a vehicle seat has a first seat rail and a second seat rail which engage around one another to form a rail profile and can be moved relative to one another in the longitudinal direction, and a rail locking member which can lock the seat rails to one another, an activation arrangement for activating an unlocking unit, a force-transmitting element which connects the activation arrangement to the unlocking unit. The force-transmitting element and interacts with the unlocking unit within the second seat rail, wherein a positively locking connection is provided between the force-transmitting element and the unlocking unit, and that the force-transmitting element serves simultaneously for mounting the activation arrangement in a pivotable fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: KEIPER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Dill, Heinrich Hammann, Viktor Enns
  • Publication number: 20140138998
    Abstract: A vehicle seat fitting system has a fitting, by which a backrest can be freely pivoted relative to a seat part and a rotatable memory flag disk coupled to the backrest during the free pivoting and to the seat part in the starting position. The flag disk includes disk toothing and a second toothing is allocated to the backrest. The toothings are engaged during the free pivoting. A control lever with a coupler hinged on the control lever, is coupled to an unlocking lever and moves the toothings into engagement. The flag disk is coupled to the seat part, in the starting position, by a lock receptacle and a control element movable relative to the lock receptacle and the lock receptacle is a section of a control contour by which the control element, arranged on the control lever, holds the control lever directed out during the free pivoting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas Christoffel, Heinrich Hammann, Christina Krisch
  • Publication number: 20130264453
    Abstract: A longitudinal adjustor for a vehicle seat has a first scat rail and a second seat rail which engage around one another to form a rail profile and can be moved relative to one another in the longitudinal direction, and a rail locking member which can lock the seat rails to one another, an activation arrangement for activating an unlocking unit, a force-transmitting element which connects the activation arrangement to the unlocking unit. The force-transmitting element and interacts with the unlocking unit within the second seat rail, wherein a positively locking connection is provided between the force-transmitting element and the unlocking unit, and that the force-transmitting element serves simultaneously for mounting the activation arrangement in a pivotable fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas Dill, Heinrich Hammann, Viktor Enns
  • Patent number: 8540203
    Abstract: A longitudinal adjuster for a vehicle seat (1) with a spindle (13), which is arranged in a hollow space formed by a pair of rails (5, 7), and with spindle holders (15). The area of connection of at least one of the spindle holders (15a) to one of the rails (5) lies outside of the hollow space formed by the rails (5, 7). The spindle holder (15a) extends with a partial area, with which it is connected to an end (13a) of the spindle (13), into the hollow space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: KEIPER GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Georg Ruess, Jürgen Krebs, Heinrich Hammann, Thomas Dill, Ulf Schäffling, Andreas Rüth
  • Patent number: 8201878
    Abstract: A seat arrangement is provided that includes, but is not limited to a first and a second vehicle seat, which are disposed adjacent to one another in a seat row and of which the first vehicle seat has a backrest, which can be pivoted from a substantially upright usage position in the seat direction forward into a substantially horizontal non-usage position. The backrest, includes, but is not limited to at least one height-adjustable cushion portion which, in the non-usage position of the backrest, can be moved by means of a four-bar mechanism having four articulation axes from a lower armrest non-usage position into an upper first armrest position to form an armrest for the second vehicle seat. The articulation axes extend transversely to the seat direction and are inclined with respect to a horizontal transverse to the seat direction. In an alternative embodiment, the articulation axes extend in the seat direction in the non-usage position of the backrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jürgen Maier, Jens Winter, Thomas Dill, Heinrich Hammann, Viktor Enns, Ulf Schäffling