Patents by Inventor Joerg Stephan

Joerg Stephan 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: 12637013
    Abstract: A center console for a vehicle has a storage trough, which extends over at least a predominant part of a length of the center console, and a storage container, which is insertable into the storage trough and which has an upper entrance opening. In order to provide a center console and front seat assembly for a vehicle that are individually configurable in terms of their characteristics, the storage container has a roller shutter for closing the entrance opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2026
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Joerg Stephan
  • Patent number: 12528398
    Abstract: A center console for a vehicle, having at least one storage trough which extends over at least a predominant part of a length of the center console. In order to provide a center console that is of simplified construction and is optimized in terms of its characteristics, the center console has at least one functional unit which is connected to an elevated rearward end portion of the storage trough and which, proceeding from the rearward end portion, extends forwardly in an overhanging manner at least over a part of a length of the storage trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2026
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Joerg Stephan
  • Patent number: 12528418
    Abstract: A center console for a vehicle, having a storage trough which extends over at least a predominant part of a length of the center console and which has a longitudinally extending side wall that laterally delimits a storage space of the storage trough. In order to optimize an ability of the center console to store articles, the center console has a holding unit which is arranged in the storage space of the storage trough and on the side wall and by use of which at least one article can be temporarily clamped between the holding unit and the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2026
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Joerg Stephan
  • Patent number: 12522146
    Abstract: A center console for a vehicle, having at least one rearwardly situated armrest and having at least one functional unit. In order to enable an existing structural space to be utilized optimally, and at the same time optimize the center console with regard to its storage space, the functional unit is mounted to be linearly movable between a rearward rest position, in which the functional unit is arranged at least predominantly under the armrest, and at least one forward functional position, in which the functional unit is at least predominantly forwardly offset in relation to the armrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2026
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Joerg Stephan
  • Publication number: 20240101035
    Abstract: A center console for a vehicle, having a storage trough which extends over at least a predominant part of a length of the center console and which has a longitudinally extending side wall that laterally delimits a storage space of the storage trough. In order to optimize an ability of the center console to store articles, the center console has a holding unit which is arranged in the storage space of the storage trough and on the side wall and by use of which at least one article can be temporarily clamped between the holding unit and the side wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Joerg Stephan
  • Publication number: 20240101034
    Abstract: A center console for a vehicle, having at least one rearwardly situated armrest and having at least one functional unit. In order to enable an existing structural space to be utilized optimally, and at the same time optimize the center console with regard to its storage space, the functional unit is mounted to be linearly movable between a rearward rest position, in which the functional unit is arranged at least predominantly under the armrest, and at least one forward functional position, in which the functional unit is at least predominantly forwardly offset in relation to the armrest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Joerg Stephan
  • Publication number: 20240101012
    Abstract: A center console for a vehicle, having at least one storage trough which extends over at least a predominant part of a length of the center console. In order to provide a center console that is of simplified construction and is optimized in terms of its characteristics, the center console has at least one functional unit which is connected to an elevated rearward end portion of the storage trough and which, proceeding from the rearward end portion, extends forwardly in an overhanging manner at least over a part of a length of the storage trough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Joerg Stephan
  • Publication number: 20240101036
    Abstract: A center console for a vehicle, having a storage trough which extends over at least a predominant part of a length of the center console. In order to provide a center console that can be easily configured by a user as required, the center console has at least two different electrical functional units which each individually are selectively arrangeable at least partially in a storage space of the storage trough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Joerg Stephan
  • Publication number: 20240101037
    Abstract: A center console for a vehicle has a storage trough, which extends over at least a predominant part of a length of the center console, and a storage container, which is insertable into the storage trough and which has an upper entrance opening. In order to provide a center console and front seat assembly for a vehicle that are individually configurable in terms of their characteristics, the storage container has a roller shutter for closing the entrance opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Joerg Stephan
  • Patent number: 10118570
    Abstract: A shift console for a motor vehicle includes a receiving region for a shift lever. In order to provide a beverage holder for the central seat of a front seat row of a motor vehicle, the shift console comprises a beverage holder which is able to be stowed in a stowed position in the shift console and which is able to be adjusted into a use position horizontally adjacent to the shift console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Joerg Stephan
  • Publication number: 20180208092
    Abstract: A fastening device for fastening at least a part of a seat cover of a seat. The fastening device comprises a first holding unit arranged on a surface, which faces a seat user, of the seat cover, and a second holding unit which can be arranged on a counter-surface which is opposite the surface. The first holding unit has at least one fastening element and the second holding unit has at least one corresponding fastening element for mechanical connection of the holding units, and the second holding unit has a fastening unit for production of a mechanical connection to the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Joerg Stephan
  • Publication number: 20170282769
    Abstract: An upholstered element for a vehicle seat, with a padded core and an upholstery covering arranged thereon, wherein the padded core has a concave region and the upholstery covering is connected inside the concave region to the padded core by way of at least two linear connecting devices, wherein at least one end region of one connecting device is close to another connecting device. In order to permit an improved connection of the padded core and upholstery covering, the at least one end region is spaced from the other connecting device by a connection-free region and runs at an angle to the other connecting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventor: Joerg Stephan
  • Publication number: 20170282814
    Abstract: A shift console for a motor vehicle includes a receiving region for a shift lever. In order to provide a beverage holder for the central seat of a front seat row of a motor vehicle, the shift console comprises a beverage holder which is able to be stowed in a stowed position in the shift console and which is able to be adjusted into a use position horizontally adjacent to the shift console.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventor: Joerg Stephan
  • Patent number: 9718337
    Abstract: A sealing arrangement for a movable window pane in a vehicle door provides a rain channel. The sealing arrangement including a base body which has a receiving region for an edge region of the window pane including projections which oppose one another in the receiving region and having a first projection which extends from the outer projection of the opposing projections from a connecting point into the receiving region and in the closed state of the window pane bears against an outer face of the window pane. A second projection on the outer projection of the opposing projections extends outwardly from the connecting point in order to form a rain channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Joerg Stephan
  • Publication number: 20160318383
    Abstract: A sealing arrangement for a movable window pane in a vehicle door provides a rain channel. The sealing arrangement including a base body which has a receiving region for an edge region of the window pane including projections which oppose one another in the receiving region and having a first projection which extends from the outer projection of the opposing projections from a connecting point into the receiving region and in the closed state of the window pane bears against an outer face of the window pane. A second projection on the outer projection of the opposing projections extends outwardly from the connecting point in order to form a rain channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventor: Joerg Stephan
  • Patent number: 8807621
    Abstract: A unit for storing items in a motor vehicle interior includes a main storage compartment and a docking station for a portable electronic device such as a smart phone or a navigation device. A main cover is movably attached to the storage compartment to enclose the main storage compartment, and a docking cover encloses a sub-portion of the storage compartment. The docking cover is movable to an in-service position wherein its underside is exposed. A device holder is attached to the underside of the docking cover for holding a mobile electronic device in an access position when in the docking cover is in the in-service position. The docking cover and the portion are inset relative to a perimeter of the storage compartment, so that the docking station forms a portion of a main perimeter of the storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Joerg Stephan
  • Patent number: 8573553
    Abstract: A foldable holder for a beverage container comprises a fastening plate, a supporting ring coupled pivotably to the fastening plate, a holding bracket coupled pivotably to the fastening plate, and a supporting plate coupled pivotably to the holding bracket. The supporting ring and the holding bracket share a pivot axis extending from the fastening plate. The supporting plate is coupled to a remote end of the holding bracket so as to be pivotable counter to a pivoting direction of the supporting ring. The holding bracket and the supporting plate are disposed radially within the supporting ring when folded into a retracted state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Joerg Stephan
  • Publication number: 20120280100
    Abstract: A foldable holder for a beverage container comprises a fastening plate, a supporting ring coupled pivotably to the fastening plate, a holding bracket coupled pivotably to the fastening plate, and a supporting plate coupled pivotably to the holding bracket. The supporting ring and the holding bracket share a pivot axis extending from the fastening plate. The supporting plate is coupled to a remote end of the holding bracket so as to be pivotable counter to a pivoting direction of the supporting ring. The holding bracket and the supporting plate are disposed radially within the supporting ring when folded into a retracted state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Joerg Stephan
  • Patent number: 7915546
    Abstract: A multi-function light switch unit mountable to an interior panel of an automotive vehicle has a rotatable outer ring controlling a main headlamp, two pushbutton panels within the outer ring controlling additional lights, and an extendable module within the outer ring having at two rotary controllers for controlling other lights. The extendable module is movable with between an extended position wherein it projects from the front surface of the light switch unit such that the rotary controllers are exposed in a manually operative position in front of the push button panels, and a retracted position wherein the rotary controllers are behind the front surface of the light switch unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Joerg Stephan
  • Publication number: 20100032266
    Abstract: A multi-function light switch unit mountable to an interior panel of an automotive vehicle has a rotatable outer ring controlling a main headlamp, two pushbutton panels within the outer ring controlling additional lights, and an extendable module within the outer ring having at two rotary controllers for controlling other lights. The extendable module is movable with between an extended position wherein it projects from the front surface of the light switch unit such that the rotary controllers are exposed in a manually operative position in front of the push button panels, and a retracted position wherein the rotary controllers are behind the front surface of the light switch unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Joerg Stephan