Patents by Inventor Leo Ioppolo
Leo Ioppolo 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: 11820268Abstract: A lumbar adjuster for use in a vehicle seat and including a wire frame, a lumbar mat, an adjustment mechanism, and an arbor. The wire frame configured to be fixed to a backrest and including a first lateral portion, a second lateral portion and a transverse portion extending therebetween. The lumbar mat configured to face towards a backrest cushion when the lumbar adjuster is assembled to the vehicle seat. The adjustment mechanism connected to and configured to move along the first and second lateral portions and including a lever arm and a gear train operatively connected to and operable to articulate the lever arm to move a portion of the lumbar mat towards and away from the backrest cushion. The arbor connected to the transverse portion of the wire frame and the adjustment mechanism to fix the adjustment mechanism relative to the transverse portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2022Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile SE & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, CoburgInventors: Leo Ioppolo, Richard Mohr, III, Matthew Sinke
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Publication number: 20230322137Abstract: A lumbar adjuster for use in a vehicle seat and including a wire frame, a lumbar mat, an adjustment mechanism, and an arbor. The wire frame configured to be fixed to a backrest and including a first lateral portion, a second lateral portion and a transverse portion extending therebetween. The lumbar mat configured to face towards a backrest cushion when the lumbar adjuster is assembled to the vehicle seat. The adjustment mechanism connected to and configured to move along the first and second lateral portions and including a lever arm and a gear train operatively connected to and operable to articulate the lever arm to move a portion of the lumbar mat towards and away from the backrest cushion. The arbor connected to the transverse portion of the wire frame and the adjustment mechanism to fix the adjustment mechanism relative to the transverse portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2022Publication date: October 12, 2023Applicant: Brose Fahrzeugteile SE & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, CoburgInventors: Leo IOPPOLO, Richard MOHR, III, Matthew SINKE
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Publication number: 20230011859Abstract: An attachment member configured to fix a first seat component to another seat component. The attachment member including a main body, a locking member, a first leg, and a second leg. The main body including a first side and a second side that opposes the first side. The locking member is disposed above the first side and the first and second legs extending from the second side of the main body. The second side and end portions of the first and second legs are collectively configured to sandwich the second seat component, and the locking member and the first side of the main body are collectively configured to sandwich the first seat component.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2022Publication date: January 12, 2023Applicant: Brose Fahrzeugteile SE & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, CoburgInventors: Leo IOPPOLO, Sean SABO
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Patent number: 11420536Abstract: The vehicle seat may include a fixed portion, a moveable portion, a gearbox, and a reinforcement bracket. The gearbox may be fixed to either the fixed portion or the moveable portion and may be configured to move the moveable portion with respect to the fixed portion. The reinforcement bracket may include a first end portion, a second end portion, and a medial portion that may extend therebetween. The first end portion may define a first U-shaped opening, the second end portion may form a second U-shaped opening, and the medial portion may form a third U-shaped opening that may receive the gearbox.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2020Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Inventors: Leo Ioppolo, Alan McKeown, Christopher Cebula
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Publication number: 20210380024Abstract: The vehicle seat may include a fixed portion, a moveable portion, a gearbox, and a reinforcement bracket. The gearbox may be fixed to either the fixed portion or the moveable portion and may be configured to move the moveable portion with respect to the fixed portion. The reinforcement bracket may include a first end portion, a second end portion, and a medial portion that may extend therebetween. The first end portion may define a first U-shaped opening, the second end portion may form a second U-shaped opening, and the medial portion may form a third U-shaped opening that may receive the gearbox.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2020Publication date: December 9, 2021Applicant: Brose Fahrzeugteile SE & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, CoburgInventors: Leo IOPPOLO, Alan McKEOWN, Christopher CEBULA
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Patent number: 10940774Abstract: An adjusting device for longitudinal adjustment of a vehicle seat comprising a first rail and a second rail movably guided in a longitudinal direction relative to the first rail includes a guide piece mounted to a side-wall of the first rail, comprising a main body, a plurality of connecting devices for connecting to the first rail, and a positioning device locked in a positioning recess, for positioning the guide piece with respect to the first rail in the longitudinal direction. The connecting devices are formed as hook-like members that are inserted through the locking recesses and grip behind the side-wall to fix guide piece to the first rail. The guide piece comprises a flexible portion connected to the positioning device and the main body, which is configured to bend in a transverse direction when mounting the guide piece to the first rail and to be locked in the positioning recess.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2019Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile SE & Co. KG (Coburg)Inventors: Ronald Kujawa, Leo Ioppolo
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Patent number: 10882421Abstract: An assembly group of a vehicle seat, comprises a lower guide rail attachable to a vehicle floor and an upper guide rail coupled to the lower guide rail and movable with respect to the lower guide rail along a longitudinal axis, the upper guide rail comprising a top wall and a pair of side walls connected by the top wall. A link arm is pivotably connectable to the upper guide rail for coupling a frame assembly to the upper guide rail. A first fastener for pivotably coupling the link arm to the upper guide rail is disposed between the pair of side walls and being at least partially positioned below a top surface of the top wall.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2018Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: BROSE FAHRZEUGTEILE GMBH & CO. KOMMANDITGESELLSCHAFT, COBURGInventors: Leo Ioppolo, Sean Sabo
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Patent number: 10857919Abstract: A lumbar mat for a backrest structure for use in a vehicle seat, the lumbar mat adapted to be arranged between a lumbar support structure and a backrest cushion of the backrest structure, including a front surface adapted to face towards a backrest cushion of a backrest structure, when the lumbar mat is arranged in the backrest structure, a plurality of first spring elements arranged at the front surface of the lumbar mat, each of the first spring elements adapted to apply a first elastic force towards the backrest cushion via a first contact area of the first spring element, respectively, and a plurality of second spring elements, each of the second spring elements associated with a respective one of the plurality of first spring elements and adapted to apply a second elastic force towards the backrest cushion via a second contact area of the second spring element, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2019Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, CoburgInventors: Leo Ioppolo, Matthew Sinke, Benjamin Brinch
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Publication number: 20200369182Abstract: An adjusting device for longitudinal adjustment of a vehicle seat comprising a first rail and a second rail movably guided in a longitudinal direction relative to the first rail includes a guide piece mounted to a side-wall of the first rail, comprising a main body, a plurality of connecting devices for connecting to the first rail, and a positioning device locked in a positioning recess, for positioning the guide piece with respect to the first rail in the longitudinal direction. The connecting devices are formed as hook-like members that are inserted through the locking recesses and grip behind the side-wall to fix guide piece to the first rail. The guide piece comprises a flexible portion connected to the positioning device and the main body, which is configured to bend in a transverse direction when mounting the guide piece to the first rail and to be locked in the positioning recess.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2019Publication date: November 26, 2020Inventors: Ronald KUJAWA, Leo IOPPOLO
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Publication number: 20200238868Abstract: A lumbar mat for a backrest structure for use in a vehicle seat, the lumbar mat adapted to be arranged between a lumbar support structure and a backrest cushion of the backrest structure, including a front surface adapted to face towards a backrest cushion of a backrest structure, when the lumbar mat is arranged in the backrest structure, a plurality of first spring elements arranged at the front surface of the lumbar mat, each of the first spring elements adapted to apply a first elastic force towards the backrest cushion via a first contact area of the first spring element, respectively, and a plurality of second spring elements, each of the second spring elements associated with a respective one of the plurality of first spring elements and adapted to apply a second elastic force towards the backrest cushion via a second contact area of the second spring element, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2019Publication date: July 30, 2020Inventors: Leo IOPPOLO, Matthew SINKE, Benjamin BRINCH
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Publication number: 20200139856Abstract: An assembly group of a vehicle seat, comprises a lower guide rail attachable to a vehicle floor and an upper guide rail coupled to the lower guide rail and movable with respect to the lower guide rail along a longitudinal axis, the upper guide rail comprising a top wall and a pair of side walls connected by the top wall. A link arm is pivotably connectable to the upper guide rail for coupling a frame assembly to the upper guide rail. A first fastener for pivotably coupling the link arm to the upper guide rail is disposed between the pair of side walls and being at least partially positioned below a top surface of the top wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2018Publication date: May 7, 2020Inventors: Leo IOPPOLO, Sean SABO
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Patent number: 10562422Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises a seat part including a seat cushion pan 1 for a seat occupant, two side parts between which a cross tube 6 extends along a pivot axis, and seat part mounting brackets 7 for connecting the seat cushion pan 1 and the cross tube 6. The cross tube 6 has a clearance opening 61 within the range of at least one of the seat part mounting brackets 7 and a local bead 62 opposite from the clearance opening 61. The local bead 62 engages an indentation or slot 72 within the surface of the seat part mounting bracket 7 facing the cross tube 6 for limiting a lateral movement of the seat cushion pan 1.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2017Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, CoburgInventor: Leo Ioppolo
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Patent number: 10486556Abstract: An adjusting device for longitudinal adjustment of a vehicle seat comprises a lower rail 2 and a second rail 1 movably guided relative to the first rail. A first end stop 4 is supported on the second rail 1 or on the first rail 2 at a central position so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction, for defining the front end position and/or rear end position of the second rail 1 by cooperation with the first rail 2 or the second rail 1 and edges of a retainer cage 6 used for accommodating bearing members. According to the invention the total travel range of the adjusting device can be extended, because the central end stop can be displaced in longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2018Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, CoburgInventors: Leo Ioppolo, Paul Herr
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Patent number: 10471851Abstract: The invention relates to a seat cushion arrangement comprising a first cushion member; a second cushion member being adjustable relative to the first cushion member; and a seat depth adjustment device for adjusting the second cushion member relative to the first cushion member along a longitudinal adjustment axis, wherein the seat depth adjustment device in particular comprises an adjustment member to which the second cushion member is fastened and which is adjustable between a foremost position and a rearmost position relative to a guiding member for adjusting the second cushion member relative to the first cushion member; a trim member connected to both the first and second cushion members, which trim member covers a gap between the first and second cushion members at least in the foremost position of the adjustment member and is at least partially retracted into the gap in the rearmost position of the adjustment member; and an elastic member (a) connected to the trim member and to at least one of the guidiType: GrantFiled: November 3, 2017Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: BROSE FAHRZEUGTEILE GMBH & CO. KOMMANDITGESELLSCHAFT, COBURGInventors: Leo Ioppolo, Dhiraj Kharche
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Patent number: 10464444Abstract: A connection element for connecting vehicle parts to each other comprises: a fastening section operative to be fastened to a first vehicle part, the fastening section comprising a planar face having a first side for abutting the first vehicle part and a second side opposite the first side, the fastening section further comprising a wall section protruding from the planar face at said second side and at least partially bordering the planar face at said second side; a drainage opening formed in the planar face and being surrounded by an edge, the drainage opening being operative to drain liquid from the second side of planar face towards the first side; and an indentation at least partially formed on the planar face in the vicinity of the drainage opening, the edge of the drainage opening extending across the indentation such that the edge of the drainage opening in the region of the indentation is raised towards said second side of the planar face.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2017Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, CoburgInventors: Leo Ioppolo, Sean Sabo
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Publication number: 20190135139Abstract: The invention relates to a seat cushion arrangement comprising a first cushion member; a second cushion member being adjustable relative to the first cushion member; and a seat depth adjustment device for adjusting the second cushion member relative to the first cushion member along a longitudinal adjustment axis, wherein the seat depth adjustment device in particular comprises an adjustment member to which the second cushion member is fastened and which is adjustable between a foremost position and a rearmost position relative to a guiding member for adjusting the second cushion member relative to the first cushion member; a trim member connected to both the first and second cushion members, which trim member covers a gap between the first and second cushion members at least in the foremost position of the adjustment member and is at least partially retracted into the gap in the rearmost position of the adjustment member; and an elastic member (a) connected to the trim member and to at least one of the guidiType: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2017Publication date: May 9, 2019Inventors: Leo IOPPOLO, Dhiraj KHARCHE
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Publication number: 20190077278Abstract: A connection element for connecting vehicle parts to each other comprises: a fastening section operative to be fastened to a first vehicle part, the fastening section comprising a planar face having a first side for abutting the first vehicle part and a second side opposite the first side, the fastening section further comprising a wall section protruding from the planar face at said second side and at least partially bordering the planar face at said second side; a drainage opening formed in the planar face and being surrounded by an edge, the drainage opening being operative to drain liquid from the second side of planar face towards the first side; and an indentation at least partially formed on the planar face in the vicinity of the drainage opening, the edge of the drainage opening extending across the indentation such that the edge of the drainage opening in the region of the indentation is raised towards said second side of the planar face.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2017Publication date: March 14, 2019Inventors: Leo IOPPOLO, Sean SABO
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Patent number: 10160350Abstract: An adjusting device for longitudinal adjustment of a vehicle seat comprises a lower rail 2 and a second rail 1 movably guided relative to the first rail. A first end stop 4 is supported on the second rail 1 or on the first rail 2 at a central position so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction, for defining the front end position and/or rear end position of the second rail 1 by cooperation with the first rail 2 or the second rail 1 and edges of a retainer cage 6 used for accommodating bearing members. According to the invention the total travel range of the adjusting device can be extended, because the central end stop can be displaced in longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2015Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, CoburgInventors: Leo Ioppolo, Paul Herr
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Publication number: 20180354392Abstract: An adjusting device for longitudinal adjustment of a vehicle seat comprises a lower rail 2 and a second rail 1 movably guided relative to the first rail. A first end stop 4 is supported on the second rail 1 or on the first rail 2 at a central position so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction, for defining the front end position and/or rear end position of the second rail 1 by cooperation with the first rail 2 or the second rail 1 and edges of a retainer cage 6 used for accommodating bearing members. According to the invention the total travel range of the adjusting device can be extended, because the central end stop can be displaced in longitudinal direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2018Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: Leo IOPPOLO, Paul HERR
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Patent number: 10065532Abstract: A longitudinally adjustable vehicle seat comprises a seat frame, a backrest pivotally mounted on the seat frame and foldable down in the direction of a seat surface of the seat frame, a longitudinal rail guide having a guide rail pair 2 including a lower guide rail 21 and an upper guide rail 22, a seat adjuster mechanism including a releasable locking device 3 for locking and unlocking the position of the upper guide rail 22 relative to the lower guide rail 21 in a design position P between an internal full rear limit stop and a comfort full forward limit stop 62 defining a functional comfort adjustment range D, an easy-entry mechanism for displacing the vehicle seat to an extended travel full forward position C upon folding down the backrest onto the seat surface, and a pivotable over-travel and limit stop bracket 5 which is adapted to rotate to bypass the comfort full forward limit stop 62 upon activation of the easy-entry mechanism for entering an extended travel range.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2015Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, CoburgInventors: Leo Ioppolo, David Becker, Sean Sabo