Patents by Inventor Marc Laumeier

Marc Laumeier 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: 10744908
    Abstract: A track adjuster includes a first pair of tracks, a first lockset that may be configured to selectively restrict movement of the first pair of tracks, a second pair of tracks, and a second lockset configured that may be configured to selectively restrict movement of the second pair of tracks. The first lockset may be a first type of lockset and the second lockset may be a second type of lockset. The first lockset may include a positive engagement locking lockset. The second lockset may include a pawl-type lockset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Marc Laumeier, Michael Wojatzki, Wee Tzee Gam, Mark A. Farquhar, Krzysztof Wroblewski
  • Patent number: 10688888
    Abstract: A track adjuster includes a pair of tracks, a lockset configured to selectively restrict movement of the pair of tracks, a first lever configured to actuate an actuator of the lockset, a second lever configured to actuate the first lever, and a spring configured to apply a first biasing force to the first lever in a first rotational direction and apply a second biasing force to the first lever in a second rotational direction. The spring may be a torsion spring that may be wrapped at least partially around a cross member connecting the pair of tracks with a second pair of tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Wojatzki, Klaus Walter, Bernhard Bexten, Marc Laumeier
  • Patent number: 10500985
    Abstract: A seat track assembly may include a first seat track, a second seat track that may configured to slide relative to the first seat track, a cross member, and/or a bearing that may connect the cross member to the second seat track. The bearing may include a plurality of feet engaged with a plurality of apertures of the second seat track. A first aperture of the plurality of apertures may be disposed in a first side of the second seat track and/or a second aperture of the plurality of apertures may be disposed in a second side of the second seat track. The first side may be disposed substantially perpendicularly to the second side. The plurality of feet may include a first foot, a second foot, a third foot, and/or a fourth foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Marc Laumeier, Klaus Walter, Michael Wojatzki
  • Patent number: 10343556
    Abstract: A seat track assembly including a first rail configured to move along a second rail. The assembly may include a roller cage disposed at least partially between the first rail and the second rail. In embodiments, the assembly includes a stopper that projects from an inner surface of the second rail and is configured to restrict movement of the roller cage while the movement of the first rail relative to the second rail is independent of the stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Marc Laumeier, Klaus Walter, Michael Wojatzki, Peter Stutika, Frantisek Kotulak
  • Patent number: 10308145
    Abstract: A track assembly including a track and a support. The support may be configured for selective connection with the track. The support may include a lock plate that may be configured to selectively limit movement of the support relative to the track in at least one of a first direction and a second direction. The support may include an anchor that may be configured to selectively limit movement of the support relative to the track in at least one of the second direction and a third direction. The support may include a cam that may be configured to selectively engage and disengage at least one of the lock plate and the anchor from the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Alfred Cziomer, Marc Laumeier, Klaus Walter, Michael Wojatzki, Torsten Bochert, Andre Schebaum
  • Publication number: 20180272898
    Abstract: A track adjuster includes a pair of tracks, a lockset configured to selectively restrict movement of the pair of tracks, a first lever configured to actuate an actuator of the lockset, a second lever configured to actuate the first lever, and a spring configured to apply a first biasing force to the first lever in a first rotational direction and apply a second biasing force to the first lever in a second rotational direction. The spring may be a torsion spring that may be wrapped at least partially around a cross member connecting the pair of tracks with a second pair of tracks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Wojatzki, Klaus Walter, Bernhard Bexten, Marc Laumeier
  • Publication number: 20180272899
    Abstract: A track adjuster includes a first pair of tracks, a first lockset that may be configured to selectively restrict movement of the first pair of tracks, a second pair of tracks, and a second lockset configured that may be configured to selectively restrict movement of the second pair of tracks. The first lockset may be a first type of lockset and the second lockset may be a second type of lockset. The first lockset may include a positive engagement locking lockset. The second lockset may include a pawl-type lockset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Marc Laumeier, Michael Wojatzki, Wee Tzee Gam, Mark A. Farquhar, Krzysztof Wroblewski
  • Publication number: 20180079324
    Abstract: A seat track assembly may include a first seat track, a second seat track that may configured to slide relative to the first seat track, a cross member, and/or a bearing that may connect the cross member to the second seat track. The bearing may include a plurality of feet engaged with a plurality of apertures of the second seat track. A first aperture of the plurality of apertures may be disposed in a first side of the second seat track and/or a second aperture of the plurality of apertures may be disposed in a second side of the second seat track. The first side may be disposed substantially perpendicularly to the second side. The plurality of feet may include a first foot, a second foot, a third foot, and/or a fourth foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Marc Laumeier, Klaus Walter, Michael Wojatzki
  • Patent number: 9919624
    Abstract: A track assembly includes an upper track that includes an interface member having a first end and a second end, a plurality of wheel assemblies, an anchor, and one or more locking blocks disposed on a side of the interface member. Embodiments of the system include a lower track with a first side and a second side, wherein a flat portion is disposed near a top of each of the first side and the second side. In embodiments, flat portions may extend along a longitudinal axis associated with the lower track. A plurality of gaps may be disposed on the flat portions, and the gaps may be configured to receive a locking block and an anchor. The anchor may be configured to guide the upper track as the upper track travels along the longitudinal axis associated with the lower track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Alfred Cziomer, Marc Laumeier, Klaus Walter, Michael Wojatzki, Torsten Bochert
  • Publication number: 20170334316
    Abstract: A seat track assembly including a first rail configured to move along a second rail. The assembly may include a roller cage disposed at least partially between the first rail and the second rail. In embodiments, the assembly includes a stopper that projects from an inner surface of the second rail and is configured to restrict movement of the roller cage while the movement of the first rail relative to the second rail is independent of the stopper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: Marc Laumeier, Klaus Walter, Michael Wojatzki, Peter Stutika, Frantisek Kotulak
  • Patent number: 9751431
    Abstract: A seat track assembly may include a lower seat track having a pair of opposing outer rails and an upper seat track having a pair of opposing inner rails. The inner rails of the upper seat track may cooperate with the outer rails of the lower seat track to support the upper seat track for movement on the lower seat track. A support member may be provided between the lower seat track and the upper seat track. The support member may include a portion that extends in a vertical direction between the lower seat track and the upper seat track to restrict vertical movement of the upper seat track relative to the lower seat track. The support member may also include a portion that extends in a lateral direction between the inner rails of the upper seat track to restrict the inner rails from deforming inwardly toward one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Klaus Walter, Michael Wojatzki, Alfred Cziomer, Marc Laumeier
  • Publication number: 20170166093
    Abstract: A track assembly including a track and a support. The support may be configured for selective connection with the track. The support may include a lock plate that may be configured to selectively limit movement of the support relative to the track in at least one of a first direction and a second direction. The support may include an anchor that may be configured to selectively limit movement of the support relative to the track in at least one of the second direction and a third direction. The support may include a cam that may be configured to selectively engage and disengage at least one of the lock plate and the anchor from the track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Alfred Cziomer, Marc Laumeier, Klaus Walter, Michael Wojatzki, Torsten Bochert, Andre Schebaum
  • Publication number: 20170166091
    Abstract: A track assembly includes an upper track that includes an interface member having a first end and a second end, a plurality of wheel assemblies, an anchor, and one or more locking blocks disposed on a side of the interface member. Embodiments of the system include a lower track with a first side and a second side, wherein a flat portion is disposed near a top of each of the first side and the second side. In embodiments, flat portions may extend along a longitudinal axis associated with the lower track. A plurality of gaps may be disposed on the flat portions, and the gaps may be configured to receive a locking block and an anchor. The anchor may be configured to guide the upper track as the upper track travels along the longitudinal axis associated with the lower track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Alfred Cziomer, Marc Laumeier, Klaus Walter, Michael Wojatzki, Torsten Bochert
  • Patent number: 9393883
    Abstract: A seat adjustment apparatus includes a first rail and a second rail each having a plurality of openings that extend along a longitudinal axis, the openings being defined by spaced-apart locking surfaces. A locking mechanism having first and second locking portions is configured to engage the first and second rails. The first and second locking portions are selectively rotatable between a released position and a locked position. In the locked position, the first and second locking portions are configured for relative axial movement along the longitudinal axis such that the interaction of the locking mechanism with portions of the first and second rails attenuates longitudinal freeplay therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Wojatzki, Hans-Peter Mischer, Klaus Walter, Marc Laumeier, Andre Schebaum, Joerg Sternberg, Stefan Schumacher, Michael Maddelein
  • Publication number: 20150367754
    Abstract: A seat track assembly may include a lower seat track having a pair of opposing outer rails and an upper seat track having a pair of opposing inner rails. The inner rails of the upper seat track may cooperate with the outer rails of the lower seat track to support the upper seat track for movement on the lower seat track. A support member may be provided between the lower seat track and the upper seat track. The support member may include a portion that extends in a vertical direction between the lower seat track and the upper seat track to restrict vertical movement of the upper seat track relative to the lower seat track. The support member may also include a portion that extends in a lateral direction between the inner rails of the upper seat track to restrict the inner rails from deforming inwardly toward one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventors: KLAUS WALTER, Michael Wojatzki, Alfred Cziomer, Marc Laumeier
  • Patent number: 8939423
    Abstract: An adjustable memory track assembly for a vehicle seat has a lower rail (18) adapted to be secured relative to a vehicle frame, and an upper rail (20) adapted to support the seat for fore/aft sliding movement relative to the lower rail (18). The adjustable memory track assembly (24) also has a track lock assembly (24) operable via a first actuator (28) between a locked, engaged state wherein relative movement between the lower (18) and upper rails (20) is resisted, and an unlocked, disengaged state wherein the seat can be slid to and then locked in a user-selected position. The adjustable memory track assembly (24) is characterized in that the memory module (24) is provided with a blocking element to prevent rearward movement of the seat past the user-selected position independent of the locking state of the track lock assembly (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Wojatzki, Hans-peter Mischer, Klaus Walter, Marc Laumeier, Andre Schebaum, Joerg Sternberg
  • Patent number: 8573698
    Abstract: A seat adjustment apparatus comprises a first rail (24) and a second rail (26) each having a plurality of openings that extend along a longitudinal axis, the openings being defined by spaced-apart locking surfaces. A locking mechanism having first (56) and second (58) locking portions is configured to engage the first and second rails. The first (56) and second (58) locking portions are selectively rotatable between a released position and a locked position. In the locked position, the first and second locking portions are configured for relative axial movement along the longitudinal axis such that the interaction of the first and second locking portions of the locking mechanism with the spaced-apart locking surfaces of the openings of the first and second rails attenuates longitudinal freeplay therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Wojatzki, Hans-peter Mischer, Klaus Walter, Marc Laumeier, Andre Schebaum, Joerg Sternberg, Michael Maddelein
  • Patent number: 8550420
    Abstract: A vehicle seat track assembly includes a first track having first and second spaced apart walls. Each of the first and second walls include a plurality of openings formed therein. A second track is slidably mounted relative to the first track. The vehicle seat track assembly further has a locking mechanism including a first pin carried by the second track and slidably movable between an engaged position such that the first pin extends through one of the plurality of openings formed in the first wall of the first track and a disengaged position such that the first pin is retracted from the plurality of openings formed in the first wall of the first track. A second pin is carried by the second track and is slidably movable between an engaged position such that the second pin extends through one of the plurality of openings formed in the second wall of the first track and a disengaged position such that the second pin is retracted from the plurality of openings formed in the second wall of the first track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Wojatzki, Klaus Walter, Andre Schebaum, Marc Laumeier, Joerg Sternberg, Hans-Peter Mischer, Christian Ruthman
  • Patent number: 8408631
    Abstract: An adjustable memory track assembly for a vehicle seat has a lower rail adapted to be secured relative to a vehicle frame, and an upper rail adapted to support the seat for fore/aft sliding movement relative to the lower rail. The adjustable memory track assembly also has a track lock assembly operable via a first actuator between a locked, engaged state wherein relative movement between the lower and upper rails is resisted, and an unlocked, disengaged state wherein the seat can be slid to and then locked in a user-selected position. A memory module is operable via a second actuator to record the user-selected position. The second actuator is also operatively connected to disengage the track lock assembly to allow forward movement of the seat from the user-selected location to a forward location, and thereafter allow rearward movement of the seat back to, but not past, the user-selected location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Jörn Sandmann, Sandra Frese, Andre Schebaum, Hans-Peter Mischer, Michael Wojatzki, Klaus Walter, Marc Laumeier
  • Patent number: 8215602
    Abstract: A longitudinal seat adjustment apparatus for a vehicle seat includes a first seat support member that is attachable to a vehicle. A second seat support member that is movable with respect to the first seat support member and configured to support the seat such that the seat is movable with the second seat support member is also provided. A locking member that is movable generally vertically with respect to the first and second seat support members between a locked position and an unlocked position for locking and unlocking the second seat support member with respect to the first seat support member is additionally provided. The locking member is a substantially planar two-part locking member and includes a first part generally horizontally movable with respect to a second part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Klaus Walter, Joerg Sternberg, Andre Schebaum, Marc Laumeier, Michael Wojatzki, Hans-Peter Mischer