Patents by Inventor Mark Allyn Folkert

Mark Allyn Folkert 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: 11858394
    Abstract: A seatback includes a trim cover/foam assembly including a foam cushion with a trim cover assembly disposed thereon. The trim cover/foam assembly has an occupant support side and a rear side opposite to the occupant support side, and defines an opening therethrough. The trim cover assembly includes a rear panel on the rear side for closing the opening. The seatback also includes an attachment member on the rear side of the trim cover/foam assembly configured to engage the rear panel and an armrest assembly including an armrest pivotally disposed on a frame at a rear portion of the armrest, with the armrest configured to pass through the opening. Upon installation of the armrest assembly, the rear panel is secured to the attachment member and sandwiched between the rear portion and the attachment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ronald L. Miotto, Alexandar Serafimovski, Carina Navarro, Thomas A. Welch, Sr., Anne P. Aleksa, Mark Allyn Folkert
  • Publication number: 20230202367
    Abstract: A seatback includes a trim cover/foam assembly including a foam cushion with a trim cover assembly disposed thereon. The trim cover/foam assembly has an occupant support side and a rear side opposite to the occupant support side, and defines an opening therethrough. The trim cover assembly includes a rear panel on the rear side for closing the opening. The seatback also includes an attachment member on the rear side of the trim cover/foam assembly configured to engage the rear panel and an armrest assembly including an armrest pivotally disposed on a frame at a rear portion of the armrest, with the armrest configured to pass through the opening. Upon installation of the armrest assembly, the rear panel is secured to the attachment member and sandwiched between the rear portion and the attachment member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2021
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventors: Ronald L. MIOTTO, Alexandar SERAFIMOVSKI, Carina NAVARRO, Thomas A. WELCH, SR., Anne P. ALEKSA, Mark Allyn FOLKERT
  • Patent number: 11659883
    Abstract: A facemask assembly for a helmet is provided with a facemask. The facemask has an upper edge to be adjacent to a nose of a user and a lower edge to be adjacent to a chin of the user when the facemask is connected to the helmet. A first end attachment member is connected to a first end region of the facemask to attach to a faceguard. A second end attachment member is connected to a second end region of the facemask to attach to the faceguard. A series of intermediate attachment members are spaced apart from one another and connected to the facemask between the first and second end regions, with each intermediate attachment member to attach to the faceguard. A method of forming the facemask is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Welch, Sr., Benedict J. Messina, Mark Allyn Folkert
  • Publication number: 20220095734
    Abstract: A facemask assembly for a helmet is provided with a facemask. The facemask has an upper edge to be adjacent to a nose of a user and a lower edge to be adjacent to a chin of the user when the facemask is connected to the helmet. A first end attachment member is connected to a first end region of the facemask to attach to a faceguard. A second end attachment member is connected to a second end region of the facemask to attach to the faceguard. A series of intermediate attachment members are spaced apart from one another and connected to the facemask between the first and second end regions, with each intermediate attachment member to attach to the faceguard. A method of forming the facemask is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventors: Thomas A. WELCH, SR., Benedict J. MESSINA, Mark Allyn FOLKERT
  • Patent number: 11241986
    Abstract: A vehicle seating system may include a seat part having a trim material positioned over a base material. A method for producing the seating system may include configuring an attachment arrangement to have an adhesive material and a non-adhesive material bonded to the adhesive material. The method may also include molding the base material onto the non-adhesive material such that a surface of the adhesive material faces outward away from the base material. The trim material may be disposed over the base material such that a back side of the trim material is adhered to the adhesive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Asad S. Ali, Mark Allyn Folkert, Todd W. Waelde
  • Publication number: 20200384901
    Abstract: A vehicle seating system may include a seat part having a trim material positioned over a base material. A method for producing the seating system may include configuring an attachment arrangement to have an adhesive material and a non-adhesive material bonded to the adhesive material. The method may also include molding the base material onto the non-adhesive material such that a surface of the adhesive material faces outward away from the base material. The trim material may be disposed over the base material such that a back side of the trim material is adhered to the adhesive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Inventors: Asad S. ALI, Mark Allyn FOLKERT, Todd W. WAELDE
  • Patent number: 10625645
    Abstract: A trim clip is provided for attaching a trim cover to a cushion. The trim clip includes a clip body having a first opening for receiving an engagement feature attached to the trim cover, and a second opening for receiving a retainer attached to the cushion. Furthermore, the clip body may be configured to be snap fit onto the engagement feature and the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ashley L. Baisch, Mark Allyn Folkert, Thomas A. Welch, Sr., Randall Riddle, William J. Paruszkiewicz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10549661
    Abstract: A vehicle seat and seating system is disclosed that includes a seat portion (e.g., seat bottom, seat back) defining a cavity with an inlet in fluid communication with a vehicle cabin and an outlet in fluid communication with an ambient environment. The cavity with the inlet and outlet provide an exhaust to allow air in the cabin to escape to the ambient environment when the air is pressurized due to, for example, a vehicle door closing. An acoustic seal is provided adjacent the cavity and is configured to seal at least a portion of the passageway to reduce or dampen sound from entering the cabin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark Karges, Kyle Smith, Mark Allyn Folkert
  • Patent number: 10266075
    Abstract: A foldable vehicle seat includes a seat base, a seatback connected to the seat base for pivotal movement relative to the seat base from a generally vertical use position to a generally horizontal stow position atop the seat base, wherein the seat base is pivotally connected to the floor such that, when the seatback is moved from its use position to the folded, stow position, the seat base may be moved forward and downward to thereby provide a lower load floor position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Andrzej Dlugokecki, Kyle Calvert, Mark Allyn Folkert
  • Publication number: 20190030994
    Abstract: A vehicle seat and seating system is disclosed that includes a seat portion (e.g., seat bottom, seat back) defining a cavity with an inlet in fluid communication with a vehicle cabin and an outlet in fluid communication with an ambient environment. The cavity with the inlet and outlet provide an exhaust to allow air in the cabin to escape to the ambient environment when the air is pressurized due to, for example, a vehicle door closing. An acoustic seal is provided adjacent the cavity and is configured to seal at least a portion of the passageway to reduce or dampen sound from entering the cabin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Mark KARGES, Kyle SMITH, Mark Allyn FOLKERT
  • Publication number: 20180229634
    Abstract: A trim clip is provided for attaching a trim cover to a cushion. The trim clip includes a clip body having a first opening for receiving an engagement feature attached to the trim cover, and a second opening for receiving a retainer attached to the cushion. Furthermore, the clip body may be configured to be snap fit onto the engagement feature and the retainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ashley L. BAISCH, Mark Allyn FOLKERT, Thomas A. WELCH, SR., Randall RIDDLE, William J. PARUSZKIEWICZ, JR.
  • Publication number: 20170001543
    Abstract: A foldable vehicle seat includes a seat base, a seatback connected to the seat base for pivotal movement relative to the seat base from a generally vertical use position to a generally horizontal stow position atop the seat base, wherein the seat base is pivotally connected to the floor such that, when the seatback is moved from its use position to the folded, stow position, the seat base may be moved forward and downward to thereby provide a lower load floor position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: Andrzej DLUGOKECKI, Kyle CALVERT, Mark Allyn FOLKERT
  • Patent number: 8540318
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present invention relates to a vehicle seat assembly comprising a seat frame made of structural foam and having a main body portion having a forward portion and a rearward portion, and a wire attachment bracket having a front attachment tab, a rear attachment tab, and a connecting portion extending between the front and rear attachment tabs. The front attachment tab can be securable to a vehicle floor pan to secure the forward portion of the seat frame to the vehicle floor pan, and the rear attachment tab can be securable to a vehicle floor pan to secure the rearward portion of the seat frame to the vehicle floor pan. In at least one embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly further comprises a cushion supported on the frame, with the cushion being softer than the seat frame, and a trim material disposed over the cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Allyn Folkert, William Barr, Ashford A. Galbreath, Asad S. Ali
  • Publication number: 20120187739
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present invention relates to a vehicle seat assembly comprising a seat frame made of structural foam and having a main body portion having a forward portion and a rearward portion, and a wire attachment bracket having a front attachment tab, a rear attachment tab, and a connecting portion extending between the front and rear attachment tabs. The front attachment tab can be securable to a vehicle floor pan to secure the forward portion of the seat frame to the vehicle floor pan, and the rear attachment tab can be securable to a vehicle floor pan to secure the rearward portion of the seat frame to the vehicle floor pan. In at least one embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly further comprises a cushion supported on the frame, with the cushion being softer than the seat frame, and a trim material disposed over the cushion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark Allyn Folkert, William Barr, Ashford A. Galbreath, Asad S. Ali
  • Patent number: 7552972
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly including a seat backrest, a seat bottom, and a seat frame having a front member and a rear member that operatively supports the seat bottom. A seat backrest rotating assembly allows the seat backrest to move from an upright position to a folded position. The seat frame has a seat rotation mechanism to allow the seat frame to be rotatively lifted upward and move the seat frame to a tumbled position. A first latching mechanism latches and retains the seat backrest in the upright position. A second latching mechanism latches and retains the seat bottom to the vehicle floor. A release assembly has a motor and a cable assembly that is operatively connected to the first latching assembly. The motor is adapted to be remotely actuated to cause the first latching assembly to be operatively released by the cable assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Ferrari, Michael Walkowski, Mark Allyn Folkert, David Williams, Eric Woods
  • Patent number: 7517009
    Abstract: A headrest assembly in combination with a vehicle seat assembly, the combination including a vehicle seat assembly having a seat bottom and a seat back assembly connected to the seat bottom. The combination also includes a headrest assembly connected to the seat back assembly. The headrest assembly has a head receiving portion that is configured for movement between a first position and a second position with respect to the seat back assembly. The seat back assembly obstructs downward adjustment of the headrest assembly below a predetermined height when the head receiving portion is in the first position. The headrest assembly can be downwardly adjustable below the predetermined height when the head receiving portion is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Andre Mauro, David Karl Williams, Eric A. Woods, Michael Ferrari, Mark Allyn Folkert, Syed Z. Haider, Alan Daniel Novrocki
  • Publication number: 20080073963
    Abstract: A headrest assembly in combination with a vehicle seat assembly, the combination including a vehicle seat assembly having a seat bottom and a seat back assembly connected to the seat bottom. The combination also includes a headrest assembly connected to the seat back assembly. The headrest assembly has a head receiving portion that is configured for movement between a first position and a second position with respect to the seat back assembly. The seat back assembly obstructs downward adjustment of the headrest assembly below a predetermined height when the head receiving portion is in the first position. The headrest assembly can be downwardly adjustable below the predetermined height when the head receiving portion is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andre Mauro, David Karl Williams, Eric A. Woods, Michael Ferrari, Mark Allyn Folkert, Syed Z. Haider, Alan Daniel Novrocki
  • Patent number: 7344195
    Abstract: A recliner assembly for a vehicle seat having a seat back movably mounted relative to a seat bottom includes first and second frame members. The first frame member supports the seat back. The second frame member supports the seat bottom. The first frame member is pivotally attached to the second frame member and is movable between an upright position and a storage position. In the upright position, the seat back is in a generally vertical position for supporting an occupant seated on the seat. In the storage position, the seat back is positioned above the seat bottom. A damper is operatively connected between the first and second frame members. The damper dampens the movement of the first frame member relative to the second frame member when the first frame member is pivoted from the upright position to the storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Allyn Folkert, Dave Williams, Eric A. Woods
  • Patent number: 6746083
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly for mounting on a vehicle floor including a seat bottom pivotally mounted relative to the vehicle floor. The seat bottom defines an upper surface and an opposed lower surface. The seat bottom is movable between a seating position, wherein the upper surface faces upwards, and a storage position, wherein the lower surface faces upwards. A panel is pivotally connected to the seat bottom. The panel is automatically moved between a first position underneath the seat bottom when the seat bottom is in the seating position, and a generally horizontally deployed position when the seat bottom is moved to the storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Dale Michael Drew, Eric Anthony Woods, Mark Allyn Folkert
  • Publication number: 20040061370
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly for mounting on a vehicle floor including a seat bottom pivotally mounted relative to the vehicle floor. The seat bottom defines an upper surface and an opposed lower surface. The seat bottom is movable between a seating position, wherein the upper surface faces upwards, and a storage position, wherein the lower surface faces upwards. A panel is pivotally connected to the seat bottom. The panel is automatically moved between a first position underneath the seat bottom when the seat bottom is in the seating position, and a generally horizontally deployed position when the seat bottom is moved to the storage position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Dale Michael Drew, Eric Anthony Woods, Mark Allyn Folkert