Patents by Inventor Mark Folkert

Mark 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: 10676000
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly is provided with a structural member adapted to be mounted within a vehicle to provide support to an occupant. The structural member has at least one channel formed therein. A cushion member is provided adjacent to the structural layer. The cushion member has at least one channel formed therethrough. A trim member is secured over the cushion member to form a seating surface. At least one attachment member is mounted to the trim member extending through the at least one channel of the cushion member. The at least one attachment member extends into the at least one channel of the structural member such that at least one of the trim material and the cushion layer is retained on the structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Ashford A. Galbreath, Thomas S. Hicks, Ronald L. Miotto, Asad S. Ali, Mark A. Folkert, William Paruszkiewicz, Paul Severinski, James B. Clauser, Thomas A. Welch, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20170113586
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly is provided with a structural member adapted to be mounted within a vehicle to provide support to an occupant. The structural member has at least one channel formed therein. A cushion member is provided adjacent to the structural layer. The cushion member has at least one channel formed therethrough. A trim member is secured over the cushion member to form a seating surface. At least one attachment member is mounted to the trim member extending through the at least one channel of the cushion member. The at least one attachment member extends into the at least one channel of the structural member such that at least one of the trim material and the cushion layer is retained on the structural member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Applicant: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Ashford A. Galbreath, Thomas S. Hicks, Ronald L. Miotto, Asad S. Ali, Mark A. Folkert, William Paruszkiewicz, Paul Severinski, James B. Clauser, Thomas A. Welch, SR.
  • Patent number: 9555728
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly is provided with a structural member adapted to be mounted within a vehicle to provide support to an occupant. The structural member has at least one channel formed therein. A cushion member is provided adjacent to the structural layer. The cushion member has at least one channel formed therethrough. A trim member is secured over the cushion member to form a seating surface. At least one attachment member is mounted to the trim member extending through the at least one channel of the cushion member. The at least one attachment member extends into the at least one channel of the structural member such that at least one of the trim material and the cushion layer is retained on the structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ashford A. Galbreath, Thomas S. Hicks, Ronald L. Miotto, Asad S. Ali, Mark A. Folkert, William Paruszkiewicz, Paul Severinski, James B. Clauser, Thomas A. Welch, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8657383
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an environmentally friendly layered vehicle seat assembly and a method of making the same. In at least one embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly comprises a cushion composite comprising a structural layer and a cushion layer adjacent to the structural layer, and a trim material secured over the cushion composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Ashford A. Galbreath, Asad S. Ali, Mark A. Folkert, Scott A. Ziolek, Terry R. O'Bannon
  • Publication number: 20110140500
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an environmentally friendly layered vehicle seat assembly and a method of making the same. In at least one embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly comprises a cushion composite comprising a structural layer and a cushion layer adjacent to the structural layer, and a trim material secured over the cushion composite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ashford A. Galbreath, Asad S. Ali, Mark A. Folkert, Scott A. Ziolek, Terry R. O'Bannon
  • Patent number: 7905552
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an environmentally friendly layered vehicle seat assembly and a method of making the same. In at least one embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly comprises a cushion composite comprising a structural layer and a cushion layer adjacent to the structural layer, and a trim material secured over the cushion composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Ashford A. Galbreath, Asad S. Ali, Mark A. Folkert, Scott A. Ziolek, Terry R. O'Bannon
  • Publication number: 20090302664
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an environmentally friendly layered vehicle seat assembly and a method of making the same. In at least one embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly comprises a cushion composite comprising a structural layer and a cushion layer adjacent to the structural layer, and a trim material secured over the cushion composite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ashford A. Galbreath, Asad S. Ali, Mark A. Folkert, Scott A. Ziolek, Terry R. O'Bannon
  • Publication number: 20090295215
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly is provided with a structural member adapted to be mounted within a vehicle to provide support to an occupant. The structural member has at least one channel formed therein. A cushion member is provided adjacent to the structural layer. The cushion member has at least one channel formed therethrough. A trim member is secured over the cushion member to form a seating surface. At least one attachment member is mounted to the trim member extending through the at least one channel of the cushion member. The at least one attachment member extends into the at least one channel of the structural member such that at least one of the trim material and the cushion layer is retained on the structural member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ashford A. Galbreath, Thomas S. Hicks, Ronald L. Miotto, Asad S. Ali, Mark A. Folkert, William Paruszkiewicz, Paul Severinski, James B. Clauser, Thomas A. Welch, SR.
  • Patent number: 7585030
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an environmentally friendly layered vehicle seat assembly and a method of making the same. In at least one embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly comprises a cushion composite comprising a structural layer and a cushion layer adjacent to the structural layer, and a trim material secured over the cushion composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Inventors: Ashford A. Galbreath, Asad S. Ali, Mark A. Folkert, Scott A. Ziolek, Terry R. O'Bannon
  • Publication number: 20080018162
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an environmentally friendly layered vehicle seat assembly and a method of making the same. In at least one embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly comprises a cushion composite comprising a structural layer and a cushion layer adjacent to the structural layer, and a trim material secured over the cushion composite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ashford A. Galbreath, Asad S. Ali, Mark A. Folkert, Scott A. Ziolek, Terry R. O'Bannon
  • Patent number: 7222875
    Abstract: A close out retainer for a side air bag chute comprising at least two retainer pieces, a bar code wherein a portion of the bar code is printed on said at least two retainer pieces, and a strap connecting that retainer to the side air bag. This close out retainer increases the safety of side air bags by utilizing a retainer that ensures correct installation. Correct installation is only obtained when the bar code printed on each of at least two retainer pieces is aligned and complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: John Meyendorff, Israel Jaramillo, Dave Williams, Jerry Maroudis, Mark Folkert
  • Publication number: 20070075577
    Abstract: A stowable seat assembly is provided for use with a vehicle having a floor and a recess formed therein. The assembly includes a seat and a pivot tube adapted to be secured to the vehicle floor, with the seat being operatively pivotal about the pivot tube between a first, collapsed position and a second, stowed position with the seat being at least partially stowed within the vehicle recess. The seat passes through a third, upright position intermediate the first and second positions as the seat is pivoted between the first and second positions. The assembly further includes a torsion rod mounted on the pivot tube and free to twist, with the torsion rod being operatively coupled to the seat during pivoting of the seat toward and away from the third, upright position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Publication date: April 5, 2007
    Inventors: Matthew Trombley, Eric Woods, Michael Ferrari, David Williams, Mark Folkert, John Malcolm
  • Patent number: 7192088
    Abstract: A stowable seat assembly is provided for use with a vehicle having a floor and a recess formed therein. The assembly includes a seat and a pivot tube adapted to be secured to the vehicle floor, with the seat being operatively pivotal about the pivot tube between a first, collapsed position and a second, stowed position with the seat being at least partially stowed within the vehicle recess. The seat passes through a third, upright position intermediate the first and second positions as the seat is pivoted between the first and second positions. The assembly further includes a torsion rod mounted on the pivot tube and free to twist, with the torsion rod being operatively coupled to the seat during pivoting of the seat toward and away from the third, upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew T Trombley, Eric A Woods, Michael R Ferrari, David K Williams, Mark A Folkert, John G Malcolm
  • Publication number: 20070057555
    Abstract: A seat assembly for use with a vehicle having a retaining member includes a support member and a latch member moveably coupled to the support member. The latch member is moveable between a latched position, for securing the support member to the retaining member, and an unlatched position for allowing the support member to move with respect to the retaining member. The seat assembly further includes a cam arrangement associated with the support member and including a cam that cooperates with the latch member to secure the latch member in the latched position. The cam arrangement also includes a movement inhibitor that is configured to extend into a sufficiently large gap, if present, between the latch member and the cam when the latch member is in the latched position to thereby inhibit relative motion of the cam and the latch member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Publication date: March 15, 2007
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric Woods, Mark Folkert, Michael Ferrari
  • Publication number: 20070052256
    Abstract: A seat assembly for use with a vehicle having a vehicle body includes a seat bottom that is configured to be pivotably mounted to the vehicle body, a seat back pivotally connected to the seat bottom, a seat back latch associated with the seat back for inhibiting movement of the seat back with respect to the seat bottom, and an automatic stow arrangement for moving the seat bottom and seat back from a use position to a stowed position. The stow arrangement is associated with the seat back latch and is configured to release the seat back latch to allow the seat back to pivot in a first direction toward the seat bottom. The stow arrangement is further configured to pivot the seat bottom and seat back in a second direction opposite the first direction to the stowed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Applicant: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Trombley, Eric Woods, David Williams, Mark Folkert, John Malcolm, Michael Ferrari
  • Patent number: 7152900
    Abstract: A seat assembly for use with a vehicle having a vehicle body includes a seat bottom that is configured to be pivotably mounted to the vehicle body, a seat back pivotally connected to the seat bottom, a seat back latch associated with the seat back for inhibiting movement of the seat back with respect to the seat bottom, and an automatic stow arrangement for moving the seat bottom and seat back from a use position to a stowed position. The stow arrangement is associated with the seat back latch and is configured to release the seat back latch to allow the seat back to pivot in a first direction toward the seat bottom. The stow arrangement is further configured to pivot the seat bottom and seat back in a second direction opposite the first direction to the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew T. Trombley, Eric A. Woods, David K. Williams, Mark A. Folkert, John Malcolm, Michael R. Ferrari
  • Publication number: 20060273645
    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: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Publication date: December 7, 2006
    Inventors: Michael Ferrari, Michael Walkowski, Mark Folkert, David Williams, Eric Woods
  • Publication number: 20060208520
    Abstract: A seat assembly for use with a vehicle having a vehicle body includes a seat bottom that is configured to be pivotably mounted to the vehicle body, a seat back pivotally connected to the seat bottom, a seat back latch associated with the seat back for inhibiting movement of the seat back with respect to the seat bottom, and an automatic stow arrangement for moving the seat bottom and seat back from a use position to a stowed position. The stow arrangement is associated with the seat back latch and is configured to release the seat back latch to allow the seat back to pivot in a first direction toward the seat bottom. The stow arrangement is further configured to pivot the seat bottom and seat back in a second direction opposite the first direction to the stowed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Publication date: September 21, 2006
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew Trombley, Eric Woods, David Williams, Mark Folkert, John Malcolm, Michael Ferrari
  • Publication number: 20060181132
    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 second frame member is pivotally attached to the first 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 second frame member is pivoted from the upright position to the storage position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Inventors: Mark Folkert, Dave Williams, Eric Woods
  • Publication number: 20030183319
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a cross car beam assembly for use with a vehicle includes joining first and second support brackets to opposite ends of a cross car beam using an adhesive, such that the adhesive is a primary attachment means for joining the support brackets to the cross car beam. Furthermore, the support brackets are attachable to the vehicle so as to support the cross car beam in the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald O. Morrison, Mark A. Folkert, Jack S. Palazzolo, Ian D. Haynes