Patents by Inventor Michael Benzing

Michael Benzing 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: 7611199
    Abstract: A seat for use by an occupant in a vehicle. The seat includes a seat base configured to be supported in the vehicle. A back frame including a first transverse member, a first side member and a second side member, wherein the first transverse member interconnects each of the side members at a location toward an upper end of the back frame. The back frame further includes a second transverse member interconnecting the first and second side members a spaced distance from the first transverse member. A compliant back member having a first end operably connected to the first transverse member and a second end operably connected to the second transverse member. A biasing member having a first end operatively engaging the compliant back member and a second end being anchored with respect to the back frame wherein when a seat occupant's back applies a force to the compliant back member, the biasing member applies a reaction force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Eric Bernard Michalak, Robert Michael Benzing, David Hensel
  • Publication number: 20050179290
    Abstract: A vehicle seat for use by an occupant in a vehicle, for example an automobile. The vehicle seat comprises a seat base (12) coupled to a support structure (6) of the vehicle. A back frame (40) including side members (41, 43), the back frame further includes a second transverse member (46) coupled to the first and second side members, wherein the side members each have a lower end pivotably coupled to the seat base. A compliant back (60) is operably connected at an upper end to the second transverse member (46) and operably connected at a lower portion proximate the lower ends of the side members, and may include a biasing mechanism. The seat may also include a tuberosity pivot (54) coupled to the back frame (40) and the seat base (12), which pivot may be motorized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Publication date: August 18, 2005
    Inventors: Robert Hancock, Terrence Cussen, Lance Larsen, David Hensel, Joseph McElroy, Michael Benzing, William Jones