Patents by Inventor Michael Walkowski

Michael Walkowski 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).

  • Publication number: 20210016696
    Abstract: A strip of connected clips for holding a trim cover to a vehicle seat includes a plurality of clips which are attached together via breakaway hinges. Each clip includes a base section attached to a barbed retainer section. Characteristically, individual clips can be broken off the strip while leaving the rest of the strip intact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Inventors: Kathleen Ann KELLY, Michael WALKOWSKI, Deborah PATERRA, Michael LOCKE
  • Patent number: 7748787
    Abstract: A seat system for a vehicle and method of manufacturing the same including a seat foam pad having a headrest portion and a backrest portion. A structural support member is included that is formed of a foam material that is at least partially enclosed by the headrest portion and the backrest portion. The seat system also includes a seat frame having the seat foam pad and the structural support member adjacent thereto, wherein the seat foam pad and the structural support member enable the seat system to meet a predetermined structural requirement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: David K. Williams, Matthew T. Trombley, Michael Walkowski, Michael R. Ferrari
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20070126275
    Abstract: The present invention provides a seat system for a vehicle and method of manufacturing the same. The seat system includes a seat foam pad having a headrest portion and a backrest portion. A structural support member is included that is formed of a foam material that is substantially enclosed by the headrest portion and the backrest portion. The seat system also includes a seat frame having the seat foam pad and the foam block adjacent thereto, wherein the seat foam pad and the structural support member enable the seat system to meet a predetermined structural requirement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Williams, Matthew Trombley, Michael Walkowski, Michael 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
  • Patent number: 5988757
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes an aluminum lower seat frame with first and second side supports having a thickness of less than four mm throughout a substantial portion thereof. The seat back frame is pivotally connected to the lower seat frame and comprises a contoured structural reaction injection molded (SRIM) material. In an alternative embodiment, the back frame comprises a plurality of glass mat layers enclosed within a molded urethane material. Extra glass mat layers are provided in high stress concentration areas for added structural integrity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Vishey, Michael Walkowski, Ashley L. Baisch