Patents by Inventor Rolf Steinmetz

Rolf Steinmetz 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: 10654389
    Abstract: A headrest for a motor vehicle, including a base part for attachment to a backrest of a vehicle seat, a head part for contact with a head of a vehicle occupant, and an adjusting device between the base part and the head part for causing a substantially linear adjustment of the head part between a minimum and a maximum position. The adjusting device has an intermediate part and several pivot levers which pivot synchronously during adjustment and form a first articulated parallelogram between the head part and intermediate part and a second articulated parallelogram between the intermediate part and base part. The adjusting device includes a synchronizing lever for setting a relative orientation of the head part with respect to the base part during adjustment and wherein the headrest further has a latching device for fixing the headrest in a latching manner relative to the base part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Jifeng Automotive Interior GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Hemmer, Denis Quandt, Jürgen Hürtgen, Christoph Seidel, Rolf Steinmetz
  • Publication number: 20190047455
    Abstract: A headrest for a motor vehicle, including a base part for attachment to a backrest of a vehicle seat, a head part for contact with a head of a vehicle occupant, and an adjusting device between the base part and the head part for causing a substantially linear adjustment of the head part between a minimum and a maximum position. The adjusting device has an intermediate part and several pivot levers which pivot synchronously during adjustment and form a first articulated parallelogram between the head part and intermediate part and a second articulated parallelogram between the intermediate part and base part. The adjusting device includes a synchronizing lever for setting a relative orientation of the head part with respect to the base part during adjustment and wherein the headrest further has a latching device for fixing the headrest in a latching manner relative to the base part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Applicant: Jifeng Automotive Interior GmbH
    Inventors: Michael HEMMER, Denis QUANDT, Jürgen HÜRTGEN, Christoph SEIDEL, Rolf STEINMETZ
  • Patent number: 8794705
    Abstract: The invention relates to a headrest for motor vehicle seats, comprising an upholstery support (2), a support rod (3) displaceably arranged relative to the upholstery support (2), connecting the headrest (1) to a backrest of the motor vehicle seat and at least two bearing elements (4) arranged in the longitudinal axial direction of the support rod (3), spaced apart from one another on the upholstery support (2) and at least partially encompassing the support rod (3), for guiding the support rod (3), the bearing elements (4) being elastically pretensioned in the direction of the support rod (3). In order to provide a headrest which permits a rattle-free arrangement of the upholstery support on the support rod and which has easy adjustability, it is provided that the bearing elements (4) comprise guide webs (20) distributed over their inner periphery, protruding toward the support rod (3) and extending in the longitudinal axial direction of the support rod (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignees: Johnson Controls Metals and Mechanisms GmbH & Co. KG, Grammer Automotive CZ s.r.o.
    Inventors: Rolf Steinmetz, Richard Hielckert
  • Patent number: 8752894
    Abstract: The invention relates to a base body of a headrest of a vehicle seat having a base, particularly for receiving headrest carriers for arranging the headrest at a vehicle seat, and a support body having a support surface for a head. In order to provide a base body for a headrest and a headrest, which in the case of a crash reduces the risk of cervical spine injuries, it is provided that the support body is connected to the base such that the support surface is elastically adjustable relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ralf Trimborn, Rolf Steinmetz
  • Patent number: 8684465
    Abstract: The headrest has a carrier element, which has joining means for fixing to a backrest of a motor vehicle seat and an upper base, and having a cushion part which has a supporting member and is displaceable with respect to the carrier element in a direction of displacement. The carrier element features a latching strip having several latching elements, and the supporting member has a locking means which in a locking position engages with one of the latching elements and in a release position is disengaged from the latching elements. The supporting member further forms at least one oblong hole surrounding the upper base. The supporting member also has a spring-loaded strip which extends along a lower edge of the oblong hole and abuts against the upper base and pushes the same into contact with the upper edge of the oblong hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Nectec Automotive S.R.O.
    Inventor: Rolf Steinmetz
  • Publication number: 20120080924
    Abstract: The headrest has a carrier element, which has joining means for fixing to a backrest of a motor vehicle seat and an upper base, and having a cushion part which has a supporting member and is displaceable with respect to the carrier element in a direction of displacement. The carrier element features a latching strip having several latching elements, and the supporting member has a locking means which in a locking position engages with one of the latching elements and in a release position is disengaged from the latching elements. The supporting member further forms at least one oblong hole surrounding the upper base. The supporting member also has a spring-loaded strip which extends along a lower edge of the oblong hole and abuts against the upper base and pushes the same into contact with the upper edge of the oblong hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventor: Rolf Steinmetz
  • Publication number: 20120080925
    Abstract: The invention relates to a headrest for motor vehicle seats, comprising an upholstery support (2), a support rod (3) displaceably arranged relative to the upholstery support (2), connecting the headrest (1) to a backrest of the motor vehicle seat and at least two bearing elements (4) arranged in the longitudinal axial direction of the support rod (3), spaced apart from one another on the upholstery support (2) and at least partially encompassing the support rod (3), for guiding the support rod (3), the bearing elements (4) being elastically pretensioned in the direction of the support rod (3). In order to provide a headrest which permits a rattle-free arrangement of the upholstery support on the support rod and which has easy adjustability, it is provided that the bearing elements (4) comprise guide webs (20) distributed over their inner periphery, protruding toward the support rod (3) and extending in the longitudinal axial direction of the support rod (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicants: F.S. Fehrer Automotive GmbH, C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rolf Steinmetz, Richard Hielckert
  • Publication number: 20110198900
    Abstract: The invention relates to a base body of a headrest of a vehicle seat having a base, particularly for receiving headrest carriers for arranging the headrest at a vehicle seat, and a support body having a support surface for a head. In order to provide a base body for a headrest and a headrest, which in the case of a crash reduces the risk of cervical spine injuries, it is provided that the support body is connected to the base such that the support surface is elastically adjustable relative to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ralf Trimborn, Rolf Steinmetz
  • Publication number: 20110042855
    Abstract: A system and method for post-treatment of a hollow body molding produced in an injection molding mold. A receiving finger is provided with a first end and a second end. The receiving finger is designed that it can engage into the hollow body molding. The outside shape of the receiving finger substantially corresponds to inside shape of the hollow body molding so that the receiving finger (5) can hold the hollow body molding. Preferably, the outside diameter of the receiving finger is substantially equal to inside diameter of the hollow body molding in a cooled condition so that the hollow body molding can be removed from the receiving finger even after shrinkage. Desirably, the outside diameter of the receiving finger is between about 0.01 mm and about 1 mm and preferably about 0.1 to about 0.5 mm smaller than the inside diameter of the hollow body preform in the removal condition so that the hollow body molding can be removed from the receiving finger even after shrinkage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: MHT Mold & Hotrunner Technology AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Puest, Rolf Steinmetz
  • Patent number: 7717508
    Abstract: The invention relates to a headrest of an automotive vehicle seat, said headrest comprising the following features: a carrier structure comprising at least one bar and being connected to a supporting member, said carrier structure being connected to said supporting member through at least one guide region and said supporting member being movable with respect to said carrier structure along a linear forward path of travel from a normal position of utilization into an accident position in which said supporting member is located both in the x direction and in the z direction in front of the position of utilization, a drive unit being provided, said drive unit comprising a tension spring and a blocking device, said blocking device comprising a first blocking part and a disengagement device, said first blocking part comprising an oblong opening through which engages a driver member of said carrier structure, in the position of utilization the tensile force of said tension spring abutting on said first blocking par
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Burckhard Becker, Rolf Steinmetz, Thomas Thiel
  • Patent number: 7438357
    Abstract: A vehicle seat headrest with a carrier structure including at least one bar and a supporting member in a normally utilization position. In the event of an accident, the supporting member leaves the utilization position and assumes a crash position, in which the supporting member is located in front of the utilization position at least in the x-direction. An expandable container is disposed between the bar and the supporting member in a normally non-expanded state. A source of pressurized gas is connected to the container. A trigger device releases the gas in the event of an accident so that the expandable container is filled with gas and is in an expanded state so that the supporting member is in the crash position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Burckhard Becker, Rolf Steinmetz, Thomas Thiel
  • Patent number: 7293829
    Abstract: The headrest has a first structural component for fastening the headrest to a seat back of a motor vehicle seat and a second structural component that is movable with respect to said first structural component in the event of a crash. A drive unit is disposed between the first structural component and the second structural component and comprises a locking unit, which is locked in the normal case, and a crash sensor connected to the locking unit which it controls. The locking unit comprises a disengagement drive with an electromagnet or a piezoelectric drive. The locking unit has one retainer member associated with the first structural component and one movable disengagement member associated with the second structural component. Retainer member and disengagement member are connected together via a hinge or via balls. The disengagement drive is capable of causing said disengagement member to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Thiel, Rolf Steinmetz, Burkhard Becker
  • Publication number: 20060250001
    Abstract: The invention relates to a headrest of an automotive vehicle seat, said headrest comprising the following features: a carrier structure comprising at least one bar and being connected to a supporting member, said carrier structure being connected to said supporting member through at least one guide region and said supporting member being movable with respect to said carrier structure along a linear forward path of travel from a normal position of utilization into an accident position in which said supporting member is located both in the x direction and in the z direction in front of the position of utilization, a drive unit being provided, said drive unit comprising a tension spring and a blocking device, said blocking device comprising a first blocking part and a disengagement device, said first blocking part comprising an oblong opening through which engages a driver member of said carrier structure, in the position of utilization the tensile force of said tension spring abutting on said first blocking par
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Publication date: November 9, 2006
    Inventors: Burckhard Becker, Rolf Steinmetz, Thomas Thiel
  • Publication number: 20060163919
    Abstract: The headrest has a first structural component comprising fastening means for fastening said headrest to a seat back (22) of a motor vehicle seat and a second structural component that is disposed so as to be movable with respect to said first structural component, comprises a bolster (24) and is moved forward with respect to the first structural component in the event of a crash. A drive unit is disposed between the first structural component and the second structural component and comprises a locking unit which is locked in the normal case and a crash sensor (38) connected to the locking unit which it controls. The locking unit comprises a disengagement drive (39) with an electromagnet (60) or a piezoelectric drive (40). The locking unit has one retainer member (42) associated with the first structural component and one movable disengagement member (44) associated with the second structural component. Retainer member (42) and disengagement member (44) are connected together via a hinge or via balls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas Thiel, Rolf Steinmetz, Burkhard Becker
  • Patent number: 7070205
    Abstract: The headrest of an automotive vehicle seat has at least one bar (20) and one supporting member (26). Normally, the supporting member (26) is in a utilization position. When the automotive vehicle is involved in an accident, the supporting member (26) leaves the utilization position and adopts an accident position in which it is located in front of the utilization position. The at least one bar (20) comprises an oblique portion (30) that is located above an upper edge (32) of a backrest of the automotive vehicle seat. Said oblique portion has one component in the x direction and one component in the z direction. The supporting member (26) comprises a guide region (34) that conforms to the oblique portion (30) of bar (20) and that is movable relative to the oblique portion (30). An elastic means (spring 48) biases the supporting member (26) in the accident position. A releasable locking device (52) is associated with the elastic means, which it normally blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Burckhard Becker, Rolf Steinmetz, Wilfried Beneker
  • Publication number: 20060006708
    Abstract: The invention relates to a headrest of an automotive vehicle with a carrier structure. Said carrier structure comprises at least one bar and a supporting member that normally is in a utilization position. In the event of an accident of the automotive vehicle, said supporting member leaves said utilization position and assumes a crash position in which the supporting member is located in front of the utilization position at least in the x-direction. An expandable container (40, 44; 62) is disposed between said bar (20) and said supporting member (26). Said expandable container (40, 44; 62) normally is in a non-expanded state. There is provided a source (50; 68; 68) of pressurized gas, which is connected to the container (40, 44; 62), so that the source (50; 68; 68) of pressurized gas is normally inactive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Publication date: January 12, 2006
    Inventors: Burckhard Becker, Rolf Steinmetz, Thomas Thiel
  • Publication number: 20050116457
    Abstract: The headrest of an automotive vehicle seat has at least one bar (20) and one supporting member (26). Normally, the supporting member (26) is in a utilization position. When the automotive vehicle is involved in an accident, the supporting member (26) leaves the utilization position and adopts an accident position in which it is located in front of the utilization position. The at least one bar (20) comprises an oblique portion (30) that is located above an upper edge (32) of a backrest of the automotive vehicle seat. Said oblique portion has one component in the x direction and one component in the z direction. The supporting member (26) comprises a guide region (34) that conforms to the oblique portion (30) of bar (20) and that is movable relative to the oblique portion (30). An elastic means (spring 48) biases the supporting member (26) in the accident position. A releasable locking device (52) is associated with the elastic means, which it normally blocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Publication date: June 2, 2005
    Applicant: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Burckhard Becker, Rolf Steinmetz, Wilfried Beneker
  • Publication number: 20020038563
    Abstract: The invention relates to forming equipment for rolling and profiling disk-shaped and ring-shaped parts of a metallic material, e.g., of steel, of super alloys, aluminum alloys, etc., whereby a pressure rolling device without its own axial drive designed as a transportable and replaceable construction unit that it can be replaceably mounted in a conventional forging press between a press ram and the press bed plate for axial rolling. Because of this, the investment costs for otherwise conventional pressure rolling machines is reduced considerably and current forging presses can be used without remodeling for axial rolling by integrating a pressure rolling device according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventors: Rolf Steinmetz, Wojciech Harabasz, Siegfried Grone