Patents by Inventor Spencer Robert Hoernke

Spencer Robert Hoernke 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: 10821929
    Abstract: A seatback carrier module includes first and second side portions spaced-apart from one another and interconnected by an upper portion. A cradle portion is disposed along the first and second side portions and the upper portion of the seatback carrier module. The cradle portion includes inner and outer edges with a rearwardly extending body portion. A mounting portion is disposed along a portion of the inner edge of the cradle portion. The mounting portion includes inner and outer edges with a body portion disposed therebetween. The mounting portion further includes a rearwardly extending sidewall disposed along the inner edge of the mounting portion. An airbag assembly is received within the cradle portion and has an inverted U-shaped configuration to substantially surround the outer perimeter of the seatback frame. The airbag assembly is an elongate member defining an overhead airbag assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Marcos Silva Kondrad, Johnathan Andrew Line, Alan George Dry, S. M. Akbar Berry, Derek Board, Srinivasan Sundararajan, Spencer Robert Hoernke
  • Publication number: 20200331371
    Abstract: A seatback assembly includes a seatback frame having first and second side members that define a back support portion of the seatback frame. An upper frame member interconnects the first and second side members of the seatback frame to define a headrest support portion of the seatback frame. An upper mounting plate is coupled to the upper frame member. A retaining bar is coupled to the upper mounting plate. A retractor mechanism is operably coupled the back support portion of the seatback frame. A mounting bracket is operably coupled to the seatback frame. A seatbelt includes a webbing having a first portion which is operably coupled to and extending from the retractor mechanism towards the retaining bar within an interior of the seatback assembly. A second portion of the webbing extends from the retaining bar to the mounting bracket within the interior of the seatback assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Inventors: Benjamin Yilma, Edward Joseph DeSmet, Johnathan Andrew Line, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Spencer Robert Hoernke
  • Publication number: 20200331366
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat and a linkage assembly disposed between the seat and a base member that is positionable between a rest position and a deployed position. In the rest position, a first angle is formed between a seat pan assembly and a bottom of the base member. In the deployed position, a second angle is formed between the seat pan assembly and the bottom of the base member. The second angle is greater than the first angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Carol Diane Casey, S. M. Akbar Berry, Andrew Matusko, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Rodney Charles Brinker
  • Patent number: 10807504
    Abstract: A seating system comprises a plurality of seating assemblies having first and second-row seating assemblies. Each seating assembly includes a cradle pivotally coupled to a seat base and to a seatback. The seat base is movable between first and second positions. The seating assembly includes a base having first and second supports and a swivel plate assembly including first and second frames. The first frame is coupled to the cradle, and the second frame is coupled to the base. The swivel plate assembly includes first and second swivel plates, the first swivel plate coupled to the first frame and the second swivel plate coupled to the second frame. The first swivel plate is configured to allow the cradle to rotate between first and second positions relative to the base. The seating system includes a track assembly. The first and second supports of the base are slidably coupled to the track assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Daniel Ferretti, Kevin Wayne Preuss, Jerry R. Brown, Joseph Michael Kish, Macit Aktas
  • Publication number: 20200307488
    Abstract: A seatback carrier module includes first and second side portions spaced-apart from one another and interconnected by an upper portion. A cradle portion is disposed along the first and second side portions and the upper portion of the seatback carrier module. The cradle portion includes inner and outer edges with a rearwardly extending body portion. A mounting portion is disposed along a portion of the inner edge of the cradle portion. The mounting portion includes inner and outer edges with a body portion disposed therebetween. The mounting portion further includes a rearwardly extending sidewall disposed along the inner edge of the mounting portion. An airbag assembly is received within the cradle portion and has an inverted U-shaped configuration to substantially surround the outer perimeter of the seatback frame. The airbag assembly is an elongate member defining an overhead airbag assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Marcos Silva Kondrad, Johnathan Andrew Line, Alan George Dry, S. M. Akbar Berry, Derek Board, Srinivasan Sundararajan, Spencer Robert Hoernke
  • Publication number: 20200307489
    Abstract: A seatback assembly includes a seatback frame having first and second side members defining a back support portion of the seatback frame. An upper frame member interconnects the first and second side members of the seatback frame to define a headrest support portion of the seatback frame. The seatback frame includes an outer perimeter disposed around the first and second side members and the upper frame member. A front carrier module is operably coupled to a rear carrier module is operably around the seatback frame. The outer perimeter of the seatback frame is inset from a front edge of the rear carrier module to define a raceway therebetween. An airbag assembly is received in the raceway for outward deployment therefrom. The airbag assembly is an elongate member disposed on opposed sides of the back support portion of the seatback frame and over the headrest support portion of the seatback frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Alan George Dry, S. M. Akbar Berry, Derek Board, Srinivasan Sundararajan, Spencer Robert Hoernke
  • Publication number: 20200290484
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly is provided that includes a platform. The platform includes a frame having an attachment feature. A seat base is coupled with the attachment feature. A cross-member is coupled to the frame and movable between extended and retracted positions. The seating assembly also includes a track assembly including a plurality of tracks received by guides. The platform extends between each of the plurality of tracks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Joseph Michael Kish, Daniel Ferretti, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Marcos Silva Kondrad
  • Patent number: 10773618
    Abstract: A method of making a cushion assembly includes forming a first foam pad with a plurality of air cooling columns through the first foam pad. The plurality of air cooling columns terminate at a topper pad. A second foam pad is operably coupled with the first foam pad to define a non-linear flow channel between the first foam pad and the second foam pad. The non-linear flow channel is in fluid communication with the air cooling columns. An air mover is operably coupled to the non-linear flow channel to move air within the air cooling columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Alan George Dry, Spencer Robert Hoernke
  • Patent number: 10744911
    Abstract: A lifter mechanism for an edge of a seat cushion includes a bracket pivotable about a transverse bar. The bracket includes a forward lever and a rearward portion. The forward lever is coupled to a channel within a flange of a seat suspension. The rearward portion is coupled to a linkage. The linkage is coupled to a seatback. The forward lever raises an edge of the seat suspension upon the seatback pivoting to a predetermined reclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Jimmy Moua, Adam Ewel, Corbin Shea Johnston, Robert Damerow, Paul Iacoban, S. M. Akbar Berry
  • Publication number: 20200254909
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a frame and an articulating flexmat assembly operably coupled with the frame. The articulating flexmat assembly includes an upper flexmat extending from a first side of the frame to a second side of the frame and a lower flexmat extending from the first side of the frame to the second side of the frame. The upper flexmat includes an upper static portion and an upper dynamic portion disposed above the upper static portion and adjustable by upper linear actuators that draw the upper dynamic portion toward the upper static portion to arc the upper flexmat outward. The lower flexmat includes a lower static portion adjacent to the upper static portion and a lower dynamic portion disposed below the lower static portion and adjustable by lower linear actuators that draw the lower dynamic portion toward the lower static portion to arc the lower flexmat outward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Robert Damerow, Carol Diane Casey, Andrew Matusko, S.M. Akbar Berry, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Paul Iacoban
  • Publication number: 20200254911
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat carrier defining a central opening. A seatback is pivotally coupled to the seat carrier. A seat flexmat is disposed in the central opening and operable between flexed and unflexed conditions. The vehicle seating assembly also includes a first thigh extension that is extendable and rotatable relative to the seat carrier and a second thigh extension that is extendable and rotatable relative to the seat carrier. The first thigh extension includes a first thigh flexmat operable between flexed and unflexed conditions. The second thigh extension includes a second thigh flexmat operable between flexed and unflexed conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Robert Damerow, Carol Diane Casey, Andrew Matusko, Spencer Robert Hoernke, S.M. Akbar Berry, Paul Iacoban
  • Patent number: 10737600
    Abstract: A seating assembly includes a seat and a seatback pivotally coupled with the seat. The seatback includes a seatback carrier formed from expanded polypropylene. The seatback carrier includes first and second side walls and an upper wall that together define a lower opening. A metallic support member is molded within the seatback carrier. The metallic support member includes an upper portion extending below the upper wall between the first and second side walls. The metallic support member also includes a lower portion extending across the lower opening. A cushion assembly is disposed on the seatback carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Marcos Silva Kondrad
  • Publication number: 20200247290
    Abstract: A seating assembly includes a seat and a seatback pivotally coupled with the seat. The seatback includes a seatback carrier formed from expanded polypropylene. The seatback carrier includes first and second side walls and an upper wall that together define a lower opening. A metallic support member is molded within the seatback carrier. The metallic support member includes an upper portion extending below the upper wall between the first and second side walls. The metallic support member also includes a lower portion extending across the lower opening. A cushion assembly is disposed on the seatback carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Marcos Silva Kondrad
  • Publication number: 20200247356
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback with a frame assembly having first and second portions. A primary structure extends between the first and second portions and defines a seating surface. A secondary structure extends between the first and second portions. A retractor mechanism is disposed on one of the first and second portions and is selectively positionable in an unlocked, a locked, or a pre-tensioned position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Spencer Robert Hoernke, Johnathan Andrew Line, Scott Holmes Dunham, Jimmy Moua
  • Publication number: 20200247272
    Abstract: A translation assembly includes a mounting bracket that couples a drive wheel and one or more passive wheels to a cassette. A motor is coupled to a drive shaft of the drive wheel. A biasing member is coupled between the cassette and the mounting bracket such that the drive wheel and the one or more passive wheels maintain physical contact with one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Joseph Michael Kish, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Daniel Ferretti, S.M. Akbar Berry
  • Publication number: 20200238869
    Abstract: A seating assembly includes a seatback. The seatback includes a frame extending about a periphery of the seatback. The seatback defines a thoracic region and a lumbar region. First and second supports extend from a top portion of the frame to a lower portion of the frame. A first flexible mat and a second flexible mat are operably coupled with the first and second supports. The first flexible mat is disposed proximate the thoracic region. The second flexible mat is disposed proximate the lumbar region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Michael Steven Medoro, Daniel Ferretti
  • Publication number: 20200224699
    Abstract: A seating assembly for a vehicle comprises: a cushion comprising an outer edge and a plurality of snap-fit-fasteners; and a carrier comprising an outer edge surface and a plurality of snap-fit receivers near the outer edge surface of the carrier arranged to receive the plurality of snap-fit fasteners; wherein the plurality of snap-fit receivers have received and are retaining the plurality of snap-fit fasteners such that the cushion is interconnected with the carrier; and wherein the plurality of snap-fit fasteners and plurality of receivers are arranged to prevent the edge of the cushion from rolling up. The cushion further comprises a lip having an inward facing surface; wherein the cushion at least partially surrounds the carrier with at least a portion of the inward facing surface of the lip facing the outer edge surface of the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2020
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Christian J. Hosbach, Corbin Shea Johnston, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Kevin Mozurkewich, Andrew Matusko, Brian M. Thiel
  • Patent number: 10704585
    Abstract: A seating assembly for a vehicle comprises: a cushion comprising an outer edge and a plurality of snap-fit-fasteners; and a carrier comprising an outer edge surface and a plurality of snap-fit receivers near the outer edge surface of the carrier arranged to receive the plurality of snap-fit fasteners; wherein the plurality of snap-fit receivers have received and are retaining the plurality of snap-fit fasteners such that the cushion is interconnected with the carrier; and wherein the plurality of snap-fit fasteners and plurality of receivers are arranged to prevent the edge of the cushion from rolling up. The cushion further comprises a lip having an inward facing surface; wherein the cushion at least partially surrounds the carrier with at least a portion of the inward facing surface of the lip facing the outer edge surface of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Christian J. Hosbach, Corbin Shea Johnston, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Kevin Mozurkewich, Andrew Matusko, Brian M. Thiel
  • Patent number: 10696198
    Abstract: A seating assembly for a vehicle includes a seat base pivotally and slidably coupled with a seatback and a support frame operable between a deployed position and a collapsed position. The support frame includes a first member that is pivotally coupled with a bottom portion of the seat base and pivotally coupled to a lower frame member fixedly attached to a floor support and a second member that is slidably coupled with a bottom portion of the seat base, pivotally coupled with the first member, and slidably coupled with the floor support. The support frame also includes a kickstand pivotally coupled to the floor support and slidably coupled to the seat base. The kickstand is operable between a forward position and a rearward position, wherein the kickstand is biased to and lockable in the forward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Amaury Diaz Serrano, Daniel Ferretti, Jerry R. Brown, Paul Iacoban
  • Patent number: 10604041
    Abstract: A seating assembly for a vehicle comprising: a cushion comprising an outer edge and a plurality of lines; a carrier comprising a perimeter outer surface and a plurality of line detents near the perimeter outer surface of the carrier retaining the plurality of lines such that the cushion is interconnected with the carrier; wherein the plurality of lines and plurality of line detents are arranged to prevent the edge of the cushion from rolling up. The cushion can further comprise a rearward extending lip having an inwardly facing surface; wherein the cushion at least partially surrounds the carrier with at least a portion of the inwardly facing surface of the lip facing the perimeter outer surface of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Corbin Shea Johnston, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Johnathan Andrew Line, Kevin Mozurkewich, Andrew Matusko, Brian Thiel