Patents by Inventor Thomas Dills
Thomas Dills 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).
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Patent number: 9914374Abstract: An easy-entry system (EE) for a vehicle seat (1) with a backrest (1.1) and a seat cushion (1.2), in arrangement with a fitting (2) for adjusting the inclination of the backrest (1.1) relative to the seat cushion (1.2) at least within a comfort range and optionally with an extended comfort function for positioning the backrest (1.1) beyond an easy-entry position into a loading floor position. The system includes, for initiating an easy-entry function, at least one actuating lever (4) which is coupled via at least one tension element (6) to an unlocking lever (8) for unlocking the inclination adjustment of the backrest (1.1). A translatory movement of the tension element (6) is transformed by means of a sliding element (7.2) of a transmission arrangement (7) into a rotatory movement of the unlocking lever (8) for opening the fitting (2).Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2014Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Wolfgang Pluta, Christian Wolf, Thomas Dill, Heinrich Hammann
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Patent number: 9758061Abstract: A longitudinally adjustable vehicle seat (1) includes a lower rail (5) and a longitudinally displaceably guided upper rail. A lower rail mounted end stop (40, 40b) delimits a comfort adjustment region interacting with an upper rail mounted stop element (36). The upper stop element (36) can be displaced beyond the comfort adjustment region into an easy entry region and is part of a stop module (30) that is pivotable about a pivot axis (S). The stop module (30) includes a deflector element (34) that moves upwards, when the stop element (36) has not been shifted away, in the vertical direction upon contact with a screw head (22) that is located in the cavity between the upper rail (3) and the lower rail (5). The upper stop element (36) form-fittingly engages with the end stop (40, 40b) when the end stop (40, 40b) is reached.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2014Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: JOHNSON CONTROLS COMPONENTS GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Wolfgang Pluta, Thomas Dill, Christian Wolf, Thomas Christoffel
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Publication number: 20170217336Abstract: A vehicle seat (1) has an easy-entry module (6). A backrest (2) is adjustable relative to a seat part (3) between at least one comfort position (P1) and at least one easy-entry position (P3). The backrest (2) is, together with the seat part (3), arranged so as to be longitudinally displaceable by way of rails (4) along a movement travel (W) over a longitudinal adjustment range (L) at least between two seat positions (S1.1 to S1.n). To limit the movement travel (W), at least one switchable abutment (10) is provided in the region of the rails (4). The backrest (2) is, at a predefined seat position (S2), settable upright by way of the switchable abutment (10) from the easy-entry position (P3) into the comfort position (P1) and lockable to the seat part (3) in the predefined seat position (S2).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2017Publication date: August 3, 2017Inventors: Christian WOLF, Jan SIMO, Thomas DILL, Olaf KREUELS, Heinrich HAMMANN
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Publication number: 20170136921Abstract: A backrest adjuster (4) is provided for a seat. The seat includes a backrest (1) that can be adjusted relative to a seat part (2) by a fitting (5) and which is arranged in a longitudinally displaceable manner. When the backrest (1) is displaced from a seating position (P1) to an entry position (P2), a gear unit (9) actuates a tension element (7) that unlatches a rail adjuster (10.1) and latches same when the backrest (1) is displaced in the opposite position. A vehicle seat is provided that includes such a backrest adjuster (4).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2015Publication date: May 18, 2017Inventors: Thomas DILL, Olaf KREUELS, Wolfgang PLUTA, Jan SIMO, Christian WOLF
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Patent number: 9649954Abstract: A vehicle seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, has a seat part and a backrest which is provided with a backrest frame which runs all around as a load-bearing structure. The backrest frame has a lower crossmember, two side parts and an upper crossmember. The backrest can pivot relative to the seat part by at least one fitting which is attached to the backrest frame. At least one corner piece is provided as part of the backrest frame, which corner piece connects the lower crossmember to one of the seat parts. The fitting is attached to the corner piece.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2011Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: KEIPER GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Christian Markel, Thomas Dill, Wolfgang Pluta
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Publication number: 20170106770Abstract: A connecting arrangement (1), for a linkage of a vehicle seat, includes a coupling rod (10) and a securing element (40) for securing the coupling rod (10) to a further component (20) of the vehicle seat. The linkage is a part of a lever mechanism for operating a component of the vehicle seat. The further component (20) is a pivotable lever. The coupling rod (10) is introduced into a bearing bush (30) which is connectable to the further component (20) and has a cavity (31), into which the securing element (40) is introduced. A vehicle seat is provided which has at least one such connecting arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2015Publication date: April 20, 2017Inventors: Christian WOLF, Wolfgang PLUTA, Heinrich HAMMAN, Viktor ENNS, Thomas DILL
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Publication number: 20160368406Abstract: A backrest structure for a vehicle seat (1) includes a flat base sheet (30) and another structural part (20, 40) which are connected to each other by at least one laser weld seam (50) using a laser welding procedure. In a process, at least one tongue (28, 36, 38) of the base sheet (30) is bent by 180 DEG in the region of the weld seam (50) and placed on the remaining base sheet (30). The at least one weld seam (50) connects the bent tongues (28, 36, 38), the remaining base sheet (30), and the other structural part (20, 40) to one another. A vehicle seat (1) is also provided with such a backrest.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2014Publication date: December 22, 2016Inventors: Wolfgang PLUTA, Heinrich HAMMANN, Thomas DILL, Christian WOLF
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Publication number: 20160347209Abstract: A vehicle seat (1) has a seat part (3), a backrest (5), pivotable about a pivot axis (S) with respect to the seat part (3), a pair of seat rails (11, 13) for longitudinally adjusting the vehicle seat (1), and a seat rail locking device (17) for locking the at least one pair of seat rails (11, 13). The backrest (5) can take up a use position (5.1) suitable for transporting a person, and an easy-entry position (5.2) in which the backrest (5) has been pivoted forward about the pivot axis (S) and the seat rail locking device (17) has been opened via a Bowden cable unit (80). To pivot the backrest (5) back out of the easy-entry position (5.2) in the direction of the use position (5.1), a limit force has to be overcome that is generated by a compensation spring unit (85) of the Bowden cable unit (80).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2015Publication date: December 1, 2016Inventors: Wolfgang PLUTA, Christian WOLF, Thomas DILL, Thomas CHRISTOFFEL
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Publication number: 20160339810Abstract: A vehicle seat (1) has a seat segment (14) including a first seating location (11) having a first backrest (21), a second seating location (12) having a second backrest (22), and a seat part (24). The first backrest (21) and the second backrest (22) are connected to the seat part (24) and can be pivoted about a pivot axis (A) in relation to the seat part (24). A first fitting (61) has a first fitting part which is connected to the seat part (24) in a rotationally fixed manner and a second fitting part which is connected to the first backrest (21) in a rotationally fixed manner. A second fitting (62) has a first fitting part which is connected to the first backrest (21) in a rotationally fixed manner and a second fitting part which is connected to the second backrest (22) in a rotationally fixed manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2015Publication date: November 24, 2016Inventors: Wolfgang PLUTA, Heinrich HAMMANN, Thomas DILL, Christian WOLF
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Publication number: 20160297328Abstract: The invention relates to a forward pivot mechanism for positioning a scat back of a vehicle seat into at least one forward position and for positioning the seat back beyond the forward position into at least one further forward position, comprising a comfort lock for positioning and locking the seat back into a least one seated position, and comprising an easy entry latch for positioning the seat back into the at least one forward position, wherein a pivot range of the seat back into one of the forward positions can be limited by means of the easy entry latch, wherein the easy-entry latch is designed in such a way that it forms a forward limit stop during the shifting of the seat back from one of the seated positions into one of the forward positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2014Publication date: October 13, 2016Applicant: Johnson Controls Components GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Wolfgang Pluta, Christian Wolf, Thomas Dill, Thomas Christoffel
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Publication number: 20160257224Abstract: An easy-entry system (EE) for a vehicle seat (1) with a backrest (1.1) and a seat cushion (1.2), in arrangement with a fitting (2) for adjusting the inclination of the backrest (1.1) relative to the seat cushion (1.2) at least within a comfort range and optionally with an extended comfort function for positioning the backrest (1.1) beyond an easy-entry position into a loading floor position. The system includes, for initiating an easy-entry function, at least one actuating lever (4) which is coupled via at least one tension element (6) to an unlocking lever (8) for unlocking the inclination adjustment of the backrest (1.1). A translatory movement of the tension element (6) is transformed by means of a sliding element (7.2) of a transmission arrangement (7) into a rotatory movement of the unlocking lever (8) for opening the fitting (2).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2014Publication date: September 8, 2016Inventors: Wolfgang PLUTA, Christian WOLF, Thomas DILL, Heinrich HAMMANN
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Publication number: 20160250949Abstract: A vehicle seat (1) with a seat segment (14) which includes a first seat area (11) with a first backrest (21) that can be pivoted about a pivot axis (A) running in a transverse direction (y) and a second seat area (12) with a second backrest (22) that can be pivoted about the pivot axis (A). The second backrest (22) is equipped with a locking device (9) which interacts with a locking bracket (8) provided on the first backrest (21). The locking device (9) includes at least one axis pin (92) with a longitudinal axis (94) that is inclined relative to the transverse direction (y).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2014Publication date: September 1, 2016Applicant: Johnson Controls Components GmbH & Co., KGInventors: Thomas DILL, Joerg RAPEDIUS, Viktor ENNS
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Publication number: 20160185261Abstract: A vehicle seat (1) has a seat segment (14) with a first seat (11) having a first backrest (21) and a second seat (12) having a second backrest (22) and a seat part (24). The first backrest and the second backrest are pivotable about a pivot axis (A) relative to the seat part. A first fitting (51) and a second fitting (52) connect the first backrest to the seat part. The fittings (51, 52) each have a fitting part fixed to the seat part and a fitting part fixed to the backrest that are pivotable relative to one another. The second backrest is pivotable about the pivot axis (A) via a first rotary bearing point (71) that is a fixed bearing and via a second rotary bearing part (72) that is a floating bearing. The second rotary bearing point includes a rotary bearing sleeve (54) mounted on the first fitting.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2013Publication date: June 30, 2016Inventors: Heinrich HAMMANN, Wolfgang PLUTA, Thomas DILL, Viktor ENNS
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Publication number: 20160176323Abstract: A fitting (2) with a pivoting-forwards mechanism, positioning a backrest (1.1) of a vehicle seat (1) into a forward position, a comfort lock, positioning the backrest into a comfort region seat position (A to C), and an expanded comfort function, positioning the backrest beyond the front position into a loading platform position (E). The fitting includes a fitting part (2.1, 2.2) and a driver (4). A pivoting range of the backrest is limited in the forward position by an easy-entry latch (5) engaging in the fitting part (2.1). The easy-entry latch, when the backrest is adjusted between the seat positions in the comfort region, bears against a stop (7) mounted on the backrest and, in the forward position, is prevented by the stop from pivoting further forwards, and, when the backrest is set upright from the forward position into one of the seat positions, pivots controlled by the stop.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2014Publication date: June 23, 2016Inventors: Wolfgang PLUTA, Christian WOLF, Thomas DILL, Heinrich HAMMANN
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Publication number: 20160144747Abstract: A device for adjusting the seat inclination of a motor vehicle seat, includes a seat frame and a seat shell, which are connected to each other in an articulated manner by two fastening elements. The fastening elements each extend through a respective accommodating opening on the seat frame and a respective bearing opening on the seat shell. In order to provide a device for adjusting the seat inclination for a motor vehicle seat that can be produced simply and installed fully automatically, has a lower total weight, and has especially high stability, the material of the seat shell has a greater material thickness in the region of the bearing openings than in the other regions of the seat shell.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2014Publication date: May 26, 2016Inventors: Viktor ENNS, Thomas DILL, Jakob WIEGE
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Patent number: 9346380Abstract: A vehicle seat, has a seat part, a backrest, and at least one fitting, by which the back rest is attached pivotably to the seat part. The fitting has a first fitting part connected to the backrest and a second fitting part connected to the seat part. The fittings are normally located in the force flux between the backrest and seat part. The seat has at least one deformation zone which is deformed in the event of a crash. A supporting element is mounted on the backrest and a supporting element is mounted on the seat part, the supporting elements normally being spaced apart from each other and, in the event of a crash, coming into contact with each other because of the deformation of the deformation zone to provide a further force flux path lying parallel to the fitting.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2012Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: KEIPER GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Christian Markel, Thomas Dill, Wolfgang Pluta, Viktor Enns, Gerhard Mueller
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Publication number: 20160107545Abstract: A longitudinally adjustable vehicle seat (1) includes a lower rail (5) and a longitudinally displaceably guided upper rail. A lower rail mounted end stop (40, 40b) delimits a comfort adjustment region interacting with an upper rail mounted stop element (36). The upper stop element (36) can be displaced beyond the comfort adjustment region into an easy entry region and is part of a stop module (30) that is pivotable about a pivot axis (S). The stop module (30) includes a deflector element (34) that moves upwards, when the stop element (36) has not been shifted away, in the vertical direction upon contact with a screw head (22) that is located in the cavity between the upper rail (3) and the lower rail (5). The upper stop element (36) form-fittingly engages with the end stop (40, 40b) when the end stop (40, 40b) is reached.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2014Publication date: April 21, 2016Inventors: Wolfgang PLUTA, Thomas DILL, Christian WOLF, Thomas CHRISTOFFEL
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Publication number: 20160039316Abstract: An easy-entry system for a vehicle seat, having at least one fitting (5) with at least one fitting component (B) and a driver profile (5.1). The at least one fitting component (B) is coupled to a transmission element (6), and an unlocking lever (3) of the easy-entry system is connected at least indirectly to the transmission element (6). A comfort lever (4) of a backrest (1.1) engages with the driver profile (5.1), and a pivot region of the backrest (1.1) is limited by a pawl (7), which engages in the at least one fitting (5), when the easy-entry function is initiated. Engagement of the pawl (7) into the at least one fitting (5) can be cancelled by operating the comfort lever (4) for adjusting a position of the backrest (1.1). A vehicle seat is also provided, including such an easy-entry system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2014Publication date: February 11, 2016Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS COMPONENTS GMBH & CO. KG.Inventors: Thomas DILL, Heinrich HAMMANN, Wolfgang PLUTA, Christian WOLF, Christian MARKEL
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Publication number: 20150375655Abstract: A backrest frame (2) for a seat, in particular a vehicle seat, includes a number of frame parts (2.1 to 2.4), which can be fixedly connected to a rear plate (1). At least one first frame part (2.1) is configured as an at least sectionally closed or semi-open hollow profile. At least one of the ends of the hollow profile is recessed in some regions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS COMPONENTS GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Wolfgang PLUTA, Thomas DILL, Heinrich HAMMANN, Viktor ENNS, Christian WOLF
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Publication number: 20150307005Abstract: A vehicle seat (1) includes a first seat (11) with a first backrest (21) and a second seat (12) with a second backrest (22). The second backrest (22) is reinforced with at least one second longitudinal side piece (42, 44) formed from a frame part (52, 54). The first backrest (21) is reinforced with at least one first longitudinal side piece (41, 43) having an identical frame part (52, 54) and in addition a reinforcement part (51, 53, 55).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2013Publication date: October 29, 2015Inventors: Thomas DILL, Wolfgang PLUTA, Heinrich HAMMANN, Viktor ENNS