Patents by Inventor Todd Rupert Muck

Todd Rupert Muck 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: 20240131970
    Abstract: A kinetic seat cushion assembly that rotates based on a force applied on an occupant seated therein is provided. The kinetic seat cushion assembly includes a primary seat cushion frame, a secondary seat cushion frame, a seat cushion tilt mechanism coupling the secondary seat cushion frame to the primary seat cushion frame such that the secondary seat cushion frame is movable with respect to the primary seat cushion frame, and a front pivot mechanism that pivotally couples a front portion of the primary seat cushion frame to a front portion of the secondary seat cushion frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2024
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Rupert Muck, Charles P. Patterson, Matthew R. Speck, Peter J. Moegling
  • Patent number: 11897377
    Abstract: A kinetic seat cushion assembly that rotates based on a force applied on an occupant seated therein is provided. The kinetic seat cushion assembly includes a primary seat cushion frame, a secondary seat cushion frame, a seat cushion tilt mechanism coupling the secondary seat cushion frame to the primary seat cushion frame such that the secondary seat cushion frame is movable with respect to the primary seat cushion frame, and a front pivot mechanism that pivotally couples a front portion of the primary seat cushion frame to a front portion of the secondary seat cushion frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Todd Rupert Muck, Charles P. Patterson, Matthew R. Speck, Peter J. Moegling
  • Publication number: 20230219473
    Abstract: A seat back assembly including a pultrusion reinforcement and a seat back frame formed of a resin material, the seat back frame is only partially overmolded onto the pultrusion reinforcement such that the pultrusion reinforcement is configured to be visually inspected through a plurality of openings formed in the seat back frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2022
    Publication date: July 13, 2023
    Applicants: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., BASF SE, Flex-N-Gate Advanced Product Development, LLC
    Inventors: Jacob A. HERGET, John SALVIA, Todd Rupert MUCK, Vikas BHATIA, Gregory T. DONOVAN, Matthew F. PARKINSON, Steven R. PERUCCA
  • Publication number: 20230173961
    Abstract: A kinetic seat cushion assembly that rotates based on a force applied on an occupant seated therein is provided. The kinetic seat cushion assembly includes a primary seat cushion frame, a secondary seat cushion frame, a seat cushion tilt mechanism coupling the secondary seat cushion frame to the primary seat cushion frame such that the secondary seat cushion frame is movable with respect to the primary seat cushion frame, and a front pivot mechanism that pivotally couples a front portion of the primary seat cushion frame to a front portion of the secondary seat cushion frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2023
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Rupert Muck, Charles P. Patterson, Matthew R. Speck, Peter J. Moegling
  • Patent number: 11634051
    Abstract: A kinetic seat assembly that rotates based on a force applied on an occupant seated therein is provided. The kinetic seat assembly includes a primary seat cushion frame, a primary seat back frame, a secondary seat cushion frame pivotally connected to the primary seat cushion frame, and a secondary seat back frame pivotally connected to the primary seat back frame. The kinetic seat assembly further includes a front pivot mechanism for damping movement between the primary seat cushion frame and the secondary seat cushion frame in a kinetic seat vertical direction, and an upper pivot mechanism for damping movement between the primary seat back frame and the secondary seat back frame in a kinetic seat longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Rupert Muck, Charles P. Patterson, Matthew R. Speck, Peter J. Moegling
  • Patent number: 11584269
    Abstract: A kinetic seat cushion assembly that rotates based on a force applied on an occupant seated therein is provided. The kinetic seat cushion assembly includes a primary seat cushion frame, a secondary seat cushion frame, a seat cushion tilt mechanism coupling the secondary seat cushion frame to the primary seat cushion frame such that the secondary seat cushion frame is movable with respect to the primary seat cushion frame, and a front pivot mechanism that pivotally couples a front portion of the primary seat cushion frame to a front portion of the secondary seat cushion frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Rupert Muck, Charles P. Patterson, Matthew R. Speck, Peter J. Moegling
  • Publication number: 20230030125
    Abstract: A kinetic seat assembly including a primary seat cushion frame including a rear rod extending between opposite rails, a secondary seat back frame movable relative to the primary seat cushion frame, a pair of clamps provided on the rear rod of the primary seat cushion frame, and a pair of vertical dampers coupled between the secondary seat back frame and the pair of clamps on the primary seat cushion frame, each clamp receiving an end of a corresponding vertical damper. In embodiments, the vertical dampers are arranged in a V-shape such that the vertical dampers are oriented at an angle relative to one another such that a distance between a first end of each vertical damper is greater than a distance between a second end of each vertical damper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Rupert Muck, Charles P. Patterson, Peter J. Moegling, Matthew R. Speck, Leon T. Toma
  • Publication number: 20230036617
    Abstract: A kinetic seat assembly includes a primary seat cushion frame, a secondary seat cushion frame movable relative to the primary seat cushion frame, a primary seat back frame, a secondary seat back frame movable relative to the primary seat back frame, a pair of lateral dampers extending between the primary seat back frame and the secondary seat back frame, a pair of vertical dampers extending between the secondary seat back frame and the primary seat cushion frame, a pair of fluid reservoirs for providing a fluid into the pair of lateral dampers and the pair of vertical dampers, and an electronic control unit configured to control the rate at which the fluid is provided to and drawn out of each of the dampers to control a damping effect. In embodiments, an end of the lateral dampers is permitted to move freely relative to the secondary seat back frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Applicants: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Stabilus GMBH
    Inventors: Todd Rupert Muck, Charles P. Patterson, Peter J. Moegling, Matthew R. Speck, Leon T. Toma, Raphael Piroth, Lars Löhken, Yashodhan Joshi
  • Publication number: 20230030120
    Abstract: A kinetic seat assembly includes a primary seat back frame, a secondary seat back frame, and an upper pivot mechanism coupling the secondary seat back frame to the primary seat back frame. The upper pivot mechanism includes a bracket, and a pivotable link extending from a pair of opposite sides of the bracket and interconnecting the bracket and the primary seat back frame. A first end of each of the pivotable links is pivotally attached to the bracket, which is coupled to the secondary seat back frame, and an opposite second end each of the pivotable links is pivotally fixed to the primary seat back frame. The secondary seat back frame is permitted to move in a kinetic seat vertical direction relative to the primary seat back frame as the pivotable links permit the bracket to move in the kinetic seat vertical direction relative to the primary seat back frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Rupert Muck, Charles P. Patterson, Peter J. Moegling, Matthew R. Speck, Leon T. Toma
  • Publication number: 20230032913
    Abstract: A kinetic seat assembly includes primary seat cushion frame, a secondary seat cushion frame movable relative to the primary seat cushion frame, a primary seat back frame, and a secondary seat back frame movable relative to the primary seat back frame. In embodiments, the secondary seat back frame includes a power lumbar mechanism. In embodiments at least one of the secondary seat cushion frame and the secondary seat back frame includes at least one of a cooling mechanism and a heating mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Rupert Muck, Charles P. Patterson, Peter J. Moegling, Matthew R. Speck, Leon T. Toma
  • Publication number: 20220041081
    Abstract: A kinetic seat assembly that rotates based on a force applied on an occupant seated therein is provided. The kinetic seat assembly includes a primary seat cushion frame, a primary seat back frame, a secondary seat cushion frame pivotally connected to the primary seat cushion frame, and a secondary seat back frame pivotally connected to the primary seat back frame. The kinetic seat assembly further includes a front pivot mechanism for damping movement between the primary seat cushion frame and the secondary seat cushion frame in a kinetic seat vertical direction, and an upper pivot mechanism for damping movement between the primary seat back frame and the secondary seat back frame in a kinetic seat longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Rupert Muck, Charles P. Patterson, Matthew R. Speck, Peter J. Moegling
  • Patent number: 11180060
    Abstract: A kinetic seat assembly that rotates based on a force applied on an occupant seated therein is provided. The kinetic seat assembly includes a primary seat cushion frame, a primary seat back frame, a secondary seat cushion frame pivotally connected to the primary seat cushion frame, and a secondary seat back frame pivotally connected to the primary seat back frame. The kinetic seat assembly further includes a front pivot mechanism for damping movement between the primary seat cushion frame and the secondary seat cushion frame in a kinetic seat vertical direction, and an upper pivot mechanism for damping movement between the primary seat back frame and the secondary seat back frame in a kinetic seat longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Todd Rupert Muck, Charles P. Patterson, Matthew R. Speck, Peter J. Moegling
  • Patent number: 11084403
    Abstract: A kinetic seat back assembly that rotates based on a force applied on an occupant seated therein is provided. The kinetic seat back assembly includes a primary seat back frame, a secondary seat back frame, a seat back tilt mechanism coupling the secondary seat back frame to the primary seat back frame such that the secondary seat back frame is movable with respect to the primary seat back frame, and an upper pivot mechanism that pivotally couples an upper portion of the primary seat back frame to an upper portion of the secondary seat back frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Todd Rupert Muck, Charles P. Patterson, Matthew R. Speck, Peter J. Moegling
  • Publication number: 20210237631
    Abstract: A kinetic seat assembly that rotates based on a force applied on an occupant seated therein is provided. The kinetic seat assembly includes a primary seat cushion frame, a primary seat back frame, a secondary seat cushion frame pivotally connected to the primary seat cushion frame, and a secondary seat back frame pivotally connected to the primary seat back frame. The kinetic seat assembly further includes a front pivot mechanism for damping movement between the primary seat cushion frame and the secondary seat cushion frame in a kinetic seat vertical direction, and an upper pivot mechanism for damping movement between the primary seat back frame and the secondary seat back frame in a kinetic seat longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Rupert Muck, Charles P. Patterson, Matthew R. Speck, Peter J. Moegling
  • Publication number: 20210237629
    Abstract: A kinetic seat cushion assembly that rotates based on a force applied on an occupant seated therein is provided. The kinetic seat cushion assembly includes a primary seat cushion frame, a secondary seat cushion frame, a seat cushion tilt mechanism coupling the secondary seat cushion frame to the primary seat cushion frame such that the secondary seat cushion frame is movable with respect to the primary seat cushion frame, and a front pivot mechanism that pivotally couples a front portion of the primary seat cushion frame to a front portion of the secondary seat cushion frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Rupert Muck, Charles P. Patterson, Matthew R. Speck, Peter J. Moegling
  • Publication number: 20210237630
    Abstract: A kinetic seat back assembly that rotates based on a force applied on an occupant seated therein is provided. The kinetic seat back assembly includes a primary seat back frame, a secondary seat back frame, a seat back tilt mechanism coupling the secondary seat back frame to the primary seat back frame such that the secondary seat back frame is movable with respect to the primary seat back frame, and an upper pivot mechanism that pivotally couples an upper portion of the primary seat back frame to an upper portion of the secondary seat back frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Rupert Muck, Charles P. Patterson, Matthew R. Speck, Peter J. Moegling
  • Patent number: 11014528
    Abstract: A vehicle D-ring attachment bracket assembly includes a vehicle D-ring attachment bracket having a first mounting hole, a second mounting hole, and a D-ring bolt hole positioned between the first and second mounting holes. The assembly also includes a first energy absorber attached to the attachment bracket. The first energy absorber includes a first energy absorber first hole positioned coaxially or substantially coaxially with the bracket first mounting hole, and a first energy absorber second hole positioned coaxially or substantially coaxially with the bracket second mounting hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Williams, Todd Rupert Muck, Yuji Yagi
  • Publication number: 20200331426
    Abstract: A vehicle D-ring attachment bracket assembly includes a vehicle D-ring attachment bracket having a first mounting hole, a second mounting hole, and a D-ring bolt hole positioned between the first and second mounting holes. The assembly also includes a first energy absorber attached to the attachment bracket. The first energy absorber includes a first energy absorber first hole positioned coaxially or substantially coaxially with the bracket first mounting hole, and a first energy absorber second hole positioned coaxially or substantially coaxially with the bracket second mounting hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Inventors: James M. Williams, Todd Rupert Muck, Yuji Yagi
  • Patent number: 9131777
    Abstract: A variable lumbar support including a frame and a support extending between an upper end and a lower end wherein the support bracket includes a first longitudinal direction. A pad having a first surface is provided within the assembly. The first surface of the pad contacts the lumbar portion of the seat assembly. The pad is positioned between the lumbar portion and the seat back cushion. Upon a sliding movement of the lumbar member along the support while in contact with the pad, a curved surface of the pad is displaced in the first longitudinal direction and a second direction normal to the first direction. As the lumbar member contacts the curved areas of the pad, the foam is displaced and pushed towards (a bulge) the seat back cushion so that the user of the vehicle seat feels a fore-and-aft movement of the lumbar member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd Rupert Muck
  • Patent number: 9126516
    Abstract: A seat frame structure having frame components that are symmetrical about a longitudinal center line is provided. The seat frame components can be symmetrical about a longitudinal center line and thereby enable the component to be rotated about the center line so it may be used on a right side or a left side of the seat with all structural and/or functionality preserved. Some structural and/or functional features of the seat component that are carried over from a right side to a left side, and vise versa, when the seat component is symmetrical include but are not limited to recliner attachment holes, cable attachment holes, crossbar attachment holes, an airbag slot, flanges, and backboard attachment holes, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Rupert Muck, Masroor Fahim, Peter James Moegling, Robert Joseph Hazlewood