Patents Examined by Jody Giacoman
  • Patent number: 8919874
    Abstract: A vehicle seat component includes a cushion member, and an upholstery member that covers the cushion member. The cushion member and the upholstery member are integrated together during molding of the cushion member. The upholstery member has a first portion that is air-permeable and that is arranged at a seating side, and a second portion that is laminated on the first portion and that prevents intrusion of a molding material of the cushion member. A thin section that is recessed toward the upholstery member is formed in a back surface of the cushion member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroki Ota, Tomoki Nii, Kazuaki Toyama, Mitsuaki Taniguchi, Yoshiyuki Murata, Tetsuo Hayashida, Ryousuke Jyoujima, Masahiko Ito, Asakiyo Ishikawa, Shinya Kaneko
  • Patent number: 8905470
    Abstract: A seat unit includes a seat and a dining board is slidably and pivotably connected to the back of the backrest of the seat. A display device such as a flat-board computer, a table PC, or an In-Flight Entertainment device, is connected to the bottom face of the dining board. The dining board is connected with two links which are pivotably connected to the legs of the backrest so that the dining board is pivoted and positioned horizontally. The dining board has operation members on two sides thereof so as to be slidably engaged with grooves in the reception member on the backrest. The dining board can be slid and stored in the reception member and the passenger behind the backrest can operate and enjoy the In-Flight Entertainment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Super Alloy Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Henry Shih, Wen-Ping Tsai, Chang-Hsien Lee
  • Patent number: 8899678
    Abstract: A child seat assembly has a base to rest on a vehicle seat, a seat shell, and a recline mechanism that selectively permits adjustment of the seat shell between first and second recline positions and includes a recline positioner, pin, biasing element, and handle. The recline positioner has first and second portions defining the first and second recline positions, respectively. The pin is movable between a released position and an engaged position in which the pin is configured to engage the first or second portion to retain the seat shell in the corresponding first or second recline position. The biasing element is coupled to the pin and configured to bias the pin to the engaged position. The handle is operable to move the pin from the engaged position to the released position in which the seat shell is movable between the first and second recline positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: William Doolan, Daniel Brunick
  • Patent number: 8888187
    Abstract: A portable and adjustable head and neck rest device supporting the side of the neck and head while mounted on a vehicle or automobile sears head rest. It uses a cylindrical support bar and cushion to support the side of the neck and head. The supports are made adjustable by the pivoting motion of the cylindrical support bar about a pivoting pin and about a threaded rod. The device is securely fastened to the existing pillars of a sears head rest with the use of a threaded ā€˜Vā€™ or ā€˜Lā€™ shaped damp. Installation and removal of the device from an automobile seat head rest requires no external tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Alan A. Albino
  • Patent number: 8882197
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a track assembly having a rail and a base member slidably engaged with the rail and supporting a seatback. A bracket is coupled to the rail and supports a seat with an articulation feature. A linkage couples the seat with the seatback. A coupler is engaged with the articulation feature. Movement of the coupler relative to the articulation feature translates the seating assembly between a deployed position, wherein the seat is generally orthogonal to the seatback, and a stowed position, wherein the seatback abuts the seat and is generally parallel to the rail. A hinge in the linkage causes translation from the deployed position to an access position. The seat is generally orthogonal to the rail and the seatback is slid to a forward segment of the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Dumitru Dan Nae, Steven McInally, Ammeswara Rao Sajja, Curtis D. Stanhope, Gornique'Ka Mo'Nya Heath, Daniel Ferretti, Kurt Kormos
  • Patent number: 8882188
    Abstract: A folding chair includes a front leg frame, a rear leg frame and a backrest frame pivotally coupled to a seat. Support braces are pivotally coupled to the backrest frame on one end and pivotally coupled to the front leg frame on an opposing end by sliding members that are slidably coupled to a corresponding slot formed on each side of the seat. In an open configuration the backrest frame is substantially upright and positioned substantially perpendicular to the seat, and each sliding member engages a rear end of a corresponding slot such that the front leg frame forms an X-shape with respect to the rear leg frame. The components are folded in one motion into a folded configuration in which each sliding member engages a front end of a corresponding slot while the backrest frame, seat, and front and rear leg frames are positioned co-planar to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Ki Ho Jin
  • Patent number: 8876210
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved adjustable chair headrest. Specifically, the present invention comprises a double articulating dental chair headrest apparatus which has a one-handed side pushbutton release and locking mechanism. When pressed, the pushbutton temporarily disengages a movable mating plate having splined perforations away from each of two corresponding rotatable splined pin assemblies to unlock each splined pin assembly. The unlocked splined pin assemblies each rotate independently. Each splined pin assembly is also fixedly attached to one of a headrest and a backrest via an attachment plate. The two splined pin assemblies are held in relation to each other, the movable mating plate having splined perforations, and the side pushbutton release and locking mechanism, by a housing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Beaver State Dental, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Magstadt
  • Patent number: 8833855
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle seat having a seat part and having at least one backrest part which is pivotable about an axis of rotation relative to the seat part, and having a spring means which is effective between the seat part and the backrest part, wherein the backrest part comprises at least a backrest rear wall, backrest upholstery and a backrest cover. According to the invention, a spring means designed as a torsion spring is in each case arranged completely within the corresponding backrest part, is supported at the first end thereof on the backrest rear wall and acts at the second end thereof opposite the first end on an intermediate piece or on a stop of the intermediate piece, wherein the intermediate piece is arranged on the axis of rotation and is fastened to a bearing in a manner fixed relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Michael Dilsen, Jens Heinrich, Thomas Leneis
  • Patent number: 8807657
    Abstract: A method and an attachment clamp for attaching a seat belt to a seat frame of a bus seat are provided. The attachment clamp includes at least one upper arm having at least one slot disposed through the at least one upper arm. The attachment clamp includes at least one lower arm that is received within the at least one slot of the at least one upper arm. A receiving channel is defined by the at least one upper arm and the at least one lower arm. The receiving channel is configured to receive the seat frame. The upper arm and the lower arm are pivotable with respect to each other and are fastenable to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Erik C Wilson, David M Gerst, Samuel D Wagoner, Patrick E Temple, SanJeev Vij, Eric DeView, John Swenson
  • Patent number: 8801095
    Abstract: A chair including a fold down seat which is closed against the side or rear of a stroller or wheelchair for transit or storage, but which is deployable to rotate outwardly therefrom for sitting upon when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Philip D Moody
  • Patent number: 8794699
    Abstract: The collapsible chair having foldable arm tray is a device that can convert from a chair to a fold out bed to a collapsed state for towing and/or storage. The collapsible chair when configured as a chair includes an optional footrest, an optional canopy to provide shade from the elements, an optional arm tray folds out above the seat, and a lumbar support. The collapsible chair, when configures as a bed, fully extends to support an end user. The collapsible chair can collapse and includes wheels and a handle for towing when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Joan P Rudolfo
  • Patent number: 8764115
    Abstract: A method of assembling an upholstered furniture piece comprising decorative fasteners comprising providing an underlayment material layer, a foam material layer and a covering material layer. The foam material layer is positioned between the underlayment material layer and the covering material layer. The covering material layer extends beyond the underlayment material layer and the foam material layer. Fasteners are used to fasten the underlayment material layer, the foam material layer and the covering material layer together forming a layered component. A template may be used to guide positioning of the fasteners. The fasteners are decorative fasteners. Excess covering material that extends beyond the fasteners is stretched around the edges of the layered component and is affixed to a bottom surface of the layered component, thereby forming a layered assembly. The layered assembly is affixed to an upholstered furniture piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy A. Brandtner
  • Patent number: 8240606
    Abstract: An integrated floor for an aircraft fuselage includes a composite panel forming a floor surface and composite beams bonded to the floor panel. The beams extend longitudinally within the fuselage and support the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Willard N. Westre, Kevin M. Retz
  • Patent number: 8205405
    Abstract: A wall structure is provided, which, despite having a surface that is covered with elastic coating material and that is jointless, has an uneven pattern in the surface, and which does not require any great effort in the coating process and exhibit little variation in the finished design. The wall structure has a wall material, an elastic joint material, a mesh-shaped material and an elastic coating material. The surface of the wall material bears an uneven pattern in which the height difference between deepest portions and highest portions is 2.0 to 4.0 mm and a pattern loss ratio is 15% or less, and furthermore, the wall material is fixed in a state where a side end portion of the wall material is abutted against a side end portion of another wall material. The elastic joint material covers the surface of the abutting portion of the side end portions of the wall materials, and the elastic coating material covers the entire surfaces of the wall materials and of the elastic joint material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Nichiha Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Sawada, Yoshinori Hibino
  • Patent number: 8181909
    Abstract: A pressure bulkhead assembly adapted for installation in an aircraft fuselage includes a bulkhead web and a reinforcing structure. The bulkhead web has a first side facing the pressurized compartment and a second side opposite the first side. The reinforcing structure, which is formed from a series of primary beam members, secondary beam members, and connecting elements, is provided on the second side of the bulkhead web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Junichi Kondo
  • Patent number: 8181402
    Abstract: A building-integrated photovoltaic power unit comprising: a solar cell module including a solar panel, a functional member, and a frame body including a first frame formed with an installation part extending outward and holding the functional member and the opposing edges of the solar panel facing each other; a processed rafter including a supporting member, the processed rafters including processed rafters configured as a structure of a roof, each having a width to allow installation parts of different solar cell modules facing each other to be installed thereon in a state where supporting members are successively installed stepwise in a longitudinal direction; and a cap member fixed to the processed rafter including a ceiling part covering upper surfaces of the first frames of the solar cell modules installed such that the respective installation parts face each other on an upper surface of the processed rafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Yanegijutsukenkyujo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joji Tsuzuki, Shuichi Kobayashi, Kenji Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 8181748
    Abstract: Lifting device for the assembly of a wind turbine of which the top part of the tower (21) is fixed to the supporting structure (32) located above the upper platform (31) of the lifting device (3). The sections (221) of the lower part (22) of the tower are then installed, in such a way that the lifting device (3) is embedded in the anchoring beams (225) of the lower part (22). 10.In order to lift the upper part (21) of the tower, the upper platform (31) is separated from the lower platform (33) using cylinders (34) between said platforms, the upper platform (31) is fixed to the anchoring beams (225), the lower platform (33) is freed from the anchoring beams (225), the platforms (31, 33) are brought closer together and the lower platform (33) is anchored to said beams (225). Continuing successively until the flanges (211, 222) of the parts (21, 22) of the tower make contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Gamesa Innovation & Technology, S.L.
    Inventor: Mogens Christensen
  • Patent number: 8166719
    Abstract: Flood proofing of buildings built on a slab is provided. Water having a depth less than a selected distance H above the slab is excluded from the building by windows, doors and panels that are sealed to prevent water entry. The panels may be applied over a variety of existing veneer materials or may be used in new construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Ronald M. Helton
  • Patent number: 8161690
    Abstract: An interlocking portable rollout attic flooring having a plurality of planks laid in a mutual abutting relationship of side edges of the planks, to define a common longitudinally extensive top and bottom surfaces, the common bottom surface having longitudinally directed notches oriented orthogonal to the side edges. The longitudinally directed notches engaged with spaced apart beams for support and stability of the flooring. The side edges of the planks configured in a mutually overlapping relationship wherein each plank supports a portion of weight applied to each adjacent plank. At least one longitudinally directed flexible strap fixed to the top surface of the flooring to secure the planks in the abutting relationship while allowing the planks to be rolled into a cylindrical configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventors: Lynn Eric Borne, Lynn Charles Borne
  • Patent number: 8123165
    Abstract: The invention relates to a partition wall for partitioning at least two regions in a cabin of a vehicle. The invention includes a partition comprising a body that may be moved into a first open position and into a second closed position and comprising a curtain rail, wherein the body is designed in the first position to cover an aisle that is adjacent to the partition, at least in some regions, by means of a curtain that has been affixed to the curtain rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Breuer, Andreas Neumann, Michael Mosler