Moving Seat Stores Within Or Beneath Other Bottom Patents (Class 297/236)
  • Patent number: 11148556
    Abstract: A vehicle seat hinge assembly including a base plate, a seat support assembly, and an off-center hinge. The base plate is configured to mount to a vehicle and the seat support assembly is configured to mount to the seat. The off-center hinge of the vehicle seat hinge assembly is positioned at one corner of the base plate and pivotally couples at least part of the seat support assembly to the base plate. The base plate has a base plate centerline and the off-center hinge has a hinge axis that is arranged at an oblique angle relative to the base plate centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Mahindra N.A. Tech Center
    Inventors: Owen T. Smith, John P. Pacella, Robert B. Mooney, Michael Berta
  • Patent number: 10960792
    Abstract: An auxiliary seat storage apparatus of a seat is disclosed. An auxiliary seat slides in a lower portion of a main seat in a state of being folded to be accommodated in the lower portion of the main seat such that convenience of a user and storability can be improved. Further, when the auxiliary seat is accommodated in the lower portion of the main seat, the auxiliary seat is moved forward so that a foot insertion space is secured to a rear side of the auxiliary seat in a state in which the auxiliary seat is accommodated in the lower portion of the main seat such that ease of access of a passenger sitting on a rear seat can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, DAE WON SAN UP CO., LTD
    Inventors: Eun Sue Kim, Hong Heui Lee, Seung Hyeok Chang, Sun Ho Hur, Sang Yong Koo, Dong Hwi Kim
  • Patent number: 10933777
    Abstract: A seat device for a vehicle includes a baby back being a divided part of a seat cushion, the divided part being raised to form a backrest portion of a baby seat at a position facing a seatback, and a baby back airbag being provided at the baby back. The backrest portion of the baby seat is formed with a baby seat support shape in a seat width direction by an expansion of the baby back airbag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ryosuke Mizuno, Katsuya Nozue, Shogo Sakai
  • Patent number: 9102409
    Abstract: A stowable table device for a foldable seat, the seat including a first mobile portion defining a seating portion and a second portion defining the back, the mobile portion having a first folded position and a second unfolded position. The stowable table includes a plate. The device further includes an arm movably attached to the seat by one end thereof, and a linking part movably attached to the arm by the other end thereof and to the plate so that, in a stowed position, the plate is substantially located against a first surface of the mobile part of the seat independently from the position of the mobile part, and in an unfolded position, the structure is located opposite a second surface of the mobile part of the seat and substantially parallel to the second surface, the first and second surfaces of the mobile part of the sheet being substantially parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: AIRBUS
    Inventors: Arnaud Weil, Thomas Sobotta
  • Patent number: 8777305
    Abstract: A multifunction chair with a floor rocker detachable from a base that is usable as a stool. The floor rocker and base are readily attached and detached by means of a quick-release mechanism having first and second couplers on the floor rocker and the seat plate of the base, respectively. The first coupler includes a rearward projection from a cross-member on the rocker and has left and right side latch mechanisms below the rear portion of the seat of the rocker, the latch mechanisms each having a laterally movable latch bolt. The second coupler is an integral part of the seat plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: J Squared, Inc.
    Inventors: James N. Jannetides, Adam Anderson
  • Patent number: 8714619
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat (1) comprising at least one first segment (3, 3?) with a seat part (6) as well as a second segment (2) with a seat part (5) and a backrest (4). The second segment can be stowed underneath the seat part (6) while the backrest (4) is collapsible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls GmbH
    Inventors: Miles Lindley, Joerg Tabellion, Ponnarasu Annal Ganesan, Michael Fahl, Raghu Balla
  • Patent number: 8708410
    Abstract: An aircraft seat set is provided that allows for providing extra room for passengers and/or allow for selectively increasing the width of an aircraft aisle during enplaning and deplaning and/or increasing the width of some seats during flight. In one embodiment, the aisle seat of the seat set is movably connected to the seat frame of the seat set to allow the aisle seat to be disposed above and in front of the middle seat of the seat set for enplaning and deplaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Molon Labe LLC
    Inventors: Frank Matthew Scott, Kevin Lee Van Liere
  • Patent number: 8579351
    Abstract: A vehicle seat device capable of providing a space in which a large sized load can be disposed. A seat device is provided with a left rear seat and a right rear seat arranged next to each other in the vehicle width direction, and also with a left front movement device for moving the left rear seat to a left foot space located in front of the left rear seat. The left rear seat having been moved to the left foot space is moved through a lateral slide rail up to a right foot space located in front of the right rear seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Takakura, Kazutomo Isonaga, Toshihiko Tsuda
  • Publication number: 20130140863
    Abstract: An automotive seat system includes a first seat having a back portion and a bottom portion, and a second seat movably attached with the first seat. The second seat moveable between an extended and folded position. One of the back portion and bottom portion of the first seat configured to receive and stow the second seat if in the folded position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Stanislaw Andrzej Wieclawski
  • Patent number: 8434820
    Abstract: The invention discloses a vehicle seat with a stowable central segment seat part. The central segment seat part is supported by means of a support element on an additional seat part and is adjustable in a longitudinal direction relative to said additional seat part. The support element is thereby secured against unwanted movement by means of at least one securing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls GmbH
    Inventors: Stuart Woolston, Stefan Flucht, Peter Szegeny
  • Patent number: 8393677
    Abstract: An automotive seat system includes a first seat having a back portion and a bottom portion, and a second seat movably attached with the first seat. The second seat moveable between an extended and folded position. One of the back portion and bottom portion of the first seat configured to receive and stow the second seat if in the folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Stanislaw Andrzej Wieclawski
  • Patent number: 8328280
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a pair of outboard seats and a stationary center bolster positioned between the outboard seats. Each of the outboard seats has a seatback and a seat base. The center bolster includes a cushion and a back. The cushion has a hinged portion which is movable to reveal a pair of low mount anchor bars associated with the center bolster for securing an associated child restraint to the center bolster. The hinged portion is movable from a stowed position to a support position. In the support position, the hinged portion is configured to at least partially support the associated child restraint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Grey B. Parker
  • Patent number: 8313146
    Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided, particularly for a center seat in a row of seats. The seat includes a back part swivel connected to a seat part so that the back part and seat part swivel away from each other in a seating position and swivel toward one another in a first stowage position. The seat back may be altered in its longitudinal extent between the first stowage position and a second stowage position such that the seat back has a seat length and a shorter stowage length. The seat further includes a traveling mechanism which automatically moves the back part longitudinally from the seat length to the shorter stowage length when the back part is folded into the first stowage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Uwe Wagner, Carsten Schauf, Herbert Tiefert, Robert Spahl
  • Patent number: 8308238
    Abstract: In a seatbelt device for a sub seat, a retractor to wind up a webbing is attached to a sub-seat back support member. A buckle to detachably hold a tongue provided at the webbing is provided on a side of the sub-seat cushion which is opposite to a disposition side of the main seat in a vehicle width direction. Accordingly, the seat device for a vehicle which can ensure the sufficient sitting rigidity of the sub seat and the proper support rigidity of the retractor can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Naohiro Imaoka
  • Patent number: 8162396
    Abstract: A modular, multiple-seat chair includes a main chair having a primary seat and a back. The main chair is adapted to support a single person thereon. Secondary seats are conveniently stowed beneath the primary seat and are removable therefrom to provide additional seating when desired. Each secondary seat incorporates a foldable leg and has structure for removably attaching each secondary seat to the primary seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Michelle M. Edwards
  • Publication number: 20120056456
    Abstract: The invention discloses a vehicle seat with a stowable central segment seat part. The central segment seat part is supported by means of a support element on an additional seat part and is adjustable in a longitudinal direction relative to said additional seat part. The support element is thereby secured against unwanted movement by means of at least one securing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS GMBH
    Inventors: Stuart Woolston, Stefan Flucht, Peter Szegeny
  • Patent number: 8118359
    Abstract: A vehicle seat can be configured to include a variety of types of cushions. The seat may include primary and secondary cushions that are joined together such that the secondary cushion has a stored position under the seating surface of the primary seat cushion and a deployed position where the secondary seat cushion is positioned adjacent the primary seat cushion. The effective width of the seat may be greater when it is in one position than when it is in the other position. The back cushion may include first and second portions and a third portion intermediate the first and second positions. A vehicle may include left, right, and middle seats, the middle seat being configured to have two positions, the effective width of the middle seat in one position being greater than in the other position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Kyogoku, Daiju Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 8056978
    Abstract: A convertible seating unit for a motor vehicle is provided. The convertible seating unit comprises a seat having an upper surface, a front edge and a rear edge. The convertible seating unit further includes a back support comprising a first back support panel and a second back support panel. Each of the first and second back support panels has a first edge and a second edge, and an upper surface and a lower surface. The second edge of the first back panel is hingeably connected to the first edge of the second back panel to define a first hinge axis. The first edge of the first back panel is hingeably connected to the seat proximate the rear edge of the seat to define a second hinge axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Sarah Shivers, Rex Lin, Juan Carlos Intriago Velez, Adina Klein, Sujoy Chandra, Randal Hong
  • Patent number: 8033604
    Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a vehicle seat system, the vehicle seat system including a vehicle seat having a seat back and a seat part. The seat part and the seat back are mechanically connected to each other by a hinge having a first axis of rotation extending substantially in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle. The vehicle seat system includes a folding vehicle seat capable of being folded up and situated next to the vehicle seat having a folding vehicle seat seat part and having a folding vehicle seat seat back. The folding vehicle seat seat part and the folding vehicle seat seat back are mechanically connected to each other by a hinge having a second axis of rotation extending substantially in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle, which with respect to the first axis of rotation is offset or displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle. The folding vehicle seat in the folded state is able to be situated, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Faurecia Autositze GmbH
    Inventors: Meinhard Behrens, Klaus-Dieter Habedank, Thorsten Ackmann
  • Patent number: 8011713
    Abstract: A seat arrangement is provided for a motor vehicle with a first vehicle seat and a second vehicle seat that is arranged adjacent to the first vehicle seat in the transverse direction. The vehicle seats include, but are not are not limited to a seat part and a back rest. The first vehicle seat can be displaced in the transverse direction from a first position into a second position in which the first vehicle seat is offset in the direction of the second vehicle seat. The second vehicle seat can furthermore be folded from a service position into an idle position. The seat part of the second vehicle seat is lowered in the idle position such that the seat part of the first vehicle seat is arranged above the seat part of the second vehicle seat in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Hermann-Walter Schlamann
  • Patent number: 7997647
    Abstract: A chair includes a chair base and seat frame extending upwardly from the chair base. The chair includes an interlock assembly, and an infant chair repeatably moveable between stowed and deployed positions with the chair base. The interlock assembly restricts and allows the ability of the infant chair to move between the stowed and deployed positions. The interlock assembly restricts the ability of the chair base to rotate in response to the infant chair being in the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventors: Dan Sjoquist, Kurt Hinkle
  • Publication number: 20110175411
    Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided, particularly for a center seat in a row of seats. The seat includes a back part swivel connected to a seat part so that the back part and seat part swivel away from each other in a seating position and swivel toward one another in a first stowage position. The seat back may be altered in its longitudinal extent between the first stowage position and a second stowage position such that the seat back has a seat length and a shorter stowage length. The seat further includes a traveling mechanism which automatically moves the back part longitudinally from the seat length to the shorter stowage length when the back part is folded into the first stowage position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Uwe Wagner, Carsten Schauf, Herbert Tiefert, Robert Spahl
  • Patent number: 7815256
    Abstract: A vehicle seat (1) having a squab (2) and the backrest (3) may be provided with a child squab or booster cushion (4). Various elements are provided on the seat which may move in response to the child squab (4) being provided. A first element that may move is a guide (10) which guides part of a seat belt (7). The guide (10) moves inwardly towards the central axis (8) of the seat. Other moveable restraints may be lateral restraints (62,63) which move forwardly from the backrest of the seat to be located to either side of the torso of a child occupying the child squab (4) and head restraints (64,65) which may move forwardly from the head rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Autoliv Development,AB
    Inventors: Christer Erlingstam, Christian Svensson
  • Patent number: 7681950
    Abstract: A seat assembly for a motorcycle includes a rider seat having a forward end and a rearward end, a mounting bracket pivotally coupling the forward end of the rider seat to a frame of a motorcycle, the rider seat being pivotable to raise the rearward end of the seat, and a support arm. The seat assembly further includes a rear seat support having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being pivotally coupled to the support arm and the second end portion supporting a rear seat. The rear seat support is pivotal from a first position in which the rear seat is hidden from view below the rider seat to a second position in which the rear seat can support a passenger. The seat assembly also includes a stop feature for supporting the second end portion relative to the support arm and a lock feature for inhibiting pivoting of the rear seat support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas D. Clarkson, Francis Giunta, John B. Zapushek, Thomas Mandery, Brendon Smith, David Rank
  • Patent number: 7578551
    Abstract: An aircraft seat assembly comprises a continuous row of a plurality of seats including a convertible aisle seat at one end of the row and one or more other seats. The seats are moveable between (i) a first configuration in which all of the seats are positioned in a useable position and a second configuration in which (a) the convertible seat is positioned in an unusable position in the row, (b) said one or more other seats are positioned in a useable position, and (c) the row of seats has a length, along the row, that is less than the length of the row in the first configuration for example by a distance of more than half the width of the convertible seat in the first configuration. The width of said one or more other seats may remain unchanged as between the first and second configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Airbus UK Limited
    Inventor: Luis Gonzalez Liñero
  • Patent number: 7517016
    Abstract: A vehicle child seat includes a primary backrest with a hollow passageway formed therein. A headrest is vertically adapted between raised and lowered positions, and has a lower portion housed within the passageway and an upper portion disposed above the primary backrest. An auxiliary backrest is connected to the primary backrest, and is articulated rearwardly of the primary backrest when the headrest is raised. A base section is coupled to the primary backrest and has a hollow chamber formed therein, and further has a trapdoor connected to an anterior end thereof. A baby seat section is removably housed within the chamber and adaptable between vertical and horizontal positions about a fulcrum axis defined anterior of the primary backrest. The baby seat section and the trapdoor are independently and simultaneously pivotal so the caregiver can quickly extract the baby seat section from the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventors: Eugene West, Frankie West, Rosemary West
  • Patent number: 7490896
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stowable seat assembly and a method for stowing a vehicular component. In at least one embodiment, the assembly and the vehicular component comprise a stowable seat assembly secured to the vehicle. Having a first seat back and a first seat base, which is adjacent to a longitudinal bar defining in part an opening and a cavity. The assembly also has adjacent to the first seat, a second seat having a second seat base with a bottom side and a second seat back foldable adjacent to the second seat base, and a pivot arm with a first end connected to the second seat base. A second end of the pivot arm is connected to the longitudinal bar, and is positionable on the bar allowing the folded second seat, to pass by the first seat back when pivoted laterally into the opening during stowing of the second seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Rodger G. Smith
  • Publication number: 20090008975
    Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a vehicle seat system, the vehicle seat system including a vehicle seat having a seat back and a seat part. The seat part and the seat back are mechanically connected to each other by a hinge having a first axis of rotation extending substantially in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle. The vehicle seat system includes a folding vehicle seat capable of being folded up and situated next to the vehicle seat having a folding vehicle seat seat part and having a folding vehicle seat seat back. The folding vehicle seat seat part and the folding vehicle seat seat back are mechanically connected to each other by a hinge having a second axis of rotation extending substantially in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle, which with respect to the first axis of rotation is offset or displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle. The folding vehicle seat in the folded state is able to be situated, e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Meinhard BEHRENS, Klaus-Dieter Habedank, Thorsten Ackmann
  • Publication number: 20080252121
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stowable seat assembly and a method for stowing a vehicular component. In at least one embodiment, the assembly and the vehicular component comprise a stowable seat assembly secured to the vehicle. Having a first seat back and a first seat base, which is adjacent to a longitudinal bar defining in part an opening and a cavity. The assembly also has adjacent to the first seat, a second seat having a second seat base with a bottom side and a second seat back foldable adjacent to the second seat base, and a pivot arm with a first end connected to the second seat base. A second end of the pivot arm is connected to the longitudinal bar, and is positionable on the bar allowing the folded second seat, to pass by the first seat back when pivoted laterally into the opening during stowing of the second seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Rodger G. Smith
  • Publication number: 20080191530
    Abstract: A booster seat device called a Special Expandable Booster Bench. This device is a booster seat system where a combination of benches nest inside of one another until needed. The device is comprised of two or more benches and a means to slide or interconnect the benches to each other and to the vehicle seat. The purpose of this bench system is to allow a person to store the extra seats when not being used. Mothers and persons responsible for two or more children, are often legally required to keep the children in a booster seats. These persons well appreciate that when extended there will be one (1) long bench across the back seat of a vehicle for all multiple children. When not needed the bench compact into one nest providing full use of the remaining areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Christina L. Basham
  • Publication number: 20080073956
    Abstract: A bench for seating a number of children includes a shelf and a number of seating stations. Each seating station has an opening formed in the shelf and a seat assembly removably mounted to the shelf in engagement with its opening. In one possible arrangement, each seat assembly is slidingly supported by a pair of brackets located adjacent to the opening and includes a seat back that extends through the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: Cheryl A. Carrier, Daniel R. Carrier
  • Patent number: 7341302
    Abstract: A seating arrangement (9) comprises at least seat (11) and a second seat (12) arranged side by side. At least part of a seat member (12a) of the second seat (12) is displaceable in an up-down direction relative to the seat member (11a) of the first seat (11), and at least part of the seat back (12b) of the second seat (12) is displaceable in a forward-rearward direction relative the seat back (11b) of the first seat (11) so as to allow movement of at least one of the seats (11, 12) in a sideways direction toward the other. The seat member (12a) and the seat back (12b) of the second seat (12) may be foldable, in particular to form at lateral restraint and/or an arm rest, when the first and second seats (11, 12) are moved toward each other. Alternatively, the seat member (12a) and the seat back (12b) of the second seat (12) may be displaceable to below the seat member (11a) and behind the seat back (11b) of the first seat (11) respectively, when the first and second seats (11, 12) are moved toward each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd.
    Inventor: Sean A. R. Slade
  • Patent number: 7093899
    Abstract: A seating arrangement, for a motor vehicle, with a lower upholstered seating part comprising a seating surface and a seating section with a top side which is arranged opposite an under-side. Said seating section can be guided in a displaceable manner by guiding means between a first position, wherein said seating section is lowered into the upholstered seating part and forms a section of the seating surface with the top side, and between a second position, wherein said section protrudes from the seating surface in relation to the upholstered seating part. The guiding elements are configured in such a way that when the seating section is lifted between both positions they enable a turning movement of approximately 180°, in addition to adjustment of said height so that in the raised second position, the seating section with the underside thereof is raised upwards away from the upholstered seating part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Johnson Controls GmbH
    Inventors: Siegfried Fisher, Rudolf Hemmelrath
  • Patent number: 7077474
    Abstract: An automobile 1 is provided with a second seat row 20. The second seat row 20 is constituted by a first independent side seat 21, a second independent side seat 22, and an auxiliary seat 23 including an auxiliary seat cushion 23b. A projection 24 is mounted to the left side of a left side sidewall frame member 21f located on the left side of the first independent side seat 21 to project leftward. The auxiliary seat cushion 23b has a leg 27 mounted to the bottom of the cushion body 23h.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Satani
  • Patent number: 7070239
    Abstract: A child-restraining vehicle seat includes a body stored within a vehicle seat and further includes a bottom portion for sitting on and a pull out handle attached thereto to pull the child seat out. The body is formed from material having resilient properties for providing comfort during operating conditions. A plurality of arm rests are detached from and disposed on opposed sides of the body, stored within the vehicle seat and have elongated shapes. A mechanism for extracting the body from the vehicle seat is included. The extracting mechanism includes a plurality of zippers spaced along the vehicle seat. The seat further includes a mechanism for locking the body at a fixed operating position and a fixed non-operating position and also includes a quick-release button attached to the bottom portion of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventors: David Ugrekhelidze, Vera Demiantchouk
  • Patent number: 6971718
    Abstract: A child safety seat is disclosed which is incorporated into the squab of a vehicle seat in which part of the squab can be moved to an elevated position. The child safety seat incorporates at least one latch to maintain two components of the seat in a predetermined relative position. One of those components carries the latch and the other component carries a latch pin configured to co-operate with the latch. The latch defines a channel between two side walls, the side walls being provided with recesses. The channel contains a pivotally-mounted latch element which defines a recess. The latch element is movable pivotally between a first position in which the recess therein defines a mount accessible by the latch pin to enable the latch pin to be inserted into the recess in the latch element and being movable to a retaining position in which the latch pin, retained in the recess in the latch element, is retained in the recesses formed in the side walls of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventor: Lennart Haglund
  • Patent number: 6925760
    Abstract: Stackable modular arena seating risers include permanently attached high quality fold down seats that are the equal of normal arena seats. Stacking of the riser modules is facilitated by the use of quick lock stacking tubes fit into locator cups permanently attached into each corner of the deck of each module. Fork lifting channels of the proper size and spacing are provided on three sides of each module to facilitate movement of the entire stack and the stacking, unstacking, and movement of individual modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Scott Suprina
  • Patent number: 6840583
    Abstract: A chair and step stool assembly includes a seat, a seat back, and a plurality of legs coupled to the seat. The seat and step stool further include a retractable step stool that is coupled to the chair frame and, when activated, allows the step stool to move to a storage position nested within the plurality of legs under the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. Turner, Paul T. Zink, Andrew B. Mendenhall, Joseph D. Baumgartner
  • Patent number: 6827394
    Abstract: A vehicle seat system includes a first-row seat as a driver seat, a second-row seat rearward thereof, and a third-row seat further rearward thereof. The second-row seat can be slid and reclined in a vehicle longitudinal direction. The third-row seat with a seat back folded is stored within a space immediately below the second-row seat. The second-row seat with the third-row seat stored can be slide and reclined in a vehicle longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinsuke Watanabe, Masahiro Hara
  • Patent number: 6827400
    Abstract: A comfort system for use at middle seat of a vehicle having a pair of seats laterally on either side of the middle seat, with each lateral seat including a conventional seat belt, a backrest and a support surface. The comfort system comprises a base section having a pair of sides, an upwardly directed section having a pair of padded sides, and a pair of padded headrests located on respective sides of the upwardly directed section. With this arrangement when an occupant, e.g., a child, is seated on either lateral seat and wearing the seat belt the child may comfortably lean against the comfort system so that the occupant's head engages the headrest on the adjacent to side and at least a portion of the occupant's upper torso engages that side of the upwardly directed section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
    Inventors: Rajiv Menon, Kristy Bittenbender Arbogast, Flaura Koplin Winston, Kurt A. Schwinghammer
  • Patent number: 6811200
    Abstract: A seat cushion comprises a cushion body portion including a storage recess and a cushion bottom portion covering the storage recess so as to selectively open or close it. A supplementary seat comprises a supplementary seat back which is pivotally supported so as to rotate in the longitudinal direction and a supplementary seat cushion formed separately from the supplementary seat back. The supplementary seat cushion is configured so as to selectively take a sitting position, where it is located at the side of the seat cushion, and a stored position, where it is stored in the storage recess. Accordingly, since only the supplementary seat cushion is stored in the storage recess, the deterioration of comfortable ride caused by the high-sitting point can be suppressed. Also, the supplementary seat back can be used as a armrest or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Keeichirou Shibata, Kouji Nakao, Kenji Satani, Masahiko Hondou
  • Patent number: 6773050
    Abstract: A front seat assembly (54) and a rear seat assembly (10) for a vehicle, including a front seat bottom (52) having a front portion and a rear portion, a rear seat bottom (14) having a forward portion and a rearward portion and being connectable to the vehicle for movement between a use position and a stored position, and a support member (82) connected to the front seat bottom and connectable to the vehicle. The support member supports the rear portion of the front seat bottom from the vehicle such that the rear seat bottom may be moved from the use position to the stored position with the forward potion of the rear seat bottom located under the front seat bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: James T. Hotary, David B. Busch, Michael E. Wiedeman
  • Patent number: 6672659
    Abstract: A toy that is easily convertible between a toy lounge chair and a toy vanity for a doll. The toy has a main body with a base and a pair of sides with a number of movable sections secured to the base. The main body has two faces, one of which forms portions of the lounge chair and the other of which forms portions of the vanity. A separate leg assembly is selectively moved to act as a support for the lounge chair or the vanity. The movable sections are rotatable so as to reveal face portions that form a mirror and a box-like compartment or drawer of the vanity, or a seat back, seating base and a single or two piece leg rest for the lounge chair. The leg assembly may be hingedly attached to or be formed separate from the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Melohn, Yukha Ann Mo
  • Patent number: 6648407
    Abstract: A system converting seats into couches, characterized in that it comprises—with at least one set of seats (1, 2) comprising at least one base (d) and one backrest (f) connected by a linkage (e) allowing to move said seat into the seating mode, the base and the backrest assuming a first relative angular position or into the couch mode, the base and the backrest then assuming a second relative angular position—a support (3) for said seats, a conversion mechanism driving each linkage of each seat to convert each seat (1, 2) into a couch in such manner that at least two consecutive seats within a column of the set of seats shall be moved from the seating mode one behind the other into the couch mode one above the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Adder S.A.
    Inventor: Dominique Michel
  • Patent number: 6648392
    Abstract: A modular seat layout system in an automobile vehicle, especially of the type including three rows of seats, including at least two seats located one behind the other. The rear seat is attached to the floor of the vehicle by a first linkage so that the seat pan of the rear seat can translate forward to be housed, in a forward position, in a space provided for this purpose below the location which is occupied by the seat pan of the front seat in the normal utilization position of the said front seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Faurecia Sieges d'Automobile S.A.
    Inventors: François Fourrey, Jean-François Pierrey, François Senseby, Frédéric Baret
  • Patent number: 6619734
    Abstract: A multi-purpose child support device comprises a frame having a base for placement on a floor surface and a support section positioned above said base. A seat element is configured for receiving a toddler child in a sitting position and is coupled with the support section above the floor surface for forming a high chair. The seat element is displaceably mounted to the frame and is operable for being selectively removed from the support section such that the support section receives an infant child carrier for supporting an infant child carrier above a floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: John A. Helmsderfer
  • Patent number: 6615548
    Abstract: A grandstand seating arrangement having seating level members arranged in sequentially elevated relation to one another. A rigid frame that couples and surrounds the seating members has a lower frame coupled to the lifting arrangements and an upper frame coupled rigidly to the lower frame. A lower stop is disposed on each stanchion support and arranged at a height corresponding to the height of the associated seating level member. Seating level member supports support the seating level members, each of which is coupled to, and displaceable along, a respective stanchion support. The seating level member supports are supported by lower stops when the lifting arrangements are in the lower most position. When the lifting arrangements raise the rigid frame, the seating level member supports and the seating levels thereon are sequentially raised from the respective lower stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Interkel, LLC
    Inventors: Hiro Nakamura, Hideaki Satake
  • Patent number: 6494531
    Abstract: A vehicle seat allowing an occupant to face in a first direction or a second direction comprising a seat frame and a seat base having a first seat back and a recess portion. Further, the vehicle seat provides a means for pivotally connecting the first seat back to the seat base and provides for the first seat back to be removably positioned within the recess. A back support assembly having a second seat back is operatively associated with said seat base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Hoon Y. Kim
  • Patent number: 6488333
    Abstract: A vehicle seat allowing an occupant to either face in a first direction or a second opposed direction is provided. The seat comprises a base that allows for the back rest of the seat to be moved, alternatively, forward or back on a cushion such that the user may select whether he will ride facing towards the direction of the automobile's movement or facing away from the direction of movement. The seat further comprises a pop-up seat cushion which allows the occupant to open up the seat cushion to sit more securely within the seat cushion while having side cushions for added support and impact resistance. The present apparatus provides better security for small children and pregnant, elderly or otherwise more fragile adults. The seat allows children to be placed such that they do not face the direction of oncoming traffic and instead ride in the more generally agreed to be secure direction of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Inventor: Hoon Y. Kim
  • Patent number: 6428097
    Abstract: A deployable bleacher arrangement has deployed and un-deployed states and is provided with a plurality of seating level members, each arranged in sequentially elevated relation to one another. Each seating level member is disposed beneath an immediately superior seating level member in stacked relation when in the un-deployed state. In the deployed state, each seating level member is disposed beneath and forward of an immediately superior seating level member. A plurality of seats are disposed in side-by-side relation on a seating level member. Each of the seats has a bottom portion coupled to the associated seating level member for accommodating a user. The seat bottom has forward and rear portions and is arranged parallel to the associated seating level member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Interkal, Inc.
    Inventors: Minoru Amemiya, Richard L. Patterson, Melvin J. Guiles